NST Online » Local News
2007/11/29
Carmaker Mitsubishi grabs 4 out of 13 awards
By Marc Lourdesnews@nst.com.my
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KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi drove home with the most prizes at the New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year Awards 2007 last night.
The carmaker picked up four out of 13 awards, with the Lancer GT winning the "Overall Car of the Year 2007" and "Family Car" awards, the Grandis emerging tops in the large MPV category and the Triton winning the pick-up truck award.
Shell Malaysia chairman Datuk Saw Choo Boon was named the "Automotive Man of the Year" in recognition for his outstanding involvement in the Shell MDS plant in Bintulu, the first in the world to commercially convert natural gas into diesel.
Components of this diesel fuelled the Audi R10 that won the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race last year and again this year. It was the first time that a diesel-powered car won the legendary Le Mans.
The winners were announced at a gala dinner hosted by the NST and Maybank, with Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy being the guest-of-honour.
Also present were Automotive Association of Malaysia president Datuk Aishah Ahmad, Maybank deputy president and chief financial officer Datuk Mohammed Hussein, NSTP group editor-in-chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun and NST group editor Datuk Syed Nadzri Syed Harun.
In his speech, Hishamuddin said 2007 was an eventful year for the car industry.
"We have seen the downsizing of car dealerships that were over expanded when the economic growth created a mood of irrational exuberance.
"However, any industry has its ups and downs and the motor industry is on the cusp of radical changes with regards to more efficient cars and cleaner fuels.
"Honda Malaysia has already introduced its Honda Civic Hybrid and next year, we may even introduce the hybrid car category," he added.
Mohammed said Maybank was pleased to partner the NSTP group in sponsoring the award which was now recognised as the automotive industry's most prestigious event.
"The automotive sector in Malaysia continues to be a significant contributor to the national economy.
"The sale of motor vehicles is one of the major components of private consumption and a leading economic indicator."
Saw described his victory as an unexpected honour from the motoring fraternity.
He attributed his win to the co-operative effort of all Shell Malaysia employees.
Judges for the award comprised 11 senior Malaysian motoring journalists headed by NST Cars, Bikes and Trucks editor Yamin Wong.
According to them, Mitsubishi Lancer GT won as it offered not only driving pleasure and an interior cabin space adequate for family use, but also great value for money, making it affordable to a large segment of buyers.
Marks were also given on how well the vehicle is designed to target a specific group, the practicality and functionality of its engineering and styling, price feasibility and reach, passenger comfort, exterior and interior design, safety, performance and driving characteristics.
The awards were first organised in 2002 by Cars, Bikes and Trucks, the motoring section of the NST, to recognise the efforts of all car manufacturers, and also to serve as a guide for car buyers.
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