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Are China car companies finally catching up to the koreans? http://jalopnik.com/this-is-the-suv-china-thinks-westerners-will-buy-1661123637 This is the Qoros 3 SUV Before anyone writes this off as another all show no go. The Qoros 3 sedan scored a 5 star NCAP safety rating in 2013 and had one of the overall highest scores of the year. BUt of course, let's not kid ourselves, there is the huge barrier of perception, especially here in Asia where even Korean makes have to compete on the price / value for money front instead of the lust factor. Will China finally be able to come in and compete with Koreans now?

From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_757250.html Do parallel importers ignore manufacturers' recall advice? Published on Jan 19, 2012 TWO years ago, I deviated from my habit of buying a car from an authorised dealer, opting instead to buy one from a parallel importer because of the huge savings. But I regret that decision now. Some time ago, I received a letter informing me that there was a manufacturer's recall for my Honda Stream. When I telephoned the workshop named, I was told that I had to pay for my car to be checked. From my experience with authorised distributors, I knew there was no such charge. But as the amount was small, I did not object. When I took my car to the workshop, the staff inspected it briefly and said there was no need to change anything. I was shocked because from my experience with authorised dealers, whenever the car company announced a recall, the part would be changed regardless of whether it was defective. When I demanded that the part be changed, the workshop manager said there was no stock and that I had to obtain the part from the parallel importer. When I checked with the parallel importer, I was told that as long as the workshop said the part was not faulty, there was no need to replace it. I discovered that some of my colleagues who had bought cars from parallel importers also faced the same situation during a recall. None had the car parts changed. The Land Transport Authority should investigate the practice for safety reasons. Sam Gan

I think its due to cost and perhaps space constrain but the heat in the engine bay is rather bad for the batt. It shortens the lifespan. I am now spending time and $$$ to relocate the batt to the trunk so the batt will last longer. But need to lay cables.... :(

I was browsing through my copy of Hypertune today when it struck me that Malaysia really boleh; well at least when it comes to their car industry. Not only have they got their own national car makers, they have got a vibrant aftermarket scene with a fledgling local aftermarket parts manufacturing industry. And that got me thinking, while having our own national car marque might not be that feasible, perhaps it is now timely for our local authorities and motoring entrepreneurs to explore the idea of setting up our own homegrown automotive manufacturing brands? For one, it is not like we lack the expertise to do so. We always boast of the top notch brains that our multiple universities churn out. I am sure the engineering behind making car parts is not something we lack. And what better time to explore this than with the new Singapore University of Technology and Design up and running? And let's not forget that the market conditions are ripening. We have got high COE levels which, in all likelihood, will remain unabated for an extended period. This means that more drivers will keep their cars longer; ergo, more demand for car parts. With the eventual completion of the track at Changi, there should be even more interest in the aftermarket and car parts scene. LTA can help keep the party going by loosening its restrictions (especially for local aftermarket parts) while providing its own inputs to the manufacturers to develop parts truly suitable for Singapore's unique conditions. It seems like the stars are slowly aligning, so here's hoping that some local motoring entrepreneurs will heed my call and get this industry going! And if it really does happen; remember, you read it here first!

I feel the paper oil cartridges used in BMW (20yrs ago....) are far more enviromental friendly compared to those metal cannisters used by many other companies. Its also cheaper to manufacturer and hence could pass the savings to consumers. The filter is housed inside a metal housing secured by a bolt. when you change the filter, you unscrew the cover and replace the paper element inside. http://www.google.com.sg/imglanding?q=M42B...wAw&start=0 See the small circular housing (right behind the radiator hose) that looks like a star? Thats the oil filter housing.

1. Do you also consider a car manufacturer's financial standing prior to buying the car? 2. There were many examples of car manufacturers that their books went into red but people still buy their cars. Aren't they afraid of the cars being discontinued or debadge to some other brand names later? Regards,

Chery QQ is a copy cat of Daewoo Matiz. Geely CK is a copycat of the Mercedes C Class and Toyota Corolla. China automotive manufacturers have no originality and are only competent in copying other's designs.

Bros, got this question always wanted to ask : How do manufacturers come up with their 0-100 timings ? Is it done on the track ? If so, arent there many factors involved eg. wind speed, temperature, grip levels etc ? Or is it done on a dyno with controlled environment ?

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/11/gadget.htm Snake-oil got exposed!!