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FYI SOUTH Magazine, October 2002. VOL.2 ISSUE 10

Cover Story:

GOING CAR CRAZY IN TAIWAN
By Priscilla Chen / Translated by Cheryl Robbins, Jacques van Wersch

If you take a careful look at the cars in Taiwan these days, you'll notice that more and more owners aren't content with standard factory equipment. Many customize their cars, though most of the changes are cosmetic rather than functional. Women like to prettify their cars with dangling dolls or unusual seat covers. Men tend to make their cars more stylish or ferocious-looking, so their additions include aerodynamic bumpers, spoilers, extra-large headlights and special wheel rims. Serious make overs include modified engines and body rework.

       Cars aren't necessarily just for transportation; they reflect personality. And when driven at high speeds, cars can be instruments of exhilaration. We can't overlook the fact, however, that as the car-buying population grows, the types of car owners gradually become more distinct. This month, F.Y.I. SOUTH provides a brief overview of car customization. Naturally, readers will be inclined to make changes according to their tastes and pocket books.

Light Accessories

       Some simply jazz up their cars with dangling dolls or colorful decals. Front or rear aerodynamic bumper guards and spoilers, or customized lights take customization a step further. Since these changes only affect appearance and not the car's basic structure, modifications are easily made by the owner and often with minimal assembly required.

Plenty of stores in southern Taiwan carry light accessories, like Car Family (63, Chunghua 2nd Rd., Sanmin, Kaohsiung City tel: 07-312-2218; 198, Chunghsiao Rd., Ping Tung City; tel. 08-733-6386), or Road Star (http://www.road-star.net/), which has several branches (291, Ishing 1st Rd., Chien Chen, Kaohsiung; tel. 537-8111; 66, Chienguo 2nd Rd., Sanmin, Kaohsiung; tel. 07-238-0567; 375, Chungcheng Rd., Ping Tung City; tel. 08-736-3400). Another large chain store is Yaoya Motor Life (http://www.800yaoya.com.tw; 70, Pateh 1st Rd., Hsin Hsing, Kaohsiung; tel. 07-238-2800; 101, Tzuyou 3rd Rd., Tsoying, Kaohsiung; tel. 07-350-9608).

       Almost every car product imaginable can be found in these stores, from replacement lights and decals to shock absorbers and mufflers. Car emporia aren't for everyone but, for car buffs, they're a veritable paradise. If you don't want to tackle installation yourself, many stores have service departments where staff will happily install your purchases for a fee.

Heavy Accessories

       Installing heavy accessories requires significantly more know-how or specialized equipment. Local experts strongly recommend taking a "safety first" approach when making changes to your car. If you're just embarking on the road to customization, begin by changing tires, rims, suspension and brakes. Good¡§sticky¡¨tires are often what stand between you and the ditch; a reliable suspension gives added control; and better brakes can make the difference between stopping in time and crashing. Generally, word-of-mouth is a good way to locate reliable mechanics that specialize in converting specific car models, from BMWs to Subarus.

       In Taiwan, the five most changed accessories include: rims and tires, shock absorbers, tail fins, steering wheel, and mufflers. Prices vary. Examples of retail prices include a Momo-brand steering wheel (half wood, half leather; with a diameter of 36.5cm) that goes for NT$15,000; a complete replacement muffler for a Honda City sells for NT$31,500; and Koni shocks that are compatible with European, Japanese and American cars can be purchased for NT$5,300 per pair. Of course, original factory parts are more expensive than those from secondary suppliers. People on limited budgets should consider getting the latter as quality isn't necessarily inferior to that of originals.

Professional Racetracks

       What's left after souping up your car? A spin on a racetrack of course! The Lung Tan Racetrack (218, YangTong Rd., sec. 1, LungTan Hsiang [township], Taoyuan County; tel. 03-471-7688) is Taiwan's only standard racetrack managed by the Chinese Taipei Motor Sports Association (CTMSA) (55, Ba De Rd., sec. 4, 2F; tel. 02-2764-5169). Races for novice and veteran drivers of cars and motorcycles are held her on Saturdays from 4 to 5 p.m. and from 10 to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. CTMSA aims to stop illegal drag racing on city streets and to promote the sport of racing in a safe environment. The NT$2,000 membership fee also allows track access during Saturday practice times (cost: NT$300 for 30 minutes for cars and NT$150 for 30 minutes for motorcycles). If you would like to experience competition, enroll in a training course and obtain the appropriate license. For more information, visit online at www.motoringfans.com.tw

       Hopefully, this information helps provide some insights into how and why so many Taiwanese are into cars. Whatever you may be driving, there is no shortage of ways to modify your wheels to reflect your own personal taste and style.

Car Profiles Cover Story Sidebars

Pingtung County:

Name: Duggar Parrish Age: "undisclosed" Occupation: Souvenir shop owner in Kenting Type of car: 1986 Ford Van Modifications: See below Cost of modifications: NT$20,000 (approx.)

       This Ford remake transforms an ordinary "van" into a "Vanominium"--a Hawaiian-style condo on wheels. In a former life, it was a school bus carting kids to class. Now it cruises the beaches of Kenting. Duggar modeled his creation on a similar vehicle he actually lived in for six years in Hawaii, his native home. Interiors include tapa cloth curtains (an island craft made from pounded tree bark), a hanging "mahiole" (a warrior's helmet for safe driving) and futon cushions for sleeping; the exterior is loaded with colorful stickers collected from Asia and Polynesia. Just throw the cooler, surfboard and scuba gear in the back and head for fun in the sun. Lots of folks live in "Vanominiums" year round in Hawaii. And why not...it has every thing you need for a "hang loose" lifestyle that's totally in tune with nature. Duggar says, "Just drive to the beach, open the doors and let the sun shine in. You don't need to go fast - in fact, take it slow and enjoy the view." --By Karen Schmitt

Name: Li Chou Rei Age: "undisclosed" Occupation: Auto mechanic in Wan Dan, Ping Tung County Type of car: 1993 Austin Mini Modifications: Exterior embellishment Cost of modifications: NT$250,000 (approx.)

       The Mini--vehicle of choice for British TV icon Mr. Bean--is well suited to the narrow roads of southern Taiwan. Plus, it's perfect for those "tight spots" we all experience at one time or another behind the wheel. Owner Mr. Li explains, "The Mini has many fans in Taiwan. We belong to a club of about 20 members and we enjoy road trips together on weekends and holidays." Some favorite routes include travel in Pingtung's Wan Dan town, winding through the mountains. In spite of its compact size, the Mini can accommodate families. In this case, there's always room for Li's wife and child to tag along. The family owns and operates a service garage specializing in Minis which receives calls from as far away as Taipei. Mini fans should mark October 13 on their calendar, when drivers from all over the island will participate in a road trip sponsored by the Mini Hot Club. For more information, see "What's On" in this issue of FYI South.--By Karen Schmitt

Need a car wash? Want a bite to eat? Kaohsiung's "Car Wash Cafe" (79, Tzu Chiang 2nd Road, Chien Chin District. Tel: 07/251-0780) may be the place for you. They'll clean your car's exterior for NT$100 - NT$200, and spruce up the inside for NT$350-NT$500. A hand waxing runs NT$350 -NT$500 (all costs depend upon vewhicle size). The "Car Wash Cafe" also carries "guang tou mei", guaranteed to keep your car smelling sweet for a year. While you wait, have a bite to eat indoors or outside at cafe tables. The menu lists Chinese and Western style dishes like Steamed Shrimp in Wine (NT$280) or Hakka fare with hot and cold beverages and desserts.