Thailand vehicle sales on the up despite political crisis
Political strife within the Thai government hasn’t slowed down vehicle sales in the Kingdom. In April, General Motors reported a 62% jump in sales to 1,879 vehicles compared to 1,162 units in the same month last year. With this rise in demand, GM is toying with the idea of increasing output at its Rayong factory to 76,000 vehicles per annum and to invest US$467 million to upgrade facilities and build a new diesel engine plant.
The gains are not just for GM, as even Toyota, who recently suspended production at one of its plants, increased deliveries by 43% to 92,000 units. Isuzu, another big pick-up truck player, has reported a 44% jump to 46,071 units sold. These figures are year-to-date, as of end April. According to the Automotive Industry Club, general vehicle output has increased by 129% from a year earlier to 150,119 vehicles.
Ray Young, GM’s vice president of international operations, is concerned about the current political crisis but reiterated his company’s confidence in our northern neighbour. “We are monitoring the situation in Thailand, but we remain optimistic. Our business and expansion plans will continue in Thailand without delays. The nation will remain the leading automotive market in the ASEAN region,” he said.
Chery Eastar MPV comes to Thailand
Chery Alado Automobile Sdn Bhd will start exporting the Malaysia assembled Chery Eastar 2.0L MPV to Thailand and Indonesia, starting with 50 units to each country. By the end of 2010, Chery expects this figure to touch 500 units. The Eastar is put together at Oriental Assemblers in Johor (Malaysia) alongside the Tiggo SUV.
The Eastar 2.0L made its debut in Malaysia last month. Its 2.0-litre ACTECO engine was jointly developed by Chery and AVL of Austria, producing 134 bhp and 180 Nm. Paired to a four-speed automatic, this twin-cam unit will retire the dated 2.4-litre Mitsubishi 4G64 engine, which was an Eastar selling point that Chery Alado harped on previously.
Chery has done quite well in Malaysia lately, spurred by the well received Eastar. Last year, Chery sold more than 1,800 vehicles, a 170% increase over 2008 figures. This year, they are targetting sales of over 5,000 units. The company plans to introduce three new models this year, including a compact car, to achieve that target. Looking at Chery’s range, this could possibly include the more modern looking A1 and A3
New Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tested in Thailand
The Pilot Sport 3 is described by Michelin as a “natural evolution” of the PS2, but it’s also meant to replace the Pilot Preceda 2 (PP2) which is positioned lower than the PS2.
Michelin is therefore replacing two tyres with the PS3, and the new model has an enlarged brief reflected by the variety and range of sizes. Both the PS2 and PP2 are still available at the shops for now, but will eventually be phased out.
Unusual for a high performance tyre, the PS3 size chart starts at 15 inches (RRP: RM 228) all the way to 19. There are a total of 26 sizes with speed rating from V to Y, 55 to 35 series and 185 to 285 section width. This means that anything from a Mazda 2 to the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is covered; a good thing for most of us who don’t own performance machines but enjoy enthusiastic driving and want to have the best in tyre technology. Michelin’s latest is already the factory fit tyre for new cars such as the Audi A1 to the abovementioned AMG, and the list of European manufacturers joining the bandwagon is growing.
The PS3s sold here are either Thai or European made; the smaller sizes come from our Northern neighbour but Michelin says that standards are the same, regardless of which plant the tyres roll out from.
After a slow bus ride from Hua Hin, this still groggy writer arrived at Kaeng Krachan Circuit, which is said to be a private track of a rich local designed by himself. It’s a fascinating little place; although the narrow 2.9 km circuit occupies a relatively small footprint, there’s a big variety of corners and gradients. Forget sand traps and run off areas, make a mistake here and you’re in the drain! Along with the achingly cute event assistants, the Thai sun also came out to greet us with full force.
After a brief briefing, first stop for us was the wet braking station. Now, the PS2′s dry handling and braking levels were considered good enough to maintain, but Michelin felt that it needed to catch up on wet performance, which is the single biggest improvement over the PS2, still considered by many as a benchmark performance tyre.
The PS3 debuts Michelin’s Sport Power Compound, one of two main factors responsible for the improved wet performance. SPC is a unique formula that combines three ingredients for the first time: Wet Grip Elastomer, a dense flexible polymer that “cuts through” the water surface to “find” dry ground to stick on; Long Lasting Elastomer that benefits mileage; and Silica for better fuel consumption. The first of that three works hand-in-hand with Anti Surf System, which concerns the tyre’s shape.
Anti Surf basically rounds off the square edges of the tyre when viewed from the front. Michelin says that by better keeping the tyre’s shoulders off the water, the risk of hydroplaning is lower, and water evacuation becomes more effective. With all these improvements, the French tyre maker says that its latest UHP tyre stops three metres shorter than its PS2 predecessor, as tested by independent firm TUV (using 245/40 ZR 18 samples). Three metres is a big difference, and the PS2 isn’t exactly poor in this respect.
For the event, the control tyre used as a yardstick was the Yokohama S-Drive. Personally, I would have liked to see the PS3 fared up against the Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric, which in my opinion is the best UHP on sale today. But the Yoko was picked as it wasn’t easy to find a control tyre that was relevant to each and every country represented at the event, Michelin explained, and the S-Drive is one tyre that was sold in all countries. The event had media members from across Asia including India, Korea and ASEAN countries.
Read More at: http://paultan.org
Classic Jaguar XJ6 for Sale Pattaya (420,000)
Model: Jaguar XJ6 (Modified)
Year: 1974
Asking Price: 420,000 (Thai Baht)
Registration Status: Not described
Seller Contact: 0871400231
.
This car is advertised on Bahtsold.com, see the ad at: http://www.bahtsold.com/detail.php?id=50530
This car is offered for 420,000 and the seller describes it as follows:
JAGUAR XJ-SERIES XJ6 SERIES I 1974, Black, Power Steering, 2JZ turbo engine, Runs on LPG as well as Petrol, New Mags with new tires, due to time wasters, the price has been reduced, Perfect working order, the number plate alone is worth 200,000 baht. A real eye catcher reduced to 420,000 baht ono
There are a total of 7 photos on the ad and they are decent photos, it’s clear that the car has been extensively modified and it has a Toyota 3 Litre Twin Cam 24 Valve engine, commonly found in the Toyota Supra, it’s clear from the photos that this is an automatic transmission.
Value
It’s difficult to determine the value of this car, however whilst the owner is quite right in suggesting that the number plate is valuable it’s probably difficult to asses how the value of 200,000 for the number plate was determined. If the car was original then it would have a classic value, it’s anyone’s guess how the value has changed as a result of the mods, but the value of this car is certainly not as a classic car.
The Toyota 2JZ engine is a fine engine, if properly fitted and well maintained it should provide years of reliable service, however it’s an electronically fuel injected engine with extensive complicated electronics and ultimately the reliability will depend very much on the quality of the the installation due to the required modifications to the vehicle electrical system.
If this car has been professionally modified and everything is properly maintained and in perfect working order then it could represent very good value for money if this is the kind of car that appeals to you, certainly it will turn heads. It’s interesting to note that the seller describes this as in perfect working order, in my mind that’s a description more fitting of a secondhand washing machine than a extensively modified 1974 Jaguar, but it’s well worth a look.
At the end of the day there are not many XJ6 Jaguars in Thailand and if the original engine were fitted then it would probably not be at all reliable, with the fitting of a Toyota twin cam engine it has the potential to be a really unique and interesting toy, and if you have 420,000 baht to spend then it may be just the job.
More Images
Bought or Viewed this car? Please leave a comment below.
The Chery QQ Comes to Thailand
The Chinese motor industry had come to Thailand The Chery QQ has been on sale in China for nearly 2 years and now it’s on sale through a network of Thailand dealers.
For the rest of this month there is a display in Carrefour in Chiang Mai where prospective buyers, of just the plain curious types like me, can take a look at the QQ.
The QQ is a small car with a 1.1 16 valve engine with fuel injection and impressive fuel consumption figures.
Chery is China’s biggest car manufacturer. They have come under criticism over the QQ after GM accused them of copying the Daewoo Matiz, whist that may well be true I do feel that most car manufacturers do draw inspiration from other manufacturers to some extent. Having driven Matiz many years ago I must say that any similarity is superficial.
It’s easy to be biased against Chinese manufactured goods, especially if you have ever owned a Chinese built motorcycle! However I must say that I was impressed with the overall build quality of the little QQ and at the price It looks unbeatable.
The base model (which impressively includes airbags) is just 366,000 baht and for another 20,000 baht you can buy the luxury model which includes such refinements as Leather Seats, 14″ Alloy Wheels, and Sony Stereo System with iPod adaptor.
The Chery QQ is available in Thailand a nice range of colours, and overall it has the looks and feel of a much more expensive car.
It’s only a matter of time until Chinese built cars become mainstream throughout the world, lets hope that early adopters in Thailand get a car the lives up to the hype in the brochure.
Thailand’s First Hybrid Car – Toyota Camry Hybrid
The hybrid version of Toyota’s Camry Hybrid went on sale this week, priced at 1.77 Million Baht for the top of the range model, and as little as 1.59 Million for the cheapest model. Delivery will begin next week and Toyota is hoping to sell about 4000 before the end of the year.
Toyota say that about 900 Toyota Camry Hybrids have already been pre-ordered, they do say that most pre-orders have been from Bangkok customers.
There are three versions on sale, each has the 2.4 litre engine and boast exceptional fuel efficiency together with great performance.
The 3 year/100,000 Km warranty is extended to the battery, this is likely to be important to customers as the battery is likely to be very expensive to replace.
Whilst grey-imported Hybrid cars have been on sale through specialist importers for some time, Toyota points out that this car has been designed to cope with Thailand’s climate and road conditions together with high loads on the air conditioning system which has to continue to run when the car is powered electrically.
The Toyota Camry has enjoyed very good sales in Thailand where it has more than 50% of the market for cars in it’s class, and with good reason. It’s a fine car at a fair price.
Michael Schumacher is now back in Formula One!
Michael Schumacher is now back in Formula One! The 7 times world champion will be racing in Felipe Massa’s seat for the European Grand Prix in Valencia on the 23rd of August 2009 and will do so for the rest of the season until Massa is ready to be back in the driver’s seat.
This must be something big for Schumacher himself as well, as he has probably in a mental state that F1 is a chapter that is pretty much closed in his life. They say quit while you’re ahead right? The 40 year old also has to physically prepare himself for the sport now as he is not exactly in F1 driving shape since retiring from the sport in October 2006, and this calls for extensive fitness programs.
“The most important thing first: thanks God, all news concerning Felipe are positive. I wish him all the best again. I was meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe. Though it is true that the chapter Formula 1 has been closed for me since long and completely, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am I also very much look forward to facing this challenge. Ultimately I like challenges and this is a great challenge,” said Schumi.
I’m sure droves of fans who say they have begun to lose interest in the sport will flock back to their TV sets for the races now that there is a very interesting new contender.
Ferrari 458 Italia with 570 Horsepower makes a debut!
Here you go, the all-new Ferrari that will make 360 and 430 owners whip out their checkbooks, or so Ferrari hopes.
The new Ferrari 458 Italia is powered by a new 4.5 liter V8 engine producing 570 horsepower at a mind-boggling 9,000rpm, and 540Nm of torque at 6,000rpm (over 80% of this available from 3,250rpm onwards), thanks to high-revving, a 12.5:1 compression ratio, and direct injection. The torque numbers are pretty darn high for a normally aspirated of this size, thanks to direct injection and the high compression. Ferrari pointed out that out of the 570 total horses, 5 are gained only at higher speeds thanks to a ram air effect.
Power goes to the rear wheels via a new 7-speed dual clutch F1 gearbox (no mention of a stick shift so far?). This combination of a V8, a twin clutch, and a dry weight of 1,380kg takes the car up to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is set at over 325km/h. For those who even bother, fuel consumption is 13.7 liters per 100km on a combined cycle and Ferrari says this is the best in its segment.
See the triple exhaust setup at the rear? It wasn’t mentioned in the press release but apparently it is said that they work in stages, with all three pipes only working from mid-rev onwards. I’m still looking for more confirmation on this.
I’m sure it will be an object of lust and attention in the metal but I’m seriously not digging the overly cab forward design of this new car. It takes after the Enzo too much but ends up looking like a Pagani Zonda from the sides.
I’m not sure if the decision to make the car look overly futuristic was influenced by the fact that many are falling for Lamborghini’s cleaner, simpler, straighter and futuristic fighter jet design cues. The new 458 somehow seems to lack the class that a Ferrari is supposed to have.
Ferrari says the car’s styling is heavily influenced by aerodynamic needs. The nose features small aeroelastic winglets which help generate downforce and contributes to the 140kg of downforce generated at 200km/h.
Look after the jump for a few more photos of the new 458 Italia, and watch a teaser video of the 458 Italia accelerating from a stand-still – however it looks like, the sound and performance of that V8 overshines it all!
Nissan EV System in a Nissan Latio
Nissan previewed its electric vehicle powertrain a few days ago and used a Nissan Latio as a demonostrator vehicle. The EV system uses an in-house developed electric motor that can produce 107 horsepower and 280Nm of torque, matched with a 24kWh laminated compact li-ion battery pack.
With the demonstrator, the battery pack is placed under the vehicle floor for better packaging – this reduces intrusions into the cabin or cargo space. It can be quite tricky to mate an electric powertrain to a normal chassis that was designed for an internal combustion engine as the requirements in terms of size, shape and other factors of an electric vehicle system can be quite different from a regular car’s. An additional frame is added to the battery pack to improve the platform’s rigidity.
Thanks to the 24kWh and a regenerative braking system, the electric Latio can go over 160km on a full charge, based on the US LA4 mode driving cycle.
Nissan will also be adding a remote control and monitoring function to its electric cars. All Nissan EVs will communicate with a central IT system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alerts can be sent to your mobile phone. With the system, users can check the car’s current charging status and current range capacity. A map can show the current available driving radius so its easier to visualize where you will be able to drive.
You can also control the air conditioner to turn on or off at predefined times, and charging can also be set to be done only within certain timeslots even though the car is plugged in so that you can take advantage from cheaper night electricity rates in some countries.
Kawasaki Vulcan 400 for sale in Pattaya at 95,000 Baht
Model: Kawasaki Vulcan VN400
Year: Not Specified (Estimated 1994)
Asking Price: 95,000 Baht
Registration Status: Registered in Thailand
Sellers Contact: 0819837210 (Tom)
This bike is advertised on Bahtsold.com, see the ad at: http://www.bahtsold.com/detail.php?id=40596
This bike is offered for sale by Tom, who states that it comes with book which normally means that it’s properly registered in Thailand.
See our information page about Registered Imports in Thailand.
He does not say anything about condition, however the photo provided looks good, we would like to see more photos before passing any comment on condition.
Value
95,000 Baht could represent very good value for money if this bike is in good running order and properly registered, these often change hands for 60,000 – 70,000 baht unregistered, and I would estimate that legal registration would add at least 30,000 baht to the value.
About the Kawasaki Vulcan 400
The Kawasaki Vulcan 400 is a fine bike, it was actually designed by Kawasaki USA, and it shows. The 400cc version was unique to Japan, it was offered in the USA as a 800cc Bike.
The 400cc V-Twin Engine in a Kawasaki Vulcan is very tough, smooth and pulls well with lots of torque. These bikes are easy to maintain and most parts and service items are easily available on eBay.com
Many Vulcan 400 models were imported to Thailand from Japan, fully (legally) registered ones are rare and usually command a premium price.
Note: AutoSiam is not connected with the vendor of this motorcycle in any way, our opinions are simply opinions.
Bought or Viewed this bike: Please leave a comment below.