Mecedes-Benz Malaysia sees less sales
Published: 2008/12/17


MERCEDES-BENZ Malaysia Sdn Bhd foresees sales of between 10-20 per cent less in 2009 due to the slow recovery of the market from the global economic slowdown.

Its president and chief executive officer Peter Honegg, who anticipates a challenging time for the automotive industry next year, said the actual scenario the company was looking at is sales of between 10-20 per cent less than in 2008.

“But I would be happy if we can sell in 2009 as much as we sold in 2007,” he told reporters at the year-end media briefing in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

In 2007, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recorded a sales volume of 3,606 units.

However, Honegg said Mercedes-Benz will strive to build its momentum of brand leadership while pushing the sales of products under the Mercedes-Benz marquee.

He said customers, even if they have the money, would be careful in making a commitment to buy a car if the stock and real estate markets were down.

Despite the challenging times, Mercedes-Benz is set to surpass its overall sales target of over 6,000 units for this year.

Honegg pointed out that for the year to date, the company had sold over 5,000 units, the first time since the Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi Fuso brands made their debut in the country over 50 years ago.

Honegg said the company’s performance is especially significant amidst the global economic challenges whereby passenger vehicle operations are being adversely affected by consumer uncertainty and related buying resistance. - Bernama

Mercedes-Benz expects sales to fall 20% next year
By YEOW POOI LING


KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects sales to fall as much as 10% to 20% next year from this year’s estimated sales of over 6,000 units.

“This year is an exceptional year but 2009 is going to be a tough year. We’ll be happy even if 2009 sales were 10% to 20% lower than this year’s,” chief executive officer Peter Honegg told a year-end media briefing yesterday.

He said if sales were to fall by that quantum, it would mean that the volume would return to 2007’s level. The slowdown in sales is likely to be across all segments with the C-Class expected to remain stable.

Honegg said confidence could return in the first quarter of 2010 if the stock market were to recover by the first quarter of next year.

He said the Mercedes-Benz group had started on its cost-cutting measures. Its worldwide manufacturing facilities were closed for the holidays from Monday and will only resume on Jan 16 with four working days per week instead of five.

The group is also closely monitoring parts inventory on a daily basis given that it keeps seven months of parts.

In the first 11 months, total vehicle sales achieved were 5,626 units, of which 3,829 were passenger cars and 1,797 units commercial vehicles.

This is the first time it crossed the 5,000 mark since its debut in Malaysia more than 50 years ago.

Sales of its passenger car segment grew 15%, thanks to the 64% jump in sales of its C-Class segment.

It sold more than 1,570 units of C-Class in the first 11 months compared with 966 units in the same period last year while sales of the E-Class segment grew 6% to over 1,430 units.

The outstanding sales of the C-Class were due to the introduction of C 230 Avantgarde in June.

Other new models include the S 500 L, which is its first locally-assembled car with a high capacity V8 engine; the R 280 L, the new generation SL-Class and the new B-Class.

Sales of the Mercedes-Benz brand commercial vehicles were over 400 units, or 17% higher than last year’s same period.

The retail sales of its Fuso line improved by 19% to more than 1,380

units in the first 11 months compared with 1,161 units previously.

“We’re confident that we can exceed 2008’s sales target (for commercial vehicles) and repeat our success in 2009 as we will introduce two new models (Mitsubishi Fuso 6x4 rigid truck and Canter Euro 2 light truck) in the market,” Honegg said.

Seven new dealers will also be added to its network to make a total of 54 dealers next year.

Gaya baru Honda City

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SEORANG model bergaya di samping Honda City model baru yang dilancarkan di Kuala Lumpur semalam.

peh.....cantiknya!!!!!

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CITA RASA BARU. Kereta Honda City baru yang dikenali sebagai The All New City ternyata mempunyai kelainannya dan versi generasi ketiga model berkenaan yang dilancarkan di Kuala Lumpur semalam sangat bertenaga.

Selain itu, model The All New City turut menampilkan model sport Honda City Modulo dengan kelebihan beberapa aksesori tambahan.

Jika dibandingkan dengan model terdahulu, model Honda City kali ini lebih mementingkan keselesaan pemandu kerana konsep rekaannya mengambil kira faktor cuaca panas dan kesesakan lalu lintas di Malaysia terutama kawasan bandar.

Rekaan lebih aerodinamik, ruang bagasi lebih luas, panel meter yang moden dan sistem audio yang canggih merupakan antara kelebihan yang ada pada model baru kali ini.

Honda memperkenalkan dua kategori kereta terbaru mereka iaitu bagi Gred S pada harga atas jalan RM84,980, dan Gred E pada harga RM89,980. Model Modulo pula dijual pada harga RM89,730 bagi Gred S dan RM94,730 bagi Gred E.

Honda City baru berharga dari RM84,980

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SEORANG model memperkenalkan Honda City baru pada majlis pelancaran kereta itu di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

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KUALA LUMPUR 18 Dis. – Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Honda Malaysia) menyasarkan untuk menjual 18,000 Honda City generasi ketiga setahun, atau 1,500 buah sebulan.

Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Atsushi Fujimoto berkata, sasaran itu mampu dicapai berdasarkan permintaan tinggi terhadap Honda City generasi terdahulu.

Menurutnya, sebanyak 8,000 buah Honda City telah dijual dalam tempoh 11 bulan pertama tahun ini.

‘‘Unjuran ini adalah satu lonjakan yang besar tetapi kami masih yakin melalui penampilan reka bentuk yang dinamik dan bergaya, unggul dalam kelas dan prestasi serta cukup praktikal,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas majlis pelancaran Honda City baru, di sini hari ini.

Hadir sama pada majlis itu ialah Ketua Jurutera Honda Co. Ltd. (Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan), Takeshi Nakamura dan Ketua Pegawai Operasi Honda Malaysia, Azman Idris.

Honda City generasi ketiga itu menampilkan ciri-ciri praktikal dan menjimatkan seperti saiz yang mudah untuk dikendalikan, kabin yang lebih luas, kecekapan penggunaan bahan api serta harga yang berpatutan.

Fujimoto berkata, Honda Malaysia yakin dapat mengekalkan pengeluaran dan jualan Honda City walaupun berdepan dengan ekonomi yang lebih mencabar pada tahun depan.

‘‘Keyakinan itu berdasarkan lebih 40 peratus jualan adalah daripada Honda City, sekali gus memberangsangkan jualan keseluruhan Honda Malaysia bagi tahun depan,” ujarnya.

Sehingga November ini, Honda Malaysia mencatat jualan sebanyak 30,888 buah kereta, iaitu peningkatan 17.2 peratus berbanding tempoh yang sama tahun lalu.

Tambahnya, kesemua kereta keluaran Honda menggunakan teknologi yang dipertingkatkan, termasuk kecekapan penggunaan bahan api.

‘‘Selain itu, jenama yang dikenali dan kukuh kami membantu kami kekal berdaya saing dalam persekitaran semasa yang mencabar ini,” katanya.

Honda City generasi ketiga dengan kapasiti enjin 1.5 liter itu dipacu enjin i-VTEC yang baru dibangunkan dengan menggunakan teknologi terkini.

Ia ditawarkan dalam dua variasi iaitu Gred S pada harga atas jalan dengan insurans RM84,980 dan Gred E berharga RM89,980.

Honda City baru itu didatangkan dalam lima warna iaitu Bold Beige Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic dan warna baru iaitu, Deep Lapis Blue Metallic serta Crystal Black Pearl.

The New Honda City 2009
New Honda City Launching @ Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur 18/12/2008
by irwandy

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^^^^aduih!!!!!!!!!cantiknya......the best honda city ever xcept the behind!!!:nuts::nuts:

I prefer Honda Civic better! :)

The New Honda City 2009
New Honda City Launching @ Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur 18/12/2008
by irwandy

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Honda banks on new City to drive sales in shrinking market
by Joy Lee May Yen
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd aims to sell 18,000 units of its all-new City next year, 125% more than the City model this year, even as it expects the local car market to contract by as much as 20%.

Its managing director and chief executive Atsushi Fujimoto said the sales target was achievable as small to medium-sized cars were becoming increasingly important and appealing to consumers. Honda has sold 8,000 units of the City in the first 11 months of this year.

“Our forecast for TIV (total industry volume) in 2009 is 400,000 units, which is a worst-case scenario. This is a cutback of about 20% from 2008,” he said, adding that the company was confident that the new City would do well despite the slowdown in the economy.

The Malaysian Automotive Association has forecast a TIV of 510,000 units for 2008.

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Fujimoto (left) and Honda R&D Co Ltd chief engineer Takeshi Nakamura at the launch of Honda all-new City in KL yesterday.

“We are targeting to sell 1,500 units a month for its first year. We are expecting a huge jump in sales next year with this new City, Fujimoto said after the launch of the all-new City yesterday.

On-the-road price for the Grade S All-New-City, with Modulo accessories, is RM89,730 while the Grade E is priced at RM94,730.

Honda Malaysia said it would only release its sales forecast for 2009 next month, as sales in the final quarter of 2008 would give a clearer indication of market sentiment going forward.

Fujimoto said Honda had overall sales of 28,500 units in 2007 and set a target of 33,000 units for 2008.

“But due to good sales in the first half of the year, we revised our target in July to 35,000 units for 2008. However, looking at the current market condition, we are more likely to achieve our initial sales target for this year. As of November, our sales are 30,888 units,” he said.

Fujimoto also said the company had no immediate need to reduce production or workforce at its plant in Pegoh, Melaka.

The plant produces completely knocked down (CKD) vehicles for the domestic market and constant velocity joints (CVJ) for export.

“CKD is not really affected because it is for the local market but CVJ is badly affected because about 90% is exported. We will review the CVJ operations before we decide on further action,” Fujimoto said when asked if there were plans to cut its workforce.

He also said that it would be able to sustain its operations if there was a jump in sales and it would be pushing sales for the All-New City next year.

“Although next year will be a challenging one and TIV will shrink, people will still buy cars and they would go for cars which are value for money, fuel efficient and associated with a strong brand like ours,” he said.

dugong (vios) versus transformers (city).

^^

Never underestimate the brand called "Toyota", which is enough to entice average people to buy one without even testing it...

Personally, i prefer Honda City because the Vios looks unbalanced just like the previous City...

dugong (vios) versus transformers (city).

sedap2 jer nko kasik title ek? :lol:

anyway, this is the trend....peoples (the mass) buy cars based on the design/look, and this is what proton designers/proton are too retarded to think/invest in designing (setakat employ budak-budak baru lepas university). compared to KIA which employing top european designers for its future cars.

kalo design cacat, orang kutuk, tau plak dia marah....

Mercedes-Benz expects rough ride next year
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2008/12/22


MERCEDES-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd is having a bumper year in this year but hints that sales volume will fall by up to 20 per cent next year because of the economic downturn.

"This year is exceptional but 2009 is going to be a very tough one. We will be happy even if our 2009 sales were 10 per cent to 20 per cent lower," president and chief executive officer Peter Honegg said.

Total sales for this year should breach 6,000 units, Honegg said at a year-end media briefing in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz and other vehicles in all segments - passenger and commercial - topped 5,000 units from January till November this year, the first time since the German and Mitsubishi Fuso brands made their debut here over 50 years ago.

The company also distributes Smart cars and Mitsubishi Fuso trucks. A total of 3,829 Mercedes-Benz cars were sold in the first 11 months, up from 3,304 units in the same period last year.

The company also sold 1,388 units of Mercedes-Benz and Fuso commercial vehicles, higher than 1,161 units previously.

Honegg said if sales were to fall by up to 20 per cent, it would mean that the volume would return to 2007's level when some 3,400 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were sold.

The slowdown is likely to be across all segments but the C-Class is expected to buck the trend.

A total of 1,570 units of the C-Class were sold in the first 11 months, up from 966 units previously.

The outstanding sales was due to the introduction of C230 Avantgarde in June.

Honegg said overall business and consumer confidence could return in the first quarter of 2010 provided the stock market recovers by the first quarter of next year.

Seven new dealers will be added to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia network to make a total of 54 dealers next year.

Globally, Mercedes-Benz Cars sold over 1.15 million passenger vehicles in the first 11 months, down one per cent from the previous period.

Volvo cautious on 2009 prospects
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


PETALING JAYA: Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd will be treading carefully into 2009 as it expects slower growth in the luxury car segment due to the global economic downturn.

Sales and marketing director Greg Bosnich said the company was already adopting a cautious approach.

“We are monitoring the situation carefully to avoid unnecessary spending and stock build-up.

“We will, like other players, be very careful with regard to production volumes and would rather have too few cars than too many in stock,” he told StarBiz in an email.


Greg Bosnich showing the boot of one of the Volvo models

Bosnich said the recent interest rate cut by the central bank was a welcome move as it boosted consumer confidence.

On stringent hire-purchase loan approvals, he said: “Prestige car sales are somewhat dependent on such schemes and we do foresee closer scrutiny of loan approvals.”

He also said the company had plans to introduce new models in 2009 but had yet to make an official decision.

“But, because of the current economic situation, we are reviewing our plans and therefore do not have a final number to disclose,” Bosnich said.

The company’s best-selling model is the Volvo S40 2.4i, sales of which had hit about 200 units annually.

Bosnich also said the company would continue to support and improve its customer service and also open new dealerships to strengthen its position in the market.

New Malaysia car sales in Nov rise by 9pc
Published: 2008/12/24

NEW car sales in November grew nine per cent to 40,865 units from 37,512 units in October, helped by a longer working month and year-end promotions.

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), in its monthly sales and production data released yesterday, said of the month's total sales, passenger cars accounted for 36,254 units while the remaining 4,611 units were commercial vehicles.

However, the association expects to see a drop in sales for December as buyers will normally wait until the new year before purchasing a car.

"December is usually the slowest based on our year-end seasonal index as buyers rather wait to avoid depreciation in year of manufacturing," said MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad when contacted by Business Times.

Buyers would rather wait for the new year because a more recent buy would fetch better trade-in value in the used car market.

Besides the expected sales drop in December, industry players are also cautious on the outlook for next year.

Aishah said the decline in new car sales was expected to continue in 2009 due to higher interest rates, tightening of hire-purchase loans and the impact of the global economic downturn.

Reviewing the industry sales and production so far, the MAA said total sales for the 11 months stood at 508,290 units from 444,932 previously. Passenger cars made up 462,065 units.

Total January-November production this year was 498,419 units from 373,233 units in the same period last year. - By Azlan Abu Bakar

UMW Toyota beats car sales target for this year
By V. CHANDRASEKARAN


SUNGAI PETANI: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has surpassed its target sales of new cars for the year by 3,000 units, to hit a total of 98,000 units.

Executive director (strategic marketing group) Aminar Rashid Salleh said the company had already met its targeted sales of 95,000 units for the year last month.

He said that given the uncertain global economic trends, next year would be a challenging year for the company.

He said Toyota secured about 18.4% of the total industry volume (TIV) in the country, adding that it targeted to maintain the same percentage next year.

The Malaysian Automobiles Association (MAA) was in the midst of setting the TIV forecast for next year, he said.

“Only after that will we be able to set our production target for next year,” he said.

MAA targeted 510,000 units in TIV for this year but the figure might hit 540,000 vehicles, he told reporters after opening the company’s latest pre-owned car centre, TopMark, in Sungai Petani yesterday.

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is a joint venture between UMW Holdings Bhd and Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp and Toyota Tsusho Corp.

Aminar Rashid said the company had 91 sales and after-sales outlets nationwide and planned to expand further.

On its used car sales outlets, he said the company had set up seven TopMark pre-owned car centres so far nationwide, including the latest in Sungai Petani.

“We have sold 13,599 units of Toyota used cars at TopMark used vehicles centres, which is 68% higher than last year,” he said.

In his speech earlier, he said TopMark centres had traded in 13,195 units of used vehicles, which was 28% higher than the total last year.

“We plan to double our TopMark network to 14 outlets in five years to provide better support to our new vehicle branches and dealers and tap the huge potential in pre-owned vehicles business,” he said.

Refreshed Volvo S40 comes at a lower price
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2008/12/30

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/zuzu29/pix_bottom


THERE have been two generations of the Volvo S40, a compact executive car produced by Ford Motor Co-owned Swedish carmaker Volvo Cars. The first was launched in 1995 and the second, in 2004.


The latter generation has been listed by Forbes as one of the best luxury cars for young affluent drivers. It has also been voted the most popular car among women in the luxury segment in the US market according to J.D. Power and Associates.

The second generation S40 was refreshed in 2008. In Malaysia, the S40 2.4i version was launched by Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd in late August this year with a new price strategy. Read new price strategy as lower price. The 2.4-litre sedan is locally-assembled in Shah Alam.

Volvo Car Malaysia president Robert Norrman said during the launch: "In a nutshell, the Volvo S40 is simply beautiful - in every sense of the word."

The company is targeting the S40 2.4i at "someone who is young and wants to upgrade from an Asian or Japanese brand, to enjoy a premium, luxury car with better performance and handling". It expects to sell an average of one S40 a day with the new price strategy.

Packaging

The facelifted S40 offers refined sportiness and increased safety and premium feel. It gets a completely new, sportier and more prestigious front with elements from the new Volvo S80 and V70. The front is now 3mm longer than the previous version. The grille is completely new with an updated, deeper mesh pattern, helping to emphasise the premium feel.

The rear bumper has been redesigned and is unique for the S40 and V50 models respectively. The bumper is now 6mm longer than the previous versions. The Volvo emblem, the so-called "iron symbol", is now 50 per cent larger and found on more locations on the car such as on the wheel rims and the remote control.

The headlamps are completely new, both in their form and their size, and reflect the design language of the larger, new Volvo cars.

The Volvo S40 offers a spacious and flexible interior. Every passenger seat has a fold-flat backrest. With the seats folded down, the load compartment floor is entirely flat. It has ultra-slim, free-floating centre console with illuminated storage compartment behind. The air vents on the dashboard have been redesigned with chrome trim buttons in order to achieve better ventilation in the compartment.

Mechanical

The Volvo S40 2.4i is fitted with an in-line 5 cylinder engine that provides 170hp at 6,000rpm and 230 torque at 4,400 rpm. It can reach 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds. Power is transmitted to the road through a five-speed automatic geartronic transmission. According to Volvo Car Malaysia, fuel consumption is a very efficient 9.1 litres per 100km.

On the road

We took the S40 up to Genting Highlands' hilly roads and twisty bends. The car provided a smooth and pleasurable drive. Handling was crisp and lively. The fuel paddle did not have to be hard-pressed to help the car climb up.

The suspension was firm without compromising on comfort, thus providing a pleasurable ride. Ergonomically designed seats offered sufficient lateral support.

Competitors

The S40 competes with European brands such as BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A4, and to an extent, Japan's Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Teana.

Price and equipment

Volvo Car Malaysia has lowered the price of the S40 to boost sales especially from potential buyers of the Japanese models like Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is now sells at RM169,500 (on the road without insurance), more than RM10,000 off the RM181,500 price tag of its predecessor.

The new S40 boasts an improved audio systems and increased storage space. For enhanced safety, it boasts Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Stability and Traction Control (STC) and Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA), all as standard. It also has front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags, along with whiplash-reducing head restraints for outboard positions.

The car is fitted with Volvo Audio Systems which comes with radio, 6-CD in a dash CD player, eight speakers with audio amplifier 4X40W, diversity aerial system at the rear window and rear bumper and with audio control on the steering wheel. Active Bi-Xenon headlights and BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), a camera system located on the side mirrors to alert the drivers of passing vehicles beside the car, are optional.

Harga Subaru WRX STi diturunkan

KUALA LUMPUR 30 Dis. - Pengedar tunggal kenderaan Subaru di Malaysia, Motor Image Sdn Bhd. menurunkan harga model Subaru WRX STi 2.5 sebanyak 13 peratus kepada RM258,475 bagi pendaftaran persendirian dan RM260,328 bagi pendaftaran syarikat.

Motor Image berkata, pelarasan harga itu mencerminkan usaha berterusannya untuk memberikan nilai tertinggi bagi wang kepada pengguna, katanya dalam kenyataan di sini hari ini.

''Semakan harga yang kerap memang menjadi amalan kami agar lebih berdaya saing dalam pasaran automotif dan memberikan nilai terbaik terutamanya dalam keadaan ekonomi global yang lembap,'' katanya.

Model impreza WRX STi 2.5 itu boleh didapati dalam empat warna iaitu pure white, spark silver metallic, dark grey metallic dan WR blue mica.


Price of Subaru WRX STi 2.5 drops


KUALA LUMPUR: The sole distributor of Subaru in Malaysia, Motor Image Sdn Bhd, has reduced the price of Subaru WRX STi 2.5 by 13% to RM258,475 for private registration and RM260,328 for company registration.

Motor Image said in a statement the price adjustment reflected its continuous effort to give customers the most value for money.

“It is our practice to regularly review our prices to remain competitive in the motor vehicle market and provide the best value, especially in light of the current worldwide economic situation,” it said. — Bernama

MPV berjiwa sedan
Dengan warna jingga membelah jalan raya, Nissan Grand Livina kini semakin menarik perhatian.



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PEMANDUAN ibarat sedan, ciri seakan MPV. Slogan ini nyata amat tepat membayangkan apa yang ditawarkan oleh model kereta terlaris daripada Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM).

Tidak dapat dinafikan bahawa Nissan Grand Livina sememangnya berjaya mencuri hati ramai peminat MPV bersaiz sederhana sejak ia dilancarkan pada penghujung tahun 2007. Selama ini, segmen tersebut dilihat lebih didominasi oleh model-model seperti Toyota Avanza dan Naza Citra.

Berdiri di atas platform model sedan yang tidak kurang popular, Latio, Grand Livina menawarkan segala yang anda perlukan pada sebuah Midi MPV.

Harus diakui juga bahawa pengalaman memandunya selama beberapa hari sudah mampu menyerlahkan karakter yang membuatkan ramai terpegun melihatnya.

Ia bukan sekadar boleh memuatkan tujuh orang sanak saudara atau rakan-rakan anda. Malah harganya yang tidak mencecah RM100,00 turut menjadi daya penarik, terutama bagi mereka yang baru menambah bilangan ahli keluarga.


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GRAND LIVINA mampu menyediakan ruang kaki yang selesa untuk penumpang tempat duduk belakang.

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Sebagaimana yang anda ketahui, Grand Livina hadir dalam beberapa varian berdasarkan transmisi dan sesaran enjinnya. Unit pandu uji yang saya terima ini ialah varian paling premium.

Maksudnya, ia dilengkapi dengan enjin berkapasiti 1.8 liter yang dipadankan dengan transmisi automatik dengan bahagian dalamnya disalut material kulit, di samping kemasan kayu. Anda perlu menambah RM2,700 untuk mendapatkan semua ini.

Membaca beberapa blog yang memberi ruang kepada sesiapa sahaja memberi komen boleh membuatkan tanggapan pertama anda terhadap Grand Livina menjadi kian celaru. Biar apa pun, apabila memilih kenderaan yang ingin dibeli, pastikan ia menepati bajet dan apa juga keperluan anda.

Fizikal Grand Livina kemas dan ringkas. Bahagian hadapannya yang berwarna krom dan besar seakan meminjam gril radiator yang ada pada model SUV mewah Nissan, Murano.



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Sementara bahagian belakangnya pula menampilkan sepasang lampu dengan rekaan ringkas tetapi praktikal. Mujurlah kawasan ini tidak dipenuhi dengan emblem seperti model Latio.

Enjin aluminium berkod MR18DE empat silinder DOHC 16 injap yang didatangkan dengan sistem injap CVTC ini nyata tidak mengecewakan untuk mengheret tubuhnya yang agak besar.

Dengan janaan kuasa sebanyak 123 hp pada putaran enjin 5,200 rpm dan tork maksimum sehingga 174 Nm @ 4,800 rpm, pemanduan berhenti-jalan sewaktu terperangkap dalam kesesakan jalan raya mahupun memecut di lebuh raya sentiasa selesa.

Kolaborasi enjin bersama transmisi automatik empat kelajuan ini boleh dikatakan cukup baik. Kedudukan gear ditukar dengan lancar tanpa rasa senggukan yang ketara.


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LIPAT sahaja tempat duduk belakang untuk mendapatkan ruang kargo lebih luas.

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Andai anda mahukan lebih momentum ketika memotong atau mendaki bukit, tekan sahaja butang S (sebenarnya ciri overdrive) yang ada pada tuil gearnya.

Aplikasi kerangka jenis monocoque atau unibody merupakan faktor utama yang membolehkan Grand Livina bertindak seperti sebuah sedan dengan titik graviti lebih rendah.

Sama ada ketika memandu di laluan lurus atau mengambil selekoh, kestabilan yang diberikannya agak memuaskan, biarpun kadangkala olengan tubuhnya sedikit terasa.

Setting sistem suspensi terasa sedikit lembut. Ia bagi memenuhi tujuan yang mahu pemanduan seakan sebuah sedan. Namun, ia bukanlah terlalu lembut sehingga membuatkan kepala anda turut bergoyang ketika melalui jalan yang tidak rata.



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Ciri sedan pada MPV ini terserlah apabila anda duduk di hadapan sterengnya. Jika bukan disebabkan saiznya, pemandu mungkin terlupa bahawa dia sedang memandu sebuah MPV.

Semua suis kawalan sistem audio dan pendingin hawa berada dalam jarak capaian yang minimum. Rekaan papan pemukanya bersama kemasan kayu pada stereng, konsol tengah, panel sisi dan tuil gear pula mungkin bukan pilihan kepada mereka yang mahukan penampilan lebih sporty.

Tipikal bagi sebuah MPV, ia akan dilengkapi dengan banyak ruang penyimpanan barang dan bekas minuman. Namun, dalam Grand Livina, anda mungkin perlu mengehadkan bilangan botol minuman kerana ruang yang terhad.

Ada satu 'benda' yang hilang di sini. Grand Livina tidak menyediakan perehat tangan, sama ada untuk pemandu atau penumpang hadapan. Jadi, biasakan diri untuk memegang stereng dalam keadaan 'bersedia' sepanjang masa.

Keseluruhan ruang dalaman Grand Livina ini menggunakan warna beige, warna yang saya kurang gemar secara peribadinya.

Walaupun dibalut dengan kulit, tetapi ia tetap terdedah pada kekotoran yang sekali gus mencacatkan unsur kemewahannya.

Selain itu, tempat duduk baris kedua menyediakan ruang kaki yang luas dan selesa. Mereka juga tidak akan kepanasan kerana terdapat corong pendingin hawa di konsol yang terletak di antara tempat duduk pemandu.


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0103/Kosmo/Pemotoran/pe_02.6.jpg
KANAN: Paparan papan pemuka Grand Livina ringkas dan praktikal.

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Tempat duduk baris ketiga bagaimanapun sedikit sempit, tetapi tetap selesa untuk memuatkan dua orang kanak-kanak.

Untuk ruang kargo yang lebih luas, lipat sahaja tempat duduk baris ketiga dan kedua, bergantung kepada besar mana barang yang hendak diangkut.

Di sebalik beberapa kekurangan, Grand Livina masih sebuah MPV yang berbaloi untuk dimiliki berdasarkan kualiti yang ditawarkannya.

Didatangkan dengan enam warna pilihan termasuklah hitam, putih, oren, perak, kelabu dan emas, MPV ini boleh anda miliki pada harga RM97,965 termasuk insurans.

Tan Chong Motor Expects To Maintain Sales


PETALING JAYA, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, the sales and marketing arm of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, expects sales this year to be sustained at 28,000 units, the same as last year.

Its executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said despite the economic slowdown, the strong Nissan consumer branding and quality will continue to maintain its market share in the industry.

"We are confident of the strong support for our future launches this year. The economic outlook will not deter us from achieving our targets," he said during the launch of the new Nissan Grand Livina Tuned by Impul Motor Racing Development from Japan.

The core activities of Impul, founded by motorsports expert Kazuyoshi Hoshino, include integrated, planning and development of car parts and accessories.

According to Ang, the Grand Livina seven-seater model will support growth of Nissan vehicle sales in Malaysia.

Priced from RM95,586 to RM108,086, the model tuned by the Impul version is fitted with enhanced features to provide better handling and engine response as well as a more aesthetic look.

With the exception of the alloy wheels, all Impul Grand Livina parts are produced in Malaysia, Ang said.

-- BERNAMA

Impul Grand Livina unveiled


PETALING JAYA: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd expects a 10% increase in sales of its Nissan Grand Livina this year.

Executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said the company was confident of winning over more young and “young at heart” customers with its new “hot modded” variant which came the distinct Impul DNA.

“The Grand Livina tuned by Impul has won over many fans since its launch in December 2007 to account for more than 50% of Nissan passenger vehicle sales in Malaysia.

“We expect to sell at least 100 units per month,” Ang said after the launch of the new variant yesterday.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/6/business/b_07livina.jpg
Hoshino Impul Co Ltd president Kazuyoshi Hoshino (left) and Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng with the Impul Grand Livina

He said that even during the market downturn, sales of the 7-seater Grand Livina would hold up.

“Consumers would still want to buy cars, but they may want to downgrade. The Grand Livina costs about RM80,000 in comparison to multi-purpose vehicles in the same segment,” he said.

The Impul Grand Livina will cost RM10,500 more than the standard Grand Livina 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre variants. Apart from the Japan-manufactured alloy wheels, all Impul Grand Livina parts are produced locally.

Ang said the company hoped this year to register sales of about 28,000 units, the same as last year.

In 2007, it registered sales of about 16,500 units and clinched a 3.4% market share of the country’s total industry volume.

“We are confident of strong support for our future launches this year. The economic outlook will not deter us from achieving our targets.”

He added that regardless of the economic situation, the company would launch one or two models every year.

Frost & Sullivan: 2009 new car sales to fall 8pc
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/01/07


DEMAND for new vehicles in Malaysia will contract 8.1 per cent this year after rising an estimated 12 per cent to 545,440 units in 2008, Frost & Sullivan says.

The international research firm does not think its forecast is "too optimistic" despite some industry observers expecting higher contraction numbers as a global economic downturn deepens in 2009.

Affin Investment Bank, for instance, has forecast a 20 per cent sales drop, while a senior executive of a non-national car distributor expects a 25 per cent slide.

"We believe that the Malaysian economy is still fundamentally resilient," Frost & Sullivan head of automotive and transportation practice for Asia-Pacific Kavan Mukhtyar said at a news conference yesterday.

"Although export-driven activities such as manufacturing will be affected due to the drop of demand from developed markets, overall 2009 will see Malaysia in a stronger position as compared to the 1997/1998 crisis," Mukhtyar added.

The industry trade body, the Malaysian Automotive Association, will review the outlook for 2009 and last year's performance at a news conference by the end of the month.

Mukhtyar said total sales in 2009 should stand at 501,500 units. It blames weakening consumer spending, lack of new mass market car models and a marginal increase in unemployement rate.

He, however, said the impact will be cushioned by marginally lower interest rates, continued demand from replacement car buyers, lower inflation rate and new launches in the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment.

Sales of MPVs should rise 7.2 per cent to 57,000 units in 2009 with new models from Proton and Perodua, he said.

Other segments will contract, Mukhtyar noted.

Demand for passenger cars will ease eight per cent to about 391,000 units, while an 18.6 per cent decline in the sports utility vehicle segment to 14,500 units can be expected.

The commercial vehicles segment will be the hardest hit, with a 20.9 per cent slide to 39,000 units this year.

Mukhtyar said Proton's market share in 2008 is likely to rise to 28.7 per cent from 26.6 per cent in 2007 at the expense of Perodua, with an estimated share of 33.8 per cent.

Malaysia's young population, he said, will boost vehicles sales growth in the future.

"An estimated 180,000 new graduates will enter the job market in 2009, although they are not expected to make an immediate big impact on new car purchases," Mukhtyar said.

New Lexus for new year
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/01/07

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/leksu-2/pix_bottom

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd unveiled its refreshed Lexus IS 250 yesterday, expecting a 30 per cent jump in sales of the 2.5-litre premium car this year.

Sixty-seven units were sold last year, UMW Toyota managing director Kuah Kock Heng said.

"With the introduction of the new IS 250, we have set a target to sell 30 per cent more than the model last year," Kuah said at the launch.

He added that more Lexus models will be introduced in the coming months.

The new IS 250 comes in two variants: the standard version is priced at RM270,000, and the luxury variant at RM305,000.

The IS 250 was first introduced in September 2007.

The 2009 model has received some updates to refresh both its exterior and interior as well as enhancements in comfort, convenience, performance and safety.

They include restyled grille, front lip, rear combination lamps and door mirrors. The latter now incorporates turn indicators, previously not available on the IS 250.

A brand new feature is the Lexus vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM).

The VDIM is a new concept of vehicle kinematic control integrating brake, drive power, steering and coordinated control with the automatic transmission.

UMW Toyota counts on new Lexus


PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is banking on a 30% boost in sales of its Lexus IS 250 car.

This was following the launch of an upgraded version of the model, and on expectations the luxury car market will remain largely unaffected this year, said managing director Kuah Kock Heng.

“We are confident that the luxury car market will be strong in 2009,” he told reporters after the launch of the upgraded Lexus IS 250 yesterday.

“Although the motor vehicle industry is expected to soften this year, the impact on the luxury car segment will be minimal.”

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/7/business/b_08kuah.jpg
Kuah Kock Heng with the new Lexus IS 250

Kuah said UMW Toyota was confident that both the standard and upgraded versions would boost sales of the IS 250 in the country despite the bearish market conditions.

There were plans to launch new Lexus models in the coming months, he added.

The 2009 Lexus IS 250 model has an upgraded exterior and interior, as well as enhancements in terms of performance and safety.

The original IS 250 was introduced in the local market in Sept 2007. UMW Toyota sold 67 units of the model last year.

The standard Lexus IS 250 is priced at RM270,000 and the luxury model at RM305,000.

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Lexus sasar kenaikan jualan 30 peratus

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(dari kiri) Kuah Kock Heng, Timbalan Pengerusi UMW Toyota, Takashi Hibi, Pengerusi UMW Toyota, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif UMW Holdings, Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Halim Harun menunjukkan model Lexus IS 250, di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.
- Bernama

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KUALA LUMPUR 6 Jan. - Lexus Malaysia, cabang operasi dalam UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd., menjangka mencatatkan peningkatan jualan 30 peratus kereta model IS 250 daripada 67 buah yang dijual pada tahun lepas, dengan pengenalan model 2009 yang baru.

Pengarah Urusan UMW Toyota Kuah Kock Heng berkata, pihaknya yakin mampu mencatatkan sasaran itu walaupun dalam keadaan pasaran semasa yang tidak menggalakkan.

"Kami percaya bagi sektor kereta mewah, impaknya adalah minimum dan kami berkeyakinan jualannya akan terus kukuh pada tahun ini," katanya di majlis pelancaran kereta model Lexus yang baru itu di sini hari ini.

Katanya, kereta IS 250 itu, yang harganya ditetapkan RM270,000 bagi model biasa dan RM305,000 bagi model mewah, telah ditambah baik di bahagian luaran dan dalaman dan di segi keselesaan, kemudahan, prestasi dan keselamatan.

Kereta IS 250 yang diperkenalkan di Malaysia pada 2007 itu boleh diperolehi dalam 10 warna, di mana dua daripadanya, Sable Mica Metallica dan Blond Mica Metallic, merupakan model baru bagi 2009.

Kuah berkata, syarikat itu menjangka model IS 250 baru itu akan mengukuhkan lagi cengkaman Lexus di dalam pasaran kereta mewah impot.

Katanya, syarikat itu juga merancang untuk memperkenalkan model Lexus baru di dalam tempoh beberapa bulan akan datang bagi meningkatkan lagi kehadirannya di dalam pasaran tempatan.

- Bernama

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BMW Malaysia posts 12% growth last year
by Pauline Puah
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd reported an overall annual growth of 12% last year amid the challenging economic climate.

A total of 3,514 units of BMWs and 201 units of MINIs had been sold, bringing the total number of vehicles sold by BMW Malaysia last year to 3,715 units.

It sold 3,151 BMWs and 185 MINIs in 2007.

“As projected, we have done very well in achieving double digit growth despite what was perceived to be a challenging climate,” said BMW Malaysia’s managing director Geoffrey Briscoe in a statement.

“This is a good result by any means but even more astounding as it is the first time the BMW brand crossed the 3,500 mark while the MINI crossed the 200 mark.”

BMW Malaysia is a joint venture between Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG and Sime Darby Bhd.

Briscoe said while volume was important, it was even more critical that this was not achieved at the expense of profit.

“It’s not just about total volume for us as the BMW Group puts a very high emphasis on profitability. In that sense, this year’s results were even more encouraging because we were able to sell our cars whilst providing additional value and services to our customers,” he said.

He said the group’s good performance last year could be attributed to several factors, starting with an excellent product line-up.

“The customers in the premium segment are very discerning and expect a lot from their purchases and I think in that sense, the BMW Group has been able to deliver. We have also been successful because of value-add services unique to our brand like BMW Service Inclusive + Repair, BMW Finance Schemes and BMW Insurance,” he said.

Briscoe said while 2009 would not be an easy year, the group was optimistic that it would be able to meet its targets and continue to further its position in the Malaysian market.

The BMW X5 had the highest growth rate last year, rising 203% with 176 units delivered compared with 58 units in 2007.

In addition to the high demand for the X5, the new BMW X6 — which is the world’s first sports activity coupé saw delivery of 21 units since its launch in Malaysia in August, while the X3 sold 103 units, compared with 101 units a year earlier.

The company said the two key volume models, the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series, performed extremely well.

“The 3 Series saw a growth of over 10% with 1,677 units (previous year: 1,521). The 5 Series showed a growth of 7% with 1,347 units sold (previous year: 1,261),” it said.

It said the BMW 1 Series sales increased by 28% with 65 units sold in last year. It sold 51 units in 2007.

“In the MINI family, the highest-selling model was the MINI Cooper S with 100 units while the MINI Cooper sold 55 units. The new MINI Clubman also did well, accounting for 19 units,” it added.

UMW Toyota posts record 2008 sales
Published: 2009/01/08



UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the distributor and assembler of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, achieved a new sales record of 101,600 units in 2008.

This is slightly above 18 per cent of the total industry volume (TIV) for last year, said its managing director Kuah Kock Heng.

UMW Toyota sold 82,000 units of Toyota vehicles or 17.1 per cent of the TIV in 2007, he told reporters after launching the company’s newly upgraded branch in Jalan Kepayang in Klang today.

Kuah said this year the local automotive market would become more competitive as the TIV was expected to slide and research had indicated that the demand for new vehicles in the country would contract by 8.1 per cent.

“We are currently working with the Malaysia Automotive Association on the projection for 2009.

“As a key player in the industry, UMW Toyota Motor would want to maintain our market share at around 18 to 19 per cent,” he added.

He said UMW Toyota would continue to give its customers good value for money, product and services by introducing innovative marketing packages.

For this year, Kuah said UMW Toyota would introduce the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) package of parts and accessories for the Toyota Vios and also other models in its line-up while continuing with efforts to enhance its outlets. — Bernama

UMW Toyota catat rekod baru jualan kenderaan


UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, pemasang dan pengedar kenderaan Toyota di Malaysia, mencatat rekod jualan baru sebanyak 101,600 unit pada 2008.

Pengarah Urusannya, Kuah Kock Heng, berkata angka itu lebih sedikit daripada 18 peratus jumlah keseluruhan industri (TIV) tahun lalu.

“UMW Toyota menjual 82,000 unit kenderaan Toyota atau 17.1 peratus TIV pada 2007,” katanya kepada pemberita selepas melancarkan cawangan baru syarikat itu yang dinaik taraf di Jalan Kepayang, Klang, semalam.



Beliau berkata, tahun ini pasaran automotif tempatan lebih kompetitif memandangkan TIV dijangka turun dan kajian menunjukkan permintaan untuk kenderaan baru di negara ini akan menyusut 8.1 peratus.

“Kami kini bekerja rapat dengan Persatuan Automotif Malaysia mengenai unjuran bagi 2009. UMW Toyota Motor mahu mengekalkan penguasaan pasarannya sekitar 18 hingga 19 peratus,” katanya.

Car distributors set to hand out more freebies
Published: 2009/01/06


Affin Investment Bank, which forecast a 20 per cent year-on-year contraction in vehicle sales in 2009, says margins will come under pressure as stocks will need to be cleared

MALAYSIAN car distributors are expected to throw in more freebies in 2009 to boost sales amid slowing demand, Affin Investment Bank said in a research note yesterday.

"Margins will come under pressure as stocks will need to be cleared and targets will need to be achieved," it said in a report on the outlook for the car and carparts sector.

Affin Investment has forecast a 20 per cent year-on-year contraction in vehicle sales to 432,000 units in 2009, a level last seen in 2002.

"We expect deepening macro concerns, lack of new 'mass' model launches and potentially stringent bank loan approvals to curtail new purchases.

"Conversely, lower petrol prices and financing rates and hence expectations of lower cost of (car) ownership may partly mitigate the contraction," it added.

Vehicle sales fell 59 per cent during the Asian financial crisis of 1998, seven per cent during the SARS period in 2003, and nine per cent following changes in the National Automotive Policy (NAP) tax structure in 2006.

Affin Investment said investors should watch out for a NAP "review" slated for March 2009, which may focus more on enhancing non-tariff protectionism rather than incorporate changes in tax structure.

"The non-tariff protections may include higher localisation of carparts and this is a longer term boon for domestic carpart producers. We also believe the government may continue to provide research and development grants to national car producers," it said.

Given the lower sales forecast and weaker ringgit against the US dollar and yen, Affin Investment sees car players' profitability margins coming under pressure, at least in the first half of this year.

"Broadly, we expect to see 21 per cent year-on-year contraction in sector earnings," it said.

Affin Investment is keeping its "neutral" stance on the sector as these negative headwinds appear to have been "priced in" for automotive sector stocks.

Its top pick remains UMW due to quality management, sound business model that leverages on superior venture partners, and active capital management to support downside risk.

Tan Chong tumpu Halo, Murano baru



EDARAN Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) akan memberi tumpuan kepada dua model diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) yang akan dilancarkan petengahan tahun ini selain kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) saiz sederhana Grand Livina Impul, sebagai modal untuk terus menguasai pasaran tempatan.

Model baru CBU itu ialah Halo, kenderaan berprestasi tinggi (sporty) dengan ciri kemewahan dan kenderaan utiliti sukan (SUV) Murano yang ditampilkan dengan wajah baru sesuai dengan ciri mewahnya.

Pengarah Eksekutif ETCM, Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng, berkata pihaknya menjangka menguasai enam peratus pasaran kenderaan tempatan tahun ini berbanding 5.2 peratus tahun lalu.

Menurutnya, unjuran sasaran itu disandarkan kepada jualan tiga model terbabit tetapi ETCM menjangka Grand Livina Impul akan terus mendapat tempat di hati pembeli.

“Tahun lalu Grand Livina menyumbang 50 peratus jualan kenderaan ETCM dan kami yakin tahun ini ia akan terus mendapat tempat di hati pembeli,” katanya.

Ditanya kenapa ETCM tidak melancarkan kenderaan secara pemasangan tempatan (CKD), Dr Ang berkata, kosnya lebih tinggi berbanding kenderaan CBU walaupun kelas mewah.

Menurutnya, beliau yakin syarikat pengeluar kereta tidak akan menaikkan harga dan bagi ETCM, akan mengekalkan harga semasa.

“Keadaan ekonomi Malaysia tidak begitu teruk terjejas kerana sektor automotif negara masih berjalan seperti biasa dan ramai masih membeli kenderaan baru.

“Berbeza dengan kegawatan ekonomi 1997, ketika itu kadar faedah yang dikenakan tinggi menyebabkan orang ramai takut membeli kereta.

“Kali ini kadar faedah dikenakan bank masih rendah dan ia tidak menjejaskan penjualan kenderaan di negara ini,” katanya.

BMW banking on new 7 Series
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/01/15

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GERMAN carmaker BMW AG's subsidiary BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is keeping its sales target this year to itself but says that it will be "wonderful" if it can match the 2008 performance.

"We always have a target but generally do not speculate on it. If we can hold on to our 2008 volume, we'll be happy. That will be wonderful," BMW Malaysia managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said.

Local sales of BMW vehicles rose 12 per cent to about 3,750 units last year, just behind perennial rival Mercedes-Benz, which sold over 5,000 cars.

But globally, Briscoe said BMW is the top-selling luxury car ahead of its German rival.

Speaking at the launch of the all-new, fifth generation BMW 7 Series in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, he said the overall luxury car market in Malaysia more or less stayed at about 9,000 units annually for the past few years.

Hence, the segment may not be affected by the slowing economy arising from the global financial crisis.

He added that based on the strong October sales in particular, the premium segment should sustain its annual volume of 9,000 units for 2008.

Briscoe said the new BMW 7 Series will be pivotal in leading BMW Malaysia forward, as was its predecessor.

The fourth generation model was the most successful 7 Series ever with a total sales of 987 units over its life cycle from 2001 till 2008 in Malaysia.

This is 153 per cent more than the third generation 7 Series, which had a total sales of 390 units over the same seven years of its lifespan.

The new 7 Series enters the local market with two variants - the 4.4-litre BMW 750Li and the 3.0-litre BMW 740Li. The former sells at about RM1.14 million excluding insurance, while the latter costs RM848,800 (minus insurance).

BMW Malaysia said the car boasts the world's most efficient V8 petrol engine, as well as luxurious and technological breakthrough features. They include integral active steering, which it claims is the most intelligent car steering system ever designed, lane departure warning system as well as the world's first side view camera system and the world's most advanced night vision system.

BMW expects market to be resilient


KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd hopes to maintain its sales this year as it expects the luxury car market to remain resilient despite the economic slowdown.

Last year, the company sold 3,715 cars.

“If we can hold our position, we’ll be quite thrilled,” managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said after launching the new BMW 7 Series yesterday.

“There are still a lot of people out there with money and who are not affected by the current economic situation.

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Geoffrey Briscoe with the new BMW 7 Series.

“The people who buy these luxury cars (do so) not because they need it but because they want it.”

He said the BMW group was “well placed to go forward” after the cost-cutting measures in its global operations.

“Over the past 1½ years, we have trimmed down a lot in the company and taken out layers of management,” he said, referring to the downsizing in BMW’s worldwide operations, where 8,000 jobs had been slashed.

Briscoe said the outgoing model of the BMW 7 Series marked a turning point for the company in the segment.

“With this car, we managed to increase our sales by 153% compared with its predecessor,” he said, adding that he was confident the new 7 series models would be pivotal in leading the company forward.

The new BMW 7 Series is entering the local market with two variants, the BMW 750Li and the BMW 740Li.

Briscoe said there were plans to launch two more variants.

“We are looking to launch the 730Li in another six to 12 months,” he said.

The retail prices (on the road, without insurance) for the BMW 750Li and BMW 740Li are RM1,138,800 and RM848,800 respectively.

BMW Confident Of Good Sales In 2009


KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is cautiously optimistic over the prospects of the premium car market in the country amid the challenging economic situation at the moment.

Sales in luxury cars in Malaysia, which is about 9,000 annually, has remained resilient although other segments have dropped significantly, managing director Geoffrey Briscoe told a press conference after the media launch of two new models of the BMW 7 Series here.

He said BMW sold 3,715 cars last year, an increase of 12 percent compared with the previous year, and would be happy to maintain the volume this year.

"A lot of people still have the money. The buyers are there," he said.

BMW launched the BMW 740Li and 750Li today.

He said the new BMW models would be pivotal in leading the company forward, as was its predecessor, which was also the most successful of the 7 Series.

"In Malaysia, the outgoing BMW 7 Series was a success and marked a turning point for BMW Malaysia in this segment.

"With this car, we managed to increase our sales by 153 percent compared to its predecessor," he told reporters after the launch of the BMW 740Li and 750Li.

Both the models have extended wheelbases, making them the longest in the luxury saloon segment, with a particular focus on comfort at the rear.

He said the company was looking at introducing other variants, in particular the 730, within the next 6-12 months.

The retail, on-the-road price, without insurance for the BMW 750Li is RM1,138,000 while the BMW 740Li is priced at RM848,800.

-- BERNAMA

BMW Malaysia sasar jualan 7 Series naik 12%

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GEOFF BRISCOE memperkenalkan kereta BMW 740 Li pada majlis pelancaran model terbaru itu di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

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KUALA LUMPUR 14 Jan. - BMW (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. mengunjurkan jualan kereta 7 Series terbarunya, BMW 750 Li dan 740 Li meningkat 12 peratus pada tahun ini berbanding tahun sebelumnya.

Pengarah Urusannya, Geoff Briscoe berkata, pertumbuhan ekonomi yang perlahan sama sekali tidak membantutkan penjualan kenderaan mewah itu.

"Kenderaan kami dikeluarkan dengan ciri ciri mewah, selesa, berteknologi tinggi dan memberi gaya kepada para pelanggan sehingga ia sentiasa mempunyai permintaan di pasaran,'' katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis pelancaran kereta BMW 750 Li dan 740 Li di sini hari ini.

BMW 750 Li dijual pada harga RM1.138 juta, tidak termasuk insurans, manakala BMW 740 Li ialah RM848,800.

Hadir pada majlis ialah Pengurus Akhbar dan Perhubungan Korporat BMW Group Malaysia, T. Vijayaratnam.

Tarikan terbaru pada kedua-dua model kereta tersebut adalah dilengkapi dengan skrin penglihatan malam (night vision) bagi mengesan kehadiran orang yang berada di luar kenderaan.

Selain itu, BMW 750 Li dengan kapsiti enjin 4,395 cc dan 740 Li dengan kapasiti enjin 2,979 cc didatangkan dengan bentuk badan yang lebih dinamik dan bercirikan seni.

Kedua-dua model kenderaan itu dilengkapi dengan enjin petrol jenis V8 yang menjimatkan petrol.

Ketika ditanya mengenai harga model terbaru itu yang dianggap masih tinggi bagi persekitaran ekonomi yang berkembang perlahan, Vijayaratnam berkata, pihaknya tidak akan mengurangkan harga kenderaan mewah tersebut.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya mempunyai pasaran khusus di Malaysia dan permintaannya amat menggalakkan.

Bagaimanapun beliau enggan menganggarkan nilai jualan dan sasaran yang ditetapkan syarikat tersebut.

Beliau menjelaskan, sebanyak 987 buah BMW 7 Series sudah terjual sejak diperkenalkan pada tahun 2002 yang lalu.

Pada tahun lalu, BMW Malaysia menjual 3,715 buah kenderaan mewah.

Toyota sold 98,000 new cars in 2008


UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has surpassed its targeted sales of new cars for 2008 by 3,000 units, hitting a total sales volume of 98,000 units.

Its executive director Aminar Rashid Salleh said the company had already met its targeted sales of 95,000 units for the year in November.

He said given the uncertain global economic trends, this year would be a challenging year for the company.

He added that Toyota secured about 18.4% in car sales from the total industry volume (TIV) in the country, adding that it targeted to maintain the same percentage this year.

The Malaysian Automobiles Association (MAA) was in the midst of fixing the TIV for this year, he said.

Only after that would Toyota be able to set its production target for this year, he told reporters after opening the company’s latest pre-owned car centre, TopMark, in Sungai Petani, Kedah, recently.

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is a joint venture of UMW Holdings Bhd and Japans Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Tsusho Corporation.

Aminar Rashid said the company had 91 sales and after-sales outlets, including dealers nationwide and planned to expand gradually.

On its used car sales outlets, he said the company had set up seven TopMark pre-owned car centres nationwide.

“We have sold 13,599 Toyota used cars at TopMark used vehicles centres nationwide,” he said.

Naza Kia promosi Citra MPV
KUALA LUMPUR 18 Jan. – Naza Kia Sdn. Bhd. (Naza Kia) telah bekerjasama dengan Koperasi Pendidikan Usahawan Bhd. (KOPLINK) dan AmBank (M) Bhd. dalam program mempromosikan Naza Citra MPV 2.0L CVVT.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan Naza, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin berkata, promosi itu disasarkan kepada kakitangan awam yang bekerja dengan kerajaan negeri atau persekutuan serta kakitangan syarikat milik kerajaan.

Menurutnya, melalui promosi tersebut, pembeli yang layak akan menikmati penjimatan yang terbaik yang mana bayaran bulanan bagi kereta Citra adalah serendah RM647 kerana kadar faedah yang rendah dan tempoh pembiayaan sehingga 12 tahun.

‘‘Kami sentiasa berusaha untuk memenuhi keperluan pengguna dan melalui promosi ini kami telah menawarkan kemudahan yang terbaik serta dalam masa yang sama ia tidak akan membebankan mereka,’’ katanya dalam kenyataan, di sini hari ini.

Changan Berjaya sasar jualan 5,000 kenderaan

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0120/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_01.1.jpg
SALAH sebuah kereta keluaran Changan Berjaya yang dilancarkan di Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur semalam. - Gambar: MOHD. NAIM AZIZ

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KUALA LUMPUR 19 Jan. - Changan Berjaya Auto Sdn. Bhd. (Changan Berjaya) mensasarkan jualan kereta penumpang kompak ERA CV6 sebanyak 3,000 buah dan kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) model ERA CM8 sebanyak 2,000 buah pada tahun ini.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk C. B. Khor berkata, unjuran itu dibuat selepas mengambil kira keadaan ekonomi semasa yang mencabar.

''Kami yakin dapat mencapai sasaran itu kerana kenderaan berkenaan ditawar pada harga mampu milik.

''Changan Berjaya juga menawarkan reka bentuk menarik dari Itali, teknologi terkini dari Jepun dan keunggulan kejuruteraan Jerman,'' kata beliau selepas pra-taklimat media tentang pelancaran ERA CV6 dan ERA CM8 di sini baru-baru ini.

Pelancaran kenderaan itu disempurnakan oleh Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Turut hadir Pengerusi dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Berjaya Corporation, Tan Sri Vincent Tan.

Khor berkata, Changan Berjaya berhasrat mengeluarkan 10,000 buah kenderaan bagi kedua-dua model yang mana 5,000 buah untuk dipasarkan di dalam negara dan bakinya untuk diedarkan di beberapa negara ASEAN.

''Kami akan memasarkan kedua-dua model tersebut di Singapura, Brunei, Filipina, Indonesia, Thailand dan Sri Lanka. Perjanjian memasarkannya dimeterai hari ini,'' kata beliau lagi.

Katanya, Changan Berjaya akan mula memasarkan model kedua-dua kenderaan itu di Singapura dalam masa terdekat ini, diikuti dengan Thailand menjelang April hingga Mei dan Indonesia pada bulan Julai atau Ogos ini.

''Changan Berjaya juga merancang untuk memasarkan kenderaan itu di Afrika Selatan. Kami sedang dalam perbincangan dengan pihak yang berkenaan dan berharap dapat memeterai perjanjian pada akhir tahun ini,'' tambahnya.

Kereta ERA CV6 merupakan model hatchback yang dijual pada harga RM36,862 dilengkapi antaranya penghadang sinar ultra, beg udara, rim aloi, power stering dan kerusi ergonamik.

Antara keistimewaan ERA CV6 ialah enjin Sino-Jepun dengan penggunaan minyak rendah bagi enjin injap 1.3 liter, boleh menjana kuasa 63 kW, 110 Nm tork.

Manakala bagi kenderaan MPV, ERA CM8 boleh memuatkan tujuh penumpang dengan harga permulaan RM37,716.80.

MPV tersebut diperkasa dengan enjin 16 injap, ringan dan menawarkan penjimatan bahan api.

Sementara itu, Khor menambah, bagi perancangan jangka panjang Changan Berjaya berhasrat menjadikan Malaysia sebagai pusat pengeluar kenderaan model-model Changan Auto Co. Ltd bagi pemanduan sebelah kanan dengan ingin membina kilang pembuatan dan pemasangannya di sini.

Berjaya plans vehicle plant
By LEE KIAN SEONG


Its subsidiary wants to assemble or make vehicles with Chinese partner

PETALING JAYA: Changan Berjaya Auto Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Berjaya Corp Bhd, plans to build a vehicle assembly or manufacturing plant in Malaysia on a joint venture basis with its China partner, Changan Automobile Co Ltd.

Changan Berjaya executive director Datuk Francis Lee said the company was in discussions with the Chinese company and would make a decision in 18 months.

“The plan will only be relevant if the company is able to sell 10,000 to 15,000 cars locally,” he said at a media preview of its Chana Era range of vehicles recently.

He said the plant would be Changan Automobile’s Asean hub for right-hand drive cars but the company (Changan Berjaya) was cautious about its investment due to the global financial crisis.

The company launched its Chana Era models - Era CV6 and Era CM8 - yesterday.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/20/business/b_08tonykhor.jpg
Datuk Tony Khor (left) and Datuk Francis Lee with Era CM8 after the media preview

Changan Berjaya chief executive officer Datuk Tony Khor said the company aimed to sell 3,000 units of Era CV6 and 2,000 units of Era CM8 this year.

“We plan to produce 10,000 units this year,” he said, adding that the company expected to sign car distribution agreements with several Asean countries this month.

He said the target markets included Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Indonesia.

“We also plan to export our cars to Sri Lanka and South Africa,” Khor told StarBiz.

The newly-launched vehicles are a result of Italian design, Japanese technology and German engineering.

“The cars have been re-engineered and refined for the Malaysian market with over 40% local content,” Khor said.

Berjaya Corp and Changan Automobile had in 2005 signed an agreement to assemble and distribute Changan vehicles in Malaysia and other Asean countries.

Changan Automobile, which has a production capacity of over 1.5 million vehicles a year, has presence in over 40 countries.

The Era CV6 is priced from RM36,862 while the multi-purpose vehicle Era CM8 is selling from RM37,716 on-the-road. The company currently has 25 sales, service and spare parts dealers in Malaysia.

Malaysia 2009 vehicle sales may fall 12pc
Published: 2009/01/21



VEHICLE sales in Malaysia is projected to drop by 12.4 per cent in 2009 as consumers cut back on purchases in view of the deepening economic crisis.

The projection takes into account the full impact of the global financial crisis and the resulting weak consumer sentiment, the Malaysian Automotive Association said today.

Despite the economic downturn, it is hoping that the introduction of new models and higher demand for small vehicles as consumers cut their purchases will sustain interest.

Automakers sold a total of 548,115 vehicles last year, an increase of 12.5 per cent over 2007, and are expected to sell 480,000 units this year, the association said.

“Total industry volume in 2008 was the second highest achieved for the industry after the all-time high in 2005,” MMA said, referring to the 552,316 units recorded three years ago.

Passenger car sales rose 12.3 per cent to 497,459 and commercial vehicles sales increased 14.4 per cent to 50,656 in 2008.

The country’s biggest carmaker Perodua retained its top spot last year, with a total market share of 30.5 per cent, followed by Proton’s 25.9 per cent. - Reuters

KL International Motor Show postponed


KUALA LUMPUR: The KL International Motor Show 2009 (KLIMS ’09) which was scheduled to be held from May 29 to June 7, has been postponed to later date due to global economic crisis.

The president of the Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said on Wednesday that the new date for the motor show would be announced later.

Aishah, who is also chairman of the organising committee of the motor show, said automotive principals had not been spared by the recent development in the global economy.

“Thus, after much deliberation and discussions with the automotive principals, confirmed exhibitors as well as members of MAA came to a collective agreement to postpone the KLIMS ’09 to a later date.

Car sector in for rough ride this year
By Goh Thean EuPublished: 2009/01/22

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/auto2009-2/pix_bottom

Malaysia's automotive sector is in for a bumpy ride this year as consumers, hurt by the slower economy and weak stock market, cancel or postpone plans to buy new cars.


Banks are also being more careful about financing, which may result in more rejections for car loans. At the same time, industry players are facing rising costs and pressure to pass these on to car buyers.

"Most of the members are losing out in terms of exchange rate when purchasing from overseas. Transportation (cost) has gone up, and shipping rates. Even though fuel prices have come down slightly, costs of goods and food items have not.

"Industry players are holding back for the moment from increasing prices, but as you go along, you can't help but re-look pricing," Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said during the 2008 market review and 2009 outlook briefing in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

Vehicle sales are expected to fall 12.4 per cent to 480,000 units this year.

Last year, the industry recorded its best performance since the 2005 record of 552,316 new cars, with sales up by 60,939 units to 548,115.

The good news is that the industry is expected to rebound next year and grow an estimated 2 per cent. If the economy recovers this year and continues to grow over the next few years, the industry may hit a new record high in 2013 of 556,500 units.

"The (2013) forecast is based on the information we have so far," Aishah said.

The association, which usually provides industry updates every six months, will now review its forecast every quarter owing to the uncertainties ahead.

A new automotive policy is expected to be announced as early as the first quarter.

Aishah voiced the hope that the new measures will help spur the industry, including promoting the use of local components and attracting investments into Malaysia.

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Bhd (Perodua) and Proton Holdings Bhd remained the market leaders last year, accounting for a combined market share of more than 56 per cent.

Although Perodua's pole position was unchanged, its market share was reduced to 30.5 per cent from 33.3 per cent in 2007. Proton's market share was 25.9 per cent, up from 24.2 per cent.

Other players which saw their market share increase last year included Toyota (from 16.8 per cent in 2007 to 18.5 per cent), Honda (from 5.8 per cent to 5.9 per cent), Nissan (from 3.8 per cent to 5.6 per cent), Mitsubishi (from 0.9 per cent to 1.3 per cent), and Isuzu D-Max (from 0.6 per cent to 0.9 per cent).

Those which lost market share last year included Naza (from 4.2 per cent to 2.2 per cent) and Inokom (from 2 per cent to 1.1 per cent).

Most vehicle segments are expected to take a hit this year, except for the multi-purpose vehicle for which sales rose more than 23.4 per cent in 2008.

Car prices expected to rise in 2009
by Yantoultra Ngui Yichen
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com


KUALA LUMPUR: The prices of vehicles are expected to increase due to the exchange rate losses incurred by automotive players on the back of the weakening ringgit, said Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

“As far as what we are purchasing from other countries, most of our members are losing out in terms of exchange rate, even for the US dollar, it has appreciated by 12.06%,” its president Datuk Aishah Ahmad told reporters at the automotive market review for 2008 and outlook for 2009 here yesterday. She said MAA members that sold commercial vehicles like Daihatsu had already raised the selling prices of its trucks since the beginning of this year.

“Even fuel prices have gone down slightly, the cost of goods like food items has not come down at all. In fact, most of our members are holding back from increasing prices for the moment.

“I think as we go along, we can’t help but to relook at the pricing. But it is up to each member as to when they will increase the selling prices of vehicles or whether they need to do it at all,” she said.

Also, Aishah said MAA did not expect the government to reduce the current duty structure any further even as the Asean Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) comes into full effect in 2010. “As far as it is concerned, prices of vehicles coming down will be minimal.”

Malaysia’s total vehicle sales of 548,115 units in 2008 made the country the third largest motor vehicle market within Asean, trailing Indonesia’s 603,774 units and Thailand at 556,268 units. Thailand’s sales statistics was only up to November 2008. Malaysia still has the largest passenger car market.

The total vehicle sales for the whole region increased 14.6% to 2.05 million units in 2008 from 1.79 million the year before.

Meanwhile, Aishah said the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2009, which had been scheduled to take place from May 29 to June 7, 2009 at Putra World Trade Centre here, had been put off to a later date.

She said the automotive principals were not spared by the recent developments in the global economy and the new date of the motor show would be announced at a later time.

Mercedes Benz sales up 16pc in 2008
Published: 2009/01/28


MERCEDES Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd recorded sales of 6,151 passenger cars and commercial vehicles and a 16 per cent growth to surpass its overall target for 2008.

Its market share increased to 46.7 per cent in its competitive segment in comparison to 2007 and was further aided by a 14 per cent growth in its luxury segment.

In the passenger car segment, Mercedes Benz recorded a sales growth of over 15 per cent for 2008 with 4,160 units sold, a record high, since the brand's introduction to Malaysia 58 years ago.

On the commercial vehicle front, the company kept pace with its passenger car segment by delivering 457 units to register an overall sales growth of 18 per cent.

Mercedes-Benz chief executive officer and president Peter Honegg said the 2008 sales performance was indicative of the company's strength in the premium segment.

"The figures to date are very encouraging. We are looking forward to extending this performance to 2009 in light of the current global financial downturn.

"We hope to continue to work closely with our distributors to enhance service facilities and provide the best for our customers as we place greater emphasis on the Mercedes-Benz hallmark attributes of safety, comfort and class," he said in a statement today. - Bernama

Benz Malaysia registers 16pc higher sales in 2008
Published: 2009/01/29



MERCEDES Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd has beaten its 2008 sales target by selling a total of 6,151 vehicles, 16 per cent more than 2007.

However, it did not say what was its sales target.

In the passenger car segment, Mercedes Benz recorded a sales growth of over 15 per cent in 2008 with 4,160 units sold, making it a record since the brand's introduction to Malaysia 58 years ago.

Mercedes Benz Malaysia chief executive officer and president Peter Honegg said the 2008 sales performance was indicative of the company's strength in the premium segment.

"Our performance clearly shows that we have consolidated our position as the leading choice of cars for consumers in the premium segment.

"The figures to date are very encouraging and we are looking forward to extending this performance to 2009 in light of the current global financial downturn," he said in a statement.

Sales of its C, E and S-Class alone stood at 3,680 units, contributing a 20.2 per cent increase compared with 2007.

The E and S-Class continued to maintain their number one positions in their respective segments while the C-Class, which has performed exceptionally well since its debut, has established itself as the leader in its segment.

The encouraging sales figures for passenger cars in 2008 continues to reinforce Mercedes-Benz as the leading luxury brand choice in the passenger car market for all the C, E and S-Class segments.

"We would like to thank our colleagues in Pekan for their outstanding delivery in 2008 to cope with the surge in demand.

"The excellent quality of the C, E and S-Class completely knocked-down models assembled at the plant have definitely strengthened our performance significantly and added to customer confidence," said Honegg.

Several key launches in 2008 boosted sales performance including the trendy Mercedes-Benz C 230 Avantgarde which was unveiled in June resulting in the C-Class leading in its segment with over 1,700 units sold.

Mercedes-Benz posts 16% growth


KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd recorded sales of 6,151 passenger cars and commercial vehicles and a 16% growth to surpass its overall target for 2008.

The company’s market share increased to 46.7% in its competitive segment in comparison to 2007 and was further aided by a 14% growth in its luxury segment.

In the passenger car segment, Mercedes-Benz recorded a sales growth of over 15% for 2008 with 4,160 units, making it a record high since the brand’s introduction in Malaysia 58 years ago.

On the commercial vehicle front, the company delivered a total of 457 units to register an overall sales growth of 18%.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/1/29/business/b_03peter.jpg
Peter Honegg says sales at Mercedes-Benz so far are very encouraging

Mercedes-Benz chief executive officer and president Peter Honegg said the 2008 sales performance was indicative of the company’s strength in the premium segment.

“The figures to date are very encouraging. We are looking forward to extending this performance to 2009 in light of the current global financial downturn.

“We hope to continue working closely with our distributors to enhance service facilities and provide the best for our customers as we place greater emphasis on the Mercedes-Benz hallmark attributes of safety, comfort and class,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Sales of the Mercedes-Benz C, E and S-Class alone stood at 3,680 units, accounting for a 20.2% increase compared with 2007.

The company also registered a 76% increase in sales of its R-Class and G-Class, with sales exceeding 95 units. This included sales of the new Mercedes-Benz R280 launched in March.

Honegg noted that several key launches in 2008 boosted the sales performance, including the Mercedes-Benz 230 Avantgarde unveiled in June.

The new model made a significant contribution, resulting in the C-Class leading in its segment, with over 1,700 units sold. — Bernama

Naza keen to offer more affordable cars


KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Group of Companies is optimistic of meeting its sales target this year by offering more affordable and value-for-money vehicles, says group executive chairman/chief executive officer SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.

“We are targeting to sell 25,000 cars this year locally and internationally,” he said yesterday after the launching of the new Peugeot 308.


SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin
The group is the sole local distributor for Kia vehicles and also assembles some models under the Naza brand. It took over the Peugeot franchise in Malaysia last January and launched the completely-knocked-down Peugeot 407 2.0 in July.

Nasarudin said the new Peugeot 308 - the first 308 model assembled outside Europe - was a testimony of Naza’s commitment to offer more affordable cars without compromising on quality.

He added that the group aimed this year to sell about 1,500 units of the new model.

Despite the uncertainty in the market, the group was confident that customers would still want to buy new cars after the recent fuel price cut, the reduction in employees’ contribution to the Employees Provident Fund, plus the higher car loans for government servants.

“Apart from that, we will improve our aftersales service and invest in human capital development to drive sales growth,” he said.

The Peugeot 308 is assembled at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah.

The model is available in two variants - Peugeot 308 VTi and Peugeot 308 Turbo at on-the-road price of RM96,500 and RM111,000 respectively. Both are available with only automatic transmission with a tiptronic system, a feature that allows drivers to opt for manual or fully-automatic driving experience.

“With the strategic collaboration between our subsidiary Nasim Sdn Bhd and Peugeot, we hope to be able to increase the number of locally-assembled Peugeot variants,” Nasarudin said, adding that the tie-up would in turn benefit local component suppliers and vendors through technology transfer.

Nasim currently operates eight branches and nine authorised dealers with 30 service outlets nationwide.

BMW says luxury car segment unaffected
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


Company is well-positioned to face the challenges ahead

CYBERJAYA: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is optimistic about its sales performance and business growth this year despite a deepening global credit crunch.

Managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said BMW Malaysia was well positioned to face the challenges ahead even with an economic slowdown.

“Economically, there are worse places to be in than Malaysia,” he told StarBiz.

“We are delighted with that projection because it means that there would still be positive growth.”

Briscoe believes that the luxury car segment would be better positioned for growth during tough economic conditions.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/2/3/business/b_pg08briscoe.jpg
Geoffrey Briscoe gestures at the entrance of the BMW headquarters in Cyberjaya

“There would be an impact but we feel that the volume-based car segment would be more affected than the premium segment.

Briscoe said the approach for BMW Malaysia in 2009 was to provide ‘the right cars for the marketplace.’

One of the key highlights of its strategy going forward was to introduce more diesel-powered cars.

“We are doing a lot behind the scene to make this happen. We want to focus on bringing in two-litre diesel engines,” he said, adding that diesel engines were more fuel efficient than their petroleum-based counterparts.

“Diesel engines are between 15% and 25% more fuel efficient. They provide beautiful torque and make city or urban driving a real pleasure.”

Briscoe said the company already had a range of diesel engine cars in the market and would want to explore that option

He added that BMW Malaysia would like to introduce higher performance engines into the market but found the local fuel quality to be a hindrance.

“The fuel in Malaysia has a high sulphur content, which could pose some problems for the higher performance engines and larger diesel engines,” Briscoe said.

The focus on introducing diesel powered engines is part of the company’s strategy to provide “efficient dynamics,” Briscoe said.

In addition, BMW Malaysia is also focusing on providing cars that are low in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

“Since 1995, our CO2 has been down by 25%. In the last year itself, we have managed to reduce our emissions by 16%, which is around three to five times our nearest competitor,” Briscoe said.

Briscoe admits that diesel engine cars are generally more costly than petrol-based ones, as they are comparatively more expensive to build.

But apart from the cost factor, are customers ready to embrace diesel-powered cars? Briscoe believes it is only a matter of time.

“It would take time for the passenger car market to accept diesel engines. But taking into account that these engines are more fuel efficient and greener, we feel that they would be a popular choice in due course,” he said.

On whether the National Automotive Policy (NAP) was a hindrance to the local luxury car segment, Briscoe said: “In my view, Malaysia is following what many countries have done in establishing a car industry.”

“Yes it is important and a good pursuit but we feel that with the NAP, Malaysians are simply paying too much for cars,” he added.

Given the huge price gap between the two segments, Briscoe believes that the NAP is not necessary.

“Our cars range from RM200,000 to over RM1mil while the national cars are priced between RM40,000 and RM80,000. So we are not a threat.

“We feel that the Government is losing a lot of revenue by holding these prestige cars at a price range way above where it need to be,” he said.

From January to October 2008, BMW Malaysia registered a 27% increase in sales to 3,262 units from 2,560 units during the same period last year.

Briscoe said sales have been within expectations and that the company was on track to meet its internal sales target for the year. BMW Malaysia commands over 40% of the luxury car market currently.

BMW Malaysia is certainly on a roll. With lower fuel and raw material prices as well as lower interest rates, Briscoe feels that the only factor working against the luxury car player this year is consumer confidence, in light of the current global economic uncertainty.

“Nothing is recession proof. There is no such thing. When you least expect it, things slow down for some reason.

“You can still succeed in the market but you need to have the relevant products, and we have that,” he said.

Jualan Honda lepasi sasaran

PETALING JAYA 2 Feb. - Jualan kereta Honda All New City telah berjaya melepasi unjuran bulanan yang ditetapkan sebelum ini iaitu 1,500 buah apabila tempahannya disahkan mencecah hampir 6,000 buah pada 31 Januari lalu.

Jualan yang memberangsangkan itu turut memuaskan hati Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Honda Malaysia, Atsushi Fujimoto.

''Maklum balas yang diterima menunjukkan kemungkinan generasi ketiga kereta Honda City mempunyai pakej yang paling menarik di pasaran. Dengan keadaan situasi ekonomi sekarang, Honda All-New City memberikan pilihan yang berbaloi dengan wang yang dibayar, ditambah pula dengan pakej stail, prestasi dan praktikal. Kami percaya model terbaru ini mempunyai elemen yang mampu merancakkan pasaran dan memenuhi kehendak pelanggan,'' tambahnya.

Aliran jualan model ini juga menunjukkan bahawa ia berjaya menarik minat golongan yang sudah berkahwin dan juga bujang yang berusia antara 20 tahun hingga 39 tahun dengan nisbah 65:35.

Kereta Honda City generasi ketiga dengan kapasiti enjin 1.5 liter itu dipacu enjin i-VTEC yang baru dibangunkan dengan menggunakan teknologi terkini.

Ia ditawarkan dalam dua jenis Gred S pada harga atas jalan dengan insurans RM84,980 dan Gred E berharga RM89,980.

Honda City baru itu didatangkan dalam lima warna iaitu Bold Beige Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic dan warna baru iaitu, Deep Lapis Blue Metallic serta Crystal Black Pearl.

Tak keluar model baru
Oleh Efindi Badarudin
efindi@hmetro.com.my

KEBANYAKAN pengeluar kereta yang mempunyai pasaran di Malaysia dijangka tidak mengeluarkan model baru selepas suku pertama 2009 berikutan kelembapan ekonomi yang menjejaskan pasaran.

Sejak hujung tahun lalu, beberapa model baru dilancarkan, kebanyakannya model mewah seperti Lexus, BMW dan Peugeot manakala syarikat lain yang mensasarkan pelanggan sederhana, seperti Nissan, mengubah suai model sedia ada dengan melakukan penambahan kosmetik.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) bekerjasama dengan Impul Motor Racing Development yang terkenal dalam sukan permotoran kereta di Jepun, mengubahsuai penampilan kosmetik Nissan Grand Livina kerana langkah itu dianggap mampu menarik lebih pembeli.

Honda yang melancarkan model terbaru City, melakukannya selepas model itu dilancarkan di Thailand pertengahan tahun lalu.

Jika ia berterusan, Proton mampu meraih kelebihan apabila melancarkan model MPV yang dijangka pertengahan tahun ini selain model Satria yang dijangka mengalami pertukaran enjin.

Mengakui tahun ini bakal memberi cabaran hebat kepada industri automotif, Pengarah Eksekutif ECTM, Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng, berkata langkah menambah reka bentuk pada kenderaan Nissan bertujuan menarik pembeli, seperti Grand Livina Impul, bagi meningkatkan jualan.

Namun, pengedar kenderaan mewah seperti BMW Malaysia cuba mempertahankan sasaran jualan sama seperti tahun lalu, iaitu 3,715 unit yang menyumbang kepada peningkatan 12 peratus jualan kenderaan keluarannya berbanding 2007.

Syarikat itu yakin kenderaan mewah di negara ini tetap mempunyai pelanggan walaupun dalam keadaan kegawatan ekonomi global.

Pengarah Urusan BMW Malaysia, Geoffrey Briscoe, berkata masih ramai mampu membeli dan pihaknya sudah puas jika dapat mengekalkan unjuran jualan seperti tahun lalu.

Menurutnya, langkah melancarkan dua model baru BMW Siri 7 - 740Li dan 750Li ketika kegawatan ekonomi global itu penting untuk membolehkan ia terus bergerak ke hadapan.

Sebelum ini, Persatuan Automotif Malaysia (MAA) mengunjurkan jualan kenderaan di Malaysia yang mencatat peningkatan melebihi jangkaan kepada 548,115 unit tahun lalu, dijangka berkurangan 12.4 peratus kepada 480,000 unit tahun ini ekoran kelembapan ekonomi.

Presidennya, Datuk Aishah Ahmad, berkata jualan kenderaan pada 2008 yang menyaksikan peningkatan 12.5 peratus berbanding tahun sebelumnya, melebihi unjuran MAA iaitu 510,000 unit.

Menurutnya, kelembapan ekonomi dijangka menjejaskan jualan kenderaan tahun ini kerana orang ramai akan menangguhkan pembelian kereta berikutan tahap keyakinan yang rendah.

“Unjuran jualan kenderaan tahun ini dibuat selepas mengambil kira pelbagai faktor ekonomi dan suasana persekitaran, antaranya kesan penuh krisis kewangan global, unjuran pertumbuhan ekonomi negara yang sederhana iaitu 3.5 peratus berbanding unjuran awal lima peratus serta prestasi kukuh jualan pada tahun lalu yang di bawa ke tahun ini,” katanya.

Honda sasar jualan City model baru 1,500 unit sebulan



HONDA Malaysia mengumumkan model City serba baru yang dilancarkan baru-baru ini, melepasi sasaran jualan bulanannya 1,500 unit dengan jumlah tempahan disahkan menghampiri 6,000 unit pada 31 Januari lalu.

“Berikutan situasi pasaran semasa, City serba baru menjadi rebutan yang bernilai untuk wang sebagai tambahan kepada pakej gayanya yang lengkap, berprestasi dan memiliki ciri praktikal,” kata Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Honda Malaysia, Atsushi Fujimoto.

Menurutnya, syarikat itu gembira dan mendapat dorongan daripada maklum balas memberangsangkan yang diterima untuk model itu.

Menurut Honda Malaysia, trend jualan semasa menunjukkan model itu menjadi pilihan pasangan suami isteri dan golongan bujang berusia antara 20 hingga 39 tahun, dengan nisbah 65:35.

Model City baru itu boleh didapati dalam varian 1.5liter i-VTEC Gred E dan Gred S yang masing-masing berharga RM89,980 dan RM84,980 di atas jalan.

VW Cars targets 1,000 units this year
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM

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Volkswagen dealer VW Cars Sdn Bhd is targeting to sell 1,000 units this year, driven by marketing activities and new vehicle launches. Sales director Helmi Ilyas said the company would be spending more on marketing activities to create improved awareness for the Volkswagen marque

PETALING JAYA: Volkswagen dealer VW Cars Sdn Bhd is targeting to sell 1,000 units this year, driven by marketing activities and new vehicle launches. Sales director Helmi Ilyas said the company would be spending more on marketing activities to create improved awareness for the Volkswagen marque.

“Our marketing expenditure will be more this year than last year. We will continue to market aggressively when other companies are cutting their budgets,” he told StarBiz on the sidelines of the announcement of VW Cars as official event partner for Le Tour De Langkawi 2009 yesterday.

VW Cars will be sponsoring 120 cars worth RM24mil for the 14th edition of the Le Tour De Langkawi, which will run from Feb 9 to 15.

Helmi said VW Cars had also signed a deal to sponsor the Monsoon Cup for four years. “We need to have events like this to create customer interest,” he said. VW Cars sold 920 units in 2008, 20% more than the total units it sold in 2007.

Its best selling model, the Golf GTI, accounted for 40% of total sales, followed by its new Beetle with 25% of sales. Its other top selling models are its Toureg and Passat.

Helmi said the four models made up about 90% of total sales annually. This year, Helmi said VW Cars planned to launch the Scirocco (a sports coupe, in May), the Passat R36 (June/July), a new version of the Golf (August/September) and Golf GTI by year-end.

On the outlook of the automotive market, Helmi said: “People say it’s going to be bad but so far our sales figures are all right. Our cars are just below the high-end price range. We feel that the market for cars in the RM140,000 to RM200,000 price range is still there.”

The Golf GTI had an on-the-road price of RM200,360, he said. On another note, Helmi said the lower interest rates was a good move by the central bank. He also claimed that the loan rejection rate was low for its customers.

“In the last couple of years, the loan rejection level for our customers has been less than 2%.”

Sime Darby Auto launches new Ford Focus models
By Eugene Mahalingam


PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd, the sole local distributor of the Ford marque, has launched two new Ford Focus models - Focus Sport hatchback and the Ghia sedan.

The models, which come with two-litre engines, is priced at RM112,888 for the hatchback while the sedan is priced at RM111,888 without insurance, registration and road tax.

Sime Darby Auto sales operations manager Lee Eu San said the company was also planning to open another four to five showrooms this year in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor. It currently has 10 showrooms and has a network of 15 independent dealers.

Lee told reporters at the launch of the new Ford Focus models on Thursday that the company sold 1,655 vehicles in 2008, with the bulk of it Ford Ranger pick-up trucks.

He expects the Ford Ranger to continue being the best seller this year.

New Sime Auto outlets by year-end


PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, will open up to five new outlets by year-end, says sales operations manager Lee Eu San.

“We are looking to expand in key areas such as the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor and Perak,” he said after the launch of the 2.0-litre Ford Focus hatchback and sedan models yesterday.

The company currently had 10 showrooms and 15 independent dealers nationwide, he said, adding that plans were also underway to refurbish existing showrooms.

In terms of sales volume, Lee said the company sold a total of 1,655 units in 2008. The Ford Ranger pick-up truck, which was launched in the third quarter of last year, was its bestseller.

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From left: Ford Export Operations regional manager David Westerman, Lee Eu San, Rajan Thurairatnam and Ford Export & Growth South East Asia district manager Tom Dickin with the Ford Focus Ghia sedan at the launch on Thursday

“We sold about 1,300 Rangers last year. We feel that it will continue to be our bestseller this year and we are targeting a 50% increase in sales (for the Ranger) in 2009.

The Ford Ranger is available in both automatic and manual transmissions with a starting price of RM86,888 and RM69,888 respectively.

Lee said its existing Ford Focus recorded about 160 units in sales last year, followed by the Everest and Escape, which registered between 40 and 50 units each.

Meanwhile, the new Ford Focus Sport hatchback and Ghia sedan are priced at RM112,888 and RM111,888 respectively without road tax, insurance and registration.

Managing director Rajan Thurairatnam said the hatchback was targeted at the young and young at heart while the sedan would appeal to families.

“We have been a truck-based company all along, especially with (the popularity of) the Ranger. With the launch of models like the Focus, we want to be recognised more as a car company,” he said.

He said it was difficult to forecast unit sales this year, especially with the current economic downturn. “We intend to sell more units than last year,” Rajan added.

Lee said the company had already received enquiries from customers about its new Ford Focus cars and would launch its next model in the second half of the year.

Honda Malaysia cuts Civic Hybrid price
Published: 2009/02/10




HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd has introduced an enhanced version of the Civic Hybrid with a cheaper price tag today.

The new Civic Hybrid is priced at RM129,980, which is 20 per cent lower than the previous pricing, taking into consideration the tax incentives for hybrid vehicles as announced in Budget 2009, the company said.

In a statement today, Honda Malaysia said it was targeting to sell 300 units of the car this year.

“With the current global economic uncertainty and rising cost of living, consumers are more sensitive towards the volatility of fuel prices,” said managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto.

“There is also the urgency worldwide to promote advanced environmental technologies that are fuel-efficient with lower emissions in order to decelerate climate change. Being a car manufacturer, it is our responsibility to preserve the environment and to leave behind minimal environment footprint,” he said.

The hybrid system in the Civic Hybrid draws its power from an engine assisted by an electronic motor which has been made more compact and efficient, the company said.

Since its introduction, the Civic Hybrid had received good demand globally with accumulative sales of more than 250,000 units. — Bernama

Research firm: Passenger car sales to drop 20%


KUALA LUMPUR: Passenger car sales in Malaysia are expected to drop by 20% this year to 420,000 units from the 497,459 units in 2008, according to Synovate Motore-search.

Synovate Motoresearch is part of the global market research company, Synovate.

Vice-president Dr Stephen Popiel said the downtrend would be due to a higher unemployment rate and the ongoing global financial crisis.

“We cannot dismiss the present economic situation and tough challenges being faced by Malaysian consumers and manufacturers.

“The ripple effect will continue to have an impact on local demand and consumer confidence,” he said at a media briefing on the outlook for the Malaysian automotive industry yesterday.

However, he also said that the local automotive market was in better shape compared with developed markets like the US as Malaysia did not offer cash incentives to buyers.

According to Popiel, Proton and Perodua are likely to perform well as buyers would consider the local brands during the economic slowdown.

Therefore, he said, local auto manufacturers must introduce new models or facelifts to stimulate demand while increasing their share in a shrinking market.

He also pointed out that commercial vehicle sales were likely to be stable due to demand by companies. However, the luxury segment, which is historically resilient to recession, is expected to see a downturn in sales.

A survey by Synovate Motoresearch also showed that 47% of Malaysians think that the current state of the economy is weak but believe that it will improve soon.

Also, 31% of affluent Malaysians claimed that they would buy a new car within the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, Synovate Motoresearch associate director Ajay Bangia said the automotive market was looking forward to new models in the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment by local automakers.

“Currently, the MPV segment has a fairly smaller percentage for passenger cars, with 55,000 units having been sold last year. A couple of new introductions will stimulate sales,” he added. – Bernama

Naza: Wider Peugeot line-up, more 3S centres
By Rupinder SinghPublished: 2009/02/16





NAZA group of companies subsidiary Nasim Sdn Bhd, the franchise holder of the Peugeot marque, aims to sell 4,600 units of Peugeot cars including the Naza Bestari 206 from 1,000 units last year.

Its top official said it will introduce more Peugeot models into the market as well as beef up its marketing and sales initiatives.

"We plan to launch one completely-knocked-down (CKD) model and a couple of completely-built-up (CBU) models in order to achieve our sales target," chief executive officer SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin told pressmen after launching the newly-enhanced Peugeot 407 in Shah Alam on Saturday.

The Peugeot 407 was Naza's first locally-assembled model, which was launched in July 9 last year.

According to Nasarudin, about 350 units of the model were sold from September to December last year.

"We aim to sell 100 units a month of the new Peugeot 407 this year," he said.

Apart from the 407 models, Peugeot 308 VTi and 308 Turbo are Nasim's locally-assembled Peugeot line-up. It also imports the 308 GT and 207 CC.

Despite the sluggish automotive industry, Nasim has received over 300 bookings for the Peugeot 308 and 1,800 bookings of Naza Bestari 20, a rebadged Peugeot 206.

To support sales, Nasarudin said two more 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centres similar to the flagship Blue Box in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, will be opened in Johor Baru and Penang this year.

"The 3S centre in Johor Baru will be in March and the Penang centre will be in April or May to support the northern region," he added.

It will also have an additional three outlets to add to its present five.

The new Peugeot 407 is priced at RM128,888 for the standard and RM136,888 for the premium.

Upgrades over the previous version of the 407 include front parking sensors, new piano black finish for the central console, new sporty front grille and also redesigned rear boot lid with a more acutely angled ducktail spoiler for greater high speed stability, lights and rear bumper which now incorporates a rear valance to create a wider look at the rear.

The rear number plates have also been repositioned lower.

In addition, the multi-info display that was previously positioned on the top of the dashboard in its own housing has been incorporated into the multimedia and navigation screen for a cleaner look.

January vehicle sales drops 17%


PETALING JAYA: January vehicle sales dropped 17.5% from a year ago due to low consumer sentiments and confidence.

The Malaysian Automobile Association (MAA) said in a press release Friday that the sales volume would see little change in February as market conditions remained unchanged.

It added that sales volume for January contracted by 8,010 units to 37,801 compared to 45,811 a year ago.

Sales included passenger and commercial vehicles.

The MAA said the drop in sales volume was also due to a shorter working month as the lunar new year celebrations was in January.

Sell old car, buy new one for RM5,000 discount
2009/02/22

ALOR STAR, Sun.:Sell off your old car and buy a new one at RM5,000 discount - that can be a reality if the proposal by the International Trade and Industry Ministry is accepted by the Finance Ministry.

Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the proposal, which would encourage consumers to buy new cars, had been submitted for consideration in the mini budget, to be unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on March 10.

He said that the incentive was to spur the country's automative industry in the wake of the global economic slowdown.

He said that if the proposal was accepted, owners would be able to sell off their cars of 15 years or older and buy new ones at discounted prices.

"The RM5,000 incentive can be in the form of reduction in excise duties and sales tax or other mechanisms," he told reporters after meeting Umno leaders here.

Volvo Malaysia yakin kekalkan prestasi jualan
KUALA LUMPUR 20 Feb. - Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Volvo Malaysia) yakin dapat mengekalkan prestasi jualan kenderaan tahun ini walaupun berdepan dengan krisis ekonomi.

Presidennya, Robert Norman berkata, sasaran itu mampu dicapai selepas mengambil kira keadaan semasa. Pada tahun lalu, syarikat telah menjual 563 buah kereta Volvo.

''Pada tahun ini, kami yakin sekurang-kurangnya dapat mengekalkan jualan seperti tahun lalu,'' katanya di sini hari ini pada taklimat tentang kereta Volvo XC90 D5 (diesel) dan dilema pengguna kenderaan diesel di Malaysia.

Tambah Norman, Volvo Malaysia juga dalam rancangan untuk memperkenalkan model terbaru pada akhir suku kedua tahun ini.

''Ia (model baru) merupakan sesuatu yang istimewa yang akan ditawarkan kepada pelanggan kami pada tahun ini,'' kata beliau yang enggan mengulas lanjut.

Sementara itu, Norman menyambut baik langkah kerajaan negeri Sabah yang akan menggunakan Volvo sebagai kenderaan rasmi.

''Langkah tersebut menunjukkan kenderaan Volvo adalah mampu milik dan menyediakan perkhidmatan servis terbaik yang setimpal dengan prestasi kenderaan kami.

''Kami berharap selepas ini lebih banyak kerajaan negeri mengambil langkah yang sama seperti kerajaan negeri Sabah,'' katanya.

Selain itu, Volvo Malaysia juga berhasrat untuk membuka bilik pameran di Kota Kinabalu menjelang awal suku kedua tahun ini.

Honda makes stellar sales in Malaysia
By Satiman JaminPublished: 2009/02/24





SALES of Honda cars in Malaysia continue to grow strongly, undeterred by the global car industry slowdown.

Malaysia is among the best performing car market in Asia for the Honda group amid the current economic downturn, because its banking infrastructure is strong and uncomplicated, Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto said.

He said Honda Malaysia recorded the highest monthly sales ever in January this year, with 3,815 units sold nationwide, compared with 2,900 units in January last year.

Fujimoto attributed the growth to the robust banking sector in Malaysia.

"The banking sector here is straightforward and remains strong as it was largely shielded from the banking sector meltdown which reverberated around the world," he said at the opening of Wang Loo Motor Sdn Bhd as the 56th Honda dealer with 3S Centre in Saleng, Senai, near Johor Baru recently.

"Even in the current economic climate, our newly launched all-new Honda City model has received close to 7,000 bookings nationwide," he added.

Fujimoto said the opening of the new showroom showed the company's commitment to meet the increasing demand of their customers in Johor in term of sales and after sales services.

"Last year, Johor contributed 12 per cent of the total sales volume of 32,486 units and these figures showed that Honda's long-term brand reliability remains the choice of the people during these trying times," he said.

Meanwhile, Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer Azman Idris said the company will try its best to avoid laying off workers.

"The 2,000 employees nationwide are our greatest assets and we are proud to say that our plants still run at full capacity even during the current economic slowdown," he said.

VW aims to maintain sales volume
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the tough economic conditions, Volkswagen Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd intends to maintain its 2008 sales volume for 2009.

Having sold 920 units last year, sales so far this year looked promising and were within expectations, managing director Andreas Prinz said.

“In January we sold 82 units. Our best seller was the Golf GTI, followed by the new Beetle. Sales for February also look good and are in line with our yearly target,” he told StarBiz at a press gathering yesterday.

In light of the weaker market sentiment currently, Prinz said the company’s strategy would be to focus on creating brand awareness for its existing model range and consolidate its dealer network.

“We will be closing some showrooms and opening new ones,” he said, adding that the new model launches planned for 2009 would help sustain the company through the challenging period ahead.

The models to be introduced in Malaysia this year are the Scirocco (a sports coupe), Passat CC, new Beetle convertible and new Golf GTI. Prinz said the first of the cars would be launched in the third quarter.

UMW Q4 net profit slips to RM116.4m
Published: 2009/02/26





UMW Holdings Bhd's (4588) net profit dipped to RM116.14 million on RM2.92 billion revenue for the fourth quarter ended December 31 2008, as all segments of the group recorded lower margins for the final three months of the year.

The group recorded RM142.97 million net profit and RM2.69 billion revenue in the previous corresponding quarter.

However, record sales of Toyota and Perodua vehicles and better equipment sales resulted in a 19.8 per cent increase in net profit for the full year to RM562.3 million last year, from RM469.2 million in 2007.

Full year revenue rose 28.3 per cent to RM12.79 billion from RM9.97 billion in the year ended December 2007, the company said in a statement.
Total Toyota and Perodua vehicle sales of 268,713 units represented 49 per cent of the total industry volume for 2008.

The Malaysian Automotive Association has forecast total new vehicle sales for 2009 will decline by 12.4 per cent to 480,000 units from 2008's 548,115 units.

"We forecast sales of Perodua and Toyota vehicles to be proportionately lower in tandem with the 2009 total industry volume. However, we expect to retain our market share of 30 per cent and 18 per cent for Perodua and Toyota vehicles, respectively," said Datuk Abdul Halim Harun, group managing director and chief executive officer of UMW Group.

Growth in the construction, logging and mining sectors is expected to slow down due to the overall lower export demand. This will likely be cushioned by the implementation of various projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan and other stimulus packages.

"We expect sales and margins of our industrial and heavy equipment to be affected by the economic slowdown and the unfavourable foreign exchange rates," Abdul Halim said.

He said the group's investments in the oil and gas sector will bear fruit in 2009, as some of the major projects begin to contribute to group profits. The board expects group profit in 2009 to be at acceptable levels, although lower than the record 2008 performance.

The board has proposed a total final dividend of 12 sen per 50 sen share, to be paid on August 10 2009. The annual dividend per share for the year would be 37 sen or a gross dividend of 74 per cent.

Honda catat rekod jualan Januari lalu



HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd mencatat jualan bulanan tertinggi dalam sejarah dengan 3,815 unit pada Januari 2009.

Pengarah urusan/ketua pegawai eksekutifnya, Atsushi Fujimoto, berkata pencapaian berkenaan bermakna syarikat berjaya menguasai 10 peratus daripada jumlah bahagian pasaran industri sebagaimana diumumkan Persatuan Automotif Malaysia, baru-baru ini.

“Hasil jualan yang memberangsangkan itu disebabkan model All-New City yang baru dilancarkan, menyumbang hampir 50 peratus daripada jumlah jualan dengan 1,737 unit dijual,” katanya dalam kenyataan di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Menurut Fujimoto, bagi memenuhi permintaan hebat model itu, Honda meningkatkan pengeluaran 20 peratus bagi mengurangkan masa menunggu.

Beliau berkata model Civic, Accord dan CR-V juga mencatat angka memuaskan dengan masing-masing 734, 803 dan 413 unit.

bentley showroom@Pavilion

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BMW Malaysia Launches Seven New Motorcycle Models




KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- BMW Malaysia launched seven new motorcycle models on Thursday.

The models are the HP2 Sport, K 1300 S, K 1300 R, K 1300 GT, R 1200 R, F 650 GS and the F 800 GS.

The company expects these models to further enhance brand performance in 2009 while catering to the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts.

The demand for BMW motorcycles has increased over the last three years. The brand saw retail sales of 183 units last year, which represents a 36 percent increase in sales compared to 2007.

Fazli Shukor, BMW Malaysia's Motorrad manager said in a statement here that demand for the new BMW motorcycles was very strong with pre-launch bookings.

The new stable of motorcycles cuts across various segments -- the internationally acclaimed GS dual-purpose series, the K-series range of sports bikes and tourers, the R-series of "street bikes" and in the super sports category, the HP 2 Sport.

The seven models launched also represent the latest in terms of technology and sophistication.

The retail prices of the motorcycles, which includes on the road personal road tax registration but excluding insurance is as follows: HP2 Sport (RM 158,888), K 1300 S (RM 119,000), K 1300 R (RM 120,000), K 1300 GT (RM 135,000), R 1200 R (RM 108,000), F 650 GS (RM 71,000) and the F 800 GS (RM 83,800).

All the models come with a two-year warranty with unlimited mileage and ARE available at Auto Bavaria Bukit Bintang and Auto Bavaria Penang from March 9.

--BERNAMA

UMW division plans to make Lexus a top brand
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


PETALING JAYA: Since starting operations in January 2007, Lexus Malaysia president Kuah Kock Heng has been on a mission to let everyone know that there is a new player within the luxury car segment and that it means business.

“Our focus for the first three to five years is to develop Lexus as a top car brand in Malaysia,” Kuah told StarBiz.

“It’s still new in Malaysia and we want to create more brand awareness,” he said, adding that the Lexus marque was already a top luxury brand in countries like Singapore and Taiwan.

Kuah said the company would be organising various promotions and activities this year to promote the brand.

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Lexus Malaysia Sdn Bhd president Kuah Kock Heng at the Lexus Centre in Mutiara Damansara. Behind him is the Lexus IS 250.
“We have allocated a budget for our brand activities this year,” he said.

Lexus Malaysia is the luxury division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd. Kuah said the company would not have any cross promotional events or activities with Toyota to promote Lexus.

“Lexus is different from Toyota when it comes to business. The product philosophy for both brands is different. The expectations of customers for the brands are different.”

The models available under Lexus Malaysia are the LS 460L, LS 460, RX 350, IS 250 and the GS 300, it’s most popular model in terms of sales.

The company recorded total sales of 210 units in 2008 and 195 units in 2007.

Kuah said the company targeted to sell 250 units this year, a figure that Kuah felt was achievable.

“We are confident of meeting our target – 250 units is not a big number,” he said, adding that its showroom traffic had increased after the Chinese New Year period.

The company plans to introduce the RX 350 to the Malaysian public on Thursday.

“The RX 350 will have an all-new design. We are already receiving orders for it,” he said.

Citing Budget 2009 as one of the reasons, Kuah said the company did not have plans to introduce the Lexus Hybrid, which is already available in Singapore.

The Government announced at the budget that franchise holders importing new hybrid, completely built-up cars with an engine capacity below 2,000 cc would be given 100% exemption on import duty and 50% exemption on excise duty.

“The smallest engine within the Lexus range is 2,500 cc,” he said, adding that the company might introduce another new model (other than the RX 350) if conditions were right.

“We may launch another model later in the year but we will study the market and see if it would be right to launch.”

On the outlook of the automotive industry, Kuah said the luxury car segment would be better positioned for growth during tough economic conditions.

“We forecast that overall the car market will soften this year but the impact would be more on the volume-based segment.

“Price is not an issue for the luxury segment and the customers that the premium segment serves will not have any problems buying cars.

“The Lexus brand serves a very niche market and we feel that our sales will increase (despite the slowdown). Our prices are also competitive compared to the other (luxury) brands,” he said.

The price of its vehicles ranges from RM270,000 (IS 250) to RM790,000 (LS 460L).

Currently, the company only has one service centre/showroom in the country and that is its RM35mil 3S (sales, service and spare-parts) Lexus Centre in Mutiara Damansara.

Kuah said there were plans to set up more outlets to be able to serve its customers more efficiently. The company is looking to set up an outlet in Penang and Johor each by year-end.

“We are still studying the possibilities of setting up 3S centres in those locations and hope to do it by year-end.”

The company is also temporarily using one of its Toyota outlets in Penang to service Lexus customers.

Kuah said Lexus Malaysia had customers all over the country. It even sends its people to east Malaysia for service-related purposes.

“We will also continue to invest in our people to make sure that we can serve our customers better,” he said.

Car Scrapping To Help Boost Car Sales




KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd says that the government's proposed car scrapping scheme could help boost car sales and rejuvenate the local automotive industry.

The global and local automotive industries are facing one of the most challenging periods in recent history with buyers being cautious amid the global economic crisis, the national car maker said in a statement, Tuesday.

Proton chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi bin Mohd Salleh said the government's plan, announced under the second economic stimulus package tabled today, was timely and would positively impact the industry.

"We need every bit of help from the Government during this difficult period to ensure its survival as close to 200,000 people are directly and indirectly linked to the automotive industry nationwide," he said.

The government today announced the scrapping scheme that would allow car owners to exchange their old registered cars, which must be at least 10-years old, in return for a discount of RM5,000 when buying a new national car.

Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the scheme was also an important tool in the automotive industry's environment management.

"It could help the industry to dispose old cars more efficiently and responsibly whilst protecting the environment.

"Malaysia will follow the footsteps of other countries like Spain, France and Italy. The UK (is also) contemplating the implementation of such a scheme in the near future to spur car sales," he said adding that Germany recently saw an upturn in car sales when the scheme was introduced.

Syed Zainal hoped that financial institutions will also play their role to ensure the effectiveness and successful implementation of this government-led initiative.

Among the terms and conditions to qualify for this scheme are that the car has to be registered with the Road Transport Department in the Peninsular Malaysia and that it must be operational and functional, he said.

"Once surrendered, the car cannot be returned," he added.

-- BERNAMA

RM5,000 to get car sales back in high gear
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2009/03/11



THE RM5,000 scrapping incentive can put motor vehicle sales in the country back in high gear, with the two national carmakers being direct beneficiaries.

New car sales fell by a fifth to some 37,000 units in the first two months, industry executives said.

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) and Proton Holdings Bhd believe the measure can revive sales.

“In Germany, car sales went up in January after the government introduced a scrapping incentive of ?2,500 (RM11,725) for small cars at least nine years old.

“We hope a similar thing happens here,” Perodua managing director Datuk Syed Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar said when contacted yesterday.

The incentive is part of the RM60 billion mini-Budget announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.

It is learnt that the government will pay for half of the amount, with Proton or Perodua making up the rest.

Hafiz explained that the discount only applies to owners who trade in their cars that are at least 10 years old, regardless of brand, for a new Perodua or Proton car.

“There are some 4.8 million cars at least 10 years old on the road at the moment. Out of this, about 1.2 million are Perodua or Proton (cars),” he said.

“As an industry, we need every bit of help from the government during this difficult period to ensure survival as close to 200,000 people are directly or indirectly linked to the automotive industry,” Proton chairman Datuk Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said.

Two other initiatives were also introduced to support the industry.

Another RM200 million has been added to the Automotive Development Fund in addition the proposed setting up of the Automotive Institute of Malaysia.

Lexus aims to sell 105 units of new SUV this year
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


PETALING JAYA: Lexus Malaysia Sdn Bhd aims to sell 105 units of its newly-launched RX 350 premium SUV this year, nearly half of its total sales target of 250 units.

President Kuah Kock Heng said the company was confident of achieving the sales target (for the RX 350) despite the current economic climate.

“We have studied the market and believe that our target is achievable despite the current economic situation,” he said at the launch of the RX 350 yesterday, adding that 15 units had already been booked.

In contrast, the company has sold just 63 units of its existing RX 350 to date since its launch in April 2007. But Kuah said he was optimistic about the premium SUV segment, which he believed still offered positive growth.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/3/13/business/b_05kuah.jpg
Kuah Kok Heng (left) and UMW Holdings Bhd group MD/CEO Datuk Abdul Halim Harun with the new SUV

“We are targeting customers who enjoy the outdoors and who are successful. We believe that this market segment will still grow despite the challenging economic circumstances,” he said.

The new RX 350 is priced at RM377,000 (on-the-road without insurance), while the current model costs RM373,000. Kuah said that despite the price difference, the new model was competitively priced and offered better features and specifications.

The new RX 350 has a longer wheelbase, is wider and larger than the current version and with lower ground clearance. Improvements have also been made to the engine to enhance smoothness, refinement and fuel efficiency.

“The last few months have been exciting,” Kuah said. “What we planned six months ago is not applicable now. The dust has not yet settled. We will continue to monitor the market before deciding whether to launch new models.”

Honda expects Malaysians to be more Civic-minded
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/03/20

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/konda/pix_topright

THE enhanced eighth-generation Honda Civic was unveiled yesterday, and Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects sales of 6,000 units of the country's top selling non-national mid-size sedan for 2009.

This will be more than 20 per cent of the total 35,000 cars Honda Malaysia expects to sell this year, outgoing managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto said.

"Our total sales target of 35,000 units is 10 per cent more over 2008," said Fujimoto, who will lead Honda Thailand from next month after being in Malaysia for about three years.

The new Civic is offered in three variants - the conventional 1.8- and 2.0-litre models as well as a hybrid unit.





Fujimoto said the domestic automotive market is getting worse. However, in comparison to many countries, it is still one of the best performing markets.

"The slowdown is not that significant in Malaysia. In the last three years, the domestic market had been very good," he added.

Honda Malaysia is arguably among the rare few car companies here to have bucked the market.

Fujimoto said it sold 50 per cent more cars year-on-year in the first two months, thanks to strong demand for the new 1.5-litre Honda City.

During the period, its total sales stood at about 6,500 units.

Fujimoto lauded the RM5,000 incentive to scrap old vehicles in return for new Proton or Perodua cars, even though Honda and other non-national brands will not directly benefit.

"This kind of support (from the government) is good for the local industry," he said.

Elaborating on the Civic, Fujiomoto said of the expected 6,000 units of the Civic this year, 300 should come from the hybrid version.

The Civic hybrid sells at about RM129,980, which is similar to the two-litre conventional Civic. The 1.8-litre unit costs RM114,980.

"The Civic is an outstanding model that already has a huge fan base here," Fujimoto said.

Close to 35,000 Civics were sold by Honda Malaysia since 2002. The eighth-generation model alone generated over 26,000 units, maintaining its position in the non-national mid size sedan for three years in a row with a 40 per cent share in 2008.

Honda Targets To Sell 6,000 New Civic Units


PETALING JAYA, March 19 (Bernama) -- Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is targeting to sell 6,000 units of its new Honda Civic this year, its chief executive officer and managing director Atsushi Fujimoto said Thursday.

"Sales of the new Honda Civic will contribute to our initial total sales target of 35,000 units of vehicles this year," he told reporters after the launch of new Civic which has undergone a facelift here

The total sales target is a 14 percent increase compared to last year's volume, and will be around nine percent of the total industry volume this year.

"Despite the gloomly economic outlook, Honda Malaysia is still in a good position to achieve our total sales target this year," said Fujimoto.

The company has sold more than 6,500 units of cars for the first two months of this year, up by 50 percent compared to the same period in 2008.

Honda Malaysia also expects to sell 300 units of its Civic Hybrid this year, having already received 50 bookings before the launch.

Fujimoto also said that Honda Malaysia would see a change of management later this year with his transfer to Honda Thailand as managing director. Toru Takahashi will succeed him.

Featuring a redesigned grille and bumper, the new facelifted 8th generation Honda Civic comes with a sportier appearance and better air ventilation.

The 1.8L variant is priced at RM114, 980 (on the road) while the Civic 2.0L and Civic Hybrid will be sold at RM129, 980 each.

-- BERNAMA

February car sales fall
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


KUALA LUMPUR: Total vehicle sales in February dipped 3% or 1,126 units to 36,675 from January due to lower consumer confidence as a result of the current economic slowdown, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said.

The lower sales were also due to stringent evaluation on applications for hire purchase loans, it said in a statement.

MAA said sales for March was expected to be slightly better, underpinned by slightly improved consumer confidence and a longer working month.

Sales of passenger vehicles went down down 6% to 33,281 units in February from a year ago.

But sales of commercial vehicles registered a 9.8% increase in sales to 3,394 units.

“Higher sales of light commercial vehicles came from deliveries of back orders,” MAA said.

Total production of motor vehicles in February fell to 40,632 units from 41,808 units the year before.

Feb new car sales down slightly
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/03/21


NEW car sales were marginally lower in February compared to January, but the industry association believes this month's numbers will see some improvement because of more working days and better consumer confidence.

Total sales for February eased 3 per cent to 36,675 units from 37,801 units registered in January, which itself was about 20 per cent lower year-on-year.

"Sales volume for March 2009 is expected to be slightly better than February on slightly improved consumer confidence and longer working month," the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said in its monthly sales and production data released yesterday.

It blamed the poor February numbers on low consumer confidence due to uncertainties caused by the global economic crisis and stringent bank evaluation on applications for hire-purchase loans.

However, higher sales of light commercial vehicles from deliveries of back orders had cushioned the full impact of the soft market.

A total of 3,394 commercial vehicles were sold in February compared with 3,090 units in the same month last year.

Passenger cars accounted for 33,282 units during the month, down from 35,437 units in February 2008.

Total sales for the first two months stood at 74,476 units, compared with 84,338 units in the corresponding period in 2008.

Car firms produced more than what they sold last month, with total output at 40,632 units, including 36,985 passenger cars.

On a yearly comparison, the overall output volume was slightly lower than the 41,808 units registered in the same month in 2008.

http://www.driverside.com/backseatdriver/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/tata_nano_1.jpg

Tata Nano
the chepeast car in the world!!!

http://www.driverside.com/backseatdriver/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/tata_nano_1.jpg

Tata Nano
the chepeast car in the world!!!

actually this one is not the 'cheap' nano as this model is for european market....

UMW Toyota To Launch Eco-Car By 2nd Half
http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/

http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid
SHAH ALAM, April 8 (Bernama) -- UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd will launch its latest eco-car, the Toyota Prius by the second half of this year, as part of its commitment to be at the forefront of environment technology in the automotive industry.

The Eco-car is a hybrid synergy drive vehicle which is environmental friendly.

UMW Toyota executive director of strategic marketing group Aminar Rashid Salleh said today that the company has positioned the environment as a priority management issue.

"We want to become a leading company that contributes to the development of a recycling-based society through innovative environmental technologies," he told reporters at the launch of the Toyota Eco Youth 2009 Programme (TEY), here.

He said over the years Toyota had developed various types of hybrid vehicles including fuel cells and electric vehicles with the aim of introducing an ultimate eco-car in the future.

Earlier, Aminar said the TEY programme was expected to cultivate environmental awareness among the youth in schools, as preserving the environment was everyone's responsibility.

The programme had the participation of 16 schools nationwide in requiring students to conduct environment projects in their schools.

The programme was started nine years ago and has become an integral part of UMW Toyota's corporate culture since its establishment in 1982.

-- BERNAMA


is dis the 1???
[img]http://espaciocoches.com/wp-content/toyota-prius-2009-0307.jpg

BMW yakin pertahankan jualan

KUALA LUMPUR 19 April - BMW Malaysia yakin model kereta BMW 5 Series yang diperkenalkan lengkap dengan generasi terbaru sistem kawalan pemanduan iDrive, mampu mengekalkan prestasi jualannya sebanyak tujuh peratus seperti mana tahun lalu.

Pengarah Urusan BMW Malaysia, Geoffrey Briscoe berkata, BMW 5 Siri merupakan model paling laris jualannya bagi Kumpulan BMW di Malaysia.

Katanya, semasa ketidaktentuan ekonomi tercetus pada tahun lepas, jualan BMW pada 2008 telah meningkat sebanyak 7 peratus kepada 1,347 buah berbanding 1,261 buah pada tahun sebelumnya.

''Kami yakin iDrive terbaru ini akan membantu mengekal dan meningkatkan kelebihan daya saing bagi BMW 5 Siri," kata Briscoe dalam kenyataannya di sini.

BMW memperkenalkan konsep kawalan iDrive pada 2001 yang menjadikannya pengeluar kereta pertama dunia yang menawarkan sebuah sistem yang membolehkan pemandu mengawal fungsi utama kenderaan, hiburan, navigasi dan telekomunikasi di pusat kawalan tengah konsol dan panel peralatan.

Bagi sistem generasi kedua iDrive, BMW menawarkan Paparan Kawalan berukuran 8.8 inci yang melangkaui batasan semua jenis paparan pemuka yang pernah ada di dalam sesebuah kenderaan.

Resolusi paparan 1,280 x 480 pixel memberikan gambaran grafik nyata sebenar yang lebih jelas dan fokus berbanding sebuah TV Definisi Tinggi (HDTV).

Generasi terbaru iDrive ini juga didatangkan bersama lapan butang kegemaran di bahagian tengah konsol, membolehkan pengguna menyimpan program kegemaran mereka seperti stesen radio, nombor telefon, dan navigasi destinasi, termasuklah senarai peralatan sedia ada yang boleh dipamer melalui iDrive.

Interest rates for car loans raised
By YVONNE TAN and ELAINE ANG


Dealers confirm higher charges for purchases of non-national cars

PETALING JAYA: Interest rates on car loans have been raised effective yesterday, car dealers confirmed.

A senior sales adviser with UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd said rates had been raised although he said nothing official had come out from banks as yet.

Most major banks declined to comment when contacted.

However, a random check by StarBiz found that Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank), one of the largest hire purchase financiers in the country, raised its rates yesterday.


Hire purchase interest rates for new non-national cars (such as Toyota and Nissan) have increased to 3.25% for loan tenures of five years and below, 3.4% for six to seven years and 3.5% for eight- to nine-year loans.

Previous hire purchase interest rates were in the range of 2.4% to 2.5%.

But in the case of new national cars, the opposite prevails. Maybank which used to offer a flat rate of 3.6% for loans up to nine years for Perodua cars and 3.75% for Proton cars, is now offering slightly lower rates. For loans of five years and below the rate is 3.5%, six to seven years (3.65%) and for eight to nine years (3.75%).

Meanwhile, a senior officer at Toyota said: “Interest rates for Toyota cars used to be between 2.6% and 2.8%, depending on the tenure of the loan. The average rate is about 3.2% now.”

However, Toyota has “a special promotion” for its best selling model, the Toyota Vios.

Under the promotion which is valid until the end of this month, interest rates are as low as 1.68% for a five-year loan, 1.78% for a seven-year tenure and 1.88% for nine years.

An Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd dealer who distributes Nissan cars concurred that rates had been adjusted upwards effective yesterday.

“Interest rates were 2.4% to 2.5% before but today (yesterday), we heard that this has been increased to 3.2% for a five-year loan and 3.4% for seven years,” he said.

An analyst with a local stockbroking firm expects hire purchase interest rates to stabilise, going forward.

“Raising hire purchase rates will help banks to protect their margins. Credit risk is also higher in the current economic slowdown and this must be priced in as well.

“Competing via interest rates is not a good way. The rates are low already. How much lower can they go?” the analyst said, adding that interest rates for new national cars were higher than for new non-national cars.

This was because the credit risk was traditionally higher as the target customer segment of national cars was the lower to middle income group, she noted.

Customers advised to study best option for car financing


PETALING JAYA: It is imperative for customers to study the best auto financing options offered by commercial banks before making a decision, says the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM).

That is because banks will come up with slightly different rates based on their cost of funds, business models and other factors.

“Any changes in the interest rate structure for car loans will be premised on the objectives of ensuring the sustainability and viability of the HP (hire purchase) business, besides that of narrowing the mismatch and gap between the funding cost and lending rates,” ABM executive director Chuah Mei Lin said in a statement.

“Notification of any interest rate changes will be made by the banks promptly to all respective stakeholders, including their panel of car dealers,” she said yesterday.

The statement was issued in response to The Star’s report yesterday that interest rates on car loans would be raised soon and would likely affect non-national cars.

The changes expected include:

·A tiered rate structure with lower interest rates for shorter tenures;

·Lower interest rate tier for new national cars for the shorter five- and seven-year tenures;

·Streamlining of interest rates between new non-national, new national and used cars; and

·Rationalisation of rates for new non-national and used cars.

Chuah said interest rates for car loans were determined by commercial banks based on their cost of funds, funding availability, loans growth and business strategies.

“Funding for this type of portfolio is generally through hedging with long-term funds such as interest rate swaps (the borrowing and lending swap rates for banks), Cagamas Bhd (the country’s biggest buyer of home loans) or internal funds transfer. Typically, longer tenure loans attract higher funding cost on the part of the commercial bank.

“At this time, and based on the prevailing interest rates for car loans, there is a mismatch or gap between the funding cost to the commercial banks and the interest rates for car loans,” she added.

For example, the average interest rate swap for seven years is 3.85% while the Cagamas rate for the same tenure is 5.3%. As in all costs of doing business, she added, a small overhead cost and provisioning were added to the main cost component, that is the banks’ cost of funding.

“The prevailing interest rates for car loans (which have become very competitive in the non-national segment) do not accordingly address the funding cost and/or the cost of doing HP business,” Chuah stressed.

Higher loan rate for foreign cars to benefit local firms


PETALING JAYA: Plans to increase the loan interest rates for non-national cars will benefit local car-makers as consumers will be more inclined to buy national cars.

However, with the expected increase in demand, the Government must also ensure the quality of local cars match the standard of foreign cars, said Fomca secretary-general Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah when contacted yesterday.

Muhammad Sha’ani was commenting on the possible increase in car loan rates by several banks to make up for provisions set aside for losses and administrative costs.

He suggested that the Government should also look into abolishing the “approved permit” system and use the funds to develop the local car industry such as through improving car design and technology.

Muslim Consumers Association secretary-general Datuk Dr Ma’amor Osman said the move could be viewed in a patriotic sense, where it would encourage more people to support local cars.

However, he doubted the increase would be significant to those of a higher-income level as they be**longed to a different market compared with consumers who went for local cars.

“I would however like to suggest the Government look into improving the service and product quality of the local automotive industry,” he said.

Peugeot 3S centre in Kemaman
Published: 2009/04/22





NASIM Sdn Bhd, the official franchise holder of Peugeot motor vehicles in Malaysia, yesterday officially opened its latest Peugeot 3S centre, in Kemaman, Terengganu.

Operated by the IZ Group which also has Peugeot dealerships in Jalan Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur (KS Blue Box), and in Seremban (French Marque), the Kemaman centre (KS Kemaman) began operations on March 1 and was officially launched by C.K. Chow, director of Auto Group, Naza Automotive Group.

In a statement, IZ Group managing director Ismik Yusoff said Kemaman was chosen as the town and neighbouring Kerteh represent the hub of the petroleum industry in the East Coast region.

"In the Kemaman supply base alone, there are more than 150 expatriate companies which will be our target market. Introducing Peugeot to these expatriates is not a big task since most of them know the brand well," he said.

Ismik said there are 30-40 units of Peugeot on the roads of Kemaman and in neighbouring areas, consisting of various models.

The ground floor of the centre has three bays with an equal number of hoists, which can handle up to 10 cars a day. The centre is also equipped with the Peugeot Planet System which is connected via Internet feed to the Automobiles Peugeot 24-hour call centre located in Petaling Jaya that is able to provide quick and accurate vehicle diagnostics.

Mercedes-Benz sells more cars in first quarter
Published: 2009/04/22





GERMAN carmaker Mercedes-Benz saw sales of its passenger cars in Malaysia grow 3.5 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter, bucking the downward sales trend in the industry.

It sold 908 units compared with 877 in January-March last year.

Its C-Class model, an entry-level luxury sedan, posted 124 per cent sales growth in the first quarter, cementing its position as one of the most preferred choices in its segment, with a record of more than 420 cars delivered in the period.

More than 90 units of the B-Class model were sold, up 60 per cent from a year ago.

"Despite the ongoing financial crisis, several of our passenger car models have performed better than expected, resulting in the first quarter sales growth," Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and chief executive officer Peter Honegg said in a statement yesterday.

The popular E-Class continued to maintain a stronghold in its segment, with 300 cars delivered in the first quarter, while more than 70 units of the S-Class were sold.

However, the overall performance of its trucks and commercial vehicles in Malaysia took an expected dip in the first quarter.

Honegg said sales of Fuso dropped to 252 units, but it is expected to see demand rise after two new models are introduced into the market later this year. In addition, the Fuso dealer network will be expanded.

The company also expects an increase in truck sales with the government's stimulus package providing the much-needed boost to the construction industry.

Honegg, however, sees the current market conditions continuing for awhile.

Car sales in Malaysia pick up in March
By Goh Thean EuPublished: 2009/04/22

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/maa2104/pix_bottom


New car sales rose by a fifth to 44,205 units in March from February's 36,675, driven by new models, better sales of light commercial vehicles and a longer working month

AFTER a lacklustre performance in February, Malaysia's vehicle sales improved last month.

The industry will probably do better this month as government measures start to work.

New car sales rose by a fifth to 44,205 units in March from 36,675 sold in February.

The increase was driven by new models, better sales of light commercial vehicles and a longer working month compared with February.

However, the March sales are still 5 per cent lower than the 46,436 units sold in the previous corresponding month.

"Sales volume for this month is expected to be better than March following the announcement of the government's second stimulus package," the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said in its monthly sales and production data released yesterday in Kuala Lumpur.

Under the second stimulus package, a RM5,000 discount is given for the trade-in of cars which are at least 10 years old for new Proton or Perodua cars.

The MAA is maintaining its view that new car sales will hit 480,000 units by the year-end. Last year saw sales of 548,115 units.

In the first three months of the year, new car sales fell 9 per cent to 118,681 units.

Passenger cars accounted for 107,593 units and commercial vehicles, 11,088.

Despite the decline, the good news was that not all segments were affected.

Sales of window vans, pick-up trucks and prime movers rose between 14.55 per cent and 19.4 per cent.

Segments such as multi-purpose vehicles, four-wheel drive/sport utility vehicles and buses were the biggest losers. Sales in January-March fell by at least 27 per cent.

Sales in March exceeded the production of 35,950 units.

In the January-March period, overall production fell 14 per cent to 114,009 units.

Higher car financing rates unfair
Comment by P. Gunasegaram


But two things will immediately resolve this hire purchase conundrum

EVEN as interest rates are headed down and depositors are getting lower returns, banks have done a rather perplexing and paradoxical thing – they have increased car-financing rates by as much as one percentage point.

Simply put, the banks cannot justify such an increase in lending rates when deposit rates and therefore their cost of funds have actually come down substantially over the last few months.

As an indication, since November last year, Bank Negara’s overnight policy rate, the leading indicator for interest rates, has come down 1.5 percentage points from 3.5% to just 2.0%. That means the one percentage point increase in car financing interest rates could widen margins by as much 2.5 percentage points (1+1.5), a huge increase in gross margins!

That’s terribly unfriendly on two counts. First, banks are not passing on the lower cost of funds to customers but are increasing them instead. Two, they are thwarting the Government aim of resuscitating the economy by pumping more money into the system to lower lending rates to stimulate demand.

The banks’ reason for raising hire purchase interest rates is that in this sector non-performing loans or NPLs – those that have not been serviced within the requisite time intervals – have increased, thus affecting their income.

That is no reason at all. If NPLs in the sector are increasing, that’s because banks have been lax in their lending in the past. They have not taken the trouble to look at their borrowers and have sacrificed safety for volume.

What they should do is to tighten up their loan procedures and their recovery efforts by such means as proper vetting, higher initial deposits and lower tenures. Instead, they have decided to punish good and bad borrowers right across the board with higher interest rates for all car buyers for what is basically their own fault.

It’s not acceptable for future borrowers to pay for the cost of banks’ follies and Bank Negara should immediately review the rates and ask the banks to put their credit-vetting procedures in place instead of higher interest rates.

And while it does that, the central bank should ask banks to do away once and for all with the ancient and archaic system of allowing banks to quote hire purchase interest rates on a non-declining balance basis.

At first glance, an interest rate of 3.0% say, looks low. But this is on the original principal sum which does not decline at all over the tenure of the hire-purchase agreement. That means much higher effective interest rates which gets higher the longer the tenure.

If banks can quote the effective interest rates for hire purchase the way they do for other loans, then the general public will know the true cost of their borrowings instead of depending on a relatively unreliable figure.

The Association of Banks has advised those who buy cars to shop for the right interest rates. However, it can by itself, do a lot more for customers if it can get its members to quote the effective interest rates, instead of hiding behind a figure which misleads the general public into believing that interest rates are lower when they are not.

Two things will solve this hire purchase conundrum immediately: One, banks should bring down hire purchase interest rates to reflect their lower cost of funds instead of raising them. And two, they should immediately quote effective interest rates.

Vehicle sales down 4.8% to 44,205 units in March, says MAA


PETALING JAYA: Malaysian automobile sales for March fell 4.8% to 44,205 units from the same period last year, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said.

However, compared with February sales, the figure was higher by 20.5% or 7,530 units, it said in a statement.

For the January-March period, vehicle sales slumped 9.2% to 118,681 units from a year earlier.

Sales for April are expected to be better than March following the Government’s second economic stimulus package announced recently, according to the MAA.

“Full-year total industry volume is expected to be maintained at 480,000 units for 2009 despite the negative variance of 9% as at year-to-date versus the same period last year,” it added.

MAA said the main reasons for the better sales in March compared with February were the introduction of new models, higher sales of light commercial vehicles as well as a longer working month.

Passenger vehicle sales in March stood at 39,989 units, lower than 42,547 units recorded in the same month last year, but commercial vehicle sales rose to 4,216 units from 3,889 units previously.

OSK Investment Bank auto analyst Ahmad Maghfur Usman attributed the stronger sales in March versus February to promotional activities by national carmakers Proton and Perodua as well as the lower interest rates in March.

He noted that a major non-national car brand recently cut car loan rates to 3.65% from 3.75%.

“The gain in March could also be due to a seasonal uptrend,” Ahmad Maghfur said.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd recorded a 3.5% sales growth for its passenger car segment in the first quarter.

The company sold 908 units in the quarter compared with 877 in the same period last year.

Its president and chief executive officer Peter Hogg said despite the ongoing financial crisis, several passenger car models had performed better than expected as reflected in the first-quarter results.

Honda Malaysia's March sales rev up to all-time high
By Zaidi Isham IsmailPublished: 2009/04/23

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/HONBOY/pix_bottom


HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd says its sales in March hit an all-time high of 3,905 units, a 55 per cent increase from the year before, spearheaded by its all-new City model.

In a statement, managing director and chief executive officer Toru Takahashi said with the breakthrough achievement, Honda had also captured 10 per cent of the total industry volume market share (passenger vehicles) in March as reported by Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

Honda Malaysia attributes the breakthrough sales result to the all-new City, with 2,342 units, accounting for 60 per cent of the month's total sales.

The model has a backorder of close to 4,000 units currently. Other staple contributors are Accord (471 units), Civic (471 units) and CR-V (346 units).





"In view of the current market situation, it is truly a momentous experience for us to be reporting a series of vibrant results, in fact, from the beginning of the year.

"At Honda, we constantly adhere to our principle of providing products of the highest quality at a reasonable price, which makes our products relevant to the market regardless of the surrounding circumstances," said Takahashi.

He said brand credibility and product reliability are more crucial now as customers want to be assured that the car they buy today would not become a liability in the near future.

Honda registered a 46 per cent growth quarter-on-quarter despite the market contraction.

As reported by the MAA recently, the market has shrunk by 10.5 per cent in the same corresponding period

Dealers: Hike in car loan rates should not have happened
By RACHAEL KAM


PETALING JAYA: The one percentage point increase in car financing rates may only have minimal impact on vehicle sales in the longer term, but will likely boost sales of national cars at the expense of non-national vehicles, car dealers said.

But the hike in car loan rates should not have happened in these challenging times, they said.

Banks informed car dealers last Friday that hire-purchase interest rates would be increased by one percentage point effective Monday.

Car dealers contacted by StarBiz said that they just could not understand the rationale for the increase in interest rates for car loans.


Used car dealers queried whether the car financing interest rate increase is a government plan to discourage people from buying non-national cars.

They said the current lower interest rates were supposed to stimulate consumer spending, but the increase in car loan rates would be a burden to consumers during these tough times.

“The one percentage point increase in the interest rate will discourage consumers from buying used cars, especially the non-national cars, because they have to pay more to get a second-hand car.

“Thus, it would definitely affect our sales,” said second-hand car dealer Sonny Soh of Sonny Soh Sdn Bhd.

He told StarBiz that the previous interest rates of 3.5% to 5% were already one to two percentage points higher than the rates for new cars.

Currently, the company is selling only used non-national cars.

“Is this a government plan to discourage people from buying non-national cars and boost sales of national cars?” Soh asked.

New and reconditioned, or recond, car dealer Zulkifli Ahmad agrees that the hike should not have happened, but sees little impact on car sales in the longer term.

He said his company was informed by its bankers last Friday that the new interest rates for its recond cars now had increased to between 3.3% and 3.5%, compared with 2.3% to 2.5% previously.

The company is selling reconditioned or refurbished cars imported directly from Japan and Britain as well as new non-national cars.

“Higher interest rates may cause less demand in the immediate term but sales might pick up again once consumers are used to the new interest rate as people are still buying cars,” Zulkifli said.

Yap Chow Bin, the owner of used car dealer Motor Exchange, also sees little impact from the move.

Motor Exchange sells both used national and non-national cars at prices ranging from RM10,000 to RM80,000.

“Instead there may be a rise in demand for second-hand cars as there is a possible fall in demand for new cars due to the higher interest rates for new non-national cars,” he told StarBiz.

Yap said the most popular used cars he sold ranged between RM20,000 and RM30,000.

“The one percentage point increase may be just a little difference for consumers because they normally do not get big sum of loans for used cars,” he said.

The interest rates for Motor Exchange’s used national and non-national cars have increased to between 4.25% and 7%, compared with 3.1% to 6% previously.

Interest rates for used cars normally depends on the age of the vehicle, hiring period, margin of financing and even the loan borrowers’ net income, Yap explained.

Used car dealer Destiny Auto Sdn Bhd owner Mohd Khadhir Hassan said he had actually received offers of lower interest rates for its used national cars.

“Our new interest rates now are between 3.5% and 4.5%, which is lower than 4.25% to 6% previously.

“We expect an increase in sales for used national cars with the lower interest rates,” he said, adding that he reckoned the hike in car loan rates was the Government’s plan to promote national cars.

Meanwhile, hire purchase rates have been increased across the board for both new non-national cars and used cars effective Monday, banking sources said.

Banks would not make an official public announcement on that but would inform their respective car dealers, one source said.

Interest rates for popular used cars for both national and non-national cars aged up to 10 years old, have increased to between 3.75% and 4%, according to the source.

Empat model baru Peugeot dilancar

Oleh NOR AZIAH JAAFAR
pengarag@utusan.com.my

KEMAMAN 22 April - Kumpulan Naza, melalui anak syarikatnya Nasim Sdn. Bhd., pemegang francais pengedaran kereta jenama Peugeot di Malaysia, akan melancarkan empat model baru tahun depan meskipun berdepan penurunan jualan antara 10 hingga 20 peratus sejak awal tahun lalu kerana kegawatan ekonomi.

Pengarah Kumpulan Automotif Naza, C. K. Chow berkata, pihaknya optimis dengan pasaran kereta Peugeot di Malaysia kerana jenama itu mempunyai kumpulan pengikutnya yang tersendiri.

Beliau berkata, hakikat itu jalas ditunjukkan melalui prestasi jualan Peugeot 308 VTI dan 308 Turbo, dua model terbaru kereta itu yang dilancarkan Januari lepas menyaksikan jualan sehingga 300 buah dan tempoh menunggunya kini antara tiga hingga empat bulan.

Beliau berkata, dua daripada empat model baru itu adalah kereta mewah yang pelancarannya dilakukan bertujuan membina imej manakala dua lagi model adalah untuk pasaran umum.

Chow berkata demikian selepas merasmikan pembukaan KS Kemaman iaitu pusat 3S (jualan, servis dan alat ganti) Peugeot yang ke-19, di Jalan Air Putih, di sini baru-baru ini.

Mengulas tentang kemerosotan jualan kereta Peugeot, beliau berkata, perkara itu tidak menggusarkan syarikat kerana kadar faedah pinjaman yang rendah ditawarkan masih mampu menarik minat pelanggan untuk membeli kereta buatan Eropah itu.

Chow menambah, pihaknya telah merangka strategi untuk mengekalkan prestasi jualan kereta Peugeot dengan menyelaraskan harga alat ganti dan servis agar lebih murah atau sekurang- kurangnya sama dengan kereta buatan Jepun.

Selain itu, beliau berkata, syarikat itu juga akan meluaskan rangkaian pusat 3S ke lebih banyak kawasan bagi memudahkan pengguna kereta jenama itu mendapatkan perkhidmatan selepas jualan.

Mercedes-Benz lancar M-Class

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0427/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_02.1.jpg
FLORIAN Muller bersama model generasi terbaru M-Class.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KUALA LUMPUR 26 April - Mercedes-Benz Malaysia memperkenalkan generasi terbaru model kenderaan utiliti sports (SUV), M-Class yang ditawarkan pada harga RM548,888.

Naib Presiden Jualan Pemasaran (Kereta Penumpang)nya, Florian Muller berkata, generasi terbaru M-Class itu telah diberi sentuhan dinamik, lebih perwatakan sporty dan lebih berkuasa.

''Sambutan rakyat Malaysia terhadap M-Class generasi kedua adalah menggalakkan, yang jelas menunjukkan permintaan yang baik untuk kenderaan mewah seperti M-Class dan mendorong kami untuk memperkenalkan generasi ketiga ini," katanya pada majlis pelancaran M-Class, baru-baru ini.

Aspek penting pada M-Class terbaru ini kata Muller, ialah enjin V6 dan V8 petrol atau dieselnya kini bukan sahaja lebih bertenaga tetapi juga jimat bahan api.

''Para jurutera Mercedes-Benz telah memberi perhatian khusus kepada usaha mengurangkan penggunaan bahan api dan berjaya mencatat 0.4 liter setiap 100 kilometer berbanding model sebelum ini," ujarnya.

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Images/Apr08/04_Mercedes_Benz_M_Class_And_GL_Class.jpg

Chery bawa masuk dua lagi model
Daripada Mutazar Abd Ghani di Shanghai, China
hnews@bharian.com.my


CHERY Alado Automobile Sdn Bhd, pengedar kenderaan Chery di Malaysia, akan membawa masuk sekurang-kurangnya dua lagi model baru tahun ini dalam usaha mengukuhkan kehadirannya dalam industri automotif tempatan.

Pengurus Pemasarannya, Nazri Ahmad, berkata model baru itu itu adalah dalam segmen 1.6 liter hingga 2.0 liter dengan tumpuan terhadap varian transmisi automatik, kemungkinan daripada model A3 dan A5 yang sudah dipasarkan di China dan beberapa negara lain.

Katanya, buat masa ini syarikat belum membuat keputusan muktamad sama ada membawa masuk model berkenaan secara diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) atau pemasangan tempatan (CKD).

Beliau berkata, kemasukan model baru berkenaan sejajar usaha syarikat untuk menawarkan lebih banyak pilihan kepada pengguna tempatan, susulan sambutan menggalakkan terhadap dua model CBU dan CKD yang dibawa masuk sejak tahun lalu.

“Dua model terbabit, iaitu kenderaan utiliti sukan (SUV) Tiggo (CBU) dan kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) Easter (CKD) sudah meraih jualan kira-kira 1,000 unit, sejak diperkenalkan pada November dan September tahun lalu. Bagi tempoh Januari-Mac tahun ini saja, kedua-dua model berkenaan sudah meraih jualan lebih 1,000 unit.

“Berdasarkan prestasi suku pertama 2009 itu, serta pengenalan Tiggo transmisi automatik hujung bulan depan dan pengenalan model baru lain, kami mensasarkan menjual kira-kira 8,500 unit kenderaan tahun ini,” katanya kepada wartawan Malaysia pada pameran Auto Shanghai 2009 di Shanghai, China.

Chery Alado adalah usaha sama antara Chery Automobile Co Ltd dari China yang memegang 30 peratus ekuiti dan sebuah syarikat tempatan (30 peratus) dan Tan Sri Dr Soh Thiam Hong (20 peratus).

Sebelum ini, kenderaan Chery dipasarkan di Malaysia oleh Alado Autombil Sdn Bhd, yang antara lain sudah membawa masuk kenderaan mini kompak QQ.

Pada pameran Auto Shanghai 2009, Chery Automobile Co Ltd memperkenalkan 10 model baru, termasuk kenderaan hibrid Fulwin2 dan Chery A3 serta kereta elektrik Riich MI.

UMW Toyota March sales up 33pc
Published: 2009/04/29





UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd announced today that its March 2009 sales increased by 33 per cent to 7,113 units from 5,367 units in the previous month.

The Toyota Vios remained the leader in the small passenger car (1400cc to 1500cc) with 49 per cent market share while Hilux retained its lead in the four-wheel drive light duty pick-ups segment with 51.8 per cent market share, the company said.

"We believe that both the Vios and Hilux will reach their targeted sales volume for this year," UMW Toyota's president Kuah Kock Heng said in a statement today.

Since its introduction in 2003, a total of 128,170 units of Toyota Vios have been sold, making it the best-selling Toyota model in Malaysia.

For the Toyota Hilux, 43,076 units have been sold so far since the current model's launch in 2005.

For the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment, UMW Toyota still claimed market leadership with a total of 4,952 units sold for the first quarter of this year, 2,017 units more than its closest competitor.

"March sales were 1,987 units with the Toyota Avanza being the highest contributor with 1,332 units sold. To date, 117,946 units of the Toyota Avanza have been sold since its introduction in 2004," the company said.

UMW Toyota remained confident that the total industry volume will reach 480,000 units this year, with second-half 2009 sales expected to be stronger than the first six months.

Going forward, Kuah said demand for new cars was on the rise with improved sales in March this year and a better outlook over the next few months.

UMW Toyota, he said, maintained its position as the market leader among the non-national makes with sales of 17,313 units, more than 6,600 units ahead of its nearest competitor. -- BERNAMA

Toyota Reports 33 Pct Rise In March Sales


KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd announced today that its March 2009 sales increased by 33 percent to 7,113 units from 5,367 units in the previous month.

The Toyota Vios remained the leader in the small passenger car (1400cc to 1500cc) with 49 percent market share while Hilux retained its lead in the four-wheel drive light duty pick-ups segment with 51.8 percent market share, the company said.

"We believe that both the Vios and Hilux will reach their targeted sales volume for this year," UMW Toyota's president Kuah Kock Heng said in a statement today.

Since its introduction in 2003, a total of 128,170 units of Toyota Vios have been sold, making it the best-selling Toyota model in Malaysia.

For the Toyota Hilux, 43,076 units have been sold so far since the current model's launch in 2005.

For the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment, UMW Toyota still claimed market leadership with a total of 4,952 units sold for the first quarter of this year, 2,017 units more than its closest competitor.

"March sales were 1,987 units with the Toyota Avanza being the highest contributor with 1,332 units sold. To date, 117,946 units of the Toyota Avanza have been sold since its introduction in 2004," the company said.

UMW Toyota remained confident that the total industry volume will reach 480,000 units this year, with second-half 2009 sales expected to be stronger than the first six months.

Going forward, Kuah said demand for new cars was on the rise with improved sales in March this year and a better outlook over the next few months.

UMW Toyota, he said, maintained its position as the market leader among the non-national makes with sales of 17,313 units, more than 6,600 units ahead of its nearest competitor.

-- BERNAMA

Honda bullish despite 'very tough' market
By Chong Pooi KoonPublished: 2009/05/05

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/toru/pix_topright


Its optimism is underpinned by strong demand for new launches like the 1.5-litre Honda City, says managing director and chief executive officer Toru Takahashi,

HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident it can achieve its sales target of 35,000 vehicles this year, an 8 per cent increase from last year, even as the overall auto sales in Malaysia is expected to shrink amid the weak economy.

It sold 32,486 cars last year, after a growth of 14 per cent.

Managing director and chief executive officer Toru Takahashi, who took over the helm last month, said the market is "very tough" this year, but its optimism is underpinned by strong demand for new launches like the 1.5-litre Honda City. The popular mid-size car has had its look greatly improved on customers' feedback, and has contributed 60 per cent to Honda Malaysia's record 3,905 unit sales in March.

It has also launched the eighth generation Honda Civic in March, which will help spur demand.

The new Honda City has chalked up sales of 5,818 units so far this year, compared with 6,051 units Vios that rival Toyota has sold here, according to OSK Research.

Takahashi said it is not Honda's aspiration to take over Toyota one day as the biggest non-national car seller in Malaysia.

"Toyota is a very big company globally, not just in Malaysia. Our principle is to keep customers happy with quality automobiles and not chasing sales with competitors," he told Business Times in an interview in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

Sales of Honda Motor Co, the second largest in Japan after Toyota Motor Corp, has also bucked the industry's decline in the Asian country last month, buoyed by a new model called Insight hybrid. Honda Malaysia is 51 per cent-owned by Honda Motor.

At a time when global auto giants including General Motor are fighting for survival and sales for Toyota slumped amid rising jobless rate in Japan, Takahashi said its product-positioning will help it tide through the difficult times.

"We are a rather small company compared with other giants. Our models are mainly small- to medium-sized, are fuel-efficient and of higher performance. Hopefully this will help us survive the tough market," he said.

The group is facing a very hard time in Japan, the US, Europe and most Asian countries, he said, but the Malaysian market is not as bad compared to others despite the economic slowdown.

"We have been launching new models since last year and they are appreciated by the customers as good value for money, the quality of the automobile is better than the competitor. We are thankful for their support," Takahashi said.

Chery sasar jualan 8,500 buah kereta tahun ini

PETALING JAYA 7 Mei - Chery Alado Automobile Sdn. Bhd. (Chery) yakin mampu mencapai sasaran jualan 8,500 buah kereta bagi semua modelnya sepanjang tahun ini.

Kegawatan ekonomi dunia juga gagal menghalang penjualan kenderaan buatan tersebut malah Chery kini berada di tempat 15 pengeluar kenderaan dunia terbaik berbanding 19 pada tahun lalu.

Bagi segmen kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) terbaik, Chery berada di kedudukan yang keempat.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Meng Tao berkata, bagi tempoh tiga bulan pertama tahun ini, pihaknya berjaya menjual sebanyak 500 buah kereta.

Katanya, terdapat peningkatan terhadap penjualan kenderaan Chery di Malaysia, malah, kenderaan MPV Eastar dan kenderaan utiliti sukan (SUV) Tiggo dijangka penyumbang besar kepada jualan kenderaan Chery tahun ini iaitu sebanyak 5,000 buah.

"Pada waktu ini, kami giat menjalankan promosi untuk memperkenalkan lagi kenderaan Chery kepada rakyat Malaysia termasuk mengadakan Kempen Pulang Ke Kampung (hometurn) ke China yang dijalankan pada Disember tahun lalu hingga Januari lepas,'' katanya.

Chery putuskan cadangan bina kilang di Pekan 2010
Oleh Che Wan Badrul Alias
chewan@bharian.com.my


CHERY Alado Autombile Sdn Bhd, pengimport, pemasang dan pengedar kenderaan Chery di Malaysia, akan memuktamadkan rancangannya untuk membina kilang pemasangan tempatan (CKD) di Pekan, Pahang selewat-lewatnya awal tahun depan.

Ketua Eksekutifnya, Meng Tao, berkata sehingga kini semua perancangan mengenai pembinaan kilang berkenaan masih pada peringkat awal dan lokasi sebenarnya juga masih belum diputuskan.

Beliau yang enggan mengulas lanjut berhubung rancangan berkenaan berkata, pihaknya tetap komited untuk menjadikan Malaysia sebagai hab pemasangan kenderaan Chery walaupun belum membuat keputusan berhubung pembinaan kilang terbabit.
“Ketika kini, operasi pengeluaran kenderaan CKD Chery dilaksanakan di kilang milik sebuah pengeluar kereta asing di Johor Bahru.

“Semuanya (rancangan membina kilang sendiri) pada peringkat perancangan dan kita akan mengumumkan keputusannya sebaik saja diputuskan selewat-lewatnya awal tahun depan,” katanya selepas majlis mengumumkan 10 pemenang ‘Perjalanan Chery Alado ke China’ di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Seramai 10 pemenang dipilih menerusi pertandingan yang dianjurkan Chery Alado Automobile ketika kempen ‘Hometurn’ untuk memenangi perjalanan enam hari ke kilang antarabangsa Chery serta kawasan pelancongan lain di China.

Sementara itu, mengulas jualan kenderaan Chery bagi suku pertama tahun ini, Meng berkata, syarikat mencatatkan jualan 500 unit bagi dua model yang dipasarkan ketika ini, iaitu kenderaan SUV Tiggo dan MPV Eastar.

Katanya, jumlah berkenaan tidak menepati jangkaan syarikat berikutan tempias kelembapan ekonomi global, namun ia tidak menunjukkan pengurangan berbanding tempoh sama tahun lalu.

“Kami yakin langkah membawa masuk enam lagi model terbaru Chery sepanjang tahun ini akan membolehkan syarikat mencapai sasaran jualan 8,500 unit tahun ini, termasuk 5,000 unit Tiggo dan Eastar,” katanya.

New Alfa Romeos in town
Published: 2009/05/11





SIME Darby Auto ConneXion Sdn Bhd, which manages the Alfa Romeo brand in Malaysia, hopes to sell a total of 150 units of Alfa Romeo cars this year with the launch four new models last week.

The new entries of Alfa Romeo collection are the 159 sports sedan Giorgetto Giugiaro tagged at RM188,888 per unit, a GT coupe GT Blackline priced at RM218,888 per unit, a Brera coupe for RM308,888 a unit and Spider cabriolet at RM318,888 a unit.

Auto ConneXion managing director Rajan Thurairatnam said the two-door MiTo hot hatch is scheduled to be launched in the second half of the year.

"This time with a strong support from the principles in Milan, we are pleased to introduce very competitive prices for new Alfa models," he said during a media launch at its latest 3S centre in Petaling Jaya.

Rajan also doesn't think that higher borrowing costs for non-national cars will deter buyers.

"I don't think it will dampen sales. This kind of cars has a certain follower who could afford them."

Auto ConneXion, which manages Ford, Land Rover and Alfa Romeo brands following the restructuring of Sime Darby Bhd's automotive business domestically last year, has a total of 30 points of sale nationwide.

Euromobil Targets To Sell 400 Audi Cars


SHAH ALAM, May 11 (Bernama) -- Euromobil Sdn Bhd, the local importer and distributor of Audi vehicles, is targeting to sell 400 units of Audi cars by end of this year.

"We have sold about 230 units last year, and we are expecting to top that amount by about 70 to 75 percent this year," said chief executive officer Stanley Tan at the launch of the Audi Q5 sports utility vehicle (SUV) today.

Tan said the new Audi Q5 is a performance SUV that combined the dynamics of a sports sedan with a versatile interior, and is priced at RM299,000 on the road without insurance.

He said the Audi Q5 and the A4 sedan would be the main models contributing to the company's total sales.

"About 70 percent of sales will be generated by these two models and for the Audi Q5 alone, we expect it to contribute 100 units of sales to our target," he added.

Euromobil is reactivating its 3S centre located in Penang by end of this week and another 3S centre in Johor Baharu will open in mid-July.

Currently, the company has a 3S centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

In addition, a new Audi showroom located within Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle is due to open by September this year.

On Euromobil's advertising and promotion activities, Tan said the company had spent a substantial amount in its efforts to build up the brand in line with Audi's vision to be the top premium brand car maker by 2015.

"We have put up a lot of billboards around strategic locations and we are going to spend more but we will be spending wisely and prudently," said Euromobil's chairman Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir.

"With the huge investment we have made, hopefully by next year we would be able to break even," he said.

Euromobil, a wholly owned subsidiary of Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd, is responsible for the sales, service and supply of Audi products in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.tafft.com/admin/my_documents/my_pictures/volvo_XC60.jpg



Volvo perkenalkan kenderaan kombinasi MPV, SUV

KUALA LUMPUR 13 Mei - Volvo Car Malaysia (Volvo) akan melancarkan kenderaan model XC60, hasil kombinasi kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) dengan kenderaan sport utiliti (SUV) pertama di Malaysia pada Jun ini.

Model XC60 itu akan mewakili jenama kereta mewah itu dalam automotif dunia bagi segmen paling kompetitif dan pantas pertumbuhannya.

''Kereta Volvo XC60 adalah model Volvo paling selamat dan mengagumkan,'' menurut Presidennya, Robert Norrman.

Katanya, XC60 merupakan pesaing serius untuk menjadi pemimpin pasaran bagi segmen tersebut dalam kategori jualan terbaik yang diraih oleh XC90 untuk segmen premium SUV.

Norrman berkata, untuk memenangi segmen kompetitif, jenama auto perlu mewujudkan kereta yang berbeza daripada yang ada di pasaran.

''Volvo dengan XC60 memenuhi ciri-ciri tersebut,'' kata beliau.

Beliau menambah, Volvo menyasarkan kumpulan pembeli yang mempunyai keinginan tinggi dalam reka bentuk, integriti jenama dan kandungan teknologi tinggi untuk dijadikan pilihan produk gaya hidup.

BMW Malaysia Sees Little Effect On Sales


KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- BMW Malaysia sees the local market for prestige cars remaining resilient this year.This is despite the global economic slowdown which has led to the worldwide market for such vehicles falling 25 percent.

Its managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said the company expected sales this year to be more or less the same, as in 2008.

"In fact at the moment, it is slightly ahead. There has not been a massive collapse in Malaysia's prestige cars market as we were still able to sell as many cars as last year," he told Bernama after today's media launch of the BMW Shorties 2009 programme.

Last year, the local prestige cars market was at 8,300 units sold, with BMW contributing 3,500.

Briscoe said now is the best time to buy cars as the interest rate was low, and inventories still high.

Briscoe also said BMW would continue to introduce new units this year despite the economic slowdown.

"We will be launching the new Z4 this June and a number of other new passenger cars, including one which is diesel powered," he said.

According to Briscoe, the new cars are expected to be introduced in the third quarter of this year.

Meanwhle, the BMW Shorties is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme by BMW Malaysia, in the form of a short film competition to support the Malaysian film industry.

-- BERNAMA

Vehicle sales take unexpected dip in April
Published: 2009/05/19



Sales volume in April dropped 7 per cent from the previous month, due to the unexpected increase in hire purchase loan interest rates

VEHICLE sales in the country dipped unexpectedly last month, a result of higher interest rates for car loans.

April sales had been expected to be higher than the 44,205 units recorded in March as measures under the government's second stimulus package kicked in.

"Sales volume in April stood at 3,070 units, a 7 per cent drop from the previous month, due to the unexpected increase in hire purchase loan interest rates," the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said in a statement released yesterday in Kuala Lumpur.

Compared with sales in April last year, the volume dropped 18 per cent to 41,135 units from 50,279.





From January to April, 159,816 new vehicles were sold, about 12 per cent less than the 181,053 units sold in the same period last year. Passenger cars accounted for 144,852 units and commercial vehicles, 14,964.

The MAA said it was not optimistic about this month's sales as prospective buyers may shy away from purchases due to the higher financing cost.

"Sales volume for May is not expected to improve due to the full impact of the increase in hire purchase loan interest rates," it said.

Sales last month exceeded the production of 39,574 units.

In the January-April period, overall production fell 12 per cent to 153,583 units.

The country, however, is still Southeast Asia's top performer in overall car sales.

In the first quarter of the year, Malaysia's 188,681 new car sales edged out Thailand's and Indonesia's 107,774 and 99,754 respectively.

Chevrolet Captiva seen drawing good sales
Published: 2009/05/22




HICOM-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia, expects to sell 800 to 1,000 units of its newly launched, enhanced version of Chevrolet Captiva in its financial year ending March 2010.

Its managing director and chief executive officer, Sanjeev Garg, said the company is constantly looking at quality and value that will meet the needs of its customers.

"Technology is advancing. We need to build something that customers always need because most of the customers coming for the Captiva segment are between 35 and 45 years old with a household income of more than RM7,000.

"These are the customers who are really technology savvy and they want something," he told a media conference after the launch of the new model.





Sanjeev said 20 bookings have already been received for Captiva.

Launched in 2007, the Captiva was HICOM-Chevrolet's maiden stake in the Malaysian automotive industry.

Among the enhanced features include a Bluetooth-capable CD/MP3 eight speaker audio system for the Captiva 2.0L Diesel.

The updated Captiva has been also fitted with beige leather interior, one-touch express up/down with pinch protection for the driver's power window and ventilated discs brakes for the rear. -- Bernama

Enhanced features to Captiva-te mart
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/05/23

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/shevi/pix_topright

HICOM-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd expects to sell 800 to 1,000 units of its enhanced version of the Chevrolet Captiva sports utility vehicle in the financial year ending March 31 2010.

Managing director and chief executive officer Sanjeev Garg said it had already received 20 bookings.

The Captiva, launched in 2007, was HICOM-Chevrolet's maiden stake in the Malaysian automotive industry.

Sanjeev said the company was on track with its growth plans.

"We still see growth opportunities in the Malaysian market, being one of the largest auto markets in Southeast Asia," he said after the launch of the enhanced Captiva in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

Malaysia May vehicle sales likely to be lower
Published: 2009/05/27





THE Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) anticipates vehicle sales in the country for May to be lower than the month before due to higher interest rates and stricter loan approvals.

"MAA members are saying that May will not be better than April," its president Datuk Aishah Ahmad told reporters on the sidelines of the Second KL International Automotive conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

However, she is optimistic that sales will recover by the end of the year, driven by government stimulus measures, new models and the bottoming out of the global recession.

"There is some confidence in the market," she said.





Aishah said the impact of the global recession on the local automotive industry has been mild due to prompt counter-measures by MAA members.

"The lessons learnt from the financial crisis in 1997 have in many ways helped our members to take proactive measures promptly and correctly," she said.

On whether the review of the National Automotive Policy (NAP) will see lower tariffs for local cars, she said: "As far as the local tariffs like excise duty and sales tax, I do not foresee the government reducing these duty structures as yet."

Starting from January 1 2010, import duties from Asean countries will be reduced from the current 5 per cent to zero per cent for completely built-up (CBU) vehicles, she added.

Aishah said the NAP review should be able to stimulate the industry and also encourage the usage of more local components.

"We also want the government to come up with a plan on the long-term policy of the automotive industry so that it will encourage investors into the country," she added.

MAA still expects total vehicle sales to fall 12.4 per cent to 480,000 units this year.

Last year, the industry recorded its best performance since 2005's record of 552,316 new cars, with sales up by 60,939 units to 548,115.

Malaysia's vehicle sales have been in the negative all year through with volume falling by 7 per cent to 3,070 units in April from the previous month.

VW wants Malaysia luxury car mart leadership
Published: 2009/05/27





VOLKSWAGEN is seeking to become the market leader in Malaysia in the luxury cars segment within the next three to five years, VW Cars Sdn Bhd director of sales, Helmi Ilyas said.

VW Cars Sdn Bhd is a master dealership of principal Volkswagen AG, and currently sells nine different variants including the Touareg, Passat, Jetta, Golf, Golf GTI, Polo and Beetle.

Helmi said that Volkswagen cars are currently ranked number three among luxury brands in Malaysia.

"Though previously happy with that position, we feel it is time now for us to overtake the two bigger brands," he added.

Helmi said Malaysian's found Volkswagen models exciting.

"Those who had bought other luxury models now feel the need for an alternative and Volkswagen cars serve this purpose," he added.

According to Helmi, negotiations are on-going with regards to Volkswagen's plan for a completely knocked down (CKD) plant in Malaysia.

"We are not involved though.The negotiation is between the principle and a partner in Malaysia.They expect to have the plant in two years time," he said.

Helmi said that Volkswagen's competitiors in Malaysia had good products but expensive at the same time.

"In contrast, we have a great product and offer it at an affordable price so that more people can own one," he stated.

Volkswagen's "cheapest" car in Malaysia today is the Golf Polo priced at RM118,000 with the most expensive being the Toureg at RM433,888.

Helmi is also confident that Volkswagen cars can be the market leader in Malaysia as the company is the biggest car manufacturer in Europe.

Touching on growth prospects, Helmi denied a recent report stating that the luxury cars segment would be affected badly following the global economic crisis.

In Malaysia, the report said, there would be a 20 to 25 per cent reduction in sales for the luxury car segment.

"In our case, we can still maintain sales. Even now, we are about five percent above our target compared to last year.We hit our lowest point around February this year and are now growing.This will be the trend until the end of the year," he said.

VW Malaysia will launch its first new model for this year, the Passat CC Coupe, in mid-July.It is a four-door vehicle.

Just two weeks later, another new model, the two-litre turbo Scirocco will be launched.

The Passat CC Coupe is targeted at executives and managers. - Bernama

LTAT now major holder of Chery Alado with 20pc stake
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/05/29

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ceri/pix_topright

Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) has become a major shareholder of Chery Alado Automobiles Sdn Bhd, the local distributor of China-made Chery vehicles.

The armed forces fund bought a 20 per cent stake last month, senior Chery Alado executives said at the launch of Chery A520 sedan in Subang Jaya yesterday.

"Both parties are interested in partnering each other," Chery Alado chief executive officer Mengtao said, when asked who made the first move to buy or sell a stake in the company.

The biggest shareholder of Chery Alado is Chery Automobile Co Ltd reportedly with about a 50 per cent stake. Alado Corp Sdn Bhd, which is controlled by Tan Sri Cam Soh, owns the remaining 30 per cent.

Chery is one of the largest carmakers in China, producing some 600,000 cars a year with over 130,000 units being shipped to some 70 countries.


The carmaker plans to hit export volume to 400,000 units by next year.

In Malaysia, company executives claimed that some 2,000 units of Chery cars had been sold since Chery Alado's inception in April last year.

Chery Alado has launched two new models in the last eight months - a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) called Alado Eastar and Alado Tiggo sports utility vehicle (SUV) in 1.6- and 2.0-litre manual versions.

Yesterday, the A520 became the latest Chery model to debut in the local market. A fully-automatic Tiggo SUV is due to make its appearance soon. The two-litre A520 sells at RM95,888.

Wengtao said the company expects monthly sales of 100 units of A520.

Chery's top selling model is the Eastar MPV, with monthly sales volume of 200 units, he added.

Chery lancar model sedan pertama
Oleh Che Wan Badrul Alias
chewan@bharian.com.my

CHERY Alado Autombile Sdn Bhd, pengimport, pemasang dan pengedar kenderaan Chery di Malaysia, melancarkan model sedan pertamanya - A520, dalam usahanya untuk meneroka pasaran kenderaan mewah tempatan.

Dilengkapi enjin Acteco 2.0L buatan Chery yang menjana kuasa enjin 1,971cc, model yang diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) itu didatangkan dengan transmisi automatik empat kelajuan.

Ketua Eksekutifnya, Meng Tao, berkata dengan harga RM93,156.10 seunit (tanpa insurans), A520 disasarkan kepada eksekutif muda atau mereka yang berkeluarga yang inginkan kereta berciri mewah pada harga kompetitif.

Katanya, berdasarkan sambutan terhadap model yang diperkenalkan sebelum ini iaitu MPV Easter dan SUV Tiggo, syarikat mengunjurkan mampu menjual 100 unit sebulan model sedan terbaru itu.

Beliau berkata, unjuran jualan itu tidak mustahil dicapai menerusi strategi memperkenalkan kenderaan mewah pada harga yang jauh lebih rendah berbanding pesaing lain bagi memastikannya kekal berdaya saing dalam segmennya.

“Di sebalik kemelesetan ekonomi global yang menjejaskan pasaran automotif, kami yakin model terbaru ini akan mendapat sambutan seperti dua model terdahulu iaitu Easter dan Tiggo.

“Pasaran di sini (Malaysia) amat baik dan kami bercadang untuk memperkenalkan lebih banyak model Chery termasuk model Tiggo 2.0 versi automatik pemasangan tempatan (CKD) dalam jangka tempoh terdekat,” katanya selepas pelancaran Chery A520 di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Turut hadir Pengerusinya, Tan Sri Nik Ismail Mohamed dan Pengurus Besar Pelaburan Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT), Zakaria Sharif.

Sesuai dengan reka bentuk dalamannya yang mementingkan kemewahan, A520 turut disokong ciri keselamatan mantap seperti Sistem Rangkaian Pintar Can-Bus, beg udara, dan sistem brek yang dipertingkat termasuk menggunakan sistem ABS+EBD bagi kawalan yang stabil.

Penggunaan enjin Acteco, juga mampu memberikan kuasa dan keselesaan pemanduan serta penggunaan minyak yang lebih berkesan. A520 didatangkan dalam empat pilihan warna eksklusif iaitu putih, kelabu, perak dan hitam.

Pada majlis sama, Tao turut mengumumkan penyertaan Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT) sebagai pemegang saham Chery Alado dengan pegangan 20 peratus.

Tao berkata, dengan kemasukan LTAT, Chery Alado kini mempunyai tiga pemegang saham iaitu Chery Automobile Co Ltd sebagai pemegang saham terbesar sebanyak 45 peratus, Alado Corporation Sdn Bhd (35 peratus) dan LTAT.

Mitsubishi plans to sell 500 Pajero SUVs


SHAH ALAM: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd is aiming to sell 500 units of its latest Pajero Sport by year-end.

Chief executive officer Keizo Ono said the Pajero sports utility vehicle (SUV) had proven popular with a huge fan base in Malaysia.

“We are confident that the new Pajero Sport will be much sought after by those who are looking for a stylish, yet rugged off-road SUV capable of heavy-duty usage,” he said at the launch of the vehicle on Thursday.

He said the seven-seater Pajero Sport combined the rugged qualities of Mitsubishi’s 4x4 flagship Pajero model with the stylish and sporty looks of the Outlander SUV.

“The Pajero Sport has ample passenger and cargo space while still delivering quality performance, reliability and safety,” he said.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp of Japan vice-corporate general manager (Asia and Asean) Ryujiro Kobashi said the Pajero Sport had garnered immense response since its global debut in Moscow last year.

“Over 9,000 units have been sold worldwide since last September,” he said.

The Pajero Sport comes with a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, a four-wheel-drive system and an INVECS-II (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electric Control System) four-speed automatic transmission with sport mode.

Priced at RM162,980, the Thai-assembled Pajero Sport is also equipped with dual front airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution and leather seats.

500 SUV mewah dijangka mampu dijual

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0608/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_03.1.jpg
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV generasi baru memasuki pasaran Malaysia.

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SHAH ALAM 7 Jun - Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (Mitsubishi Malaysia) berazam untuk menjual sebanyak 500 buah Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - kenderaan utiliti sukan (SUV) mewah sehingga akhir tahun ini.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Mitsubishi Motor, Keizo Ono berkata, pengenalan SUV mewah tujuh tempat duduk itu bertujuan meneruskan penguasaan pasaran dalam model tersebut selain menawarkan pilihan kepada pelanggan untuk menikmati SUV mewah pada harga lebih kompetitif dengan pelbagai tawaran yang menarik.

"Pengenalan Pajero Sport itu di pasaran tempatan adalah usaha Mitsubishi mengukuhkan lagi kedudukan jenamanya di Malaysia," katanya majlis pelancaran Mitsubishi Pajero di sini baru-baru ini.

Turut hadir Naib Presiden Besar Korporat Pejabat Asia dan ASEAN Mitsubishi Motor Jepun, Ryujiro Kobashi.

Model yang diimport sepenuhnya itu dijual pada harga RM162,980 (harga atas jalan) dengan dilengkapi enjin disel 2.7 liter yang memberi kuasa sehingga 136ps dengan kuasa tujahan maksimum 314 Nm pada 2,000 rpm.

Kenderaan itu direka untuk kegunaan atas jalan dan aktiviti lasak selain menawarkan reka bentuk sporty, dinamik, prestasi tinggi dan teknologi kawalan dan keselamatan.

Model tujuh tempat duduk ini turut menawarkan ruang luas dan ruang rekaan penuh gaya.

Bagi pasaran Malaysia, kata Keizo, hanya model automatik sahaja dibawa masuk.

Mengulas lanjut, beliau berkata, Pajero Sport merupakan model Pajero generasi keempat sejak diperkenalkan pada tahun 1982 dan selepas memasuki pasaran global apabila mula diperkenalkan di Moscow tahun lalu, sebanyak 9,000 buah berjaya dijual di seluruh dunia.

Beliau berkata, Pajero Sport boleh didapati di semua bilik pameran Mitsubishi Motors di Semenanjung Malaysia mulai hari ini manakala 10 Julai di Sabah dan Sarawak.

Model tersebut ditawarkan jaminan tiga tahun atau 100,000 kilometer pertama.

Volvo lancar kereta baru 27 Jun ini

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0615/Kosmo/Negara/ne_11.1.jpg
Kereta Volvo XC 60 yang bakal memasuki pasaran tempatan akhir bulan Jun.

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KUALA LUMPUR – Volvo Car Malaysia (Volvo) akan melancarkan kereta terbarunya, model XC60, hasil kombinasi kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) dengan kenderaan utiliti sukan (SUV) pertama di negara pada 27 Jun ini.

Menurut Presidennya, Robert Norrman, model XC60 telah tiba di Pelabuhan Klang baru-baru ini dan ia akan dilancarkan di seluruh negara setelah selesai semua urusan yang berkaitan.

“Kenderaan XC60 telah mencipta kejayaan di setiap negara yang dilancarkan. Penerimaan model ini amat memberangsangkan ekoran reka bentuk yang mengagumkan serta aspek teknologi keselamatannya,’’ katanya dalam satu kenyataan di sini semalam.

Beliau menjelaskan, XC60 yang mewakili jenama kereta mewah dalam automotif dunia bagi segmen paling kompetitif dan pantas pertumbuhannya itu telah menerima tempahan daripada pengedar kenderaan yang diiktiraf iaitu Federal Auto Cars Malaysia dan Swedish Marque.

UMW Toyota upbeat on new Vios
By LAALITHA HUNT


SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the manufacturer and distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, is confident of selling 500 units of its latest Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo variant every month.

President Kuah Kock-Heng said sales of its Vios model alone had picked up to 2,500 units per month from March and he expected its latest variant to also do well.

“We are confident that this model will continue to maintain its position as the leader in its category.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/6/17/business/p2-vios.JPG
The new Toyota Vios

“Last year, the Vios comprised 32% of all Toyota vehicles, and as at May, it had a 36% share of the total Toyota vehicles sold. With the Vios TRD, we are sure the Vios would continue its growth momentum,” he said at the launch of the Vios TRD Sportivo yesterday.

Since its launch six years ago, the company had sold more than 130,000 units of the Vios.

Kuah noted that overall sales in May year-on-year had fallen about 15% in line with the Malaysian Automotive Association’s forecast.

“We are confident that our competitive interest rates for as low as 2.38% for selected Toyota models would push sales, going forward,” he told StarBiz, adding that he expected overall sales performance to improve in the second half of the year.

Kuah said with the introduction of the TRD Sportivo package, the current Vios 1.5S variant would be discontinued. “However, other existing Toyota Vios variants, namely 1.5G, 1.5E, 1.5J automatic and 1.5J manual, are still available.”

According to Kuah, the company would continue to target young Malaysian buyers for its latest Vios model due to its economical value, performance and reliability.

The TRD Sportivo package comes with a warranty of three years or 100,000km (which ever comes first). The on-the-road price with insurance is RM90,900.

Chery sasar jual 300 SUV Tiggo sebulan




CHERY Alado Automobile Sdn Bhd, pengimport, pemasang dan pengedar kenderaan Chery di Malaysia, mengunjurkan jualan 250 hingga 300 unit sebulan kenderaan kenderaan utiliti sukan (SUV) Tiggo 2.0 versi automatik pemasangan tempatan (CKD) yang baru dilancarkan di negara ini, semalam.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Meng Tao, berkata dengan harga RM89,888 SUV Tiggo 2.0 versi automatik mampu dijual di negara ini berdasarkan permintaan dan pertanyaan pelanggan mengenai versi automatik kenderaan itu.

Menurutnya, SUV Tiggo CKD itu adalah yang pertama dikeluarkan dalam pemasangan tempatan dan dijangka mampu menarik minat lebih ramai pengguna di negara ini memiliki kenderaan berkenaan kerana harganya amat berpatutan jika dibandingkan dengan kenderaan sejenisnya.

“Sebelum ini kami membawa masuk versi manual 1.6, tetapi pelanggan yang datang mahu memiliki versi automatik dengan kuasa enjin lebih tinggi,” katanya dalam sidang media selepas melancarkan SUV Tiggo 2.0 versi automatik CKD di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Meng Tao berkata, syarikat itu yakin mampu mencapai jualan 300 unit sebulan melalui 40 wakil penjual serta pengedar keretanya di seluruh negara.


Beliau berkata, bermula semalam sehingga akhir bulan ini, pihaknya menjangkakan mampu menjual 200 unit berdasarkan tempahan yang diterima.

“Kami baru melancarkannya semalam dan dijangka dapat menjual 200 unit hingga hujung bulan ini,” katanya.

Sebelum ini, Chery Alado melancarkan model sedan pertamanya - A520, dalam usahanya untuk meneroka pasaran kenderaan mewah tempatan.

Kenderaan itu dilengkapi enjin Acteco 2.0L buatan Chery yang menjana kuasa enjin 1,971cc, model yang diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) itu didatangkan dalam transmisi automatik dengan empat kelajuan.

UMW Toyota sasar jual 500 TRD Sportivo

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0618/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_01.1.jpg
TOYOTA Vios TRD Sportivo yang lebih berjaya mampu meningkatkan penguasaan pasaran UMW Toyota.

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SHAH ALAM 17 Jun - UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMW Toyota) menyasarkan jualan bulanan sebanyak 500 buah kereta Toyota Vios versi terbaru yang lebih bergaya dikenali sebagai TRD Sportivo, tahun ini.

Presiden UMW Toyota Motor, Kuah Kock Heng yakin pengenalan TRD Sportivo akan terus mengukuhkan jualan keseluruhan kenderaan Toyota yang kini berada di paras 36 peratus berbanding 32 peratus yang dicatat sepanjang tahun lalu.

Dengan pelancaran produk terbaru itu kata beliau, pihaknya akan menghentikan pengeluaran Vios varian S yang mencatatkan jualan lebih 7,000 buah sejak 2008.

''Kami yakin Vios akan mengekalkan kedudukannya sebagai peneraju dalam kategori kereta 1.5 liter dan pengenalan TRD Sportivo dijangka terus mengukuhkan kedudukannya,'' katanya pada majlis pelancaran media versi terbaru tersebut di ibu pejabat UMW Toyota Motor di sini malam semalam.

Vios TRD Sportivo ini agak unik kerana turut mengambil kira maklum balas daripada wartawan dan penulis pemotoran dalam proses penyelidikan dan pembangunan hampir enam bulan.

Berdasarkan maklum balas itu, UMW Toyota dan TRD Asia menjalin kerjasama teknikal bagi pembangunan dan pembuatan tempatan untuk aksesori TRD terpilih yang direka bagi pasaran Peralatan Tulen (OEM) di negara ini.

Aksesori TRD Sportivo terdiri daripada aerokit , rim aloi, visor (penghadang angin) pintu dan lambang serta sistem gantungan yang ditawarkan secara pilihan untuk menjadikan kereta berkenaan lebih bergaya.

Kock Heng berkata, TRD atau Toyota Racing Development adalah satu jenama di bawah Toyota Technocraft Co. Ltd. iaitu bahagian kereta lumba Toyota sejak 1957.

''TRD cukup dikenali di kalangan peminat sukan kereta lumba kerana ia bukan sahaja memberi sentuhan penuh bergaya dengan menyediakan bahagian komponen kereta khusus tetapi juga meningkatkan prestasi kenderaan,'' kata beliau.

Harga bagi Vios TRD Sportivo termasuk insurans ialah RM90,900,000 sebuah di Semenanjung manakala di Sabah dan Sarawak ialah RM92,400.00 sebuah.

Kereta ini boleh ditempah di semua bilik pameran Toyota di seluruh negara bermula semalam, namun hanya akan mula dipamerkan di pusat pengedar Toyota pada 17 Julai.

Kelas tersendiri



http://www.hmetro.com.my/Tuesday/Vroom/20090616082334/mainpix
MENJELANG hujung bulan ini, Volvo akan memperkenalkan satu lagi model ‘Crossover’ baru yang menawarkan ciri pemanduan terbaik dan sporty.

Volvo XC60 yang diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) dari kilangnya di Ghent, Belgium bakal menjadi kenderaan lima tempat duduk termoden dengan saiz lebih kecil daripada model XC90.


MENJELANG hujung bulan ini, Volvo akan memperkenalkan satu lagi model ‘Crossover’ baru yang menawarkan ciri pemanduan terbaik dan sporty.

Volvo XC60 yang diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) dari kilangnya di Ghent, Belgium bakal menjadi kenderaan lima tempat duduk termoden dengan saiz lebih kecil daripada model XC90.


Presiden Volvo Car Malaysia, Robert Norrman, berkata XC60 menjadi tanda aras kepada Volvo dalam usaha memasuki segmen Crossover dan Kenderaan Sport Utiliti (SUV) yang meningkat dengan pantas ketika ini.

“Pelancaran ini bermakna Volvo bersedia bersaing dengan mana-mana pengeluar di seluruh dunia,” katanya.

XC60 model paling kukuh dan selamat pernah dihasilkan Volvo selain selamat.

“Saya berharap model ini mendapat sambutan sama seperti model terbaik kami, XC90.

“Apa pun, XC60 model sangat berbeza,” katanya.

XC60 dijana enjin enam silinder berkuasa turbo 285 hp selain dilengkapi sistem All Wheel Drive (AWD) bersama Instant Traction.

Model terbaru itu juga dilengkapi ciri keselamatan terkini seperti impak kelajuan rendah yang sering berlaku di bandar besar.

“Teknologi ini yang pertama diperkenalkan hasil daripada penyelidikan keselamatan dijalankan Volvo lebih 80 tahun,” katanya.

Sementara itu, bermula 15 Jun hingga 15 Ogos ini, pemilik Volvo yang membawa kenderaan mereka untuk diselenggara di pusat servis berdaftar bakal memenangi hadiah menarik, baucar sehingga RM7,000 dan Sistem Navigasi mudah alih bernilai RM2,650 seunit.

The BMW Z4 zooms in
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/06/19

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/zifor/pix_topright


The Z4 for the Malaysian market is available in two versions - the sDrive35i and the sDrive 23i

BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd yesterday unveiled the Z4, a new addition to its roadster stable.

As the German marque's first roadster with an automatic retractable hardtop roof, some BMW officials say even owners of the flagship seven-series would yearn to have one of these cars in their garages.

The Z4 is off to a promising start with a global delivery of 2,365 units since its international launch last month.

It follows the successful 200,000 worldwide sales of the previous model, which was introduced in 2002.

"In Malaysia, the BMW Z4 leads in its segment, accounting for 51 per cent of cars sold over the last three years," BMW Malaysia press and corporate affairs manager Vijayratnam Tharumartnam said.

The Z4 for the Malaysian market is available in two versions - the sDrive35i and the sDrive 23i.

The three-litre Z4 sDrive35i sells at RM558,800, while the 2.5-litre Z4 sDrive 23i costs RM411,800. Both the prices are on-the-road without insurance.

The roadster sports several new enhancements including better head and elbow room for the passengers as well as an improved degree of comfort when entering it.

The two-section roof system features a lightweight aluminium shell design which opens and closes at the touch of a button in under 20 seconds.

The two-seater convertible has luggage capacity ranging from 180 litres to 310 litres.

Besides the retractable hardtop, another first for the Z4 is the latest generation iDrive control system.

The iDrive is integrated into the instrument panel using a folding control display. It comes with eight favourite buttons on the centre console to enable users to directly retrieve saved radio stations, telephone numbers, navigation destinations and all menu items.

New Vehicle Sales In May Fall By 8.32 Pct


KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- New vehicle sales in May 2009 dropped by 8.32 percent or 3,986 units to 43,944 units from 47,930 units in the same month last year, Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said Thursday.

Sales for the first five months of the year also declined by 11.01 percent or 25,223 units to 203,760 units from 228,983 units same period last year, said MAA in a statement released here.

Out of the 43,944 units of vehicles sold last month, 40,118 units was passenger vehicle, while the remaining 3,826 units were commercial vehicle.

Production of vehicles in May also declined to 36,391 units, of which 33,473 units were passenger vehicles and 2,918 units of commercial vehicles, from 42,558 units last year May (39,249 passenger vehicle; 3,309 commercial vehicle).

Year to date production shrank by 12.7 percent to 189,974 units.

"Sales volume in June 2009 is expected to be maintained as market conditions and sentiments unchanged," said MAA on the outlook of the sector.

-- BERNAMA

BMW rolls out new Z4


CYBERJAYA: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd yesterday launched its new Z4, the first of the BMW Roadsters to feature an automatically retractable hardtop.

Press and corporate affairs manager Vijayaratnam Tharumaratnam said the BMW Z4 was the leading model in the premium roadster segment in Malaysia.

He said the model accounted for 51% of the total units sold in this segment in the last three years.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/6/19/business/p4-bmwz4.JPG
The new BMW Z4

“Based on both the critical and market reception the new Z4 has received so far, we are optimistic that it will outperform its predecessor,” he said in a statement.

The two-section roof system features a lightweight aluminium shell design that opens and closes at the touch of a button in under 20 seconds.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/6/19/business/p4-sideviewbmwz4.JPG
Another view of the BMW Z4

The two variants of the Z4, sDrive23i and sDrive35i, have retail prices (on the road, without insurance) of RM411,800 and RM558,800 respectively.

Nasim tawar Peugeot 308 Turbo

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0619/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_07.1.jpg
Peugeot 308 Turbo

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KUALA LUMPUR 18 Jun - Nasim Sdn. Bhd., pengedar kereta Peugeot di negara ini memperkenalkan Peugeot 308 Turbo yang dipertingkatkan.

Model yang dipertingkatkan itu dilengkapi dengan 'bumbung panorama berkaca' sekali gus membayangkan untuk membawa Peugeot 308 Turbo ke satu era baru selari dengan harga premium yang ditawarkan.

Menurut kenyataan Nasim, model tersebut dijual pada harga RM113, 888 (atas jalan termasuk insurans) akan berada di pasaran bermula penghujung Julai dan menjadi salah satu kereta di dalam kelasnya menawarkan ciri-ciri premium.

Bumbung panorama berkaca yang dipasang pada model itu berukuran 1.26 meter persegi atau dua pertiga dari bumbung biasa.

Pada siang hari penumpang tidak akan terasa bahang panas apabila ia dilengkapkan pelindung matahari dengan butang satu sentuhan bagi memberi keselesaan kepada penumpang.

"Gelas Athermic digunakan bagi dijadikan bumbung panorama itu nampak menarik dan turut disediakan pendingin hawa digital zon berkembar dan pendingin hawa tambahan di belakang kereta itu bagi memberi keselesaan kepada penumpang tanpa sebarang gangguan habuk, haba dan pencemaran," katanya.

Peugeot 308 Turbo telah memenangi Anugerah Tahunan Enjin Antarabangsa 1.6 liter suntikan langsung enjin turbo petrol direka oleh PSA Peugeot Citroën dengan kerjasama Kumpulan BMW.

Dengan spesifikasi yang dipertingkatkan di Malaysia, Nasim percaya model tersebut mampu mengukuhkan pasaran kenderaan tersebut di negara ini dan menarik perhatian pembeli bagi menggunakan kereta itu.

Nissan Sylphy Impul dilancar
Oleh Efindi Badarudin
efindi@hmetro.com.my


EDARAN Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) akan melancarkan Nissan Sylphy Impul yang dijana Impul dengan penampilan imej sporty eksklusif bagi kereta sedan itu.

Nissan Sylphy Impul itu akan dilancarkan esok di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang sempena Pusingan ke-4 Siri Super GT Antarabangsa Malaysia.

Pengarah Eksekutif ETCM, Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng, berkata Nissan Sylphy Impul adalah model ketiga dibangunkan dengan kepakaran sukan pemotoran Jepun.

“Pelancaran Nissan Sylphy Impul serba baru ini diadakan ketika GT Antarabangsa, bertujuan menyokong pasukan Impul selain membolehkan peminat sukan permotoran melihat varian model baru ini di Malaysia buat pertama kali,” katanya di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

http://media2.paultan.org/i/impul-sylphy-1.jpg


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Menurut Ang, Nissan Sylphy Impul ditawar untuk pelanggan yang memilih kenderaan sedan eksekutif tanpa mengetepikan imej sporty yang eksklusif.




Sementara itu, Presiden Hoshino Impul Co Ltd, Kazuyoshi Hoshino, berkata pelancaran Nissan Sylphy Impul itu menunjukkan hubungan berterusan perkongsian perniagaan antara syarikat itu dengan ETCM.

“Kami yakin mampu mencapai kejayaan besar dalam pasaran Malaysia dan kami juga mengambil masa lebih setahun bagi menghasilkan Nissan Sylphy Impul,” katanya.

Honda Malaysia to launch aggressive sales drive next month
By Adie Suri Zulkefli Published: 2009/06/23

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/honda22f/pix_topright

HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd will launch an aggressive promotional campaign next month to help achieve its sales target of 35,000 vehicles this year.

Managing director and chief executive officer Toru Takahashi said Honda Malaysia is sticking to its target despite the expected drop in overall vehicle sales in the country.

The company chalked up sales of 17,313 units for the first five months of the year, registering 29 per cent growth against an overall 12 per cent drop in the overall market.

"We have managed to place ourselves in the number one position in the non-national car market segment during the same period," he said after the opening ceremony of a new 3S (sales, service and spare-parts) centre in Bukit Mertajam yesterday.

Takahashi said the all-new Honda City is expected to continue being the driving force to meet the sales target.

Of the total 17,313 units sold until May, the Honda City topped the sales with 51 per cent, followed by the Civic (17 per cent), Accord (16 per cent) and CRV (9 per cent).

"We are confident that with the promotional campaign next month and some exciting events towards the end of the year, we will be able to achieve our sales target despite the uncertainties in the market," he said.

The new 3S centre, meanwhile, is operated by JM Motor Venture Sdn Bhd, its second Honda 3S centre in the state after Butterworth.

Also present at the opening were Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer Azman Idris, JM Motor Venture managing director Simon Ng Bak Chua, its general manager Soren Ng and management team member Ooi Wei Ng.

The centre is the 56th 3S Honda centre nationwide and the sixth in Penang.

Honda Confident Of Achieving 35,000 Units Sales Target


BUKIT MERTAJAM, June 22 (Bernama) -- Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident of achieving its sales target of 35,000 units of vehicles for this year despite the gloomy economic outlook.

Its managing director and chief executive officer Toru Takahashi said as of May this year, the company had sold 17,313 units of vehicles.

"In the beginning of 2009, the market shrunk 12 percent in four months from January to April. In spite of this, Honda gained the number one position in the non-national passenger car market segment in that period," he said at media conference after the opening of JM Motor Venture Sdn Bhd, Honda's 58th showroom, here Monday.

Giving the breakdown, Takahashi said sales of the Honda City model contributed 51 percent of the total sales for the first four months of 2009.

This was followed by 17 percent for the Honda Civic, 16 percent for the Honda Accord and nine percent for the Honda CR-V, he said.

On the opening of its new showroom in Penang, Takahashi said this was due to the growing demand in the state.

He said that over the years, the Penang automobile market increased from 39,858 units in 2002 to 46,254 units in 2006, representing a growth of 16 percent in seven years.

Since the establishment of Honda Malaysia in 2001, sales in Penang had grown more than six times, from 415 units in 2002 to 2,958 units in 2008, Takahashi said.

To date there are 58 Honda dealers nationwide, with 55 of them operating Honda 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centres, he said.

-- BERNAMA

Honda top seller of non-national cars


BUKIT MERTAJAM: Honda has gained the first position in non-national passenger car segment despite the car market shrinking by 12% in the first four months this year.

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Toru Takahashi said the company sold 17,313 units, a growth of 29%, during the five months ended May 31.

Among the units sold this year, 51% comprised Honda City, 17% Honda Civic, 15% Honda Accord and 9% Honda CR-V,” he said after the opening of new Honda 3S Centre yesterday.

Upgraded Peugeot 308 Turbo set for end-July debut
Published: 2009/06/24

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/20090624010147/pix_topright

The 308 Turbo, selling at RM113,888 on-the-road, will have a full-length panaromic athermic glass roof which offers an unobstructed view of the sky

NASIM Sdn Bhd, distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia, is introducing an upgraded version of the popular 308 Turbo from end-July.

Most prominently, the Peugeot 308 Turbo will have a full-length panaromic athermic glass roof which offers an unobstructed view of the sky. In daylight, the car provides a one-touch full-length sun-blind.

The 308 Turbo, selling at RM113,888 on-the-road, will be the only car in its class to offer the feature.

To ensure comfort for its occupants, the car is equipped with a dual zone digital air conditioner and additional rear air conditioning vents while the panoramic glass roof provides for the airy open feel of a convertible, without the dust, heat and pollution.

The 308 Turbo’s International Engine of the Year Award-winning 1.6-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine designed by PSA Peugeot Citroën in cooperation with BMW Group has an output of 240Nm of torque from just 1,400 rpm and 140hp at 6,000 rpm.
The latest win was the third in a row for Peugeot in these prestigious awards. The 308 was also the winner of the prestigious Golden Lenkrad 2007 award in Germany for the best compact car based on its design, comfort, safety and environmental friendliness. It was also the AMI New Zealand Autocar Car of the Year 2008 in its category.

Nasim said in a statement that the latest 308 Turbo strengthens its customer appeal by combining performance with economy.

In addition to its elegant and attractive appearance, still distinctive in its segment, its durability and its competitive overall operating costs, the 308 Turbo continues to be acclaimed for its excellent road holding and its ability to combine safety and driving enjoyment with a high level of comfort and convenience.

UMW sasar jual 11,800 unit Toyota terpakai


Aminar Rashid Salleh (kanan) menemani Presiden UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd, Kuah Kock Heng (kiri) melihat sebahagian kereta Toyota yang dijual di Topmark Toyota di Kuantan, Pahang, semalam.

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KUANTAN 23 Jun - UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMW Toyota) yakin mampu mencapai sasaran jualan kereta terpakai sebanyak 11,800 buah di tujuh rangkaian pusat prapemilikannya, Topmark di seluruh negara pada tahun ini walaupun berdepan dengan kesan kegawatan ekonomi global.

Pengarah Eksekutif UMW Toyota, Aminar Rashid Salleh berkata, pihaknya juga mensasarkan pembelian 11,000 kereta terpakai sebagai sokongan kepada penjualan kereta Toyota pada tahun ini.

''Daripada jumlah jualan yang disasarkan itu, sebanyak 34 peratus merupakan jualan terus kepada pembeli perseorangan manakala selebihnya secara borong kepada syarikat-syarikat kereta terpakai yang berminat membeli daripada Topmark," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan pembukaan pejabat cawangan Topmark Kuantan di Jalan Kuantan-Gambang di sini hari ini.

Aminar Rashid memberitahu, selain jualan kereta terpakai, pihaknya juga mensasarkan sebanyak 1,500 kereta Toyota baru pelbagai model dijual menerusi pusat prapemilikannya itu.

Dalam tempoh lima bulan pertama tahun ini, kata beliau, sebanyak 4,000 buah kereta terpakai berjaya dijual dan ia merupakan peningkatan sebanyak 22 peratus berbanding tempoh sama tahun lalu.

Pada tahun lalu, ujarnya, Topmark berjaya menjual 15,000 buah kereta terpakai.

Topmark juga, jelasnya, menyediakan program Pensijilan Kenderaan yang memberi jaminan sesebuah kenderaan bebas kemalangan, berada dalam keadaan baik dan diperakui oleh Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer (Puspakom).

Katanya, Topmark bukan sekadar menjual kereta terpakai Toyota tetapi juga lain-lain jenama bagi memudahkan pelanggan membuat keputusan untuk menjual kereta mereka dan membeli model Toyota baru.

Menurut beliau, pihaknya tetap menaruh keyakinan mampu mencapai sasaran jualan kereta terpakainya menerusi penyediaan perkhidmatan yang cekap dan berkualiti.

Dalam perkembangan berkaitan, katanya, UMW Toyota merancang menubuhkan 14 lagi Topmark termasuk masing-masing sebuah di Sabah dan Sarawak dalam tempoh lima tahun lagi.

Pada masa ini, tambah beliau, UMW Toyota mempunyai tujuh pusat prapemilikan iaitu di Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Butterworth, Johor Jaya, Cheras, Sungai Petani dan terbaru di sini.

Honda Malaysia Puts 125 Civic Hybrids On The Road


KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd today announced that there are now 125 Second Generation Civic Hybrids on Malaysian roads, an important milestone for the company.

Honda Malaysia has also secured bookings for 13 Civic Hybrids.

Toru Takahashi, managing director and chief executive officer of Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd said: "Honda is the pioneer and only car marque currently to offer hybrid vehicles to Malaysians.

"By driving a Civic Hybrid everyday, the owners collectively help reduce our carbon footprint by 125 tonnes annually.

"With more environmental conscious consumers in Malaysia, we believe an increasing number will opt for a hybrid, and pave the way for a greener country."

Takahashi, in a statement today, also said that companies with a policy to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are seeing the excellent benefits that the Civic Hybrid offers.

The Second Generation Civic Hybrid was launched in August last year. In February this year, a new price tag of RM129,980 was introduced after taking into consideration the tax incentives for hybrid vehicles as announced in the Budget 2009.

By year-end, Honda Malaysia has target to sell 200 units of the Civic Hybrid and will continue to build awareness of the hybrid technology amongst Malaysians.

The Civic Hybrid has also received overwhelming global demand with sales of more than 270,000 units.

-- BERNAMA

Mercedes-Benz hopes to match or beat 2007 passenger car sales
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd has set its passenger car sales in 2007 – 3,606 units – as the minimum benchmark for this year’s sales.

The company sold 4,160 passenger cars last year – its highest ever.

President and chief executive officer Peter Honegg said equalling its 2008 sales would be tough, but the impact from the current global economic downturn was not as bad as it had initially expected.

“We sold 1,500 units in the first five months of 2009, representing a 1.5% dip from the same period last year. Our target this year is to at least be at the same level as in 2007 but we think we can surpass that.

“We doubt we will reach last year’s sales,” he told StarBiz at Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd’s (CCB)110th anniversary prize-giving ceremony on Monday.

Of the 1,500 units sold, the best seller was its Mercedes-Benz E-class. The company was monitoring its daily order intake and cancellations, Honegg said, adding that so far, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia was on target to match its 2007 sales.

CCB, a local dealer of Mercedes-Benz cars, Monday presented two B-Class cars to customers.

Honegg said it was imperative for either Mercedes-Benz Malaysia or any of the marque’s dealers to offer attractive packages during a downturn.

“With normal marketing methods, we cannot survive the crisis. We would not normally give out prizes. We are doing a lot of retail activities initiated either by our dealers or in collaboration with us,” he said.

Tan Chong expects higher car sales
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


PETALING JAYA: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) is optimistic that its Nissan Sylphy tuned by Impul that was launched last month would be well received despite the current economic downturn.

Executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said the company expected the Impul-tuned Sylphy to comprise 15% of its monthly Nissan Sylphy sales.

“We are confident that the Nissan Sylphy Tuned By Impul will contribute to our overall market share despite the current economic situation,” he told StarBiz, adding that response was “better than expected” since the launch on June 19.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/7/business/b_pg07ang.jpg
Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng: ‘The Impultuned Sylphy is for discerning customers who want an executive sedan with a sporty image.’

The Impul-tuned Sylphy is a tuned-up version of the Nissan Sylphy that was launched in June 2008. The customisation is done by world renowned Japanese motorsports and Nissan- dedicated after-market tuning house, Impul Motor Racing Development.

The Impul-tuned Sylphy comes with a complete Aerokit package comprising front grille, front, rear and side skirtings and rear wing spoiler, providing a more “sporty” look.

Other added features include a sports suspension system, 17-inch rims and black leather seats.

The Impul-tuned Sylphy 2.0-litre CVT Comfort variant costs RM123,900, while the 2.0-litre CVT Luxury version is priced at RM127,900. Both models come with a three-year or 100,000km warranty and are available in four metallic colours.

“The Impul-tuned Sylphy is for discerning customers who want an executive sedan with a sporty image,” said Ang.

As of May 2009, ETCM had sold 2,854 units of its Nissan Sylphy. For the first five months this year, the vehicle contributed 8% to total Nissan sales. It has a starting price of RM112,800.

The Impul-tuned Sylphy is the third model to be developed by the Japanese tuning company. Other Impul-tuned models are Latio and Grand Livina, which were launched in April 2008 and January 2009 respectively.

Survey: Most urbanites not eyeing new cars this year
Published: 2009/07/10



Forty-eight per cent say they would not mind paying more for a used car if it comes with a warranty from a manufacturer or authorised dealer

MORE than half, or 56 per cent, of urban Malaysians living in the Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Baru and Ipoh have no plans to buy a new car or motorcycle this year, according to a survey by Synovate Motoresearch.

Close to half, or 48 per cent, said they would not mind paying more for a used car if it came with a warranty from a manufacturer or authorised dealer.

"Given the current uncertainties, it's hardly surprising that urban Malaysians are opting to hold on to their existing vehicles," Ajay Bangia of Synovate Motoresearch Malaysia said in a statement yesterday.

"However, we discovered a greater sense of openness towards the second-hand or used car market. In that sense, car manufacturers and authorised dealers should not dismiss the opportunity to capitalise on pushing used pre-approved and certified passenger vehicles to this consumer segment," he added.





The survey also indicated that urban Malaysians felt that it was important to have a vehicle, with 75 per cent admitting that it was worth the cost of upkeep. Seventy-nine per cent held the view that cars and motorcycles were not a waste of money.

"Thirty-six per cent went on to say that a car or a motorcycle makes life easy for them," said Ajay.

Synovate's survey in March covered more than 13,500 people across 18 markets.

The respondents were asked about vehicle ownership, their intention to buy in the next year and attitudes towards cars, traffic, public transport, and "green" versus "dream" cars.

The markets comprised Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and the US.

Unlike urban Chinese (36 per cent) and South Koreans (33 per cent), who said they would be using public transportation more, urban Malaysians preferred to drive their own cars or ride motorcycles.

The survey found that only 8 per cent of Malaysians would use public transportation, walk or cycle more. Forty-one per cent said they were too lazy to walk, cycle or use any form of public transportation. More than half (56 per cent) had other reasons for not choosing public transportation.

"We went on to ask urban Malaysians if they thought the price of cars should be higher to encourage people to take public transport, walk or cycle. We found that urban Malaysians were strongly against higher car prices (66 per cent against versus 31 per cent for).

"Customers don't want to deal with the inconvenience of a public transportation system that is not integrated. They don't see this as a viable alternative to the convenience and comfort that a vehicle provides," Ajay said.

Urban Malaysians also expressed a desire to own a green or environment-friendly passenger vehicle, with 39 per cent saying that if money was no object, they would choose a "green" car over their "dream" car. Sixteen per cent went on to say that their "dream" car was a "green car".

ETCM lancar Nissan Sylphy baru



KUALA LUMPUR 12 Julai - Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM) melancarkan kereta Nissan Sylphy (gambar) yang dipertingkatkan dengan kerjasama Impul di Litar Antarabangsa Sepang sempena Pusingan Ke-4 Siri Super GT Antarabangsa Malaysia.

Kereta itu adalah model ketiga yang dibangunkan dengan kepakaran sukan permotoran Jepun yang terkenal di dunia dan pakar penalaan khusus Nissan, Impul Motor Racing Development.

Nissan Sylphy juga merupakan variasi yang lebih fokus, agresif dan berprestasi berbanding kereta asal yang memenangi pelbagai anugerah.

"Pelancaran Nissan Sylphy dipertingkatkan serba baru oleh Impul merupakan komitmen untuk menyokong Pasukan Impul dan membolehkan peminat sukan permotoran berpeluang untuk melihat model baru ini di Malaysia buat kali pertamanya," menurut Pengarah Eksekutif ETCM, Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng dalam kenyataannya di sini.

Tambahnya, Nissan Sylphy dipertingkat dengan kerjasama Impul disasarkan untuk pelanggan yang memilih sedan eksekutif yang mampu memaparkan imej sporty eksklusif.

Presiden Hoshino Impul Co. Ltd., Kazuyoshi Hoshino berkata, pelancaran model baru itu melambangkan hubungan perniagaan perkongsian pihaknya yang kukuh dengan ETCM.

"Kami yakin dapat terus menikmati kejayaan besar dalam pasaran Malaysia. Kami telah mengambil masa lebih setahun untuk menghasilkan varian Impul terbaru ini dan berharap untuk melihatnya digunakan di jalan raya Malaysia.

"Kami juga amat menghargai usaha ETCM dalam membantu kami terus meningkatkan jenama Impul di Asia Tenggara," katanya.

Nissan Sylphy dipertingkat oleh Impul secara eksklusif dilengkapi dengan bahagian Impul seperti Impul aerokit penuh, sistem gantungan sports Impul, peredam bunyi ekzos Impul Blast II, rim roda aloi berwarna hitam dan kerusi kulit hitam dan karpet sepadan dengan logo Impul.

Varian Nissan Sylphy dijana oleh Impul dijual pada harga RM123,900.00 untuk 2.0 X-CVT (Comfort) dan RM127,900.00 bagi 2.0 X-CVT (Luxury), iaitu harga atas jalan bagi model warna metalik (termasuk insurans, cukai jalan, yuran pendaftaran dan yuran tuntutan pemilikan) di Semenanjung Malaysia dengan jaminan selama tiga tahun atau 100,000 kilometer (yang mana terdahulu).

Nissan Sylphy dijana oleh Impul serba baru dipamerkan secara eksklusif di bilik pameran terpilih Nissan di seluruh negara.

Jualan kereta merosot
Oleh Wan Noriza Meor Idris
wannoriza@nstp.com.my


JUALAN kenderaan baru dijangka terus kekal merosot atau tidak mengalami kenaikan kerana tinjauan mendapati sebahagian besar penduduk di bandar utama Malaysia merancang untuk terus menggunakan kereta atau motosikal sedia ada mereka tahun ini dan tidak membeli kenderaan baru.

Perangkaan Persatuan Automotif Malaysia (MAA) menunjukkan pada Mei lalu, jualan kenderaan baru jatuh 8.32 peratus atau 3,986 unit kepada 43,944 unit daripada 47,930 unit pada bulan yang sama tahun lalu.

Tinjauan Synovate Motoresearch, iaitu sebahagian daripada firma penyelidik global, Synovate, mendapati 56 peratus rakyat Malaysia yang tinggal di Lembah Klang, Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru dan Ipoh tidak merancang membeli atau menukar kenderaan kepada yang baru sebaliknya terus menggunakan kereta atau motosikal sedia ada.

Hasil tinjauan mendapati hampir separuh responden menyatakan mereka tidak kisah membayar lebih untuk kereta terpakai yang diperakui sebelumnya, jika didatangkan dengan jaminan daripada pengeluar atau pengedar sah.

Syarikat itu melakukan kajian membabitkan lebih 13,500 orang di 18 pasaran mengenai pemilikan kederaan, hasrat untuk membeli pada tahun depan dan pendirian terhadap kereta, trafik, pengangkutan awam serta kereta ‘idaman’ berbanding ‘mesra alam’.

Menurut MAA, jualan bagi tempoh lima bulan pertama tahun ini juga merosot 11.01 peratus atau 25,223 unit kepada 203,760 unit daripada 228,983 unit tempoh yang sama tahun lalu.

Daripada 43,944 unit kenderaan yang dijual bulan lalu, 40,118 unit kenderaan penumpang manakala baki 3,826 unit kenderaan perdagangan.

Dalam kenyataannya, Ajay Bangia dari Synovate Motoresearch Malaysia menyatakan, memandangkan ketidaktentuan semasa, adalah tidak mengejutkan penduduk Malaysia memilih untuk terus menggunakan kenderaan sedia ada.

Bagaimanapun, Synovate Motoresearch mendapati sikap keterbukaan yang lebih luas terhadap pasaran kereta terpakai.

Tinjauan ini juga mendapati hanya lapan peratus rakyat Malaysia akan menggunakan pengangkutan awam, berjalan atau berbasikal manakala 41 peratus malas berjalan, berbasikal atau menggunakan sebarang kenderaan awam.

Isuzu D-Max dapat sambutan hangat

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0715/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_07.1.jpg
Takashi Hata bersama-sama Isuzu D-Max yang terus berjaya menambat hati pengguna.

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KUALA LUMPUR 14 Julai - Sambutan hangat terhadap Isuzu D-Max selama ini membuktikan kehebatannya daripada segi penjimatan minyak dan ketahanan lasak menjadikannya sebuah kenderaan yang boleh diharap.

Kini, Isuzu D-Max diperbaharui dengan penampilan bergaya serta warna-warna menawan pasti menambat hati pengguna dan menarik perhatian setiap mata yang memandang.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Isuzu Malaysia, Takashi Hata berkata, ciri-ciri baru D-Max menyerlahkan nilai-nilai estetika D-Max bagi memenuhi cita rasa pasaran yang lebih luas.

"Kini dengan reka bentuk baru yang menarik, D-Max pasti mendapat sambutan hangat pemandu-pemandu yang ingin mendapat perhatian orang ramai semasa mereka memandu trak pikap yang cukup bergaya.

"Tidak kira sama ada pemandu idamkan versi 2.5 liter dengan nilai harga yang hebat atau model 3.0 liter yang versatil dan lebih berkuasa, kedua-dua versi memiliki reka bentuk yang serupa," katanya.

Ciri utama penampilan baru adalah reka bentuk gril yang menonjolkan keperkasaan D-Max. Dua bilah mendatar meningkatkan prestasi penyejukan di samping memberikan perlindungan yang lebih terhadap unsur-unsur hakisan.

Ia diselaputi dengan lapisan krom, gril baru itu memberikan D-Max satu penampilan yang menarik dan moden.

Pilihan warna yang baru iaitu, Inferno Red Mica dan Galaxy Gray Metallic, menyerlahkan lagi dimensi D-Max yang menampakkan ciri-ciri kemudaan dan garisan-garisan bergaya yang kelihatan lebih ketara.

D-Max baru itu juga dilengkapi dengan rim aloi 16 inci baru yang menawan. Reka bentuk rim 6-ruji ini menonjolkan keperkasaannya di samping meningkatkan ketahanannya untuk mengharungi apa jua keadaan sama ada di jalan raya atau semasa meredah hutan belantara.

Pembaharuan yang lain termasuk reka-bentuk anti gelincir pada permukaan anak tangga sisi untuk memudahkan pemandu dan penumpang naik turun kenderaan terutamanya dalam keadaan basah serta lampu brek ketiga baru yang menggunakan LED.

Selain itu, Isuzu Malaysia juga melancarkan D-Max Plus yang merupakan model dengan spesifikasi canggih untuk memenuhi kehendak pemandu yang memiliki cita rasa yang tinggi.

D-Max Plus dilengkapi dengan kerusi kulit diimport yang menawan dan sistem hiburan dalaman bersepadu yang terdiri daripada pemain DVD merangkap GPS yang dipasang dengan teliti ke dalam ruang 2-DIN pada papan pemuka kenderaan.

D-Max Plus bertujuan bagi memenuhi kehendak pembeli yang inginkan kemewahan semasa memandu Isuzu 3.0 liter yang versatil dan berprestasi tinggi.

Isuzu D-Max boleh didapati di semua pengedar Isuzu yang berdaftar di seluruh negara mulai esok pada harga RM71,539.20 untuk Semenanjung Malaysia, (tidak termasuk insurans) manakala dijual pada harga RM73,472.60 untuk Sabah dan RM 73,591.30 untuk Sarawak.

Motor vehicle sales not expected to improve in second half
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


This is despite the better economic outlook, say analysts

PETALING JAYA: Motor vehicle sales in Malaysia are not expected to improve in the second half of 2009 despite the better economic outlook, say analysts.

Even with improved stability in the financial markets, new model launches, a government vehicle-scrapping policy, aggressive discounts and promotional programmes by car companies, the total industry volume (TIV) was not expected to spike soon, they said.

Research firm Frost & Sullivan said it was maintaining its earlier forecast of an 8.1% decline in TIV to 501,000 units for 2009, adding, however, that sales in the second half were expected to be better than the first half.


Kavan Mukhtyar ... ‘The market volumes will still remain in the negative terrain compared with the second half of 2008.’

“The market volumes will still remain in the ‘negative terrain’ compared with the second half of 2008. However, the decline will be lesser than the first half of the year,” Kavan Mukhtyar, the firm’s partner and Asia-Pacific automotive and transportation practice head, told StarBiz.

Among the factors that would cushion the TIV decline in the second half were the economic impact of the Government’s stimulus package (which would be more visible in the second half), improved consumer sentiment and stable interest rates, he said.

Kavan also said the multi-purpose vehicle segment was expected to see further growth towards the fourth quarter with the launch of a new model by Perodua.

“We project that the second half will see the passenger vehicle market declining by 4% to 5% compared with the almost 12% decline in the first half. For the full year, we are maintaining our original forecast of 6.8% decline for the passenger vehicle segment.

“Commercial vehicles are more closely linked to industrial growth which is suffering more due to the global economic conditions. In addition the industry is also adversely affected by reconditioned vehicles,” he said.

In its 2009 second-quarter survey on consumer confidence, independent market research agency InsightAsia Research reported that individuals started feeling “less negative” about the current state of the economy and more optimistic about the future.

An analyst from a local bank-banked brokerage said he was maintaining his initial forecast of a 15% drop in the TIV for 2009, adding that consumer confidence was unlikely to boost TIV.

“Consumer sentiment and economic conditions have improved but, for big ticket items such as vehicles, this has not picked up much,” he said, adding that the impact of the auto-scrapping scheme introduced under the second stimulus plan was “minimal so far.”

He also said most consumers would be cautious about their spending habits. “People are being prudent. As some are not even expecting any bonuses, which means cutting their festive spending which may include car purchases.”

The analyst added that the slew of car launches of late was unlikely to boost the TIV in the second half.

Since May, the new vehicles launched were the Porsche Cayman and Boxster; Chery A520 sedan; Chevrolet Captiva sports utility vehicle (SUV); Audi Q5 SUV; Alfa Romeo GT Blackline coupe, Brera coupe and Spider cabriolet; Nissan Sylphy Tuned by Impul; Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV; Mazda 3 Sport; Ford Escape SUV; Chery Tiggo SUV; Toyota Vios TRD Sportivo; BMW Z4; Volvo XC60 SUV and Ferrari California.

“These models cater more to the higher-end segment, which represents an insignificant share of the market,” he said.

The Malaysian Automotive Association has forecast a 12.4% decline in the TIV to 480,000 units for 2009. It will be announcing the half-year TIV sales later this month. The TIV for the first five months of 2009 was 203,760 units.

Kavan said the TIV for the first half was expected to decline 11% compared with the previous corresponding period. Sales volume for the first six months of 2008 surged 25.9% to 277,973 units compared with 220,739 units in the first half of 2007.

Honda Targets To Sell 200 Units Accord Per Month


KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is targeting to sell 200 units of the Accord 2.0 VTi-L per month, said managing director Toru Takahashi Wednesday.

He said the new variant of the eighth generation Accord, priced at RM 149,800 on the road, inclusive of insurance, was now available at all authorised Honda dealers nationwide.

"The Accord appeals to those who aspire to make a refined and sophisticated statement and enjoy pure luxury and performance," he said in a statement here.

The Accord 2.0 VTi-L is fitted with value added features and improved styling such as a plush leather interior, arm rests and fully automated eight-way drivers seat.

To date, close to 9,900 units of the Accord have been sold in Malaysia and there are almost 600 units of confirmed orders to be delivered,Takahashi said.

The Accord 2.0 VTi-L was launched in April last year.

-- BERNAMA

Hyundai-Sime confident of maintaining 7,000-unit sales
By Goh Thean EuPublished: 2009/07/23

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/hyun22/pix_topright


HYUNDAI-SIME Darby Motors Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Hyundai cars in Malaysia, expects to maintain last year's sales of some 7,000 units this year, helped by aggressive promotional campaigns.

"We sold about 7,000 units last year. We should do about the same (sales figure) this year. With more promotional activities, we certainly hope to increase our market share this year," said Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors head of marketing, Kelvin Chuah, in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

He was speaking to reporters after the unveiling of Hyundai i30 at its Mega Motor Show in One Utama shopping mall, where models such as Genesis, Genesis Coupe and Equus were showcased.

Among promotional activities planned include offering car buyers an interest rate of 1.99 per cent, instead of over 3 per cent. The special interest rate is only applicable to selected models as well as those who apply for a five-year loan.

To date, the company has imported 80 units of Hyundai i30 into the country and expects the first batch to be sold in two to three months.

"Hatchback vehicles in Malaysia are not very popular. We hope that with i30's features and design, orders will pick up," he added.

The Hyundai i30, which will be available at sales outlets from August 1, comes with a five-year or 300,000km warranty.

"This is the longest warranty offered by any automaker in Malaysia," the company said in a statement.

The Hyundai i30 comes in three variants - 1.6-litre manual, 1.6-litre automatic and 2.0-litre automatic. It is priced between RM92,388 and RM112,888 per unit.

Used-car sales expected to drop
By DAVID TAN


GEORGE TOWN: The sales of used cars in the country are expected to drop by 10% this year from 450,000 units sold last year.

Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia president Datuk Tony Khor said that from 2004 to 2008, the sales of used cars had been between 400,000 and 500,000 units per year.

“But because of the global recession this year, we expect a decrease of about 10%,” he told StarBiz.


Datuk Tony Khor says due to the launch of the Proton Exora, the decline in sales improved to single digit.
Khor said that since last October, the drop had hit double digits every month.

“In May, due to the launch of the Proton Exora, the decline in sales improved to single digit.

“We expect the Exora, coupled with the dip in interest rates, to drive up sales for Proton to enable it to become the number one car company in the country, overtaking Perodua, which has been the leading national car company for the past 12 months,” he added.

Interest rates on loans for national cars have recently gone down from 4.1% to 3.5% and 3.65% for a five-year and seven-year period respectively, and 3.75% for a nine-year period.

On the sales of non-national cars, Khor said the hike in interest rates to about 3.4% from 2.4% and the impact of a slow economy had affected sales. He urged Bank Negara to lower the rates.

Sales of 1.6-litre capacity and below vehicles had taken about 85% of the market share in the country last year, Khor said, adding that about 48% of the cars were sold in Selangor, while about 10% were sold in Penang and Johor respectively.

Hyundai Sime Darby aims to sell 160 units of new hatchback in 2 months


PETALING JAYA: Hyundai Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd is targeting to sell 160 units of its newly launched Hyundai i30 in the next two months, according to head of marketing Kelvin Chuah.

“Traditionally, the preference is for sedan and the hatchback is not popular in Malaysia, but this trend is changing.

“The i30 is quite stylish and sexy. We hope with these features, sales of this hatchback will be good,“ he told reporters after launching the Hyundai i30 yesterday.

Depending on the response, the company would bring in more completely-built-up units of the Hyundai i30 in future, he added.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/23/business/latesthyundaii.JPG
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd managing director Dennis Ho and Hyundai Motor Company senior vice president, Asia Pacific Division , Global Business DIvision Y K Chun at the launch yesterday.
Chuah said that under the Hyundai Assurance Program, which was also launched yesterday, owners would be able to return a new Hyundai within a year if they lost their jobs and the automaker would pay up to three months of car payments before taking the car back so that owners would have time to look for a new job.

“The success of the programme in the US made us consider adopting it here so that people can be assured when making a car purchase especially in this current market scenario,” he said.

He said that there was a 2%-3% growth in car sales when Hyundai launched the programme in the US.

He said while the rest of the auto industry was expecting a slump in local car sales this year, Hyundai was expecting to maintain its momentum.

“We have sold 4,000 cars so far this year and expect to hit 7,000 by year-end,” he said.

“With the recession, maintaining that momentum would be a commendable effort,” he said, adding that the growth would be backed by its promotional programmes.

Available from next month, the 1.6-litre Hyundai i30 is priced on-the-road at RM92,388 for themanual version and RM97,888 for the automatic transmission.

The 2.0 automatic version is priced at RM112,888.

Jualan Honda naik 22 peratus

KUALA LUMPUR 24 Julai – Honda Malaysia mencatatkan pertumbuhan jualan sebanyak 22 peratus bagi tempoh separuh tahun pertama yang berakhir 30 Jun berdasarkan perbandingan tahun lalu.

Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Toru Takahashi berkata, syarikat tetap mencatatkan peningkatan walaupun keadaan ekonomi tidak menentu.

‘‘Ini merupakan satu kejayaan yang membanggakan bagi Honda walaupun pasaran dilaporkan mengalami penguncupan 9.7 peratus.

‘‘Pelanggan berhati-hati dalam membuat pilihan dan memilih produk yang bernilai dengan wang mereka,” katanya dalam kenyataan di sini hari ini.

Takahashi berkata, dalam tempoh tersebut juga, All-New City mendapat sambutan yang memberangsangkan dengan 10,868 unit terjual.

Bagi model Civic pula katanya, ia menunjukkan peningkatan jualan yang baik setelah model Civic generasi ke-8 diperkenalkan pada Mac tahun ini.

Honda Malaysia confident of achieving 35,000 sales
Bernama Published: 2009/07/29





HONDA Malaysia is confident of achieving its sales target of 35,000 units of cars this year, its managing director and chief executive officer Toru Takahashi, said today.

"Despite the gloomy economic environment, we are still upbeat over our sales with a 50 per cent contribution by the City model," he told reporters at the launch of "The Perfectionists - Presented Exclusively by Accord", event in Petaling Jaya today.

The event is a special campaign held in conjunction with the release of the new variant to the 8th Generation Accord range, the Accord 2.0 VTi-L in Taffeta White.

Takahashi said the recent announcement by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) was a reason for being optimistic about the sales growth.

The MAA has revised upwards its industry sales forecast for this year to 500,000 vehicles from 480,000 as economic conditions and consumer sentiment improves.

When asked about the competition, Takahashi said it was still very strong.

"We are trying to activate our brand image and take care of our customers," he added.

Elaborating on the Accord 2.0 VTi-L, the assistant to Honda managing director for sales and marketing department/sales division, Go Suzuki said the car was a flagship model and therefore very important to the company.

The Accord 2.0 VTi-L is an enhanced variant that was officially launched on July 15.

It is fitted with value added features and improved styling such as a plush leather interior, and functional cruise control.

Other features include a fully automated eight-way drivers seat, leather seats with power lumbar support, well located arm rests, leather shift knob, leather door lining and door mirrors with side turn signals.

So far, the sales momentum of the 8th Generation Accord has been very good with 10,000 units sold.

Honda Malaysia is aiming to sell 6,000 units of the car annually. - Bernama

Honda tingkat pengeluaran
Oleh Che Wan Badrul Alias
chewan@bharian.com.my
Sasar hasil lebih 40,000 unit setahun penuh permintaan

HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd menjangka meningkatkan kapasiti pengeluaran tahunan kenderaannya kepada lebih 40,000 unit setahun menerusi pelaburan tambahan bagi mengoptimumkan operasi kilangnya di Taman Industri Hicom Pegoh, Melaka.

Pembantu Pengarah Urusan Jabatan Jualan dan Pasarannya (Bahagian Jualan), Go Suzuki, berkata ia sebahagian pelan pengembangan syarikat untuk memenuhi permintaan tinggi terhadap kenderaan Honda, khususnya model City dan Civic.

Katanya, syarikat menyalurkan pelaburan untuk membawa masuk mesin baru yang menambah kecekapan operasi kilang yang berkeluasan 32 hektar itu.

Beliau berkata, kali terakhir syarikat meningkatkan keupayaan kilang tahun lalu yang menyaksikan pertambahan kapasiti pengeluaran tahunan kepada 35,000 daripada 30,000 pada 2007.

"Pembeli perlu menunggu City dan Civic sehingga tiga bulan. Bagi menyelesaikan masalah ini kami perlu meningkatkan pengeluaran kilang dengan menambah pelaburan.

"Kami mengenal pasti strategi terbaik meningkatkan pengeluaran lebih 40,000 setahun," katanya selepas pelancaran kempen The Perfectionists - Presented Exclusively by Accord di One Utama, Petaling Jaya, semalam.

Kempen diadakan sempena pengeluaran varian baru model Accord Generasi ke-8 iaitu Accord 2.0 VTi-L berwarna putih taffeta.

Sementara itu, Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Eksekutif Honda Malaysia, Toru Takahashi, berkata syarikat yakin mencapai sasaran jualan 2009, 35,000 unit berikutan kejayaan mencapai hampir 60 peratus daripada sasaran berkenaan setakat ini.

Katanya, dengan jualan keseluruhan kenderaan 20,500 unit setakat ini, syarikat berada pada landasan tepat untuk mencapai sasaran 2009 menerusi jualan berbaki lima bulan lagi menjelang Disember.

Katanya, permintaan baik terhadap kenderaan Honda turut meningkatkan penguasaan pasaran syarikat 2.2 peratus bagi tempoh Januari hingga Jun tahun ini.

"Dalam tempoh itu, Honda Malaysia meningkatkan penguasaan pasaran kepada 8.2 peratus berbanding enam peratus dalam tempoh sama 2008.

"Walaupun ketika krisis ekonomi dunia yang mengakibatkan kejatuhan jualan kenderaan sehingga 9.7 peratus, syarikat kekal mencatatkan rekod jualan memberangsangkan dalam tempoh antara empat hingga enam bulan pertama tahun ini," katanya.

Takahashi berkata, pengumuman Persatuan Automotif Malaysia (MAA) baru-baru ini menjadi sebab Honda Malaysia yakin mengenai pertumbuhan jualan.

MAA menyemak naik ramalan industrinya bagi tahun ini kepada 500,000 kenderaan daripada 480,000 sejajar keadaan ekonomi dan sentimen pengguna yang bertambah baik.

Sementara itu, menjelaskan lebih lanjut mengenai model Accord 2.0 VTi-L, Suzuki berkata, kereta itu adalah model kebanggaan, justeru ia amat penting bagi syarikat.

Model Accord 2.0 VTi-L adalah varian dipertingkatkan yang dilancarkan dengan rasminya pada 15 Julai lalu.

Ia dipasang dengan ciri tambah nilai dan gaya lebih baik seperti kemasan dalaman daripada kulit dan kawalan pemanduan pelbagai fungsi.

Setakat ini, setakat ini 10,000 unit Accord Generasi kelapan dijual.

Honda Malaysia menetapkan sasaran menjual 6,000 unit kereta itu setahun.

Tan Chong car sales up in H1 despite slowdown


PETALING JAYA: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) sold more cars in the first half of 2009 from a year ago despite the current global economic downturn and contraction in the local total industry volume (TIV).

Executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said ETCM’s sales rose 3% to 14,082 units in the six months ended June from 13,701 units previously due to improved customer sentiment and a better economic outlook.

“We are one of the few motor players to record better sales despite the drop in TIV,” he told reporters after the launch of the Nissan 370Z sports car and Nissan Murano sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Wednesday.

“Our target of one percentage point increase in market share to 6% (of TIV) by year-end is on track,” Ang said, adding that ETCM’s market share had increased to 5.6% in June from 4.9% a year ago.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/31/business/b_p10DrAng.jpg
Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng with the new Nissan Murano

Its best seller is the Nissan Grand Livina multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), which contributed about 44% to total sales.

Last week, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) announced that total vehicle sales for the first half of the year were 251,092 units, a 10% drop from 277,973 recorded in the previous corresponding period.

MAA also revised upward its industry sales forecast for this year to 500,000 vehicles from 480,000 as it expects economic conditions and customer sentiments to improve.

Ang said: “For the rest of the year, we anticipate a brighter outlook, in line with the MAA’s revised forecast.”

He also said there was “a lot of good news” lately that would help boost customer confidence.

“Banks are still supportive. The Government’s stimulus packages and other recently announced measures have given positive signals to the market,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ang said response had been better than expected for its newly launched Nissan 370Z and Nissan Murano SUV, which have a starting price of RM354,400 and RM318,200 (excluding road tax and insurance) respectively.

He said ETCM had sold three units each of the 370Z and Murano.

“They are targeted at a niche market. It is for customers who can demand and pay for these vehicles even during an economic downturn,” Ang said.

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/2009_nissan_370z_images_003.jpg


Tan Chong perkenal Nissan 370Z




EDARAN Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) pengedar tunggal kereta Nissan di negara ini yakin pasaran kereta mewah dan sport masih mempunyai permintaan tinggi ketika ini walaupun dalam keadaan ekonomi yang masih suram.

Pengarah Eksekutifnya, Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng berkata, ETCM sentiasa mendapat pertanyaan daripada pelanggan mengenai model kereta mewah dan sportnya walaupun dalam keadaan kegawatan ekonomi semasa.

Menurutnya, sehubungan itu ETCM memperkenalkan model kereta sport baru Nissan 370Z dan premium Murano yang diimport sepenuhnya kepada pelanggan di negara ini

“Sebelum pelancarannya di negara ini kami menjual masing-masing tiga unit untuk kedua-dua model mewah ini,” katanya selepas melancarkan kedua-dua model baru itu di Petaling Jaya, kelmarin.

UMW aims to sell 100 Prius this year
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/08/04




UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Toyota Motor Corp cars in Malaysia, expects to sell at least 100 units of the third-generation Toyota Prius hybrid car this year, says its president Kuah Kock Heng.

The 1.8-litre car, the world’s most popular and advanced hybrid car, has helped Toyota hold on to its pole position as Japan’s largest carmaker.

The car will be publicly unveiled here on Friday 7 with a retail price of RM175,000, inclusive of insurance for private registration.

The other hybrid vehicle available in the domestic market, the Honda Civic hybrid, currently costs about RM130,000.
Kuah ruled out introducing the Camry 2.4-litre hybrid sedan, also from Toyota, which is being assembled in Thailand, due to tax constraints.

The excise duty discount of up to 50 per cent given by the government to hybrid vehicles does not cover those with engine capacity of two-litres and above, he said at a media preview of the Prius in Subang Jaya yesterday.

Insiders said the 1.8-litre Prius only gets less than 30 per cent discount on excise duty.

Kuah expect “some waiting period” for the new Prius as the car has become the top seller in Japan with more than 31,000 units sold and over 200,000 units booked since its launch.

The Prius, introduced in Japan in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced vehicle, runs on either petrol or electric power.
The second-generation Prius made its debut in 2003, and as of 2008, more than 1.2 million units were sold in 44 countries.

Toyota officials said the new Prius has a powertrain that is 90 per cent newly-developed with significant improvement over the previous version.

Toyota Prius Makes Debut In Malaysia


PETALING JAYA, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- Toyota Prius, the world's popular and advanced hybrid car, made its debut here Monday, to mark a new era for the Malaysian car industry.

President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, Kuah Kock Heng, said the Prius has proven that hybrid technology was viable, durable and one of the best ways to preserve the environment while at the same time maximising natural resources.

"As a result, hybrid technology is now a mainstream option, being adopted by carmakers," he said at a media preview here Monday.

The all-new third generation Prius, first launched in the US and recently in Japan and Australia, has received tremendous response.

In Japan, in spite of the soft economic conditions, it has become the top seller with more than 31,000 units sold and more than 180,000 units booked.

The Prius is priced at RM175,000 in Peninsular Malaysia, inclusive of insurance for private registration.

-- BERNAMA



UMW aims to sell 100 Prius this year
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/08/04




UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Toyota Motor Corp cars in Malaysia, expects to sell at least 100 units of the third-generation Toyota Prius hybrid car this year, says its president Kuah Kock Heng.

The 1.8-litre car, the world’s most popular and advanced hybrid car, has helped Toyota hold on to its pole position as Japan’s largest carmaker.

The car will be publicly unveiled here on Friday 7 with a retail price of RM175,000, inclusive of insurance for private registration.

The other hybrid vehicle available in the domestic market, the Honda Civic hybrid, currently costs about RM130,000.
Kuah ruled out introducing the Camry 2.4-litre hybrid sedan, also from Toyota, which is being assembled in Thailand, due to tax constraints.

The excise duty discount of up to 50 per cent given by the government to hybrid vehicles does not cover those with engine capacity of two-litres and above, he said at a media preview of the Prius in Subang Jaya yesterday.

Insiders said the 1.8-litre Prius only gets less than 30 per cent discount on excise duty.

Kuah expect “some waiting period” for the new Prius as the car has become the top seller in Japan with more than 31,000 units sold and over 200,000 units booked since its launch.

The Prius, introduced in Japan in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced vehicle, runs on either petrol or electric power.
The second-generation Prius made its debut in 2003, and as of 2008, more than 1.2 million units were sold in 44 countries.

Toyota officials said the new Prius has a powertrain that is 90 per cent newly-developed with significant improvement over the previous version.

100 units of Prius targeted to be sold by year-end


PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd expects to sell 100 units of Prius by year-end and another 300 units next year.

Its president Kuah Kock Heng said the company would accept bookings from Aug 7.

He said the Prius had proven that hybrid technology was viable, durable and one of the best ways to preserve the environment while, at the same time, maximising natural resources.

“As a result, hybrid technology is now a mainstream option being adopted by carmakers,” he told reporters at a preview of the Prius yesterday.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/4/business/b_02kuah.jpg
Kuch Kock Heng with the newly launched Toyota Prius

On why it took so long for the company to bring in the Prius, Kuah said manufacturing costs for hybrid cars were higher.

“With the previous duty structure, it was not viable to bring in the car,” he said.

He said the 50% excise duty exemption on new completely-built-up hybrid cars last year made it possible to bring them in.

However, he said, the exemption was up to December 2010 only.

Kuah appealed to the Government to continue with the tax waiver and provide additional incentives for hybrid cars to make it viable to sell in Malaysia.

On Toyota’s move to launch the new Camry 2.5-litre engine capacity in Thailand soon, Kuah said it would not be viable for the Malaysian market as the 50% tax waiver was only for cars below two-litre engine capacity.

Meanwhile, Kuah said UMW Toyota had prepared its centres in Subang, Penang, Johor Baru, Cheras and soon in Ipoh to service the Prius.

The all-new third-generation Prius, first launched in the US and recently in Japan and Australia, has received tremendous response.

In Japan, in spite of the soft economic conditions, it has become the top seller with more than 31,000 units sold and more than 200,000 units booked.

The Prius is priced at RM175,000 in Peninsular Malaysia, inclusive of insurance for private registration. – Bernama

Toyota Prius boleh ditempah Jumaat ini

Oleh SHAWKATH AZDE
shawkath.azde@kosmo.com.my


http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0804/Kosmo/Negara/ne_11.1.jpg
DUA model mempamerkan model kereta hibrid Toyota Prius pada majlis pelancarannya di Subang Jaya, Selangor semalam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SUBANG - Industri automobil negara semalam melangkah ke satu lagi era baru menerusi pengenalan kereta hibrid terkini daripada UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMW Toyota), iaitu Toyota Prius generasi ketiga.

Presidennya, Kuah Kock Heng berkata, pihaknya menyasarkan penjualan sebanyak 100 unit kereta hibrid menjelang hujung tahun ini serta 300 unit lagi pada tahun 2010.

Katanya, jumlah unjuran itu mampu dicapai ekoran maklum balas positif yang diterima daripada rakyat negara ini serta kejayaan yang ditempanya di pasaran Jepun dan Amerika Syarikat.

"Walaupun Jepun mengalami kelembapan ekonomi tetapi Toyota Prius menjadi pilihan utama pembeli di negara itu apabila 31,000 unit telah dijual dan masih ada 200,000 tempahan lagi diterima,'' katanya pada sidang media selepas pelancaran model kereta tersebut di sini.

Turut hadir ialah Pengerusi UMW Toyota, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaluddin, Naib Pengerusi Takashi Hibi dan Ketua Kejuruteraan Toyota Prius Toyota Motor Corporation, Akihiko Otsuka.

Menurut Kock Heng, teknologi hibrid Toyota Prius mempunyai kelebihan tersendiri kerana cekap dalam pemuliharaan alam sekitar dan kurang bergantung kepada sumber bahan api.

Di samping itu, ia juga memiliki enjin berkapasiti 1.8 liter gabungan enjin petrol dengan motor elektrik yang tidak perlu dicaj daripada luar.

Honda knocks down the price
Published: 2008/10/21





HONDA Civic Hybrid will now sell between RM125,000 and RM130,000 after the 100 per cent import duty and 50 per cent excise duty exemptions on new hybrid CBU vehicles announced in Budget 2009.

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd said it had revised its sales target for the Civic Hybrid because of the new price. The car originally sells at more than RM160,000.

"We are increasing our sales target for the Civic Hybrid to 30 units per month from the original target of five units per month," Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto said in a statement yesterday.

The actual price can only be fixed in February when the first batch of the Civic Hybrid arrives in Malaysia, Fujimoto added.

"Globally, there has been overwhelming demand for the Civic Hybrid and Honda is currently facing a shortage of supply to meet the increased demand. Customers who have placed orders for the Civic Hybrid can expect to receive their cars by February 2009," he said.

Dua model baru tingkat jualan Mitsubishi

http://www.carfolio.com/images/dbimages/zgas/models/id/11579/grandis_2.jpg

http://images.paultan.org/images/lancergt1.jpg

MITSUBISHI Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd akan menjadikan model baru Lancer 2.0 GT dan Grandis 2.4 yang dipertingkatkan sebagai pemangkin kepada pertumbuhan jualan syarikat itu, tahun ini.

Ketua Eksekutifnya, Keizo Ono, berkata syarikat mensasarkan jualan sebanyak 150 unit sebulan bagi model Lancer 2.0 GT dan 60 unit sebulan untuk model Grandis 2.4, mencerminkan kepentingan kedua-dua model berkenaan kepada jualan syarikat.

Katanya, jualan keseluruhan kenderaan Mitsubishi di Malaysia tidak terjejas sepanjang tahun ini, walaupun persekitaran yang mencabar bagi industri permotoran tempatan.

Tahun lalu, Mitsubishi Malaysia merekodkan jualan 7,318 unit kenderaan yang merangkumi pelbagai model seperti Lancer, Lancer Evolution, Grandis, Triton dan Pajero Sport.

“Menerusi pelancaran model Lancer 2.0 GT dan Grandis 2.4 yang dipertingkatkan, kami yakin jualan kenderaan Mitsubishi di Malaysia bertambah baik tahun ini berbanding tahun lalu,” katanya ketika ditemui selepas majlis pelancaran kedua-dua model baru dipertingkatkan itu di Subang, baru-baru ini.

Hadir sama, Ketua Pegawai Operasi Mitsubishi Malaysia, Omar Haron.

Ono berkata, Mitsubishi Malaysia akan membuka 10 lagi pusat servis, jualan dan alat ganti (3S) di seluruh negara sehingga akhir Mac 2010 bagi menampung peningkatan permintaan terhadap kenderaan keluarannya.

Katanya, ini adalah sebahagian daripada rancangan pengembangan syarikat dalam usaha untuk mengukuhkan kehadirannya dalam industri permotoran di Malaysia.

“Komitmen kami bukan hanya menawarkan kenderaan berkualiti kepada rakyat negara ini, tetapi turut melengkapkannya dengan mutu perkhidmatan selepas jualan yang tinggi kepada pelanggan,” katanya.

Mitsubishi Malaysia baru-baru ini membuka tiga pusat 3S baru, masing-masing di Alor Setar, Miri dan Kuching.

Syarikat itu kini mempunyai 33 pusat jualan dan 44 pusat servis di seluruh negara.

Mengenai model baru Lancer 2.0 GT yang dipertingkatkan, Ono berkata ia didatangkan dengan reka bentuk hadapan yang lebih ‘sporty’ dengan sasaran kepada golongan muda.

Sementara itu, katanya, model Grandis 2.4 yang dipertingkatkan menampilkan kit badan yang baru dengan saiz bamper depan dan belakang yang lebih besar berbanding model terdahulu.

Model Lancer 2.0 GT dijual pada harga RM120,598.10 tanpa insurans dan didatangkan dalam tiga warna iaitu Putih, Hitam dan Merah Metalik.

Model Grandis 2.4 pula dijual pada harga RM160,557.80 tanpa insurans dengan empat pilihan warna iaitu Putih Mutiara, Hitam, Perak dan Kelabu.

Auto Connexion Launches New Ford Everest SUV


KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Sdn Bhd has launched another new model to boost the current line-up of Ford models available in Malaysia to four.

The new 2009 Ford Everest sport utility vehicle (SUV) comes with a fresh design and various contemporary features to suit its dominant tough image, the company said in a statement Monday.

The Ford Everest is available with either a 143PS 2.5-litre of 156PS 3.0-litre DuraTorq TDCi common-rail turbodiesel engine.

Auto ConneXion said customers have a choice of either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with the new Everest 2.5-litre.

The 3.0-litre model comes with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Retail prices for the new Everest in Peninsular Malaysia are RM145,888 for the 2.5-litre XLT (manual), RM156,888 for the 2.5-litre XLT (automatic) and RM169,888 for the 3.0-litre XLT (automatic).

For Sabah and Sarawak, the 2.5-litre XLT (manual), 2.5-litre XLT (automatic) and 3.0-litre XLT (automatic) models are priced at RM149,388, RM160,388 and RM173,388 respectively.

Auto ConneXion said due to strong demand from fleet customers, the first batch of the new Everest had already been pre-booked.

Delivery for orders made now will only start from September onwards, it said.

-- BERNAMA

SUV Ford Everest hangat di pasaran

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0811/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_06.1.jpg
Ford everest

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PETALING JAYA 10 Ogos – Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Sdn. Bhd. (Auto ConneXion) telah melancarkan satu lagi model Ford baru untuk memperluas rangkaian model Ford yang sedia ada di Malaysia kepada empat.

Kenderaan SUV Ford Everest 2009 baru menampilkan reka bentuk serba baru dan pelbagai ciri kontemporari, sesuai dengan imej teguh dan perkasa Ford .

Menurut kenyataan Auto ConneXion, Sebagai SUV paling hebat di atas dan luar jalan, Ford Everest terbaru ini dilihat teguh, aktif dan serba guna dengan keupayaan luar jalan unggul dan kekuatan Built Ford Tough (Binaan Ford Teguh), ditambah pula dengan tahap keselesaan dan perapian yang bermutu tinggi.

Katanya, Ford Everest 2009 generasi ketiga baru ini boleh didapati dengan enjin tubodiesel rel sepunya TDCi DuraTorq 2.5-liter 143PS atau 3.0-liter 156PS. Setiap satu menjanjikan tindak balas yang cemerlang dan output tork terbaik dalam kelasnya.

Pelanggan mempunyai pilihan sama ada menggunakan transmisi manual lima kelajuan atau transmisi automatik canggih lima kelajuan dengan Everest 2.5L baru. Sementara itu, model 3.0L hanya disediakan dengan transmisi automatik lima kelajuan. Kedua-dua pilihan dilengkapi sistem pertukaran elektronik sambil bergerak untuk memudahkan pemilihan mod 2WD atau 4WD.

Harga untuk Ford Everest terbaru di Semenanjung ialah RM145,888 bagi model 2.5L XLT (Manual), RM156,888 untuk model 2.5L XLT (Automatik) dan RM169,888 bagi model 3.0L XLT (Automatik).

Harga di Sabah dan Sarawak untuk tiga model ini ialah RM149,388, RM160,388 dan RM173,388. Semua harga yang ditetapkan adalah tidak termasuk cukai jalan, insurans dan pendaftaran.

Berikutan permintaan hebat daripada pelanggan kesemua stok daripada kumpulan pertama Everest baru telah ditempah. Penghantaran tempahan mulai sekarang hanya akan bermula September ini.

Ford Everest baru ini merintis beberapa unsur reka bentuk baru, diterajui oleh reka bentuk depan baru dengan kekisi krom berbilang bar selain kekisi bawah juga berwarna krom yang menjadi tumpuan.

‘‘Digabungkan dengan lampu depan melilit, gaya unik lagi tersendiri ditampilkan. Namun gaya hebatnya menyembunyikan kekuatan luar biasa yang menjadikan Ford Everest pilihan utama di kalangan pembeli,’’ kata Auto ConneXion dalam satu kenyataan.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia sells 1,869 cars in 1H
Written by Surin Murugiah
Tuesday, 11 August 2009 11:28

KUALA LUMPUR: The demand for Mercedes-Benz cars continued to be strong based on the better-than-expected sales for the six months ended June 2009, said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president for sales and marketing Florian Mueller.

The company delivered 1,869 units of cars in 1H 2009 compared to 1,912 units a year ago, which was only a slight decline of 2.2% amid the weaker economic environment.

He said on Aug 11 The Mercedes-Benz C-Class recorded a 42.8% growth with over 850 units sold, said Mueller. He said the popularity of the model was buoyed by the sales of the C230 Avantgarde range launched in 2008.

Sales of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class rose 2.1% with 148 units delivered while the E-Class saw 685 units sold.

Mueller said the top of the line Mercedes-Benz S-Class led its segment, boosted by the S 500 L model launched late last year, with 143 units sold.

BMW jamin kualiti kereta terpakai




BMW Malaysia yang memperkenalkan program kereta terpakai menerusi BMW Premium Selection mahu pembeli memiliki kereta BMW berkualiti walaupun kenderaan berkenaan terpakai dengan menyediakan perkhidmatan dan jaminan terbaik kepada pelanggan supaya mereka berpuas hati dengan kenderaan mewah itu.

Pengarah Urusan BMW Malaysia, Geoffrey Briscoe, berkata tawaran yang dibuat BMW Malaysia itu menjadi asas untuk pelanggan membuat keputusan ketika membeli sebuah kereta BMW terpakai daripada wakil jualan yang sah berbanding membelinya daripada pengimport tidak sah.

Menurutnya, BMW Malaysia juga memperluaskan program kereta terpakai itu kepada Ingress Auto, sebuah syarikat wakil jualan BMW.

“BMW Premium Selection yang pertama dilancarkan di Auto Bavaria Glenmarie pada Disember 2008 ialah program kereta terpakai yang menawarkan ciri dan faedah disokong sepenuhnya oleh pembuat utama,” katanya dalam satu kenyataan di Kuala Lumpur.

Geoffrey berkata, berikutan pertumbuhan pesat jualan walaupun ia baru dibuka tahun lalu, Ingress Auto menjadi wakil jualan kedua yang menawarkan program itu.

Beliau berkata, bilik pameran BMW Premium Selection baru Ingress Auto mampu mempamerkan sehingga 25 kereta dalam satu masa.

Kenderaan yang dijual di bawah program Premium Selection mesti mempunyai sejarah kenderaan yang diluluskan dan didokumentasikan sebagai sebahagian daripada kriteria ditetapkan.

Kereta itu juga mesti lulus pemeriksaan 72 perkara oleh pakar BMW yang terlatih, perlu diperbaharui dari segi teknikal dan wajah di samping mencatatkan perbatuan kurang daripada 100,000 kilometer.

Perkhidmatan premium selanjutnya seperti jaminan selama 12 bulan, bantuan di perjalanan dan pembiayaan individu melalui BMW Credit juga termasuk dalam program berkenaan.

Semua kereta yang dijual di bawah jaminan BMW Premium Selection boleh dilihat dalam talian di laman web BMW Malaysia, www.bmw.com.my.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0812/Kosmo/Negara/ne_11.1.jpg
MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS.

Nasim set to bring in more Peugeot models
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2009/08/13




NASIM Sdn Bhd (NSB), the franchise holder and distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, is set to bring in the Peugeot 308 coupe cabriolet and the 3008 cross-over models into Malaysia by the end of the year.

The Peugeot 3008 is a cross-over of a single utility vehicle and a hatchback.

Automobiles Peugeot general director for Asean, Dominique Dourouze, said plans are also in place to introduce the seven-seater Peugeot 5008 multi-purpose vehicle locally next year.

The Peugeot 5008 compact van - the first Peugeot to be released without a numerical and expected to be a strong competitor to the Audi TT - will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany next month.





"We would also like to bring in the exclusive and premium Peugeot RCZ coupe into Malaysia but that will be up to Naza," Dourouze said at the opening of NSB's first northern region Peugeot sales, service and spare parts (3S) centre in Juru, Seberang Prai.

Present was Naza Group of Companies joint group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.

The RM500,000 Peugeot 3S centre at the Juru Auto-City is wholly owned and independently managed by NSB for Peugeot owners in Penang, Perlis and Kedah.

Nasarudin said the company will invest a further RM500,000 in a 3S Peugeot centre in Kuching this year.

He said NSB, which had targeted to sell 2,800 Peugeot cars this year, has already sold 2,200 units.

Apart from Peugeot, the Naza Group of Companies manufactures and distributes motoring brands which include Naza Kia, Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati and Harley-Davidson.

NSB Expects 300 Pct Sales Growth For Peugeot

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/8/13/business/b_p8naza.jpg
S.M. Nasarudin S.M. Na simuddin (right) and Dominique Dourouze at the launch of the new service centre

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Aug 12 (Bernama) -- Nasim Sdn Bhd (NSB), a member of Naza Group of Companies and the official franchise holder of Peugeot Automobiles' vehicles in Malaysia, expects to record 300 percent growth in sales this year.

Joint Group Executive Chairman of Naza, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin on Wednesday said NSB increased its sales from 900 units of various Peugeot models last year to 2,200 units to date.

"We are expecting to reach our target of 2,800 units by year end," he said to reporters after opening the first Peugeot sales, service and spare parts (3S) centre in the northern region at Juru Autocity, here.

NSM also exports Peugeot models such as the 207, 407 and 308 to Thailand and to date some 100 units have been exported to the country.

With increasing sales, there is a greater need for 3S centres to provide quality service with specialised tools, Nasarudin said.

Therefore, the company has invested RM500,000 for the 3S centre here and plans to spend the same amount for another 3S centre in Kuching next month.

The centre here is equipped with the Peugeot Planet System - specialised diagnostic tools and three service bays to provide quality service to its customers up north.

"These, together with technical support from Peugeot Automobiles, will enable NSB to provide prompt and reliable services to all Peugeot owners," he added.

NSB has eight Peugeot authorised dealers and nine branches nationwide and is supported by a regional training centre and office in Petaling Jaya.

He said the regional training centre catered to Peugeot's regional markets in Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Nepal, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.newstreet.it/foto/gallery/1487/alfa-romeo-mito-01_640.jpg


Afla Romeo MiTo dilancarkan

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0824/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_04.1.jpg
aLFA Romeo Mito melengkapkan rangkaian model Alfa Romeo di Malaysia.

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PETALING JAYA 23 Ogos - Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn. Bhd. hari ini melancarkan model terbaru Alfa Romeo MiTo yang melengkapkan pilihan rangkaian model kereta mewah buatan Itali itu di Malaysia.

Pengarah Urusannya, Rajan Thurairatnam berkata, MiTo diperkasa oleh enjin petrol cas turbo 155 brek kuasa kuda (bhp) 1.4-liter dengan transmisi manual enam kelajuan dijangka menjadi pilihan penggemar kereta sports.

Menurutnya, harga jualan yang ditetapkan ialah RM153,888 tidak termasuk pendaftaran, insurans dan cukai jalan dan MiTo boleh dipandu uji di pusat 3S Auto ConneXion Alfa Romeo di Jalan 13/2 Petaling Jaya mulai Jumaat lalu.

Beliau berkata, MiTo ialah sebuah kereta kompak prestasi tinggi yang menetapkan piawaian baru dalam aspek gaya, prestasi dan teknologi.

''Ia diilhamkan daripada kereta pengeluaran terpantas, Alfa 8C Competizione dan berkongsi tahap peralatan dan teknologi yang tinggi setanding kereta seangkatannya yang lebih besar.

''Nama MiTo ialah gabungan singkatan nama bandar raya Milan dan Turin dalam bahasa Itali," ujar beliau pada majlis pelancaran Alfa Romeo MiTo di sini.

Rajan berkata, walaupun Alfa Romeo pernah mengeluarkan kereta kecil pada masa lalu dan paling terkenal ialah Alfasud yang memulakan rangkaian kereta yang kini menjelma sebagai rangkaian Alfa 147.

''Namun, MiTo amat berbeza daripada model sebelumnya. Walaupun saiz kecil MiTo bermakna ia diletakkan dalam kategori di bawah dua model tersebut, setiap unsur dalam MiTo menempatkannya di dalam bahagian prestij unggul bagi segmen pasarannya," katanya.

Peugeot Wins "International Engine Of The Year" Award


KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The "International Engine of the Year" award in the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre category has been won by the 1.6-litre, four-cylinder direct injection turbo-charged petrol engine designed by PSA Peugeot Citroen in cooperation with BMW Group.

This was announced in a statement today by Nasim Sdn Bhd, a member of the Naza group of companies and the franchise holder of Peugeot automobiles in Malaysia.

"The 1.6-litre Peugeout 308 VTi, 308 Turbo and 308 GT available in Malaysia are all equipped with variants of this award-winning, best-in-class engine," said Nasim's chief executive officer SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.

The award was judged by an international panel of 65 motoring journalists from 32 countries, and this was the third year in a row it was won by Peugeot.

-- BERNAMA

http://www.newstreet.it/foto/gallery/1487/alfa-romeo-mito-01_640.jpg



It looks like Super Rhino to me...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BlPHmfHnnI4/SdCpwwwTHfI/AAAAAAAABy4/2HxolsvI2QE/s400/RhinoHamster.jpg

111

[QUOTE=rizalhakim;41737450]http://www.newstreet.it/foto/gallery/1487/alfa-romeo-mito-01_640.jpg


Afla Romeo MiTo dilancarkan

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0824/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_04.1.jpg
aLFA Romeo Mito melengkapkan rangkaian model Alfa Romeo di Malaysia.

looks like dugong instead :lol:

UMW Toyota upbeat on new Camry
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2009/09/03

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/camrio/pix_topright


The new Camry has attracted about 1,500 orders since pre-launch sales started on July 2 and UMW Toyota expects a monthly sales of more than 1,000 units

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd yesterday launched an upgraded Toyota Camry with its president Kuah Kock Heng expecting a monthly sales of more than 1,000 units.

The Camry is a popular large sedan with nearly 71,000 units sold since its debut here in 1994. Over 28,000 units of the volume came from the current generation model launched in October 2006.

"For the past seven months this year, we have sold more than 4,300 units of the (previous) Camry," Kuah said at the launch of the upgraded Camry in Subang Jaya yesterday.

He believes the facelifted version will help retain the Camry's leading status as "the most popular mid-sized executive sedan" in the local market. It now controls 45 per cent share of the segment and accounts for 10 per cent of UMW Toyota's total sales so far this year.

The new Camry has attracted about 1,500 orders since pre-launch sales started on July 2. The car continues with all three variants. The 2.4V sells at RM174.990, 2.0G costs RM154.990 and the 2.0E, at RM144.990. Six colours are offered including a new grey metallic.

There are several changes made to the car's exterior. They included the redesigned front grill, headlamp and bumper. The rear combination lamp design and alloy rim also gets a refreshed look.

Among the new features are the smart entry and start system for the 2.4V unit, cruise control and an auxiliary jack that enables portable music and devices like iPod to be connected.

UMW Toyota upbeat on vehicle sales


SUBANG JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is hopeful of selling 82,000 vehicles this year in line with the improved economic outlook.

Executive director Aminar Rashid Salleh said the improved outlook was in line with the Malaysian Automotive Association’s revised 2009 industry sales forecast of 500,000 vehicles from 480,000 initially.

“The market has improved and we will try our best to meet our target,” he said at the launch of the company’s new Toyota Camry yesterday.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/9/3/business/p2-camryi.JPG
A model posing by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd’s newly launched Toyota Camry

UMW Toyota’s 82,000-mark target was set earlier and not revised, according to Aminar Rashid.

“We expected a tough year this year,” he said.

The company sold 101,627 units in 2008.

It sold 44,788 units in the first seven months of 2009 compared with 63,162 units in the previous corresponding period.

President Kuah Kock Heng said UMW’s best seller was Toyota Vios, which accounted for about one third of its total sales.

He said the company was targeting to sell 1,000 units of the new Camry a month.

“We have already received 1,500 bookings since July 2,” he said, adding that the Camry would account for 15% of UMW’s total sales volume for 2009.

On the timing of the Camry’s launch, given the less than stellar market sentiment, Aminar Rashid said: “The market needs excitement, especially towards the end of the year.”

Its current generation Toyota Camry was launched in October 2006.

To date, 28,000 units have been sold.

The new generation Camry comes with several exterior and interior changes, such as wider front grille, headlamp and tail lights and new seat fabrics.

The new Camry comes in three variants – 2.4V, 2.0G and 2.0E – and is priced at RM174,990, RM154,990 and RM144,990 respectively (on-the-road with insurance). The cars are available in six colours.

Aminar Rashid also said response had been good for its Toyota Prius hybrid, which was launched in early August.

“We have already received 90 orders so far. This is very encouraging. We are happy that customers are accepting our products and our price positioning,” he said.

Kuah said UMW Toyota had no plans to launch any more models for 2009.

Mitsubishi aims to sell 500 units of Triton
By EILEEN HEE


PETALING JAYA: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects to sell 500 units per month of its face-lifted version of the Mitsubishi Triton.

“We expect a 20% increase in sales with the launch of the three face-lifted variants,” chief executive officer Keizo Ono told reporters after the launch yesterday.

He said at present, Triton was selling 400 to 450 units per month.

“Since its launch in 2006, Triton sales have grown sharply and it is currently in the top two best-selling pick-up trucks in the country,” he said.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/9/4/business/b_05mitsubishi.jpg
The face-lifted Mitsubishi Triton at the launch

“From 2006 to 2007, it recorded a sharp increase in sales, marking an impactful entry into the segment. We then expanded the Triton family in 2008 by introducing the Triton 3.2 and Triton Lite models, which contributed to a strong 45.9% increase in sales over the 2007 figures.”

Ono said he expected the face-lifted model’s bolder look and improved versatility to increase Triton’s popularity and build on the success of the original Triton.

“We expect to increase our market share to 21% for the current financial year ending March 31, 2010 (FY10), with the launch of the three new variants,” he said.

From January to July, the pick-up segment had a 17.2% market share, down from 19.2% last year, he said, adding that at present, the pick-up segment contributed 60% to the company’s sales.

The fully imported Triton comes with a three-year or 100,000-km warranty and prices start from RM61,484.80 for the Triton Lite, RM87,051.80 for the Triton 2.5M/T, RM91,921.80 for the Triton 2.5 A/T and RM99,143.50 for the Triton 3.2.

Ono said the company planned to add another 10 3S centres in FY10, to be located mainly in Selangor and east Malaysia. At present, it has a total of 33 showrooms nationwide, of which six are 3S centres and 46 service centres.

Catrade-Abt lancar model VW
KUALA LUMPUR 6 Sept. - Catrade-Abt, pakar penalaan bagi kereta Audi dan Volkswagen hari ini melancarkan ABT VSR Golf GTI Mk6 dan ABT VSR Scirocco, model naik taraf terbaru Volkswagen.

Pengarah Jualannya, Helmi Ilyas berkata, kereta Scirocco versi naik taraf dijangka sedia menjelang Oktober setelah Volkswagen menampilkan model baru itu kepada pasaran Malaysia awal Oktober.

Sementara itu, model Golf GTI versi naik taraf dijangka sedia pada Disember, kerana penghantarannya akan hanya dibuat pada November.

Harga model asas Golf GTI dijangkakan di antara RM210,000 dengan RM230,000 seunit, manakala versi naik taraf berharga dalam lingkungan RM250,000 hingga RM265,000.

Bagi Scirocco, harga versi dipertingkatkan ialah antara RM280,000 dengan RM290,000 dan harga standard ialah dari RM230,000 hingga RM260,000 seunit.

Pakej versi naik taraf termasuklah unit kawalan elektronik (ECU), roda, sistem ampaian, sistem eksos berprestasi tinggi dan pakej aero, jelas Helmi.

Katanya, Volkswagen dijangka menghantar 100 unit Golf GTI dan 90 unit Scirocco menjelang akhir tahun ini.

Kira-kira 600 unit Golf GTI dan 250 unit Scirocco akan berada dalam pasaran dalam tempoh setahun selepas pelancarannya.

"Kami yakin dapat merebut 50 peratus daripada simpanannya, tetapi tentulah kami mengharapkan lebih banyak daripada itu.

"Kami merasa amat berbangga dapat melancarkan rangkaian VSR, takrif Abt bagi kit penalaan dan naik taraf terbaru kami," katanya, sambil menambah bahawa versi naik taraf baru itu dijangka mendapat sambutan hangat. - BERNAMA

Analysts: Minor impact on DRB-HICOM if GM exits JV
By SHARIDAN M.ALI


PETALING JAYA: DRB-HICOM Bhd’s bottomline will not be significantly affected if its joint-venture (JV) partnership with General Motors Corp (GM) ends on Sept 30, analysts said.

There has been speculation that the partnership between the two has been on the rocks but DRB-HICOM Monday denied via a statement that the partnership had been terminated.

GM, on the other hand, is said to be in the middle of a strategic review of its operations and business in the Malaysian market with on-going discussions but had not signed agreement with any companies yet, according to Bloomberg.

GM was believed to be talking to five parties for a new JV or partnership that included the Naza Group. DRB-HICOM and GM’s partnership was incorporated via a JV company, Hicom-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd, with GM Asia Pacific owning a 51% stake and DRB-HICOM the remaining 49%.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/9/9/business/p4-chevyi.JPG
Among the models marketed by Hicom-Chevrolet is the Chevrolet Captiva sports utility vehicle

The 10-year partnership that sees Hicom-Chevrolet as a distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia is renewable every year.

According to an industry analyst, if the agreement is not renewed, the impact to DRB-HICOM would not be overly detrimental based on the sales of Chevrolet cars in the country.

As at end June, Hicom-Chevrolet’s sales stood at 60-70 units per month with around 1,000 cars sold last year.

“The annual revenue for the sales of Chevrolet cars is close to RM1bil and if the speculation is correct, DRB-HICOM may only lose RM15mil to RM20mil in contribution at most to its annual bottomline,” he said.

Another analyst from a local research house said DRB-HICOM had many other car brands in its portfolio, including Honda, with sales of the Japanese car doing well.

“Its Honda sales stood at around 3,000 to 4,000 units per month for the past seven months,” she noted. DRB-HICOM’s other international joint venture partners include Isuzu and Suzuki.

Volkswagen Group may make KL its auto parts sourcing hub
Published: 2009/09/10





GERMAN auto giant and Europe's largest carmaker, Volkswagen Group, is looking at Malaysia as its sourcing hub for auto components in the region to fulfil its worldwide production.

Volkswagen Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Andreas Prinz said the group's global sourcing unit would set up a small department here within Volkswagen Malaysia in the next couple of months.

"They will not be looking only at the Malaysian market but use Malaysia as a sourcing hub for worldwide production," he said after unveiling three new Volkswagen models for the Malaysian market and breaking of the fast at the company premises in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

The new models are Passat CC, Scirocco and Golf GTI Mark 6. Volkswagen, based in Wolfsburg, Germany, was reportedly interested in assembling cars in Malaysia and was in discussions with several parties, including DRB-Hicom Bhd, but no concrete decision has been made so far.

Asked whether it was part of its completely-knocked-down (CKD) programme in Malaysia, Prinz said:

"We not only want to fulfil the 40 per cent local content requirement but also see the market as a really good sourcing opportunity for worldwide production.

"It is an independent programme from the CKD," he said, adding that initially the group was looking at Singapore as a sourcing hub.

He said there were many high-technology companies based in Malaysia and international suppliers have benefited and managed to fulfil their requirements.

"Malaysia is the second biggest car market after Thailand but it is the biggest passenger car market. This is why we are really keen to grow our business here," he said.

Over a medium-term, he said, the company was quite optimistic that the 40 per cent local content can be achieved.

On CKD, Prinz said he was hopeful that a decision can be made within this year.

"We are keen on entering the market but we have to see how it will be materialised. We need incentives from the government and then we have to achieve the local content," he said.

Asked how many cars would be built if the CKD programme materialised, he said: "We have not decided yet. I don't want to comment on it. It is still in a working progress. There are different scenarios that we are working on. - Bernama

DRB-HICOM, VW in talks on car assembly


PETALING JAYA: DRB-HICOM Bhd is looking at the possibility of marketing and subsequently assembling Volkswagen cars, said chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza.

“We have been talking to the company but there has been no outcome yet,” he said.

The talks with Volkswagen, Europe’s largest carmaker had been going on for sometime now, Syed Mohamed said after the company AGM here yesterday. He declined to provide further details.

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Golf GTI Mark 6 is one of Volkswagen’s popular models in the Malaysian market

On the pact with General Motors Corp (GM), Syed Mohamad said DRB-HICOM was looking at positioning itself for a new arrangement. “We believe that GM is also engaged with other parties, so we are keeping our options open,” he said.

DRB-HICOM recently denied a report that GM Asia Pacific Holding Co LLC (GMAP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM, had terminated an agreement with it for the distribution of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia.

“To date, the joint-venture and shareholders’ agreement between DRB-HICOM and GMAP is still valid. It has not been terminated,” DRB-HICOM told Bursa Malaysia recently.

According to Syed Mohamed, an exit by GM would not impact DRB-HICOM’s business as the contribution from it was not substantial. “It is very small,” he said.

GM is expected to make an announcement on the agreement with DRB-HICOM by end October. — Bernama

Bentley PV

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Suzuki Confident On Achieving Sales Target


By Santhia Panjanadan

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd says it is on track to achieve its sales target of 6,000 cars for all models for the current financial year ending March 2010.

Managing director, Ibrahim Maidin said the company's confidence was based on good sales record since June this year.

"We are 55 per cent on track now. With customers sentiment getting stronger, we are certain sales would increase for the coming Chinese New year.

"With upcoming promotions beginning November together with value-added offerings to customers, we are confident to hit our target," he said to Bernama after the company's Majlis Buka Puasa with the media here Wednesday.

He said the bulk of its total sales volume would be from Suzuki Swift, which currently comprised 85 per cent of total volume.

"Swift is our best selling model. We have been selling an average 300 units per month. But the last three months, sales volume has been more than 400 units per month.

"We have run out of stock and we are pushing for early arrival of our cars by November. So, we hope to cross 600 units per month," Ibrahim added.

He said demand for Swift was on the rise as customers were satisfied with its performance together with its low maintenance cost.

The Swift costs RM73,788 (on the road, with insurance).

Meanwhile, the local distributor for Suzuki cars will be opening another three Suzuki showrooms by year end.

"Currently, we have 26 outlets nationwide. The next three would be in Seremban, Johor Baharu and Klang Valley," Ibrahim disclosed.

The company's vehicle range also includes the Grand Vitara, SX4 Sedan, SX4 Crossover and Swift Sport.

All models are fully imported from Japan.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia Aug sales of vehicles up 2.8 pc
Published: 2009/09/17





SALES of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in August rose 2.8 per cent, year-on-year, to 48,538 units, but compared to July this year, it was down by 3,390 units or 6.5 per cent.

Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said the month-on-month decline was due to lower sales reported by Proton.

It said sales of passenger vehicles in August rose to 44,099 units from 42,864 units in the corresponding month, last year, while that of commercial vehicles rose to 4,439 units from 4,363 units.

For the eight months period to August this year, total industry volume fell to 351,550 units from 379,184 units in the same period last year.

It said sales of passenger vehicles in the eight months period fell to 319,424 units from 345,917 units in the corresponding period last year.

Sales of commercial vehicles dropped to 32,126 units from 33,267 units previously.

MAA said production of vehicles in August fell to 44,476 units from 46,316 units in the corresponding month last year.

The association also said production of passenger vehicles in August fell to 40,865 units from 42,309 units in the corresponding month last year while that of commercial vehicles dropped to 3,611 units from 4,007 units.

It said production of passenger vehicles in the eight months period fell to 293,175 units from 329,557 units recorded in the corresponding period last year, while that of commercial vehicles dropped to 28,216 units from 31,512 units.

MAA said sales volume for September is expected to be maintained as it will be a shorter working month due to the Hari Rara festive holidays. - Bernama

Sexiest station wagon in the market
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/09/23
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Car buyers here do not have the luxury of choice when it comes to buying a station wagon. There was only a handful of such vehicles launched in the past decades with the more prominent one being Nissan AD Resort.

SWEDEN's Volvo is among the few carmakers to have introduced station wagons in the country on a consistent basis. It unveiled the likes of the 740 Turbo, the 850 T5, the V40 and the V70.

The latest station wagon from the Gothenburg-based carmaker to hit our local roads is the V50.

Packaging

Actually, the V50 with a turbo-charged engine (called V50 T5) was unveiled here a couple of years ago but late last year, we received an upgrade of that very versatile vehicle.

The cosmetically-updated V50 came with a 2.4 natural aspirated engine and some notable refinements.

The new V50 is essentially the station wagon variant of the S40 sedan launched by Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd (VCM) slightly earlier as both ride on the same P2 platform.

Some car enthusiasts think the V50 is sexier than the sedan version, but the majority will have no doubt that it is the sexiest station wagon in the market.

From the front, the cosmetic changes are similar to those on the latest S40 with the "softer" nose and a grille that has a three-dimensional look with its chrome surround.

The headlights have also been redesigned, both in size and looks, and look more distinctive.

The rear end retains the distinctive vertical tail lights with the position of each of the elements changed. The bumper is also new and has a "two-piece look".

Interior changes include a redesigned front door inner panel for better storage and a new loudspeaker grille, redesigned multi-directional air vents, new power window switches in door panels and some minor changes to the instrument panel.

The thin "floating" console that is a centrepiece of the dashboard design is present and still looks good.

Along the centre console between the front seats, the changes are more significant. There is better storage and the handbrake lever has a "Z operation", which makes it easier to pull up but it is still offset to the left side, next to the passenger's seat.

For children, there are child-booster cushions at the rear, plus ISO-FIX child seat mounts on both the rear seats.

The rear seats split and fold in various combinations to allow for placement of large and bulky items, and there is a tonneau cover to shield your rear cargo from prying eyes.

The sound system is decent, and the air-conditioner is of the climate-control type with a filter.

The V50 has four-wheel independent suspension with a multi-link layout at the rear. Volvo has always held the position of being No 1 in safety, so the handling of the V50 is of the "fail-safe" type.

Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA) is also provided, this inducing a boost of pressure in the brake system when an emergency braking situation is detected.

As an additional protective feature, there is a load-protection net at the rear.

Mechanical

The 2.4-litre petrol engine is the same as that in the S40. This means it is a five-cylinder unit producing 170 bhp/230 Nm and the power reaches the road through the 16-inch front wheels via a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, (Volvo's version of manual shift option).

The V50 delivers a claimed fuel consumption of 9.1 litre per 100 kilometres.

On The Road

We took a V50 for a weekend drive to Morib and Bagan Lalang. Driving it as a family-type of person with decent speeds of 110km-130km, the stationwagon has adequate power, although it is not as fast on acceleration as the V50 T5.

With the naturally aspirated engine, the V50 offered frugal fuel consumption.

The vehicle gave comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. On the stretches that are clear and safe, the V50 was stable even at 200km/h. We felt secure as we know the brakes will do the job if we had to brake.

The V50 gave the dynamics and comfort of a sedan plus the utility of a sports utility vehicle, hence providing its owner the best of both worlds.

Price and Equipment

As with the new S40, VCM is offering the V50 2.4 at a price of under RM200,000, or RM185,900 without insurance to be exact.

This makes the V50 a much more attractive proposition against the Japanese executive sedans, especially as it has the European premium image.

Besides EBA, there are also the electronic brakeforce distribution, an anti-lock braking system and a stability and traction control system. For ladies, there is Park Assist. -By Zuraimi Abdullah

Naza edar Toyota Estima Hibrid

Oleh SHAWKATH AZDE
shawkath.azde@kosmo.com.my


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MPV Estima Hibrid pertama yang akan berada di ruang pameran Naza World dijangka menjadi tumpuan peminat kenderaan hibrid tidak lama lagi.

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PETALING JAYA - Kumpulan Syarikat Naza, menerusi Naza World akan mula mengedarkan model hibrid kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) pertama di negara ini, iaitu Toyota Estima Hibrid (Estima Hibrid).

Pengurus Besarnya, Richard Tan dalam satu kenyataan media berkata, ia merupakan kenderaan hibrid pertama yang bakal dipasarkan oleh syarikat tersebut di negara ini.

Bagaimanapun, syarikat belum membuat sebarang pengumuman mengenai harga kenderaan tersebut sehingga majlis pelancaran kereta berkenaan yang dijangkakan pada minggu ini.

Estima Hibrid itu merupakan generasi hibrid terbaru yang dilengkapi dengan THS II, yang berperanan memberikan prestasi pemanduan MPV yang lebih baik dan dalam masa yang sama memulihara alam sekitar.

Ciri-ciri THS II ini disandarkan kepada konsep Hybrid Synergy Drive yang mana ia bertujuan meningkatkan kecekapan penggunaan bahan api, pengurangan penghasilan asap kenderaan, operasi kenderaan yang lebih senyap dan prestasi keseluruhan kenderaan yang lebih baik.

BMW Confident Of Success For Its Efficient Dynamics Cars


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident that its efficient dynamics diesel-powered cars will take off well in Malaysia, its managing director, Geoffrey Briscoe, said on Thursday.

The four new diesel models are BMW 320d Sports, BMW 520d Sports Edition, BMW X3 xDrive20d executive edition and the flagship BMW 730ld.

"The timing of the introduction of these models in Malaysia is right, especially with the change in consumer sentiment towards environment," he said at the launch of BMW EfficientDynamics here on Thursday.

BMW EfficientDynamics is a continuous strategy by the carmaker to reduce fuel consumption and emission level, while at the same time enhancing the vehicle's performance and driving pleasure.

"Diesel-powered engines provide 75 percent better torque and 15 percent more horsepower.

"However, what is more impressive when compare to petrol engines is that diesel engines use up to 30 percent less fuel and carbon monoxide emission is reduced by 20 percent," he said.

He said BMW's EfficientDynamics cars could travel up to 1,000km on a single tank of fuel.

"For the layman, this means that for every six days of travel, two days are considered free of fuel cost. Most importantly, it is better for the environment," he said.

-- BERNAMA

BMW turns to diesel cars to rev up sales
By JAGDEV SINGH SIDHU


It launches four diesel-powered models to make greater impact

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd has taken a bold move by introducing four diesel-powered cars to consumers in the hope that such cars will find greater acceptance over time.

The company is banking on greater fuel efficiency and more power of the diesel-powered cars – all under the EfficientDynamics tagline – to drive acceptance and sales.

“Diesel is something we can do under the EfficientDynamics brand and get an immediate impact,” managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said at the launch of BMW EfficientDynamics yesterday.

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MD Geofrey Briscoe with a BMW 520d Sports

The cars are the BMW 320d Sports, the BMW 520d Sports Edition, the BMW X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition and the flagship BMW 730Ld.

The selling point of the new diesel-powered cars is the fuel efficiency and performance as the 320d Sports costs RM7,000 more than the petrol version.

Briscoe said BMW’s diesel-powered engines provided 75% more torque and 15% more horsepower than its petrol versions while consuming 30% less fuel and emitting 20% less carbon monoxide.

“Our new BMW EfficientDynamics enable our cars to travel up to 1,000km on a single tank of fuel. For the layman, this means that for every six days of travel, two days are considered free of fuel cost and, more importantly, it is better for the environment,” he said.

Based on a rough calculation, BMW claims the payback for the RM7,000 extra for the 320d is three years if the car is driven 15,000km a year.

The 320d without insurance costs RM255,800, the 520d RM379,800, the X3 RM333,800 and the 730Ld RM698,800. The prices include BMW’s three-year/60,000km warranty.

Briscoe said the improved quality of diesel would help and called it a bonus but the company had been planning to introduce its EfficientDynamics cars for the past 18 months.

“The time is right. There is a huge shift in environmental thinking in Malaysia,” he said.

Briscoe feels the spread of the benefits of the new diesel-powered cars by word of mouth will slowly drive up demand and sales.

BMW said the current Euro 2 standard of diesel in the country, although not perfect for its diesel engines, would not harm its performance and reliability.

All four diesel models will be available at BMW Malaysia’s 14 showrooms nationwide from this weekend.

Jaseri upbeat on sales of Porsche cars
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


Reception for new sedan models very good, says chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: Jaseri Automotive Group Sdn Bhd, the official importer of Porsche cars in Malaysia, hopes to sell 30 to 40 units of its newly launched four-door, four-seat luxury sedan Porsche Panamera cars a year, says chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir.

“Reception has been very good. We have existing (Porsche) owners and potential buyers all curious to see what a four-door Porsche sedan looks like,” he told StarBiz after launching the Porsche Panamera S, 4S and Turbo models on Saturday.

“So far, six units have been pre-sold and 16 units booked by potential customers who want to see the cars first. Hopefully, this will translate into sales also,” he added.

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Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir with a Porsche Panamera at the launch

He said other countries in the region had started unveiling the Panamera since its introduction at the Shanghai Auto Show in April.

On whether it was a good time to launch, in view of the current economic downturn, Mokhzani said: “There is never a perfect time but people are getting more confident about the economy. The stock market is moving so hopefully, it will get better.”

According to Mokhzani, Jaseri expects to sell over 100 Porsche cars this year. It sold over 120 units last year, with the Porsche Cayenne and Cayman models being its best sellers.

“This year, we are expecting a slowdown in view of the economy. But hopefully the launch of the Panamera will help boost sales for us,” he said.

In an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and boost fuel economy, the Panamera models come with a fuel-saving stop/start measure, whereby the engine is automatically switched off when the car comes to a standstill, such as at traffic lights and in traffic jams.

All the driver needs to do is to keep his foot on the brake. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his foot off the pedal.

The basic price starts from RM998,000, RM1.1mil and RM1.4mil for the Panamera S, 4S and Turbo variants respectively. All cars are built at Porsche’s plant in Leipzig, Germany.

Mokhzani hinted that Jaseri may bring in the Panamera Hybrid and GT3 RS models after their launch by the German principal next year.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia upbeat on second half sales
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/10/09

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MERCEDES-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects to sell more cars than 2007 but will not beat the volume set in 2008, its top executive says.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president Peter Honegg said sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Fuso brands for 2009 should be more than the 3,600 units registered in 2007.

But it is unlikely to match some 4,200 units sold last year, he told reporters after launching the Mercedes-Benz pre-owned car programme called Proven Exclusivity in Bandar Kinrara yesterday.

"Our sales volume was down in the first quarter but has recovered since the second quarter," added Honegg, who is also Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO.

In the first six months of this year, the company's passenger cars volume dipped a marginal 2.2 per cent to 1,869 units from 1,912 units a year ago. Sales of trucks, prime movers, buses and vans eased to 563 units from 690 units previously.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is more bullish about its second-half performance, especially when the new generation E-Class is introduced here.

A senior executive said the car, which will be coded E212, is due to be unveiled next month in three variants - E200, E250 and E300. It will boast many new features and improvements, but prices should only be slightly higher than the current E-Class.

Meanwhile, Honegg expects low sales for pre-owned Mercedes-Benz initially under the Proven Exclusivity programme. But next year, the volume is expected at 200 to 300 units as the momentum builds up.

"Proven Exclusivity is ideal for Mercedes-Benz enthusiast to confidently purchase pre-owned Mercedes-Benz as they carry the company's seal of approval on quality and performance backed with

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Used Mercedes-Benz cars at the launch of Proven Exclusivity programme

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Perang rebut pembeli kereta

Oleh AHMAD SYUKRAN ZAINUDDIN
ahmadsyukran.zainuddin@kosmo.com.my


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PERSAINGAN di antara pengeluar kereta dalam melariskan jualan kereta masing-masing menguntungkan pengguna. - Gambar hiasan.

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KUALA LUMPUR - Jika anda berhasrat membeli kereta baru, sekarang ialah masa terbaik untuk membuat pelaburan tersebut. Alasannya ialah selain harga kereta yang lebih murah, anda juga mungkin ditawarkan pakej pelancongan, komputer riba, rebat tunai, cukai jalan percuma dan rebat petrol atau diesel.

Tidak terhad kepada pengeluar kereta nasional, jenama luar juga bersaing memberi tawaran terbaik dengan trend ini dilihat berterusan sejak awal tahun ini.

Promosi sensasi terbaru turut ditawarkan oleh pengedar kereta dari China, Chery.

Beli sahaja mana-mana model kereta Chery sama ada Tiggo, Eastar atau A520, anda berpeluang mendapat pakej percutian ke Bali, Phuket dan destinasi pelancongan dalam negara termasuklah Langkawi, Port Dickson serta Pulau Perhentian. Tidak cukup itu anda juga boleh menginap di hotel lima bintang di Lembah Klang.

Bagi mereka yang mahukan keuntungan jangka panjang, tawaran pelan pembayaran fleksibel menjadi pilihan. Nasim Sdn. Bhd. yang bertanggungjawab menjual Peugeot memperkenalkan Step Ahead Flexi-Plan.

Pelan itu menawarkan bayaran bulanan yang rendah untuk model 308 VTi, sedan 407 dan model 207cc. Buktinya, dengan hanya RM899 sebulan pengguna boleh membawa pulang Peugeot 308 VTi 1.6 liter.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia pernah menawarkan komputer riba Sony Vaio P23 Pocket PC bernilai RM3,500 percuma untuk setiap pembelian trak pikap Triton 4x4 2.5.

Jurucakap Nasim memberitahu, kempen promosi yang kian rancak sempena musim perayaan dibuat bagi mengekalkan momentum jualan.

Beli kereta sebelum AFTA, kata MAA

KUALA LUMPUR - Beli kereta sekarang, jangan tunggu sehingga Perjanjian Kawasan Perdagangan Bebas ASEAN (AFTA) dilaksanakan pada 1 Januari depan.

Bagi Presiden Persatuan Automotif Malaysia (MAA), Datuk Aishah Ahmad, ramalan persatuan itu ialah harga kereta tidak mungkin turun tetapi kekal atau naik lagi apabila AFTA bermula kelak.

Alasan beliau ialah hanya duti import dari negara-negara ASEAN akan dikurangkan daripada paras lima peratus sekarang kepada sifar untuk kenderaan siap bina (CBU).

"Walaupun kita mengambil peluang ke atas import duti yang rendah sebanyak lima peratus yang ditetapkan mengikut perjanjian AFTA, harga kenderaan masih tinggi berbanding negara lain di rantau ini.

"Ada kemungkinan harga kenderaan akan naik lagi tahun hadapan seiring peningkatan mata wang asing berbanding ringgit.

"Tidak usah tunggu lama, lagipun banyak tawaran harga lebih rendah dan pelbagai keistimewaan diberikan menjelang penghujung tahun bagi menghabiskan stok,'' katanya ketika dihubungi semalam.

Analysts: 500,000 car sales for 2009 possible
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


Forecast car sales achievable

PETALING JAYA: Local automotive analysts are mostly optimistic that 2009 car sales would meet or surpass the Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) full year forecast of 500,000 units.

An analyst from a local bank-backed brokerage said the 500,000-mark was achievable despite a tendency for vehicle sales to slow down in the final quarter of the year – regardless of an economic downturn or not.

For the first eight months of 2009, vehicle sales stood at 351,558 units compared with 379,184 units sold during the same period in 2008. The MAA will be announcing vehicle sales for September later this month.

“You would need to sell another 148,442 units in the last four months of the year to reach 500,000 units. That’s an average of about 37,110 units a month,” the analyst told StarBiz.

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“Monthly vehicle sales were lowest in February at 36,675 units, due to poor consumer confidence as a result of the global economic downturn and because it was the shortest month. Sales since have been over 40,000 units a month so the MAA forecast is achievable,” he added.

In its half-year briefing in July, the MAA revised upwards its total industry volume (TIV) forecast for this year to 500,000 vehicles from 480,000 due to improved economic conditions and consumer sentiment.

At 500,000 vehicles, the TIV is down 9% from the 548,115 units sold in 2008.

OSK Research auto analyst Ahmad Maghfur Usman also said MAA’s full-year target was “achiveable for sure,” adding that TIV in the fourth quarter was expected to ease.

“Most (buyers) would prefer registering their vehicle purchases towards next year. Some are also more keen to wait for new models as it has been rather quiet lately,” he said.

On whether he expected anything from Budget 2010, to be tabled next week, Maghfur said: “I expect a more liberalised auto sector as the Government tries to lure more value-added investments.

“Nonetheless, I don’t expect any change in the tax structure. Even if there were, it would be rather minimal; otherwise it would disrupt the secondary market.”

An AmResearch analyst who monitors the automotive sector said he was maintaining his initial forecast of a 14% drop in the TIV to 479,400 units for 2009.

“We’re still maintaining (the forecast) for now as risk leans more to the upside. Fourth quarter sales typically weaken as consumers hold back purchases for new year registrations.

“Perodua’s MPV (multipurpose vehicle) launch in November could provide a boost, but meaningful registration numbers (not bookings) are only expected probably from December or January,” he said.

The analyst said sales for September were likely to be weak or flat compared with August.

“Sales typically weaken towards the end of the year. August probably marked the start (of the slowdown). September this year also coincided with the Hari Raya festivities, (meaning) a shorter working month.”

He added that sales in September 2009 were unlikely to surpass the 50,729 units sold in September 2008.

“September last year was strong, being the month prior to Hari Raya when there were a lot of promotions.”

Motor vehicle sales in Malaysia dip in Sept
Published: 2009/10/16





MALAYSIA'S vehicle sales in September 2009 dropped 5 per cent to 2,469 units when compared against the previous month, said the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

The lower volume was because of the shorter working month due to the Hari Raya festive holidays

"Sales volume for October 2009 is expected to be maintained," the trade body said in a statement released yesterday.

Motor vehicle sales for September 2009 fell 9.2 per cent to 46,069 units from 50,729 units in the same period last year, MAA said.

For the first nine months of this year, the industry registered vehicle sales of 397,619 units, a 7.3 per cent drop compared with 429,913 chalked up in the same period last year.

Of the total, about 91 per cent or 361,463 units were passenger vehicles.

September's vehicle production fell 17.7 per cent to 35,099 against 42,638 units in September 2008.

For the first nine months, production fell 11.7 per cent to 356,490 units from 403,707 units in the comparable period a year ago.

Out of the 356,490 units, 325,644 units were passenger cars.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - still not many around.

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Toyota Alphard

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BMW's X1 coming soon

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The BMW X1 ... It might be smaller than the X3 and X5 but it's still a Beemer nevertheless


IF you are looking for a smallish premium SUV that is as green as they come, hold your horses until January to March.

BMW Malaysia is expected to launch the X1 SUV then. You will have a choice of a 2.0-litre diesel and a 3.0-litre petrol versions to choose from. Plus the bragging rights to own the first vehicle in a new segment.

That’s right. This is the vehicle that is blazing a new trail that will soon see followers. The X1 will add to the X Series range that is now made up of the X6, X5 and X3.

The X1, about the size of a 3 Series, is the first X to offer a rear-wheel drive option but it’s only the all-wheel drive units that will make it to Malaysia.

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Front view of the BMW X1


BMW rolled out the five-seater X1 to the international media earlier this month at its plant in Leipzig, Germany.

Five diesel engine options vs two petrol options signals that Europeans, not the Americans, will be the X1’s biggest customers.

The X1’s emissions of a mere 136g CO2 (X1 sDrive 18d) makes it the most efficient model in its segment for now.

Expect plenty of storage spaces, a higher seating position and agility in a vehicle that is certain to turn heads when it arrives soon.

Read Starmotoring’s take on the X1 in its Oct 25 issue.

Honda sasar jualan 600 Civic Taffeta sebulan

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KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Okt. - Honda Malaysia berhasrat menjual 600 buah model Civic Taffeta Generasi Ke-8, variasi warna putih yang baru diperkenal.

Syarikat itu berkata, model baru itu dijangka menyumbang hampir 20 peratus daripada keseluruhan jualannya bagi 2009. Baru-baru ini, Honda mencapai jualan terkumpul 30,000 buah di Malaysia.

"Kami yakin model ikon ini akan terus menarik minat mereka yang sentiasa mencari kemajuan dan mencintai kehidupan," kata Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Honda Malaysia, Toru Takahashi, dalam satu kenyataan hari ini.

Civic Taffeta Generasi ke-8 1.8L dan Civic 2.0L diberikan wajah baru pada Mac tahun ini dan kini muncul dengan penampilan menarik bagi memenuhi permintaan tinggi pembeli Malaysia.

Sebanyak lebih 40,000 buah Honda Civic (Generasi ke-7 dan ke-8) meluncur di jalan raya Malaysia sejak 2001 dan menguasai 40 peratus agihan pasaran tahun lepas.

Baru-baru ini, dua lagi model Civic Generasi ke-8, iaitu Hybrid dan Civic Type-R, masing-masing melepasi tahap jualan 200 unit di Malaysia. - Bernama

Foreign firms can manufacture luxury cars in M'sia, AP to be scrapped by 2015
Updated: Wednesday October 28, 2009 MYT 12:02:19 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign firms will be given manufacturing licenses to hold 100 per cent equity in firms which produce luxury vehicles with an engine capacity of more than 1,800 cc and costing more than RM150,000 while the controversial Approved Permits (AP) system will be scrapped in 2015 under the review of the National Automotive Policy announced Wednesday.

Under the review announced by Minister of International Trade and Industy Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, the import duties of all completely-built-up (CBU) and completely-knocked-down (CKD) cars will be maintained. Incentives and exemptions will be increased to develop local auto parts so that there would no longer be parts imports by 18 months' time, a move which help do away with imported and used spare parts outfits.

Vehicles which are 15 years and above would also have to go through mandatory testing to ensure their roadworthiness but provisions would be made for vintage cars, he told a media conference to announce the long-awaited review of the NAP.

He said that the review was undertaken after extensive discussions with industry players including manufacturers, assemblers, auto parts makers, non-governmental organisation as well as car associations.

Mustapa said that there were 18 new policies and measures covering licencing, duties, incentives, technology and environment, safety and standards and APs introduced under the NAP review.

New policies and measures would be effective from Jan 1, 2010.

Under the new measures new strategic partnership between Proton and a global established Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) will be established.

Currently, Proton is in talks to establish strategic partnership with international partners.

"Up to now, Proton has yet to find a strategic partner," he said.

Elaborating on APs, he said the AP system for imports of CBU vehicles will be terminated whereby open APs for used vehicles will be terminated by December 31, 2015, which means importation of used vehicles using the AP permit would no longer be allowed after 2015.

"No new applications for open APs will be considered and franchise APs will be terminated by Dec 31, 2020," he said.

Mustapa said as part of ongoing efforts to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the automotive industry, a Fund for Bumiputera Development will also be established.

Besides this, he said that a charge of RM10,000 for each open AP will be introduced as announced in the 2010 budget last week whereby under current status, APs are issued for free.

A fund will be established to assist Bumiputera companies venturing into the automotive and other related businesses, he said.

The government would also introduce a mechanism to prohibit the import of used parts and components effective June 2011, said Mustapa.

Currently, imports of new and used parts and components were allowed without any restrictions and might in some cases affect safety and environment, he said.

A new measure under the review of the NAP is the establishment of a gazzetted price for imported used CBU motor vehicles by the Royal Customs, a move designed to stop the under-declaration of imported used-cars and abuse of the AP system.

Currently only prices for new imported CBU motor vehicles are gazetted for the purpose of duty compilation, he said.

Mustapa also said that the review would maintain the freeze on manufacturing licences (ML) for rebuilt activities.

"At the moment, new ML for rebuilt activities is frozen," he said.

He said that no equity condition is imposed for new ML under the revision of NAP.

However, the review maintains current policy on contract assembly to utilise existing excess capacity.

Mustapa said that the freeze on issuance of new ML will also be lifted for selected segments include hybrid and electric vehicles, pick-up trucks, commercial vehicles and motorcycles with engine capacity of 200cc and above.

Touching on the current rates of import duty and excise duties being maintained, he said that currently, the excise duty for CBU and CKD vehicles based on engine capacity was 75-105 per cent for passenger cars, 60-105 per cent for multi-purpose vehicles and vans, 65-105 per cent for four-wheel drives and 20-30 per cent for motorcycles. - BERNAMA

My thread still survive but my id had died for 8 times...huh...

:lol:...jadi Zombie la macam tu.

Local parts suppliers to shop their wares to European carmakers
October 30, 2009
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/business/41903-local-parts-suppliers-to-shop-their-wares-to-european-carmakers

http://202.190.175.188/index.php/business/images/stories/2009july14/130_vw.jpg

erman carmakers have been identified as an attractive
market by Malaysian parts suppliers. — Reuters pic

FRANKFURT, Oct 30 — A high-powered marketing mission of Malaysian suppliers of auto parts and components will be in Germany and France on a week-long visit from Sunday to scout for business prospects as more and more European car manufacturers seek foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs).

Malaysia, with a strong auto-parts and components supplier base, is looking to make an impact on car manufacturers in Germany such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and others that rely on a steady supply of quality products for their cars.

“We’ve already set up meetings for the suppliers with their German counterparts. We’re confident the visit will generate good business for Malaysian suppliers on a long-term basis,” said Mohamad Sabri Ab Rahman, the Malaysian Trade Commissioner in Frankfurt and the man in charge of the mission’s visit to Germany.

The visiting group comprises 12 companies engaged in a wide range of automotive parts and components from hi-tech and sensitive parts to components. Sabri said the mission’s primary aim is to help Malaysian automotive parts and components manufacturers expand their export market, and Germany and France are two attractive markets.

The visit will also provide insights for Malaysian companies on the latest technology and automotive market trends. In Germany, the delegation will visit Stuttgart and Frankfurt. Stuttgart is home to leading car manufacturers, particularly the Mercedes-Benz Group, which has significant operations in and around that city, said Sabri.

The Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) had arranged for one-on-one business meetings for the Malaysian suppliers with their potential buyers.

Sabri said: “There is good potential to contract business from the German automotive sector which sources about 80 per cent of its parts and components from overseas suppliers. In terms of contribution to the total production cost of a car, some 60 to 70 per cent of the value is accounted for by systems and modules suppliers.

“The German industry depends on innovations from these suppliers to manage its cost and value-added attributes,” he said.

According to information received from the Malaysian Trade Commission in Frankfurt, Germany is expected to produce about six million vehicles next year. This figure includes both passenger and commercial vehicles.

The value of Malaysia’s exports of automotive parts and components in 2008 amounted to US$4.35 million, up from US$4.09 million in 2007.

Malaysian companies have also been supplying automotive parts and components to Japanese and European car manufacturers. Malaysia faces fierce competition from India which has become a dominant force in the spare parts and components sector.

It is not unusual to see huge delegations of over hundred exhibitors from India showcasing their wares at the Frankfurt Automechanika Trade Fair, the world’s largest event for autoparts and components segment. — Bernama

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/11/5/business/honda.jpg
Toru Takahashi (left) and Honda Malaysia president and COO Rohime Shafie with the facelifted Honda Stream RSZ

^^price from rm158,980

Honda already sold almost 33000 cars dis year..
they targetd 38000 dis year..

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/5/business/5045849&sec=business

http://images.intellichoice.com/images/AutoShows/Big/112_05fas_ssangyong_kyron_s.jpg
Ssangyong Kyron 2.0L
price from rm110k

hehe..personal opinion, i still minat accord than camry..accord is like we put side by side with any BMW then they are siblings...camry is more like merc..sesuai untuk golongan yang 'berkenaan atau veteran'

VW Cars No Longer Authorised Dealer For Volkswagen

Bufori Plans To Launch Sportscar Next Year


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysian luxury car manufacturer Bufori Motor Car Company (BMCC) is extending its model range and plans to launch a new generation of modern sportscars.

The Bufori CS, which stands for "Compact Sports", is a powerful two-door coupe, according to the company.

The sportscar is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2010 and more details will be revealed towards end of this year, it said in a statement Thursday.

Unlike previous generations of Bufori motorcars, the Bufori CS is intentionally modern-styled, BMCC said.

Powered by a 2.0L turbo-charged engine, the sportscar will feature a lightweight composite body and offer the typical Bufori craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality, it said.

The Bufori CS is fully designed and developed by BMCC in Malaysia, the company added.

Bufori said it wanted to have a race version of its road car, in order to prove the vehicle's capabilities and performance under extreme conditions and directly applying proven racing technology to ongoing development.

This led to the creation of the newly established BMS (Bufori Motor Sports), which is the motorsport division of Bufori.

BMS in collaboration with Axle Motorsport, a company dealing in high-tech motor racing development, has developed the Bufori BMS R1 using a team of Formula One engineers, employing quality components and materials.

The BMS Axle racing team will take part in the 56th Macau GT Grand Prix on Nov 19 with the Bufori BMS R1, the race edition of the Bufori CS.

"After two years of hard work in designing and developing our new sports car, we are very proud that a racing version has been developed and will have its first public appearance at such a prestigious event like the Macau Grand Prix," said BMCC general manager, marketing and operations, Felix Haller.

"Our intention is to transfer the racing technology to the road version of the Bufori CS and bring in all the qualities for which Bufori is renowned," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Oct new car sales up 23pc from a year ago
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/11/19




SALES of new vehicles expanded 23 per cent to 46,092 units in October, from 37,512 units a year go, thanks to improved performance from all segments in the market place.

The higher volume helped narrow the year-to-date sales contraction to just 5 per cent from 8 per cent during the January-September 2009 period.

For the first 10 months, total sales stood at 443,711 units against 467,452 units registered in the same period last year.

The outlook for November should be better as market and consumers' sentiment remain favourable, buoyed by year-end sales campaign, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said.

Industry observers said the launch of the new Perodua multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) next Monday should help boost sales, particularly in the last month of the year.

Perodua will unveil the MPV on November 23 but has already taken orders for the 1.5-litre vehicle since November 13.

"Market recovery has reached close to the level before the impact of the global economic downturn in October 2009," the MAA said in its interim sales and production data release yesterday.

"The higher volume in October year-on-year was due to improved sales of MPVs, passenger cars, buses, SUV (sports utility vehicles) 4x4 pick-ups and window vans," it added.

More vehicles were produced than sold in October, with the output standing at 48,191 units, up from 46,281 units in the same month in 2008.

In the first 10 months, total production stood at 404,681 units but was still lower than the 449,988 units recorded in the corresponding period in 2008.

Forte set to herald new dawn for Naza
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/11/25

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/forte/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/forte.jpg


Local carmaker Naza Group is making a renewed charge for a considerable share of the B and C segments of the non-national makes with the new Forte sedan.

The two segments accounted for more than 10 per cent of the total industry volume, which stood at about 548,000 units last year.

B segment refers to cars like Toyota Vios and Honda City and C segment the likes of Toyota Altis and Honda Civic.

Japanese brands made up about 55,000 units of the segments' sales in 2008 with models such as Toyota Vios and Altis, Honda Civic and City and Nissan Latio and Sylphy.

Naza wants to capture one tenth of the segments' share with the Forte, which is being launched today in two engine options.

Naza Kia Sdn Bhd corporate communication director Samson Anand George said it expects to sell 6,000 units of the locally-produced Forte next year.

Pre-launch sale now stands at 300 units, since bookings were opened three days ago, he said in an interview in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The group expects to double its overall sales to 26,000 cars next year, with the Forte making up about 20 per cent.

"The Forte represents the new design DNA of the Kia group. In Malaysia, we believe the Forte will herald a new dawn for Naza and our principal, at least in the B and C segments," Samson said.

"The Forte was the first Kia car conceptualised by Peter Schreyer under the South Korean carmaker's new design DNA," he added.

Germany's Schreyer was designer of the sexy Audi TT and was roped in by Kia as its chief design officer in 2006 to help create Kia cars with a new look and character.

The Forte is offered in three trims with two engine versions - two variants with 1.6-litre engine and a 2-litre engine option.

The entry-level 1.6 Forte EX is sold at about RM75,800, the 1.6 SX sells at RM81,800 and the flagship 2.0 Forte costs RM93,800.

Samson said the Forte is locally assembled at Naza's production facility in Gurun, Kedah. It spent RM25 million on the production line there.

Industry observers said the pricing for the Forte EX and SX puts them in direct competition with Honda City 1.5 and Toyota Vios 1.5. But the former two have an edge in terms of space, size, power and other features.

They said the 2.0 Forte is a more tempting choice. At sub-RM95,000 and with full specifications like six airbags, smart key system and other features normally found only in premium cars, the car offers a better proposition than any of the Japanese models in the C segment.

"The 2.0 Forte is the only two litre passenger car here with a price below RM95,000, and perhaps RM100,000," one of them noted.

Insiders, meanwhile, said the Forte will be offered at the current prices for a limited period.

All-new version of Mercedes E-Class comes to Malaysia
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/11/26

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/eei/pix_topright

AN all-new version of Mercedes-Benz E-Class, said to be the world's most successful business sedan with 10 million units sold over 60 years, will be launched in Malaysia today.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia does not set any sales target but vice-president of sales and marketing Florian Mueller is overwhelmed with the pre-sales bookings.

"The pre-launch sales is overwhelming with about 600 units booked so far even though we have not conveyed the pricing to our customers," Mueller said at the media preview of the E-Class in Seri Kembangan yesterday.

For a start, distributor Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd is offering a locally-produced E300 Avantgarde, and two fully-imported units, the E250 CGI Coupe and E350 V6 Coupe.

The E300 Avantgarde, produced at DRB-HICOM Bhd's manufacturing facility in Pahang, sells at RM455,888. The E250 coupe and E350 coupe are sold at RM485,888 and RM666,888 respectively.

Mueller said other versions of the E-Class, including the E200 and E250, will be introduced here "sooner than expected".

The new E-Class is the successor to a model that has been successful worldwide, with sales of more than 1.3 million units since 2002.

In Malaysia, sales of the predecessor model stands at 1,500 units so far this year.

To boost sales, Mueller said 16 Mercedes-Benz dealers will open their doors during the school holidays this Saturday and Sunday, and next weekend, for customers to view and buy the new E-Class and other Mercedes-Benz models.

The new E-Class sports vast improvement and refinement in the interior and exterior. Standard features include a drowsiness detection system called Attention Assist, adaptive high beam and parking guidance system.

New technologies in the car helps reduce fuel consumption by up to 22 per cent, while lowering CO2 emission.

Senior company executives claimed that more than 40 per cent of all saloons in the premium segment in Germany have the "E" in their model designation.

In many western European countries, the E-Class is the number one in the luxury class, they said.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/11/26/business/b_p6Florian.jpg
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/26/business/5182683&sec=business

new
Ford Mondeo
entering Malaysia nex year
price from RM178,888

http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/01/ford_mondeo_2008-th.jpg

Ford S-Max
http://puregreencars.com/files/2009-Ford-S-Max.jpg

Ford Fiesta
http://www.autoindiaforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/new-ford-fiesta-2.jpg

Do you want bullet-proof cars? Here is one


KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd, the sole dealer for Land Rover vehicles in the country, is offering armoured Land Rovers for the first time in the Malaysian market.

Managing director Hazem Abdul Rahman said the vehicles were ideal for government agencies, security organisations, heads of states, foreign embassies and wealthy private individuals.

“We are thankful that Malaysia is safe compared with a lot of other countries. But when it comes to security, there should be no compromise or complacency,” he said at a briefing yesterday.

On the potential demand for these vehicles in Malaysia, Hazem said: “It’s difficult to say, as Malaysia is not a country with high security risk. We expect small numbers and target to sell fewer than five units for 2010.”

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/12/16/business/b_05rover.jpg
From left: British High Commissioner to Malaysia Boyd McCleary, Hazem Abdul Rahman and John Wright with the armourplated Range Rover at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

At the briefing session, two armoured Land Rover units were showcased – the Range Rover and Discovery 3.

Hazem said the armoured versions cost more than the standard versions due to the added accessories.

The retail prices for the Range Rover and Discovery are RM3.9mil and RM2.1mil respectively.

The armour-plating also adds 700kg-800kg to the weight of the vehicles.

However, the exterior of the armoured and standard versions are virtually indistinguishable when compared visually.

The armoured Range Rover provides B6-level ballistic and blast protection in accordance with European standard EN1063 while the armoured Discovery meets the EN1522 standard.

This means that they are resistant to attacks from a comprehensive range of hand guns and rifles, including the AK47, AK74, M16 and M60, as well as side blasts from high-explosive materials.

Hazem said BMW was the only other marque that offered armour-plated vehicles.

“As far as we know, BMW does market armoured vehicles in Malaysia. We don’t know of any other brands,” he said.

Meanwhile, Land Rover government and direct sales manager John Wright said there was a global demand of 15,000 armoured vehicles per year, adding that vehicles offering B6 and B7-level protection comprised 2,000 units per year.

“With growing political unrest and many (previously safe) countries becoming unsafe, there is growing concern for safety,” he said.

Are you looking for a Rolls-Royce? Here are two models
By AU KA-SHING
waaa....rolls royce in malaysia

GM: High end cars for people who have arrived

PETALING JAYA: Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd has launched two Rolls-Royce car models, the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupe.

General manager Richard Tan said both the luxury sedan and open top “cruiser” were targeted at the “chosen few”.

“These are serious motor cars and it is for the people who have arrived and achieved.

“Naza is no doubt the first company to bring in the Rolls-Royce Phantom (sedan) and the Drophead Coupe,” he said yesterday at the launch of the cars here.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/12/16/business/b_02richard.jpg
Richard Tan with the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

“Buying the car has the same concept and value as why people want to buy a Van Gough painting, even though all you do is look at the painting,” Tan added.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan sells for RM2.984mil while the Drophead Coupe is going for RM2.889mil.

“Sales of the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Drophead Coupe will not be affected by the economic (climate in) 2010,” said marketing executive Jonathan Ong.

The company is targeting a yearly sale of five units, noting that while the new models currently have no one on the wait-list, the number of customer enquiries has been encouraging.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is powered by a 6.75-litre V12 engine while the Drophead Coupe is fitted with a BMW 6.8-litre, 48-valve direct-injection V12 engine.

The new Rolls-Royce models are available for viewing at the Naza World showroom at the Federal Highway here.

Car sales up 10.6pc in November
Published: 2009/12/22





MALAYSIA'S car sales in November rose 10.6 per cent from a year ago, the second consecutive month of expansion.

Sales rose to 45,200 units in November from 40,865 units before as market conditions improved, said the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) in a statement.

Motor sales expanded 22.9 per cent year-on-year in October suggesting the worst is over for the industry.

Malaysia is Southeast Asia's biggest passenger car market with annual sales estimated at 500,000.

"The year-on-year expansion of sales volume is expected to continue in December, although the month-on-month volume is likely to be lower," said MAA.

December is usually the slowest month as buyers prefer to take delivery of new vehicles in 2010.

Less vehicles were produced than sold in November, with the output standing at 48,431 units, up from 40,074 units in the same month in 2008.

In the first 11 months, total production stood at 444,755 units but was still lower than the 498,419 units recorded in the corresponding period in 2008.

New team to steer Porsche sales in Malaysia
By Ben TanPublished: 2009/12/25

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/PORSCHE/front_top

High-Performance German marque Porsche will soon have a new importer and distributor in Malaysia come next year.

It is learnt that Jaseri Automotive Group Sdn Bhd (JAG), the official importer of Porsche cars here, will soon cease to represent the famed brand.

Automotive industry sources told Business Times that by next year, a company under Sime Darby Bhd will take over this responsibility.

They said that talks are close to being finalised with the new Porsche importers in Malaysia and work is under way to prepare for the brand to come under its wing.

"Sime Darby is keen to start the Porsche operations by early next year where they will operate as a separate entity parked under the group.

"Porsche will most probably follow the dedicated set-up of BMW and Hyundai which are the other two independent brands under the group," said the sources, who could not be named as they are not authorised to speak to the media.

JAG, controlled by oil and gas entrepreneur Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, has been active in promoting the Porsche brand since acquiring it in 2001.

When contacted yesterday, Mokhzani, who is also JAG chairman, said his organisation was still the official importers.

"I'm aware of the situation, but I have nothing to comment at this point in time," he said, adding that it was still early for him to comment.

It is learnt that once Sime Darby acquires the Porsche franchise, Mokhzani may have a small stake in the business and end up as a director of the new entity.

Porsche Asia-Pacific, when contacted by telephone, confirmed that there have been talks over the new importers of the Porsche brand in Malaysia.

However, the regional principal declined to elaborate and clarified that any official statements on the current Malaysian operations will only be issued next year.

Datuk Aishah Ahmad, the head of corporate affairs for Sime Darby's motor division, also declined to comment.

Sime Darby, a leading multi-national conglomerate involved in plantations, healthcare, property, industrial and energy, also has an automotive arm.

At present, its motor division handles several well-known brands such as BMW, Hyundai, Land Rover, Alfa Romeo and also Ford.

The last three brands are parked at one of Sime Darby's subsidiaries called Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd.

BMW and Hyundai are separate entities with their own dedicated showrooms and service centres.

Earlier rumours had pointed that the new franchise owner as the Naza group of companies. The privately-owned group was said to be eyeing the Porsche brand for several years as acquiring it will complete their line-up of exotic cars that include Ferrari and Maserati.

In October, JAG created waves locally by introducing the much-awaited Porsche Panamera shortly after its global launch in April this year.

At that time, JAG was upbeat about selling 30 to 40 units of the Panamera four-door, four-seat luxury sedan per year. The basic price starts from RM998,000, RM1.1 million and RM1.4 million for the Panamera S, 4S and Turbo variants respectively.

JAG is headquartered in Glenmarie in Shah Alam and has a dedicated showroom, service and parts centre. It also operates in Penang.

Forte set to herald new dawn for Naza
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/11/25

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/forte/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/forte.jpg


When I bought my Myvi 4 years ago, there weren't many choices and already popular Vios was out of my price range. Then, I was thinking to change to Vios and then City came with new model. :nuts:

Now I'm thinking of changing my Myvi to City and then Forte pops out of nowhere.


Have to choose between City and Forte.

^^honda city plzz :)

Toyota Vellfire (probably the first ever to be registered in Sabah:gossip:)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2591/4220017239_233a51f62e_o.jpg

Volvo Car Malaysia To Bring In New S60 Sedan Model This Year

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/volvos60-31122_1_5_opt.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd plans to bring in the new S60 compact executive sedan model in a completely built unit form later this year, says Sales and Marketing Director for Asia Peter Johnson.

"We are proposing to bring in the S60 into the market later this year. A small number of S60 is coming in to test the market appetite for Volvo sedan," he told reporters at "A date with Volvo Cars designer Simon Lamarre" here today.

Johnson said the S60 sedan, to be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March, will compete head-to-head with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

He also said Volvo Car Malaysia would introduce the facelift variant of C30 and C70 models this year in a bid to increase sales and market share in the Malaysian market.

Asked on Volvo's market share in Malaysia, Johnson said Volvo Car Malaysia would take aggressive action in the next 12 to 18 months to strengthen its position in Malaysia and Asia markets.

"We're rebuilding and reinforcing our investments in the region to ensure we sell a higher volume in the future," he said.

Asked on car sales prospects in the region, Johnson said: "We're excited on the market. We believe this is the time Southeast Asia car market will grow quite significantly."

On the proposed acquisition of the Swedish unit of Ford Motor Company by Chinese automaker, Geely, Johnson said negotiations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Volvo C30 Chief Designer Lamarre said Volvo cars would have more variations and sophisticated features in future to meet customer needs.

-- BERNAMA

Most Expensive Road Tax In Malaysia? RM 8,247...:nuts:

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz317/rockyroad80/Cars/lamborghini-roadtax.jpg

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz317/rockyroad80/Cars/lamborghini-murcielago.jpg

that’s the amount required to pay for the road tax of this Lamborghini.If you can afford to buy this supercar, you should be able to pay for the expensive road tax, insurance, fuel and etc.Lamborghini Murcielago which is a sports car produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini.The Murciélago is a high-performance two-door, two-seat coupé, powered by an evolution of the Lamborghini V12 engine.

VVIP's Official Cars

Yang DiPertuan Agong
http://kereta.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sultans-car-in-malaysia-spb-yang-di-pertuan-agong.jpg

Sultan Pahang
http://kereta.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sultans-car-in-malaysia-sultan-pahang-car.jpg

Sultan Selangor
http://kereta.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sultans-car-in-malaysia-sultan-selangor.jpg

Sultan Kedah
http://kereta.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sultans-car-in-malaysia-sultan-kedah.jpg

YDP Sarawak
http://kereta.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sultans-car-in-malaysia-ydp-sarawak.jpg

YDP Malacca
http://kereta.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sultans-car-in-malaysia-ydp-melaka.jpg

Tengku Mahkota Pahang
http://kereta.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sultans-car-in-malaysia-tengku-mahkota-pahang.jpg

The PM's Official Car:lol:
http://kereta.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sultans-car-in-malaysia-malaysia-prime-minister.jpg

Pipe down, local Toyotas
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 17:07

PETALING JAYA - Toyota's Malaysian distributor UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has given an assurance that the cars sold locally are not defective in any way as sales of Toyota have been frozen in the United States to check on sticking accelerator pedals.

Toyota cars in Malaysia do not suffer from any defects and are safe, said a UMW Toyota Motor spokesman, Hanizah Hassan.

Business as usual

“We have not recalled any cars," Hanizah told Malaysian Mirror.

"We will issue a public statement on the matter soon as part of our social responsibility.”

According to Hanizah, the demand for Toyota cars especially the Camry remained strong despite the negative developments.

AFP reported that Toyota had on Tuesday suspended sales in the United States of eight largely new models while it examines problems with sticking accelerator pedals.

The move by Toyota Motor Sales USA came after the world's largest automaker recalled last week 2.3 million Toyota cars and trucks in the United States because of the accelerator problem.

"We are making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible," said Toyota Group Vice President Bob Carter.

RAV4 and some Camrys on the list

Models affected by the announcement were the 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, as well as certain 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia models, according to the statement.

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles were affected by the actions.

Also unaffected were Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which the company said "will remain for sale.

Berjaya, China's BYD plan plant
From Rupinder Singh
Published: 2010/02/05
:
SHENZEN (China): Berjaya Corp Bhd (BCorp) (3395) plans to set up a manufacturing plant in Malaysia to build right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles for Chinese carmaker BYD Auto Co Ltd.

Yesterday, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop BYD's RHD F0 1-litre model for the Malaysian and Asean markets.

BCorp executive director Francis Lee said the company will seek a licence from the Malaysian government to set up the plant.

Under the revised National Automotive Policy announced at the end of last year, Malaysia lifted a freeze on car manufacturing licences, but only for models above 1.8 litres.

"We are preparing to approach the Malaysian government to apply for the car manufacturing licence. We have a good case to put on the table," Lee told reporters at the signing ceremony held at BYD's headquarters here.
BYD, which counts famous US investor Warren Buffet among its shareholders, is the fourth biggest carmaker in China by volume, after Volkswagen, General Motors Corp and Toyota.

Last year, BYD sold 450,000 vehicles.

The tie-up would promote Malaysia as a regional hub in car manufacturing, assembly and distribution.

Lee expressed hopes of finalising a deal with BYD this year.

The MOU includes a feasibility study on the conversion of the F0's left-hand-drive version to RHD and related research and development.

If successful, BCorp will build the plant on a 40ha site in Bukit Tagar, Selangor.

The land is part of the 6,480ha that Bcorp bought from French group Soc Fin in the mid-1990s.

There is also an option, initially, to undertake contract assembly of the FO model using an existing plant with excess capacity. BCorp has a 15 per cent stake in Inokom's plant in Kulim, Kedah.

"We will take things one step at a time. Eventually, we will bring in more BYD models, including new energy vehicles," Lee said.

The idea would be for BCorp to tap incentives offered by the local government for green-technology vehicles.

Meanwhile, BYD marketing manager Paul Lin said it hopes to capture 5 per of the RHD passenger car market.

"RHD passenger cars make up about 15 per cent of the global passenger car market, with Asean accounting for over one million vehicles," he said.

Apart from Asean, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK and non-metallic mineral products.

The government plans to encourage more domestic investments by holding more roadshows, Mustapa said.

Japan was the largest foreign investor last year with RM7 billion of investments. That by Tokuyama Corp accounted for RM5.6 billion. Hong Kong was the second biggest with approved investments of RM5.3 billion.

Although investments from the US fell sharply owing to the global economic meltdown, it remained the third largest foreign investor, with major investments in electronics and electrical products and food manufacturing.

When implemented, the 766 manufacturing projects will create 64,330 jobs out of which almost two-thirds will comprise managers, supervisors and skilled workers.

Mida approved RM36.3 billion of investments in the services sector.

Unlike manufacturing, services attracted stronger domestic participation with RM32.9 billion worth of investments, or 90.6 per cent of the total. Most of these were in transport (RM7.9 billion), energy (RM6.8 billion), financial services (RM4.3 billion), real estate (RM4.2 billion) and telecommunications (RM3.8 billion).

Mustapa also noted that new measures under the National Automotive Policy Review had attracted 10 applications for investments in 1800cc and above projects.

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/byd4/pix_bottom

VVIP's Official Cars


The PM's Official Car
http://kereta.info/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sultans-car-in-malaysia-malaysia-prime-minister.jpg

like this...the PM using his own country's car..... :)

saye sukekan Proton Gen 2 Persona....

New Saga pun elok juge...tapi sayang cuma 1.300 cc je.....

*oot*

100 Exhibitors Expected At Auto Malaysia 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- About 100 companies from 10 countries are to exhibit their products and services at the bi-annual Auto Malaysia 2010 from March 19 to 21 here.

Some 3,000 visitors are expected to patronise the event comprising entrepreneurs and professionals, said organiser Asif International (M) Sdn Bhd in a statement.

It said a workshop and a seminar themed "Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV): Saving Costs and Tapping Opportunities" will also be held for workshop operators, mechanics, vendors, car manufacturers and the public.

Asifgroup International chief executive officer Abdul Kabur Ibrahim said the exhibition, the first in a series of events staged by Asifgroup International, is to help equip the region's auto industry with the knowledge of the latest products and services.

Currently, there are four passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturers, one motorcycle maker and nine motor vehicle assemblers in Malaysia, said Asif.

It said 76 car importers and 37 franchise holders of various models have been given approvals to import motor vehicles.

There are thousands of car workshops and auto accessory shops, it said.

It said sales of auto parts and accessories in Malaysia are estimated to be worth more than RM4.5 billion a year of which RM3.5 billion worth of products are imported.

It said Malaysia�s automotive sector ranks among the world's top 20 and Malaysia is the largest passenger car market and producer in the Asean region.

-- BERNAMA

Lotus Evora to hit Malaysia mart in Apr
Published: 2010/02/24

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HETHEL (United Kingdom): Lotus Evora, launched for the United Kingdom market, is to hit the Malaysian market by the end of next month, says Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Mohamed Tahir.

He said Proton was awaiting the next batch of Lotus Evora before "we are ready for the launch".

Saying that the company has not decided on the price, he did not deny that it would be higher than the 50,000 pounds current price in the United Kingdom.

"This is due to Malaysia's higher tax structure than in the UK. We've yet to finalise the price, we're still working on it. We'll try to make it as competitive as in the UK market.

"We're still working with the government besides looking at the price structure," he told a press conference at the Lotus headquarters here Tuesday.

"We are looking at a big scope of collaboration, that’s the level of discussions we are having today with the parties. I think in discussions like these, we don''t want to pre-empt our talks.

"We''ve some confidentiality that we’ve discussed and we have to respect that, but the discussions are quite intense," he said.

Earlier, Syed Zainal Abidin said Proton has lined up a series of products for the next five years including electronics and engine power.

"We're developing on campo turbo which will be available by year-end or at the latest by early next year. That will be a feature in all of our cars," he said.

After 25 years in operations, Syed Zainal Abidin said Proton was venturing into the international arena, with the Geneva Motor Show being the first step forward and "we will build on from there."

Dr Mahathir, also present at the press conference, said a lot of changes have been made since his last visit to Lotus about six years ago.

He said Lotus had achieved a great deal of progress, both in actual performance and in the ideas that have been put forth by the management.

"I've seen some of the technology advancement development they have accomplished, and as you know, the car I drove just now, Evora, was from Lotus technology because we are faced with the need to increase engine power.

"So it is either we change the engine or upgrade the engine, so Lotus has actually helped to upgrade the engine, it is now as good as 2,000cc," he added.-- Bernama

Mercedes-Benz sees upswing in January sales


KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s vehicle sales rose 21% to 355 units last month from 294 units in January 2009, an indication that the local automotive industry is already seeing signs of a recovery.

Vice-president of sales and marketing for passenger cars Florian Mueller was optimistic that 2010 would be “a good year.”

“With TIV (total industry volume) increasing, we are confident of selling more cars this year,” he told reporters after launching the new generation S-Class models yesterday.

Last month, the Malaysian Automotive Association announced that it expects Malaysia’s automotive TIV to grow 2.4% to 550,000 units this year due to an improved global economic outlook and consumer sentiment.

Mercedes car group operations general manager M.J. Lim said sales prospects for February looked promising. “With the Chinese New Year holidays, February is a shorter working month but it (sales) is still looking good for us.”

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/2/25/business/b_08mercedes.jpg
From left: M.J. Lim, Florian Mueller and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd product management senior manager Alveen Yeo pose with the newly launched S 500 L.

For January’s performance, Lim said its C-Class comprised 40% of total sales, followed by the E-Class (35% to 40%) and the S-Class (5% to 8%).

Mercedes-Benz last year sold 3,903 passenger cars, making it the market leader of the local premium segment with 49% share.

It targets to sell 4,200 passenger cars this year.

Meanwhile, the newly launched S-Class models, which comprise the S 300 L, S 350 L and S 500 L, are priced at RM649,888, RM835,888 and RM1mil respectively. All the models are locally assembled.

Mueller said by offering locally assembled (or completely-knocked-down) models, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia would be able to provide better value for money to its customers.

“A completely-built-up version of the S 500 L would cost RM1.4mil.”

Lim said the company had already received 60 confirmed sales for the newly launched cars and expected to sell about 400 units of the S-Class series this year.

On projected S-Class sales, he said 80% would be for the S 300 L, followed by S 350 L (18%) and the S 500 L (2%). Sales of the S-Class fell 27.1% to 317 units in 2009.

Evora to vroom in next month
By CHOI TUCK WO


twchoi@thestar.com.my

NORFOLK (England): The multi award-winning Lotus Evora will be launched in Malaysia by the end of next month, said Proton Holdings Berhad managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

The price has yet to be finalised, he said.

“We’ll look at the market place; the price structure and try to be competitive,” he told Malaysian journalists during Proton adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s visit to the Group Lotus plant headquarters in Hethel, eastern England, on Tuesday.

Proton chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, who was also present, said the Evora would be more expensive than its £48,000 (RM252,000) and above price in Britain due to Malaysia’s higher taxes.

The Evora has received rave reviews since its British launch in July 2008, bagging seven major awards last year and the eighth this month — Best Car under £50,000 by GQ magazine.

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For the album: Dr Mahathir posing with Naomi beside the Lotus Evora at the Group Lotus plant headquarters in Norfolk. With them are (from left) Lotus F1 driver Jarno Trulli, Zainal Abidin, Mohd Nadzmi and Group Lotus plc CEO Dany Bahar.

The sports car is powered by a 3.5litre, V6 engine and can reach a top speed of 261kph. The waiting period can be up to six months in some markets.

Lotus has delivered or has orders for several hundred Evoras from customers in Europe, Japan, Australia and South Africa. The first cars are to be delivered to markets such as the United States in the next few weeks.

Dr Mahathir also met briefly with British supermodel Naomi Campbell who visited the plant in conjunction with her “Naomi for Haiti” Lotus Evora auction to raise funds for the earthquake victims.

So far, three of the eight special edition Evoras have been auctioned off, with the highest bid of £320,000 (RM1.6mil) by Campbell’s boyfriend Vladimir Doronin.

Bidding on the remaining five via the www.naomiforhaiti.com website will end at noon this Sunday (8pm Malaysian time). Campbell will announce the grand total at the Lotus press conference at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2.

Dr Mahathir, who test-drove the Evora on the Lotus test track, described it as a nice car to drive despite having six gears.

“Even the way I use the gears, I was able to speed quite a bit on the straight and could handle the obstacles very well,” he said.

The former prime minister, who was instrumental in leading the acquisition of Lotus by Proton in 1996, said there had been a lot of changes since his last visit eight years ago.

He said he then came to try out the hybrid car and to look at the new engine, adding that the changes over the past few months were in terms of management personnel.

On how Proton could leverage on the Lotus technology to help drive the company forward, Dr Mahathir said there was not much that it had gained in the past.

But now, he could see areas where Lotus could play a part in the development of Proton cars.

“I’ve seen some of the technology advancement development they have accomplished,” he said, referring to the Proton Exora MPV, which used Lotus technology.

who's the tall babe..looks like naomi campbell...

700 Ribu Kenderaan Bertambah Setiap Tahun

PULAU PINANG: Penambahan kira-kira 700,000 kenderaan setiap tahun menjadi antara penyumbang peningkatan kadar kemalangan jalan raya di negara ini, kata Timbalan Menteri Pengangkutan Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.

Beliau berkata mengikut rekod Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) ketika ini terdapat sebanyak 18.5 juta kenderaan didaftarkan di negara ini.:nuts:

"Jumlah ini sudah tentu memberi tekanan kerana ia akan meningkatkan risiko kemalangan di jalan raya sekali gus menjadi masalah kerana masing-masing memiliki kenderaan persendirian sehingga menyebabkan pengangkutan awam kurang digunakan.

Beliau bercakap kepada pemberita pada majlis pelancaran Kempen Rakan Trafik di Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) di sini hari ini.

Mengenai Sistem Penguatkuasaan Automatik (AES) yang dicadangkan pelaksanaannya bagi mengurangkan kemalangan jalan raya, Abdul Rahim berkata kerajaan pada dasarnya telah meluluskan penggunaan sistem itu.

"AES merupakan sistem di mana kamera dipasang di kawasan-kawasan sering berlaku kemalangan bertujuan mengesan pemanduan laju dan merakamkan kesalahan jalan raya.

"Buat permulaan, sebanyak 600 hingga 700 kamera akan dipasang secara berperingkat di kawasan yang dikenalpasti di Semenanjung," katanya.

Sistem AES digunakan secara meluas di negara-negara maju seperti Amerika Syarikat, Australia dan United Kingdom. BERNAMA

Malaysia’s first passenger car outdoor crash test by MIROS
February 26, 2010 at 1:40 pm by Harvinder Sidhu

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, also known as MIROS conducted the country’s first passenger car outdoor crash test at the Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (MIAT) in Dengkil yesterday. The crash test is the institute’s second following a crash test that involved a motorcycle and a car conducted earlier in January. According to MIROS this test is a prelude to a full-fledged crash test facility that is being set up in Malacca and is expected to be operational by June this year.

http://paultan.org/image/perodua-alza-miros-crash-test-1.jpg

Yesterday’s test focused on three aspects including analyzing the safety levels involving a child seated in a safety seat compared to a child wearing just the rear seat belt as well as analyzing the degree and type of casualties sustained by occupants of a vehicle involved in a rear-end collision with a parked or stationary commercial vehicle. It is NOT a crash test for the Perodua Alza, but it just so happens that they used an Alza.

The main focus was to study the effectiveness and level of damage sustained by an energy absorbing underrun protection system developed specifically for commercial vehicles. An underrun is made to absorb impact caused by a rear-end collision and it is compulsory for commercial vehicles. However many commercial vehicles out there don’t even use one and most use unspecified ones.

http://paultan.org/image/perodua-alza-miros-crash-test-2.jpg

The guinea pigs for the test? Crash test dummies, a 6-tonne stationary trailer (including load) and a Perodua Alza. The 1.5 EZI Automatic model was used and it was occupied by five crash test dummies including two Hybrid III dummies fully equipped with various sensors, one non-instrumentation Hybrid III dummy, one P3 dummy with nominal instrumentation and a child dummy which simulates a 3-month old child.

A propulsion system featuring a 2.5L Nissan RB engine with pulleys and hydraulic tensioners, various high-speed cameras with up to 1000 frames per second recording capabilities, high-voltage lighting system, a comprehensive Data Acquisition System (DAQ) designed by MIROS as well as various sensors were also used for the test. The crash target was a stationary trailer fitted with an underrun that partially meets the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation 58 standards.

The plan was to get Alza to crash into the trailer at 35 km/h although the test was eventually carried out at 30 km/h. The crash test was a successful one while the findings are still being analyzed at the moment. Right after the crash it was evident that both the front airbags on the Alza were deployed and the damage on the MPV was limited to the fore front area of the vehicle leaving the engine’s position and vital parts of the interior including the dashboard and pedals intact.

http://paultan.org/image/perodua-alza-miros-crash-test-3.jpg

According to a MIROS engineer, initial findings revealed that all passengers except for the 3-month old child would have survived and would only sustain minor injuries. The child would survive if a safety seat was used. This means that the underrun did its job. Although the impact occurred at 30 km/h which is a speed level most of us use while driving in a shopping mall’s parking lot, it was enough to push the 6-tonne trailer forward by at least 2 feet! Imagine that!

MIROS also revealed its plans to make Malaysia a regional hub for crash testing where auto makers can perform various crash tests for vehicles that are specific to the region. The institute also aims to gain international accreditation to serve this purpose. MIROS believes that secondary findings obtained by its foreign counterparts may not be 100% usable for local and regional markets due to the vast difference in geographical, infrastructural, political, and social environments.

The institute also awards the Malaysian Vehicle Assessment Program (MyVAP) certification to vehicles that conform to MIROS’ safety standards and the Alza became the second vehicle to obtain the MyVAP certification after the Proton Exora. Both the Malaysian-made MPVs now carry 4-star MyVAP ratings. MIROS aims to reduce fatalities on the road and setting up a crash test facility is definitely a good step towards reaching that goal however the institute also calls for the public to understand and accept change to become more safety conscious on the road.

It was also revealed that UNECE R58-compliant underruns are expected to become compulsory in Malaysia by October this year, which will make the highways a safer place for us. Most of our low rider passenger cars and even some lower then usual SUVs protect us best against crashes with other vehicles of similiar height. When faced with a high object such as the rear of a trailer, the end result can be very tragic. The car will often slide under the truck, and the full impact will hit the car’s A-pillar, and not the crumple zone built into the front of the vehicle. Underruns will be able to reduce damage from these crashes and ensure the crumple zone takes the hit and not anything else that wasn’t designed for it.

more at http://paultan.org/2010/02/26/perodua-alza-miros-crash-test/#more-22843

Renault SUV Koleos unveiled


PUTRAJAYA: Renault’s first proper sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Koleos, was unveiled to the media on Wednesday night, the product of the French marque’s alliances with its various Asian partners.

Priced at RM213,149 (on the road excluding insurance), the fully imported Koleos taps into the Renault-Nissan Alliance for its drivetrain and 4X4 system which were developed by Nissan.

It marries that to the design, ride, handling and ergonomics from Renault and to keep costs lower, it is manufactured by Renault-Samsung in Busan, Korea.

The spacious, mid-sized Koleos is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 170 bhp and 226 Nm of torque paired to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/3/12/business/p7-renaultn.JPG
The Renault Koleos 4x4 is manufactured by Renault-Samsung in Busan, Korea.

It boasts genuine off-road capabilities with the comfort and ease of driving of a saloon car. Local Renault distributor TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd (TCEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings, is expecting to import 60 units per year of the Koleos, its Head of Operations, Kuan Kim Luen, said.

“There does exist within the market a group of drivers that favor a SUV but require a drive experience equivalent to that of a sedan. This is where Renault’s expertise in ride and handling comes into play,” Kuan said.

The Koleos marks a continuation of the niche strategy that TCEC has employed where the current automotive tax structure favors Completely Knocked Down (CKD) over Completely Built Up( CBU) models.

Kuan said it would be difficult for any company to favorably price-position a CBU against a CKD vehicle.

The strategy involves importing selected unique vehicles that command a niche position in the local market.

CBU models are also being moved away from segments which are currently dominated by established CKD operators.

TCEC’s CBU programme remains a complementary element to the local assembly program which currently includes models like the Kangoo.

It is understood that a new line-up of of CKD models are currently being discussed with Renault and should be making their way here in the not too distant future.

Honda CR-V kekal populariti

Oleh JOHARDY IBRAHIM
johardy.ibrahim@utusan.com.my


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Toru Takahashi dan Ketua Pegawai Operasi Honda Malaysia, Rohime Shaffie (kanan) semasa pelancaran Honda CR-V dipertingkatkan di Putrajaya, semalam.

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PUTRAJAYA 11 Mac - Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Honda Malaysia) yakin pengenalan model dipertingkatkan (facelift) Honda CR-V mampu mengekalkan populariti kenderaan utiliti sports (SUV) itu yang mencatat jualan 350 buah sebulan selama ini.

Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Toru Takahashi berkata, jualan Honda CR-V yang memberangsangkan menyakinkan pihaknya mencapai sasaran 4,200 buah tahun ini, sekali gus menguasai lebih 30 peratus segmen SUV di Malaysia.

Katanya, Honda Malaysia telah menerima 1,200 tempahan untuk model dipertingkatkan ini, meskipun majlis pelancaran rasminya hanya dilakukan hari ini.

''Dalam konteks ini, para pelanggan yang membuat tempahan mungkin terpaksa menanti hingga tempoh maksimum tiga bulan sebelum menerimanya,'' katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis pelancaran Honda CR-V yang dipertingkatkan di Pusat Konvensyen Antarabangsa Putrajaya di sini hari ini.

Model dipertingkatkan ini dijual pada harga RM149,980 sebuah dan didatangkan dalam lima warna termasuk warna eksklusif, Urban Titanium.

Takahashi berkata, model ini menggunakan enjin yang sama iaitu 2.0 liter i-VTEC yang menjana 150 kuasa kuda, menggunakan transmisi automatik lima kelajuan.

CR-V baru ini memperkenalkan ciri-ciri keselamatan yang terkini iaitu beg udara sisi dengan Sistem Pengesan Kedudukan Penumpang Kenderaan (OPDS) untuk pemandu dan penumpang hadapan.

Ia juga dilengkapi dengan sistem Bantuan Penstabilan Kenderaan (VSA).

Sementara itu, mengenai prestasi keseluruhan Honda Malaysia, Takahashi berkata, pihaknya mencatat tempahan dan jualan yang memberangsangkan dalam tempoh dua bulan lalu.

''Pada Januari, kami mencatat jualan keseluruhan sebanyak 3,876 buah dan bulan lalu, sebanyak 2,109 buah.

''Kami berada di landasan yang betul untuk mencapai sasaran tahunan sebanyak 40,000 buah bagi tahun 2010,'' kata beliau.

Kereta Mercedes-Benz RM2 juta sebuah

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2010/0325/Utusan_Malaysia/Korporat/ko_04.1.jpg
MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG

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KUALA LUMPUR 24 Mac - Mercedes- Benz Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Mercedes-Benz) hari ini memperkenalkan kereta sports mewah terbarunya, SLS AMG berharga hampir RM2 juta sebuah.

Mercedes-Benz dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di sini hari ini berkata, kereta mewah yang dijual pada harga RM1,999,999 itu merupakan model yang menampilkan rekaan asli, dibina ringan dan pengendalian dinamik serta menyumbang kepada sensasi segmen kenderaan ranggi.

Jelas kenyataan itu, kereta sports mewah tersebut menampilkan ciri-ciri teknologi yang sukar ditandingi oleh syarikat pesaing lain seperti pintu Gullwing (boleh dibuka ke atas) dengan keupayaan enjin 6.3 liter.

"SLS AMG menggunakan enjin V8 yang diletakkan di bahagian tengah di hadapan kereta tersebut dengan pembangunan kuasa kuda 571 hp.

"Kenderaan bergaya itu turut menampilkan tujuh transmisi kelajuan,'' katanya dalam kenyataannya di sini.

Penggunaan minyak kenderaan itu disasarkan sekitar 13.2 liter bagi setiap 100 kilometer sekali gus meletakkan kedudukannya paling hadapan bagi jenis kereta sports yang setaraf.

Bonet kereta tersebut juga panjang dan luas bagi memudahkan pemandu meletakkan barang yang banyak pada satu-satu masa.

Tayar SLS AMG pula menggunakan saiz 20 inci menampilkan keselesaan pemanduan yang berbeza.

Mercedes-Benz buat pertama kali menampilkan kenderaan menggunakan casis dan badan kereta daripada aluminium yang dapat mengurangkan berat badan kereta tersebut berbanding penggunaan bahan tradisional iaitu besi.

SLS AMG direka dengan pemusatan graviti yang rendah bagi meningkatkan prestasi pemanduan.

Mercedes-Benz in upbeat mood
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM
eugenicz@thestar.com.my


SEPANG: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s vehicle sales rose 30% to 351 units last month from 269 units in February 2009. Year-to-date sales also increased 26% to 706 units from 560 units previously.

After a challenging year in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis, vice-president of sales and marketing for passenger cars Florian Mueller was optimistic about the company’s prospects for 2010.

“We had a tough year in 2009 but we were ahead in our targets. (I believe) 2010 will be a good year,” he told StarBiz after a media preview of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG yesterday.

The company’s vehicle sales rose 21% to 355 units in January 2010. It sold 3,903 passenger cars last year, making it the market leader of the local premium segment with 49% share.

Mercedes-Benz has set a sales target of 4,200 passenger cars this year.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/3/25/business/b_pg04mueller.jpg
Florian Mueller with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Meanwhile, the SLS AMG is the official safety car for the 2010 Formula One season and made its debut at the season opener in Bahrain earlier this month.

The car however, would make its worldwide launch on March 27, said Mueller.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will be showcasing the world’s first right-hand drive version at various roadshows in conjunction with the 2010 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, which will be held from April 2 to 4.

The car is also available for purchase at RM1,999,999. On expected sales for the SLS AMG, Mueller said: “It’s a brand-shaper and we don’t expect to sell 30 to 40 cars. We will be happy to sell as many as we can.”

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia product management senior manager Alveen Yeo said the 6.3-litre V8 engine SLS AMG provided fuel economy of 13.21 litres per 100km.

“To get this kind of fuel-efficiency from a 6.3-litre engine is amazing,” he said.

New Ford Fiesta to create waves in Malaysia
Published: 2010/04/05

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Ford Motor Company will soon launch the all-new Ford Fiesta 1.6 in Malaysia soon.

Available in 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan, the Fiesta is Ford's first small car variant in Asia to be equipped with the fuel-efficient dual-clutch, six-speed (automatic) PowerShift Technology.

"The all-New Ford Fiesta has made headlines across the globe and is expected to create waves in Malaysia.

"Its PowerShift transmission provides smooth shifting, exceptional performance and class-leading fuel economy," said Ford Export and Growth Operations' Asia Pacific Regional Manager David Westerman in a statement today.

The new Ford Fiesta will be available for a preview from April 7 to 11 at the One Utama High Concourse. -- Bernama

Royal battle over Bentley

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court will hear on June 9 an application by the Kelantan Regent Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra to strike out a civil action brought by his brother, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, over the ownership of a Bentley Brooklands car worth S$706,880 (RM1.6mil).

The application will be heard by Judicial Commissioner Zabariah Mohd Yusof.

Deputy registrar Suzarika Sahak set the date in chambers yesterday after meeting counsel P. Vadivu who acted for Tengku Muhammad Fakhry and lawyer Idza Hajar Ahmad Idham who appeared on behalf of the Regent.

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Disputed car: The Tengku Temenggong was seen taking the Sultan for a drive around Kota Baru in the Bentley recently

Tengku Muhammad Fakhry, who is the Tengku Temenggong of Kelantan, filed an originating summons on Sept 9 last year, naming the Regent as the sole defendant.

He is asking for a declaration that the car was bought for his use and that of his father’s, and therefore the vehicle belongs to him.

The Tengku Temenggong also wants a declaration that the retention of the vehicle by his brother is invalid. In his affidavit to support the application, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry said that the Sultan ordered the car from Malayan Motors through a Buyer’s Vehicle Order and agreement dated April 23, 2008.

He claimed that he had signed the Buyer’s Vehicle Order and agreement on June 9, 2008, adding that all transactions pertaining to the sale and purchase of the car were between him and Malayan Motors.

Tengku Muhammad Fakhry said Malayan Motors had asked for a deposit of S$300,000 (RM689,603) and the balance payment from him which was later transferred from his bank account but noted that the official receipts were issued in the name of the Sultan.

He said the car was taken away from his premises in Duta Residency here on July 18 last year, without his consent and knowledge, by the Regent through his agents and sent to Istana Mahkota in Kubang Kerian, Kota Baru.

The Regent, in his application filed on Feb 10 to strike out the action, said the suit was scandalous, frivolous, carried out in bad faith and an abuse of the court process.

Tengku Muhammad Faris said the declarations should be sought against the registered owner of the car — the Sultan.

He also said the proper forum for such a claim against the Sultan is the Special Court, not the High Court of Malaya. Among others, he said the Buyer’s Vehicle Order and agreement executed by his brother was an attempt to circumvent the tax and customs provisions and such conduct was illegal and contrary to the law. -The Star

www.paultan.org
Honda Freed to be launched in Q2 2010 (http://paultan.org/2010/03/01/honda-freed-to-be-launched-in-q2-2010/)

http://static2.paultan.org/honda-freed-malaysia.jpg http://images.paultan.org/images/Honda_Freed_MPV_16.jpg http://images.paultan.org/images/Honda_Freed_MPV_13.jpg

I knew this MPV was coming to Malaysia the moment Honda announced that it would be building it in Honda Prospect Motor Indonesia. And Honda has just announced that the Freed is 100% coming to Malaysia, set for a launch in Q2 this year to be exact. It will come in as a CBU import from Indonesia.

“Since its official launch in Japan in 2008, Freed has been well received in the Asia region including Indonesia and Thailand. It later garnered great anticipation in Malaysia in 2009. Therefore, we are excited to inform all that Honda Malaysia will be bringing in the Freed onto Malaysian shores in the second quarter of this year,” said Mr. Toru Takahashi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.

The Honda Freed is the latest and probably the longest wheelbase addition to the Global Small Platform which underpins cars such as the Honda Jazz. There are various seating configurations – a 5-seater 2-3 config as well as triple row configs such as 2-3-3, 2-2-3 with individual 2nd row seats, and 2-2-2 with individual seats for everyone. We’ll have to wait until the launch to find out what kind of seat configuration we’ll get.

The Freed is a B-segment MPV positioned below the Honda Stream but it has some unique features that most of its B-segment competitors do not have, such as automatic sliding doors on BOTH sides. The Freed also has a walkthrough cabin, which means the floor is flat from the front to the rear and you can walk from the front row to the rear row (hunched down of course) without having to exit the vehicle. Honda claims that the flat floor and high roof allows you to carry a 27 inch bicycle without taking off wheels or handle bars. Look after the jump for some Japanese market pix of the Freed. - from paultan.org (http://paultan.org/)

www.paultan.org
Volkswagen limited edition ketchup – only 1,000 bottles! (http://paultan.org/2010/04/09/volkswagen-limited-edition-ketchup-only-1000-bottles/)

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It’s too late for an April’s Fool joke, so let’s try to take this seriously shall we. VW has launched Volkswagen Classic Ketchup, of which just 1,000 bottles will be available, at Techno Classica 2010 in Essen. It costs 3.00 Euros at the show, and those who visit Wolfsburg can also buy these as souvenirs.

Volkswagen Spiced Ketchup was born back in the 1970s (a collaboration with Kraft) as the ideal complement to VW’s curry sausage. It is said to have a thicker “viscosity” than standard ketchup and a unique flavour, the recipe for which is, like that of the curry sausage itself, as closely guarded a secret as any classified automotive R&D project.

In 1997, Volkswagen began officially bottling and selling the Spiced Ketchup. In that year, 20,000 bottles were sold. Since then the sauce has gone from strength to strength (in numbers, not spiciness): in 2009, over 425,000 bottles were sold and in the first 10 weeks of 2010, 100,000 bottles have already been sold. The difference between Volkswagen Spiced Ketchup and Volkswagen Classic Ketchup? VW asks us to imagine the culinary equivalent of the first and sixth generation Golf GTI!

Alongside ketchup, Volkswagen is also putting on show some of its classics, among them significant cars like the K70, Iltis all-wheel drive, Golf Country Crossover and the Tarek off-roader. - paultan.org

Honda hit record sales in March


PETALING JAYA: Honda (M) Sdn Bhd’s March sales have hit 4,041 units, the highest monthly record in the company’s history.

It said that merely three months into 2010, the company had already hit 25% of the annual target of 40,000 units.

Quill sees higher BMW car sales
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


It expects up to 20% rise due to stronger demand


eugenicz@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Quill Automobiles Sdn Bhd, which has sold 150 BMW cars since November, expects a 15% to 20% increase in sales volume within the next six months.

Since setting up its 4S (sales, service, systems and spare parts) centre at Jalan Semangat here last year, the newly appointed dealer for BMW cars in Malaysia had seen increased awareness and interest from both existing and potential BMW customers, said director Roland Ooi.

“Since we started in November, we already have 180 orders. We are targeting a 15% to 20% increase in (sales) volume in the next six months,” he told StarBiz.

Ooi said economic conditions and consumer sentiment were good.

“This year we’ve seen a good three months. Going forward, things look positive. Last year, people were cautious.”

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/4/13/business/b_8ong.jpg
Michael Ong (left) and Roland Ooi with a BMW M3 Coupe

He said new BMW launches this year (the recently launched X1 and soon-to-be-revealed 730Li and 5-Series) would help generate interest and boost sales in Malaysia.

Ooi also said Quill Automobiles offered a near complete range of BMW models.

“We want to become the best performing BMW dealership in Malaysia.” There are currently 14 BMW dealers in the country.

On another note, Ooi said the 51,000-sq-ft outlet in Jalan Semangat would complement the company’s 27,000-sq-ft satellite workshop in Puchong, making Quill Automobiles a full-fledged BMW 4S dealer in Malaysia.

“With this centre, we can now cater to a bigger market. Our Puchong outlet caters mostly to customers in the Puchong, Subang, Cyberjaya and Putrajaya areas.”

He said the PJ outlet, which was launched on Saturday, could provide “fastlane” services (maintenance work takes less than two hours to complete) to up to 12 cars per day. The Puchong workshop can cater to up to 18 vehicles per day.

Director Datuk Michael Ong said the company invested “quite a bit” in the new centre.

“We need our brand (Quill) to be as good as the product,” he said, adding that the PJ outlet was strategically located.

Quill Automobiles, part of the Quill Group, is also a dealer for Rolls-Royce vehicles in Malaysia. Ooi said the PJ outlet would also double up as a service centre for Rolls-Royce cars locally.

“We hope to provide services to Rolls-Royce customers in less than two months. Currently, the cars are sent to Singapore for routine maintenance.”

Honda targets to sell 1,600 Freed units
Published: 2010/04/22






HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd is targeting to sell 1,600 units annually of the Honda Freed, its newly launched premium compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

Managing director and chief executive officer Toru Takahashi said the company was confident of achieving the sales target.

"Today, we received 150 bookings for this model," he told reporters at the launch of the Honda Freed in Kuala Lumpur today.

The MPV, manufactured in Indonesia, was currently on sale in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia, he said.

The stylish and contemporary-looking model houses the well-known 1.5L i-VTEC engine under its hood. Its price on the road starts from RM112,980 to RM115,180.

As of March this year, Honda had sold 155,134 units of the Freed in Japan, 12,151 units in Indonesia, 1,0441 units in Thailand, and 43 units in Singapore and Brunei.

Poised to be a smart choice complete with practicality, performance and style, the Freed appealed particularly to professional urbanites with young families, Takahashi said.

"The MPV also offers a comfortable ride for seven passengers and the third row of passenger seats can be converted into additional cargo space to meet endless possibilities and needs of its occupants," he said.

Honda Malaysia recently announced a buoyant month as its March sales hit 4,041 units, the highest monthly record in the company''s local history.

Just three months into the new year, Honda Malaysia has already hit 25 per cent of its annual target of 40,000 units.

BERNAMA

A Volvo C30 spotted in Kota Kinabalu
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M'sia set to be Asian and African hub for Peugeot’s right-hand drive cars
By SYLVIA LOOI
sylvia@thestar.com.my


IPOH: Malaysia is set to be a hub to produce Peugeot’s right-hand drive cars for Asian and African markets by the end of next year.

Nasim Sdn Bhd’s chief executive officer SM Nasaruddin SM Nasimuddin said the French carmaker had agreed to join hands with Nasim to produce the sedan car in the C-segment category “under the codename T73.”

Nasaruddin said the car would be assembled at its plant in Gurun, Kedah.

We are working from scratch so we are targeting the launch of the car by end of next year,” he said after the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Nasim and Automobiles Peugeot yesterday.

On the model to be produced, Nasaruddin said it would either be a two litre or 1.6 turbo engine.

To a question, Peugeot’s vice-president Jean-Philippe Imparato Imparato said 40% of the cars produced would be for the export market while the remainder for the domestic market.

“That will be our target for the first year when the car is produced,” he said, stressing on Malaysia being an important market for Peugeot.

In conjunction with the signing of the MoU, there was also the opening of a new Peugeot Blue Box as part of Nasim’s plans to bring the Peugeot brand to more customers in the country.

In his speech, Nasarudin said the MoU not only marks Automobiles Peugeot’s faith in the group as their Asean production hub partner, it was also evidence of the latter’s confidence in its manufacturing quality, manpower, strong domestic sales and local vendor base.

For the half of this year, Nasim has sold 1,200 Peugeot vehicles nationwide and received 400 bookings for the new sports utility vehicle, Peugeot 3008.

UMW Toyota plans to produce Camry in Malaysia
By Goh Thean EuPublished: 2010/07/15

The move will help Toyota Motor Corp to free up some capacity at its Thailand facility, should the group decide to move production of some cars to Thailand



UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd will invest part of its RM170 million capital expenditure (capex) to prepare itself to produce the Toyota Camry in Malaysia in two years, a move that will generate more jobs for local car parts manufacturers.

"We are now doing technical studies on the project," UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Takashi Hibi told newsmen after hosting a media visit to its manufacturing facility in Shah Alam, Selangor, yesterday.

The move will also help Toyota Motor Corp to free up some capacity at its Thailand facility, should the group decide to move production of some cars to Thailand. In a Bloomberg report, Kyoichi Tanada, president of Toyota Motor Thailand Co, said it is consulting with the headquarters and a final decision may take as long as two years.

The locally-produced Toyota Camry will be catered for the Malaysian market, which is currently selling about 1,000 units a month. The model will be produced in its assembling unit, Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB).


The RM170 million capex is dedicated to its assembling unit ASSB for a period of three years. While a bulk of the funds will go to the Toyota Camry project, the rest will be used among others to upgrade its paint shop, so that it can improve the surface finishing for the vehicles' body.

"We want to enhance Toyota quality, further improve automation and productivity," he added.

While the project is expected to benefit the local auto parts maker in the long run, Takashi believes that the Toyota Camry's local content to be less than 40 per cent during the initial stage. The firm's top selling model Toyota Vios, currently has some 40 per cent localisation.

"Ultimately, we want to have as much localisation as possible," he said.

Besides the RM170 million investment, the company is investing another RM200 million to build a new centralised stockyard in Bukit Raja. The facility, which will be completed in the middle of next year, will also house a body and paint centre, test track as well as an accessory centre.

The stockyard, with the initial capacity of 7,000 units of vehicles and a maximum capacity of 12,000 units, will replace the current 4,000 units capacity stockyard.

Over the past five years, the company has invested close to RM290 million to develop and upgrade its manufacturing facilities.

3M Malaysia Aims To Open 30 Authorised Car Centres By Year-end
August 24, 2010 16:21 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, August 24 (Bernama) -- Diversified technology company 3M Malaysia Sdn Bhd plans to open at least 30 3M authorised car centres nationwide, including Sabah and Sarawak, by year-end.

Its renewable energy division's business manager Ben Heng said the company had estimated about RM100,000 to be spent on each outlet.

"However, we have not set the total investment yet," he told reporters after the launch of the company's new crystalline automotive window films here Tuesday.

To date, the company has seven outlets in the country, with six in the Klang Valley and one in Penang.

Heng said with completion of the new outlets by year-end, 3M also aimed to be one of the main players in the Malaysian window film market.

He said the new 3M window films had been scientifically proven to block out 99.9 per cent of harmful ultraviolet rays and provide a sun protection factor to prevent skin from premature ageing skin and cancer.

Currently, the new product is available at the 3M car centres which have been set up to install the company's wide range of automotive window films.

-- BERNAMA

Asean car to be made in Malaysia


KUALA LUMPUR: Peugeot is working on a new Asean Car, to be made in Malaysia for the domestic market and also for regional export. The car is scheduled for launch in 2012.

Reliable sources close to the business said research work has already begun.

A top management team from Naza will be going to France next month to work out the details, said the sources.

It is believed that the Asean Car could either be a subcompact or compact car though discussions on the type to be introduced are still at the preliminary stage.

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Production base: The Naza factory, where the vehicles are expected to be produced, in Gurun, Kedah.

Peugeot’s local partner remains silent on the Asean Car. When contacted, the office of Nasim Sdn Bhd CEO SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin declined to comment.

An Asean car is a model developed mainly for Asean member nations. Examples include Toyota Vios and Honda City.

They are generally not sold in Europe or North America but the Toyota Yaris Sedan (Vios) is an exception.

In January, Peugeot deputy managing director Nicolas Wertans announced that it would make Malaysia the regional production hub for right-hand drive models.

Europe’s second-largest carmaker chose Malaysia because it has the largest passenger car market in the region, and it is also the country with the strongest Peugeot sales within Asean.

Nasim is due to make a new B-Segment Peugeot sedan codenamed “T33” for Malaysia and the region.

This model is set for launch in October. A T73 C-Segment sedan is slated for production in 2011.

The vehicles are expected to be produced at Naza Automotive Manufacturing, a subsidiary of the Naza Group based in Gurun, Kedah.

^^ good news..it will add more colours to our motor industry. i hope it can compete with toyota vios and honda city. if the price is competitive enough, it can definitely win the heart of malaysian motorists.

DRB-HICOM to make Potenza sports cars
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/drbee/Article/index_html

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/drbee/pix_bottom

Naza still in talks with GM
By LEE KIAN SEONG Tuesday September 7, 2010
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/7/business/6989607&sec=business

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Datuk Faisal Nasimuddin (right) and AmBank managing
director (retail banking) Datuk Mohamed Azmi Mahmood

PETALING JAYA: The Naza group of companies is still negotiating with General Motors Corp (GM) on the possibility of setting up an assembly plant in Malaysia and making the country the regional hub for selected Chevrolet models.

“Our intention is there but the discussions are still at the preliminary stage,” said Naza joint group executive chairman and group chief executive Datuk Faisal Nasimuddin.

He said the growth of the motor vehicle market was in the Asian region and that Malaysia was an important player for retail or export of right-hand drive cars.

“We are talking to GM to produce one or two models for the right-hand drive market. They are outsourcing their manufacturing nowadays and they are rationalising a lot of their plants,” he told a press conference after the signing of an agreement between its unit and AmBank Group yesterday.

He said both parties were looking at the possibility of offering selected completely-knocked-down (CKD) Chevrolet models in Malaysia.

“GM intends to turn Malaysia into its regional hub for certain products and definitely we need to have facilities to support such a plan. We are exploring how to capitalise on each other’s capability and strength,” Faisal said.

He said Naza was looking to sell 35,000 to 40,000 Chevrolet cars annually in the next three to five years and a CKD assembly plant was essential to achieve such a volume.

“To achieve such target, we have to finalise everything within the next 12 to 24 months,” he said, adding that the company was targeting to make Chevrolet the top four brand in the non-national-car segment by 2013.

Yesterday, AmBank signed a memorandum of understanding with Naza Quest Sdn Bhd to become the official capital financing provider for Chevrolet dealers in Malaysia.

The programme comprises capital expenditure and working capital financing for authorised Chevrolet dealers.

AmBank has allocated an initial RM50mil for the programme.

Naza Quest, the sole distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia is an associate company of Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd, which is part of the Naza group.

Naza Quest chief operating officer Datuk Maruan Mohd Said said the company planned to increase the Chevrolet dealer network to about 21 from 11 now, adding that it planned to increase the network to 40 by 2013.

Naza, which currently has about 6% share of the local passenger car market, aims to increase it to 8% by year-end.

Peugeot Citroen makes M'sia export hub
Published: 2010/09/29
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100929192613/Article/index_html

FRENCH auto giant PSA Peugeot Citroen said Wednesday it will make Malaysia its regional car production hub for exports to Southeast Asian countries, Australia and South Africa.

In July, Peugeot announced an assembly-and-sales deal with Malaysian automaker Naza to build 70,000 vehicles at its Gurun plant in northern Malaysia, to be sold in markets of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Peugeot has picked Malaysia to springboard into the ASEAN market and expand and strengthen its position in this Southeast Asian market,” Peugeot’s Malaysia manager Vincent Comyn told AFP.

Comyn said that car sales in the region are expected to hit three million units in the next ten years with 1.1 million cars sold in Southeast Asia last year.

“Here we have a good partnership with Naza. We plan to increase our line-up steadily of Peugeot cars in the ASEAN market. We have big ambitions in ASEAN,” he added.

Comyn said Peugeot sold 3,800 cars in Malaysia last year, which accounts for 85 per cent of its car sales in the region, with plans now to have its compact 1,600 cc 207 model compete with popular Japanese makes like the Honda City and Toyota Vios.

“For 2011, we are hoping to sell 7,000 to 8,000 units of Peugeot cars, up from this year’s target of 3,400 units,” said Samson Anand George, chief operating officer of Nasim, a Naza subsidiary which distributes Peugeot cars from 20 outlets throughout Malaysia.

He said Peugeot’s market share was less than one per cent in Malaysia while local automakers Perodua and Proton formed 70 percent of the market with major players Toyota, Honda and Nissan taking up the remainder.

“Peugeot is also earmarked to export its cars beyond the region to right-hand drive markets including Australia and South Africa,” he added.

PSA, ranked second in Europe behind Germany’s Volkswagen, reported in July that it sold 1.86 million vehicles in the six months to June, up 16.9 per cent from a year earlier as it sought to build up overseas sales even faster.

Earlier this month, Naza said it also planned to tie up with US giant General Motors to assemble Chevrolet cars in Malaysia, and could export the vehicles to other Southeast Asian markets.

ASEAN groups 10 countries in the region which aim to achieve a zero-tariff regime by 2015, a key ingredient for its ambitious plan to create a single market and production base by 2020. - AFP

All Systems Go For Peugeot's First Asean Hub Car
October 05, 2010 21:04 PM
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsbusiness.php?id=532828

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Nasim Sdn Bhd reported today that preparations for the Asean production hub Peugeot model, the soon-to-be-launched 207, have been steadily building up.

Manufactured in Gurun by Naza Automotive Manufacturing with technical assistance from Automobiles Peugeot, the 207 is positioned as an easily attainable European model, Nasim's chief executive officer SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said in a statement.

"The visit from Gregoire Olivier, chief executive officer, Asian operations of PSA Group, is another milestone in our partnership and is testament to their support and confidence in our manufacturing quality, manpower and local vendor base," he said.

Olivier, along with Jean-Yves Dossal, sales director, Asian operations for PSA Group, endorsed the Malaysian-built 207 after being presented with updates from both Naza Automotive Manufacturing and Automobiles Peugeot staff stationed at the RM500 million manufacturing facility in Gurun.

"We are happy to report that all systems are 'go' for the 207. It is a first step towards an increased Peugeot presence in Asean, using Malaysia as its base. PSA Group's support is a sign of determination to further improve the efficiency of its global production system," SM Nasarudin said.

A total of 5,000 units of the 207 are expected to be produced to meet the domestic and Asean market demand annually.

-- BERNAMA

BMW X1
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Audi Q7
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Volvo S40
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Toyota MR2 Convertible
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2010 Toyota Corolla Altis
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Toyota Prius
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Honda Insight
Driving hybrid car.Good news , Honda is bringing it's new hybrid car to Malaysia !

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DRB-HICOM and VW ink production pact worth RM1bil
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM
eugenicz@thestar.com.my


KUALA LUMPUR: DRB-HICOM Bhd has officially tied the knot with Volkswagen AG (VW) in a collaboration worth a potential RM1bil to manufacture VW cars at the DRB-HICOM plant in Pekan.

“It's a substantial amount and will span a period of time. The initial investment will be in respect of infrastructure and the substantial part of it (investment) will be consumed within the first three years,” DRB-HICOM group managing director Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil said at a press conference after the signing of the collaboration and licence agreement yesterday.

He said the cost would be spread 70% and 30% respectively between DRB-HICOM and VW. “But VW will also bring in intangible investments that will benefit the local automotive industry.”

Christian Klinger, VW's member of the board of management for sales and marketing, said there were plans to manufacture about 40,000 to 50,000 VW cars a year at the plant.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2010/12/22/business/b_1jamil.jpg
At the signing ceremony. From left: DRB-HICOM chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza, Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Volkswagen Group China vice president for sales and marketing Wei Ming Soh, Christian Klinger and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

According to Khamil, the Pekan plant has a maximum capacity of 96,000 vehicles a year.

“To date, our capacity is about 25,000 to 30,000 (units) per annum, so there's still a lot of space to accommodate VW. Expansion beyond what we can produce is a possibility. If needed, we will look at the possibility of acquiring further land to accommodate VW,” he said.

On the potential impact on DRB-HICOM's financials, Khamil said the collaboration would benefit the group in the medium to long term.

Both DRB-HICOM and VW are looking at starting production of the VW Jetta and Passat models in the fourth quarter of 2011.

By virtue of yesterday's agreement, VW will transfer the knowhow for the assembly, testing and quality assurance of the models. The models will first be offered in Malaysia and then to other Asean countries.

Klinger hinted that VW hoped to produce as many models as possible at the Pekan plant.

Khamil said DRB-HICOM and VW would embark on an aggressive programme to achieve local content of as much as 40%, going forward.

He said both parties would identify suitable local vendors, not only to supply parts and components for the local assembly but also to look into the global supply to VW operations.

Khamil declined to reveal how much cheaper the new VW models would be, now that the vehicles would be built locally.

Apart from VW cars, DRB-HICOM also distributes and assembles foreign marques such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Isuzu and Mahindra.

Khamil said it was premature to say if DRB-HICOM would consider manufacturing Audi vehicles. Audi is a subsidiary of the VW group.

Naza unit steers towards higher exports
By Zurinna Raja AdamPublished: 2011/05/14
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/NAZA133/Article/#ixzz1NKoBcFGE

GURUN: Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (NAM), the manufacturing arm of Naza Group, aims to be export-oriented, targeting some RM2.5 billion in foreign sales by 2016.

Through its collaboration with Peugeot, the group aims to export 64,000 units of vehicles, assembled at its plant here, from this year till 2016.

"We have been the appointed production hub for Asean and other countries starting with the Peugeot 207 models," said sole importer and distributor of Peugeot marquee Nasim Sdn Bhd's chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George during a factory visit here yesterday.

This year, Naza Group expects to export 2,000 units of vehicles comprising the 207 and Kia Pregio van to Indonesia.

A new model that will be produced at the plant, a C-segment Peugeot sedan codenamed T73, will be the group's main export model when it is launched in 2012.

The group has been contracted to produce 60,000 units of the model, of which 60 per cent will be exported to markets like Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and South Africa.

NAM director of manufacturing Datuk Kamarulzaman Darus said it will be investing more than RM10 million in the T73 assembly line to produce up to 1,000 units a month.

Since May 2004, the Naza group has invested up to RM714 million in the Gurun facility. This included an assembly plant, a two-storey office and a test track on its 56.7ha land.

It is estimated that the group will invest up to RM1.37 billion until 2015. The plant has a capacity to produce up to 50,000 units of vehicles per year but is currently only producing between 40 and 50 per cent of that. This year, it aims to produce 22,000 units, with Kia Forte being among the top models.

NAM will begin exporting specific components of the Forte to Vietnam in the second half of the year.

Locally, demand for the Forte has more than doubled to between 700 and 800 units a month from about 200 and 300 units previously.

By year-end, Kamarulzaman said NAM will produce up to 1,000 units of the Forte a month.

It was earlier reported that during the first quarter this year, the Forte had become the company's top-selling model with 1,266 units sold, followed by Citra 366 units and Picanto 366 units.

The first vehicle produced at NAM was Naza Ria and as of May 2011, over 140,000 cars comprising 17 models had been assembled at the facility.

Puspakom upgrades with 5 new centres
2011/07/06 By Adie Suri Zulkefli
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/24pkom/Article/

BUTTERWORTH: Puspakom Sdn Bhd's services will be upgraded with the opening of five new computerised vehicle inspection centres costing RM26 million this year.

Its chief executive officer, Hisham Othman, said two of the branches would be in Penang (Juru and Bayan Lepas) and one each in Selangor (Shah Alam), Perak (Manjung) and Pahang (Pekan).

The new branches will be operational in stages from this month until October.

Puspakom has 55 permanent inspection centres, 17 scheduled centres and seven mobile centres across the country.

With the new additions, Hisham said Puspakom would be able to offer speedier services.

"We are also spending another RM20 million to upgrade the existing inspection centres to cope with the higher number of vehicles following the new inspection ruling on used vehicles," he said at the Mak Mandin Puspakom branch here yesterday.

The first branch designated for the 24-point inspection ruling is in Taman Bukit Maluri, Kepong, and additional centres will be opened in Batu Caves, Pandan Indah and Petaling Jaya in Selangor.

"We will set up other branches in Mak Mandin, Seremban, Negri Sembilan, Johor Baru and Kelantan."

Hisham said Puspakom had recruited 121 workers at the inspection centres, which would operate during weekends, to allow private vehicles to undergo necessary inspections.

Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer (PUSPAKOM) Sdn Bhd
www.puspakom.com.my/

http://www.puspakom.com.my/assets/images/sub_logo.gif

Established in 1994, Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer, Puspakom is the first Malaysian computerized vehicle inspection center. Puspakom is currently main inspection center for commercial vehicles throughout Malaysia. With 50 permanent branches, and 21 schedule branches, Puspakom may occupy more than 17000 vehicles per day including commercial vehicles, ownership transfer and volunteered inspection. With more than 2000 Vehicle Examiners, accredited by Road Transport Department (RTD) also known as Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) are capable for conducting most difficult and detailed inspection to ensure inspected vehicles are safe while operating on the road. The company is a member of DRB-HICOM Group.

National car policy review to be announced by year-end
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM Wednesday July 27, 2011
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/7/27/business/9176781&sec=business#13117696816131&if_height=536

PETALING JAYA: A review of the current National Automotive Policy (NAP) by the Government is expected to be announced by year-end.

A source familiar with the development said the new NAP, which is expected to be 100 pages long, would streamline the NAP that was reviewed in 2009 to facilitate the technological advancements and trends of the global automotive industry.

“The new NAP will be announced tentatively by this year. The review will be based on the current context of the (global) automotive industry. Some things (from the NAP that was reviewed in 2009) will remain while others will be improved upon,” the source told StarBiz.

He said that following the global economic recession in late 2008, many of the policies under the NAP needed to be relooked.

“There have been a lot of changes since 2009. Many global OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) have changed their business and technology-related strategies. (Because of these changes) a review needs to be done on the NAP to ensure that it is in line with the latest developments.

“The review will consider the impact of implementing the policies that was introduced in 2009,” said the source.

News of the NAP being reviewed was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the launch of Perodua's new Myvi model last month.

Muhyiddin was quoted as saying that the Government would “take a hard and objective look” into current policies and “do its part to facilitate growth”.

“This is a task we have assigned to the International Trade and Industry Ministry and the Malaysia Automotive Institute. We will ensure that all interested parties will be consulted in the review,” he was quoted in a local news report.

The source also said that stakeholders within the local automotive industry were consulted for NAP review.

“Various OEMs were met with directly to see what they wanted as it is important to have them continue investing in Malaysia.”

The NAP was first introduced in 2006 to help regulate the local automotive industry and help turn it into a regional, if not global hub. In 2009, it was reviewed to better reflect the changes to the automotive industry.

However, it has been widely criticised for not tackling key issues, such as the oft-abused approved permit system (whereby importers need to have one permit per car) and protectionism of local car companies.