Toyota Prius by Tommi Kaira

The Tommi Kaira Prius features a body-kit that includes a low front lip, big front air dams shaped like those of an Audi R8, thick rims, wide side skirts and a new redesigned rear bumper.

Top 10 Car Brands in the World

The 2009 Best Global Brands, an annual study carried out by leading brand consultancy Interbrand (in collaboration with Businessweek magazine) shows Toyota still No. 1 among carmakers, followed by Mercedes-Benz and BMW.


Toyota was the highest-ranked auto company among the overall Top 100, positioned at No. 8, two places down from 2008 and 2007. Mercedes-Benz was No. 11 overall in 2008 and had been No. 10 in 2007 but dropped to No. 12 this year. Honda, however, did better, moving from No. 20 in 2008 to No. 18 this year. Hyundai also saw an improvement in overall ranking, going from No. 72 in 2008 to No. 69.

The survey’s summary includes brand values and reflecting the effects of the downturn in the auto industry, the brand values of all the automakers fell. Toyota’s brand value was calculated at US$31.3 billion, 8% down from what it was worth in 2008. Likewise, Mercedes-Benz also had its brand value lowered by 7% to US$23.9 billion. Among the top 10 in the auto sector, Ford Motor Company’s brand value fell the most, by 12% to US$7 billion.

Other auto-related brands among the Top 100 were Harley-Davidson (73), BP (83), Shell (92) and Lexus (96).

For those interested, the Top three Global Brands were Coca-Cola, IBM and Microsoft, respectively, all of which held the same rankings as in 2008. Coca-Cola’s brand value was estimated at US$68.7 billion, over double that of Toyota’s.

Visit the Interbrand website to view the full Top 100 list.

Source : Motor Trader

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Lancer Sportback Ralliart features electronically-controlled four-wheel drive, stylish coupe-like lines and ample luggage space for excellent utility.

Proton Saga SE and Exora Manual

July 07, 2009 09:42 PM Author: Chips

The Proton Saga, one of the best-selling models in Malaysia, has a new variant – the SE (Special Edition) which adds a sporty image to the line-up. Unveiled at the FELDA Hari Peneroka 2009 event in Segamat today, the new Saga SE is said to be targeted at younger buyers.

To be priced at around RM43,000 with a manual transmission (around RM45,000 with automatic transmission), it will be available in two exclusive colours - Brilliant Red and Solid White. The Saga SE has a distinctive appearance with its black rooftop and front grille, pronounced front and side skirting, rear lip spoiler, rear skirting with black diffuser as well as a new alloy rim design.

Inside, it gets new interior finishing complete with leather seats and door trims and matching leather-wrapped steering wheel, pearl white meter panel, dark chrome air-conditioner vents and a CD player with mp3 capability.

The good thing about getting a model with a bodykit supplied by the manufacturer is that not only is the fit and finish of the same quality as the rest of the car but there is also a warranty on the bodykit – something which you would not usually get from an accessory shop. Furthermore, the cost of the bodykit and accessories can be included in the total purchase price, meaning that you can pay for the accessories over the many years of the H-P loan.

Also unveiled at the same event was the Exora with a manual transmission. This variant, which also uses a CAMPRO 1.6 CPS engine, has been long-awaited and has an insurance-inclusive price of RM64,998 (metallic finish) and RM64,548 (non-metallic finish).

“Both the new models are officially open for booking at all Proton Edar and EON showrooms; a booking fee of RM500 is required for the Saga SE and RM1,000 for the Exora with manual transmission. However, the new Saga SE will only be available for sale from August 15th onwards and the Exora MT from July 16th onwards,” said Proton Holdings MD, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

Source : Motor Trader