The good oil: Sea change for Ford

Ford's involvement in the America's Cup extends to more than sponsorship. The company's Dearborn plant in the United States has machined a second stainless steel keel for the AmericaOne challenger. The keel was delivered as a huge slab on September 24 and meticulously machined down to its final shape for 24 hours a day over nearly 40 days. Ford is the first carmaker to take an America's Cup keel from concept to the finished product and has been instrumental in designing and testing the keel.

A place for toy boys


Auckland's own motor show, Big Boys' Toys, opened on Friday and runs through the weekend. Actually, motor show is not quite correct, because every blokey thing from hi-fi hardware to helicopters are featured. Standout cars on display include the exotic Ferrari 360 Modena, Volkswagen's new Beetle and the enormous Hummer off-roader. The show is open on Saturday from 9 am to 8.30 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry is $10 for adults, with children under 14 free.

Honda's Thai plant grows


Honda's Thailand assembly plant, which produces cars for the domestic market and for export to New Zealand, Australia, the Middle East, Singapore and Brunei, is having a boom. In a recent interview with Dow Jones, Asian Honda Motor Co president Satoshi Toshida said production for 199 should reach 32,000, over double that of last year. The Thai operation was hit hard by the Asian currency crisis two years ago, but is expected to return to profitability by the end of this year. Thailand's domestic car market is expected to reach 185,000 this year, up from the 144,000 of 1998 but still well short of the 600,000 peak reached in 1996. Total exports for the Honda factory are more than 7000 units, and the company is considering adding Africa to the list of destinations.

Youth skills on display


New Zealand's biggest Youth Skills team is in Montreal competing for honours in the 35th World Skills Competition. The 48-strong Kiwi contingent is battling the world's best in the automotive, information technology, engineering and electronic fields. This year's event is being held at Montreal's Olympic stadium and involves more than 2000 competitors and officials. In the seven times New Zealand has competed, we have brought home one gold medal, three silver and one bronze, with 19 certificates of excellence.

Online buying beats queues


Volvo has extended its Internet sales services in Europe. Unlike a similar scheme being run by Vauxhall in Britain, which limits buyers to a special vehicle range, Volvo's online service allows access to the company's complete model line-up. Customers can build a personalised virtual vehicle by exploring the options for the engine, drivetrain, body style, exterior colour, accessories, interior trim and even the sound system. The buyer can even colour the car on screen and print the results. The system is adapted to available models and options in each market and is set up so conflicting options can not be selected. Finance and insurance options can be calculated on the site, with a selected Volvo dealer able to make specific offers and an online calculator enables the customer to choose the most appropriate finance option and monthly payments. The Internet service is being extended across the European Union, with other markets to follow. A similar service for used vehicles is also planned.