i’m saimatkong

Have you ever want to change your car emblem or logo but not sure how to change or where to buy? No worries, I will guide you on how to change your Naza Forte logo to this sleek design logo and it will change the status of your car? Haha…

Don’t like your original car emblem? No worries you could get all kind of design you would like to have like this emblem below.

Is this better looking emblem? If not you could op for other design too.

Then prepare the following tools…

screwdriver…

floss…

remaining gum…

spade…

Initially I rub the remaining sticker using my hand and some tools but then it’s not a good idea, then I tried with kerosin and it do wonders but use it with care k, recommended to use some other remover rather than kerosin!

Then finally you could stick your new emblem! 3M sticker is a good quality sticker.

Okay, after my experience changing of my car emblem only I found the following steps to remove the emblem… too late for me as I already hurt the car with scratches and lubang… =’(

The back emblem is very sticky and hard to remove and even I hurt myself plus leaving marks on the car paint too! Please be extra careful!

Look, the screw driver also broken and hurt my hand. I tried with badminton string and etc still the string will fall off to the grip of the emblem 3M sticker, so please read thru the expert recommendation below before you following my dumb move!

Look, is it better compared to before? Haha…

So please read thru the steps below. Have to wash the area around the emblem with warm soapy water and apply heat with hair dryer so that the back emblem will be easily removed! The 3M stickers at the back emblem is really hard to remove if without following the steps below!

Happy DIY-ing your car!

Step 1
Determine that your emblems are stickers not bolt on emblems by looking at the metal on the underside of your hood or trunk from the emblem. If you see bolts or nuts you are probably out of luck and will have to see a professional.

Step 2
Wash the area around the emblem well with warm soapy water; this will prevent scratches later on.

Step 3
Apply heat with a hair dryer until the emblem if fairly warm to the touch, this loosens up the glue.

Step 4
Spray a bug and tar remover liberally onto and around your emblem. Be sure to continue to keep it warm.

Step 5
Use a plastic spatula to slowly begin breaking loose the glue bonding your emblem to the car.

Step 6
Remove the emblem from the car entirely. Moving slow will usually help the glue pull away as well leaving less work later on.

Step 7
Remove any left over glue with a goo removal product and a little elbow grease.

Warning…
#Perform this procedure in a garage and have a space heater keeping up the ambient temperature or in direct sunlight. The warmer the glue the easier it will be to remove the emblem.
#Some sprays may react explosively with heat do not use an aerosol spray is you are applying heat.
#Too much heat will damage your paint. You want warm not hot.
#Use constant steady pressure with the spatula, pushing too hard can damage the paint.
#Do not use a razor blade or any sort of metal scraper they will scratch your paint.

Source : How to remove emblems from cars.

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Polarized Paint Protection System (PPS)

WHY PPS sealant can provide the ultimate protection and the showroom shine for your car paint for years to come. Because PPS sealant is not a wax of any kind but a PTFE (Teflon) coating (the same substance that makes non-stick cookwares so slippery and tough that nothing will stick to it and will not crack or melt under extreme temperature) that will fuse and bond to the paint with U.S. patented PPS technology to create a dazzling, wet and deep shine and will stay and remain there to protect the paint against the damaging UV sunray and all other harmful elements for years. PPS sealant will also help to fill up the tiny paint pores, crevices and hairline cracks and smooth out uneven paint surfaces and swirls.

Patented PPS technology is the only permanent protection coating system currently available in the whole world. The PTFE (Teflon) coating is one of the slipperiest substances known to man and it is this slick substance that repels dirt like crazy. The water will always float on the paint surface in the form of beads or water droplets and roll off the surface instead of sheeting off as the treated surface is so slick and gloss that not even water will stick to it.

Before PPS.. You could see the watermarks easily..

They have job sheet for each car and check list… That’s how the PRO perform the task.

After all the hassle and choosing between PPS vs Sierra Glow, finally got my Whitey PPS-ed, wanted to do a coating to my car so that it will protect the paint and it will still shine and easy to wash and maintain, that’s why I choose to PPS at Sunway. The whole process took around 6hrs+ to get it done. Sad thing was after I done the PPS it rain! I have to use water and wipe it again after that. Next time if you want to do PPS, remember to check weather report k!

1st Step: Car Wash to wash away the dirt and stain.

2nd Step: Wrap your car with tape to prevent rubber being PPS-ed.

3rd Step: Start doing the 1st round…

4th Step: Wash your car with warm water…

5th Step: Continue doing it for 2nd round…

Polarizing Lotion Step #1

Paint Protection Coating Step #2

Finally…

Never Wax Again! Haha…

See my car shinny or not?

The whole process took me about 6hrs plus starting from 10.40am - 5.15pm, all I would say is it worth the money and time. If you wanted to do coating to your car, do consider PPS from Shine n Shield. Just tell them you came to know about this PPS from saimatkong and you will entitled for discount! =)

While the whole process you could op to go for shopping at Sunway Pyramid or Makan or Massage at the customer waiting area, there’s a massage chair!

Check out the owner Raymond 27 years old Ford!

Address (Click here for the map)
No. 47, Jalan PJS 11/22,
Bandar Sunway,
46150 Subang Jaya, Selangor,
Malaysia.

Contact
(603) - 5635 9933 / 5636 3737 (Tel)
sales@shineNshield.com (Email)

If you wan to DIY you could purchase the sealant from them and follow the steps below.
Before you begin Application of PPS
* Shake the bottles well before use
* PPS is not a wax, therefore use it sparingly, over application of the product will create an oily/milky residue and… if this occurs keep buffing until it appears glossy… this could take some time depending on the amount of over application.
* Do not apply in direct sunlight.
* Do not apply the Step #2 Paint Sealant to non-painted plastic, matte rubber or rubber moldings, remove immediately if this occurs. It is advisable to cover those areas with marking tapes before applying PPS Step #2.
* The curing process will continue for 48 hours and the shine will deepen over this period.
* Avoid washing the surface for 48 hours with any type of soap or detergent or drive into heavy rain immediately after applications.

Equipment
* 1 PPS kit c/w Step #1 and Step #2
* Clean wash mitt.
* Clean chamois / micro fibre towel
* Orbital buffer / application sponge
* 1 gallon of hot water and a bucket.

Preparation
1. Carefully inspect the surface for any sign of brake dust, scratches, acid rain etch marks, paint swirls or other damage or imperfections.
2. Repair any damage or imperfections prior to applying the PPS
3. For oxidized or old surfaces make sure to bring the paint up to as good condition as possible before sealing with the PPS.
4. Make sure the vehicle is clean of all excess dirt and other debris before proceeding with the Step #1.

Step #1 Wash Solution
* Thoroughly mix the entire contents of the Step#1 with 1 gallon of warm/hot water.
* Rinse the vehicle with fresh water.
* Wash the entire surface with the wash solution using a clean wash mitt.
* Leave the Step #1 wash solution on the surface for approximately 10 minutes to allow the solution to purge the paint pores and charge the surface (the solution will appear hazy when ready to be removed)
* Rinse the Step #1 from the painted surface until the water runs clear and there is no more soap residue.
* Thoroughly dry the vehicle with a clean chamois / micro fibre towel making sure to dry seams, mirrors and molding where water can be trapped.

Step #2 Paint Sealant
* Put a small amount of product (size of a silver dollar) to an application sponge or 2 - 3 circles of product onto a terry cloth bonnet with an orbital buffer.
* Apply the product to the surface in a circular overlapping motion working on a 2 - 3 foot section at a time until the entire vehicle is covered.
* Make sure to leave the Step #2 on the vehicle at least 15 minutes.
* Going back to where you started applying the Step #2, using a clean soft cloth / micro fibre towel / orbital buffer with a clean terry cloth bonnet start removing the product in the same manner as you applied it. You are done.

Okie… Confirmed tiered fuel plan scrapped but now what? “Fuel prices set to rise…” for all the CC no matter you driving 800cc Kancil or or aboce 2.0cc cars… It’s no different, this is because it’s set to rise 10 sen.

Will it affect our roti canai, teh tarik, mamak or kopitiam price again? Please do not do that… Petrol price increased, they increase the roti price but when petrol price reduce the increased price will not be decreased… It’s not fair right? =(

So you will see more cars queuing up at petrol station waiting for get their tank full on 30th April, before 1st of May and less car on the road the next day due to the fuel price increased. and there will not be any jam after the fuel price increase? It’s like previously, just less car for 1 week then the jam will be back!

We need the subsidy.

Tiered fuel plan scrapped; Govt will not increase price for now

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

Tiered fuel plan officially scrapped

PUTRAJAYA: The Government has officially scrapped its plan to introduce the two-tiered restructuring of fuel subsidy following negative feedback from the public.

Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Con­sumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the decision was taken because the Government did not want such an important policy devoid of public support or acceptance.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has stated that this is the people’s Government and it is open to views. Today, the Government has proven that we are not rhetoric and we truly hold on to our words.

“We have heard the people’s voices and now we have proven that we are willing to scrap the plan because the rakyat do not want it,” he told reporters here yesterday.

Ismail Sabri said the price of fuel would remain the same for now as “there was no directive to announce any hike”.

“I don’t know when that will happen but the public must remember that fuel price fluctuates.

“Foreigners can still purchase fuel according to petrol pump price. But the policy governing the sale of petrol to foreign-registered vehicles at border areas remains,” he said, adding that the ministry would be proposing to the Cabinet another “policy for foreigners”.

Foreign-registered vehicles are only allowed to pump a maximum of 20 litres at petrol stations within 50km radius from the border.

Ismail Sabri said the Government was subsidising nine sen more now in addition to the 30 sen it was already forking out for every litre of RON95 due to the commodity price increase.

Last year, the Government forked out RM3.4bil to subsidise petrol and RM1.9bil for diesel.

The plan, originally set to be implemented on May 1, was to introduce a two-tiered pricing system for petrol based on engine capacity while foreigners would have to pay the market price.

It called for the mandatory use of MyKad to differentiate Malaysians from foreigners, requiring the need for MyKad readers at petrol stations.

Ismail Sabri also said that a subsidy rationalisation laboratory headed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala was studying the implementation of government subsidies.

Source : TheStar

Fuel prices set to rise

By DANNY YAP

PETALING JAYA: The Government is likely to revert to slight increases in fuel prices over time now that it has been officially announced that the proposed two-tier fuel subsidy scheme based on vehicle engine capacity has been scrapped, analyst and economists say.

The proposed fuel subsidy scheme was originally set to be implemented on May 1.

Maybank Investment Bank analyst Mohd Khair Mirza said: “We may see an increase of about 10 sen in petrol prices post May 1.” He added that it was the only viable option for the moment unless the Government came out with a better fuel subsidy scheme.

Mohd Khair said the two-tier fuel subsidy scheme proposed in theory appeared good on paper but issues such as implementation and enforcement were questionable.

He said: “At least with the slight increase in fuel prices over time it is applied across the board and the Government is able to close the gap on the fuel subsidy which remains unsustainable.”

Mohd Khair said that based on US$80 per barrel of crude oil, the Government was currently subsidising fuel at the pump at around 40 sen per litre.

An economist from a rating agency said although the proposed two-tier fuel subsidy scheme has been scrapped, it should not deter the Government from continuing to look for other schemes that were more practical and viable.

He said a viable scheme should meet two objectives – ensure the hardcore poor are not badly affected and address the fuel subsidy.

A local economist from a broking house said the Government’s decision to scrap the proposed two-tier fuel subsidy scheme based on vehicle engine capacity came as no surprise.

“We figured it (scrapping of the scheme) would happen. There was a lot of talk that the subsidy scheme was not practical, despite a lot of effort by the Government to implement it,” he said.

The economist believed some individuals were waiting to exploit the scheme (if implemented) thinking they could benefit from the scheme.

“Thankfully the Government realised the proposed subsidy scheme was not foolproof and decided to scrap it,” he said.

Source : TheStar

I know most of the ppl after get their cars will surely do tinting. I was one of them. Was wondering what tinting to you, which brand of the tinting is good, which brand of tinting will last longer with extend warranty up to 10 years, which tinting has security tint features, which tinting offer the best price + free gift like car mat / vouchers etc… It was bothering me for weeks and still can’t be decided. Finally I’ve decided and done my tinting! It was a tough process for me… Haha.

Here’s some tips to shorten how you gonna choose your tinting that suit you. V-Kool? LLumar? Ecotint? Aircool?
1) Price - Must not be too expensive and not too cheap. If too expensive can’t afford or feel waste, if too cheap scare later quality not good. Haha…

2) Brand - Normally ppl will go for those brand that in the market for quite some time and with good reputation and without any problem.

3) Offer / Promotion - You have to secure a good deal before you make the decision like they will bundle with free car mat, travel vouchers, promotion package for festive season etc.

4) Warranty - Look for those tinting that give you long warranty hence it will be hassle free, must be min 5years of warranty.

5) Location - Choose the tint shop that’s near to you and have a lot of branches in case anything happen you could just go to any of the branch to get it fixed.

6) Specs - Choose tinting with good specs that will reject most heat. Normally ppl will check and compare below:-
-TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejected)
TSER is the percentage of the total solar energy that is rejected. TSER includes visible light, infrared radiation and ultraviolet energy. The higher the percentage, the higher the percentage of solar energy deflected. Most tinting shops use Infra Red Rejection (IRR) as a guide to the level of heat rejection. However, IRR only covers a fraction of TSER. Internationally, TSER is used as a guide as it is a more accurate way of measuring heat rejection. If the percentage is higher then it will be better in heat rejection. 60% will be good enough.
-Ultraviolet (UV)
UV is the percentage of ultraviolet energy deflected away from the window film. Ultraviolet rays can cause upholstery and furnishings to fade. It can also cause skin damage and skin cancer.
-Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
VLT is the amount of visible light that passes directly through filmed glass. The darker the tint, the lower the visible light transmitted. According to JPJ, the regulations require at least 70% of Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for the front windscreen and a minimum of 50% for the sides and rear windscreen.
-Security Film
The performance of Security / Safety films rely solely on the thickness of the film. Thicker films will endure a higher break point, absorbing higher LB / inch2 (pound per inch2), thus the harder to penetrate the window. Thickness of Security/Safety films are measured in terms of Mil. which converts to Microns – 1M = 25 Micron. Security / Safety flim thicknesses ranging from the lower end of 4Mil / 6Mil.

7) Color of the film - It’s important to choose the color that suit to your body paint! Remember to match if not you will regret!

Must be Smart Tag / GPS friendly. Some tinted very expensive tinting and can reject high percentage of heat but could not use Smart Tag / GPS then it’s not a wise move!

So what brand of the tinting should I choose? It’s up to your own preference based on the facts above! Haha… Remember it is advisable to keep your windows closed for a minimum of 48hours or up to 3days. There might be watermarks present, which will disappear in a couple of days.

So many different kind of flim… Which to choose? Most expensive one will do… haha

Done my tinting at Ecotint USJ at last… Wanted to tint LLumar but timing and location not ngam… so no choice… have to settle with a little expensive and without free car mat~!

I choose Ray Barrier (TSER 60%) for front and back windscreen + Hybrid 4 Premier (TSER 52%) for side screen (4Mil Security Film).

Before tint.

Just need to open the top panel abit without need to remove the door panel which will be good? No comment on that as some after done the tint found out that their side door small panel was scratched.

They already have a sample edge for Forte so it will be easier as Forte is still new and some tint shop might not tint it before.

The tinting process took about 2hrs because with 3 macho man working…

Done tinting…

So if you can’t make up your mind on tinting do let me know and I will choose for you! =p

Forte Special Deal… Only for Forte Club Member.

Ecotint

Ray Barrier for front and back windscreen + Hybrid 4 Premier Greenish (TSER 52%) for side screen (4Mil Security Film)
Ray Barrier - VLT63, VLR9, UVR99, IRR95, TSER60
Hybrid 4 Premier - VLT60, VLR10, UVR99, IRR86, TSER52
Warranty : 8 Years
JPJ Compliance
Free Sandblast of Car Number
Free 7″ FWS Top
Price : RM1,650

Ray Barrier (TSER 60%) for front and back windscreen + Hybrid 4 Charcoal (TSER 49%) for side screen (4Mil Security Film)
Ray Barrier - VLT63, VLR9, UVR99, IRR95, TSER60
Hybrid 4 Charcoal - VLT60, VLR10, UVR99, IRR68, TSER49
Warranty : 8 Years
JPJ Compliance
Free Sandblast of Car Number
Free 7″ FWS Top
Price : RM1,450

LLumar

LL T4-50 VLT 50%, TSER 45%, IRR 90%, UVR 99%, 4 MIL
Warranty : 5 Years
Color : NEUTRAL
JPJ Compliance
Free Sandblast of Car Number
Free 7″ FWS Top
Free Custom-Cut Car Mat/Carpet
Price : RM1,400

AirCool

A GARD I / N 50 ( Side & Rear Windows ) VLT : 53% IRR : 85% UV : 99%
Supreme ( Front Windscreen ) VLT : 75% IRR : 88% UV : 99%
Warranty : 5 Years
JPJ Compliance
Free Sandblast of Car Number
Free 7″ FWS Top
Free Custom-Cut Car Mat/Carpet
Price: RM1,150.00

Yes… Finally managed to do some mod to change the ugly Naza Wheel Cap at my Forte. On the other hand, I haven’t change my Forte Naza Emblem yet but I have already bought and got my K Emblem (King Loong Emblem) to replace the ugly Naza Emblem that come with this lovely Forte. Will be changing the Emblem soon too…

This is the Naza Wheel Cap. Naza need to change from KIA Wheel Cap to this NAZA and change some other things in Malaysia to claim it as CKD unit.

This is the Naked Wheel without the Naza Wheel Cap on my Forte (Notice the center of the rim a bit rust…). It was removed when I collect my car from my dealer. So wait until now after I apply the K wheel cap sticker only will install back the wheel cap.

See the original Naza Weel Cap ugly right? Don’t you think so? Haha…

Here’s simple steps on how to replace your Naza Wheel Cap in a cheaper and economical way. (You do not need to spend hundreds to change the entire wheel cap but just apply sticker on top of the Naza Wheel Cap!) :-

1) Of coz you need to get the stickers lo…

2) Prepare soap…

3) Apply the soap on the wheel cap / sticker then rub it. (Do not apply too much soap as it will be difficult to dry)

4) Apply the sticker on the wheel cap

After you apply the sitkcer on the wheel cap, adjust it nicely to fit it in the middle of the wheel cap and then clean up the soap and let it dry. (Make sure no bubble)

Final process… Fix it to the rim and done!

Do you want to replace your Naza Wheel Cap with this Sticker? There’s few design, either design with K or KIA to match your Forte Emblem.

Stay tune for more updates on Emblem, Tinting (V-Kool, LLumar, Ecotint, Aircool…), Coating to protect car body paint (Sierra Glow or PPS). If you haven’t get book a Forte, act now! =)

After the long wait… Booked Forte since end of Nov 2009, 1 day before the Forte launch, and only managed to get car yesterday and having a lot of problems too. If you decided and were to book a Naza Kia Forte, book it with Naza Branch, do not go for dealer I would advise you. This is because some ppl booked dec 2009 get it end of dec 2009 / mid Jan 2010 and got it before me. Branch will have more stocks compared to dealers. So this is not really fair and …

Initially Naza was having some problem with Custom and Menteri Kewangan, CBU / CKD issues, low price, etc and these caused all the Forter 1.6 buyer could not get their cars registered and were waited weeks after weeks till 1 day before CNY… But now the Forte 2.0 still do not have any info on the available date and when is it gonna able to be release to the buyers.

Yes, when I finally got my Forte I’m very proud and happy but sad thing was I got the bad news that my New Forte batt flat and got to jump start and then my dashboard no light etc… really disappointed and went to Kia Service Center at Jalan Tandang immediately and waited for almost 4hrs to get them to check the battery issue and check is there any cable or anything loosen that caused the batt and dashboard light problem… but the result was my batt no problem and the check showed “Good Battery”…

A lot of ppl in the forum saying that this Forte cannot be jump start if not it will affect your car electronic and all but I have doubled confirm with the Service Adviser and the Car Manual it’s no prob if you follow the procedure. (Refer to your Car Manual, Emergency Starting, page 6-4)

One more thing forget to mention was… my number plate was broken by the ppl in NAZA KIA Service Center Jalan Tandang, but luckily they are good enough to pay for a new number plate! But isn’t it “suey”? First day get car and so many things happened and sumore during CNY…

Besides the small glitches, I still find it is the best and most worthy car as of now! You will get to enjoy every single moment when you driving your forte, that’s for real. Check the photo out and judge yourself. =)

Remember 1 thing, after you collect your car, immediately go petrol station to fill in petrol and make sure the tyre pressure is 220 / 32psi (you can get this info at the bottom of the driver side door) coz the tyre pressure when you got the car is very high.

Get yours now if you thinking to get Toyota Vios or Honday City for the better price you get more features and sexier car? Haha…

Another recall exercise by Honda after Toyota Recall.. but it’s luckily that Honda Malaysia is not affected. Hopefully my new car which is another brand will not have all this recall and will not have problem at all! haha.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 (Bernama) — Honda models, sold in Malaysia since 2001, are not affected by the Honda Motor Co’s recall of defective supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags in other countries.

This announcement follows the decision by the Honda Motor Co to expand the recall of Honda cars mainly from the United States, Canada and Japan, after reported incidents of airbag failure.

In a statement issued by the company here Wednesday, it said, the total number of vehicles subject to the expanded recall, was 437,763 units worldwide.

The company also said the inflator in the driver’s SRS airbag of vehicles subject to the recall, would be replaced.

Source : BERNAMA

Honda expands airbag inflation recall

DETROIT: Honda Motor Co. is adding more than 378,000 cars to an existing safety recall for air bag inflation problems, the company said Tuesday.

The company will replace the driver’s side air bag inflator on the cars because they can deploy with too much pressure, causing the inflator casing to rupture and injure or kill the driver.

The recall affects certain 2001 and 2002 Accord sedans, Civic compacts, Odyssey minivans, CR-V small sport utility vehicles and some 2002 Acura TL sedans.

Honda said it is aware of 12 incidents linked to the problem.

The company said it is not aware of any problems happening after July 2009.

“However, we have concluded that we cannot be completely certain that the driver’s air bag inflator in the vehicles being added to this recall at this time will perform as designed,” Honda said in a statement.

Honda says owners should take their vehicles to dealerships as soon as they are notified by the company in writing.

Notification will begin during the month of February.

Honda says it has kept the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration informed of the problem.

Last month Honda recalled 646,000 Fit hatchbacks worldwide because of a glitch that could cause water to enter the power window mechanism, causing components to overheat.

The Fit recall affects 2007-2008 models. The Fit is sold in other countries as the Jazz and City.

The recall affects Asia, Latin America, Europe, South Africa and North America. About 140,000 vehicles are affected in the U.S. - AP

Source : TheStar

So who say Japanese car is so great after all? Haha… See they are affected too. So it’s nothing wrong with brand or the origin of the country of the car makers!

UMW TOYOTA MOTOR TO CONDUCT SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO PRIUS

More than 60 units Prius owners in Malaysia are involved

SHAH ALAM - Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan has announced on 9 February 2010, they will conduct a recall campaign related to the software program that controls the antilock braking system (ABS) in the Toyota Prius. TMC has undertaken a recall campaign in the interest of ensuring customers’ confidence and peace of mind. The corrective ABS software programming will resolve the problem.

UMW Toyota Motor, the exclusive distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia would like to announce that it would initiate a special service campaign to address the brake issue of Prius.

Mr. Kuah Kock Heng, President of UMW Toyota Motor said, “To date there are over 60 units of the third generation Toyota Prius sold by the company since it was launched in October 2009.”

He also said, “At this moment our technicians are being trained to carry out the necessary corrective measures.”

“UMW Toyota Motor will contact our Prius owners regarding the special service campaign that will be available starting from Friday, 12 February 2010. Owners of the Prius will be given first priority,” he added.

Mr Kuah continued to say, “For customers who have booked their Prius or are interested to purchase a Prius, we would like to assure you that all Prius models will go through the corrective measures before delivery.”

“We would like to apologize to our customers for the inconvenience caused by this predicament,” he concluded.

Customers may also contact UMW Toyota Motor free phone line 1800-8-869682 (1-800-8-TOYOTA) for further information or assistance.

UPDATE : TOYOTA VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALLS

Our principal, Toyota Motor Corporation has released a media statement dated 1st February 2010, that they have found a remedy for the accelerator pedal recall issue.

Further to that, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd would like to reiterate that all Toyota and Lexus models sold by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd are not affected by the recall exercise as announced in a media statement issued on 29 January 2010.

This is because the accelerator pedal components of the affected models used in the US markets are different from the Toyota and Lexus models sold in Malaysia by UMW Toyota Motor.

We would like to advise the public and the Toyota and Lexus customers in Malaysia that there is no cause for concern on this matter.

TOYOTA VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALLS IN U.S.

On 21 January 2010, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), United States released a media statement of a safety recall campaign involving 2.3 million vehicles affecting eight (8) Toyota models.

TMS also released a follow-up media statement on 26 January 2010, regarding the suspension of sales of their selected models.

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd would like to emphasise that we have received confirmation from our principal, Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan that all Toyota and Lexus models sold by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd are not affected by this recall exercise. The accelerator pedal components of the affected models used in the US markets are different from the Toyota and Lexus models sold in Malaysia by UMW Toyota Motor.

We would like to advise that there is no cause for concern on this matter.

For more information, please call:
Mr. Justin Kwan
En. Zulkefli Mohamed
External Affairs, Marketing Division
UMW Toyota Motor
Tel: 03 – 5123 6688 Fax: 03 – 51236321
UMW Toyota Motor free-phone : 1800-8-869682

Source : Toyota.com.my

Last Sunday, a bunch of Forte owner and soon to be owner were gathered at Kluang Station Waterfront Desa Park City. It was a nice Sunday morning where everyone would like to ZzZZzZzzzz more but I sacrificed for my love, Forte. Gathering started from 10am-1pm, so I need to get up around 9 plus which is like a torture for me as Sunday not a working day and supposed to sleep till noon and till the sun beam my butt only get up. Haha.

When I reached Kluang Station there’s no one there… and I don’t see any Forte at the front or Car Park 1… so I was wondering am I at the right place for the gathering. I’m a soon to be Forte owner and the reason I join in this Forte Owner TT was that I would like to meet the owners and get some feedback, comments, tips and check out the lovely Forte in a big group.

So I thought maybe those Forte were parked at the Car Park 2, so I walk to check it out and was happy to see so many Forte parked there. The view was awesome. So colorful as there’s White Forte, Titanium Silver Forte, Bright Silver Forte, Spicy Red Forte, Black Forte… Really wish my Forte was with me =(

Then we had a Chit Chat / Teh Tarik (TT) session at Kluang Station and yeah all the Forte owners were really friendly. Awesome bunch of ppl. Some asking about Car Tinting (AirCool, 3M, SafeTint, TintMaster), Car Rim (16″/17″), Fuel Efficiency, Car handling, PPS / Sierra Glow (Additional layer to protect car paint) etc, but it’s really a nice catch up with everyone. We try out the heat at all the different car with different tint after the car parked under the sun for quite sometime and I actually don’t feel much different between tinted and the non-tinted Forte! =p

Then we start to camwhore with the lovely Fortesss! Check out the camwhore photo below…

Check out this White Forte After Glow… Isn’t it awesome? Also the Naza emblem has been replaced with KIA emblem.

This Spicy Red Forte is very unique as not much ppl own it! Cool? =)

Check out the owners!

Check out some of the comments from the Forte Owner.

Comment by Phelix :

for me, forte is really comfort car, NVH is good.. on par with civic. FC wise really depends.. this car gives good FC when u r on highway.. as low as 6l/100km.. but when u stuck in jam… FC increase slowly.. i see it from 8.6l/100km increased to 11.2l/100km.. despite about resell value.. forte gives best of bang.. guaranteed.

maintenance wise.. most of them choose synthetic oil but i go for mineral.. performance wise slightly better (u can feel it after u serviced ur car, try it.. haha).
and overall till now, after my friend viewed my car only give thumbs up.

Comment by Julian :

1. Why did you choose to buy the Forte?
Its an excellent-value-for money product with many great features and very importantly its safety features. Oh yes..its got the looks too, super cool and sleek design! For the money I’m paying, this Forte is definitely worth it, if not more. It’s just brilliant, a class on its own! In short…its beauty, style and power which is my Forte.

2. What do you like most of the Forte?
Can i say there’s nothing I don’t like? Hahaha… I love the Push Start button! It’s so cool! And, the overall design and safety features. When I took my Forte home for the first time, my good neighbour came over and gave it the 2-thumbs up! Makes me so proud of my Forte. To be honest, I’m no car enthusiast, thus, car engines and the works are like rocket science to me. Hahaha… Thus, I’d like to reserve my comments on these but from what I read from the reviews, forums, etc.. However, I’d like to add that after having this ‘baby’ for 1 month, I’ve no doubt about its performance and drivability.

Kia Forte Forum :
http://myforteclub.com/
http://www.kiaforteownersclub.com/

Lotus F1 boss Tony Fernandes, who also runs AirAsia , had hoped to bring Petronas on board given that his team have government support and his airline is a major purchaser of aviation fuel but failed. Petronas is now Mercedes F1 team title Sponsor for 5 years!

Alex Yoong speechless at Petronas deal? Haha it sound so funny… Ya it’s true, I’m speechless too. When there’s local 1Malaysia F1 Team to sponsor but Petronas choose Mercedes to sponsor and sign a deal for 5years. I guess it’s all about business and money. Yup, so there go the 1Malaysia F1 Team.

Petronas is Mercedes F1 team title sponsor

KUALA LUMPUR: Ma­lay­­sian state oil and gas com­­pany Petro­nas will be title sponsor of the Mer­­ce­des For­mula One team next season, Mer­cedes announ­ced yes­terday.

The team, formerly champions Brawn GP, will become Mercedes GP Petronas with the oil company’s branding across the car and team liveries in what they said was a long-term agreement.

“The new title partnership also paves the way for future collaborations between the two companies,” Mercedes added in a statement.

They said Petronas would be able to “generate sustainable business growth, particularly in their downstream lubricants market, through the strategic partnership and business alliance with Mercedes-Benz.”

Mercedes said their 2010 car would be presented in their new livery for the first test of the new season at the Valencia circuit in Spain on Feb 1.

Petronas, who previously sponsored the BMW-Sauber team, will continue to be the title backer of the Malaysian Grand Prix – the third round of the season at Sepang on April 4.

“Petronas’ home base in Kuala Lumpur is located in the middle of a fast-growing region for the automotive industry which makes this new partnership even more valuable,” said Mercedes motorsport vice-president Norbert Haug.

The deal with Mercedes will be a blow to both Swiss-based Sauber, in urgent need of sponsors after the withdrawal of BMW at the end of the season, as well as the new Malaysian-backed Lotus team.

Lotus F1 boss Tony Fernandes, who also runs AirAsia , had hoped to bring Petronas on board given that his team have government support and his airline is a major purchaser of aviation fuel.

The Lotus car company is also owned by Malaysian state car company Proton.

Mercedes have signed Germany’s Nico Rosberg as one driver and are widely expected to have seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher as the other if he makes a comeback at the age of 41. — Reuters

Source : TheStar

Schumacher will partner compatriot Nico Rosberg in the team that won the drivers’ and constructors’ titles in 2009 in its former guise as Brawn. I will start watching F1 now when Michael Schumacher is back. Haha he’s my idol la.

Schumacher to return to F1 with Mercedes

BERLIN (AP): Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is coming out of retirement to drive for Mercedes in 2010, saying he expects to contend for the title again.

The German, who turns 41 on Jan. 3, announced his comeback on Wednesday after three years away from the sport that he dominated for the first half of the decade.

“Three years of absence gave back all the energy that I’m feeling right now,” Schumacher said in a telephone conference. “I feel ready for some serious stuff.”

“I still feel absolutely on the edge. It’s thrilling and exciting,” he said. “I believe I can be absolutely competitive.” Schumacher, who will partner Nico Rosberg in an all-German team for the 2010 season, said he and Mercedes are in discussions about a deal through the 2012 season.

“We are talking about a three-year deal. It’s not a one-off thing,” Schumacher said. “We are looking for some continuation.”

Financial terms were not disclosed, but Germany’s Bild daily - which first broke news of the deal - reported that Schumacher would earn euro7 million ($10 million) under an initial one-year contract.

Schumacher competed in 249 F1 races from 1991-2006 with Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari. He won the F1 driver’s championship in 1994 and 1995 and five straight years from 2000-2004. He set records with 91 race wins and several other milestones in the sport which still stand.

“Our aim can only be to fight for the championship,” Schumacher said. “Yes, there will be strong competition … but I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in this one.”

Schumacher had planned a short-term comeback with Ferrari last season to fill in for the injured Felipe Massa, but he had to call that off due to a neck injury from a motorcycle accident.

“I made sure myself, and 100 percent with the neck there are no more issues,” he said. “There has been enough time now for it to heal completely.”

Schumacher had been working as a consultant with Ferrari since his retirement, attending some F1 races. He said he had not envisioned a permanent comeback until approached by Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn - the man who oversaw the German’s seven world titles: five with Ferrari and two with Benetton.

Brawn said he was convinced that Schumacher would be competitive.

“He’s the best judge of what he can do and I trust him implicitly, and he told me he can do it so I’m very confident,” Brawn said. “He’s always been his own best critic.”

Mercedes took over the Brawn GP team that won the drivers’ and constructors’ championships in its first season in 2009, taking over the Honda team after the Japanese car maker pulled out of the sport.

Jenson Button, who won the drivers’ title with Brawn, has since left for McLaren while Rubens Barrichello has gone to Williams.

Schumacher’s return gives him a chance to pay back Mercedes, which steered his pre-F1 career.

“The one reason I seriously thought about my return is its because an old friend asked me,” Schumacher said. “Mercedes gave me a chance to enter Formula One and throughout the years we were never able to work together, but now I have that chance. I am happy to give back for what Mercedes gave me in the early days.”

“I was not thinking I would have an offer,” Schumacher said. “I could not have imagined I would have returned. Due to this special combination, that no one could have planned in advance, I just thought, ‘Why not?”‘ Schumacher acknowledged that parting company with Ferrari was “certainly not an easy step.”

He said he still feels “strong solidarity and loyalty to these guys who have accompanied me and have always built great cars for me.”

Rosberg said it would be “fantastic” to have Schumacher as his new teammate.

“It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time,” he said. “I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed.”

Earlier report:
Schumacher agrees to drive for Petronas sponsored Mercedes

FRANKFURT (AP) - Former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher has reportedly signed a one-year deal to drive for Mercedes in 2010.

On Monday Mercedes announced that Ma­lay­­sian state oil and gas com­­pany Petro­nas will be title sponsor of the Mer­­ce­des For­mula One team next season, Mer­cedes announ­ced yes­terday

On Wednesday German newspaper Bild said that Schumacher, the seven-time champion, who retired in 2006, signed the deal at the team’s offices in Brackley, England, on Tuesday.

Schumacher, a former Ferrari driver, has been heavily linked with a move to the former Brawn GP team, which won last year’s drivers’ and constructors’ titles.

The 40-year-old German driver attempted a brief return in August to replace injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa but a serious neck injury kept him from driving.

Source : TheStar