PETALING JAYA (Sept 22, 2011): Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (NAM), the manufacturing arm of the Naza Group, has produced 150,000 vehicles since it began operations in May 2004.

Seven years ago, the company rolled out its first vehicle, a Naza Ria, and on Thursday, it celebrated the production of its 150,000th vehicle, a Naza Forte 1.6SX, which was commemorated by Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.

In a statement Thursday, Naza group of companies joint group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said: “NAM has indeed come a long way since 2004. Today, the cars produced at NAM are on the streets of Bangkok and Jakarta and soon we will export them to countries in Africa and Oceania.”

SM Nasarudin said NAM has produced 18 models at the plant since its commencement — the Ria, Citra, Sorento, Spectra, Suria, Bestari, Forza, Sportage, Spectra 5, Optima, Rondo, Pregio, Picanto, Forte, Peugeot 407, Peugeot 308, Peugeot 207 and Peugeot 3008.

At present, the Forte, Pregio, Citra, Rondo, Peugeot 407, Peugeot 308, Peugeot 207 and Peugeot 3008 are assembled at NAM, which is currently undergoing a RM714 million upgrading and expansion exercise over six years from 2010.

NAM will invest in the upgrading of facilities, plant expansion, new model introductions, and research and development.

NAM commenced operations in 2004 with a RM500 million facility, which includes an assembly plant, two-storey office, a test track, lots for vendors and suppliers and staff accommodation on a 56ha parcel of land.

“By the end of our current expansion exercise, NAM’s total investment in this facility since 2004 will amount to RM1.21 billion,” said SM Nasarudin.

NAM aims to produce 30,050 units next year and is on track to produce 15,640 units this year.

It will also increase exports next year with the assembly of a new C-segment Peugeot sedan, codenamed T73.

NAM will produce 60,000 units of the T73 over a five-year period ending 2016 with about 60% to be exported to right-hand drive countries in Asean and other markets.

The newly applied AWD system offers greater responsiveness compared to the previous electronic magnetic coil method and employs an electronic hydraulic motor method that can reduce vibrations and noise to deliver a smoother driving experience. The use of a hydraulic motor allows direct operation of the system to maximize power transmission responsiveness.

The AWD system evaluates road and driving conditions by receiving data signals from various sensors and exerts exacting control over the clutch’s clamping force, allowing for variable control over the driving power that is relayed to the rear wheels.

According to this principle, the new AWD system can offer optimized driving power control depending on driving conditions. During off-road driving, the rear wheel driving power is maximized. It is then minimized for areas with lots of noise and vibration. During driving at high and constant speeds, settings are differentiated to maintain optimum fuel efficiency.

For example, during constant speed driving, the driving power is almost completely transferred to the front wheels. When cornering, driving power is relayed to the rear wheels in accordance to the turning radius and vehicle speed. If one or two of the front wheels slide, an appropriate amount of driving power is then relayed to the back wheels depending on the level of sliding.

In particular, during the ‘Lock’ mode, power is delivered to all four wheels to help the vehicle through adverse driving conditions.

Additionally, to ensure handling stability when the AWD system is activated on rough roads, a handling logic function that distributes front/rear driving power through yaw/lateral acceleration control was added to minimize over- and under-steering and to improve turning ability.

All of these features provide the Sportage with the leading AWD system among competitors in its class.

South Korean industrial concern KIA-Hyundai as a strategy to continue expansion into international markets has released yet another model of car, designed to be at the forefront of this movement. In March 2010, at the Geneva Motor Show, was presented the third generation of KIA Sportage R. Completely new exterior of the model developed by German designer Peter Schreyer, formerly worked as a staff designer at Audi. New KIA Sportage R created in the European design studio company and three years spent on developing the model, have not been in vain. By the way, for the markets of the Old World the new Kia Sportage third generation will also be released in Europe (in Slovakia). Design of the car settled within today’s automotive trends mody.Predyduschee (second) generation of KIA Sportage seemed so myself simpleton, even compared with its unprepossessing soplatformennikom Hyundai Tucson.Appearance of the new Sportage R tightened to the new unified corporate standards, and echoes the appearance of a larger SUV KIA Sorento. In general, the exterior of the new Kia Sportage in 2011 the third generation looks even harmonious and attractive to its current soplatformennika Hyundai ix35. The main thing that catches the eye is the massive grille, slanted headlights, fancy forms, integrated into a massive bumper foglights, clearly expressed, but organic vyshtampovki on the car door and hood. Visual sensation – KIA Sportage 3 looks expensive, and probably that’s why for him, according to rumors, and will ask a lot of (the price will be 15-20% higher than the previous series), but whether it is this new money … there is some doubt, but with full confidence in the absence of opportunity to see firsthand the car while it is difficult to say. From the previous generation, New KIA Sportage 2011 significantly different and the dimensions: a beginner has grown in length by 90 mm in width by 15 mm, and the track front and rear wheels has increased by as much as 7.5 cm less steel height (60 mm ) and clearance (170 mm versus 195 mm of its predecessor).

NEW KIA SPORTAGE FOR 2011 Sports SUV

With a ground clearance to talk about off-road qualities of the car is not necessary (in addition increased and overhangs: front 10 mm, and the rear – for all 70 mm), a new geometry of the body makes the car extremely asphalt (as compared with the first generation Sportage, which in general was frame, it is simply “roll on wheels”). From generation to generation KIA Sportage loses its off-road qualities and turns into an ordinary family sedan for movement on roads only with a hard surface. The interior of the old and new KIA Sportage – also varies as the heavens and the earth. But the new Hyundai ix35 suspiciously reminiscent in many ways, at first glance, one might even say – in all but the logo on the steering wheel. But if you look, subtle differences between divergent yet exist, and they consist of geometric differences – where ix35 ducts, control panel, on-board computer designed rounded, there Sportage R fastsest SUV has more angular lines, and vice versa.

NEW KIA SPORTAGE FOR 2011 New Face

Coincide seat, at least visually. Different wells of the speedometer and tachometer, the internal geometry of the steering the same, but its different stylistic execution. We can not say that this is a clone, but the journalists would say that it is rewriting that is divergent changes to the text with full meaning. As regards the technical characteristics of the new Kia Sportage 3. For the market KIA Sportage 2010-2011 year is equipped with two types of 2-liter engines: a diesel (136 hp) or gasoline (150 hp) power train. For gasoline engine offered either a 5-step “mechanics” or 6-way “automatic” to “diesel” – “Automatic” and “mechanics” 6-step. KIA Sportage third generation in the gasoline version “can be both full-and monoprivodnym. KIA Sportage “diesel” - only four-wheel drive.
For the front suspension answer: strut, wishbone, stabilizer bar and coil springs. The back comes from a multi-link suspension, strut tower, coil springs.

NEW KIA SPORTAGE FOR 2011 Interior

Presents Kia Sportage, as a “sports car that carries a backpack.” Targets b young men are the same as those who buy sports cars. Although the 2011 Kia Sportage, certainly no sports car (with or without a backpack), but it offers a number of sports, and even upscale touches that can tickle the imagination of youth. For example, the same marker lights at the bottom of the headlights, as the Audi R8. And LED signal repeaters in the side mirrors are also an option of expensive cars. Plenty of other pleasant things, including parking assistant, dual-zone climate control and a giant sunroof. The interior of 2011 Kia Sportage on a par with the rest of the segment. Although people who love metal finish would rather Acura RDX. Nevertheless, the plastic inside the Kia is really good and pleasant to the touch and bright colors complement the accents on the door panels, which does not give the cabin to be too gloomy. It should also be noted leather multifunction steering wheel, which is convenient, informative and allows you to control many functions without taking your hands from him.

NEW KIA SPORTAGE 2011 ON THE ROAD PRICE : RM 138,888.00

NEW KIA SORENTO 2011 Offroad

The 4.7-metre long new Sorento moves vehicle design in this segment up to a new level of sophistication. As part of Kia’s drive to expand market coverage with its latest SUV, the new Sorento will be manufactured with a total of four engines – with different engines being available in various regions around the world in order to best suit local requirements and with CO₂ emissions from just 173 g/km.Kia has taken the wraps off its all-new Sorento – the landmark vehicle that took the Korean brand onto the world stage – at the Seoul Motor Show. Longer and lower, the new Sorento brings sleek styling and a futuristic touch to the world of the urban SUV.  With its longer front overhang, wedge profile, crisply defined greenhouse and accentuated wheelarch volumes, Kia’s new SUV looks thoroughly modern and sporty.

NEW KIA SORENTO 2011 Family SUV

The original Kia Sorento was a ‘landmark’ vehicle which took the Korean brand into a whole new section of the automotive market all around the world.  Introduced in 2002, it marked a huge step for Kia, challenging many established 4×4 and SUV brands and starting the process of changing public perception of Kia as a ‘maker of small cars.’ Now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer (CDO), Peter Schreyer, the Kia design team aimed to deliver futuristic styling with a bold sense of power and dynamism, to once again differentiate Kia’s larger SUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) from potential rivals by incorporating Kia’s new design DNA. “The dynamic design of new Sorento adopts simple, linear lines to create a powerful, yet polished appearance.  Sporty and striking, the new Sorento represents a new breed of vehicle,” commented Peter Schreyer, CDO of Kia Motors Corporation.

NEW KIA SORENTO 2011

During the development of the new Sorento, Kia engineers ditched the body-on-frame structure and designed an all-new unitary (monocoque) bodyshell with room for up to seven occupants.  Building on those new foundations, they concentrated on eight key areas – class-leading performance, increased fuel economy, reduced emissions, improved on-road handling, more fun-to-drive responsiveness, greater cabin space and comfort, enhanced overall safety and the introduction of new technologies. The original Sorento earned widespread media and public acclaim for its innovative styling, durability, off-road abilities and value-for-money.  Since 2002 it has attracted thousands of customers who had not previously considered buying a Kia and achieved global sales of almost 900,000 units.

NEW KIA SORENTO 2011 Interior

New Sorento presents buyers with a range of state-of-the-art safety systems and equipment as standard or as options – depending on market.  Active safety technologies that buyers can specify include ESC, HAC, DBC and RPAS (Rear Parking Assist System), plus several systems to boost braking performance during extreme conditions. Reversing is made even safer by a new Kia Reversing Safety Camera mounted on the tailgate.  This camera is fitted with a 130 degree wide-angle lens and transmits images to a 3.5-inch LCD display panel set within the cabin’s rear view mirror whenever reverse gear is selected.

NEW NAZA SORENTO 2011 ON THE ROAD PRICE : RM 158,888.00

***terms & conditions apply

NAZA KIA 2011 LATEST FACELIFT FOR PICANTO & CITRA

2011 NAZA PICANTO SPECIAL EDITION PHOTO GALLERY
2011 NAZA CITRA RS SPECIAL EDITION PHOTO GALLERY

• By Jin-seung Lim Automatic Transmission Design Team

Hello! Cerato (known as Forte in some markets) has released a hatchback model to complete its full lineup along with the Cerato Sedan and Cerato Koup. In this posting, you’ll find more info about the 6-speed automatic transmission that improves Cerato’s fuel efficiency and acceleration.

The Gamma front-wheel drive 6-speed automatic transmission, to be installed in the 2011 Cerato, is a compact transmission of world class standards developed using Kia Motors’ unique layout.

It employs a wide range of new technologies to significantly enhance performance, fuel economy and environment friendliness over the existing 4- or 5-speed transmissions. It boasts superior qualities that put it at the forefront of the world’s automatic transmission market.

Compared to the 4-speed automatic transmission, the 6-speed produces an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency, 15% faster zero to 100kmh acceleration time (seconds) and 17% quicker 60kmh to 100khm passing time (seconds).

The 6-speed transmission also weighs 5kg less than the existing 5-speed, features 62 fewer parts and is 6mm shorter in length. This results in improved fuel efficiency, performance and lighter weight.

About 300 basic patents have been acquired related to the unique layout featuring three planetary gearsets, two clutches and three brakes. In line with our plans to match performance with our design-led vehicles, Kia plans to develop basic technologies for a rear-wheel drive 8-speed transmission and a front-wheel drive 8-speed transmission to secure greater competitiveness in the automatic transmission market.

Additionally, Kia applied a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) with integrated input, control and output units to maintain optimal fuel consumption and performance levels. The input unit receives information related to input/output revolution, oil temperature, number of engine revolutions and engine torque, while the control unit assesses driving conditions and makes calculations to determine the transmission gear and control the oil pressure/damper clutch.

The solenoid valve operates on signals from the control unit and adjusts the oil pressure to control the transmission. In effect, this means that the 6-speed automatic transmission was developed to respond nimbly and accurately to various vehicle data and the driver’s intention, much like a manual transmission.

Meanwhile, the torque converter which relays the engine’s power to the vehicle is more compact and lightweight while offering higher capacity. The seal-type 2-pinion differential provides 50% improved durability while the hydraulic deviation adjustment valve body enhances the shift feel to deliver a smoother ride.

The lubricant grooves of friction materials of the clutch were optimized to enhance oil flow between clutches while shifting gears, thereby enhancing the shift quality. The stacked planetary gear carrier allows for a shorter length and simplified structure. As for the gear ratio, the first gear ratio is set approximately 11% higher than in previous transmissions for improved hill climbing acceleration while the sixth gear is set 2.5% lower to improve fuel economy, raise the top speed and increase durability.

I hope you all have a chance to discover the joyful experience of our new 6-speed transmission with the Cerato.

this new interest car loan rates will hold down cars sales this years after buyers holding back purchases due to higher interest applied. Interest rates on car loans have increased by an average of 0.25 percentage point for national cars and 0.7
national cars have higher interest rates than non-national cars before the hike. its will be addition of rm 8.oo monthly for short term loan or nearly RM 20.oo for long terms car loan for Rm 40,000 cars.
Proton and Perodua car loan rates had been adjusted to 3.75% for loan tenures of five years and below, 3.9% for six to seven years and 4% for eight to nine-year loans, according to major car dealers. Previously, they ranged from 3.5% to 3.75%.

As for new non-national makes hire-purchase rates for new non-national cars had been raised to 3.25% for loan tenures of five years and below, 3.4% for six to seven years and 3.5% for eight to nine-year loans.

…

Higher loan rates will hit car sales

PETALING JAYA: Interest rates on car loans have increased by an average of 0.25 percentage point for national cars and 0.7 percentage point for non-national makes since the overnight policy rate — the benchmark interest rate which determines banks’ lending rates — was revised upwards by 25 basis points to 2.25% in early March.

Dealers said they were already feeling the impact.

New car registrations reached 56,139 units last month, 25% higher than the same month last year, as buyers locked in their purchases before the widely-anticipated interest rate hike.

The real impact on car sales figures would probably be seen from April, according to industry players.

“We are expecting an adverse impact on sales from the recent hike,” Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia president Armin Baniaz Pahamin told StarBizWeek.

“Already, national cars have higher interest rates than non-national cars before the hike.”

This is traditionally the case because the credit risk in the national car segment is perceived to be higher than in the non-national car segment as the former tends to target the lower to middle-income earners.

OSK Research in its recent report on the sector noted that dealers had fully capitalised on the recent OPR rate hike in making their earlier sales pitches. “This caused a rush as buyers locked in their orders before the OPR was increased in early March,” the research outfit said.

Proton and Perodua car loan rates had been adjusted to 3.75% for loan tenures of five years and below, 3.9% for six to seven years and 4% for eight to nine-year loans, according to major car dealers. Previously, they ranged from 3.5% to 3.75%.

With the new rates, for example, a person looking to purchase a RM40,000 Perodua car with a five-year loan tenure (at the new rate of 3.75% per annum) will have to pay RM791, or RM8 more, per month.

This goes up to about RM20 more a month for a longer-term loans.

As for new non-national makes, a dealer with Kah Motor Co Sdn Bhd which distributes Honda cars, said hire-purchase rates for new non-national cars had been raised to 3.25% for loan tenures of five years and below, 3.4% for six to seven years and 3.5% for eight to nine-year loans.

Before, hire-purchase interest rates were in the range of 2.4% to 2.8%, he said.

“There is some impact on sales so far. We see some individuals holding back purchases,” the dealer added.

Honda’s market share fell last month on weak sales, sliding 5.8% year-to-date as sales halted largely caused by the impending launch of its new CRV towards the end of this month, OSK Research said.

By YVONNE TAN and EUGENE MAHALINGAM
THE STAR

By Sae Young Song
Director
Kia Design Center

Launched in 2002, Sorento has enhanced the Kia brand image with its popularity in the market in Korea and abroad. The Sorento builds on this strong momentum, but with a more refined style. It is a CUV designed for the urban lifestyle delivering Kia’s distinctive emotional appeal.

Design Factors
The new Sorento’s design incorporates the agility of a cheetah, the minimal lines of modern architecture and hi-tech sophistication. Attention to the finer details and Kia’s design DNA make new Sorento the perfect answer to city living.

Somehow familiar, yet never seen before
While keeping the solid surface feeling of its predecessor, new Sorento incorporates Kia’s Design Identity elements and the latest design trends to project a completely new profile.

For a more stable CUV body, we adopted a monocoque frame to replace the widely used body-on-frame. The result is a lighter vehicle and greater fuel economy, a quiet and comfortable ride usually offered only luxury sedans and a more spacious interior. We increased the car length but reduced the height to create a futuristic stance and elegant proportions.

Another unique feature is the simple lines and form of the side body. The deep character line and belt line emphasize speed and agility, while the two-tone bumper and accentuated wheel volume arch adds a bold and powerful touch.

Kia’s signature radiator grille and headlamp layout convey a harmonious look previously seen in the Optima (Magentis), Soul, and Forte (all-new Cerato).

Touch the driver’s heart
The interior was designed with convenience in mind. Featuring the Kia Design Identity and hi-tech details, it caters to the demands of today’s busy urbanites.

With its carbon finish and chrome details, New Sorento has a sporty feel. We took the cues from images of an invigorating workout on the treadmill and upscale sportswear. Driving at night becomes a more dramatic experience thanks to mood lighting on the door garnish and negative LCD for the audio system, first applied in the Mohave (Borrego). Lower tray lighting of the center fascia provides added convenience.

Other notable Design elements factors include red and bright white lighting for the 3-cylinder cluster and user-friendly audio switch positioning.

A roomy console tray that comes with an extra portable tray (can hold a 14-inch notebook PC) provides ample storage space. A tray is also available under the center fascia.

New Sorento is Kia’s first new vehicle launch in 2009. Satisfaction is not limited to owning or driving the vehicle. The real value of new Sorento stems from the emotional connection between the car and the driver.

Kia designer’s will continue to create new value that reflects customers’ thoughts and emotions.

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