12.29.2553

All-new Yaris revealed

Known as Vitz in japan, the Yaris goes into third generation with a theoretical chance of becoming an eco-car in thailand. Toyota has revealed the third generation Yaris,featuring a bigger package to cope with its rivals more effectively. The overall leagth has grown by 100 mm. to 3,885 mm. and wheelbase is now longer by 50 mm.at 2,510 mm. the width remains the same at 1,695 mm, Although height has dropped 20 mm. to 1,500 mm. in order to give it a sportier stance. Toyota says it want to attract more male customer to the all new yaris, explaning its more muscular appearance and wedgier design cues on the front and back of the car. Toyota has announced three petrol engines for the Yaris in Japan,all available with the brand's new CVT automatic transmission with seven speed mode.They are 69 hp 1.0 litre inline-three, 95 hp 1.3 litre inline four, 109 hp ltre inline four. According to the Japanese 10.15 mode test, the engines are capable of yielding economy between 23-25 kpi. The most frugal unit is the 1.3 litre with automatic stop/go system,without that feature,the 1.3 does 24 kpi. The Yaris goes on sale in Japan this month, while other market will get it next year. There are rumours that Toyota Motor Thailand may discontinue selling the second generation Yaris,although Toyota sources insist that production of the new model is most likely to be carried out in the country again. An interesting point is the 1.0 litre engine which is capable od attracting eco-car rules since it displaces less than 1,300 CC. and can achieve over 20 kpl. If Toyota isn't attracted to making the Yaris as an ecocar,it would stick to the conventional strategy of offering the 1.5 litre engine and making it a regular B-segment hatchback to rival the Ford fiesta. Mazda 2 and Suzuki Swift.

12.04.2553

New Trezia - thailand car news

Subaru has rebadged the Toyota Ractis (known as Verso S in Europe) as Trezia for its newest B-segment contender It replaces the Justy hatch, which was also a reskinned Toyota Passo/Daihatsu Boon.
Like in the Toyota variation, the Trezia hightlights a versatile and spacious interior to outwit other subcompacts like the Mazda 2 and Suzuki Swift and match the Honda Jazz.
Subaru is boasting HID and LED lights, as well as a panoramic sunroof, as selling point for the Trezia since the segment is highly competitive around the world.
The Toyota developed petrol engines include a 1.3 and 1.5 litre inline-four,both matcd to CVT auto transmission. There's a 4WD version another selling point for the 1.5 which can still achieve a decent 18.4 kpl on the average(20kpl for FWD)

Refreing to Bangkok post news

12.01.2553

Honda adds Brio to eco-car market

Honda has confirmed plans tosell an eco car in Thailand early next year but plans for a hybrid remain unlear even though Japanese rival Toyota has two petrol-electric models available. Honda introduced its Brio eco car prototype,which will be featured at the thailand international Motor Expo that runs from Dec 1'2010 to Dec 12'2010 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
The prototype is close to the mass production model,which will go on sale in March at a starting price of around 400,000 baht, The price would make the Brio 25,000 baht dearer than the Nissan March,The first eco car launch locally in March this year. The Brio five door hatchback has 1.2 litre gassoline engine, and a four door sedan might be considered later. Honda also aims to introduce the Brio in India next year with a starting price below 500,000 Rupees. Brio made in thailand and India might be exported to other markets in region expect Japan and China.

11.29.2553

Tax cut for E85(Thailand) cars approved

The cabinet has agreed to reduce import tariffs onfinished cars with E85 fueled engines from 80 % to 60%, as proposeed by the ministry of energy,energy minister K.wannarat Channukul said. The cabinet also approved a proposal to exempt import tax on seven more E85 car parts in addition to the eight item already given a tax exemption, He added. "The excise tax on a finished car that runs on gasohol E85 will also be reduced by there percent"
Mr.Wannarat said. His ministry will try to make it sure that these tax incentives take effect on Jan 1'2011. The minister said the tax reduction and exemption would have only a minimal impact on government revenue."But they will encourage people to switch to alternative energy,Which will reduce greenhouse gas emission and lessen oil imports, and farmers growing fuel crops will benefit" he siad. the ministry has targeted an increase in use of aiternative energy as a proportion of total use from the current seven percent to 20% in the next 15 years.
by then, the oil import bill would bu cut by about 460 billion bath a year.

Refering to bangkok post news paper 24.11.2010

Chevrolet thailand expects lift from Cruze

With the new Cruze compact sedan set as the key driver, Chevrolet sales(thailand) aims to double its share in the Thailand automotive market next year.The US automaker aims for 4.5%market share in 2011, twice the current level based on cumulative sales of 16,207 unit in the first 10 months, a 75% increase from the same period last year.
It also aimsfor 30% growth in automobile sales next year but declined to estimate total sales expected for this year. Chevrolet, which entered the Thai market a decade ago, hopes to obtain a 10% share over the next three years as it plan to introduce many more products in the years to come. Next in line after the Cruze will be the new generation of pickup trucks, and a captiva sport utility vehicles with a new petrol engine to be launched next year.

Refering to Bangkok post news paper 24.11.2010