Volvo will show BioFuel Chic at Motor Expo 2008 Thailand

Fresh from thrilling the German media on the infamous Nürburgring (billed as the greatest and most challenging race circuit in the world) the outrageous E85-capable Volvo S80 T6 AWD HPC (High Performance Concept) and its sibling, the luxuriously powerful Volvo S80 2.5 FT production car, plus the sexy sport coupe E85-capable C30 1.8 F will be the undisputed highlights of the Thailand International Motor Expo 2008 at the end of this month. These FlexiFuel Vehicles (FFV) set to amplify Volvo’s “green” commitment as they can run on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol and 15% benzene blend) while delivering uncompromising power and refinement.

The Volvo S80 T6 AWD HPC (High Performance Concept) is one of the world’s most desirable tuning programme based on the fundamental qualities of Volvo cars. Modified by leading Volvo specialist tuning firm, Heico Sportiv, the car screams "look at me!!" in its specially formulated 7-layer gleaming aluminium paint, blue leather and sliver carbon-fibre interior sitting ion 20" rims. Its 3.0-litre compact in-line-six cylinder engine coupled to an auto six-speed transmission through all-wheel drive (AWD) has been tuned to an amazing 350-horsepower (5,500 rpm) and 549Nm of torque between1,500 - 4,000 revs while running on E85 bioethanol fuel.

Volvo will also premiere its new Model Year 2009 Volvo S80 2.5 FT at the event. It is powered by a FlexiFuel E85 five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with a power output of 200 horsepower and 300Nm of torque at 1,500 - 4,000 revs. In addition to the unrivalled driving pleasure, the powerful luxury sedan also helps lower greenhouse gas pollution with its E85 capability. The model will shortly be available in Thailand.

Flanked by its race bred partner from the Swedish Touring Car Championships (STCC) and also now available to buy in Thailand, another highlight at Volvo’s booth is the Volvo C30 1.8 F. Developed from the Volvo Safety Concept Car (SCC), the C30 now comes with the 1.8 F FlexiFuel four-cylinder unit and appeals to those craving a younger, more contemporary and dynamic appearance and lifestyle. With the Volvo C30 having won numerous design awards worldwide since launch, the sporty Volvo C30 1.8 F running on bioethanol E85 underlines Volvo’s commitment to the environment and personifies the "biofuel-chic" revolution alongside its larger stable-mate S80 2.5FT.

Mr. Paul Stokes, President of Volvo Car (Thailand) Ltd, said, “From race-to-reality, what Volvo showcases here is that high-technology; high-performance, high-style and environmental care can blend together in perfect concert. Both the S80 T6 AWD HPC concept car and the S80 2.5 FT will surely bring greater excitement to the market while giving Thai motor-fans a clue of what they can expect from us in the future.”

In addition to the two highlights, a full range of Volvo cars, both model year 2008 and 2009, will be showcased and booking orders at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2008 from November 28 – December 10, 2008 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani.

Honda announced All New City 2008 generation to sporty driving performance and looking

Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (HATC), Honda's automobile production and sales subsidiary in Thailand, today began sales of the all-new CITY.
The design of the new CITY is based on the total pursuit of a compact, yet dynamic form with road presence. In addition, class-leading*1 interior space was achieved to create a cabin that surrounds the occupants with an open and secure feeling. The new CITY is equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, which is further advanced in every way, including greater output and fuel consumption. Furthermore, with Honda's unique commitment to provide both advanced safety and environmental performance, the new CITY achieves the highest levels in every area in the effort to become the new bench mark for subcompact sedans.

The first generation Honda CITY was introduced in 1996, quickly responding to the growing needs for automobiles in Asian markets associated with economic growth in the region. Today, CITY is produced in seven countries*2 and enjoyed by customers in 39 nations around the world. CITY also is becoming one of Honda's core models, along with Civic, Accord, CR-V and Jazz (Fit), with cumulative sales passing the 1 million unit mark in late May 2008.
The sales of this third-generation CITY will begin in Thailand from today and expand successively to other existing markets. Honda also envisions further expansion of CITY sales, in order to meet growing customer needs, especially in emerging markets.

Regarding production of the new CITY, HATC will support the startup of production in developing countries including ASEAN markets, India and China. Honda's automobile production capabilities in Thailand have grown continuously for more than 20 years, which is helping accelerate the advancement of automobile production in the region as a whole by providing technical support for other production operations in neighboring countries. Honda has been strongly promoting local autonomy by transferring more production and procurement functions from Japan to Thailand with the goal of strengthening Honda's production strategy and to increase local parts sourcing. In addition, increased coordination with local R&D and production engineering functions (production equipment and tooling) is supporting the advancement of Honda production operations in Thailand as the leader plant in the region. As a result, the local content of the new CITY has now reached 93% from 83% of current model.
The second HATC plant will begin operation in late October of this year, expanding the total annual production capacity to 240,000 units. HATC will also expand auto exports and technical support to other operations to enhance its role as the leader plant, and strengthen it's competitiveness in the world.
*1 1.5-liter subcompact sedan category
*2 Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey