Thailand seen holding onto crown of "Detroit of Asia"

Martin Apfel, president of General Motors' Thailand/Southeast Asia operations

Thailand makes news in the US:

Half a world away from the cold streets of Michigan, General Motors (GM.N) is getting ready to roll its first diesel engine out of a recently opened factory in eastern Thailand.

Nearby, Ford Motor (F.N) is building a manufacturing plant and Suzuki Motor (7269.T) aims to start producing environmentally friendly cars at a new factory in 2012.

Welcome to the "Detroit of Asia", a vast area 120 km (75 miles) east of Bangkok, where durian orchards have given way to car plants over the past decade and vehicles are made for export to more than 200 countries.

While facing increasing competition as an auto manufacturing hub from countries including India, China and Indonesia, Thailand looks likely to retain its dominant position and win more investment thanks to its low wage costs and strong infrastructure


Indian parts firms eye FTA potential

Indian parts firms eye FTA potential'

Indian auto-parts makers and renewable-energy firms are looking to Thailand as an investment hub for Southeast Asia because of the privileges offered under the Asean-India free-trade agreement, says India's largest industrial group.
Bhaskar Sarkar, executive director and secretary of EEPC India, said Thailand was the most attractive Asean destination and investors want to capitalise on the upcoming Asean Economic Community single market in 2015.

Lenso increases marketing budget

Lenso's lightweight alloys
Lenso Wheel, the distributor of Lenso and Raiden wheels, plans to spend more than Bt50 million on marketing events and advertising this year to help boost its sales.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/main/2011/02/17/lifestyle/Lensos-lightweight-alloys-30148859.html


Sent from my iPad

Automotive growth drives new investments

Amata to co-invest in Chinese meter-makers' Thai expansion
Amata Corp has agreed with China-based Holley Group that the companies will co-invest about Bt2 billion in expanding the meter-maker's business in Thailand.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/03/01/business/Amata-to-co-invest-in-Chinese-meter-makers-Thai-ex-30149794.html


Sent from my iPad

Photos of Bologna Model Festival

posted by roman, jarhead, kong

Big daddy P. showed a link in a forum today which is about a big fat gallery of this years Bologna Model Festival - it took place the past weekend and i just got lost in dreams while browsing through the galleries - great stuff! I hope you all enjoy!

If you hit this link you will be thrown in the middle of 345 photos of the show!

New Section; Automotive Newsletters

Check out the new section "Automotive Newsletters".

First entry is L&P's Newsletter #131, February 2011: New investment promotion for sustainable development makes high tech machinery more competitive in Thailand.


Toyota

Like the other big Japanese car manufacturers, Toyota has been a popular candidate for car modification and show car projects. At any show car event you wouldn't just expect to see a modified Toyota Supa but also modified Toyota Carolla and Toyota Aristo cars. These days you can even expect to see a custom Toyota Prius Hybrid or two!

Below are some of the coolest Toyota show cars from around the world...

Toyota Aristo
A red Toyota Aristo at the SEMA Show in 2008
A red Toyota Aristo at the SEMA Show in 2008

For modified cars and tuning cars

This Web site is not just dedicated to building pimped out cars and custom cars, but to building and tuning fast modified street cars and even faster modified race cars. Custom-car.us will provide you with all the information and articles about modified cars, car customization and car modifications that you will need to build really fast modified cars for street use or for track racing. Our aim is to help you modify your car and its engine to improve engine performance and handling by providing you with all the information, tips and advice you would need to select the correct high performance auto parts for your car, to install them correctly, and to tune them. It doesn't matter whether your car modification project entails building really cool custom cars, fast modified race cars, cool modified street cars, or even pimped out cars we will provide you with the information you would need.

Information about engine tuning and car modification can become quite technical, but we attempt to bring you this information in plain English. We make the information as easy to understand as possible so that even the novice can learn about car tuning and car modifications, as well as how to increase engine power. We also guide you through engine tuning, performance tuning and car modifications for all makes of cars, including BMW, Honda, Ford, Nissan, and much more, with detailed, step by step tuning and modifying tips. And if you do get stuck with a technical term, there's always our glossary of modified car terms that you can checkup the term. If that doesn't help, you can always send us a message through our feedback form.

We discuss various techniques of car customizing and various car modifications, as well as the different car tuning methods you can use to increase engine power, maximize car performance, and build great modified cars; including:

Engine Tuning

Basic car modifications
Learn about the basics behind car modification and engine tuning. Learn how to increase engine power and build engines for power and reliability.

Cylinder Head Porting

Cylinder head porting
Learn all about performance camshafts and cylinder head porting. Also learn about valve timing, camshaft timing and how to degree your camshaft.

Nitrous Injection

Nitrous Oxide Systems
Learn how to design wet and dry Nitrous Oxide Systems for your car. Also learn how to install NOS kits to your car and how to test and tune them.

Turbochargers

Turbochargers
Learn how to select and install the right turbocharger kit for your car. Also learn how to minimize turbo-lag and how best to tune a turbo or twin-turbo car.

Superchargers

Superchargers and blowers
Learn about the different types of superchargers and how to select and install the right type of supercharger that will give you the power you want.

Electronic Fuel Injection

EFI and ECU modification for fast cars
Learn how to maintain, modify and tune electronic fuel injection (EFI), engine control unit (ECU) and engine management systems for the best performance.

Ignition Systems

Performance ignition systems
Learn about the different ignition systems and how to improve and tune your ignition system for turbocharged, supercharged and modified engines.

Air Intake Systems

Performance air filters
Learn how to improve air flow in and out of your engine by eliminating restrictions in the air intake system, and tuning the intake manifold and runners.

Exhaust Systems

Performance exhaust systems
Learn how to design and build performance exhaust systems with the correct primary pipe lengths and diameters for all types of high performance cars.

Suspension Tuning

Suspension tuning
Learn more about your car suspension and how to tune your suspension to be able to get the most out of your engine modifications.

Pimp Your Ride!

Pimped out cars
Learn about ways in which you can modify and customize your car visually to make it look as hot as it goes in our latest section on pimped out cars.

Free Wallpapers

Free modified car and car logo wallpapers
Custom-car.us has free modified car and car logo wallpapers for your desktop. We also have great modified race car and modified street car wallpapers.

Join our forum!

Custom-car Forums
Join our all new modified and custom car forum where you can discuss your custom car projects, get tips on modifying thecar you have, and much more!

More Car Pictures

Free modified car pictures
Custom-car.us also brings you free car pictures from the top car shows around the world, including the well known Tokyo Auto Salon and the SEMA show.

Although it does not have a lot to do with engine power and car performance, we do discuss ways in which you can modify and customize the appearance of your car to make it look as hot as it goes in our section on pimped out cars as it has everything to do with customizing cars, custom cars and modified cars! After all, what is the point of having a hot custom car if it looks a dud, unless you want the sleeper look?

We will be updating this Web site and adding more information on a regular basis so that it can serve as a complete resource on modified cars, custom cars and car modification. We hope that you find this Web site and its car modification guides informative and useful for building your own cool custom car, performance tuning your own car, and getting the best performance out of your car. All the information presented here has been thoroughly researched by our contributors. In our quest to provide the best source of information on car tuning and car modification, human error is always a possibility. Therefore, you should always consult your motor mechanic about your specific car before performing any car modifications to it, and always take the necessary safety precautions before tuning cars and engines! Should you find any errors on our Web site, please inform our webmaster so that we can correct them as soon as possible. You should also note that some car customizations, such as increasing your car's ride height, can adversely affect car performance and safety, while other car modifications may be illegal in your area. You should always ensure that your car customizations are legal

Medusa's Spy finished...

posted by roman, jarhead, kong


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    Medusa's spy
    Several years before Perseus enters the cave of Medusa to slain her there have been many other forgotten heros sent for this task. Among them was young Nereida, another daughter of all time horny Zeus, searching her destiny by freeing the world of those Gorgons. Her will, bravery and fortune will guide her way, at least she thought that. She walked the lands to reach her goal at the cave of Medusae. While passing the wild coasts she saw Medusas cave appear more and more. Everywhere statues of heros, animals and other once alive individuals marked the way. Nereida pushed on and even as the heavens darkened and a mighty blizzard struck down from the clouds to warn her that she was getting close to great danger, she still walked on. Her heart nearly exploded in her chest from the aticpation and these thousands of souls forever edged in stone by the look of Medusas eyes. Many still stand where they have gazed upon the evil monster, forever carved in stone. Nereida came closer to a temple complex up to a coastal peak and realized the massive amount of statues - she was close. Close to the liar of the Medusa, now was the time to proof herself worthy to the gods themself and suddenly everything became still, the blizzard stopped, the air stopped to whisper and everything was calm. Even the air seemed to slipp away and breathing became hard for Nereida. In this moment she saw the little bird and knew why no one ever was able to surprise Medusa. There it was, the spy of the Medusa.

______________________________________________
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Medusa's spy
Hasslefree Miniatures, 40mm

Additional a big booty photo that you can print and use as a poster at your painting place if you are allowed to:



After several WIP photos shown of this project this little scene is now finished. Some words of mine about the project to those who are intrested:

Model is from Hasslefree. Wonderful Artemis in 40 mm. Hope you like this little story told. Some photos somehhow show the snow very yellowish, no idea why but in real that fact won't hit you that worse. The stone dwarf in front comes from very skilled Tre' of Red Box Games (sorry Tre' for using your models as a statue - there will be something painted normal again). The little bird comes from the Busch - Little Animal Set.
The column was bought at the last years Duke of Bavaria event, is made out of gypsum, but i can't remember the company and wasn't able to find a homepage, sorry for that.


Both, snow and icicles with additional amount of gloss varnish. The birds nest was done with dry little grass and matte varnish, painted afterwards. The matte varnish was used as glue of this fine material. The two rabbits are by Mantis Miniatures, 35024 Animals - Set 6.

The project did start with Mr. V., a collector of my miniatures from Spain asked me about painting Artemis on comission. I said yes as i knew Robert aka muhani got two of these ladies and i've asked him if i could get one. After she arrived i fell in love with the model - great happy painting time these weeks as i am falling in love all the time while painting. The story around young Nereida grew around her. There was no real plan at the beginning but during some chilled painting hours with my friend Peter there came the story around Medusa with the starting thoughts of these statues. The bird and the statue have been added during the process. If you got some questions left please feel free to ask via comment. If you are intrested, here are some Work in Progress photos:

 
 
 

Feel invited to leave a comment with your oppinion, ideas, thoughts, feelings, criticism, suggestions or simply something funny! Here in the jungle or over in the voting arena for detailed view and overview. Some music to those who miss music in this posting comes here!
Keep on happy painting!
Best Regards
Roman

PS: A little preview at the model i did start during the last weekend's painting class. It was used for explanation for the class but it is always the same i am not coming very far on a class with my own models - but that is fine - early wip everywhere, bad photo :)

HONDA FIREBLADE WINS AWARD

The class-leading and race winning Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade has won an award for �Best Used Bike of the Year�.

Almost six hundred motorcycle dealers across the country - representing a broad range of manufacturers - voted in the recent British Dealer News motorcycle industry survey, with the vast majority choosing the Honda Fireblade as the best used bike of the year.

Reasons for the decision included opinions that the CBR1000RR Fireblade offers the best overall riding package, is a consistent top seller and desirable motorcycle, rates very highly in reliability and quality and retains its value well.

With a nineteen year established and award-winning road riding history, coupled with four BSB championship titles and countless TT race wins to its name, as well as being and the first machine to break the 200mph barrier at the North West 200 and 130mph lap at the legendary Isle of Man TT, the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade really is a leader in its class.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles commented, �The Fireblade has consistently proved itself as an incredible machine both on the road and track. The fact that it�s still as popular today as it was back in 1992 when it was introduced in its first incarnation is testament to the machine�s impressive credentials and, we�re delighted to know that motorcycle dealers across the industry hold the Fireblade with the same regard as our customers do.�
Source: Honda

Stop! Don�t buy a FireBlade without buying this book first! Honda CBR FireBlade � The Essential Buyer's Guide
By Peter Henshaw

Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from the author�s years of Honda FireBlade ownership, learn how to spot a bad bike quickly, and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right bike at the right price!

Click here for more info about the book.

Vintage wheels on display

Bangkok Post:
Seacon Square and Vintage Bike Thailand are displaying a collection of more than 100 vintage bikes at the 2 Wheels Story fair, which takes place in Seacon Square from Thursday to Sunday, March 6, 10:30am-9pm.

Indian parts firms eye FTA potential

Bangkok Post:


Indian auto-parts makers and renewable-energy firms are looking to Thailand as an investment hub for Southeast Asia because of the privileges offered under the Asean-India free-trade agreement, says India's largest industrial group.
Bhaskar Sarkar, executive director and secretary of EEPC India, said Thailand was the most attractive Asean destination and investors want to capitalise on the upcoming Asean Economic Community single market in 2015.

Back again...

posted by roman, jarhead, kong

... again home from another Painting Class.

A weekend full of great people and massive Happy Painting - many thanks to everyone who made this weekend special, there will be a report rolling in for sure. I still feel the jungle drums calling but my powers are fading after too less sleep and the held classes - honestly i feel like i had a box fight with a gorilla and lost in the 3rd round, 2 painting classes in 10 days, uhh uuhhh aahhh... more to come soon as the boom boom of the jungle drums still shaking the jungle canopy. Also we did manage to keep track of my start in wild wet in wet painting via video on the Arkvenger's base, bla, bla - so much to report... but ... tired ... :)

Meanwhile i want to thank Fireant for translating articles into polish like a stallion. There are many more already translated by him and for all our polish reader check out Fireants blog - he did add a portal to show you which articles already are translated and linked them up there for our polish readers. Many thanks to Fireant for his action and as it is still winter season you now can find many of the winter themed articles translated - just great, check out the flags here!

I just wanted to say that i appreciate every comment on Massive Voodoo, for sure also the new ones on the translated articles, but hey i don't understand a word in polish and don't know what is written there by you. As i am responsible for the comments on this blog i would ask you to still write in english or pay me some polish classes. I honestly ask about that and big Kong is serious - i am already thinking about deleting those comments, just because i don't understand them. Imagine your own blog commented in chinese or german or whatever language you don't understand, in germany the laws around internet responsibility are very strict so i have to act. Please help me help you :)

I now prepare a fine bed from jungle plants, lick my wounds, rest my back, regain energy and let my horses rest...already unpacking to painting joy - yeaha!








Keep on happy painting!

Kind Regards
Roman








PS: Cthulhu is for Sale here! 


2010 Chevrolet Camaro Hamann

2010_Chevrolet_Camaro_Hamann_Two_Door2010 Chevrolet Camaro Hamann Picture

The fine tuner Hamann of Laupheim from the German, of all the new Chevrolet Camaro would tune, probably no one believes, specializes in the tuner but more on BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. Well, do not even need to think because this is the result of 8 hours of Photoshop, found on Deviantart. Serdo Miletic can be reached as a user with the nick Morfiuss here.

Chevrolet Muscle Cars 365 2008 Camaro

Chevrole-Muscle-Cars-365-2008-CamaroChevrolet Muscle Cars 365 2008 Camaro Photo Shoot

1969 Camaro Muscle Car Red And Black Color

1969_camaro-muscle-car-sport1969 Camaro Muscle Car Red And Black Color Picture

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera Pictures









AFG Meeting Report 25 February 2011

Thanks to Graeme Sheard, KPMG for his interesting presentation on the development of the tax situation in Thailand and ASEAN at the Holiday Inn.

Presented by Graeme Sheard, KPMG Tax Partner




Here is Doc Iain Corness article for Pattaya Mail:


The Automotive FocusGroup (AFG) invited Graeme Sheard from KPMG to address the group at the latestmeeting last week, held in the Holiday Inn.
The buzz words forKPMG are �cutting through complexity�, and corporate taxation is certainlycomplex, though Graeme Sheard did manage to show where the tunnel was, and thefaint flicker of light at the end of it.
With KPMG being a verylarge conglomerate, they have been able to carry out annual surveys and thenextrapolate the results into trends.  Forthe automotive industry, the prediction is that it will be quite different bythe next decade with mobility solutions to counter traffic problems � perhaps youwill not need to �own� a car, but just pick up and drop off in the cities.  There will be specific vehicles for specificenvironments � the advent of �city cars� is here already, but will increase.  �Green� vehicles will increase � electric,hybrid and fuel cell.  All these willbring about major changes in the supply chain, and also bring in new industryparticipants, particularly in the battery/electric motors area.
Graeme, with hiscrystal ball, also predicted that as the customs revenue falls with Free TradeAgreements (FTA�s), there will be other taxes applied to counteract thegovernment shortfall.  The most obviousone is VAT, and predictions of an increase from 7 to 10 percent were made.
He made mention ofsome other FTA�s which are currently being hammered out, including India, theEuropean Union, ASEAN and Peru.  GraemeSheard did ask if any of the AFG members were trading with Peru, but at thisstage the answer was in the negative!
The veritableminefield in the regulations of working within an FTA were shown, with advicebeing given to ensure there is an indemnification clause in any agreements, aspenalties can be very high.
He also suggested thatfor some members of the AFG, the penalties of importing under an FTA can besuch that it may even be better just to import at the domestic rate of tax.
Altogether, this wasone of the better addresses that the AFG has provided for its members.
James Beeson, thePresident of the AFG mentioned that there has been a change in direction, asregarding speakers.  The AFG committeehas determined that if they have the subject matter or topic, then it is easierto identify and find appropriate speakers to talk, rather than find the speakerand then find a topic.  It is alsoexpected that this method should also expand the network of the AFG, as it willbe necessary to find some speakers outside of their current network.
Those who areinterested in contacting the AFG can do so through jabeeson@truemail.co.th.



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