In conjunction with the upcoming Raya festive period, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is offering the following offers and promotions for potential customers in period from 23 Aug to 30 Sept 2010:

- Cash bonus up to RM3,000 for all customers who book and register any Mitsubishi model during the promotion period. The actual bonus value, however, would vary between models.

- Free Mitsubishi jacket for booking and registering of any Mitsubishi model

- Two-Year Free Maintenance package for all models bought during the promotional period except for the Triton Lite. The package provides free maintenance parts and labour costs for owners. Parts covered by the package include Engine Oil, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, Air Cleaner, Brake Fluid, Coolant, Differential Oil and Transmission Oil (based on recommended scheduled service intervals).

- Free Mitsubishi merchandise for customers who test drive any Mitsubishi model during the period. While stocks last, of course.

- 20% discount on selected spare parts at Mitsubishi service centres. Free golf umbrella for Mitsubishi owners.

FAST Sdn Bhd, a Federal Auto Holdings Bhd subsidiary, is holding a five-day roadshow at 1Utama shopping centre, Petaling Jaya. Set to end this weekend, the roadshow lines up special offer deals for customers, and has on display models of brands sold by Federal Auto and its subsidiaries, namely Volvo, Volkswagen (FA Wagen), and Mitsubishi (FA Automobiles).

For the roadshow, FAST also engaged in a tie-up with tint-film maker Llumar, who will be offering promotion deals for their Palladium-9 and Diamond-6 range of tints. Buyers of Palladium-9, the top range Llumar tint, will receive a free umbrella, Garmin GPS and a 20% discount voucher for future purchases of Llumar products. The Diamond-6 range is also subject to a similar promotion, but in places of the Garmin GPS set is a car care package by Meguiars worth RM200.

Lastly, buyers who place orders for Volvo or Volkswagen vehicles on the spot will receive a RM5,000 cash voucher for the purchase of a complete set of Heico accessories for Volvo, or a complete set of ABT accessories for Volkswagen. The roadshow started on Wednesday, 24 Mar 2010 and will conclude on Sunday, 28 Mar 2010.

It all started in 2005 when I created the Carburetor Forum for enthusiasts of the 4G1-series engine, with 1,300 and 1,500 cc engine car owners consisting of mainly Malaysian-made cars which are highly affordable, have durable engines and an abundance of spare parts.

Proton Iswara 1.5- powered by Mitsubishi’s durable 1,468cc 4G15 SOHC.

Before 2005, I’ve gone through several Sagas, Iswaras and Satrias and I have meddled extensively with the engine internals. It went to an extent that in one particular year I had to change more than three engines! For more than 10 years, the 4G1-series single cam engine has been in my bloodline. I once converted to the Mitsubishi 4G9-series engine but it wasn’t meant to be. Due to certain family commitments, I had to revert back to a year 1999 Wira 1.5(A).

However, this was by no means a downgrade. I have been successfully campaigning this car in GRA ( Grassroots Racing Autosports) competitions since year 2006 and at one time was placed as high as second against a field of competitors with cars that were much more highly regarded, much to my competitors’ embarassment. I have also been active in many motorsports events over the years.

Fred in action at GRA.

The 4G1 Series forum was started by me to give all members a chance to understand this underrated but wonderfully versatile engine which can dish out a minimum of 99 hp with the right modifications that are both affordable and compliant with the strict regulations of our road transport department. With the help of all other car modders in our forum, we provide a sense of belonging to 4G1-series owners since this humble single cam engine has been already replaced by Campro engines.

Currently, we have 150 active members nationwide including some from East Malaysia. Our members are involved in the whole range of modifications that are available for the 4G1-series, from performance carburettor, naturally aspirated and force induction. Our community organizes regular meet-ups and outings of various kinds to keep each other engaged in our passion.

We welcome the participation of more owners of the 4G1-series engine in its various incarnations to join our small but vibrant community.

Fred Foong
4G1 Series Forum

Editorial Note:

Before switching to the Waja, my previous ride was a 2002 Iswara 1.5 auto, shown in the picture above. I went to that car after three years driving a Wira 1.6 XLi(A), and let’s just say that the transition wasn’t very pleasant. For a start, I hated the archaic 3-speed automatic transmission, which meant that I had a car which clocks the same kind of FC in urban and highway driving.

However, as time went on, my feelings for the car began to warm. It might not be particularly fast, but it was a willing workhorse. The engine was a smooth revver, and archaic as it might be, that auto gearbox can take tons of abuse without showing any signs of breaking down. Best thing I liked about that car was its maneuverability. There are times, when I attempt to squeeze through tight spaces in my Lotus-tuned Waja, I think back to the humble Iswara which would have wiggled through the gap quite easily. – KON

Early next month, new facelifted versions of the Mitsubishi Triton will be making their appearances in Mitsubishi showrooms nationwide. The launch of the Triton facelift follows up on the launches of the Pajero Sport, as well as facelifted versions of the Lancer GT and Grandis, ensuring a refreshed Mitsu lineup going into the festive period.

Besides the usual tweaking in its looks, the facelifted Triton will also get an expanded cargo bed for increased cargo carrying capacity. Few other details were made available to us, but Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia did accompany their press release with an image (one that has been flooding the mailbox of the local press) showing us the new front fascia of the Triton and Triton Lite.

Mitsubishi Triton facelift.

Though not explicitly stated, the facelifted Triton should be carrying on with the same unchanged lineup: 3.2-litre 4×4 automatic, 2.5-litre 4×4 auto & manual, and finally the 2.5-litre 4×2 Triton Lite. According to MMM, 5,077 units of the Triton were sold last year, an increase of 45.9% from 2007. In terms of market share, the Triton was the country’s second most popular pickup truck, accounting for 18.1% market share of the segment.

“The revolutionary Triton injected a breath of fresh air into the Malaysian automotive industry, particularly in the pick up segment, when the first variant was launched in 2006. The Triton created a new trend in Malaysia with the bold ruggedness of a powerful engine combined with original styling, ride comfort, spacious cabin, and enhanced safety features,” said Mr. Keizo Ono, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

After sales, MMM offers a 3-year/100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty for the Triton. Also offered with each Triton is a “Mitsubishi Assist 24” card, which entitles the buyer to among others, round-the-clock roadside assistance.

We are keeping tabs on the situation, and will report to you as soon as we have more details. Until then, for more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my.

KON

Recently, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia organized a special test drive session of the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport for members of the local media. A total of 21 journalists from various publications were invited to attend the event. Spread into five cars, each took turns to drive the Pajero Sport from KL all the way up to Penang and back the following day with a few backroad detours thrown in to fully test its ride, handling and off-road capabilities.

The media pack gathered in the morning at MMM’s HQ in Shah Alam, where they were introduced to Mitsu’s veteran Dakar Rally driver Hiroshi Masuoka, who played a key role in the development of the Pajero Sport. At 9:30am, after a quick group photo, everybody got into their assigned cars and fired up the Pajero’s (let’s use the Sport moniker sparingly from this point forward) two and a half litre turbo-diesel powerplant. Collectively, the five diesel engines idling together produced an audible clatter, which became markedly reduced when the cars are on their own.

Journalists being introduced to Masuoka, before getting into their respective cars.

I was placed in Car No. 3, in the company of  a trio of experienced veteran writers – LeePS of Auto International, Yamin Vong of CBT and BH Chan of Chinese-language based magazine Motorcar. We were flagged off by MMM Chairman, Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir, in the presence of Masuoka-san, CEO Mr Keizo Ono and COO En Omar Harun, with LeePS at the helm of our car. The mini-convoy headed to its first destination at the Selangor Fruit Valley at Bukit Bestari, Rawang. Driving sedately, LeePS was taking it easy on the highway, allowing the other cars to build a sizeable lead over us.

As LeePS strolled the Pajero forward at a leisurely pace, the three of us on the passenger seats had time to look around and evaluate the quality of its cabin. Impressions at this stage were good. The cabin is solidly built, and while the materials used are not bespoke, they look very capable of lasting years of hard use. We got a little wind noise on the highway, but not enough to disrupt our conversations or the music collection stored in the little Pajero-shaped thumbdrive plugged into the USB slot by MMM.

LeePS took it easy on the highways, but gave the Pajero a thrashing along the Rawang backroads.

We eventually caught up with the other test cars at Exit 117 to Rawang & Batang Berjuntai. Heavy traffic split us from the convoy again, but once clear, LeePS absolutely hammered the Pajero through the twists of Jalan Batu Arang to get us again within touching distance of YS, Chris Wee and the others. Here, the Pajero’s tall body exhibited rolling tendencies, but the use of double wishbones up front teamed with independent rear suspension held by a lateral rod kept things firmly in check.

Lateral rod kept body roll in check. Journalists were impressed.

LeePS was able to eventually catch up with the convoy again and we kept on their tails until we reached the Selangor Fruit Valley. There, we were treated to a feast of durians, rambutans, and mangosteens as Masuoka-san to took each of us in-turn on “taxi-ride” on a rough off-road track through the fruit farm in a bog-standard Pajero, rally style. It was an exercise to demonstrate the off-road ability and hardiness of the Pajero, with the engineering borne out of Mitsubishi’s 25-year experience in rallying.

Selangor Fruit Valley – a feast of fruits and an off-road track awaited us here.

Although Masuoka appeared to be driving around the farm like a madman, there was little doubt that he knew what he was doing. During the few times that the Pajero almost lost grip, he was able to recover the situation almost nonchalantly, while casually engaging us in a conversation. You wouldn’t guess it from the pictures, but bumps aside, it was very refined in the cabin. The Pajero just took everything Masuoka threw at it without much fuss, emerging from this chassis-shattering ordeal none the worse for wear.

Danny here actually had a proper conversation with Masuoka as the latter throws the Pajero Sport around the fruit farm.

Poser…

We left the fruit farm with LeePS still behind the wheel, and continued along Jalan Batu Arang in the direction we came from. At this point, it seemed that the designated first drivers have gotten the best deal of the journey. After driving the Pajero through a stretch of untarred road, LeePS got to put the claimed 314Nm peak torque of the Pajero’s common-rail diesel engine to test with stretches of long straight roads. Overtaking on dual-lane single carriageways is not beyond the Pajero, but such efforts are best executed with some planning as the engine takes a few seconds to respond after burying your right foot on the throttle.

LeePS got to further test the Pajero’s breadth of abilities.

The convoy regrouped for a driver change just before we re-entered the PLUS highway at Bukit Tagar, where Yamin took the reins in our car. The designated second drivers got an all-highway route as we cruised steadily to our next rest stop at Tapah for the next driver change. After taking a moment to freshen up, the keys were handed to me, as I was tasked to take Yamin, LeePS and BH to join the convoy for lunch at Indulgence Cafe at Ipoh, before continuing our journey to Bukit Gantang for our next driver change.

Lunch at Indulgence Cafe, Ipoh

My leg of the journey behind the wheel takes us, much to my delight, through the winding and sloping stretches of the PLUS highway at Jelapang. Here, I had to call on the manual shifting function on the INVECS-II four-speed automatic transmission for added traction at the bends. It allowed for more confident cornering, but at a lanky 1.8-metres in height, the Pajero Sport was never going to pull off any physics-defying moves.

Along the straights, the Pajero Sport was a civilized cruiser. Although having only four ratios to play with, the auto gearbox was able to keep the tachometer ticking just over 2,000rpm at the national speed limit. There’s a slight lag in throttle response when prodded, but when it gets on song, all the torque of the diesel engine is delivered in smooth and seamless fashion, evidenced by a steady but relentless march of the speedometer into the triple-digit range.

4A/T proved adequate during our test drive.

Compared to the 2.0-litre Captiva that we tested last weekend, the Pajero Sport’s 2,477cc 4D56 oil-burner, despite a 500cc advantage, loses out in the output stakes. Against the Captiva, it has a power and torque deficit of 12hp and 6Nm, with Mitsu claiming output figures of 136hp @3,500rpm and 314Nm @ 2,000rpm respectively. Not that this these figures make the Pajero a slouch, but it’s worth noting that in Europe, this engine is tuned to produce in excess of 170hp. According to MMM, the conservative tuning of the engine’s output is to accommodate the lower quality diesel of our market.

2.5-litre 4D56 is a little low on power compared to other alternatives, but still pulls Pajero strongly enough.

After swapping drivers at Bukit Gantang, where I vacated the drivers seat to make way for BH, the convoy continued all the way to Penang almost without interruption, though it was a tortoise-paced drive once we crossed the Penang bridge. It took us more than 45 minutes to crawl our way from the bridge to the premises of the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang resort at Batu Ferringhi, where we checked in for the night after an exhausting day behind the wheel. The day’s programme was then wrapped up with a buffet dinner at Shangri-La’s very own Tepi Laut Restaurant & Bar, where Masuoka-san and the other representatives interacted with inquisitive members of the media in a feedback session of the Pajero Sport.

Our lair for the night.

Dinner at Tepi Laut.

The next morning, as some of the other journalists engaged each other in a game of golf, I was able to spend some time on my own with one of the Pajero Sport test cars. Strong sunlight limited my photography options, but I was able to better explore the various features of the interior, not to mention testing the Pajero’s handling along the twisty coastal road of Batu Ferringhi. As advertised, the Super Select 4WD (SS4) system enabled on-the-fly switching between RWD and 4WD mode in seamless fashion up to 100kph.

There are three 4WD modes available – high range (4H), high ranged with locked centre differential (4HLc), and low range with locked centre differential (4LLc), with the chosen setting shown in an on-dash display. Setting the drivetrain to ‘4LLc’ gives the Pajero the ability to climb slopes up 35 degrees steep, while maximum lateral travel angle is rated at 45 degrees. Complimenting the SS4, is a hybrid LSD with helical gears and a viscous coupling. As far as off-roading ability goes, the Pajero Sport is every bit a worthy bearer of the nameplate.

Super Select 4WD indicator embedded in instrument panel.

It is however, a little short in terms of equipment. For 163,000 of your hard-earned ringgits, you will not be getting any one of auto-cruise, steering mounted controls, trip computers, or even a dash-mounted clock. The Kenwood ICE system with 2-DIN HU is a decent piece of kit though, with MP3, WMA and DVD capability built-in. A USB slot placed at the bottom of the centre console next to the cigarette lighter. As a safety feature, and also part of JPJ requirements, the DVD video player can only be used when the car is at a full stop.

Folding of the rear seats, an important feature for potential buyers of this car, can be operated intuitively. Both rows can be split folded, allowing for various cargo/passenger carrying configurations.  The folding mechanism has a solid feel about it, but occasionally it may take more than one attempt to snap the seats back in place. Releasing them was easy enough, especially the back row. It may sound flimsy, but all you have to do pull a couple of straps and the back row seats just tumble forward, slotting themselves nicely to form a flat bed.

Dash is well-designed and solidly built, but at RM163k, it could do with more equipment.

Various possible configurations of the rear seats.

For the return journey to KL, the pack was once again reshuffled, as each car headed home (MMM HQ) independently. I once again found myself in Yamin’s company, but this time we were joined by Salihin of Berita Harian Auto and Ong Siew Lam of Sin Chew. Yamin got us going, and took us through another winding back road of Tanjung Bungah before we joined Jalan Gottlieb and headed straight for the bridge. We swapped drivers twice, but it was an uneventful journey home. The only incident of note was that we had an encounter with a police roadblock, but we were waved right through without having to stop.

Yamin gave the Pajero a good workout, before retiring to the backseat.

During our two days with it, the Pajero Sport gave us a very good impression of its abilities. It was properly refined on the straights, and equally adept in rough terrain. Being mounted on a ladder frame, it does lose out against monocoque-framed rivals in the urban battlefield. In addition, a specs sheet which features a four-speed auto gearbox and rear drum brakes is not likely to impress either, especially at RM163k. What the Pajero Sport has going for it is the ruggedness of its drivetrain, suspension and build quality making it a capable off-roader.

Specifications: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Price (OTR incl. insurance, Peninsula): RM162,980.00
Engine: 4D56, 2,477cc, 16V, inline-4, DOHC, turbodiesel with intercooler.
Max Power: 136hp @ 3,500rpm
Max Torque: 314Nm @ 2,000rpm
Drivetrain: 4-speed INVECS-II automatic transmission, Super Select 4WD
Brakes (front/rear): Vent disc / Drums
Suspension (front / rear): Double wishbones / 3-link with lateral rod
Tyres: 265/65 R17
Length × Width × Height: 4,695mm × 1,815mm × 1,800mm
Wheelbase: 2,800mm
Weight: 2,055kg (kerb), 2,710kg(gross)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres

(+): Rugged build, good high speed refinement, Super Select 4WD.
(-): Underequipped for the price

Verdict: The Pajero Sport is difficult to recommend if you’re an urban only user. However, if you need to constantly go offroad, this is a car to consider.

View the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Media Test Drive thread in our forum here.

Best New Engine of the Year

The category of newcomer engines, which included two from BMW was won by Porsche with their new 3.8-litre naturally aspirated flat six. It is rated at an impressive 385bhp max power, but that was not the factor that clinched its award. What impressed the judges most was how Porsche also got the engine to sip less fuel than its predecessor.

According to Marc Noordeloos of Automobile magazine, “Leave it to Porsche to build a near-400bhp engine that returns such impressive fuel economy. Enthusiasts should take comfort in the fact that the naturally aspirated engine may not be dying after all.”

Porsche attributes the impressive economy of this engine to the fact that it uses direct injection, brought over from the Cayenne. That, and a 200cc increase in engine capacity saw the 3.8 gain a healthy 30bhp over the outgoing 3.6 but emit 15% less CO₂.

Green Engine of the Year

VW introduced the 1.4-litre twincharged EA111 engine back in 2006, but today the engine is still good enough to fend off challenges from Mercedes and BMW diesels in addition to hybrids from Honda and Ford.

The 1.3-litre IMA from  Honda pushed it real close, but ultimately lost out because of its massive power deficit in comparison to the TSI, which can be tuned to output as much as 178bhp.

FC and emission figures ultimately clinched it for the VW. When used in the Golf, the TSI emits 144 grams of CO₂ for every kilometre traveled and consumes 6.2 litres of petrol for every one hundred. The Insight betters both these figures, but falls way short of the TSI’s impressive power output.

Best Performance Engine

Taking the title of the Best Performance Engine is none other than the famous 6.2-litre V8 M156 of Mercedes-AMG, which powers everything currently slapped with the 63 AMG badge.

This naturally aspirated high-revver (7,200rpm redline) had to beat two BMW engines, and one each from Jaguar, Porsche and Ferrari to claim its prize.

Best Performance Engine: Mercedes-AMG M156 6.2 V8.

Sub 1-litre

The Sub 1-litre category is actually the best place for Japanese manufacturers to cari makan in these awards. As the Europeans tend to look at the bigger capacities, it leaves room for the Japanese to attack this segment unhindered.

Look no further, the only Japanese winner in this year’s award is here – Toyota’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder 1 KR-FE, which it also shares with the PSA Group. After narrowly winning this segment last year, the three-potter returned to trounce smart’s 799cc diesel into a distant second place.

Sub 1-litre: Toyota 1KR-FE

1-litre to 1.4-litre

The 1.0-1.4 segment sees a VW one-two finish, with two of its 1.4 TSI powerplants occupying the top two berths in this category. The very same engine that took home the Green Engine of the Year award, the EA111, now bags the 1.0-1.4 category as well.

1.4-litre to 1.8-litre

A piece of news that is certain to excite our 308 forummers in Autoworld, the turbocharged version BMW-PSA Prince 1.6-litre engine under their hoods havs won this segment for the third year running, comfortably beating the Toyota Prius 1.8-litre hybrid.

For this award, the version of the engine tested churned 175hp of power and 260Nm of torque, which is the specification level for the 308 GT and the Mini Cooper S.

Third place is taken by another engine that has also seen a reasonable amount of action in Malaysia, Audi’s 1.8-litre TFSI found in the likes of the A4, TT, Skoda Superb and VW Passat.

1.4-litre to 1.8-litre: BMW-PSA Prince

1.8-litre to 2.0-litre

Last year’s winner of the 1.8-2.0 category, Audi’s EA 113 2.0-litre TFSI engine, was finally deposed of its crown, ironically by its successor, the EA 888, another 2.0-litre TFSI engine available in power outputs ranging from 178 to 208bhp, and capable of up to 350Nm of torque.

The EA113, meanwhile, occupies third place, with the BMW N47 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel of the 123d sits between the two Audi powerplants at second. A special mention goes to Subaru for having its first diesel engine even nominated in the category.

1.8-litre to 2.0-litre: Audi EA888 2.0 TFSI

2.0-litre to 2.5-litre

Winning in the 2.0-2.5 category was the new 2.1-litre diesel from Mercedes-Benz introduced in the W212 E-class. Featuring twin-turbos, piezo-electric direct injection, Stuttgart’s latest oil-burner is available in three states of tune – 134bhp, 168bhp and 201bhp.

In second place is the 2.5-litre five-pot motor found in the Audi TT RS, recently previewed here in Autoworld Blog, capable of producing 340bhp and 450Nm. Also among the nominees, but finishing last, is the Honda 2.4-litre K24 engine, which in Malaysia’s market sees action in the Accord and Odyssey.

2.5-litre to 3.0-litre

Here is a category dominated by BMW for the past three years. Two time overall winner of the International Engine of the Year Award (in 2007 and 2008), the BMW N54B30 3.0-litre direct injection twin turbo engine continues to dominate this category for the third year running.

The N54 was BMW’s first turbocharged petrol engine since 1980, but it certainly was worth the wait. Lag free turbo response ensures a healthy 302bhp on tap with 400Nm of peak torque available pretty much all the time.

A distant second is another BMW 3.0-litre twin turbo engine, but a diesel powered variant, one that has seen action in the 335d, 535d, 635d, X3, X5 and X6, the M57. In the 35d state of tune, this engine outputs 282hp peak power and a whopping 580Nm of peak torque.

2.5-litre to 3.0-litre: NMW N54

3.0-litre to 4.0-litre

After being upstaged by the Mercedes-AMG 6.2-litre monster in the Best Performance Engine category, the S65B40 4.0-litre V8 of the BMW M3 redeems some pride by comfortably beating two Porsche 3.8-litre flat six engines to take the 3-to-4 litre category.

Producing 414bhp at its 8,250rpm redline, the S65 replaces the highly successful S54B32 of the E46 M3. The S54 has left a tough act to follow, having walloped this category for no less than six times during its career. For the S65, this is its second victory in this category after winning it in 2008, ensuring BMW’s continued dominance in this segment.

3.0-litre to 4.0-litre: BMW S65B40

Above 4.0-litre

Mercedes and AMG reassume centerstage for the Above-4 category, with the 6.2 V8 M156 returning to shrug off challenges from two BMW powerplants, a Jag, a Cadillac, and a somewhat darkhorse in the form of a Lexus hybrid.

INTERNATIONAL ENGINE OF THE YEAR 2009

After deciding the respective categories, judges then form a shortlist from the winner of each category to ultimately decide the winner of the International Engine of the Year award.

For 2009, the tiny 1.4-litre EA111 TSI powerplant from Volkswagen took on defeated the mighty N54 from BMW, ending the Bavarians’ four-year monopoly of the top prize. It wasn’t easy for the little guy though, as the defending champion fought it all the way, in the end losing only by four judging points.

INTERNATIONAL ENGINE OF THE YEAR 2009: Volkswagen EA111

Now that is a huge percentage to lose in one month

Even more scary, Mitsubishi sold 36 per cent less cars in January compared to last year and the first month of this year represents 17th consecutive month of decline and things are not lookingup.

The japanse stock market is in decline adn US house sales numbers and prices are falling, indicating continually weak consumer confidence.

Japan’s export shrank by 45.7 per cent, the fastest decline on record.

The drop in export is causing the country to experience trade deficit of nearly USD10 billion for January alone

For the Full Monty, read the Press Release below

Mitsubishi Motors announces production, sales and export figures for January 2009

Tokyo, February 25, 2009 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for January 2009. Production: total and in Japan Total global production came in at 53,339 units, a decline of 53.9 percent over January 2008 and the eleventh consecutive monthly decrease since March 2008. Production volume in Japan at 25,392 units was down 65.0 percent as a 67.7 percent decrease in passenger car and a 40.3 percent decline in commercial vehicle output saw year-on-year output fall for the third consecutive month. The fall in production volume in Japan was due mainly to the impact on sales volume in the company’s world markets of the global financial crisis. Sales in Japan Vehicle sales in Japan in January totaled 9,655 units, a 36.3 percent decrease year-on-year and the 17th consecutive monthly decline since September 2007. Registered vehicle sales volume was 54.0 percent down on the same month last year. Minicar sales volume was 23.2 percent down. Production overseas Overseas production volume totaled 27,947 units, 35.3 percent down over January last year and the eleventh consecutive monthly decline. By region, output in North America was 66.5 percent down as production levels were adjusted for slow sales in the United States. In Europe, output was 20.3 percent down due to sluggish sales in the region. Export shipments from Japan Total exports from Japan of 12,936 units were 77.4 percent down on January 2008, marking the third consecutive month of year-on-year decreases. Exports to Asia at 970 units were 54.7 percent down on January 2008 due mainly to a drop in exports of built-up models to China. Exports to Europe at 4,673 units were 84.1 percent down due mainly to a major drop in sales in Russia and The Ukraine. Exports to North America as a whole at 2,252 units were 67.7 percent down, though shipments to Canada only slipped by five percent. January 2009 Fiscal Year 2008 (’08/04-’09/1) Calendar Year 2008 (’09/01-’09/1) Volume YoY(%) Volume YoY(%) Volume YoY(%) Domestic Production Passenger Cars 21,117 32.3 552,126 88.3 21,117 32.3 Commercial Vehicles 4,275 59.7 62,126 89.2 4,275 59.7 Total 25,392 35.0 614,252 88.4 25,392 35.0 Domestic Sales * Passenger Cars Registrations 2,806 46.1 39,285 66.6 2,806 46.1 Minicars 4,450 75.0 58,448 91.5 4,450 75.0 Total 7,256 60.4 97,733 79.6 7,256 60.4 Commercial Vehicles Registrations 182 44.6 3,384 71.4 182 44.6 Minicars 2,225 80.7 30,380 79.5 2,225 80.7 Total 2,407 76.2 33,764 78.6 2,407 76.2 Registrations Total 2,988 46.0 42,669 67.0 2,988 46.0 Minicars Total 6,675 76.8 88,828 87.0 6,675 76.8 Grand Total 9,663 63.7 131,497 79.3 9,663 63.7 Exports Passenger Cars 12,754 22.8 423,432 89.1 12,754 22.8 Commercial Vehicles 182 12.3 9,182 79.5 182 12.3 Total 12,936 22.6 432,614 88.9 12,936 22.6 Production Domestic Production 25,392 35.0 614,252 88.4 25,392 35.0 Overseas Production 27,947 64.7 358,139 76.3 27,947 64.7 Total 53,339 46.1 972,391 83.5 53,339 46.1 * Includes imports to Japan

Some hours ago, someone in a press room in Stuttgart put together a news release to announce to the world that the W204 Mercedes-Benz C-class was named in as one of 2009’s Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), adding another star to the C-class’ cap after receiving a five star rating by EuroNCAP. In essence, the IIHS’ crash test IS the United States’ answer to the EuroNCAP.

In the IIHS crash tests, cars are subject to frontal and side crashes, besides a rear impact test where evaluations to the cars’ protection against neck injury are evaluated. According to Mercedes, the W204 scored ‘top marks’ for each of the criteria, but whether the term is defined to mean maximum marks or highest marks among competitors could not be ascertained.

The US spec C-class which was tested had seven airbags, belt tensioners, belt force limiters and NECK PRO crash-responsive head restraints fitted as standard. Buyers can also opt for an anticipatory occupant protection system (dubbed PRESAFE) which pre-activates certain safety systems when it anticipates a collision to be imminent – a system that Mercedes claims would reduce the impact on occupants by as much as 40%.

Merc C-class, one of 72 Top Safety Picks of 2009

But, I was not going to just take Mercedes’ side of the story, and thus I went on to examine the claims at the IIHS’ official website (link here) where they listed no fewer than 72 Top Safety Picks for 2009 with another 26 ‘also-rans’. Here they are: (cars sold in Malaysia highlighted in bold)

Large cars
Acura RL
Audi A6
Cadillac CTS
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Mercury Sable
Toyota Avalon
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Acura TL, TSX
Audi A3, A4
BMW 3 series 4-door models
Ford Fusion with optional electronic stability control
Honda Accord 4-door models
Mercedes C class
Mercury Milan with optional electronic stability control
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy (previously sold in Malaysia)
Volkswagen Jetta, Passat

Midsize convertibles
Saab 9-3
Volkswagen Eos
Volvo C70

Small cars
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Mitsubishi Lancer with optional electronic stability control
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza with optional electronic stability control
Toyota Corolla with optional electronic stability control
Volkswagen Rabbit (VW Golf)

Minicar
Honda Fit with optional electronic stability control (Honda Jazz)

Minivans
Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

Large SUVs
Audi Q7
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
Saturn Outlook

Midsize SUVs
Acura MDX, RDX
BMW X3, X5
Ford Edge, Flex, Taurus X
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe, Veracruz
Infiniti EX35
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M class
Nissan Murano (only unofficially availabe in Malaysia)
Saturn VUE
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota FJ Cruiser, Highlander
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Ford Escape (new generation not sold in Malaysia)
Honda CR-V, Element
Mazda Tribute
Mercury Mariner
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan

Large pickups
Ford F-150
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tundra

Small pickup
Toyota Tacoma (Toyota Hilux)

ALSO-RANS
These 26 vehicles earn good ratings in front and side crash tests. They have ESC, standard or optional. They would be 2009 Top Safety Pick winners if their seat/head restraints also earn good ratings:

Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler Sebring, Sebring convertible, Town & Country
Dodge Avenger, Grand Caravan
Infiniti G35, M35
Kia Amanti
Lexus ES, GS, IS
Mazda CX-7, CX-9
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Endeavor
Nissan Altima, Pathfinder, Quest, Xterra
Saturn AURA
Smart Fortwo
Toyota 4Runner, Camry, Prius, Sienna

These are the first pictures to appear on the internet of the new Mitsubishi Colt and it sports the now familiar trapezoidal grille that first appeared on the Lancer.

It was suppose to debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show but it seems the pictures are out early, bareky a week after teasers came online

Don’t get me wrong, the grille looks great on the Lancer  but I don’t think it is the sort of face that goes with everything.

The Colt had a nice likeable cherubic face, now it looks menacing and that’s not so suitable for a small cute car, I think

I understand the need to extablish a common corporate look but I think this is taking it a bit too far

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Japan just announced their mid-term plan and the gist of it is that from this year till 2011 the company wants to cut cost and improve profitability, which is sensible enough for any company.

They want to do this by reducing their R&D expenditure by reducing the number of specialised, region-specific models. In other words the whole world will get the same car i.e a global car – not exactly a ground breaking idea since Toyota, Honda ad Ford which got onteh bandwagon sometime in the last decade has found out that the global-car idea does nto necessarily work well just looka t how Both Toyota and Honda have Europe centric and America centric models now.

Mitsubishi also wants to intoruduce an MPV based on their one-tonne pick-up truck…hmmm again not new after the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner

It might work if the plan is for a low-cost version of the popular Pajero

They want to build more mid-sized cars because that’s where the margin is the fattest. This is true but they need strong brand image to make this work…

Finally they want to share more work with Nissan in building small fuel efficient cars… like the i-car,

This is a good idea but since margins at the bottom of the rung is thin, they will have to fight hard against small car specialists like Diahatsu and Suzuki.

I like Mitsubishi because they build the EVO so I want them to get better…Best of luck then

 If you feel up to it, the FULL Press release is below..read on