Thursday, May 28, 2009

What's going on here?

What are the three guys in the photo below blabbing about?

afos2009


Full version of article here: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> What's going on here? (posted 28/5/2009, by TheGunner)

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Daimler and Tesla go into Strategic Partnership

Daimler AG and Tesla Motors Inc have recently announced a solidification of their partnership, with the Stuttgart outfit acquiring a 10% stake in the rising electric car maker. The companies have already been working closely together to integrate 1,000 units of Tesla's lithium-ion batteries and charging systems into Daimler's electric smart fortwo, due to commence production later this year in smart's assembly plant in Hambach, France.

Daimler AG
Tesla Roadster with electric drive smart fortwo.

Full version of article here: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Daimler and Tesla go into Strategic Partnership (posted 20/5/2009, by TheGunner)

Mazda takes pre-launch orders for Axela in Japan

In their Japanese domestic market, Mazda has already begun taking orders for the all-new Mazda Axela, set for launch on 11 June 2009. Known as the Mazda3 to the rest of the world, the new Axela will once again come in four-door sedan and five-door hatch body styles.

mazda3-hatch-front
Mazda Axela - open for bookings in Japan.

Full version of article here: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Mazda takes pre-launch orders for Axela in Japan (posted 17/5/2009, by TheGunner)

New City Drives Up Honda Sales for Q1 2009

Recently, Honda has announced sales figures for March 2009, which saw them sell 3,905 cars. That significant figure represented not only a 55% year-on-year increase from 2008, but also showed Honda capturing an impressive 10% share of the total industry volume (TIV).


Full version of article here: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> New City Drives Up Honda Sales for Q1 2009 (posted 10/5/2009, by TheGunner)

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (W212)

Following the recent introduction of the W212 E-class, Mercedes wasted little time in introducing its performance flagship model, the E63 AMG at the New York auto show last month. The published figures, though not unexpected, still make for interesting reading: 6.2 litres, eight cylinders, 525 horses, and 630Nm - a formidable force by any reckoning.

For the next round of engagements in the super saloon arena, the manufacturers are veering away from battling each other with just brute horsepower. A greater emphasis will be placed on efficiency and economy, with efforts on weight reduction and various energy saving measures coming to the forefront. Mercedes quotes improved consumption figures compared to the W211 E63, thanks in no small part to efforts such as brake energy regeneration, and a concerted effort to reduce in-engine friction

From the initial info made available to us, this car holds little surprises. It's standard AMG fare here, but that's fine, because there's little wrong with AMG's usual handiwork. Like all good AMG Mercs, the E63 cloaks its nuclear firepower under a skin of understated aggression in its bodywork.

E 63 AMG

W212 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG



Full version of article here: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (W212) (posted 3/5/2009, by TheGunner)

Local Radio DJs Give Free Car Washes

Recently, three of our local radio stations, MY FM, MIX FM and ERA, pitted their own morning and afternoon crews against each other in a contest called the Battle of the Shifts. During the contest period, the crews conducted live quizzes for call-in listeners to answer questions. The shift which accumulated the greatest number of correct answers from the callers over the period is deemed the winning shift.

While phone-in listeners have prizes up for grabs, the DJs have bigger concerns at stake: the losing teams were to wash cars as punishment for their defeat, as the victors goad them at it. They were due to receive their punishment on Saturday, 25 April 2009, at Jusco Bukit Tinggi, Klang from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Perfect. My car needed a wash. A bunch of celebrities were doing it for free. I set off from PJ in the morning.

Battle of the Shifts
Battle of the Shifts
Full version of article here: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Local Radio DJs Give Free Car Washes (posted 26/4/2009, by TheGunner)

Honda Jazz Owners Give Testimonials

The Honda Jazz is a great car, and I am sure at least nine out of ten reading this piece would agree. Its technical competence as a product is beyond question. The first-generation Jazz, launched in 2001, was a lesson in product packaging for its rivals. Honda somehow managed to shoehorn acres of space into the Jazz's pint-sized frame. Throw in a strong yet frugal drivetrain, they arrived at a product which was a dream for most urban commuters.

Recently, Honda Malaysia gathered five owners of the new Jazz at The Banquet, Bangsar Village II to record their testimonials of this car, of which a transcript of the session was made available to Autoworld.

Happy Bunch (L-R): Wan Hamdi, Mazlan, discussion moderator Joey Gan, Mohd Asroll, Ned and Nora
Happy Bunch (L-R): Wan Hamdi, Mazlan, Lee Ping, Mohd Asroll, Ned and Nora

Full version of article here: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Honda Jazz Owners Give Testimonials (posted 21/4/2009, by TheGunner)