Current Issue : Nissan Electric Car

Nissan to unveil first mass produced electric car on Sunday

By: Irma Venter
30th July 2009
TEXT SIZE



Japanese vehicle manufacturer Nissan will unveil its first mass-produced electric vehicle, due for launch in Japan and the US next year, on Sunday.

The five-door hatchback will have a range of 160 km before it would need recharging, says Nissan South Africa product engineering division vehicle test group manager Paul Gurney.

The vehicle is scheduled for its European debut in 2011, with the suitable global markets to follow in 2012.

Japanese production of the vehicle - its name remaining a secret - will start at 50 000 units a year, with other possible global production sites being scouted.

Gurney says the emphasis has been on developing a "valid vehicle" delivering a solid performance, with sales not necessarily driven by an environmental agenda, even though it is a zero-emission vehicle.

The vehicle makes use of an on-board computer to advise the driver on remaining battery (lithium-ion) range - with recharging happening overnight at a simple wall-plug or dedicated en-route station - as well as on the location of the nearest recharge station.

Gurney says Japanese fuel cost on a comparable internal combustion vehicle will come to around R600/month for a 1 000 km drive-distance, with the electric vehicle offering a recharge bill of roughly R120/month for the same distance

Nissan South Africa brand and corporate communications GM Pat Senne notes that South Africa may only receive the Nissan electric vehicle once certain measures are in place, such as recharging infrastructure, incentives, and once consumers have been educated on the use of such vehicles, which spells a radical shift from checking a fuel gauge.

The Japan launch will go hand-in-hand with government incentives, such as tax reductions, which will see the price of the much more expensive electric vehicle drop to equal that of a standard vehicle.

"Nissan South Africa is busy working with the Department of Trade and Industry on the concept of zero-emission vehicles," says Senne, unwilling to divulge more information.

Nissan has already signed partnership agreements with around 30 government bodies for the introduction of its electric vehicle worldwide. South Africa is not included in this number.

These agreements set the framework for the incentives necessary to make the launch of the electric vehicle viable.

Signatories include Singapore, Israel, Portugal, the US state Tennessee, Denmark and China.

Nissan South Africa product engineering division GM Fumio Uchiyama says the cost of the electric vehicle should reduce once economies of scale step in, and once battery technology improves.

The battery is the most expensive component of the vehicle.

Nissan has a target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from its vehicles by 90% by 2050.
Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter

Motivation: 4 Thinking Process

If Sam Walton built Wal-Mart without an MBA, if David Packard made Hewlett-Packard an industry leader without “business process reengineering,” if Akio Morita created the Sony Empire without Kenichi Ohmae as his guru, then how did they do it?
These leaders were especially proficient in four thinking processes, all of which contributed to their business success:

1.They effectively assessed a complex economic environment, allowing them to identify and plan quickly responses to the most critical business issues. We call this process “Situation Appraisal.”

2.When problems surfaced, they accurately identified the cause and quickly implemented corrective action. We call this process “Problem Analysis.”

3.They made good decisions, balancing the benefits and risks associated with their choice. We call this process “Decision Analysis.”

4.They implemented their chosen actions effectively by circumventing problems and seizing opportunities. We call this process “Potential Problem Analysis and Potential Opportunity Analysis.”

These four thinking processes are often cited as distinguishing features of successful executives.

Quin Spitzer & Ron Evans
Heads You Win – How The Best Companies Think

2009 VSE fire drill

Hi all,

Good morning.

Last Saturday (25 July 2009), we did a VSE fire drill which is successfully by achieving below targetted time. Targetted time was 5 minutes but then our achievement time was 1 minutes and 40 seconds, which is very good.

The Fire Fighting Demo, Chemical Spilllage Demo and First Aid & CPR Demo was also successfull. Our ERC Members has done a very good Demo follow by the Volunteers among the employees about 6 of them (2 ladies and 4 gents). It is include our hero from RND, Mr CH Chong.

Last but not least.........................
VSE BOLEH !!!!

Enjoy picture..

Birthday Date RND Members

Hi everyone..

Here I attach list the date of birth our department members..Actually, i didn't get some of members data..so, kindly for those who not listed below, please let me know..thanks~

January
1) Leow Yong Wah (7 Jan)

February
1) Farahdilah (9 Feb)
2) Chong Ling Fong (23 Feb)

March
1) Hairul Azwani (25 Mac)
2) Pang Yee Leong ( 27 Mac)

April
1) Tong Chuan Keong (5 Apr)
2) Chong Chee Han ( 13 Apr)

May
1) Zaharah (9 May)

July
1) Tuan Kar Choon (1 July)
2) Norislah (23 July)
3) Poong Keen Yik (30 July)

August
1) Nor harisham (8 Aug)
2) Cheng Su Guan (19 Aug)

September
1) Chang Liang Woei (4 Sept)
2) Noryana (7 Sept)
3) Fong Lei Kuan (13 Sept)
4) Nor Azlan ( 18 Sept)

October
1) Tan Keah Ling (1 Oct)
2) Rizuandy (28 Oct)

November
1) Wong Kim Lai (2 Nov)
2) Liu Kai Chung (13 Nov)

December
1) Leong Cheong Boon ( 9 Dec)

Annoucement : 2009 VSE FIRE DRILL

Good Morning,

Please to inform, VSE Fire drill will be held on this coming Saturday (25/07/09). All the departments, please print the MEMO and brief to your own employees on theprocedure during emergency. Do not mentioned the time of the fire drill. This details are for the departments usage only.

Kindly print all the JPG file according to your department code (color print) and use on the drill day at the assembly area. This is to make easy for your employees to find you without any confusions. Departments clerk have to prepare attendance list and leave a column for you to tick the names on the drill time. Once the attendance formats are ready, kindly email to me a copy.

For those whose names are listed in the drill agenda, get ready of yourself on that day.

So, please be well prepared and do not be panic on the Fire Drill Day. If the drill fail to be carry out within the expected time, then we have to do again and again until we reach the targetted time, which may effect production time.

Your cooperation in this matter is highly appreciated.


Regards,
Malini Taya
Safety & Health Officer

*********************************************************************************

Current Issue:Top service honours for Japanese vehicle makers

By: Irma Venter
5th June 2009 (source : Engineering News)

Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota offer South African car and bakkie buyers the best sales and service experience, according to market research house Synovate’s 2009 Quality Awards for Sales and Service Satisfaction in the automotive industry.

The three Japanese brands have all scooped gold awards in the categories ‘Customer satisfaction when purchasing a passenger vehicle’, ‘Customer satisfaction when servicing a passenger vehicle’, ‘Customer satisfaction when purchasing a light commercial vehicle’, and ‘Customer satisfaction when servicing a light commercial vehicle’.

There are several gold award winners in the various categories, but only these three manufacturers have taken top honours in all four categories.

The Synovate awards are based on interviews with customers who bought or serviced a vehicle between January and December 2008, as part of the largest survey of South African vehicle owners.

Most manufacturers fared reasonable well.

In the category ‘Customer satisfaction when purchasing a passenger vehicle’, there are 11 gold award winners, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet and Volkswagen.

“Manufacturers are perfec- ting the sales process,” says Synovate motor research client services head Roger Gibbs. “Especially in times of decreased sales, manufacturers are doing everything they can to ensure customers are happy when buying a car from their dealerships, and this is definitely one of the ways of securing repeat business and loyalty to their brand.”

In the category ‘Customer satisfaction when purchasing a light commercial vehicle’ (or bakkie), there are five gold award winners, including Isuzu and Opel.

The top achiever in ‘Customer satisfaction when servicing a passenger vehicle’ is Nissan, followed by Mitsubishi and Toyota. There are no other gold award winners.

“The service process is a relatively complex one and is generally a grudge purchase for consumers. Regarding satisfaction with the service, respondents are asked about their experience on arriving at the dealership, being booked in on time, being kept in the loop about progress on their vehicle and having their vehicle fixed right the first time, amongst a host of many other aspects,” says Gibbs.

Gold award winners in the category ‘Customer satisfaction when servicing a light commercial vehicle’ also include Isuzu.

The Synovate results are endorsed by the Department of Trade and Industry.

For various reasons, not all brands are included in the survey.

This may be because the manu- facturer chooses not to partici- pate, or because the sample is too small.

Manufacturers not included in this survey are Honda, Alfa, Smart, Jaguar, Hummer, Lexus and the Chinese and Indian vehicle brands.

The study includes around 90% of passenger car and light commercial vehicles in the South African vehicle market.

Edited by: Martin Zhuwakinyu

~Training: Emotional Intelligence for Teamwork Training~

Hi everyone.

Last Friday and Saturday (10th and 11th July), 13 participants attend to Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Training at PLO 18..5 of the participants were from RND Department members(Farah, KC Liu,LW Chang, KY Poong and CK Tong) .. From that training all the information was very useful to us as an employee who is needed to adapt with working environment.

During the First Day, all participants can:-

1) Understand perception and its effect in working life. Perception is more like interpretation someone to others.

2) Develop self-awareness of one’s individual blind spots and suitable times for appropriate self- disclosure

3) Identify their emotional orientation with the LEONARD Personality Inventory. In this section, all participants know which categories person they are, It base on the Personality Test that already completed by participants before attend the training. In this test, there are 5 main category of personality- Openness; Neutral; Analytical; Relational and Decisive.


During the Second Day, all participants learn:-

1) Give constructive feedback. During this slot, we learn on best way we can give criticism and the best way we accept that criticism.
2) Practice TENT therapy
3) Emotionally excellent teamwork and leadership.
4) Stress management techniques

What we can summarize:-

1) This training can help us to develop self awareness for better interpersonal relationships

2) Can identify ourselves with the corporate mission

3) Learn to identify and develop emotional competencies such as resilience, creativity, intentionality and interpersonal connections

New Rnd layout

Hi all,

This is updated rnd layout for your reference. Hopefully this layout ok and you all happy with the pic..(who want to change the pic please let me know, you also can use artist pic or cartoon pic as wonderpets...hehe..)

*Norish*

Info: Benefits Of Vitamin C

Source:The New Straits Times

VITAMIN C is an essential nutrient and one of the most known vitamins around. Many of us take Vitamin C supplements or drink juices rich in Vitamin C. But do you really know the significance of Vitamin C?

Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid is for a range of essential metabolic reactions in all animals and plants. It can repair and prevent damage to cells, heal wounds, boost immune system, and make your teeth and gums healthier.

Studies have shown Vitamin C is known for its positive effects on immunity, prevention and treatment of colds and flu. The Vitamin reaches all areas in the body on a cellular level, and serves as a primary ingredient or collagen to our connective tissue. Futhemore, it aids our body to absorb iron and natural antioxidant.

Vitamin C can help slow down the aging process by scavenging free radicals, preventing a build up of cell damaging toxins that accelerate aging. Other studies have also revealed it protects artery linings by making them more resistant to plaque formation. What this basically means is that vitamin C offers protection against heart disease, which is one of the beneficial reasons for consuming plenty of vitamin C. When you lack or don't ingest the required quantity of vitamin C, it could lead to serious diseases including scurvy,which happens when you don't ingest the required quantity of vitamin C. Scurvy manifests in the form of swollen gums, cheeks, feet, toes, fingers, and hands. Eventually bleeding occurs from wounds, loss of teeth, and opening of wounds.

You can get vitamin C naturally in fresh fruits and vegetables like, citrus juices, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, spinach, cabbages, cauliflowers, carrots, and more. You can also get it in supplement form if your daily diet lacks fresh vegetables and fruits. The amount of vitamins your body needs is determined by your age, lifestyle, gender, and weight. It also depends on several other factors and health conditions.

Consult with a nutritionist about your diet and get to know whether your body is getting the adequate proportion of vitamins. If not, you have to start taking vitamin supplements. The recommended dose is 60 to 95 miligrams daily to maintain general health. It is also important to note that the body absorbs Vitamin C through the intestines and moves through the bloodstreams into cells,and excreted through kidneys, it can reach a saturation point. So it is best to take several doses throughout the day and not one big dose at once. Excess consumption of vitamin C may lead to formation of kidney stones, aneamia, and diarrhea. Therefore take your vitamin supplements after consulting the doctor.

Info: New tyre pressure monitor said to improve safety

By: Leandi Cameron
3rd July 2009 (engineering news)



TYRE PRESSURE SENSOR Serco’s Preggie Govender and Phumlani Bayeni demonstrate the new P-Eye tyre pressure sensor

Some 68% of trucks, trailers and semitrailers checked during a recent study conducted in the Netherlands by Goodyear showed that the vehicles were being driven on underinflated tyres.

After two years of intensive market research, a truck and trailer tyre pressure monitor, dubbed the P-Eye, has been produced in the European country. The product is expected to significantly reduce costs on heavy vehicle maintenance.

The device is now available in South Africa from truck and trailer manufacturer Serco Industries, which has been awarded the sole agency to market the monitor in Southern Africa.

Serco CEO Clinton Holcroft emphasises that the product saves on fuel, maintenance and labour costs and adds exponentially to road safety.

He says that a quarter of all commercial vehicle tyres are underinflated, increasing the wear and tear of the tyres by 15% to 20%. Most blow-outs and resulting accidents are also caused by insufficient tyre pressure.

A visual check on any vehicle fitted with the device enables an operator to quickly determine whether the vehicle’s tyres are sufficiently inflated, as it is fitted with a flashing light to warn the operator if the tyres are underinflated. This makes the system safer than manual checks. Underinflated tyres also have greater resistance and, hence, result in the vehicle burning more fuel and emitting more carbon into the atmosphere.

“The potential saving on labour costs for large-fleet managers is significant. Instead of having a team of staff manually checking tyre pressures, the job can be effectively done by fewer staff looking out for the flashing lights,” Holcroft says.

The monitor also replaces the tyre valve cap and monitors the preset minimum tyre pressure – if the pressure drops more than 5% below the required setting, the light-emitting diode lamp starts to blink.

Some of Serco’s recently built trailers have already been fitted with the monitoring system.

Edited by: Martin Zhuwakinyu

Amazing Word Today !!

Info: Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Dear All,

Attached herewith is the Foreign Currency Exchange Rates from Bank Negara Malaysia as at 01 July 2009 for your reference.

Regards,

Y C Liong

Accounts Department

V. S. INDUSTRY BERHAD

Training:Emotional Intelligence (EQ) For Teamwork

IN HOUSE TRAINING PROGRAM

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE (EQ) FOR TEAMWORK

Course Detail:-

Course Leader: ITD Group Institute of Training & Development

Training Date: 10 & 11 July 2009

Time: 09:00am – 05:00pm

Venue: PLO 18, In-House Training Room

Training Objective:

1. Understanding individual personalities in teams and developing strategies to build effective teams.

2. Identifying key elements for training in future Leadership and Management programmed.

3. Coaching candidates in personal and performance improvement.

4. Short-listing candidates for employment or selection for special projects.

Current Issue: H1N1 case..

PUTRAJAYA, Wed: Thirty-eight new Influenza A(H1N1) cases, comprising 33 imported cases and five local transmissions, were reported today, bringing the total number of H1N1 cases in the country to 196.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said out of the 38 cases, 30 involved Malaysians, five were Indonesians and the other three were a Swede, a Palestinian and an Argentinean.He said the locally-infected cases involved three students of Sekolah Menengah Tsun Jin, Jalan Loke Yew Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, while the other two were contacts to the 143rd and 147th case, respectively.Currently, 86 patients were still receiving treatment for H1N1 and 110 patients had recovered from the disease, he added.Liow said two schools -- Sekolah Menengah Tsun Jin Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, and Sekolah Tinggi Chung Hwa, Seremban -- remain closed due to the H1N1 pandemic.

The number of quarantine cases was 4,668 and their quarantine period would end this Friday, he added.Liow also said that 29 more health clinics and five private hospitals in the Klang Valley are now equipped with facilities to conduct throat swab sample test to check for H1N1.

The private hospitals are Sunway Medical Centre, Pantai Medical Centre, Sime Darby Medical Centre, Gleaneagles Intan Medical Centre and Prince Court HospitalHe also said that the use of the rapid test kit to test for Influenza A(H1N1) was not allowed as it was not specifically made to detect H1N1.Liow also clarified that visitors entering the country would be quarantined or admitted to hospitals only if they had symptoms of being infected by H1N1.

For those in the same flight with a confirmed case, only those occupying the three seats nearest to the patient would be placed under quarantine, he added.On the current Influenza A(H1N1) situation in the country, Liow said it was serious but under control, and advised the public to take the necessary precaution against being infected by the disease."Many people say this pandemic does not have a high fatality, not serious. Actually it is serious and everybody should take the necessary measures to prevent the disease from spreading," he added.He said all business premises, including factories, were also advised to take necessary precautions against H1N1. - BERNAMA (source:NSTP - 1 July 09)

********************************************************************************

*********************************************************************************
How does the influenza A (H1N1) virus spread?
Spread of this new virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What should I do to keep from getting infected by the influenza A (H1N1) virus?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

How do you know have Influenza?
Seasonal Influenza:
• Fever
• Headache
• Aching muscles
• Exhaustion and feeling weak
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Dry cough

How do you reduce the chances of spreading influenza?
• Don’t share eating utensils and drinking glasses.
• Clean utensils used by sick people or surfaces they touch with warm, soapy water or disinfectant.
• Avoid crowded situations that place you in close contact with others.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking makes it easier to catch influenza and increases the likelihood of serious complications.
• Stay home if sick with a fever or cough.


What measures you should take if traveling?
• As with other infectious illnesses, one of the most important preventive practices is careful and frequent hand washing. Cleaning your hands often, using either soap and water (or waterless, alcohol-based hand rubs when soap is not available and hands are not visibly soiled), removes potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent disease transmission.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* Suggested Hand Hygiene Technique:-

WELCOME...

Hi All,

Welcome to RND web blog !!
The main objectives:-

1) To share any information (announcement, company news, training, current issue, engineering info, etc) with all RND members. For example, members who went to training can do a short report about the training that they participate.At the same time they can share their experience and ideas with others.

2) Make easy link through the related website (ex: matweb.com, sciencedirect.com, etc). So, our member can easily find sources by viewing our Blog. Member also can suggest any website that useful to our department as references.

3) Member can post any comment and suggestion to improve our department.

4) At the same time, all RND activities (outdoor activities such as dinner, etc) can published in this blog.


As conclusion, the function by creating our blog is to share any information that can give more benefits to our department members and at the same time to our company.


moderator: Have a nice day..

Our Cyber Home

This is the Cyber home for VSI R&D Department. This new home will be used for sharing information amount our department. Hope that everyone in our department can publish you post to share your thought, your happiness, etc. With this new cyber home setting up, wish that we can make our department a better place to stay. We can have more team work and work like a family.

Regards,
C.M. Teo