Monday, March 30, 2009

11 Most Common Phrases Uttered by Car Salesmen


While the car business has been forced to be more forthcoming because of the vast information and shopping power of the Internet, there are still those clinging to the "good 'ol days" by using lines that just don't hold up in today's car shopping environment.

Sometimes they work. Sometimes they make people mad. Sometimes they just make people laugh.

“I don’t know if I can do that, but if I could, would you buy this car today?”

This is the classic non-committal, open-door, promise without actually promising tactic that salespeople love and consumers don’t always understand.

“What’s it going to take to put this car in your garage today?”

A good salesperson’s goal is to find your trigger that they can target for pulling. If you have a trigger, they want to find it and yank on it as hard as they can.

“We knew it had that problem. That’s why it’s priced so low.”

Turn objections into positives. That is what a GREAT car salesperson can do. The engine could be smoking, the gears could be grinding, and the radio may be stuck on polka, but a great salesperson handles it properly, and this is one of their best lines.

“I’ll even throw in the floor mats.”

Yippee!

“The price doesn’t matter. It’s all about the payments. If it were $5000 cheaper but the payments were $1000 per month, would you buy it? Of course not!”

They can make the most money if you are focused on payments. Getting down to the right price or trade difference means only one thing to the dealership – less money. Getting down to the right payment can mean many things – longer term, lower rate, lower price, or a combination. If they can keep you looking at the payment, they may be able to sneak the price right by you.

“I’ll even throw in a tank of gas.”

Yippee! (I thought a tank of gas was included on new cars?)

“It’s not just leather, it’s Corinthian Leather.”

This has been a private joke in the industry for years. The definition of Corinthian is “the most ornate of the three Greek orders.” Coincidentally, it also means “playboy; a man devoted to the pursuit of pleasure.”

“I need a sale today to get my kids some clothes for school.”

A struggling salesperson will not use this line. If they use this line, they already have their kids clothes – now they are going for the upgraded golf clubs.

“Tell your friends where you got it, just don’t tell them what you paid for it.”


They are insinuating that you got a great deal. You may have. Then again, you may have been ripped and they don’t want anyone to tell you so.

“I’ll even throw in a free detail.”

Yippee!

Bonus: “I didn’t think you were an idiot, but if you were, I didn’t want to miss you.”

It's a strange world we live in. Luckily, there are still some honest dealers out there. In these tough times within the industry, let's hope that these dealerships are the ones that survive and thrive.

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By telling the truth eliminates all doubt. Honesty is the best policy.

2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante

2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante
(Aston’s newest hair dryer packs 510 hp and hits 191 mph.)



BY DAVID GLUCKMAN, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHIAS KNOEDLER
February 2009

Aston Martin will use the Geneva auto show to introduce the world to its latest creation, the DBS Volante. By popping the top on the most super of its current cars (the $1.75 million One-77 will soon serve as the range-topper) Aston has reduced its structural rigidity and added more than 250 pounds to the package, while also carving out room for two more “passengers” and keeping claimed performance the same. Oh, and it still looks good, too.

The Volante’s electrically operated cloth top disappears under a handsome metal tonneau. Up/down operation can occur at speeds up to 30 mph and takes just 14 seconds. Aston has placed the top’s hydraulic pump in a special enclosure to keep nasty noise and vibration from the occupants.

When is a Seat Not a Seat?

Lowering the roof reveals a pair of “occasional” seats fitted in the rear, making the DBS Volante a 2+2, as opposed to the coupe’s two-seat layout (the DBS coupe does offer the extra seats as an option, but they’re hardly inhabitable due to the sloping rear window). The seats are intended for “younger persons or extra luggage” and will likely see more of the latter than the former.

Power comes from the same 6.0-liter V-12 that’s fitted to the hardtop DBS, generating 510 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options likewise include the same standard six-speed manual and optional six-speed Touchtronic automatic. Despite the aforementioned weight gain, Aston claims a 0-to-62-mph acceleration time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph—the very same numbers it associates with the DBS coupe. (Our testing yielded a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.3 seconds and a redline-limited top speed of 188 mph with the fixed-roof DBS.) That car’s carbon-ceramic brakes are standard here as well, as are its adaptive suspension and stability-control system, although they’ve been tuned specifically for the convertible.

Styling changes are minimal and limited to the back half of the car. It loses the fastback silhouette of the coupe, resulting in a longer rear deck that finishes with a similar lip-spoiler treatment. Like any good convertible, it looks best when the top is down. The Volante uses carbon fiber in the same places as the coupe: the hood, front fenders, and trunk lid.

Aston’s latest Volante will likely be its most expensive droptop. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we expect it to come in well above the DBS’s $265,000 sticker. Deliveries of the new car are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2009.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Sunday 29th Mar "D-Day in Lubok Antu town"


Today is Nomination Day for Batang Ai N29. Only two candidates after Johnny Chuat decided to "give" PKR his support. We started early from KG at 4am & arriving in LA after 7am. It was already "filled" with people wearing a specific party t-shirt, flags were seen waving from all sides of the town. The people gathered at the mini stadium before the "would-be" candidates enter into a separate office to hand over their Nomination papers, By 12pm, it was announced, and it's a straight-fight betwen Barisan Nasional & PKR, The MB for Selangor was seen there, leaders from Sabah who set up their own HQs on the other side of town, the local VIPS were seen helping one another at the scene. It was peaceful throughout though throwing of challenges at one another can be heard all around the mini stadium even in town.
We headed home after 3pm. And arrived safely after 6:30pm.

Samarahan Big Bike Show 2009




This yearly event was held in Kota Samarahan last Sat 28th Mar. It was a hot but a beautiful day to show off some of these "mean-looking machines" called Big Bike(s)!
Myself & LJ spent quite sometime chatting, meeting some old friends who are members of this elite club. Actually, the scooters'club were also there with their machine. The "easy riders" were there as well.
Wish I have one.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Today, Johnny Ak.Chuat collected his Nomination Papers!



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It looks like a three-corner fight between BN, PKR & the Independent candidate, Johnny Ak. Chuat. Details about JC's Nomination Forms came via uchukeling.com this afternoon. It's going to be very intriguing and interesting. There is so much speculations about some "invisble hands" working behind the scenes.
Time will tell. For now, let us hear what the Candidates have to say about what its ALL ABOUT !!
Looks like SNAP opted out this round.

Seychelles: Paradise goes bankrupt

Sheridan Prasso, contributor
Wednesday March 25, 2009, 3:27 pm EDT

The Seychelles, the idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, is best known as an island paradise playground for celebrities, royalty and the ultra-wealthy. These days, it's better known for something else: bankruptcy.

The tiny country's debt burden may be tiny compared to Iceland, which needed a $2.1 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last fall, but the Seychelles' problems illustrate the degree to which the global economic crisis has leveled some economies altogether.

And because of its small size, with just 87,000 people, the Seychelles now has the unenviable stature of being perhaps the most indebted country in the world. Public and private debt totals $800 million - roughly the size of the country's entire economy.

Last year, as tourism and fishing revenue began slowing, the Seychelles defaulted on a $230 million, euro-denominated bond that had been arranged by Lehman Brothers before its own bankruptcy. The IMF came in in November with a two-year, $26 million rescue package, and the country has since taken a series of emergency steps: It laid off 12.5% of government workers (1,800 people), floated its currency (the Seychelles rupee, which has fallen from eight to the U.S. dollar to 16, effectively doubling the prices of imports), lifted foreign exchange controls and agreed to sell state assets.

The IMF has given a thumbs-up to the initial progress, but it warned that the economy would contract 9.5% this year. The government of Australia is sending tax experts to help overhaul the revenue collection system and audit local companies.

Now the Seychelles is negotiating with the governments of Britain, France and other Western countries including the U.S. - the so-called Paris Club - to reschedule $250 million in debt it owes them. It is asking for 50% of it to be forgiven - a rate it hopes its commercial creditors will then apply to its remaining $550 million outstanding.

"We borrowed more than we can repay," complains Ralph Volcere, the editor of Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly and a vocal government critic. "This was wholly irresponsible."

Heavily reliant on tourism, the Seychelles is desperately searching for ways to raise capital - at a time when tourism is forecast to drop precipitously this year. In early March, Seychelles Vice President Joseph Belmont told a meeting of local tourism industry business owners that the country has already seen a drop of 15% in visitor arrivals from the start of 2009; tourism revenue for the year, he said, could drop by some 25% more as a result of the global recession.

Seychelles officials have another idea though: to promote the country's longstanding virtue of being an off-shore business haven, with no corporate tax, no minimum capital requirements, only one shareholder or director required, and an annual licensing fee of just $100.

It also hopes to grow revenue from fishing licenses in its territorial waters, and on March 26 it will present a proposal to the United Nations to expand its exclusive rights to the surrounding seabed, potentially increasing prospects of revenue from underwater minerals, oil and gas.

And hopes for expanding tourism remain high. In addition to the usual roster of luxury-seeking royals and high-spending celebs, the middle-tier traveler is now being heartily courted, too. The government in early March announced an "Affordable Seychelles" campaign - what would have until recently been an oxymoron - with the motto: "Once-in-a-lifetime vacation at a once-in-a-lifetime price," based on lower prices caused by the halving in value of the currency.

Most hotels and meals in restaurants frequented by foreigners, however, remain priced in euros - like the new Four Seasons Seychelles, which opened its five-star resort, more than two years in the works, in February. Rates start at 1,000 euros ($1,345) per night, although current packages include stay-an-extra-day offers. Free-standing, multi-room houses with private swimming pools, billed as "Presidential" and "Royal" suites, are also available (from 4,500 euros, or $6,055).

The company claims it's seeing interest from travelers: "We have extremely strong demand; a lot of people are calling and asking for information," says General Manager Markus Iseli, surveying the property of 67 private, luxury villas perched on a hillside overlooking a stunning powdery-sand beach. But while normal luxury hotel occupancy averages 70-to-75%, he says he expects perhaps 30-to-35% occupancy this year.

"That's still good in a recession," Iseli says. "When you look around the world, everybody is suffering."
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This is really a heart-breaking piece of news. We hope Seychelles recover from this recession which is hitting everyone globally.

Arapke menua "kepulauan" Seychelles angkat maju baru, kategal resasi tu, kitai ditu pan ngasai ke pemedis nya.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Used Wira AB MT




It's already booked by a friend and the loan application to be submitted tomorrow.
This is MF & LJ's "bread & butter".


(Car is SOLD!)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Fellow Dealer




These pictures were taken this afternoon. It's a Used Car Dealer which just started their operation along Jalan Kulas. MFSB at times, need to get cars from them when the particular model is nowhere to be found. Of course, MF prefers to get the car "directly" from the owner as the price is very much cheaper. Don't hesitate to call us if you need one. A simple set-up, the office is the container you see in the background.

Wonderful People



Some of the most wonderful people I've worked with down the years.
Some has left the automotive industry by joining Government Services, some have left and joined other Companies like Perodua and so on.
But we still get to meet here and there.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Porsche 911 GT3/2009 Geneva Auto Show



Behold, a great beauty! Wonder how much this will cost in Malaysia?
About 2million Ringgit, perhaps? A price to pay to own a Porsche.

New Vehicle Sales DROPPED 3% in February 2009


March 20, 2009 05:52 PM Author: Chips
Not surprisingly, February sales were down by 3% from January due to the month having less selling days. However, the Malaysian Automotive Association also attributed the drop to poor consumer confidence due to the global economic uncertainties and stricter loan approvals. Total vehicles sold during the month were 36,675 units, 5% lower than in February 2008. The association expects March sales to be slightly better as there are signs of positive consumer sentiment and more selling days.

Source: Motor Trader

Monday, March 23, 2009

TOYOTA MARK-X GRX120





TOYOTA MARK-X GRX120
ENGINE CAPACITY: 2000C.C.
YEAR: 2005
EQUIPMENT: MAKER TV WITH REAR VIEW CAMERA
SELLING PRICE: RM............

NISSAN SKYLINE 2DOOR CPV35








NISSAN SKYLINE 350GT ( 2door )
ENGINE CAPACITY: 3500 C.C. (Auto)
YEAR: 2004
EQUIPMENT: SUNROOF, MAKER TV, ALLOY WHEEL, POWER SEAT, HALF LEATHER, 4xSRS, BOSE SOUND SYSTEM.
SELLING PRICE: RM...........

The world's cheapest new car January 10, 2008 05:30 PM Author: Chips



FIRST LOOKS
The world's cheapest new car
January 10, 2008 05:30 PM Author: Chips

When it was first announced by TATA Motors a few years ago, sceptical experts said it couldn’t be done. It was just not possible to build a decent car for a few thousand US dollars. The price was based on the target Indian price of 1 lakh (100,000 rupees) which would make it the cheapest car not only in India but in the world. The details were a very well-kept secret and that made it harder for people to believe that TATA could do it, let alone meet the launch year of 2008.

But when you have the owner of the company personally making the commitment and being the one who wants the car to become a reality – at the price promised – it is not hard to have the full resources of the company made available and the dedication of its workers to ‘make it happen’. And happen it has, although actual deliveries won’t start till the middle of this year.

The idea of a true ‘People’s Car’ – which is what the Nano, as it is called, can be regarded as - coming from a company like TATA is not surprising when you know the company’s history and philosophy. The Indian company, established in 1945, is the epitome of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and is even a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact. From the time of its founding, it has been engaged in community and social initiatives on labour and environment standards in India, using its increasing wealth to improve the livelihood of the people of India.

Until 10 years ago, TATA was not a manufacturer of passenger cars; it had started out as a locomotive manufacturer and then ventured into making heavy vehicles like lorries and buses. During the 1990s, it gave more attention to passenger-carrying vehicles and began to develop SUVs and MPVs and then came out with its first passenger car called the Indica.

The Nano was, however, a huge challenge as it was more than just about making another car model. It required ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking and a conscious rejection of conventional approaches and the types of materials used. Furthermore, in this era of environmental concerns and also safety, it was a much tougher challenge than the days of Henry Ford and his Model T, Ferdinand Porsche and the VW Beetle and even Alec Issigonis and the Mini. Back then, those cars which were also low-priced for the masses but and concerns about whether their engines would cause more pollution were virtually non-existent. The car just had to be built sturdily, be easy to maintain and have low operating costs.

Nevertheless, it was safety which persuaded Ratan Tata to press for the development of the Nano four years ago. He was greatly concerned by the dangers for the motorcyclists, especially those having to transport many family members. Typically many would load more than two persons on a motorcycle so what he felt was needed in India was a vehicle which could take all the family and that had to be a car. It had to be priced so cheap that those using motorcycles could realistically afford to buy it.

The result is a car which is not entirely unconventional – it still looks like a car – but a lot of clever thinking has gone into its design to meet the cost target which was really the priority. In fact, it is believed that in the four years of development, costs rose as materials became more expensive but for Mr Tata, ‘a promise is a promise’ and the car is launched at the 1 lakh price… but that is actually an ex-factory price and by the time it leaves the showroom, the customer would pay a little bit more in the form of taxes and some other minor charges. Mr Tata did, however, say that the price is not subsidized by TATA so it is not losing money making it.

The one-box styling of the car was done by an Italian studio with much personal involvement by Mr Tata, an architect by training. It is said that he was the one who decided that one wiper would be enough – contributing to cost-saving. The bulbous shape is typical for small cars as it provides maximum interior space but a compact ‘footprint’. And as there are fairly tall Indians, headroom was also important, hence the high ceiling and curved roof.

The 4-door Nano measures 3.1 metres in length with a width of 1.5 metres and a height of 1.6 metres. That’s not as long as a Perodua Kancil which is 3.4 metres but a wee bit wider as the Kancil is 1.4 metres. The weight has not been revealed though it’s a sure bet that it has been kept as low as possible using lightweight materials.


Being small does pose problems with regards to safety, especially in a collision. However, in Mr Tata’s view, the trade-off is acceptable because there would still be better protection in a car than on a motorcycle. It meets ‘current safety standards’ (presumably those for India) but does not have airbags, which would have been a major cost. From pictures of the cabin, it appears that seabelts are provided for front occupants but not the rear. Of course, such things can be fitted eventually but it will make the car cost more.

In terms of environment protection, the Nano is said to have an engine that meets Euro-4 emission standards – which is even better than what is presently required in Malaysia. According to Mr Tata, it was much easier to meet the emission standards than safety standards. That’s not surprising, of course, as with electronic engine management systems and EFI, it’s a matter of tuning correctly to the desired level. Having a catalytic converter also cleans up the exhaust gases significantly.

The first engine for the Nano is a petrol engine (a diesel is to come later) with two cylinders displacing 624 cc. To save weight, it is all-aluminium in construction and it has a single balancer shaft, the first for a 2-cylinder engine. The design strategy was to maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and deliver high fuel efficiency which is claimed to be 17.7 kms/litre (50 mpg). The top speed is supposed to be about 70 km/h, probably enough for road conditions in India for the immediate future.

The power output is a modest 33 ps which goes via a 4-speed gearbox (there seem to be conflicting information about the transmission which some say is a CVT) to the rear wheels. So the storage space is up front and it’s not very much either. Other technical details have not been released yet.

TATA sees India as the primary market but has not ruled out exports. Though many industry observers feel that the basic specifications – no conveniences like power windows or power steering – will not be acceptable to consumers in other markets. Even in India, TATA already said it will have ‘deluxe’ versions that will have extras and cost more. TATA is looking at those countries where economic levels are still low and consumer expectations are also low. In the poorer countries, a car like the Nano would be something very appealing indeed and if volumes go up substantially, TATA could even bring the cost down as a social contribution.

The Nano, having become a reality at the promised price, is expected to be influential in changing the way cars are designed and costed. For those selling high-volume models, it will certainly make them re-think their strategies but some may simply not be willing to compromise on areas such as safety and will therefore not want to push prices right down. Ultimately, of course, consumers will decide whether they want to pay the extra for safety or not.
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Just thinking, if Malaysia can come out with something similar, may not be that cheap as what TATA did, maybe slightly lower than RM25K for a small saloon car, perhaps? Just thinking. So folks, give your comment on this matter.
Enti ulih, rindu kitai bekrita, sida aya diau rumah panjai pan tebeli ke nya, nyau baka rega muto sikal. Tang kada ke ulih Malaysia ngulih ke ia rega nya. deh? Minta kita meri komen ba column baruh tu.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Adila Pelajar Pertama Yang Tersingkir!


KUALA LUMPUR, 21 MAC 2009: Adila atau nama sebenarnya, Nas Adila Mohd Dan, menjadi pelajar pertama yang tersingkir dalam konsert minggu kedua Akademi Fantasia Musim 7 (AF7), malam tadi.

Penyingkiran Adila yang juga seorang artis rakaman, diumumkan pengacara AC Mizal selepas peserta dari Johor Bahru itu menerima jumlah undian Khidmat Pesanan Ringkas (SMS) yang terendah daripada penonton.

Pada konsert yang bersiaran secara langsung dari Dewan Sri Putra, Bukit Jalil dan dipancarkan menerusi Astro Ria (Saluran 104) itu pelajar berkenaan membawakan lagu medley Merawat Cinta Luka dipopularkan Liza Hanim dan melodi dangdut, Asyik, nyanyian asal Amelina.

Thank you for your Votes folks, keep them coming. It's getting hotter in there. Last night, Claudia showed what she is made of, despite so much "bad light" shed about her private life. It should have been kept personal, because it has nothing to do with "outsiders" poking their "wet" noses into her private affairs. We must appreciate talent, when we see one! So folks, get them lines busy again in the coming week(s) as she needs our support to make it throught in this reality show. Our votes will be the decider at the end of each Concert.

Thank you. You're the best people!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

NISSAN FAIRLADY-Z






NISSAN FAIRLADY-Z
ENGINE CAPACITY: 3500 C.C. (Auto)
YEAR: 2005
EQUIPMENT: BOSE SOUND SYSTEM, BLACK LEATHER,18”ALLOY WHEEL
SELLING PRICE: RM..............

Friday, March 20, 2009

BMW 320i





BMW 320i
ENGINE CAPACITY: 2000 C.C.
YEAR: 2005
EQUIPMENT: SUNROOF, M-SPORT KITS, ALLOY WHEEL, SMART E/G STARTER, AFTER MARKET TV, SPORTS SEAT WITH POWER SEAT.
SELLING PRICE: RM..............

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Happy Birthdays Apai & Indai 19/03/2009





Tonight, we held a joint Birthday Party for Stephen AKA Merekah Fajar's parents, his dad is 78 and his mum is 70 years old this year. Although the exact month(s) may be different from one another, it was nevertheless held simultaneosly as most of us are generally busy with our daily lives. We wish both of them a Happy & Blissful life, best of health, & getting plenty of God's richest blessings. And we love you dad, & mum.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

World's first rear centre airbag system





Airbags have been around since the 1970s and have probably saved hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. Over the years, airbag design and operation had improved as new technology became available. From just being employed at the front, airbags began to be installed at the sides to provide additional protection in side impacts and in some cars, there are also airbags to protect the knees.

Thus far, the rear occupants have had only the benefit of curtain airbags which deploy from the ceiling over the windows, providing a degree of protection during a side collision. By closing off the window opening, these curtain airbags have also reduced the possibility of small children being ejected as the car rolls.

Recently, Toyota announced an entirely new airbag location – in the centre of the rear section. Like frontal airbags, this airbag is also classified as a Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) and is the first in the world that can help reduce the severity of secondary injuries incurred by rear-seat passengers in a side collision.
The airbag is fitted in a large, fixed, rear-seat centre console that comes in a version of a Toyota model to be launched in Japan in the near future. When the vehicle is hit side-on, the airbag deploys from the top of the console to act as a barrier that helps lessen injuries caused by passengers colliding with each other or into the console. It is thus suitable only for cars in which there are two rear occupants, such as the Lexus LS460L; in models like the Corolla or Camry, which has space for three persons in the back, such an airbag would not be practical.

As for airbags at the front of the rear passengers, like those in front, this has been examined in the past. Nissan displayed a prototype some years ago where the airbag was stowed behind the front seat. However, an issue that was of concern was the position of the rear occupant which was less predictable that than of the front. Should the passenger be offset too much, the effectiveness of the airbag would be reduced and there could also be injury caused to the passenger so the idea has never gone further than the concept stage.


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Ngarap ke enggau masang "Airbags" ba entuka kitai mayuh tau ngurang ke agi "deaths" ba sida ti kena bebadi ba jalai alun. Ke diatu, telalu mayuh urang udah mati enda berega laban nadai "safety equipment" bansa nya ti tau nyelamat ke sida.

TOYOTA RAV-4 ACA31





TOYOTA RAV-4
ENGINE CAPACITY: 2000C.C. 4WD
YEAR: 2006
EQUIPMENT: SMART E/G START, SUNROOF, ALLOY WHEEL, FOG, ALLOY WHEEL, DVD TV
SELLING PRICE: RM........

HONDA ODYSSEY RB1




HONDA ODYSSEY
ENGINE CAPACITY: 2000 C.C.
YEAR: 2005
EQUIPMENT: MAKER TV WITH REAR VIEW CAMERA, AERO KIT
SELLING PRICE: RM...........