Biz Motors

Compiled by L.S.A Wedaarachchi

Audi A8 to revolutionise luxury car market

The Audi A8 is the benchmark for design and technology. The luxury saloon car combines quattro four-wheel drive, an all aluminium body based on the ASF (Audi Space Frame) principle and adaptive air suspension, plus a wide range of high-torque high performance V6 and V8 engines.

Innovative design, advanced technology and superlative standards of materials and finish values apply in equal measure to Audi and Bang and Olufsen. Together with the Danish hi-fi specialist Bang and Olufseen, Audi has developed a sound system for the A8 that redefines the benchmark even within the luxury car class.

The Audi adaptive light system on the A8 has an additional light unit between the low-beam and main-beam bulbs of the Xenon plus headlights. With the low-beam lights switched on and up to a speed of 70 km/h, this light unit is activated if the turn indicator is operated for some time or if the driver steers sharply.

If the driver engages reverse gear, the additional headlights are automatically activated on both sides of the vehicle.

This improves visibility and orientation considerably when reversing.

Audi has developed a new-style operator control concept: the Multi-Media Interface (MMI). The MMI elegantly brings together the operation of all infotainment components in one display and operating system. The unified logic permits fast, user-friendly, intuitive use of a large number of functions and technologies.

With its retractable 7-inch colour monitor, the MMI is designed for quick and easy use of important infotainment elements and vehicle functions.

With such a plethora of advanced technological features and a simple yet elegant design by Audi's seasoned craftsmen, the A8 will revolutionise the luxury car market and carve a niche of its own.

Rs. 100 m complex to handle Chery vehicles

David Peiris Motor Company (DPMC) has set up a state-of-the art facilities complex at Bandaragama at a cost of Rs. 100 million to handle the pre-delivery inspection (PDI) of Chery vehicles.

The 12-acre complex houses a PDI facility body rectification and paint shop quality assurance unit, washing bays storage facilities offices for PDI and QA staff, facility building for PDI and crate storage workers and utility rooms.

A test track runs along the perimeter of the complex while a spacious open area has been allocated for pre-and post PDI cars.

A newly-established network of Chery sales, spare parts and service dealers spread through eight provinces, together with 17 Regional Offices and three Operations Centres in Dambulla, Matara and Ampara, is committed to providing personal mobility for people, anticipating consumer needs and delivering outstanding products and services that improve their lives.

At its workshops at Hyde Park Corner and Bandaragama, DPMC takes workmanship and customer care to a new level, with the experience, the passion and the culture to care for the vehicles with a personal approach.

Small and economical were the big themes at the Detroit Auto Show this year. With the most sophisticated player in the Sri Lankan auto industry to back it, the 800cc mini is heating up the entry-level market.

Chery QQ

The Chery unveiled at the 2005 Shanghai Auto Show with a retractable hardtop designed by Pininfarina studio, won the award for the best car. Chery's mini hatchback, the QQ, with its economy price and the cute look, has been a sensation since its introduction, not only in China but also in overseas markets.

Chery has teamed up with Visionary Vehicles, based in New York City, to sell its competitive compacts in the 17 million-vehicle US market.

The sale of the first Chinese vehicles to American consumers will be a watershed event in the United States, where Asian auto-makers have been steadily cracking Detroit's Big Three - GM, Ford and Chrysler. Global director of Ernst and Young's automotive practice, Mike Hanley said that it's a matter of time before Chinese cars end up in North America.

Aiming at a 2007 launch, Chery is developing a full line of vehicles, from compacts and Sedans to SUVs. Apart from the QQ Chery has so far introduced five magnificently crafted models that are a breathtaking mixture of luxury, elegance and performance into the market Cowin, Eastar, Tiggo, A5 and V5.

Chery boasts of well-equipped stamping, engine, transmission and assembly facilities. The company has two modern assembly plants with a third in the pipeline. Cutting-edge technology has boosted production manifold while a number of R & D projects are under way to introduce several new models in the near future.