ALFA, MAZDA IN MOTOR BELT

Two new brands have entered the Alexandra-Leng Kee motor belt. Mazda took over the first and third floors of the former Performance Motors site in Alexandra Road, giving it prominent frontage next to Ikea. It will maintain its long-time presence in MacPherson.

Next, Alfa Romeo moved all the way from Teban Gardens in the West Coast to set up shop at 11 Leng Kee Road, previously occupied by Citroen. Some 40 Alfa Romeo Owners' Club members drove convoy-style from Teban Gardens to Leng Kee on Tuesday, led by a red Alfa 8C Competizione, to mark the move.

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NISSAN'S ASIAN MODEL

Nissan is set to join Toyota and Honda in offering buyers here an Asian model. According to AFP, Nissan Motor Thailand will produce an 'eco car' (above) for the domestic and overseas market.

The company will produce its first 30,000 units over 12 months from March next year and will meet a target of 100,000 by 2012. Two-thirds will be exported.

Nissan has released sketches of the sub-compact, which will be positioned below the Nissan March. A sedan version will follow. The company will invest more than 5 billion baht (S$209 million) in the new project.

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SHELL'S NEW FUELSAVE

Shell has introduced a new formula petrol in 95- and 98-octane called FuelSave. Shell claims it could save drivers up to 1 litre of petrol a tank as well as keep the engine cleaner.

The company added that this is subject to a minimum fill of 50 litres and actual savings may vary according to vehicle, driving conditions and driving style. Shell's V-Power does not have FuelSave because it is marketed as a performance grade.

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SPORTY TOYOTA CONCEPT

Toyota will show off a compact five-seater sporty concept (above) at the Tokyo Motor Show starting Oct 24.

The FT-86 is powered by a 2-litre 'Boxer' engine driving its rear wheels. It has a lightweight body and a low centre of gravity.

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FREEBIES FROM CITROEN

Citroen agent Cycle & Carriage France is offering freebies to mark the 90th anniversary of the French marque. From now till the end of the year, every Citroen will get designer rims worth $1,200.

Those who buy a C4 Picasso or Grand C4 Picasso will get a panoramic sunroof worth $3,000, as well as four Golden Village Gold Class MoviePlus gift set. And a C5 will come with an Apple iPhone 3Gs with 24 months' Singtel 3G Flexi Lite mobile plan, worth $1,484.

NISSAN'S SKYLINE CROSSOVER

Toyota parallel importer Richburg Motors has brought in its first Nissan. The Skyline Crossover (above), also known as the Infiniti EX, is a luxury performance vehicle based on Nissan's successful Z-car powertrain.

Its 3.7-litre V6 produces 330bhp and 361Nm of torque, transmitted by a seven-speed autobox to the rear wheels. Zero to 100kmh is clocked at 6.4 seconds. But the car imported here, being a Japanese domestic model, has a top speed restricted to 180kmh. It is priced at $176,668.

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