KL International Motor Show 2013 - The Concept Cars

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) is underway with public viewing beginning today. One definition of a 'motor show' is that it is a public exhibition of concept cars, model debuts, a showcase of current models as well as one which features out of production models or classics. KLIMS13 is a motor show where there are concept cars and new model debuts. We may not be in the forefront of first debuts internationally, but KLIMS13 does showcase some concept cars. We have compiled all the concept vehicles (not current production models but futuristic ideas that manufacturers are toying with) that are displayed at KLIMS13 for your viewing pleasure.

KLIMS13 - Toyota Camry Hybrid - A green Unclemobile?

The Toyota Camry Hybrid was on display at KLIMS13. You get the 2.5liter Atkinson cycle engine coupled with an electric motor powering the car like a larger, more luxurious Prius. It is supposed to be sold here in Malaysia soon but as its a 2.5 liter, it won't get any tax breaks. Its proposed pricing is predicted to cross RM180,0000. Steep for an uncle/auntie car that saves petrol. And don't think you'd get the Modelista bodykit and 19inch wheels with the price stated. That is surely optional.

KLIMS 2013- The 2014 Honda Odyssey launched in Malaysia

Honda has pulled out all stops to make its participation at the KL motor Show 2013 a success. They have decided to launch the 5^th generation Honda Odyssey two week after it was released over in Japan. This is one of the quickest automotive launches that has hit Malaysia in my opinion. The launch was officiated by Honda Malaysia Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, who must have been the force behind Honda's impressive participation at KLIMS13 - They have the Honda EV-STER concept car, the Honda CR-Z Mugen RR, the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid as well as the car mentioned above to name a few.

The 2014 Odyssey is powered by the newly developed 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC (175PS and 225NM) Earth Dreams Technology engine and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). The All-New Odyssey features a newly developed “Ultra-Low Floor Platform”, which creates a spacious cabin equivalent to large-class MPV. Oh, it has the usual ECO functions that most Hondas have these days.

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) opened today. And I have some comments. UPDATED

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) was officially launched by YB Dato’ Hasan Bin Malek, Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives & Consumerism earlier today. There are some highlights of the show below as well as the official press release for your viewing pleasure folks. (Perodua aside as I have reported about it already).

But before that, I also have to state the obvious. While KLIMS13 has quite a number of concept cars from the likes of Citroen, Hyundai, Perodua, Toyota to name a few and a few notable car launches and previews by Volkswagen (the CKD Polo 1.6 hatchback), Ford (Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost, Fusion Hybrid), as well as some others, the motorshow is lacking some big names and heavy hitters. Proton is not around. The major luxury German brands are non-existant (Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz). There are no Rolls Royces or Bentleys. There are no Mitsubishi, Suzuki or Mazda. There is also no Kia or Chevrolet. There is also no Jaguar or Land Rover. No Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati too. Sad but very true.

I have not forgotten the fact that Infiniti and Subaru are first time participants. These car manufacturers bring a slight difference to this year's motor show. But it isn't much of a compensation.

KLIMS13 - At The Perodua Stand

I thought I'd start the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS13) review with Perodua. The reason being the fact that motor shows aren't sales road shows but one which showcases the latest concept cars from automotive manufacturers. There isn't too many at KLIMS13, which is a sore point, but Perodua the only 'local' representative (since Proton is a no-show) has a few design and engineering concepts to show.

Perodua sedan concept at KLIMS13

Errr....stumpy looking isn't it? But don't worry, its still very much at the concept stage. Could be running a Toyota Etios or the Mvyi/ passo chassis. I don't know yet but its dumpy looking.

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 - KLIMS13 Initial report

Not bad. There may be a lack of names like BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi and, gasp, Proton (who must be the biggest spoilsports in Malaysia at this moment), but there are some concept cars worth previewing.

Perodua has a sedan concept that is still a concept car that has no production ready cues whatsoever. I cannot tell as yet whether is is based on anything as I am just typing this out whilst waiting for the official tour which starts after lunch. It looks ugly especially with that stumpy boot. Not what I'd expected.
Perodua also displayed the interior and an outline of the exterior of the upcoming Perodua Viva replacement. Looks like a shruken Myvi. This is a good thing.

Aside from that, Honda's small mid engined coupe roundabout looks promising. Smaller than the CRZ it is Honda Beat in size and could be one to look out for if they produce it.

Stay tuned for more updates when I get home later tonight folks. Oh, do check out our Facebook page for updates. I sometimes update photos direct to Facebook. So do click the 'Like' button there folks.

KONICA MINOLTA, INC. Launches 5th Generation KONICA MINOLTA ICE-μ™ FILM for Automotive and Building Industries In Malaysia

We attended the launch for the KONICA MINOLTA ICE-μ™ window film product and premier store launch in Temasya Glenmarie, Shah Alam, earlier today. This marks Konica Minolta's entry into the window film/tinting market for the automotive and also building industries in Malaysia. The event was officiated by Y.A.B Datuk Haj Ahmad bin Hj Maslan, Deputy Finance Minister.

This is a new venture for Konica Minolta Inc. who are known for its optical technonogies like its cameras, lenses, photocopiers and film, has moved into the business for quality window film called the KONICA MINOLTA ICE-μ™. The ICE-μ™ film boasts of a superior combination of both transparency and heat rejection.

2015 Subaru WRX teased...

Subaru have released one measly shot featuring the bonnet of the upcoming 2015 Subaru WRX.  I suppose that's all I have to say about it as one photo doesn't deserve more than two complete sentences.