The 26th Bangkok International Motor Show
With motor shows being one of the most
popular events for all car enthusiasts, I am pleased that our
Bangkok International Motor Show is now accepted overseas as
one of the major shows in SE Asia.
Being held at the huge BITEC events and
exhibition area at Bangna, with parking for 4,000 vehicles
means that our world class motor show is held in world class
facilities.
The dates to pencil in to your calendar are
March 25 through to April 3 (the weekends are March 26/27 and
April 2/3). There are already 130 exhibiting companies from 11
countries and eight motorcycle brands represented.
With the world’s attention on the
dwindling (expensive) oil supplies (that George Dubbya
didn’t managed to expropriate while waging the War of Mass
Deception), you can expect more small cars and econo-misers
this year. The theme is “The power of natural” so I would
think there will be even more alternative power sources being
touted, though I still believe that Hydrogen power will win in
the end.
Other attractions at the show are the
displays from some of the car clubs in Thailand, with the
Mustang club showing some of the best restored examples of the
famous Detroit pony cars, as well as the Mini club, the VeeDub
group and some classic vehicles as well. This is where you can
see a classic Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gull-wing if you are lucky.
The important motor shows in the first
quarter of the year are the Detroit Show in January, the 74th
Geneva International Motor Show in early March, and then the
Bangkok International Motor Show. The other two Asian shows
are the Sydney International on October 13 and then the Tokyo
International October 19.
HighSideTours first track
days very successful
Motorcycling is a learned skill, though
some of the local taxi motorcycle riders are obviously slow
learners. However, when it comes to motorcycle racing, it is
more of an art form than anything else. But what should not be
forgotten is that the skills necessary to compete can also be
used to stay alive on our roads.
Teacher
and pupil
HighSideTours (HST), a Bangkok initiative,
has just completed its first three day motorcycle race school
and track days session at Bira International Circuit, Pattaya.
The event was attended by several local and international
press and magazine journalists as well as customers from four
different countries.
At this initial offering, eight riders took
part in the race and riding school instruction (two Germans,
three from the UK, one New Zealander, and two Italians)
offered over the three days by qualified instructors of the
Superbike School.
Riders received one-on-one tuition to learn
such skills as how to sit on the motorcycle correctly, corner
entry, braking points and throttle control. Dramatic
improvements in skill levels and speed were achieved by all
who attended, with two riders achieving their life-long biking
dream of ‘knee down’ by the end of day two!
The bikes used were race prepared examples
of the famous Suzuki track bike GSX-R 750. All bikes were
kitted out with upgraded brakes and exhaust systems as well as
race transmissions. These bikes are ideally suited to the
technically demanding Bira Circuit and were individually set
up for each riders weight and skill levels.
Feedback for the Bira Circuit was universal
praise, with experienced motorcycle instructors and
journalists who have ridden on such famous tracks as Phillip
Island, Australia and Donington Park, UK were full of praise
for the circuit named after Prince Bira, Thailand’s first
truly international sporting champion and hero. Turns 1 and 2
of the circuit were considered by some to be the most
challenging corners they had ever ridden!
The three day format was popular with the
riders as it allowed them to develop their skills at their own
pace and to enjoy more of the social side of the event. After
a first day of acclimatizing and adjusting the bikes, riders
were able to spend two full days concentrating on their skills
and practicing the drills. A full selection of bike DVD’s
were on offer in the paddock tent to relax the riders whilst
planning the next session.
The luxury paddock tent proved very popular
as a place to relax and discuss the events on track. Free soft
drinks and lunch were provided by the very attractive and
attentive HST hostesses, as well as cold towels and assistance
in getting in and out of the leathers. Riders could sit and
relax watching MotoGP videos whilst their own bike was being
refueled and settings adjusted by the HST mechanics. Almost
like being a real MotoGP factory rider!
The HighSideTours track days are normally
offered as a three day package for US$1,500, however due to
the demand, and time constraints for some riders, HST has
added a one day track day experience option (with slightly
reduced content) for US$400.
All packages need to be pre-booked through
phone or website at www.highsidetours. com. For more
information please contact Graham Knight 09 119 0000.
The next track days are February 18-20, but
as places are limited, I would suggest an early booking would
be advisable. I hope to be there myself, as my skill levels on
a motorcycle are decidedly rusty!
Mitsu’s
surprising statistics
It certainly isn’t news that Mitsubishi
is in deep doggy doo back in Japan. A very poorly executed
manufacturing fault cover-up has led to the execution
(metaphorically) of senior staff in Japan, who have all fallen
on their swords. This is turn led to shareholder
DaimlerChrysler withholding ‘bail-out’ funds, and it just
didn’t get any better from there!
A
Mitsu they do not make here!
However, what must not be forgotten, is
that Mitsubishi can make some damn good vehicles, and many of
them are made here in Thailand and exported. Last year,
Mitsubishi were the export leaders from Thailand, and the
latest figures I could get, covering 10 of the 12 months had
Mitsu the top exporter at 70,856 units (CBU vehicles),
followed by the AutoAlliance (Ford-Mazda) at 58,894 and Toyota
third at 43,691. In October, Mitsu exported almost twice as
many vehicles as the AutoAlliance, almost three times as many
as GM and Toyota and four times the number exported by Honda.
Mitsu isn’t lying down either, despite
head office’s problems. A couple of weeks back I mentioned
the 10 year warranty being offered on new Mitsubishi products
in Australia and in Thailand, Mitsubishi are embarking on an
improved corporate identity plane, face-lifting 82 showrooms
throughout the country this year.
Crash-proof
cars - are they here?
Crash-proof cars would change the world so
dramatically that I doubt if anyone has really thought the
whole concept through. What should be a boon to mankind could
reduce living standards by so much that the financial effect
could bring some local economies to their knees! The panel
shops are out of business for starters!
Now think about the costing situation. Cars
that can get us out of trouble would not need the costly
air-bags and other secondary safety features. Crash-proof cars
working on primary safety would revolutionize the entire auto
industry, as well as negatively affect the cash flow in the
undertaking industry in the short term!
Technology is continuing to look at ways
that the motor vehicle could be made to avoid crashing into
its surroundings. Let’s look at the reversing warning
beepers that are commonplace these days. By ‘bouncing’ a
beam off solid objects behind the vehicle, an audible warning
is produced. As the vehicle gets closer to the solid object,
the auditory warning increases in frequency and volume. A
larger and more sophisticated version of these, ‘looking’
out of the front of the vehicle could activate the brakes
electrically.
Toyota has an interesting vehicle called
the Estima hybrid minivan and features a regenerative braking
system to improve fuel consumption. The Electronically
Controlled Brake (ECB) system was engineered for high levels
of environmental technology, and - safety. Toyota engineers
say it can control both the braking and driving functions of
the hybrid system. Note that - control of braking and driving
functions.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is another
automaker involved in this type of research and developed the
Mitsubishi ASV-2 (advanced safety vehicle). The ASV-2 uses IT
technology applied to the company’s advanced Active Safety
accident avoidance and Passive Safety crash injury and damage
mitigation technologies.
Here comes the ‘brave new world’ so
read the following list carefully and remember the analogy of
the reversing warning systems. Central to their safety system
is the Multi-eye that uses wireless radar to detect the
distance to the vehicle in front and the relative vehicle
speeds; laser radar with advanced analytic capability; cameras
that respond to significant changes in driver alertness, and a
variety of sensors that detect and monitor the road
environment. Other equipment includes steering actuators,
brake actuators and other components that support the driver
in his operation of the vehicle.
Rear-side Monitor uses wireless radar
installed in the door mirrors and a camera mounted at the top
of the rear window to monitor automobiles, motor bikes and
bicycles in adjacent lanes. The system alerts the driver of
the presence of vehicles overtaking or driving alongside
should he start to change lane. It also generates a
“warning” torque through the steering wheel countering the
direction he is turning. Remember this point, it is very
significant.
Advanced preview distance control. This
system uses the wireless radar, installed in the front grille,
that monitors inter-vehicle distance and relative speed;
wide-angle scanning laser radar, fitted in the front grille,
that provides superior detection of vehicles cutting in from
another lane or of vehicles close ahead; plus the camera
fitted in the rearview mirror that detects vehicles cutting in
from another lane. This system uses these components to
regulate inter-vehicle distance with the car ahead. Should the
car in front stop, the system automatically applies the
brakes.
Now while these systems sound wonderful,
there is a cost, and it is not just the cost involved in the
technology development and fitting it into the vehicle. This
other cost is driver freedom. The vehicle that will not crash
is here now, but it does not just tell you to brake, but does
it for you. It can stop you changing lanes. It can make you
slow up, whether you want to or not. For this technology to
work, you have to accept that ‘Big Brother’ knows best.
It’s a little like Arnie and the
Terminators. The machines are here! Are we prepared to give up
our powers? Somehow I think not. Crash-proof cars are
possible, but we must submit first. Think about it.
Autotrivia Quiz
Last week, I asked which motor car designer
described his gearbox as follows, “C’est brutal mais ca
marche!” The clue was that he was French! Another clue was
that the car was made in Paris. The answer was Emile Lavassor,
who was co-designer of the first ‘conventional’ motor car,
with a vertical front engine, foot operated clutch and a
gearbox. This car was produced in 1891 and was just called a
Panhard et Lavassor.
So to this week. A designer produced a car
in 1937 that featured front wheel drive and rear wheel
steering. What was his name? That should get the Googlers
going!
For the Automania FREE beer this week, be
the first correct answer to email : [email protected].
Good luck!
