Drive

Unimo launches Perodua 'VIVA'

Unimo Enterprises Limited a fully- owned subsidiary of United Motors Lanka PLC introduced Malaysian made Perodua 'VIVA' to the local market recently.

This is a most irresistible and desired small car marketed in a range of models such as the VIVA 660 CC Standard, the VIVA 850 CC Standard, the VIVA 1000 CC Standard (Manual and Automatic) and the VIVA 1000 CC Premium, (Manual and Automatic).

Chairman of UML Ranjith Fernando said, "This newest addition to the Perodua range launched rides on the success of the previous model, Perodua - Kelisa, which was marketed by the company.

This is one of the most popular vehicles in our product portfolio and since its launch in 2004 , we have seen over 1500 vehicles take on the roads of Sri Lanka. We hope to market over 500 vehicles annually," he said.

Senior Manager of Perodua Malaysia Katsumi Yoshida said, "While all Perodua vehicle components are Japanese, the vehicle assembled at our state of the art Perodua factory in Malaysia.

The roots of Perodua stem from the time tested Japanese brand Daihatsu, ensuring reliability, handling and ability to amaze the with the superior performance.

Unimo Enterprises Ltd has an extensive product portfolio ranging from mid- sized cars comprising Perodua cars from Malaysia, Zotye SUV, JMC commercial vehicles and agricultural equipment from China.

Honda to roll out new City in September

Honda is planning to change the rules of the sedan game with the launch of its next-generation City, the most popular mid-size car in India. The new City-2008, loaded with a host of jazzy features, will hit the market by mid-September. Sources, however, say that the new avatar will be pricier than the current version.

Honda's largest selling car till date in India, City's third new avatar will have a newly-designed and shaped G-CON structure sporting a toned new line-up of powertrain. As far as the new features are concerned, Honda is likely to introduce paddle shift gear option (where you don't need to use the clutch pedal) on steering -a first in the segment-multi-airbags, integrated music system with steering mounted controls, anti-lock brake system (ABS), temperature control and electronically adjustable front seats. Honda is looking at standardising such advanced features on all products.

"We are looking at standardising the G-CON body, ABS, I-Vtec engines and few other technical features in all our future cars. It's part our commitment to provide world-class products to the Indian market," Honda Siel Cars India president and CEO Masahiro Takedagawa had told ET at the launch of 8th generation Accord in May this year.

When contacted by ET, the Honda spokesperson clarified that there are no such plans. "The so-called news of a new City is mere media speculation and we would not like to comment on it.

The current Honda City is the only model available globally, and is doing very well in the Indian market. The Honda City ZX continues to maintain its leadership position in the premium sedan segment, even in the current slowdown," the spokesperson said.

According to sources in the vendor industry, the local market launch will follow the City's launch in Thailand, expected sometime in early September. The Economic Times

AAC attends Environment Day Summit

Sarath MALALASEKERA

President, Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC), Shanti Gunaratne, attended a High Level Environment Day Summit held at the Legislative Council Chamber of Parliament House in Wellington, New Zealand recently.

The Theme of the Summit was "Make Cars Green." The Summit was sponsored by FIA Foundation which was opened by New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clarke.

Among the speakers who addressed the Summit were Tony Bliss, Road Safety Specialist of the World Bank spoke on "Safe Clean and Affordable Transport for Development."

Howard Fancy, Chief Executive and Secretary, Ministry for the Environment, spoke on "Environment Challenges facing New Zealand."

Bridgestone Corporation Chairman and CEO Shashi Arakawa and FIA Foundation Director General David Ward also addressed the Summit.

Australian Automobile Association CEO Mike Harris, Japan Automobile Federation General Manager Hiroshi Nakamuar, New Zealand Automobile Association CEO Brian Gibbons and President AAC Shanti Gunaratne spoke on "Playing Our Part" a role for Motoring Clubs, at the Summit.

Rent-A-Car Association website launched

The Rent A Car Association (RACA) - Sri Lanka launched their website www.racasrilanka.com recently.

This web site contains public information on consumer guidance to renting a vehicle , rental agreements, insurance, vehicle condition and many more. All the stakeholders in the rent-a-car business also could be educated on necessary regulations in the industry through this web site.

The Rent-A-Car Association (RACA) - Sri Lanka was registered in June 2008 by 10 founder members, mainly the leading rent a car operators in Sri Lanka.

According to RACA the main objective of setting up an association like this is to represent and develop the motor vehicle rental industry in Sri Lanka by promoting union of interests well-being and ethics amongst its members whilst enhancing the image of the industry by caring for the environment and always promoting safety and quality assured services to the public and acting always in a socially responsible manner.

Rent-A-car dealers who wish to obtain the membership of this new association need to have minimum five years of uninterrupted active business registered with the Registrar of Companies at the time of submitting application and should not be involved directly or indirectly in any fraudulent or illegal activities.