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The latest offering from Volvo, the C30 Recharge, plugs into electricity outlets.
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BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
Friendly concepts
This year automakers are boosting their environmental credentials by making cars that are kind to the planet
Published on March 28, 2008
The 29th Bangkok Intern-ational Motor Show at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Bitec) is all about changes. This year, the automotive industry has shifted towards alternative energy and concern about environmental damage. There are vehicles that run on E85 gasohol, or 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent gasoline; while others plug into electricity points, like the Volvo C30 Recharge and the Toyota Hi-CT concept cars. This year there is a total of nine concept vehicles; with three from Toyota and one each from Lexus, Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volvo and Hyundai. One of the wackiest concepts is Toyota's i-REAL, a personal-transport vehicle, which is set to compete with single-person vehicles like the Segway.
Something for everyone But, in the mainstream market, there are the new Honda Jazz and Toyota Corolla Altis, both compatible with E20 gasohol (80 per cent gasoline and 20 per cent ethanol).Not only are they enviromentally friendly, they also enjoy price reductions thanks to lower excise duty. Luxury cars such as BMW are offering more fuel-efficient models such as the 320d and X3 2.0d, both powered by common-rail diesel engines that do not compromise on power and are compatible with B2 and B5 biodiesel. Chevrolet is showing a dual-fuel pickup - the Colorado - which can run on B2 and B5 biodiesel as well as 65 per cent compressed natural gas and 35 per cent diesel. This minimises running costs and produces fewer emissions. This year's show includes plenty of fancy sports cars. Mercedes-Benz is showing off its new SL 350 and SLK 200 K, while BMW's highlight is the M3 Coupe and 630i. Apart from the concept cars, the other highlight the IS-F sports car from Lexus, a direct competitor of the BMW M3. The IS-F comes with a 5.0-litre V8, capable of producing well over 400 horsepower. Japanese niche carmaker Mitsuoka is showing the Orochi sports car, a design inspired by a snake attacking its prey, while Subaru is pulling the wraps off the rally-bred Impreza WRX. MTM, a German tuning company, is showing a beefed-up version of the Audi S5 that is powered by a 500-horsepower V8 engine.
The show opens to the public today and runs until April 6.
By Kingsley Wijayasinha Daily Xpress
XTRA
Come and get it! >> Chevrolet is staging a "Triple Zero" campaign for the Captiva SUV, which includes no downpayment, zero interest and free insurance. >> Mazda is giving free diesel for three months to buyers of its BT-50 pickup, along with two instalment-free months and free insurance. >> Ford Leasing is offering a "5-5-5" promotion, which is a five-year or 100,000 kilometre warranty, free maintenance for five years and free 24-hour emergency service for five years. >> Nissan offers zero interest on a 20 per cent downpayment for its Tiida and Teana models. >> Mitsubishi Triton customers need pay just Bt39,000 as downpayment. >> BMW and Mercedes-Benz have promotions, too.
>> Motorcycles come with accessories and invitations to rallies and contests.
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