Suria KLCC wins ‘Favourite Shopping Complex’

Suria KLCC wins ‘Favourite Shopping Complex’

One for the album ... (from left) Datuk Shamsul Falak Abdul Kadir, Andrew Brien and Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Abdul Rafique.

Suria KLCC was awarded the Gold Award in the Best Shopping category and won the "Favourite Shopping Complex" title at the recent Diplomacy Tourism Award Ceremony organised by the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Association.

Suria KLCC chief executive officer Andrew Brien received the award from Federal Territory Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Abdul Rafique at a formal award ceremony held at Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Also present was KLTA chairman Datuk Shamsul Falak Abdul Kadir.

Brien said: "Suria KLCC is very honoured and proud to receive this award for our efforts in promoting a convenient and better shopping experience to all our valued shoppers - local as well as international.

"Our facilities are world-standard and our friendly and informed Customer Service Team is ever-ready to assist. This recognition would not have been possible without the commitment of our retail partners, shoppers and the team at Suria KLCC."

source: http://www.sun2surf.com

GM puts Volt engine plant on hold

GM puts Volt engine plant on hold

Posted by: Anthony Lim

General Motors, anxiously conserving cash so it can keep operating into 2009, said on Wed it would halt construction of a plant tied to one of its most important projects while the automaker awaits a Washington bailout.

GM said it is putting the brakes on the construction of a factory in Flint, Michigan, set to make 1.4l engines for the Chevrolet Cruze and the Chevy Volt plug-in electric car.

It's just have to Volt a little longer.

It's just one more effort by GM to hold on to every penny possible as it speeds closer to the day when the 100-year-old industrial giant won't be able to pay its bills.

The company has been scaling back just about everywhere - shutting down vehicle production, ending sports sponsorships, turning off escalators and even cutting back on office supplies - to stay afloat.

GM is seeking up to US$18bil in government loans as it tries to survive the worst US auto sales environment in 26 years. It says it needs US$4bil before this year runs out.

GM board member Kent Kresa told The Associated Press last week that the company might make it into the early part of the first quarter, depending on auto sales, yet GM has several billion dollars worth of supplier payments due shortly after the first of the year, and analysts have said the company probably doesn't have the cash to pay them.

GM announced plans in Sept for the new engine plant in Flint, 50 miles northwest of Detroit, and said production would begin in 2010. But the company is delaying the purchase of big-ticket items needed to build the factory, such as structural steel, spokeswoman Sharon Basel said.

The plant's engines will extend the range of the rechargeable Volt, GM's high-profile next-generation vehicle that will be able to travel 40 miles on electricity alone. They will also power the Cruze, GM's new small car that is supposed to get around 40mpg.

Ditto the ability to Cruze around in one of these.

Basel said Volt and Cruze development will continue as scheduled and the company still plans to bring them to showrooms in 2010. The construction delay, she said, may be temporary until the company figures out its cash situation.

"Everything that involves heavy cash outlays obviously is under review," Basel said. "Our intent is to still go forward with a new facility bringing that engine to Flint."

Meanwhile, GM has held off many large expenditures, such as the steel for the Flint plant, Basel said."Those are huge cash outlays, and we don't have the cash," she said.

Basel said there is plenty of time to build the factory, install equipment and get it up and running in time to produce engines for the two new cars. The company already makes the 1.4l engine at a plant in Austria, she said, giving it another option for engines.

"We have lots of options. The construction of the new plant is not going to interrupt our plans for the Volt or Cruze," Basel said.

Work will continue as scheduled on the Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant, which will make the Cruze starting in mid-2010, said GM spokesman Chris Lee. The company has not formally announced where the Volt will be built, although the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant was identified in the 2007 contract with the United Auto Workers. Lee said Volt production remains on schedule for later in 2010.

GM said in Sept it would invest US$370mil in the new factory, which will employ 330 hourly and salaried workers and allow the company to double its global production of smaller engines by 2011. The plant will have 300 flexible work stations that will let GM build different four-cylinder engines without retooling.

The United Auto Workers union agreed that new hires for the plant would be paid US$14 per hour, about half the wages of a current UAW worker. It also agreed to a new flexible pact with GM that lets workers do multiple jobs.

The new factory brings the prospect of more jobs to an industrial city hard hit by auto job losses. GM's nearby Flint Engine North plant closed in Aug. - AP


SOURCE: http://star-motoring.com

EUROCOPTER EC 725 COUGAR

Eurocopter deal suspended
Giam Say Khoon 

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 28, 2008): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today announced the suspension of the RM1.7 billion Eurocopter helicopter deal with the allocation to be redistributed to projects that directly benefit the people.

"We had decided during the National Economic Council meeting on Oct 13 not to purchase the helicopters at the moment because we need the allocation

for other projects and saving is very important for us now, to face an economic situation caused by the world economic crisis," he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya celebration at the Defence Ministry.

"We need to relocate the allocation for certain projects… because we cannot just borrow the money when we need it. The best thing to do is to relocate, we will do the projects that can be implemented now."

Abdullah, who is also Defence Minister, said the government had decided that only projects that will benefit the people will be given the allocation and that all ministries are required to lower their expenditure by deferring some of their projects.

"Suspending the purchase (of the helicopters) does not mean that we will stop buying any helicopters, as we will do it when the financial status allows us to do so. The Nuri (military) helicopters we have now are old and they often involved in accidents that killed not only the soldiers but also civilians. Therefore the old helicopters must be replaced," he said.

Abdullah added that a decision to replace the 28 Nuris must be made by 2011 and the government would want to make the purchase earlier if possible as new helicopters will need three years to be delivered.

He said as a result, the ministry had studied the models of helicopters to be purchased and Eurocopter was chosen in the open tender as it fulfilled the requirements and specifications set by the ministry.

He denied the helicopter deal will cost RM2.3 billion as claimed by the Opposition, saying that the price for 12 Cougar EC725 helicopters from the European firm is only around RM1.67 billion.

Asked when the government will resume the deal, Abdullah said the government will first access its financial situation.

On the scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which will be conducted today (Wednesday), he said since the deputy prime minister had agreed to a scrutiny by the committee, it will go on as it will also give the committee the opportunity to examine the deal with the officers involved in the purchase.

"It is a good thing for them (the PAC) to learn about the procedure used by the ministry and why the deal cost so much.

"The helicopters (are expensive as they) come with high specifications for combat, search and rescue as well as troop lifting purposes," he said.

Abdullah also explained that the Brazilian deal with Eurocopter was cheaper, which involved the purchase of 50 Super Cougar helicopters at a price

consideration of US$1.2 billion, because the helicopters bought by that country were ordinary helicopters and they did not have the same specifications like those Malaysia intended to buy.

On the allegations that the deal lacked transparency, Abdullah said it was done through tender and he did not believe that there were any irregularities.

To a question, he said the government will decide whether Eurocopter will still be given the deal when the situation allows the purchase or whether another open tender will be called. He also said the government has yet to inform Eurocopter formally of the decision to suspend the deal.

SOURCE:  THE SUN ONLINE

HYUNDAI COUPE

Coupe with the looks
by Y.S. Khong

THE Hyundai Coupe is a two-door sporty-looking coupe that seats up to four adults, and is an eye-catcher, especially in red. Priced at RM128k, it is one of the most affordable two-door coupes that you can get in Malaysia, and it comes with airbags, ABS and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme).

Local distributor Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd is importing only the 2.0-litre model although there is a 2.7-litre model available.

A few units of the 2.7-litre model were brought in but it seems the current distributor has decided to focus more on the 2.0 model, which is a more viable value-for-money package for the Malaysian motoring public.

In terms of looks, the Hyundai Coupe is indeed attractive and eye-pleasing.

The 2.0-litre engine is a 16-valve, four-cylinder unit with CVVT, the Hyundai equivalent of variable valve timing. It produces 143PS at 6,000rpm, and has a maximum torque of 186Nm at 4,500rpm.

This is a respectable figure insofar as 2.0-litre engines are concerned, but not one of the higher figures.

Mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels, the performance is adequate, but not exhilarating.

Of course, if you really like the Hyundai Coupe shape and want something better, you could always ask for the 2.7-litre model, which has 167PS from the V6 engine.

We had one test unit courtesy of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, and we drove it around Petaling Jaya for a couple of days to get a feel of it.

As far as the power delivery was concerned, the Hyundai Coupe does drive quite well, due to its relatively low final drive ratio of 4.407:1.

The four-speed automatic is, like all current four-speed automatics, a little short in performance, especially when it comes to the gaps in-between gears.

But gear changes are smooth enough, thanks to the excellent electronic controls.

A five-speed gearbox would be better, although it means one would probably have to pay a little more for it.

As it was, we managed a top speed of around 180kph on a short stretch of open highway before traffic conditions made it necessary to slow down.

On the road, the Hyundai Coupe is quiet enough when driven at normal road speeds of between 80kph and 120kph.

After that, the engine has to work a little harder, and under hard acceleration, the gears drop down, sometimes to second, and that is when you will notice the engine noise building up as the revolutions climb.

Due to the low ratios, the revolutions will hold right up to the red line at 6,500rpm before the gears change, unless you lift off and release the pressure in the gearbox.

Overall handling is decent, from the four-wheel independent suspension made up of MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear.

The suspension is set to be on the firm side of comfortable, and driven in anger, the Hyundai Coupe will be able to give a reasonably good account of itself.

However, once the speed builds up, it cruises easily, and you can keep it at around 160 to 180kph the whole day if you so wish to.

Overall, the Hyundai Coupe does offer a viable option for those who want a sporty-looking yet affordable car, and are not looking for brute performance.

SOURCE: http://www.sun2surf.com

Jaguar XF

Timeless elegance

Jaguar XF is the sedan that has great looks and gives a sporty performance

by Y.S. Khong

SISMA Auto Sdn Bhd, the local importer of the Jaguar brand, have added the Jaguar XF to the range of cars available locally and after a two-day stint with it, I am convinced that this is a model that will become very much sought-after, on account of its great looks and sporty performance.

The XF is a beautiful piece of refined machinery. Sleek and sporty-looking, it is a four-door sedan, but looks like a coupe, and drives like a sports car.

From the front, it looks just awesome – masculine in character and looking elegant at the same time. A large mesh grille, bordered on both sides by handsome combination lights; an integral bumper with a large under-bumper intake also finished with mesh netting and double side pods on each side; together with power bulges in the front hood give a loud hint of performance.

The side profile with smooth curving lines that extend from the front bonnet, over the roofline and tapers downwards towards the rear make it look more like a sports coupe than the sedan it is.

The XF has an overall shape that is timeless, and my hunch is that long after it has gone out of production, enthusiasts and collectors will want to have one in the garage.

The interior, finished in fine, hand-sewn leather, is on par with the best hand-crafted machines in the world. The driver and front passenger get body-hugging bucket seats, while the rear passengers get moulded seats that will hold them firmly at all times.

Seating is really meant for four, although you could squeeze in a fifth, if push comes to shove. Tasteful wood inlays give the XF sophistication and class. And an 8-speaker high quality sound system is standard.

A keyless entry system allows convenience. Interestingly, there is no gear lever, at least not the kind that we are usually accustomed to.

As you start the car using the push button, a short cylindrical gizmo rises up from the spot between the front seats where the gear lever is usually located, and you turn it to engage drive, neutral or reverse gear.

After that you can drive it like an automatic, or shift up and down through the six-speed automatic gearbox using F1-type paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel.

The posh interior of the Jaguar XF offers keyless entry system, 8-speaker high quality sound system and a 7-inch touch screen that controls all the major functions.

In the centre dash, a 7-inch touch screen controls most major functions. The handbrake is also electronically controlled.

Driving the Jaguar XF is a real pleasure, especially if you are a car lover. The V6, three–litre engine delivers 238PS at 6,800 RPM, and develops a maximum torque of 293 Nm, good enough to get you from zero to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds – not the fastest car on the road, but respectable enough.

Top speed is claimed at 237 km/h. We didn’t have enough road to get it all the way to the maximum, but it was fun all the way. If you have the money, there is a V8, 4.2 litre petrol engine as an option.

Naturally, the XF just cried out to be taken up the hills to Genting Highlands, and we did exactly that, taking a quick ‘flight’ up, ending up in Starbucks for a coffee before returning to Kuala Lumpur.

All I can say is, it was a great drive. The handling was inch-perfect, due to the many built-in features like traction control, superb chassis and suspension engineering. In the safety department, the Jaguar XF is as good as any of the premium continentals.

I can’t afford the RM550k it takes to get one into my front porch, but I am sure that there are many out there who can.

SOURCE: http://www.sun2surf.com

SONY VAIO

Friday September 5, 2008

Sony recalls some Vaio portables

KUALA LUMPUR : If you are using a Sony Vaio VGN-TZ notebook computer, you will need to check if the model is among the 438,000 portables being recalled worldwide by the Japanese manufacturer.

The voluntary recall of the products is due to a potential hazard that could cause the notebooks to overheat and possibly catch fire.

Sony Malaysia said customers here should go to the company website — http://tinyurl.com/5kb2tr — to check the list of affected Vaios and to find out what they should do if their notebook model is listed.

Affected customers will benefit from free service inspection and repairs at the Sony Service Centre here, the company said.

Reuters has reported that this is one of the biggest computer recalls in the world since 2006 when Dell recalled 4.1 million notebook computer batteries because they could overheat and catch fire.

It also reported that Sony has received 15 reports of overheating, including one of a consumer who suffered a minor burn.

The flaw is found in Sony’s VGN-TZ100, VGN-TZ200, VGN-TZ300 and VGN-TZ2000 series computers.

According to the Reuters report, the problem is related to “irregularly positioned wires near the computer’s hinge and/or dislodged screw inside the hinge” that can cause a short circuit and overheat.

Sony has initiated a voluntary programme to perform a free inspection and, if necessary, a repair to ensure these units meet its high-quality standards.

The Reuters report said Sony has been dogged in recent years by recalls of laptop computer batteries amid concerns they would overheat and catch fire.

In 2006, Dell, Apple, Lenovo, Toshiba and some other PC makers recalled more than eight million Sony batteries, the report said.

Sony, said Reuters, declined to comment on the potential cost it will incur to repair the computers.

SOURCE: http://star-techcentral.com

MITSUBISHI TRITON

Two-in-one vehicle


Mitsubishi Triton Lite’s good looks ARE converting many car owners into truck drivers

by Y S Khong

THE idea of owning a truck is catching on, and the advent of the Mitsubishi Triton series is helping to convert many car owners into truck owners due to its handsome looks.

The thought of driving around in a truck seemed unappealing, but the Triton’s many car-like features, coupled with its not-so-industrial shape, helped to tip the scales.

However, even though the light truck in itself is a bargain to purchase on account of it being free of import duty, the price of between RM80K to RM90+K per unit is still a daunting proposition.

Built on the same platform as the Triton, the Triton Lite is a lower-cost version that sits lower, and comes without the 4WD option but a five-speed manual transmission.

Sold at a little below RM60K, it offers a viable alternative for someone who would otherwise have to settle for a national car or a Korean sub-compact.

Now, for someone living in the countryside, and perhaps has to traverse the not-so-good roads or need to carry some produce to market every once in a while, the Triton Lite can serve as both a family vehicle and a workhorse.

The interior fittings, although a grade or so lower than that of the Triton 4x4, is still decent enough, while the dual cabin seats five adults quite comfortably.

Interior space is generous, and headroom is as good as in a Triton 4x4. At the rear end, a low loading height makes for easy loading and unloading.

Built much tougher than a sedan, and with high ground clearance, the kampung folk can enjoy its benefits for a much longer time, because the Triton Lite is able to withstand much tougher treatment than an ordinary car can.

In the urban areas, small- and medium-size business people can use the Triton Lite as a utility vehicle, as the rear deck is big and can carry up to a ton in payload.

There are also people who buy trucks and never ever venture off the tarmac for the entire duration of ownership.

For these people, the Triton Lite would be ideal. The Triton Lite is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre diesel engine; in fact, a little bird told me that this is the very well-proven and durable engine from the Mitsubishi Pajero, which many of us are familiar with.

Maximum power is 75PS at 4,200rpm, and maximum torque is 149Nm at 2,500rpm. This is not as high as the 136 horses that one can get from the Triton 2.5-litre turbo-charged engine but the saving grace is lower maintenance cost and excellent fuel economy.

The front suspension is made up of a double-wishbone arrangement and coil springs, while the rear is a leaf spring. Brakes are large ventilated discs in the front, while the rear is fitted with drums. Steering is rack and pinion, a set-up that provides excellent driving feel.

On the road, the Triton Lite drives quite decently. It is not as fast as a regular turbo-charged light truck, but it will get you there.

Acceleration is not as brisk, but once you get up to speed, it feels decent enough, and although it will not hit as high a speed as its turbo-charged sibling, it will travel at the highway regulation speed of 110kph and beyond if you wish it to.

Handling is decent and the suspension, although a little stiffer than the turbo-charged Triton, is decent enough for family usage, while being robust enough for heavy duty usage.

In the final analysis, the Triton Lite serves a purpose; it is available for those who require a truck but don’t really need the turbo-charged power.

It also offers a viable package for the buyer who is looking for a dual-purpose vehicle that is no nonsense and functional.

SOURCE: http://www.sun2surf.com