Sunroof (A dedication)

I would like to dedicate this post to "SUNROOF".  I've been a HUGE Fan of Sunroof / Open-topped car since I was 3 years old (according to my dad).  I played with my relative's car's Sunroof back then. 

Just as automotive technology has evolved over the past century, so have sunroof systems. From the earliest partially removable cloth covers over a hoop frame (covered wagons) or trap doors in the roof of a stage coach, sunroofs have evolved to become user friendly, enjoyable and reliable vehicle features.

Today's sunroof provide a greater range of features and options than ever before, and technology is ever advancing to provide the next best thing to Convertible.  As vehicles evolve for the future, so will sunroof systems, and enthusiasts love for riding the open road with the wind in their hair and sun on their face.

The 1st car my family owned with Electric Sunroof was a metallic black Acura (Honda) Legend between 1997 to 2001.  It's a Year 1993 model V6 3.2 Quad-cam 24v Fuel Injection. 

In Malaysia, there's only 10% of cars with Sunroof or Convertible. Ie. 1 out of 10 cars.  Critics dismissed sunroof as Unsafe (avenue for thief to break the Glass sunroof), Leaking, Too HOT for Malaysian climate etc...  I TOTALLY DISAGREE...

Sunroof, especially Glass variants are Essential feature to appreciate KL Skyscrapers AT Night (Including KLCC).  Also, it's very useful in COOLER places like Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands.  Modern Sunroof such as Mercedes E-Class panoramic roof has SOLAR Panels built-in to their sunroof to help cool the car down and conserve battery power.

In addition, Cars with sunroof enjoyed up to 10% better resale value OR 10% more expensive to purchase VS its non sunroof versions.  Typical examples are Mercedes E-class Panoramic, Toyota Estima, Alphard, Harrier.

Without further ado, I now present you photos of different types of sunroof. Enjoy,,

Above: The Mother of all sunroof.  Earliest known "sunroof" car. 1940s Citroen 2CV.  Other types of sunroof:

Above: Peugeot 308 Panaromic Roof. Below, 1990s Canvas roof.

Above: Toyota Alphard 2x Sunroof. Below, Mitsubishi Airtrek 2x Sunroof.

Above: Toyota Harrier Panoramic sunroof. Below, Mini Cooper Panoramic Sunroof

Above: Subaru Legacy Outback XXL Sunroof. Below, BMW 525i Touring Panoramic sunroof.

Above: Mercedes B170 Lourved Panoramic Sunroof. Below, Mercedes E-class Panoramic roof

Above: Mercedes Cabriolet.  Below: MAYBACH Solar Panoramic sunroof

Other types of Sunroof:  

BELOW: FULL Length Slide-Electronic Glass Panoramic roof as seen in Porsche Targa.

Above: The Cheapest Sunroof type.   Below: FIXED type Panoramic Glass roof.

Above: Mercedes A-class Electronic Glass Lourved Sunroof. Below: Today's Common Electronic Tilt-slide glass sunroof.

FINALLY: PARTING SHOT.  Nice view  from Ford Escape's "XL-size" Electronic Tilt-slide Glass Sunroof.

REFERENCES:

1) http://www.sunroofs.org/sr-tech.htm

American Idol 9: Update 2: The TOP 12 revealed

AMERICAN IDOL 9: Update 2: The TOP 12 Revealed...

TOP 12: Photo Montage. Left to right, 1st row to 3rd row: Lacey Brown, Tim Urban, Katie Stevens. Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Michael Lynche, Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Paige Miles, Lee Dewyze, Siobhan Magnus and  Casey James.

The American Idol Season 9 Top 12 singers were revealed last night when another four performers were sent home, just short of the season’s major milestone. Ryan Seacrest promised us a few surprises last night and I’d say he delivered when it was revealed that early   fan-favorite Lilly Scott was amongst those cut loose. Rounding out the four were Todrick Hall, Alex Lambert, and Katelyn Epperly.
Lambert was the most emotional of those who got the boot.  A favorite among his fellow contestants, the tears were flowing all around as his friends surrounded him during a commercial break.  When the show resumed, host Ryan Seacrest said he had never witnessed such an emotional outpouring.  Hit hardest was Siobhan Magnus, who openly sobbed.

There was a Top 12 party at the Industry Club in Los Angeles after last night’s show wrapped.  Also on hand at the party were former AI contestants Justin Guarini, Matt Giraud, and Scott MacIntyre.

Top performers up to this point are Crystal Bowersox and Michael Lynche.  The entire group will sing songs from the Rolling Stones songbook next week.
SOURCE:
1) http://www.bittenandbound.com/2010/03/12/american-idol-top-12-season-9-photos-video/

SDAC Roadshow @ Sunway Pyramid 12-14 March 2010

From 12 to 14 March 2010, SDAC (SIME DARBY AUTO CONNEXION) Conducted a Roadshow displaying Alfa Romeo, Ford and LAND ROVER Cars.  I enjoyed myself, taking lots of Photos while feasting my eyes on GREAT Cars such as Ford Mondeo, Alfa 159, Ford Focus TDCI (New launch RM128,888 OTR), Ford Fiesta (Sneak Preview) and Land Rover Freelander 2.

I also enjoyed myself talking to a friendly FORD Sales Executive Mr. K H Teh, from Jalan Ipoh Branch. 

Well, there's a saying a photo's worth 1000 words.  Let's proceed to my photos...

ABOVE: SNEAK PREVIEW: Ford Fiesta

Above & Below: FORD FOCUS TDCI.

Above and Below: FORD ESCAPE 2.3 VVT

My FAVOURITE FEATURE of the Escape:  XL Elec Sunroof.

Nice view from the Sunroof

ABOVE: Land Rover Freelander 2

Pictures Above & Below: ALFA 159. Yours for RM190000 OTR

,

Above & Below: Ford MONDEO.  RM178,888 OTR.  (ALL MONDEO 

Photos taken from Nokia N79)

BEFORE I GO, here's 2 Parting shots.  Chica (taken from Nokia N79)...

THAT'S ALL FOLKS.  An Original Jeff Lim's Production.  My Original Work.  Most picture taken from Panasonic LUMIX TZ7 unless indicated.  (Last few shots Ran out of Battery, hence using my Phone Nokia N79 to snap).

CHECK THIS OUT: Ford Mustang GT RHD

 Last Monday, I spotted this RARE BEAUTY in a Car Detailing Shop near my office (on my way to Lunch).  It is no other than a MUSCLE CAR.  It's a Right Hand Drive LATEST FORD MUSTANG GT 4.6.  The car had Labuan No. Plate.  Well, a picture worth 1000 words...  Without further ado, let's proceed to the photos...

.Picture Below, Right Hand drive baby.  FREAKING RARE.

Circled, check out the ROAD TAX.  A WHOOPING RM9330.00 per annum. 

That's all folks, AN ORIGINAL Jeff Lim's Production.  My Original Work.

AFTA 2010... Broken Promises?

My Opinion:  READ THIS ARTICLE.  Notice the "BOLD" and LARGER Font.  Yes, According to this article, ASEAN Automobile prices in Malaysia supposed to revised by 1 January 2010.  But so far, NO NEWS...   Any IDEA?  Are we, Malaysian Shortchanged again?


Anyway, DO read this article...

ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA)


Common Effective Preferential Tariff Scheme (CEPT) 

The CEPT scheme introduced in 1993 to eliminate intra-ASEAN import tariffs is now almost completed. The ASEAN-6 and Viet Nam have reduced duties on all products to 0-5 per cent. ASEAN-6 will eliminate duties on all products by 1 January 2010, except the limited Sensitive and Highly Sensitive Unprocessed Agricultural Products.


Lao PDR and Myanmar are expected to reduce duties on all products by 1 January 2008 except Sensitive and Highly Sensitive Unprocessed Agricultural Products. Cambodia is given until 1 January 2010 to do so. These countries and Viet Nam will eliminate duties on all products by 1 January 2010.


Indonesia and the Philippines have yet to offer rice and sugar for concessions. A special dispensation has been given to both countries to phase in these products by 2015.
Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar have also phased in all products into the CEPT Scheme, except for:

• 54 tariff lines of Cambodia;
  
• 203 tariff lines of Lao PDR; and
  
• 27 tariff lines of Myanmar.

These products are still placed under their respective Sensitive Lists. These products are to be transferred into the CEPT Scheme not later than 1 January 2008 for Lao PDR and Myanmar and 1 January 2010 for Cambodia.

Number of Tariff Lines at 0% for ASEAN in the CEPT Package 2007

Country	Percentage
	0%	0%	Total
Brunei D.	71.63	28.37	100
Indonesia (AHTN 2007)	66.48	33.52	100
Malaysia	81.42	18.58	100
Philippines	50.30	49.70	100
Singapore	100.00	-	100
Thailand (AHTN 2007)	54.37	45.63	100
ASEAN-6	71.54	28.46	100
Cambodia 3	5.79	94.21	100
Lao PDR	6.28	93.72	100
Myanmar	3.44	96.56	100
Vietnam	52.06	47.94	100
CLMV23	17.01	82.99	100
Total ASEAN	49.67	50.33	100

Source: ASEAN Secretariat, as of July 2007

Note : 1) GE products has been included with CEPT rates assumed = MFN 2) Last tranche of TEL has been included with CEPT rates assumed = MFN

Current Status of Tariff Reduction by Malaysia

Beginning 1 January 2007, Malaysia eliminated duties on 3,368 tariff lines under the CEPT Scheme. The remaining 2,291 tariff lines will be eliminated on 1 January 2010 to fulfil the CEPT commitments. These products are: automotive; iron and steel; glass and glassware; ceramic; and paper products.

GENERAL EXCEPTION LIST

89 tariff lines are exempted from tariff concessions under the CEPT Scheme. These products are: alcoholic beverages; and arms and ammunition.

Malaysia 's Commitment under the CEPT Scheme 

Status	No. of Tariff Lines	Threshold Compliance ¹ (%)
TOTAL	12,581	-
CEPT duties at zero per cent (As of 31 December 2006)	6,767	54.17 ²
CEPT duties eliminated by 1 January 2007 (including PIS products)	3,368	26.96
CEPT duties to be eliminated by 1 January 2010	2,291	18.34
CEPT Duties to be maintained at 5 per cent/20 per cent by 1 January 2010 (tropical fruits, sugar, tobacco, and rice)	66	-
Products not offered for tariff concessions under the CEPT Scheme (General Exception List) (alcoholic beverages and arms and ammunition)	89	-

Source: Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Based on ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) 2002


RULES OF ORIGIN (ROO)

ASEAN is simplifying the rules and procedures for using the CEPT Scheme to encourage trade among Member States.


To access CEPT tariff concessions ASEAN exporters/manufacturers can now choose the most convenient ROO, either:

• the existing 40 per cent local/regional value content;

or

• the relevant Product Specific Rules (PSR).
  ASEAN has adopted Product Specific Rules (PSR) for 1,453 tariff lines, effective 1 January 2007. Apart from these newly endorsed PSR, ASEAN has also adopted PSR for:
  
• 839 tariff lines of textiles and apparel (1 January 1996);
  
• wheat flour (27 April 2005);
  
• 23 tariff lines of wood and wood based products and 36 aluminium products (28 September 2005); and
  
• 35 tariff lines of iron and steel (1 September 2006).
  Negotiations for the second or final package of Product Specific Rules have been completed for the remaining tariff lines, except for 144 tariff lines which include automotives, iron and steel and chemical products.
  The Second or final package of PSR will be implemented by the first quarter of 2008.
  

NON-TARIFF BARRIERS (NTBs)

An agreed work programme was established in ASEAN to eliminate these barriers in three packages:

• 2008, 2009 and 2010 for ASEAN-5;
  
• 2010, 2011 and 2012 for the Philippines;and
  
• 2013, 2014 and 2015/2018 for Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam.
  

The NTBs are classified according to three types of boxes:

Boxes	Treatment
Green	These can be retained
Red	These will have to be eliminated
Amber	Elimination of NTBs in the Amber Box will be subject to negotiations

ASEAN countries are required to notify other members and ASEAN Secretariat when a specific Non-Tariff Measure (NTM) is being introduced.


A peer review process has been put in place to ensure that the implementation of NTMs is justifiable.

ASEAN INTEGRATION SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (AISP)


The ASEAN Integration System of Preferences (AISP) is a unilateral scheme of preference given by ASEAN-6 that provides zero duty to products of export interest to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV).


As at December 2006, ASEAN-6 has offered zero duty for 3,195 products of the CLMV namely:

• Myanmar with 1,681 products;
  
• Cambodia (632);
  
• Lao PDR (494); and
  
• Viet Nam (388).
  

Malaysia has granted duty exemption on 793 products to these countries:

• Myanmar with 293 products;
  
• Viet Nam (237);
  
• Cambodia (179); and
  
• Lao PDR (83).
  

These duty exemptions are given to products such as:

fruits and vegetables;	chemical products;
rubber products;	wood-based products;
paper products;	electrical and electronics;
plastic products;	footwear;
furniture;	textiles and apparel; and
iron and steel.

ASEAN HARMONISED TARIFF NOMENCLATURE (AHTN)

AHTN is a harmonised product classification nomenclature implemented by all ASEAN member countries with the aim of further facilitating and promote intra-ASEAN trade.

The transposition of AHTN 2002 into ATHN 2007 among ASEAN members is on-going. Only Thailand and Indonesia have implemented and transposed their CEPT package into AHTN 2007.

Malaysia issued the gazette on 31 December 2007 and the AHTN will come into force on 1 April 2008. The application of the AHTN is expected to be extended to non-ASEAN countries by 2011
ENHANCED CEPT AGREEMENT

In August 2007, ASEAN agreed to review and update the CEPT Agreement to become a comprehensive Trade in Goods (TIG) Agreement for AFTA. The reasons are:

• to update some provisions to accommodate the current development in ASEAN;
  
• to provide legal standing to the Ministerial decisions pertaining to CEPT/AFTA;
  
• inconsistencies found between the provisions in the CEPT Agreement, Protocols and decisions of the AFTA Councils/AEMs;
  
• non-existence of some principle provisions such as Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment and National Treatment;
  
• some provisions in the CEPT need to be updated to be at par with the disciplines imposed in FTAs. and
  
• all past amendments to the CEPT agreements in different protocols will be merged into the new comprehensive agreement. 

END OF ARTICLE.

Source:
1) http://www.matrade.gov.my/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_hide_ASEANFreeTradeArea

Scandal: Mileage Clocking

Scandal: Mileage Clocking

Always check the following: The level of wear is consistent with the age and mileage of the car. Always see more than one car and compare the wear to other cars of similar mileage.

Cars with a reputation for being durable and well-built are a target for clocking. However, the following is true of most cars: Cars with mileage of 0 – 30,000 will have hardly any wear. Cars with mileage of 30,000 - 60,000 can be expected to have some minor scuffs on plastic and very slight creasing or fraying on seat squabs. Cars with mileage of 60,000 – 90,0000 will have more scuffing and fabric creases or fraying. Seats may have begun to sag slightly. The ceiling of the car and light trim may also be slightly dirty or marked. Some plastics will be a little shiny in high wear places, such as control stalks, gearshift and steering wheel. Pedal rubbers will be showing signs of wear. Load areas may have some scratches. Cars with mileage of over 90,000 will have very shiny gearshifts, control stalks and steering wheels, and light fabrics will be marked. Some seat squabs and backrests will be creased, sagging and frayed. Pedal rubbers will be significantly worn. Load areas will be scratched. Check that the mileometer numbers are in line. If not, the mileometer may have been adjusted. The data check, combined with a thorough check of paperwork should help confirm or dispel any concerns about clocking.

SOURCE:
1) http://www.usedcarexpert.co.uk/page.aspx?numPage=32

Good car salesperson vs Bad car salesperson

Back in 2007, I spent 4 months (from July to October) working as a New Car Sales Executive.  I worked for Quasar Carriage selling Skoda cars, Mercedes Vito, Vaneo and Sprinter.

Hence, I think that I'm relevent posting this blog entry titled: "Good car salesman vs Bad car salesman".  Without further ado, Let's sit back and enjoy...

GOOD CAR SALESPERSON...vs....BAD CAR SALESPERSON
..................1) Ignored you, YOU have to approach him

1) Welcomes you with a Warm handshake and...         
introduce himself.
..................2) YOU have to ASK for the brochure + price
..................Leave you checking out the car YOURSELF.

2) Asked what kinda car you're interested in, pass..
you the brochure/price list & if the car is in
showroom usher you to the car.

..................3) IGNORANT, Unsure about the specs/features,
..................Argued with you.  Talk bad about competitors.
..................Misled customers (Eg. Airbag dangerous, ABS
..................easily Spoiled - From a Kah Motor Salesman
..................back in 2001 when asked about the absence of
..................ABS and Airbag in Accord VTI.

3) Brief you the features of the car/gadgets in car......
Knows the technical part of the car INSIDE OUT....
Compare with Rival's Car BUT DO NOT CRITIZE.
Don't argue with/Correct prospects.........................

.................4) Telling white lies/ misleading information. Eg.
................back in Early 2008, Tan Chong P.J. Salesman
................told me can get car before CNY but ended up
................MID-APRIL only we allocated the car.
................My dad was so furious that he Cancelled
................the booking of Grand Livina by Mid March.

4) Inform you about the Service intervals, Running......
 costs, Colour choices, warranties DOs and DON'T..
FUEL Consumption, Realistic Waiting lists..................

...............5) Hide freebies (Eg. my former colleague:
...............Customer got free T-shirt + Giant Umbrella, the
...............joker KEPT it for himself...

5) Give discounts and freebies + FULL TANK upon delivery.

...............6) Salesperson "TAICHI" the Insurance & Bank
..............loan to other people, ask Client to BID/Choose No Plate
..............themselves.  Some REFUSE to Pick up client's call/IGNORE
..............their Requests after closing deal. Did NOT tell the Client that
..............MODIFYING Rims, Engine parts, Suspension cause will
..............void warranty.

6) In the event of Closing Sale, Salesperson
accompany Client to Choose No, OR ask runner...
to tender the No. plate. Also, help to process.........
Insurance, tinting, PUSPAKOM Inspection and Loan Application
ADVISE Customer the Do's and Don'ts upon delivery. Eg. Don't
Modify the Engine parts, Suspension will VOID warranty. Don't
over rev the car for AT LEAST 1000km.

..............7) After getting PAID, DID NOT BOTHER
.............to call Clients. If Client complain, SLAM the
.............PHONE.  NO FOLLOW UP AT ALL.

7) After 1 week of sales, Call client to FOLLOW UP.
Ask them how's the car, any questions/problems. IF
there's DEFECTS/ISSUES, help client to follow up.

 ............8) THIS REALLY HAPPENED.  My Ex-colleague
.............Changed Client's Original 17"AMG Rims worth
.............RM4,000 with "bigger size" 18" TAIWAN AMG
.............Replica Rims (Worth RM1,300). He then RESELL
.............the ORIGINAL RIMS to third Party (Outsiders for
.............RM4,000).

8) Maintain a Relationship with Clients, Eg. Sent them.
Birthday greetings, Christmas, New Year Cards, chat.
with them occasionally. SHOW CONCERN & be a
GOOD LISTENER.....................................

LASTLY: A Good Car salesperson is a CARING, Energetic, Friendly, Humble, Knowledgeble (about the Product/Services), Polite, Sincere, GOOD Listener + observant, Diligent (Hardworking), Optimistic and MOST IMPORTANTLY TEACHABLE.

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry of mine.  An ORIGINAL JEFF LIM'S Production.  My Original Work.