Malaysia Looks to Deter Street Racers with 3 Swipes of the Cane!

The latest offense poised to join the list of cane-worthy crimes in Malaysia is second offense street racers. The law has yet to hit the legal books of Malaysia and is more directed toward the motorcycle gangs called the Mat Rempits than at what other countries recognize as Street Racers, but a broad interpretation of the new law could leave Raging-Ricers at risk.

The Mat Rempits are motorcycle gangs notorious in Malaysia for racing along country roads, vandalism, rape and other offenses. A first offense conviction for taking part in their high-speed racing is the equivalent of a $1,597 fine (5,000 ringgit), a maximum of 5-years in prison and a 3-year suspension of the guilty’s drivers license. As second offense conviction could result in a minimum 10-year sentence in prison, the US dollar equivalent of $3,178 fine (10,000 ringgit) and 3-strikes of the cane.

To anyone unfamiliar with caning we are not speaking of a this whip or principals paddle. This is an 8-ft cane of knotty bamboo that can cut flesh to the bone. Subjects of caning are sometimes reported to have passed out by the second swipe. The wounds from caning may heal, but the deep scarring of both the flesh and psyche are permanent. Caning as a deterrent, if and when enforced, could certain make breaking the law a far less appealing venture. (more…)

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Ford to make $2.3 Billion Sale of Jaguar/Land Rover to Tata Official Today

The speculation and waiting is finally over as Ford is set to officially announce the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to the Indian motor company Tata. Despite reports of a higher closing bid, as high as $2.65 billion, the final closing amount to be paid by Tata has been revealed by Ford at $2.3 billion.
The news was released Tuesday afternoon on the news wire, but Ford wished to wait until Wednesday morning to make their statement to the public. That was to give them at least a day to break the news to all their employees who may not have access to a radio, TV or the internet.
While some analysts and bloggers express concern for the future of the Jaguar and Land Rover brands under Tata, the sale will surely prove another step toward someday finding the books in the black for Ford. The empire building performed by Ford and GM done in the 90’s and early 2000’s have proven to be too costly and not nearly as profitable as they had hoped. With the conclusion of this sale by Ford there will only remain Mazda and Volvo tagging along with the Ford/Lincoln/Mercury brands.
Tata is a builder of small passenger cars and heavy duty trucks, and happens to be the largest automotive company in India. They have been looking for ways to expand their company outside of their country and may be eyeing Jaguar and Land Rover for that purpose. Their want for Land Rover would also give them the luxury SUV’s to go along with their trucks and that may be an easier marriage into the brand than Jaguar. There are many that worry about Tata’s vision for Jaguar and that the British coach builder might suffer as being forced into the sale as a package deal. (more…)

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