panhida

I think the Chevrolet Spark is in the same range of the Chery and the Maruti 800. It comes with a 800 and 1000cc engine. I saw an ad in the newspaper a few months ago that a motor company down Darly road were the agents for Chevrolet (coming for South Korea) . I have a Spark and find it to be a good vehicle to get around the city. I have not driven it on long distances or on out of city roads so I cannot say how it fares out there. Its economical, comfortable and has enough leg room at the back too. I found it to be more spacious than the Maruti and better handling too. I would like to know how much the Chevy Spark costs in SL and if any of you have driven it on our local roads how did it fare?

Very soon we would not have an automotive industry, unless you mean walking or carting if things go on like this for very much longer.

Great discussion, at least its nice to see the different views of many Sri Lankan's than reading most fabricated views that appear in the general media each day. The war the cost of Oil and all other matters are real, but what I feel bad about is that as the general public (most of us) are fighting hard to keep up with the cost of living, a few who are elected to run the country (UNP, SLFP, JVP etc.etc) are having enough funding to spend like some money stream was flowing out of the Diyawanna oya. Citizens of our country are suffuring as they have for as along as anyone can remember. No elected government has come up with a sustainable plan to elevate the living conditions of the commen citizen. Our neighbour's, specially India and even the other South Asian countries are rapidly growing and expanding while their citizen are gaining even in limited amounts the benefits of the growth. So what I do not understand is why SL cannot even scratch the surface of the development trand in Asia. We read a lot about the potential we have and the strategic location of the island and the good of our eductation system, but when it comes to delivering the goods that matter we are no where close to anybody who seems to be less in all of the above. Why???? What did SL miss that the others have? More of our workforce is seeking employment in the Middle East and East Asia in terrible conditions for petty salaries, our young girls and Mothers are going as housemaid for peanut salaries where they do not even get to have a vacation for 3 years, and the numbers are growing each year. Why cannot this workforce be used in SL?? Why are there no jobs produced? If the Government or opporsition does not have a plan for the countries future then who should come up with a plan? World Bank? Asian Development Bank? UN? SAARC? Who??? One thing that we lack in our education system is a leason on strategic planning. Most Sri Lankans do not plan for the future and are unable to plan as we do not know how to plan. May be our elected representatives have the same problem! GOD HELP US!!

Guys, I have seen the small KIA Picanto in Colombo. I would like to know are they brand New or reconditioned vehicles and what the price might be? if any of you have purchased one of these vehicles please let me know, Are they better than a Maruti for running in and around Colombo? Thanks a lot for any information. Love & PEACE to all (the only two thats not been taxed YET!)

There was a recent report on CNN regarding the use of alternate fuels in Brazil and they seem to be the leading country that uses Suger cane fuel. They are hoping to use this fuel in 80% of all vehicles by 2007/08. I think Sri Lanka can learn a lesson or two from them if the GOV decideds they really want to go on this path for the future of the country. This is also very cheap,pollution freeand on of the best renewable energy sources. What was really interesting was that leading names such as VW,Ford, etc. etc. have plants in Brazil that are turning out duel fuel vehicles and going into full production of suger cane fuel(sorry, I do not know the correct scientific name) models some of which are already being used by the comman man. WOW, I cannot wait to see the day we drive on suger in Colombo!

I read an article posted at Lankanewspapers.com this morning mentioning that a mix of Petrol & Alcohol is to be introduced for our WONDERFUL Three Wheel Taxi's. I am wondering if this will help them drive better or may be even go in a straight line?? But really if this Fuel works it will help reduce the cost that we are paying on fuel imports. But can as most of you are very technical and know how auto engines work, please shed some light on your thoughts as to how this would effect the performance, life time and also the air pollution problem that's facing most city residents. The word of the Sage's are expected!!