With the volatile crude prices and uncertain global economy outlook, it pays to be prudent in the selection of our motor vehicle. To help motorists identify the most fuel efficient automobile in the local market in all categories including city cars, family car, 4 wheel drives, performance cars and even supercars, the Asian Auto–Bosch Fuel Efficiency Awards 2008/2009 was launched on October 24, 2008. Winners are expected to be announced by early December 2008.
The pre-award briefing at Saujana Subang was attended by some 50 representatives from all car manufacturers who were excited at the prospects the Awards hold for their marque.
“Measuring a vehicle by its fuel efficiency (alone) is a relatively new ‘subject’ for us in Malaysia plus this is a new award on its own, not part of a car award. But it is very timely that we should do that as a practice,” said Asian Auto editor, Daniel Fernandez
“The Asian Auto – Bosch Fuel Efficiency Awards 2008/2009 is an acknowledgment and a shout-out not only to tell the public which vehicles are the most fuel efficient in the market but also, in light of the current fluctuating oil price we believe that we are helping existing and future car owners know more about their vehicles. For most car owners, a vehicle is the second most expensive purchase (after a home) they will make. We know that fuel efficiency is a key factor that influences the purchase of a vehicle and will continue to be a main consideration in a vehicle purchase. This award informs car buyers and owners on the estimated amount of fuel used in the vehicle that they intend to purchase,” said Fernandez.
“We have altogether 16 categories spanning from compact city cars to family cars to sedans and sports models, four wheel drives, luxury cars and even supercars. Some car owners have more than one everyday car and we believe these segmentations will provide a comprehensive list for motorists to refer to,” he added.
The categories are Compact City Cars, Compact Premium City Cars, Family Cars, Premium Family Cars, Luxury Family Cars, Executive Cars, Premium Executive Cars, Super Saloons, Super Sports Coupes, Performance Cars, Pickup Trucks, Compact MPV, Luxury MPV, Compact and Luxury SUV and Supercars.
Among cars vying for the most fuel efficient title are the makes of Perodua, Proton, Hyundai, Kia, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Naza, Volkswagen, Fiat, BMW, Mercedes, Renault, Mazda, Chevrolet, Peugeot, Volvo, Jaguar, Citroen, Audi, Lexus, Subaru, Lotus, Ford, Isuzu, Ssangyong, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.
The Fuel Efficiency Awards is jointly sponsored by a number of esteemed names in the automotive industry such as Bosch Group, who are the official title sponsor for the event. Co-sponsor is Insurance Services Malaysia (ISM), who is the official auditor of the award. ISM is the gatekeeper of all used car values in Malaysia and provides database related services to enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of insurance and takaful companies.
The other sponsors are venue provider Saujana Subang, and broadcast sponsor Celcom, which will be publicizing the Awards via sms.
To find out more about the Asian Auto Bosch Fuel Efficiency Awards 2008/2009 and for complete listing of categories, log on to https://www.ism.net.my/Default.aspx?tabid=158