Passenger Cars in Malaysia [Archive]

travellator

August 4th, 2007, 06:53 PM

Long-Awaited Best Performance Civic Type R And Innovative Civic Hybrid Arrive On Malaysian Shores

Shah Alam, 2 August 2007 - Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd today unveiled the long-awaited all new Civic Type R and Civic Hybrid in an event that showcases Honda’s precision and revolutionary technology in their Civic brand. Both the Civic Type R and Civic Hybrid represent the culmination of Honda’s consistent innovation and technology.

Using the platform of ‘Discovery’, Honda Malaysia invites Malaysians to “Discover the Performance” of the revolutionary Civic Type R and to “Discover the Innovation” of the advanced technology Civic Hybrid.

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Atsushi Fujimoto expressed his delight over the significance of the launch, “Today is a very historic day for Honda Malaysia. With the introduction of the Civic Type R and Civic Hybrid, Malaysia now has the same line-up of the 8th Generation Civic as Japan. And making it even more memorable, is the fact that Malaysia is the only country in Asia, outside of Japan that is making available for our customers this version of the Civic Type R.”

The latest Civic Type R is available in two versions, one for the Europe market and another for the Japan market. The version for Europe market is a three door hatchback while the four door sedan version is available only in Japan. The four door sedan version was launched in Japan on March 30, 2007.

The Type R is built on the concept of the highest performance with the best control for a car. Honda first introduced the Type R in 1992 on the NSX as a specially tuned model that provided racing car-like feel. It was later extended to the Integra in 1995, and the Civic in 1997 in response to meeting customers’ request for more opportunity to own a Type R.

The Type R has since became the benchmark for cars designed to be a true driver’s car that gives speed, control and precision in one complete package, and is desired by performance car enthusiasts in Japan and all around the world. The All New Civic Type R aims to achieve unity of man and machine for the ultimate driving experience in all driving conditions, including on circuits.

The All New Civic Type R comes equipped with a specially tuned 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine matched to a 6-speed close ratio manual transmission with limited slip differential. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tires and large 17-inch front disc brakes contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving the wide and low form a more aggressive look. Type R front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.

The latest Honda Civic Type R is the refinement of 15 years of technological progress and the latest expression of Honda’s Racing Spirit.

Honda Malaysia expects that the new Civic Type R will increase the group of performance vehicle enthusiasts in Malaysia who seek outstanding performance in a car that gives the driver the finest control at the same time.

While the Civic Type R is a model of precision engineering, the Civic Hybrid raises the standard for environmentally-friendly, advanced automotive technology. The Civic Hybrid is built on a dream of developing green vehicle that is gentle on the environment, yet uncompromising on design aesthetics and driving pleasure.

Honda first introduced the Integrated Motor Assist, or better known as IMA, hybrid technology in 1999. This technology was extended to the Civic family in 2003 and over the years, Honda engineers have fine-tuned the system.

The new 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. It intelligently employs different valve timing through a 3-stage i-VTEC engine and combining it with Honda’s 4th generation IMA system. The new Honda Hybrid system, works cohesively with the 1.3 litre engine to give out more power, better fuel-efficiency and lower emissions without compromising on performance.

The IMA system consists of an ultra thin DC brushless electric motor mounted between the engine and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) that stores electric power in a compact battery box and controls the flow of electricity to and from the electric motor.

Power lost during various stages of the driving cycle is stored up in the rear-mounted compact battery and pushed back to the electric motor, resulting in increased driving performance, reduced emission and enhanced fuel consumption.

Honda’s Hybrid technology has won 10 awards worldwide since 2005.

Honda Malaysia believes that the Civic Hybrid will create a new group of customers in Malaysia, who are not just environmentally conscious but also value the efficiency and fuel economy of the i-VTEC and IMA hybrid system. These customers appreciate innovation and advanced technology in their choices of vehicles whilst not compromising on design and driving pleasure.

Mr Fujimoto added that both the Civic Type R and Civic Hybrid are results of technology and innovation working beautifully hand in hand.

In his speech, Mr Kaname Tokita, Chief Engineer for Civic, Honda R&D Co., Ltd. Automobile R&D Centre said, “Both the Civic Type R and Civic Hybrid are the epitome of Honda’s passion in advanced and precision technology, innovation and commitment to care for the environment. As the Chief Engineer for Civic, I am very proud to bring two of the most technologically advanced vehicles to Malaysia. I am confident that both models will set new benchmarks in performance vehicle and green vehicle respectively in Malaysia.”

The All New Civic Type R comes in Championship White while the Civic Hybrid is available in Fluorite Silver Metallic.

new Civic Type R (RM 194,000) and Hybrid (RM 158,000)

OshHisham

August 6th, 2007, 05:29 AM

Toyota Wish. 7 seater which is quite famous in Malaysia

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/1149/wishwallmed1yz6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/4494/wishwallmed3mj2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

proton's MPV scheduled to be launched on 2009 will be look like this one....my fren in proton says....

Arkdriver

August 6th, 2007, 10:58 AM

new or stretched platform?

cooltemper

August 6th, 2007, 11:48 AM

Really ah, what is Proton target price?

travellator

August 8th, 2007, 02:41 AM

Lancer 2.0GT makes Malaysian debut
Roziana Hamsawi
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Wednesday/Nation/lancr.xml/Article/Current_News/BT/Images/btgraph2/hattori.jpg
THE Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT made its debut in Malaysia yesterday and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia expects to sell some 400 units of the car this year.

About 50 bookings for the car have been made. The Lancer 2.0GT is priced at RM112,806.10 (on the road without insurance), a price considered by motoring anthusiasts as too good to be true.

Mitsubishi Malaysia chief executive officer Fumihiko Minami said after the launch yesterday that the "good price is a strategic move as we aim to establish our presence here."

He declined to comment if the price offered is merely an "introductory price".

The Lancer 2.0GT is a completely-built-up car, assembled 100 per cent in Japan, and has been getting favourable responses and good sales results after its launch in North America.

Malaysia is among the first few Asian countries to see the debut of this car, followed by Singapore this weekend and Japan later in the third quarter.

Corporate General Manager, Asia and Asean office of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Toshihiko Hattori said this is due to the country's dominant passenger car market.

"Malaysia has the biggest passenger-car market in Asean countries and I believe it is exceedingly important, as our sales strategy is that Malaysia be one of the first launching countries in the Asia and Asean," he said.

Meanwhile Minami said the company is confident the new Lancer 2.0GT will appeal to a broad spectrum of performance sedan enthusiasts and those seeking a sporty and stylish daily drive in the medium-sized car segment.

The new Lancer has a two litre double overhead camshaft (DOHC) and Mitsubishi's Innovative Valve-timing and lift electronic control lightweight aluminium engine block.

It is equipped with a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission that is quiet and efficient.

It also comes with sports mode with magnesium paddle shifters, allowing drivers to enjoy the racing feel with a 6-step shift control. To make shifting easy, the paddle shifters are built directly into the steering wheel.

According to Mitsubishi Malaysia chairman Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir, "the car accelerates from 0km to 120km easily in 11 seconds."

The new Lancer comes in four colours, red metallic, cool silver metallic, medium purplish gray mica and black mica.

cooltemper

August 8th, 2007, 07:28 AM

Haha, now i know why Perdana V6 is reducing their price to RM83K...

Seem that Mitsubishi still a good partner by informing Proton early, if not, Died lar Proton.

cooltemper

August 22nd, 2007, 02:46 AM

LANCER 2.0GT

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/3695/lancerexteriorsmall4fc7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2561/lancerexteriorsmall6qg4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8938/lancerinterior1hi8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2394/imgmivecjj3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/4899/lancerperformancesmall3wc0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4139/lancerperformance2yh5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9243/imgairbagtx5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cooltemper

August 22nd, 2007, 02:48 AM

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8462/lancer20gtko7.png (http://imageshack.us)

cooltemper

August 22nd, 2007, 02:50 AM

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2710/lancer20gtsabahsarawakpzt5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cooltemper

September 22nd, 2007, 05:57 AM

New Peugeot308

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9214/att00001wr9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
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cooltemper

October 27th, 2007, 05:23 AM

New Vios's Wallpaper & Price List

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7339/wallpaperg1280ht5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9030/wallpapers1280cj4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/4114/newviospricelistzu8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cooltemper

November 13th, 2007, 04:40 AM

Launching Party.

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8485/vios1bw3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4751/vios2ee2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cooltemper

November 13th, 2007, 04:40 AM

What a beautiful ladies and of course.... the new VIOS.

cooltemper

April 26th, 2008, 06:16 AM

8th Generation Honda Accord Launched

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/3903/2008hondaaccordmalaysiahf6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/3987/2008hondaaccordmalaysiahh5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

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http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/3699/accordmodulo6qd2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/6482/accordmodulo7sx7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/6312/accordmodulo9zv1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5171/2008hondaaccordmalaysiaan6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/556/accordmodulo12fh1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6638/2008hondaaccordmalaysiaay2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8572/2008hondaaccordmalaysiaye0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cooltemper

April 26th, 2008, 06:23 AM

Come with several colour and the price tag are......

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/9708/accordcolor1jl7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8924/accordcolor2dv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

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http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/1465/accordcolor5ak2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Honda is offering the Accord complete with bodykit at the following prices:

2.0L - RM147,100

2.4L - RM177,100

3.5L - RM255,100

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1476/pic7rj9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1006/pic2lg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/6013/pic1uv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Arkdriver

April 28th, 2008, 02:10 PM

booked already. Penang plate number. 3 months. Singapore-registered Accord is too expensive since i'm not going to be there all the time.

szehoong

April 28th, 2008, 08:53 PM

^^ Congrats Ark!

Test-driven one yesterday and it was very good. The car is really spacious and of course this would be a serious challenger to Camry :yes:

cooltemper

April 29th, 2008, 03:01 AM

I think will win over Camry cause Honda is famous for their luxury interior.

So Honda should overtook Toyota in term of Civic and Accord categories.

cooltemper

April 29th, 2008, 03:03 AM

In three months times meaning, you will get maybe end of PHU or start of PHV plate.
Anyway, Congrat.

Mon Apr 28 17:35:00 2008

Perak AGK5692
Selangor BJX3126
Pahang CCE5648
Kelantan DBF6751
Johor JKX2545
Kedah KCF9154
Langkawi KV6045C
Labuan LC7953
Melaka MBP9429
Melaka MBQ102
N Sembilan NCB6817
Pulau Pinang PHS5831
Kuching QAL7640
Sri Aman QBA4145
K Samarahan QCB8943
Limbang QLA1690
Miri QMM2869
Kapit QP4216
Sarikei QRE859
Sibu QSQ1136
Bintulu QTF3779
Perlis RH1671
Kota Kinabalu SAA2571U
Beaufort SB6758A
Lahad Datu SD6308D
Kudat SK7023
Sandakan SS2063L
Tawau ST4984L
Keningau SU8694A
Terengganu TAR9394
Terengganu TAS102
Kuala Lumpur WRG1492
Kuala Lumpur WRH102

Arkdriver

April 29th, 2008, 03:25 AM

^^ Congrats Ark!

Test-driven one yesterday and it was very good. The car is really spacious and of course this would be a serious challenger to Camry :yes:

Thanks szehoong,
it was DAMN good. Considered many models before. Volvo S40, (jualan penghabisan stok), Stream (too 'family' hahaha), Passat (jualan penghabisan stok too), Myvi (too small hahaha), Gen-2 (too expensive for such a lame car), Waja (too old despite facelift), Civic (too 30's taste, i decide to opt for Accord thanks to my company's 6 months bonus-newbies got 3 months only but more than enough la for down payment).....from now i'll call my SA every 2 days to pressure her to shorten my waiting time. Hahaha.

Mine is 2.4L model.

Cooltemper,

My friend got his Myvi 3 weeks ago. It's PHS XXX, i think now is PSH XXXX.

Mine already got a plate number PY 44X4 hehehe. Transfered from my late grandpa's Toyota Corolla.

PHS 669 you have to pay RM 500...

Arkdriver

April 29th, 2008, 03:32 AM

I think will win over Camry cause Honda is famous for their luxury interior.

So Honda should overtook Toyota in term of Civic and Accord categories.

the new Altis is such an eyesore. Engine is still the same, and few cosmetics change to its exterior which is ugly. Bulging here and there....interior is okay, but just cant beat Civic's digital speedometer

TWK90

April 29th, 2008, 03:33 AM

It's great to see Accord do offer non-wood trim, because for me, wood trim feels "old school" like those in Camry....

rizalhakim

April 29th, 2008, 03:57 AM

Honda aims to sell 600 new Accords monthly
By Zuraimi Abdullah
Published: 2008/04/29

HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd has set a sales target of 600 units per month for the newly launched next generation Honda Accord.

Bookings for some 2,200 units have been received so far.

The eighth-generation Accord comes in three engine versions - 2.0-, 2.4- and 3.5-litres - with a choice of five colours.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto said 60 per cent of the targeted sales are expected to come from the 2.0-litre variant.

The 2.0- and 2.4-litre units are locally assembled at Honda Malaysia's factory in Pegoh, Malacca, while the 3.5-litre variant is fully-imported from Thailand.

Honda Malaysia plans to bring in 60 units of the 3.5-litre variant this year.

Fujimoto said he is confident the new Accord will attract public interest.

"The Accord will appeal to those who aspire to succeed in life, appreciate the finer things, carry a discerned image and enjoy a high performance drive," he told reporters at the unveiling of the new Accord in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Key highlights of the new Accord include an all-new sophisticated styling, dynamic features and advanced performance.

"We are trying to improve production of the new Accord to reduce the waiting period. Currently, customers will get their Accord in two or three months," Fujimoto said.

The Accord was first introduced in the early 1970s. Since then, it has evolved into the leader in the mid-sized sedan segment with iconic status and is competing with the likes of Toyota Camry, Nissan Cefiro and Hyundai Sonata.

"Today, the Accord is sold in 160 countries and has grown into a truly global car with cumulative sales of about 16 million units from 1976 to 2007," Honda Motor Co Ltd executive chief engineer Kenzo Suzuki said.

The retail price of a 2.0-litre Accord with insurance is RM141,800, while the 2.4-litre sells at RM171,800 and the 3.5-litre at RM249,800.

cooltemper

April 29th, 2008, 04:49 AM

I think Honda can do it!

cooltemper

April 29th, 2008, 04:51 AM

My friend got his Myvi 3 weeks ago. It's PHS XXX, i think now is PSH XXXX.

Mine already got a plate number PY 44X4 hehehe. Transfered from my late grandpa's Toyota Corolla.

PHS 669 you have to pay RM 500...

Yup, from the above post, now is PHS 5831.You are champion, PY plate is more rare. Your plate might appear in forum if i spotted.

myf282828

April 30th, 2008, 01:33 AM

cooltemper

April 30th, 2008, 03:00 AM

Go to Google, type JPJ.
Click on the first one that appear on the list.

From the JP page, look for current number plate.

Remark: what you see might not what you get, cause some of the number already been booked.

myf282828

April 30th, 2008, 06:34 AM

^^thanks.

rizalhakim

April 30th, 2008, 06:48 AM

Launching Party.

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8485/vios1bw3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4751/vios2ee2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

grrrrrrrrrr!!! hottie...can i choose the girls???:nuts::banana::righton::rofl:

cooltemper

May 1st, 2008, 05:48 AM

grrrrrrrrrr!!! hottie...can i choose the girls???:nuts::banana::righton::rofl:

How about this?

Super GT International Series Malaysia - GT Cars & GT Girls Are Back In Town

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/4751/gtks4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

forrestcat

May 2nd, 2008, 11:33 AM

The founder of NAZA , Tan Sri Nasimuddin just passed away yesterday after a long battle with lung cancer.

This is truly shocking. This guy, while suffering from lung cancers is building an automotive empire from scratch.Truly a remarkable Malaysian who will be sorely missed.

Al-Fatihah and RIP.

Naza Group Founder Dies In Los Angeles

Founder and Chairman of the Naza Group, Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin passed away in Los Angeles, California on Thursday due to lung cancer. Pic: Jamal Talib

By Salmy Hashim

WASHINGTON, May 2 (Bernama) -- Founder and Chairman of the Naza Group, Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, died Thursday morning in Los Angeles, California, of lung cancer at the age of 53.

Nasimuddin, who is also Chief Executive Officer of the conglomerate, had been receiving treatment for cancer at a private hospital in Long Beach since January this year, Consul Ahmad Asmawi told Bernama over the telephone from Los Angeles.

Ahmad said his wife Puan Sri Zaleha Ismail and children were by his side when he passed away at about 9am Pacific time Thursday morning .

The Malaysian Islamic Society of North America will prepare his remains and hold a prayer at the Islamic Centre.

His remains will be embalmed and sealed in a casket to be flown to Malaysia on Malaysia Airlines MH94 on May 3 on its early morning flight at 1.40am, Ahmad said.

The Naza Group, formed in 1974, has 14 business divisions including motor trading, motorbikes, manufacturing, transport services, machine tools and parts, engineering, plantation, cigarette distribution, credit and leasing, water crafts, properties, hotel operation and insurance agency.

Naza Group is the franchise holder for Ferrari, South Korea's Kia, Peugeot, Brabus, Hamann and Ducati bikes in Malaysia.

It also holds the import permits for Mercedes-Benz and Mazda vehicles.

In August 2005, Naza opened its doors to a new automotive showroom which became the company's landmark -- Naza Auto Mall.

The group has property development -- TTDI Development Sdn Bhd -- and hotels in Malaysia and Los Angeles, including Howard Johnson in Torrance and the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Pedro, Los Angeles.

Born on Jan 25, 1955, Nasimuddin studied at Sekolah Menengah Tuanku Muhammad in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.

He began his automotive business at the age of 21 with a capital of RM80,000 he had accumulated by working for his father who was in the contracting business.

He made his first million a year later by applying for government-issued Approved Permits (APs) to import used cars from Japan.

He was quoted as saying: "I have always loved cars since my teenage years. That is why I am in this business. My father's construction business was not my cup of tea."

-- BERNAMA

TWK90

May 2nd, 2008, 12:42 PM

^^

Condolence....that's quite a loss, i think he's the one who pioneered the entry of Korean cars to Malaysia, is it?

forrestcat

May 2nd, 2008, 01:09 PM

Before Proton came out with Waja, our neighbor's Naza badged Kia Sephia was much envied in the neighborhood :) coz it's the probably the most affordable non-Proton 1.6 hatchback car but then a Kia Sephia was RM66 000 :nuts: still pricey then. Naza already made good impression with its first products, re-badged cars they may be, but people had confidence in NAZA.:)

Arkdriver

May 2nd, 2008, 03:04 PM

NAZA product? Unreliable, low second value.

If you buy Naza bike prepare to buy another bike as your bike, will spend 6 months in workshop claiming warranty. in one year you can only ride your bike for 6 months.

That's what i gather from naza forum. Although their superbike has smaller price tag you wont see much around because people dont have confidence in its product.

Naza Ria? one fuel-sucking MPV. Many naza ria owners converted their MPV to run on natural gas or combi.

Naza Citra? tak tahuu

Naza 206 Bestari? OK la but the design kinda outdated.

If you ask me to choose between 206 Bestari and Gen-2 i will prefer Gen-2 anytime.

forrestcat

May 2nd, 2008, 03:58 PM

Naza was not trying to hide anything with its products. A Naza Bestari as we all know a Peugeot, a Ria the Kia Carnival etc. I dun find anyone complianing despite Savvy having Renault genes that is also outdated.:lol:

Look at Gen-2 also, a Campro engine that is not Campro till last year.:lol:

No one says Naza better than Proton or perodua, but Naza gave Malaysians more cheaper options and at the same time provide more jobs in the automotive industry at a time when almost no car manufacturers wanna open shop in Malaysia.:)

cooltemper

May 3rd, 2008, 03:42 AM

cooltemper

May 3rd, 2008, 03:43 AM

What next for KL's Naza Group

Death of car company founder Nasimuddin leaves sprawling empire worth $860 million steeped in intrigue and without an appointed successor

By Leslie Lopez, THE STRAITS TIMES

THE sudden death of Malaysian car tycoon Nasimuddin Amin yesterday has raised doubts about the future of his sprawling corporate empire.

It has also opened up an opportunity for Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi to overhaul the country's controversial car-import policies.

Tan Sri Nasimuddin, 53, died in Los Angeles, where he was undergoing treatment for cancer, which close associates said was detected last December.

'He kept it very private...He went to seek treatment in February and never returned,' a close associate of the businessman, who declined to be named, told The Straits Times.

Tan Sri Nasimuddin helmed the sprawling Naza Group of companies, an unlisted corporation which has interests in the assembly of South Korean Kia cars in Malaysia, the distribution of luxury motor vehicles, and a controlling interest in property concern TTDI.

Financial executives said that with his sudden death, it was unclear who would head his car-assembly empire, which bankers estimate is worth some RM2billion (S$860million).

Also in doubt is a clutch of potentially lucrative distribution franchises for Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini vehicles which Naza controls.

Senior car industry executives and lawyers told The Straits Times that the British authorities had started an investigation into allegations that the Naza Group and Tan Sri Nasimuddin were involved in the export of luxury motor vehicles using forged registration records.

It is not clear whether the investigation will now be abandoned.

Tan Sri Nasimuddin's death also poses challenges for Datuk Seri Abdullah's government.

According to car industry executives, Tan Sri Nasimuddin was the most vocal lobbyist against Datuk Seri Abdullah's push to revamp the country's car-import licensing business, which is worth more than RM1 billion.

The vacuum created by his death offers the Prime Minister an opportunity to make radical changes to Malaysia's car-import business, which has been criticised as being unfairly cushioned from foreign imports by the very restrictive nature of the licensing scheme.

But some officials are sceptical. 'The money involved is so big. There is already a clamour to step into his shoes,' a senior Finance Ministry official said without elaborating.

Tan Sri Nasimuddin's rise to the highest echelons of corporate Malaysia is a rags to riches tale.

According to friends and business associates, he did not do well in school and began his working life as a clerk in a Chinese-owned finance company specialising in the sale of second-hand vehicles.

He learned the ropes quickly, and when the Malaysian government came up with a special licensing system to handle the import of foreign-made cars in the mid-1970s, the young Nasimuddin decided to take a stab at becoming an entrepreneur.

He thrived under the system. According to car industry executives, he was the beneficiary of close to 15,000 licences annually, permits which allowed him to import any foreign make or model of car into the country.

Two years ago, he gave the public a glimpse of his enormous wealth when he hosted his daughter's wedding, which was attended by several sultans and Cabinet ministers.

The bride and bridegroom arrived at the reception in a carriage drawn by two white stallions.

The immediate challenge for Tan Sri Nasimuddin's Naza Group is succession, which the late businessman did not put in place.

'He was a very tough negotiator and a control freak,' said a chief executive of a large car-parts manufacturer who has done business with Tan Sri Nasimuddin for the past decade.

Close associates say that the tycoon kept a tight leash on finance, adding that car import licences were issued directly to him.

Bankers and lawyers close to the businessman say that Tan Sri Nasimuddin's son S.M. Faisal and brother Shalahuddin Amin will for now play a major role in the company.

But, said a senior lawyer who has done business for the group: 'The problem with the Naza Group is that it was a one-man show.''

Business opportunity in car import permits

EVERY car manufactured or assembled outside Malaysia must secure an Approved Permit (AP) licence before it can be imported or sold locally.

The beneficiaries of APs, who are selected by the International Trade and Industry Ministry, stand to make a huge financial windfall.

They can sell these import permits to auto distributors for between RM10,000 (S$4,300) and RM50,000 per vehicle depending on the make and model.

cooltemper

May 3rd, 2008, 03:47 AM

UK probe into dead tycoon's business practices

His operation allegedly exported cars to Malaysia using forged British papers

By Leslie Lopez, THE STRAITS TIMES

Kingdom were alerted to a luxury auto distribution operation involving Malaysia's auto czar Tan Sri Nasimuddin Amin which was allegedly exporting cars to Malaysia using forged British vehicle-registration documents.
Now lawyers and auto executives wonder whether the probe will be abandoned following Tan Sri Nasimuddin's death in the US yesterday of cancer.

Sources close to the situation told The Straits Times that the investigation is in its initial stages and stems from a business disagreement between Tan Sri Nasimuddin and his one-time British business partner, Mr Nigel Peter Albon.

According to the lawyers and auto executives, the dispute is over funds Tan Sri Nasimuddin allegedly owed Mr Albon.

In the course of the legal wrangling, the mechanics of Tan Sri Nasimuddin's export operations surfaced.

The Malaysian tycoon was a major recipient of so-called Approved Permits (AP), which are essentially licences to import foreign cars into Malaysia. These APs are granted to a select group of government agencies and ethnic Malay businessmen like Tan Sri Nasimuddin.

Foreign auto industry executives have long argued for the scrapping of the controversial AP system citing concerns that the import licensing system is not well supervised, resulting in the loss of millions of ringgit in foregone tax revenues.

Auto industry executives say that in some instances new cars purchased overseas are passed off at the Customs entry point in Malaysia as second-hand vehicles using forged documents which predate the year of manufacture.

'By backdating the year of manufacture, the importer pays less tax to the government,' says a senior car industry executive familiar with the dispute between Tan Sri Nasimuddin and Mr Albon.

Executives from Tan Sri Nasimuddin's Naza Group were not available for immediate comment.

Disputes between Tan Sri Nasimuddin and his business partners are not new.

Last year, he was embroiled in a fight with his Singapore partners over the distribution of Ferrari models in Malaysia.

Businessman Alfred Tan Chor How and his son, Edward, left Malaysia abruptly last year after they fell out with him over disagreements on how to run their car import business.

The elder Mr Tan is the patriarch of Singapore's Hong Seh Group, a marine equipment supplier which diversified into the distribution of luxury cars in the early 1980s.

The company has been the sole agent for the distribution of Ferraris in Singapore since 1982 and added the Maserati and Bentley franchise to its list in the early 1990s.

The Tans struck a partnership with Tan Sri Nasimuddin in 1996 through a joint-venture company called Next Car Sdn Bhd.

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1802/mtpg21nasimwp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

cooltemper

May 3rd, 2008, 03:47 AM

cooltemper

May 3rd, 2008, 03:54 AM

Mercedes S-Class by ART

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/6377/90805020051lrg5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/3968/9080502005mini6lyc0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/6268/9080502005mini8lfx1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/7139/9080502005mini7lzp2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/8403/9080502005mini1leq1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

rizalhakim

May 15th, 2008, 03:41 AM

UMW: New Vios will sell faster than predecessor
By Goh Thean Eu
Published: 2008/05/15

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd expects the new Vios to sell faster than its predecessor as it has more variants that appeal to a wider market, says a director.

The Toyota Vios, which made its debut in May 2003, recorded sales of 100,000 units as at end-April 2008, with a total estimated value of RM8 billion.

"We sold 81,700 units of the previous generation Vios from May 2003 till September 2007. The new Vios was launched in October 2007 and we delivered the 18,300th unit by end of last month, making 100,000 units of Vios sold in Malaysia," said director Harry Loo Chee Yan in Subang yesterday.

Loo said it could take about four years to sell its next 100,000 units of Vios, unlike the first 100,000 which took five years to achieve.

"We believe it is possible (to achieve it in about four years). The previous generation Vios comes in two variant - E and G. The new Vios comes in three - E, G and S," said Loo.

Besides having more variants, Loo believes the new Vios has the right mix to attract car buyers.

"It is proven to be very economical and easy to drive. Fuel consumption is very commendable," he explained.

Loo was speaking to reporters after the delivery ceremony of its 100,000th Vios to a lucky owner. The 100,000th Vios owner Eimir Azmi Md Noh will receive one year of free services at any Toyota service centre nationwide.

Loo said Toyota's market share in Malaysia has expanded to just under 20 per cent in April - due mainly to the encouraging response for its vehicles like Vios, Rush and Camry. It sold close to 10,000 vehicles last month alone.

rizalhakim

May 15th, 2008, 03:51 AM

RM8bil worth of the 1.5-litre vehicle sold since roll-out five years ago

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/5/15/business/lead_vios1505.jpg

SUBANG JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has sold 100,000 units of the 1.5-litre Vios, worth about RM8bil, in Malaysia since the roll-out of the model five years ago.

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

UMW Toyota director (new vehicle sales group) Harry Loo said the Vios had been a hit since it was introduced.

“The response has been slightly above expectation,” he told reporters after a ceremony to commemorate the 100,000th unit sold yesterday.

Loo said the company introduced two Vios grades – E and G – into the market initially.

“In October 2007, we introduced an all-new Vios model in three grades of E, G and S and they have received great response,” he said, adding that the company was hopeful the new model would further boost sales.

UMW Toyota sold 81,700 of the previous generation of the Vios from May 2003 till September 2007.

Loo said the company had delivered 18,300 units of the new generation Vios since its launch.

“In total, we have managed to sell 100,000 units of the Vios within five years,” he noted.

On the Vios’ popularity, Loo said the car appealed to all ages, it was fuel-efficient compared with other models in its class and was affordable.

The new Vios costs RM78,700 to RM88,100, depending on the grade.

Currently, UMW Toyota had about 20% market share of the Malaysian car market, Loo said, adding that excluding national car makers, UMW Toyota led in the combined sales of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and four-wheel drives in the country.

cooltemper

May 16th, 2008, 03:26 AM

Malaysian even with high debt, they also tighten their belt to buy Vios, to show Proton no matter what we Malaysian suffered, we won't let you earn a sen.

rizalhakim

May 16th, 2008, 07:53 AM

Volvo upbeat on selling 1,000 cars in 2008
By HONG BOON HOW

PUTRAJAYA: Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which sold some 760 vehicles last year, is upbeat about improving its sales by 20% to about 1,000 units this year through the introduction of new models and variants.

President Robert Norrman said the vehicles to be launched included the award winning C30 hatchback and a turbodiesel variant of its popular XC90 sports utility vehicle (SUV).

“The sporty C30 is one of the eagerly awaited cars in the local market, while the turbodiesel XC90 would provide an alternative to consumers who want vehicles with some 30% better fuel economy,” he said at the launch of the new-look Volvo XC90 yesterday.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/5/16/business/b_04norrman.jpg
Robert Norrman (left) and Volvo regional product market manager Greg Bosnich with the Volvo XC90.

He also said the 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine of the soon-to-be launched XC90 variant, had been tested for more than a year on local diesel, which had high sulphur content, without encountering any problems.

“As such, we have the confidence to offer our diesel variant in Malaysia,” he said.

The four-wheel drive XC90 model launched yesterday comes with a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, and gets new equipment such as bi-xenon headlights, redesigned grille, bumpers, tail lights and a high performance six-CD audio system which supports MP3 and WMA files.

Priced at RM349,500 on-the-road without insurance, the seven-seater XC90 also comes with six airbags, roll stability control, and dynamic stability and traction control for a safer drive.

Norrman said the XC90 model has been the country’s best selling premium SUV since its local launch in 2003.

“Last year, the XC90 had some 46% of the premium SUV market while its closest competitor only managed a 20% share,” he said.

rizalhakim

May 16th, 2008, 09:02 AM

Mercedes-Benz maintains number one position

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz has maintained its number one position in the luxury car segment, posting sales growth of 6% year-on-year in the first quarter of the year, said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

“We foresee another robust performance this year and will continue to build on our leadership and boost sales of products under the Mercedes-Benz marque.

“Our performance is in line with our current expectations and we are confident that sales of passenger cars will continue to firmly strengthen our already dominant position in the local automotive premium segment,” said its president and CEO Peter Honegg in a statement yesterday.

The company said the popular E-Class was particularly well received, surpassing even global sales growth of 24%. Sales of the E-Class grew to more than 470 units from 319 units a year earlier, while the S-Class saw a near doubling of sales.

It said the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle segment registered almost 100 units, a growth doubling more than 2007’s first quarter, while its Fuso line saw sales of over 300 units versus 234 units a year earlier.

rizalhakim

May 16th, 2008, 09:13 AM

Saman pemilik kereta cermin gelap

KUALA LUMPUR: Bermula Julai ini, Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) akan mengeluarkan saman serta-merta terhadap pemilik kenderaan yang memasang filem penapis haba atau cermin gelap tanpa mematuhi peraturan ditetapkan.

Pengarah Bahagian Penguat Kuasanya, Salim Parlan, berkata langkah itu diharap membendung kedegilan segelintir individu yang masih berdegil menggunakan cermin gelap pada kenderaan mereka.

“Melalui operasi yang dilakukan sebelum ini, kami (JPJ) memberi peluang dengan tidak terus mengeluarkan saman dan hanya meminta kerjasama mereka hadir di pejabat JPJ berdekatan dalam masa dua minggu untuk menanggalkan cermin gelap itu.

“Bagaimanapun, JPJ tidak akan berkompromi dan akan mengeluarkan saman kompaun serta-merta kepada pesalah bermula 1 Julai depan,” katanya selepas merasmikan Majlis Penyerahan Fasa Pertama Kenderaan Baru Anggota Penguat kuasa JPJ Malaysia, kelmarin.

rizalhakim

May 16th, 2008, 09:22 AM

Peluang pandu uji Accent 1.6L terbaru
Oleh Mohd Razlan Salleh
mrazlan@hmetro.com.my

BAGI mereka yang masih mencari kenderaan sesuai dimiliki, Kah Bintang Auto Sdn Bhd (Kah Bintang) mengadakan pameran pelbagai model terbaru untuk dipandu uji di beberapa lokasi terpilih seluruh negara.

Pameran yang diadakan bermula jam 10 pagi sehingga 10 malam itu membariskan beberapa model terkini seperti Hyundai Sonata, Elantra 2008 dan Accent 2008.

Selain pameran, pengunjung juga boleh memandu uji model Accent 1.6L terbaru dan merasai sendiri kejuruteraan Korea yang mengagumkan.

Antara lokasi yang menjadi pilihan di Tesco Shah Alam, Selangor yang bermula dari hari ini sehingga 20 Mei, Tesco (Extra) Shah Alam, Selangor sehingga 18 Mei 2008, Tesco Mutiara Damansara, PJ, Selangor (20 April hingga 19 Mei 2008), Tesco Selayang, Kuala Lumpur (18 April hingga 17 Mei 2008), Tesco Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (19 April hingga 18 Mei 2008).

Tesco Ampang, Selangor (19 April hingga 18 Mei 2008), Tesco Puchong, Selangor (19 April hingga 18 Mei 2008), Tesco Kajang, Selangor (19 April hingga 18 Mei 2008), Tesco Bukit Tinggi, Klang, Selangor (19 April hingga 18 Mei 2008).

Lokasi lain seperti Tesco Sungai Dua, Pulau Pinang (19 April hingga 18 Mei 2008), Tesco E-Gate (Pg. Hyper), Pulau Pinang (19 April hingga 18 Mei 2008), Tesco Kota Bharu, Kelantan (20 April hingga 19 Mei 2008), Tesco Taiping, Perak (20 April hingga 19 Mei 2008).

Tesco Ipoh Hyper, Perak (20 April hingga 19 Mei 2008), Tesco Ipoh Extra, Perak (21 April hingga 20 Mei 2008), Tesco Seri Alam, Johor (18 April hingga 17 Mei 2008), Tesco Seremban, Negeri Sembilan (19 April hingga 18 Mei 2008), Tesco Melaka, Melaka (19 April hingga 18 Mei 2008), Tesco Sungai Petani, Kedah (21 April hingga 20 Mei 2008).

Kepada yang berminatmendekati model Hyundai, pastikan tidak melepaskan peluang mengunjung lokasi ditetapkan.

rizalhakim

May 20th, 2008, 07:54 AM

Volvo Malaysia to strengthen market grip
By Zuraimi Abdullah
Published: 2008/05/20

VOLVO Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd (VCM) expects the new-look Volvo XC90, launched recently, to strengthen its position as Malaysia's favourite premium sports utility vehicle (SUV) for the past five years.

Since its launch locally in 2003, the XC90 has become a best-seller, selling on average more than double the nearest competitor in the premium SUV segment, according to registered sales from the Malaysian Automotive Association.

Last year, about 155 units of the XC90 were sold, retaining its number one position in the segment for five years in a row. The closest rival, Volkswagen Toaureg, had sales of 85 units in 2007.

The sales volume for 2008 is expected to be higher, senior VCM executives said at the launch and media test drive of the new XC90 in Putrajaya.

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Tuesday/Nation/vovol.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph8/xc90.jpg

"I am very pleased and proud that Malaysians have made the Volvo XC90 the No.1 selling premium SUV since day one," VCM president Robert Norrman said.

VCM marketing and public relations director Peter Hastie said sales of some 80 units of XC90 were targeted in the first six months. About 30 units of the old XC90 were sold in the first quarter.

"There were some 2,500 premium SUVs sold in Malaysia in the past five years. Of this, 1,002 units were the XC90 to give it control of about 40 per cent market share," Hastie said.

The new 2.5-litre, seven-seater XC90 sells at RM349,500 or about RM9,000 more than its predecessor.

It boasts several new improvements and features for the latest lifestyle trends. These include improved sound system with a high performance auxiliary system with MP3 or WMA capability CD player and three new colours of Shadow Blue, Oyster Grey and Electric Silver, to complement the current Black Sapphire.

The XC90 was launched globally in early 2002 as the first purpose-built SUV to come from Volvo Cars.

It is also Volvo's first seven-seat car since the 1940s.

rizalhakim

May 22nd, 2008, 04:04 AM

Bermaz unveils new Mazda models

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/5/22/business/b_p8Abdullah.jpg
Bermaz Motor CEO Datuk Ben YeohTengku showing Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah the features of the Mazda CX-9

KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya group subsidiary, Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd, has launched four new Mazda models - the Mazda6 sports sedan, CX-9 sports utility vehicle, Mazda5 multi-purpose vehicle and MX-5 two-seater roadster.

Launched by Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah at the Berjaya Times Square here, the vehicles are priced from RM143,000 to RM296,000.

Bermaz Motor, which took over as the new local Mazda franchise holder last month, aims to sell around 2,000 Mazda vehicles this year. The cars are fully imported from Japan.

rizalhakim

May 22nd, 2008, 05:43 AM

Momentum Zoom-Zoom

Oleh AHMAD SYUKRAN ZAINUDDIN

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/0517/Kosmo/Pemotoran/pe_01.1.jpg
Mazda memulakan kempennya menerusi empat model terbaru iaitu Mazda5, Mazda6, Cx-9 dan MX-5.

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Bangkit daripada debu kemusnahan bandar raya Hiroshima, pengeluar kenderaan ini akhirnya berjaya menjadi salah satu jenama besar dalam industri pemotoran dunia. Menerajui teknologi enjin jenis rotary, Mazda sememangnya satu jenama yang telah mengalami revolusi yang cukup dramatik.

Dengan angka jualan mencecah jutaan unit setahun, masa depan Mazda nampak cerah, biarpun jenama itu pernah bergelut dengan masalah kewangan yang cukup serius, sebelum diselamatkan oleh Ford Motor Company pada tahun 1970-an.

Di rantau ini, pengaruh Mazda cukup kukuh di Singapura. Mazda seakan menjadi jenama nasional di sana. Berbeza dengan di Malaysia, Mazda bukanlah pilihan bagi mereka yang mahu lari daripada bayangan produk automotif tempatan, Eropah mahu pun Korea.

Sedangkan suatu ketika dahulu, kenderaan Mazda cukup diminati. Model seperti Familia, sama ada varian 323 atau 626 menjadi pilihan bagi mereka yang mahukan sebuah jentera sedan bergaya dan tahan lasak.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/0517/Kosmo/Pemotoran/pe_01.2.jpg
MODEL MPV ini menerima perubahan drastik dari aspek fizikal dan mekanikalnya.

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Malangnya, momentum itu tidak kekal lama. Berada di bawah naungan satu nama besar dalam industri permotoran iaitu Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad selama hampir satu dekad, jenama Mazda tidak gah sebagaimana sepatutnya. Ketika itu, Cycle & Carriage dilihat lebih memberi penekanan terhadap jenama mewah edarannya iaitu Mercedes Benz.

Tanpa sebarang kempen besar-besaran, model-model baru Mazda hanya disedari oleh segelintir peminat kereta yang tahu menghargai falsafah di sebalik tagline Zoom-Zoom syarikat tersebut.

Namun kini, nasib itu bakal berubah apabila anak syarikat Kumpulan Berjaya, Bermaz Motor Trading Sdn. Bhd. telah dilantik sebagai pengedar sah kenderaan Mazda di Malaysia.

Komited untuk memartabatkan kembali jenama Mazda di pasaran tempatan, Bermaz Motor memperkenalkan empat model baru yang pastinya dapat memenuhi ekspektasi para pengguna.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/0517/Kosmo/Pemotoran/pe_01.3.jpg
MAZDA6 memiliki ciri premium yang sukar ditandingi oleh pesaingnya.

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Memulakan kempennya menerusi model Mazda5 (MPV), Mazda6 (sedan), Cx-9 (SUV) dan MX-5 iaitu model roadster yang turut dikenali sebagai Mazda Miata, Bermaz Motor yakin model-model ini mampu memberikan kualiti pemanduan, prestasi, keselesaan dan nilai terbaik buat setiap pemiliknya.

Kali ini, laluan ke Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi menjadi medan sekumpulan wartawan menguji keupayaan keempat-empat model ini. Memandu kesemua model Mazda ini melayan selekoh sememangnya satu pengalaman yang cukup menyeronokkan.

MAZDA6Bersaing dengan model seperti Honda Accord dan Toyota Camry, Mazda6 serba baru ini diletakkan dalam posisi sebagai sebuah sedan eksekutif. Menerima perubahan ketara dari semua aspek berbanding model sebelumnya, model ini merupakan satu pembelian yang berbaloi.

Reka bentuknya bukan sahaja memukau, malah ciri aerodinamik Mazda6 mempunyai tahap Coefficient of Drag (CD) hanya 0.27 iaitu terbaik dalam kelasnya.

Mazda6 dikuasakan oleh dua varian enjin sama ada 2.0 atau 2.5 liter, empat silinder sebaris, DOHC, 16 injap yang dipadankan dengan kotak transmisi Activematic lima kelajuan. Bagi varian 2.5, ia dilengkapi dengan paddle shifter bagi pemanduan yang lebih sensasi.

Tidak cukup? Model ini juga dipasangkan dengan sun roof, sistem audio Bose, butang penghidup enjin, sistem kunci pintar dan banyak lagi.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/0517/Kosmo/Pemotoran/pe_01.4.jpg
BUMBUNG MX-5 ini boleh dibuka atau ditutup dalam tempoh hanya 12 saat.

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Harga yang ditawarkan bagi Mazda6 2.5 liter ialah RM170,888 sementara model 2.0 liter pula RM143,933 seunit (anggaran).

MAZDA5Menerima proses facelift yang sangat ketara, Mazda5 (juga dikenali sebagai Premacy di Jepun) ini menggabungkan elemen prestasi dengan gaya dan fungsi. MPV saiz sederhana ini menawarkan kualiti pemanduan seperti sebuah sedan dengan praktikaliti sebuah MPV.

Menggunakan khidmat enjin MZR bersesaran 2.0 liter dengan kotak gear automatik lima kelajuan Activematic, ia turut dipadankan bersama teknologi S-VT (sequential valve timing) dan Variable Induction System (VIS) untuk pemanduan yang lancar.

Bagi memudahkan penumpang untuk keluar masuk, Mazda5 dilengkapi dengan pintu gelongsor automatik di kedua-dua sisi tubuhnya.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/0517/Kosmo/Pemotoran/pe_01.5.jpg
PAPAN meter penuh gaya.

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Susunan tempat duduk 6+1 dengan konsep karakuri membolehkan tujuh orang penumpang duduk dengan selesa. Ditawarkan pada harga RM149,000 seunit, anda boleh memilih daripada enam warna termasuklah biru, hitam, putih dan perak.

MAZDA CX-9Mahukan sebuah SUV premium dengan harga berpatutan? Anda mungkin perlu memandu uji model SUV Mazda CX-9 tujuh tempat duduk ini. Dilengkapi dengan enjin V-6 bersesaran 3.7 liter penuh kuasa, keseronokan pemanduan semakin terasa apabila kuasa itu disalurkan kepada transmisi automatik enam kelajuan Activematic.

Ruang kabinnya mewah dengan papan pemuka yang ergonomik dan moden. Sementara kapasiti penyimpanan barang boleh mencecah sehingga 487 liter dan boleh ditingkatkan apabila kerusi dilipat mengikut konfigurasi tertentu.

Dengan hanya tiga warna pilihan, CX-9 ditawarkan pada harga RM287,404.60 seunit.

MAZDA MX-5Memegang status selaku salah satu model roadster terbaik pernah dihasilkan di dunia, Mazda MX-5 tidak pernah mengecewakan. Dibangunkan atas konsep Jinba-Ittai yang bermaksud kuda dan penunggangnya sebagai satu, Mazda MX-5 menawarkan pemanduan yang paling mengujakan.

Lebih menarik lagi, generasi ketiga MX-5 ini sarat dengan inovasi terkini termasuklah bumbung yang boleh dilipat (HRT) dalam hanya 12 saat. Kerangka ringan MX-5 ini dipadankan dengan enjin MZR 2.0 liter dan transmisi automatik enam kelajuan (lengkap bersama paddle shifter). Kesemua ciri hebat ini boleh anda miliki pada harga bermula RM220,000 seunit.

rizalhakim

May 24th, 2008, 04:27 AM

Hyundai-Sime Darby launches Starex
Published: 2008/05/24

THE sole distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd, expects to sell 600 units of its new 11-seater Hyundai Starex every year.

To achieve the target, the company will sell at least 50 units per month, chief operating officer Dennis Ho said yesterday, adding that the latest MPV is also expected to help expand its market share.

"We received good response from customers and we are confident the car which is stylish and versatile will be well-accepted,” he told reporters after the launch of the car in Petaling Jaya.

The Hyundai Starex will also meet the changing demands from customers especially from the business, group and family segments looking for larger vehicles, Ho said.

Equipped with Hyundai’s latest engine technology, the vehicle features aerodynamic casing, a roomier interior, better handling, and additional safety features.

The Hyundai Starex is a CBU (completely built-up), imported from Korea and available in three colours namely silver, white and gold.

The on-the-road price with insurance for the car is RM138,888.00.

Ho said the Hyundai Starex could be configured to a seven-seater plus additional accessories with a price tag of RM172,888.000. — Bernama

rizalhakim

May 27th, 2008, 11:07 AM

New Nissan model by year's end

KUALA LUMPUR: Nissan Motor has set itself a target of launching one new model a year, said Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng, the executive director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, which is the sole distributor of Nissan cars in the country.

"Our company has successfully sold proven models before. And now, we wanted to come out with a brand-new model," Ang said.

Given the success of the Nissan Latio launched in 2006, expectations are high for the next Nissan offering, which is expected on the roads at the end of the year - a 2-litre luxury mid-sized sedan that "will give very good mileage, be very economical and very safe".

Ang said Nissan had always provided its customers with good after-sales service.

"When our customers buy a Nissan car, they are not merely buying a car. They are becoming part of the big Nissan family."

Nissan Motor had also been conducting many Nissan family events, teaching its customers proper driving skills and to understand how a car functions, he added.

Ang was speaking at Balai Berita NSTP yesterday after handing a mock car key to New Straits Times Press Bhd group editor-in-chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun for the New Straits Times Press-Tropicana Charity Golf Tournament 2008.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor is sponsoring a Nissan Latio 1.6 worth RM82,000 and a Nissan Latio Sport 1.6 worth RM99,000 for the Hole-in-One prizes.

The tournament will be held on Saturday. It is expected to raise RM100,000 for the NSTP Charity Fund, which was set up in 1991.

Also present at the ceremony were Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd senior manager of marketing operations Alan Leong and Berita Harian Sdn Bhd group editor and tournament organising committee chairman Datuk Manja Ismail.

cooltemper

June 3rd, 2008, 07:48 AM

New Car Coming to Town and this time is from NISSAN

Nissan Sylphy

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8436/nissansylphyjn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2363/nissansylphyspecificatibv9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

TWK90

June 3rd, 2008, 08:00 AM

^^

Not bad, the Sylphy's interior wood grain tone has subtle colour and looks like Teana, which is good...

Exterior wise, it will have tough battle against Honda Civic or Mitsubishi Lancer which do not have conservative design...and this Sylphy design came from 2005...

I think people will still buy this anyway, just like Nissan Sentra which was on our market for long time, but it still sells, possibly because of the reputation of being reliable (Sentra)...

rizalhakim

June 3rd, 2008, 10:25 AM

BMW Malaysia launches M3 sedan

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/mseries/m3sedan/2007/allfacts/design/_shared/img/design_exterieur.jpg

http://thecarfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/bmw-m3-sedan.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd has launched the most powerful four-door BMW M3 sedan, which comes with the world’s first seven-speed double clutch transmission (M DCT).

In a statement yesterday, BMW Malaysia said the fourth-generation M3 was available in the new body variant - the first time since the premier of the four-door M3 14 years ago.

The retail price (on the road including personal road tax and registration) is RM 713,800. BMW Malaysia said the new BMW M3 Sedan was available in select dealerships from May 31.

It said the new sedan, sharing the M3 Coupe’s high revving and generation defining four-litre V8 engine, was capable of delivering a maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp at 8,300rpm.

BMW Malaysia said the power plant was also 15kg lighter and enables the car to go from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 4.8 seconds, hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

cooltemper

June 3rd, 2008, 12:04 PM

erwinkarim

June 3rd, 2008, 04:15 PM

BMW Malaysia launches M3 sedan

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd has launched the most powerful four-door BMW M3 sedan, which comes with the world’s first seven-speed double clutch transmission (M DCT).

In a statement yesterday, BMW Malaysia said the fourth-generation M3 was available in the new body variant - the first time since the premier of the four-door M3 14 years ago.

The retail price (on the road including personal road tax and registration) is RM 713,800. BMW Malaysia said the new BMW M3 Sedan was available in select dealerships from May 31.

It said the new sedan, sharing the M3 Coupe’s high revving and generation defining four-litre V8 engine, was capable of delivering a maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp at 8,300rpm.

BMW Malaysia said the power plant was also 15kg lighter and enables the car to go from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 4.8 seconds, hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

i don't know to be impress w/ BMW commitment to Malaysia that they launched M3 here, or the ability of my fellow Malaysian to purchase overpriced high performance cars that BMW decided to official launched the car.

dollar for dollar, you can get 2 Maybachs 62 for a price of an M3 here.

cooltemper

June 4th, 2008, 03:00 AM

That is because of our Malaysia's (under)Garment stupid policy.
They think that average Malaysian shouldn't drive nice car, so they impose super skyroket high, burj dubai high TAX on cars.

chuakz

June 4th, 2008, 06:07 PM

dollar for dollar, you can get 2 Maybachs 62 for a price of an M3 here.

are you sure?? even without tax a maybach would still cost more than an M3 with tax here....

erwinkarim

June 5th, 2008, 01:30 AM

are you sure?? even without tax a maybach would still cost more than an M3 with tax here....

what i meant is, in US, with USD700,000 you can buy 2 maybach 62 instead only 1 BMW M3 with RM700,000. this is what we call purchasing power.

with the fuel going up, i hope they lower the sales tax on cars, or at least give better tax incentive on fuel efficient cars/hybrids.

cooltemper

June 5th, 2008, 02:59 AM

Malaysian have lower purchasing power, with the current oil price according to our (under)garment, it should around RM3, so if we have the purchasing power like Aussie and SIngaporean, the oil price should around RM1 or RM1.20.

Singapore oil price is Sin2.20, so it mean, Singapore Goverment is making money out of it, but we Malaysian are giving subsidies for that. See how people manage a country.

lesart

June 5th, 2008, 03:39 AM

cooltemper

June 5th, 2008, 07:27 AM

Haha, you got your point.
So Nissan better watch out here, you name not so good in Feng Sui.

rizalhakim

June 6th, 2008, 08:42 AM

Chevrolet Volt

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/autos_content_landing_pages__9/autos_content_landing_pages-236467846-1212521113.jpg?yma6ye_CZD.9ojjJ

rizalhakim

June 6th, 2008, 08:52 AM

2009 Jaguar XJ

http://image.automotive.com/f/future_cars/2008/6695720/0609_x+2009_jaguar_xj+front.jpg

dem....!!!

rizalhakim

June 6th, 2008, 09:20 AM

Slowing down can save fuel, says Road Safety Dept
By SIM LEOI LEOI

PUTRAJAYA: Following the speed limit may not just save your life. It saves fuel and your money as well, says Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh.

"It's time for drivers who are used to speeding to their destinations to slow down. This may not only save them their lives but fuel because of the price increase.

"As a general guide, travelling at 90kph is the optimum speed. The next time you travel home on the highway at 110kph, try driving at 90kmph. You'll notice the savings, " he told reporters Friday at his office here.

He was responding to the Government's announcement of an increase in petrol and diesel prices by 78 sen and RM1 per litre respectively beginning Thursday.

Suret also reminded drivers that despite the six-month advocacy period for rear seat belts, they could still get summoned by the police for failing to buckle up in front.

"The regulation on safety belt has been in force for 35 years so there's no excuse not to buckle up in front. The advocacy period is only for rear seat belts.

"At present, the rate for Malaysians to buckle up in front is around 77% while around 1% to 4% are putting on their rear safety belts. We aim to push this even higher," he said.

Suret also said that taxis, rental cars, and private vehicles with more than eight seats would be exempted from the ruling when it came into force on Jan 1 next year.

"The Government intends to apply the ruling to these two categories of cars in stages. It's also the responsibility of drivers to get their passengers in the backseat to buckle up.

"If the number of back passengers is more than the seat belts, the drivers should ensure that all the belts are used. If they fail, legal action will be taken against the drivers," he said, adding that the department was also asking the public to contribute anecdotes on how wearing seat belts had saved their lives during accidents.

"The stories will be compiled and posted on our website at www.panducermat.org.my," he said.

On another matter, Suret said the number of those injured in road accidents had been reduced from the 55,000 cases to 27,000 in the last three years since the department was set up.

rizalhakim

June 6th, 2008, 09:33 AM

FUEL PRICE HIKE: Road tax may be cut further
By : Marc Lourdes

SEPANG: The Road Transport Department (RTD) is conducting a study to see if the road tax for vehicles could be reduced further.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said reducing road tax was one of the ways his ministry would try to alleviate the hardship faced by motorists in the wake of the 78 sen price hike of petrol.

"I have ordered the RTD to prepare a comprehensive report on the road tax collection for the various categories of vehicles.

"Then I will give the Finance Ministry the input, so that the road tax system can be reviewed," he said at a press conference after a familiarisation visit to MasKargo's complex in Sepang yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, when announcing the fuel price hike on Wednesday, said owners of private vehicles with engine capacities of over 2000cc would get a RM200 road tax discount while those who owned motorcycles of over 250cc would get a RM50 discount.

Ong said the fuel price increase would push more people to use public transport, so the sector needs to be improved.

Ong said he was demanding regular reports from the authorities in charge of public transport on the quality of service, specifically punctuality.

He said he was expecting improvement in the rail transport sector by the end of the year with the addition of more coaches for commuter trains.

"We want to know how many more units we can get so that the waiting times between each run will be more consistent."

rizalhakim

June 6th, 2008, 09:34 AM

FUEL PRICE HIKE: Car sales may go down
By : Zuraimi Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR: Car sales are expected to slow down in the second half of this year because of the petrol and diesel price hike, with non-national models suffering more than their national peers, industry observers said.

Total industry volume (TIV) grew to 181,053 units in the first four months of the year, but should slow down from this month, they said.

Affin Investment Bank, in a research note to investors yesterday, said higher petrol cost would reduce the consumers' purchasing power.

"Consumers may turn to public transport or car pool, hence reducing the need for car ownership."

Affin Investment said the impact on Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda and Nissan will be more negative.

"Even though the majority of their customers have high incomes, fear of further petrol price hikes and other price increases may affect demand."

Affin Investment has revised its TIV forecast this year by 3 per cent to 500,000 units, from 515,000 units earlier.

Proton Edar Dealers Association (Peda) deputy president Armin Baniaz Pahamin, meanwhile, believes the situation works to Proton and Perodua's favour.

"Proton is the people's car. Hence the impact will be negligible," he said, adding that the fuel hike will affect the use and behaviour of Proton car owners only for a short-term.

Armin felt that strong national car sales would offset an expected decline in demand for non-national models.

"Even in Thailand, with higher petrol price and lower household income, car sales kept increasing and growth was not affected," he said.

Another industry executive said sales of small-capacity motorcycles and cars could easily double.

A senior executive of a non-national car dealer, meanwhile, expects bleak prospects for vehicles running on diesel.

"Prior to the RM1 increase on diesel to RM2.58 now, the road tax for these vehicles was already double that of petrol-powered vehicles," he said.

cooltemper

June 6th, 2008, 12:21 PM

FUEL PRICE HIKE: Road tax may be cut further
By : Marc Lourdes

I rather undergarment cut the import duty on foreign car where i can buy a fuel economical car at more affordable price.

forrestcat

June 6th, 2008, 12:25 PM

I rather undergarment cut the import duty on foreign car where i can buy a fuel economical car at more affordable price.

I dun think reducing import tariffs will solve anything. Even if Honda and Toyota drop to RM30k-RM40K range, it's still expensive to most Malaysian.Thank god for 8-10 years loans. :lol:

cooltemper

June 6th, 2008, 12:33 PM

Ya, it is still expensive, but at least the car won't give you much more problems, said, 3 to 5yrs times, where Proton started to give problems.

8-10 yrs loan is really the JOKE OF WHOLE WORLD. Buy a chiplank car cost a people 10yrs of their life in this world.

rizalhakim

June 12th, 2008, 04:03 AM

UMW Toyota: No slackening in car orders
Published: 2008/06/12

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the assembler and distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has not experienced any slackening in orders for its Toyota vehicles.

UMW Toyota Motor’s executive director Aminar Rashid Salleh said despite the growing concern over inflation, the company’s showrooms are still getting enquiries from potential customers, especially on vehicles with lower capacity engines.

“So far, we have not seen what can be called an impact on orders. Having said that, I have to admit that the last few days in terms of enquiries from customers seemed to be more on vehicles with lower capacity engines,” he said after launching the Toyota Eco Ranger programme yesterday.

He also said that Toyota vehicles are able to meet the needs of customers as most of them are equipped with the VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) engine technology, where its strength is in fuel efficiency.

The best-selling Toyota models are passenger car Vios, with average sales of 2,800 to 3,000 units per month, and the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) Avanza, with average sales of 2,000 units a month.

Aminar, however, declined to comment whether vehicle sales would be affected by inflationary pressure.

“It is too early to comment but definitely an increase in inflation will impact everybody. Not just the automotive industry but also the economy as a whole,” he said.

The company, however, would be monitoring the situation closely and is adopting a prudent stance, he added.

Aminar said the country’s automotive industry had been recording healthy orders in the past five months.

“Almost all players have registered good orders and good sales. These orders may carry them over the next few months,” he said.

In terms of total industry volume, the first five months of 2008 was better that the same period last year with a growth of between 30 and 40 per cent, Aminar said.

“It has been very good. The challenge is whether we can continue with this momentum and I believe some players will also be introducing new models,” he said.

“We have introduced a few new models in the early part of this year. We are still getting good orders for these models,” he added.

On hybrid cars, Aminar said UMW Toyota Motor would be submitting a proposal to the government to make hybrid cars commercially available locally, adding that the company had brought in two hybrid cars for evaluation.

“Hybrid technology is not cheap but we would like hybrid cars to be affordable so that more people will be able to buy. We are still at the discussion stage with the government and hope to see a positive response,” he said. — Bernama

adamcwy

June 12th, 2008, 04:55 AM

rizalhakim

June 19th, 2008, 05:16 AM

subaru exiga

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2008_subaru_exiga_touring_concept__official_image001.jpg

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/13687_super.jpg

rizalhakim

June 19th, 2008, 05:21 AM

honda fcx clarity

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2008/fcx-clarity/exterior-gallery/_L4A5119a_lg.jpg

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2008/fcx-clarity/exterior-gallery/_L4A5131a_lg.jpg

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2008/fcx-clarity/exterior-gallery/StyleF8_2_lg.jpg

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2008/fcx-clarity/exterior-gallery/StyleR8_2_lg.jpg

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2008/fcx-clarity/exterior-gallery/StyleF10_0_lg.jpg

http://automobiles.honda.com/images/2008/fcx-clarity/exterior-gallery/StyleS10_0_lg.jpg

liping_t

June 19th, 2008, 06:41 AM

Change the speed limits to
50kph within City Center/School/town compound
100kph on Driveway/Highway

no use changing speed limits when no one obeys them!

travellator

June 20th, 2008, 02:28 PM

Japanese Cars Crowned Most Reliable
20/06/2008

Contrary to the popular belief that German cars are the most dependable wheels on the road, a new study reveals it’s the Japanese motors that are the reliability kings.

Which? Car has conducted a survey to name the most reliable models available worldwide. Surprisingly, Japanese carmakers dominated the top positions. Toyota was awarded with a reliability index rating of 84 percent followed by Daihatsu, Lexus, Madza, Subara and Suzuki, all with 83 percent.

Unfortunately Britain didn’t perform well overall with Land Rover crashing at the bottom of the table with 67 percent. Honda Civic, based in Swindon, were joint lowest in the reliability league of medium cars with 82 percent.

Vauxhall also performed poorly while Jaguar and Mini received average scores of 78 percent.

Until now German makes have traditionally been the best for reliability. It was therefore disappointing when the results show shockingly low scores from Volkswagen. In the large cars category the well-liked Volkswagen Passat (post-2005) received the lowest marks.

“Japan continues to show the rest of the world how to make consistently reliable cars, although the new Honda Civic shows they're not infallible.” says Richard Headland, Editor of Which? Car.

“Some British-built cars, on the other hand, don't exactly run like clockwork. Land Rover, in particular, needs to raise its game,” warns Headland.

Which? Car Brand Reliability Index Results:

Honda, Japan (85 per cent); Toyota, Japan (84 per cent); Daihatsu, Japan (83 per cent); Lexus, Japan (83 per cent); Mazda, Japan (83 per cent); Subaru, Japan (83 per cent); Suzuki, Japan (83 per cent); Hyundai, Korea (80 per cent); Mitsubishi, Japan (80 per cent); Porsche, Germany (80 per cent); Mini, UK (78 per cent); Nissan, Japan (78 per cent); Ford, USA (78 per cent); BMW, Germany (78 per cent); Skoda, Czech Republic (78 per cent); Kia, Korea (78 per cent); Proton, Malaysia (78 per cent); Mercedes Benz, Germany (78 per cent); Audi, Germany (78 per cent); Jaguar, UK (78 per cent); Vauxhall, UK (75 per cent); Citroën, France (75 per cent); Volvo, Sweden (75 per cent); Volkswagen, Germany (75 per cent); Peugeot, France (75 per cent); Smart, Germany (75 per cent); Chevrolet, USA (75 per cent); Daewoo, Korea (75 per cent); Jeep, USA (75 per cent); Saab, Sweden (73 per cent); Seat, Spain (73 per cent); MG, UK (73 per cent); Alfa Romeo, Italy (73 per cent); Rover, UK (70 per cent); Fiat, Italy (69 per cent); Renault, France (68 per cent); Land Rover, UK (67 per cent); Chrysler/Dodge, USA (67 per cent).

travellator

June 22nd, 2008, 06:03 AM

MOST RELIABLE CARS
Supermini: Honda Jazz/Skoda Fabia
Mini MPV: Skoda Roomster
Medium car: Volvo C30
Large car: Honda Civic Hybrid
Luxury car: Mercedes-Benz E Class
MPV: Honda FR-V/Seat Altea/VW Golf Plus
Off-roader: Lexus RX
Sport & Coupe: Audi TT/Mazda MX-5
Source: Which? Car

LEAST RELIABLE CARS
Supermini: Fiat Grande Punto
Mini MPV: Suzuki SX4
Medium car: Honda Civic/Citroen C4
Large car: VW Passat/Citroen C5
MPV: Ford Galaxy/Ford S-Max
Off-roader: Land Rover Discovery 3
Sport & Coupes: Mercedes-Benz SLK
Source: Which? Car

OshHisham

June 23rd, 2008, 07:08 AM

Which? Car Brand Reliability Index Results:

Honda, Japan (85 per cent); Toyota, Japan (84 per cent); Daihatsu, Japan (83 per cent); Lexus, Japan (83 per cent); Mazda, Japan (83 per cent); Subaru, Japan (83 per cent); Suzuki, Japan (83 per cent); Hyundai, Korea (80 per cent); Mitsubishi, Japan (80 per cent); Porsche, Germany (80 per cent); Mini, UK (78 per cent); Nissan, Japan (78 per cent); Ford, USA (78 per cent); BMW, Germany (78 per cent); Skoda, Czech Republic (78 per cent); Kia, Korea (78 per cent); Proton, Malaysia (78 per cent); Mercedes Benz, Germany (78 per cent); Audi, Germany (78 per cent); Jaguar, UK (78 per cent); Vauxhall, UK (75 per cent); Citroën, France (75 per cent); Volvo, Sweden (75 per cent); Volkswagen, Germany (75 per cent); Peugeot, France (75 per cent); Smart, Germany (75 per cent); Chevrolet, USA (75 per cent); Daewoo, Korea (75 per cent); Jeep, USA (75 per cent); Saab, Sweden (73 per cent); Seat, Spain (73 per cent); MG, UK (73 per cent); Alfa Romeo, Italy (73 per cent); Rover, UK (70 per cent); Fiat, Italy (69 per cent); Renault, France (68 per cent); Land Rover, UK (67 per cent); Chrysler/Dodge, USA (67 per cent).

wow!! what a great achievement of Hyundai! could jump that high...:okay:

btw, is that true proton has that high figure? Trav, may i know who did the study? is that a Malaysian consultant?

macam tak boleh dipercayai....:D

OshHisham

June 23rd, 2008, 07:12 AM

TWK90

June 23rd, 2008, 07:12 AM

Em, both Proton and Hyundai share the same root, which is, at the beginning, mostly obtained Mitsubishi's expertise...

OshHisham

June 23rd, 2008, 07:15 AM

Em, both Proton and Hyundai share the same root, which is, at the beginning, mostly obtained Mitsubishi's expertise...

once i thought that Proton should buy Mitsubishi when the company was in red 5-6 year ago...:yes:

but its too late....

TWK90

June 23rd, 2008, 07:33 AM

once i thought that Proton should buy Mitsubishi when the company was in red 5-6 year ago...:yes:

but its too late....

I doubt Proton can easily buy Mitsubishi Motors even when the Mitsubishi Motors was in red ink few years ago...

Mitsubishi Motors company size is much larger than Proton's, and it is saddled with huge debts which is 10.5 billion dollars as of few years ago, with Proton's small size, it is hard to spill the dough($$) to reinvigorate Mitsubishi, even the old DaimlerChrysler (DCX), which is now seperated, found it hard to revive Mitsubishi and they lost big time during their Mitsubishi ownership...

But somehow, after DCX got out, Mitsubishi back to Japanese ownership, and finally....they got their small profit first time after 4 years, 35.7 million dollars....i think partly because of their new models such as the Outlander and Lancer..

travellator

June 23rd, 2008, 11:08 AM

wow!! what a great achievement of Hyundai! could jump that high...:okay:

btw, is that true proton has that high figure? Trav, may i know who did the study? is that a Malaysian consultant?

macam tak boleh dipercayai....:D

'Which? Car' magazine a british mag, subscription web site here http://www.which.co.uk/reports_and_campaigns/cars/index.jsp

rizalhakim

June 23rd, 2008, 11:55 AM

Hyundai lancar versi Accent 1.5L, Elantra X20

http://www.bharian.com.my/Saturday/Ekonomi/20080621015252/mainpix
ANGGUN: Hyundai Elantra X20 CVVT yang dilancarkan di ibu negara, semalam.

ORIENTAL Hyundai Sdn Bhd, pengedar kenderaan Hyundai bagi pemasangan tempatan (CKD) di negara ini, semalam melancarkan versi terbaru bagi model Hyundai Accent 1.5L dan Hyundai Elantra X20 CVVT.

Menerusi versi terbaru itu, model Hyundai Accent 1.5L menampilkan pilihan kit badan Corazon2 Sport, manakala model Hyundai Elantra X20 CVVT dengan pilihan kit badan yang direka bersama Sistem Mengikut Tempahan Inovasi (Incus) dan Hyundai Mobis Korea.

Pengarah Urusan yang juga Ketua Eksekutif Oriental-Hyundai, Datuk Robert Wong, berkata bagi model Hyundai Accent 1.5L, semua komponen kit badan Corazon2 Sport diimport terus dari Calma Co Ltd, Jepun yang pakar dalam reka bentuk kit automotif.

Katanya, pakej kit badan Corazon2 berharga RM2,500 itu menampilkan gril Honeycomb dengan lambang Corazon2, bumper depan, dua skirt tepi dan dua skirt bumper belakang.

"Harga atas jalan model Hyundai Accent 1.5L standard adalah antara RM59,999 hingga RM65,888 dengan pilihan empat varian," katanya pada majlis pelancaran versi terbaru kedua-dua model berkenaan di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Pada majlis sama, Oriental Hyundai turut melancarkan kit kenderaan gas asli (NGV) bagi tiga model Hyundai Sonata, Elantra dan Accent yang diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) dari Lo Gas SRL, Itali.

Wong berkata, bagi model Hyundai Elantra X20 CVVT pula, semua komponen kit badan itu adalah asli dan diimport terus dari Incus dan Hyundai Mobis, yang juga syarikat sekutu Hyundai Motor Company.

Harga atas jalan bagi model Hyundai Elantra X20 CVVT yang standard ialah RM93,888.

Sementara itu, beliau berkata, pengenalan kit NGV bagi tiga model keluarannya sejajar usaha untuk mengurangkan penggunaan petrol, terutama berikutan kenaikan harga bahan bakar itu ketika ini.

Katanya, silinder gas kit NGV yang dipasang pada kereta Hyundai itu berharga antara RM5,850 hingga RM6,300 bergantung kepada saiz but.

rizalhakim

June 23rd, 2008, 11:56 AM

Lexus not into the numbers game
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM

RIGHT from the start, Lexus Malaysia managing director Kuah Kock Heng makes it clear that recording voluminous car sales was not the main objective of the company.

“Our focus was never about pushing the numbers,” Kuah told StarBiz at the company’s Lexus Centre in Mutiara Damansara recently.

Lexus Malaysia is the luxury division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd.

Kuah said that the company’s emphasis was on quality rather than quantity.

“Our goal is to build the brand and create better (brand) awareness. We want to highlight the luxurious image that the brand portrays. When our customers purchase a Lexus, they are buying a lifestyle, an experience – and not just a car,” he said.

Still, that does not mean the company does not have a sales target.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/23/business/b_10kuah.jpg
Kuah Kock Heng

“We are aiming to sell 260 units this year, even though we know we can go higher.”

Business began for Lexus Malaysia in January 2007. The company has launched four models – the LS 460L, GS 300, RX 350 and IS 250.

In 2007, the company collectively sold 195 units. Up until May, Lexus has sold 84 LS 460L units, 112 GS 300 units, 43 RX 350 units and 52 IS 250 units.

“Based on our sales so far, we are confident that our (sales) target for 2008 will be met, if not surpassed,” Kuah said.

He also said that there were no plans to launch any new models at the moment.

“We are studying the market and a lot will depend on customer demand. There are no plans for any new launches now and we will concentrate on the four models that we already have.”

Kuah said that the Lexus brand was already well known throughout the world, even within the Asean region – especially Malaysia.

“When we started the business in Malaysia, a lot of people asked why we didn’t start it sooner. Our philosophy was to start it right and not rush in too quickly.”

According to Kuah, the Lexus brand has a market share of nearly 5% within the luxury car segment in the country.

“After one and a half years of operation, the brand awareness has improved significantly and we will continue to build the brand further,” he said.

When asked about the recent fuel hike and the potential impact it would have on the company’s business, Kuah’s response was a humble smile!

“The buyers within this (luxury) segment comprise people who are successful. It is unlikely they would let the hike in petrol prices affect their lifestyle. The impact within this segment is minimal. If anything, the purchasers would surely know how to adjust their lifestyle to accommodate any changes,” he said.

Kuah said it was no surprise why the affluent could so easily identify with the Lexus marquee.

“The people who chose Lexus are those who enjoy the finer things in life. When you own a luxurious item, you have to feel it and the (Lexus) brand complements that well,” he said, admitting that he too was a Lexus fan.

Apart from the line-up of posh cars, the six-storey 3S Lexus Centre itself is something to marvel about.

Opened in January 2007, the high-class facility sits on about an acre of land and measures about 11,400 sq meters in size and employs about 35 people.

The facility is equipped with a lounge, business centre, showroom, children’s room (equipped with a Playstation 2, smoking room, concierge, conference room, delivery area, e-catalog room, function room, staff offices and more.

“When people come into our centre, we want them to feel the “Lexus ambience” and let the experience do the talking,” Kuah said.

The Lexus Centre in Mutiara Damansara is the only Lexus-dedicated 3S centre in Malaysia.

“We service customers from all over the country,” Kuah said, adding that the centre was dedicated towards achieving and maintaining the highest level of customer satisfaction.

On whether there were plans to set up a new 3S centre to accommodate the growing customer base, Kuah said: “When we are satisfied with our business volume, perhaps then we will set up a new centre.”

“The Lexus brand is still new in Malaysia. But we are confident that there would be better recognition in the near future.”

rizalhakim

June 24th, 2008, 05:14 AM

Penjualan kereta Nissan tidak terjejas

KUALA LUMPUR 23 Jun - Penjualan kereta-kereta Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM), secara keseluruhannya tidak mengalami kemerosotan di sebalik berlakunya peningkatan harga minyak di negara ini.

Pengarah Eksekutif ETCM, Datuk Dr. Ang Bon Beng berkata, penjualan kereta-kereta Nissan dilihat stabil dan tiada penurunan ketara yang berlaku.

''Tidak dinafikan beberapa jenis kereta Nissan seperti Nissan X-Trail mengalami kekurangan permintaan ketika ini, tetapi ia masih boleh dianggap normal.

''Bagaimanapun, kereta-kereta Nissan seperti Latio 1.6, Grand Livina dan Sylphy menjadi kereta pilihan pelanggan kerana kenderaan itu diakui mampu menjimtakan penggunaan petrol," katanya

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas majlis penyampaian hadiah 'Pertandingan Menangi Latio Setiap Bulan' bagi bulan Mei 2008 di bilik pameran ETCM cawangan Raja Laut di sini hari ini.

Jelas Bon Beng, ketiga-tiga kereta Nissan itu dapat menjimatkan 20 hingga 30 peratus penggunaan petrol berbanding kereta yang setanding dengannya.

''Oleh itu, penjualan bagi ketiga-tiga kereta ini dilihat sangat memberangsangkan.

''Pelanggan kini bijak memilih kenderaan yang hendak digunakan bagi menjimatkan penggunaan kos petrol yang tinggi," katanya.

Ditanya sama ada ETCM akan memperkenalkan model kereta Nissan yang menggunakan gas asli untuk kenderaan (NGV), beliau berkata, ETCM tidak merancang berbuat demikian.

''Setakat ini, ETCM tidak bercadang mengeluarkan model kereta yang menggunakan NGV kerana kita yakin kereta-kereta kami mampu menjimatkan penggunaan petrol.'' jelasnya.

rizalhakim

June 24th, 2008, 05:28 AM

Alfa Romeo Mito

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2008/03/14-alfa-romeo-mito/Alfa-Romeo-Mito-2-lg.jpg

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2008/03/14-alfa-romeo-mito/_Alfa-Romeo-Mito-1-lg.jpg

http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2008/03/14-alfa-romeo-mito/Alfa-Romeo-Mito-3-lg.jpg

rizalhakim

June 25th, 2008, 05:04 AM

Volvo aims to sell 50 units of new model this year

KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd is aiming to sell 50 units of its latest sporty Volvo C30 hatchback this year.

According to president Robert Norrman, the two-door C30, which is the Swedish carmaker’s first model in the small and premium car segment, had received good response in European markets.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/6/25/business/b_02volvo.jpg
Robert Norrman with the Volvo C30 hatchback

“The C30 debunks the myth that Volvo cars are only about safety.

“The C30 is fresh, sporty, dynamic, sexy, fun, zippy, funky, cute and simplicity all thrown in together,” he said at the launch of the vehicle on Monday night.

Fully-imported from Sweden, the C30 is priced at RM215,500 on-the-road without insurance and comes with a 2.4-litre engine and a five-speed automatic gearbox.

rizalhakim

June 27th, 2008, 04:39 AM

Boost for Nissan in 2-litre market

KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd is targeting monthly sales of 350 units of the newly launched Nissan Sylphy and hopes to boost its market share in the 2-litre segment to 20% from 1.6% now.

Executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said despite the current challenging times owing to the high fuel cost, he was “very confident” of achieving the target, saying the model was the most fuel-efficient locally-assembled 2-litre executive sedan in the country.

He likened the model to a “five-star hotel charging a four-star price” and said it had been test proven to give 16km for a litre of fuel under Japan's 10-15 test.

“While it is logical that after a oil price hike, people would look for small capacity cars, there were still people going for bigger CC cars,” he said after the model's launch yesterday.

Ang said the company had already received more than 1,000 bookings for the Sylphy.

“In our current 2-litre segment, we sell about 25 units per month. We want to sell 13 times more in this segment with this new model,” he said, adding that plans were under way to phase out the Cefiro.

Since its launch in Japan, the Sylphy has become one of Nissan's best-selling models with over 160,000 units sold in 10 markets to date.

The Sylphy is priced at RM112,800 on the road and is available in six colours.

http://www.autocult.com.au/img/gallery/full/TorqueOmata3218.jpg

rizalhakim

June 27th, 2008, 09:53 AM

'Pekan plant can be Audi's assembly hub'
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/06/27

The complex now contract assembles up to 20,000 units of vehicles of various brands, including Suzuki and Mercedes-Benz annually, says DRB-HICOM group managing director

DRB-HICOM Bhd's automotive manufacturing complex in Pekan, Pahang, can be a site for the local assembly of Audi cars in the Southeast Asian region, its chief said.

DRB-HICOM group managing director Datuk Mohd Khamil Jamil said the automotive complex had already shown its capability to a delegation of German carmaker Audi AG.

The complex now contract assembles up to 20,000 units of vehicles of various brands including Suzuki and Mercedes-Benz annually, he said.

Khamil spoke to reporters after the launch of the new Audi A4 1.8T by Euromobil Sdn Bhd by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, yesterday.

Euromobil is wholly-owned by Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd (EON), which in turn is a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM.

Kamil said the complex is being upgraded as the group targets Pekan to be a centre for its manufacturing activities. A major focus of the upgrade is to raise the capacity of the painting shop, he added.

EON managing director Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir said Euromobil had sold some 1,200 units of Audi vehicles since it took over the franchise in 2003.

This year, the company expects to sell 280 to 300 units, up from 190 units in 2007. The new A4 1.8T should make up 60 per cent of the sales in 2008, he said.

Syed Hisham said that 26 firm bookings have been received so far.

The launch of the new A4 1.8T, he said, has rejuvenated Euromobil's efforts to place Audi on the same level as the two other leading German marques in the local premium car segment.

The new A4 1.8T comes in two variants - an entry model that sells at RM235,000 and a sporty version at RM260,000.

http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/auto_news/2007/9231662/112_0708_03z+2009_audi_a4+front_view.jpg

rizalhakim

June 27th, 2008, 09:59 AM

2009 Honda Jazz ( Honda Fit in USA)

http://image.motortrend.com/f/hatchbacks/2009-honda-fit-to-make-new-york-show-debut/8069588+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-honda-fit-front-view.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/hatchbacks/2009-honda-fit-to-make-new-york-show-debut/8069591+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-honda-fit-rear-view.jpg

rizalhakim

June 27th, 2008, 09:59 AM

Jaguar XF 2009

http://www.dieselstation.com/wallpapers/albums/Jaguar/xf-2009/jaguar-xf-2009-19.jpg

rizalhakim

June 30th, 2008, 10:55 AM

Bentley in Kuala Lumpur

http://a426.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/86/l_4e0a030981465b4e15b40fa7af20c759.jpg

http://a804.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/89/l_767ee68e0bcab260398b290d7835605b.jpg

http://a203.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/81/l_9ea1440bdcdc26509123641c4cfc2542.jpg

rizalhakim

July 1st, 2008, 04:53 AM

http://a922.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/l_10f43030bf2b9302bb3677a4bdd1b021.jpg

http://a357.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/113/l_c982123c8c226469d953df33c24428ec.jpg

http://a851.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/107/l_aec55ba5cbb1dd2cf6c389d6eea9994a.jpg

http://a887.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/63/l_079c607e45bb91053225c97de3a6bc86.jpg

http://a672.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/106/l_611bc004dab30df5a9624de480fa123f.jpg

http://a683.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/103/l_052b8dafe552162e4c8a5a9d29244422.jpg

http://a542.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/125/l_896ed90789c5aac4d08242fab506994d.jpg

http://a933.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/107/l_944e4950c3c979005dfb9ff3166e1dfc.jpg

http://a551.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/86/l_9dae74fd407e61ffa0abbb872120fab6.jpg

rizalhakim

July 2nd, 2008, 04:08 AM

Actyon Sports six-speed automatic makes debut
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/07/01

The six-speed variant is priced at RM89,000 for the standard package and its annual road tax is the lowest in its class at RM439.20 as a result of its two-litre engine capacity

COMPETITIVE Supreme Sdn Bhd, the local sole importer and distributor for Korea's SsangYong Motor Co, has introduced Actyon Sports six-speed automatic, the first six-speed automatic transmission SUT (sports utility truck) in Malaysia.

The new SUT replaces the four-speed Actyon Sports automatic launched in June 2007 and is equipped with SsangYong's dual thumb-tronic controls.

Gear changes can be made via the buttons on the steering wheel or on the gear shift lever. The technology is developed and manufactured by Drivetrain Systems International in New South Wales, Australia.

Competitive Supreme general manager Melvinder Singh said the gearbox is electronically controlled.

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/sayong.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph8/actyon.jpg

"An artificial intelligence programme constantly monitors your driving style and adjusts the transmissions characteristics to maximise performance according to your driving pattern," he said in a statement.

The Actyon Sports six-speed automatic is powered by the XDi 200 XVT engine, currently the most powerful two-litre diesel engine in its class.

"Its performance easily rivals competitors with much larger engine capacities of up to three litres," Melvinder said.

The company has not increased the price of Actyon Sports despite numerous improvements.

The six-speed variant is priced at RM89,000.00 for the standard package. New features include a chrome front grill, sporty integrated shark's fin style radio antenna, chrome centre air vents and adjustable centre air vents.

Melvinder said Actyon Sports is very economical, using 6.2 litres of diesel per 100km in city driving.

The SUT's annual road tax is the lowest in its class at RM439.20 as a result of its two-litre engine capacity.

"Additionally, customers who register their Actyon Sports as private vehicles will also enjoy the annual government rebate of RM625," he said.

rizalhakim

July 2nd, 2008, 06:50 AM

Acura TSX

http://www.tuningnews.net/news/080211/acura-tsx-2009-pre.jpg

rizalhakim

July 2nd, 2008, 06:52 AM

http://www.zcars.com.au/images/2009-mercedesbenz-sl-63-amg1.jpg

rizalhakim

July 2nd, 2008, 06:55 AM

2009 Toyota Matrix

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto-shows/sema-2007-toyota-turns-50-goes-senile-unveils-new-corolla/7238640+w600+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-toyota-corolla-matrix-front-three-quarter.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto-shows/sema-2007-toyota-turns-50-goes-senile-unveils-new-corolla/7243462+w600+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-toyota-corolla-matrix-grille.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto-shows/sema-2007-toyota-turns-50-goes-senile-unveils-new-corolla/7243465+w600+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-toyota-corolla-matrix-rear-three-quarter.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto-shows/sema-2007-toyota-turns-50-goes-senile-unveils-new-corolla/7238057+w600+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-toyota-corolla-matrix-side.jpg

http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto-shows/sema-2007-toyota-turns-50-goes-senile-unveils-new-corolla/7243444+w600+cr1+re0+ar1/2009-toyota-corolla-matrix-badge.jpg

TWK90

July 2nd, 2008, 07:00 AM

^^

Toyota Matrix and Acura TSX are not for Malaysian market...

rizalhakim

July 10th, 2008, 03:52 AM

Nasim to make Malaysia Peugeot's manufacturing hub
Published: 2008/07/10

NASIM Sdn Bhd (NSB), the local franchise holder of Peugeot marque, plans to make Malaysia the manufacturing hub for selected Peugeot vehicles in its move to penetrate the other right-hand drive markets.

“I would like to stress at this point that NSB is in this business for the long term,” SM Nasarudin SM Nasimudin, executive chairman and chief executive officer of the Naza Group of companies, said.

“NSB will take all measures to ensure the success of the brand. For Peugeot owners to have confidence in the brand, it is very important for us to play a prominent role in developing the brand.

“This is why we are aiming at being a manufacturing hub for Peugeot automobiles not only in Malaysia but other right-hand drive markets as well in near future,” he told reporters after launching the new Peugeot 407 at its flagship sales, service and spare parts facility centre, known as the Peugeot Blue Box, in Shah Alam yesterday.

Also present were Francois Poirier, director, Asia Pacific and Africa, international operations, automobiles Peugeot; Dominique Dourouze, general director, Asean region, Automobiles Peugeot and Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

The senior management of NSB are said to have just been to Paris to preview and test drive these special models and are said to be very pleased at the line-up of the future Peugeot models.

Asked on the new models to be launched, Nasarudin said NSB planned to launch the Peugeot 308 by the fourth quarter of this year.

Apart from introducing the 308 model, it expects to launch the 207 GTI, 207cc and 308 RCZ to boost the Peugeot sales.

On the new Peugeot 407, Nasarudin said NSB had already received almost 200 bookings.

The 407 vehicle is assembled at Naza’s manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah.

With demand for the model expected to grow gradually, Nasarudin is confident that the 407 models would able to be sell around 150 units a month.

Priced from RM125,888, the new 407 comes with the addition of VVT (Variable Valve Timing) feature and a newly revised automatic transmission.

Among others, it features Xenon lights for better night driving, automatic headlights, wipers and even electrically controlled front seats.

Nasarudin said NSB is committed to making the Peugeot marque a success in Malaysia with a commitment to reducing the pricing of parts.

“Since Nasim launched the Peugeot brand in February 2008, it has been progressively rationalising its parts pricing, improving on the availability of parts and also is in the process of increasing its service network,” he said.

“Currently NSB is working on opening another NSB owned Peugeot service centre in Penang and Johor Baru with an investment of RM3 million each,” he added. — Bernama

Peugeot 308
http://bp0.blogger.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/RlWprdWUmwI/AAAAAAAAKtw/CY9nTM4APOE/s1600/Carscoop_Peugeot3081.jpg

Peugeot 407
http://www.autonet.hr/userdocsimages/Test/Peugeot%20407%20Coupe%202.7%20V6%20HDi/Peugeot-407-Coupe-2.7-V6-HDi-Sport-Pack-1024x768.jpg

Peugeot 207 GTI
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/graphics/2007/04/14/mfpeu1.jpg

Peugeot 207cc
http://www.carbodydesign.com/archive/2006/12/12-peugeot-207-cc/Peugeot-207-CC-2-lg.jpg

Peugeot 308 RCZ
http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/peugeot308rcz.jpg

rizalhakim

July 10th, 2008, 04:00 AM

Locally-assembled Peugeot 407 unveiled

SHAH ALAM: Naza group subsidiary Nasim Sdn Bhd, which took over the Peugeot franchise in January, aims to sell 150 units of its first locally-assembled Peugeot 407 2.0 monthly.

The new model was equipped with variable valve timing and revised automatic transmission, group executive chairman S.M. Nasarudin S.M. Nasimuddin said after the car launch yesterday.

With engine capacity of 1997cc, Peugeot 407 is priced at RM133,888 for the premium unit and RM125,888 for standard unit, with five colour options.

The premium units were equipped with factory-fitted GPS system, said Nasarudin, adding that Nasim had received pre-bookings for 200 units of the new model.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/10/business/sf_sectionpicpeugeotp5i.JPG
Automobiles Peugeot director of Asia Pacific and Africa for international operations division Francois Poirier (left) and Nasim Sdn Bhd group executive chairman and chief executive officer SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin posing with the newly launched Peugeot 407 2.0 after the launch on Wednesday - Ricky Lai

According to him, Peugeot 407 would be assembled at Nasim's plant in Gurun, Kedah, and have 40% local content.

Nasim also aimed to become the manufacturing hub for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia and other right-hand drive markets, Nasarudin said.

Meanwhile, Nasim planned to open a Peugeot service centre each in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, he said.

“We are looking to invest about RM3mil in each centre under a concept similar to our flagship 3S centre – the Peugeot Blue Box in Glenmarie, Shah Alam,” he added.

Nasim recently opened a service centre in Plentong, Johor.

Francois Poirier, director, Asia-Pacific and Africa, international operations, Automobiles Peugeot said the company planned to introduce more models in Malaysia soon, including the 207 GTI, 207cc and 308 RCZ.

It was also looking to appoint Nasim to assemble some of the models for the Asian region, he added.

To date, about 50 million Peugeot vehicles had been sold worldwide.

rizalhakim

July 10th, 2008, 04:02 AM

New Vios to be unveiled

SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Sdn Bhd will be launching two new Vios variants - Vios J 1.5 automatic and manual transmissions - on Friday.

UMW Toyota said in a statement the two were entry-level variants to the existing Toyota Vios variants launched in October 2007.

Managing director Kuah Kock Geng said Toyota Vios has captured 50% market share of the 1.4-1.5-litre passenger car sedan segment in 2007.

He said the Vios was popular because of its performance, reliability and economical value. It has averaged sales of 2,500 units per month. UMW Toyota targets to sell 700 units of the Toyota Vios J.

Similar to other variants, the Vios Js variant is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. It also retains safety features such as anti-lock braking systems with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

The Toyota Vios J is priced from RM69,800. The actual price will be announced during Friday's launch.

rizalhakim

July 10th, 2008, 05:40 AM

Naza Plans To Make Malaysia Peugeot's Manufacturing Hub

SHAH ALAM, July 9 (Bernama) -- Nasim Sdn Bhd (NSB), the local franchise holder of Peugeot marque, plans to make Malaysia the manufacturing hub for selected Peugeot vehicles in its move to penetrate the other right hand drive markets.

"I would like to stress at this point that NSB is in this business for the long term," SM Nasarudin SM Nasimudin, executive chairman and chief executive officer of the Naza Group of companies said.

"NSB will take all measures to ensure the success of the brand. For Peugeot owners to have confidence in the brand, it is very important for us to play a prominent role in developing the brand.

"This is why we are aiming at being a manufacturing hub for Peugeot automobiles not only in Malaysia but other right hand drive markets as well in near future," he told reporters after launching the new Peugeot 407 at its flagship sales, service and spare parts facility centre, known as the Peugeot Blue Box, here today.

Also present were Francois Poirier, director, Asia Pacific and Africa, international operations, automobiles Peugeot; Dominique Dourouze, general director, Asean region, Automobiles Peugeot and Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

The senior management of NSB are said to have just been to Paris to preview and test drive these special models and are said to be very pleased at the future line-up of the future Peugeot models.

Asked on the new models to be launched, Nasarudin said NSB planned to launch the Peugeot 308 by the fourth quarter of this year.

Apart from introducing the 308 model, it also expects to launch the 207 GTI, 207cc and 308 RCZ to boost the Peugeot sales.

On the new Peugeot 407, Nasarudin said NSB had already received almost 200 bookings.

The 407 vehicle is assembled at Naza's manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah.

With demand for the model expected to grow gradually, Nasarudin is confident that the 407 models would able to be sell around 150 units a month.

Priced from RM125,888, the new 407 comes with the addition of VVT (Variable Valve Timing) feature and a newly revised automatic transmission.

Among others, it features Xenon lights for better night driving, automatic headlights, wipers and even electrically controlled front seats.

Nasarudin said NSB is committed to making the Peugeot marque a success in Malaysia with a commitment to reducing the pricing of parts.

"Since Nasim launched the Peugeot brand in February 2008, it has been progressively rationalising its parts pricing, improving on the availability of parts and also is in the process of increasing its service network," he said.

"Currently NSB is working on opening another NSB owned Peugeot service centre in Penang and Johor Bahru with an investment of RM3 million each," he added.

Meanwhile, Poirier said the new Peugeot 407 assembled in Malaysia was of high quality and of similar standard to other 407 cars manufactured in France.

-- BERNAMA

rizalhakim

July 11th, 2008, 07:42 AM

BMW prepares technical field trials with electric cars

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Over the next months, the BMW group will be carrying out a series of tests on electrically-powered vehicles to determine the alternative drive of the future.

"This step will allow the BMW group to gain an initial knowledge of how mobility can be achieved efficiently using purely electrically powered vehicles. Our task here is to combine the ultimate driving experience with an efficient electrified drive with practically no emissions," said BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Geoff Briscoe.

He said as part of the group’s No 1 strategy, the company would begin extensive tests on electric drives in Mini vehicles. He said several hundred Mini vehicles were being prepared for this. The cars, built in the Oxford, UK plant, will be modified accordingly in Munich and fitted out for trials.

Briscoe said the tests on alternative drives in a Mini body would be used over the next 12 to 18 months to refine the technology. He added that details about the drive concept and its marketing would be published towards the end of the year.

rizalhakim

July 11th, 2008, 07:48 AM

Mazda Biante

http://images.paultan.org/images/Mazda_Biante_1.jpg

http://images.paultan.org/images/Mazda_Biante_6.jpg

http://images.paultan.org/images2/Mazda_Biante_Title.jpg

TWK90

July 12th, 2008, 01:31 PM

Source : http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=345587

July 11, 2008 22:32 PM

Malaysia To Consider Reducing Duties For CBU Hybrid Cars

From Massita Ahmad

TOKYO, July 11 (Bernama) -- While hybrid cars could become an alternative to dealing with the increasing high cost of fuel in Malaysia, their high import/excise duty of up to 260 percent will make them "very luxurious" cars, says International Trade and Industry Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said hybrid cars could be sold in Malaysia provided the import duties are lower as that would make them cheaper.

"I would inform the Cabinet as we have to look into reducing the import/excise duty," he told Bernama and Business Times on the last day of his trade and investment mission to Japan here.

During the six-day mission, Muhyiddin had met the top management of Toyota and Honda, among others, to discuss on possible collaboration in developing hybrid cars in Malaysia.

Muhyiddin said he was informed by the management that it was much more economical to bring in completely build up (CBU) hybrid cars to Malaysia than assemble or manufacture them in Malaysia.

"It is much more economical to them as they are doing the research and development (R&D) in Japan. Furthermore, the logistic cost for hybrid parts and components are much more expensive," he explained.

Muhyiddin said that Japanese automotive players considered the Malaysian market for hybrid cars as "still small" and duty structures under the National Automotive Policy (NAP) as "not certain."

"For the moment, they may come in (selling cars) in gradual manner, looking at 10 percent growth per annum," he said.

"They are not very serious at the moment until we come up with something very attractive," he said.

On the same note, Muhyiddin said his ministry would consider reviewing the NAP to further liberalise the local automotive industry.

It would include allowing majority foreign ownership in national car manufacturer, Proton, in order to gain technology, capital and market.

"This is something that we have to look at," he said, adding that Proton may not be able to sustain its position although it has been selling its cars in some countries.

"It is still in small quantum," he explained.

"We are not yet at that level in terms of competitiveness. A lot more needs to be done," he added.

On whether Proton is ready for further liberalisation, Muhyiddin said that perhaps a timeframe would be given for a progressive liberalisation.

"We want to bring Proton forward, to make it more market oriented and on par with the international level."

He said many automotive companies in the developed countries were no longer owned by the original countries like in the United States and Italy, but the brand names have been retained.

"It is difficult for interested foreign parties to enter our market. We have lost billions because the investments have gone to other countries. The current policies are not proactive," he said.

Muhyiddin said Proton needed to accept the fact that it cannot be protected forever under the NAP.

There is interest to venture into the local automotive market but the foreign investors consider the NAP as restrictive and are unsure if they will be able to expand their business in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

Interesting development, with the high crude oil price, taxing eco-friendly or low fuel consumption car such as hybrid car with high duties will just deny consumers from alternative fuel car, hopefully when more and more hybrid cars on Malaysian roads, then that may help to drive down battery costs for hybrid car locally and compel Proton to make preparations to put models such as the Campro EVE Hybrid concept into production, thus more models with lower fuel consumption and better technology in our market...

In another thing, with higher raw material price such as steel and others, that makes economy of scale become even more important than before, well, with Proton's relatively small production volume compared to major automobile manufacturers, i think it makes sense to try to consider allowing foreign stake in our automobile company, so that Proton's survival and future will be guaranteed....nowadays, many automobile companies are under few big groups such as Peugeot-Citroen, Toyota, Ford, GM, Hyundai (with Kia) and etc, maybe under big automotive group, Proton can access better automobile technology faster...

forrestcat

July 12th, 2008, 03:06 PM

Hi Guys, I recently rented a Manual Toyota Yaris.I hate manuals but it was the only Yaris left and it took me one day to get used to its clutch but after 3 days of using the Yaris I find that it's a fantastic car to drive on long distance and (drove 800km in total in 2 days)and eve in the the traffic in the city and totally beat any other manuals I'd ever driven(Kancil,Kelisa,Tiara,Waja),I'd really like to have a manual Yaris, but of course,it's bloody expensive in Malaysia.

So I'm just wondering, does the Myvi share the same engine as the Yaris? Since Daihatsu is a sub of Toyota.

nazrey

July 12th, 2008, 05:35 PM

Malaysia To Consider Reducing Duties For CBU Hybrid Cars
July 11, 2008 22:32 PM
From Massita Ahmad

TOKYO, July 11 (Bernama) -- While hybrid cars could become an alternative to dealing with the increasing high cost of fuel in Malaysia, their high import/excise duty of up to 260 percent will make them "very luxurious" cars, says International Trade and Industry Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said hybrid cars could be sold in Malaysia provided the import duties are lower as that would make them cheaper.

"I would inform the Cabinet as we have to look into reducing the import/excise duty," he told Bernama and Business Times on the last day of his trade and investment mission to Japan here.

During the six-day mission, Muhyiddin had met the top management of Toyota and Honda, among others, to discuss on possible collaboration in developing hybrid cars in Malaysia.

Muhyiddin said he was informed by the management that it was much more economical to bring in completely build up (CBU) hybrid cars to Malaysia than assemble or manufacture them in Malaysia.

"It is much more economical to them as they are doing the research and development (R&D) in Japan. Furthermore, the logistic cost for hybrid parts and components are much more expensive," he explained.

Muhyiddin said that Japanese automotive players considered the Malaysian market for hybrid cars as "still small" and duty structures under the National Automotive Policy (NAP) as "not certain."

"For the moment, they may come in (selling cars) in gradual manner, looking at 10 percent growth per annum," he said.

"They are not very serious at the moment until we come up with something very attractive," he said.

On the same note, Muhyiddin said his ministry would consider reviewing the NAP to further liberalise the local automotive industry.

It would include allowing majority foreign ownership in national car manufacturer, Proton, in order to gain technology, capital and market.

"This is something that we have to look at," he said, adding that Proton may not be able to sustain its position although it has been selling its cars in some countries.

"It is still in small quantum," he explained.

"We are not yet at that level in terms of competitiveness. A lot more needs to be done," he added.

On whether Proton is ready for further liberalisation, Muhyiddin said that perhaps a timeframe would be given for a progressive liberalisation.

"We want to bring Proton forward, to make it more market oriented and on par with the international level."

He said many automotive companies in the developed countries were no longer owned by the original countries like in the United States and Italy, but the brand names have been retained.

"It is difficult for interested foreign parties to enter our market. We have lost billions because the investments have gone to other countries. The current policies are not proactive," he said.

Muhyiddin said Proton needed to accept the fact that it cannot be protected forever under the NAP.

There is interest to venture into the local automotive market but the foreign investors consider the NAP as restrictive and are unsure if they will be able to expand their business in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA

rizalhakim

July 18th, 2008, 09:01 AM

Volvo C30

http://www.volvo-c30.net/images/volvo-c30-picture-1.jpg

http://ricepaperslidingdoor.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/060724001.jpg

rizalhakim

July 21st, 2008, 10:15 AM

UMW Toyota eyes 33% rise in Lexus sales
by Gan Yen Kuan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the automotive arm of UMW Holdings Bhd, targets to sell 260 units of Lexus cars this year, a 33% increase from 195 units sold last year.

UMW Toyota managing director Kuah Kock-Heng said demand for luxury goods, including Lexus cars, would usually remain intact despite global inflation pressure that resulted in higher costs of living.

“I think they (luxury car buyers) will continue to look for refined things in life. The impact (of rising inflation) on luxury car market will be much less. So far, we still register very strong walk-ins and enquiries,” he told The Edge Financial Daily in an interview last Friday.

Kuah, who came on board in January this year in place of Datuk David Chen, said Lexus had been able to invoice 119 units in the first half of this year, although the local car market had generally seen a softening of demand. With the 195 units sold last year, Lexus commanded about 5% of the local luxury car market, he added.

“That, by any standard, was good performance. It’s actually better than what we expected,” he said.

In Malaysia, UMW Toyota is the sole authorised distributor of Lexus cars. It launched Lexus cars here in December 2006, and officially began operations in its 3S (sales, services and spare parts) centre in Mutiara Damansara in January 2007. So far, it has imported four models — the flagship LS 460L, GS 300, RX 350 and IS 250.

UMW Toyota Motor is a joint venture between UMW Holdings (51%) and Japan’s Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Tsusho Corporation.

Kuah said the GS 300 is the best seller, registering sales of 127 units for the 18-month period from January 2007 to June 2008. This is followed by the LS 460L that saw 84 units sold during the same period.

He said it would consider introducing new Lexus models and variants soon, depending on market demand. “We are seriously looking at one model and are finalising the numbers now. We will make a decision very soon.”

Commenting on the competition with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Kuah said: “Lexus has been very successful in the luxury car market since its launch in the US in 1989. If you look at the success story of Lexus in the US, Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, you know how it has become the number one luxury car brand in those markets.

“Lexus, being a newcomer and young in Malaysia, has its advantage. It has a refreshing and exclusive image. Definitely, we respect Mercedes and BMW; they have established a strong brand here. But we are confident that we will be able to establish ourselves in the Malaysian market, based on our pursuit of excellence and the quality of our products and customer service.”

Kuah noted that its emphasis was not on market share. Instead, it is improving the customers’ experience of being a Lexus owner.

“We do not just sell a vehicle. We are selling a lifestyle, an image,” he said.

rizalhakim

July 21st, 2008, 10:25 AM

Lexus GS 300

http://thepassionatepursuit.com/images/weblog/07-08-30-2008-lexus-gs-450h.jpg

rizalhakim

July 22nd, 2008, 05:41 AM

Lamborghini going cheap
K. Harinderan

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Tuesday/Stories/2298760/insidepix1
The prices of second-hand luxury cars have plunged. You can get a real good bargain at Selayang’s Autocity.

SELAYANG: That unaffordable exotic car you have been dreaming of may just have become affordable.

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Tuesday/Stories/2298760/insidepix2?display=xsmall
A lot of cars, from high-end to low-end, at Selayang Autocity.

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Tuesday/Stories/2298760/insidepix3?display=xsmall
A Ferrari and several Porsches for sale.

With fuel prices having shot up and used car prices taking a beating, even a Lamborghini, albeit a used one, comes "cheaper".

For more than a decade, Selayang Autocity, which consists of more than 70 second-hand car dealerships on both sides of Jalan Ipoh, has sold cars made by the famed marques of Italy to the big names of Japan.

At one of the used car lots, a flashy Lamborghini was spotted on display. In another lot, there was a Ferrari and nearby, a Porsche, and a Hummer too.

These dealerships offer longer after sale warranties and most are ready to offer financing or loans at affordable rates.

Among the local and foreign reconditioned cars are saloons, MPVs and SUVs. Some lots also have used lorries for sale.

Brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota, Nissan and Honda are a common sight at the area.

The prices and specifications of the cars are displayed on their dashboards.

A customer, Munirah Samad, from Gombak, said she expects to get a really good deal because the keen competition among the dealerships keeps prices low.

"The many choices here have confused me. I am having a tough time deciding what to buy," laughed the 21-year-old.

Z & Z Automobile Sdn Bhd sales manager Nasaruddin Sharuddin said: "Customers are advised on what would be the best cars for their purposes so they get a good deal.

"The car dealers here can match any budget. We carry low to high end models and work out loans for qualified buyers."

rizalhakim

July 23rd, 2008, 03:57 AM

Nissan vehicle sales up 85pc in H1 2008
Published: 2008/07/23

EDARAN Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ECTM) has sold 85 per cent more Nissan vehicles year-on-year in the first six months of 2008, its senior executive said.

A total of 11,131 units of Nissan vehicles were sold during the January-June 2008 period, executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said.

The 85 per cent growth also outperformed the industry expansion of about 29 per cent over the same six months, Ang told reporters during the media tour of parent Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd's new RM230 million assembly plant in Serendah, Selangor, yesterday.

Official numbers of industry sales and production for the first six months are expected to be announced by Malaysian Automotive Association this week.

Ang said total industry sales should be at about 48,000 for June alone. Of the figure, Nissan sales stood at 2,697 units, which he said was the highest compared with that in April and May.

Nissan Grand Livina MPV is ETCM's top selling model, followed by the Latio, Latio Sports and recently-launched Sylphy.

Ang said ETCM plans to launch new Nissan cars in the popular A and B segments (cars less than 1,500cc), which it has yet to have a presence, in the next two or three years.

It also expects to introduce Nissan Navarra pick-up in September this year, to replace the Frontier.

Meanwhile, the Serendah plant executive director Low Seng Chee said it can produce 2,400 units of Nissan Grand Livina, Latio and Sylphy on two shifts a month by September.

Plans are in the pipeline to raise the monthly capacity to 4,500 units on two shifts under the second phase, probably in early 2010. - By Zuraimi Abdullah

rizalhakim

July 23rd, 2008, 04:00 AM

KL Govt urged to reduce taxes on hybrid cars
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/07/22

There's no reason why the government cannot reduce the tax to be on par with conventional vehicles if the usage of hybrid cars brings benefit in fuel saving, dealers say

TAXES on hybrid cars should be reduced markedly to drive the use of such fuel-saving and environment-friendly vehicles amid soaring fuel costs, industry executives.

They said the government could promote hybrid cars by encouraging the use of these vehicles within its own agencies and institutions.

"There's no reason why the government cannot reduce the tax to be on par with conventional vehicles if the usage of hybrid cars brings benefit in terms of fuel saving and environmental protection," Proton Edar Dealers' Association president Wan Ahmad Sepwan Wan Abdul Rahman told Business Times.

Government officials reportedly said that hybrid cars are now slapped with a 260 per cent import tax. This is in comparison to zero import duty for Asean-made vehicles and 30 per cent from non-Asean countries.

Additionally, there are local exercise duties of 60-105 per cent for Asean and non-Asean cars, plus 10 per cent sales tax.

International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said recently the duty structure for hybrid cars may be revised to attract global players to invest here.

Wan Ahmad Sepwan said local car companies such as Proton and Perodua may not be ready to produce hybrid cars for now.

"This technology is still expensive and it may not be feasible for Proton to develop hybrid cars, especially with such a low volume or production.

"The best way is for Proton to tie up with a technical partner to introduce such technology in double quick time," he said.

rizalhakim

July 23rd, 2008, 09:05 AM

Tan Chong plans to bring in Nissan electric cars by 2015
by Tony C H Goh
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_4df69b6e-cb73c03a-9c8c3f00-6e36df73/1/6b_inside.jpg

SERENDAH: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd plans to bring Nissan’s electric cars into Malaysia by 2015, said Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng, executive director of its car distribution arm, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd.

“The electric car model is undergoing fine-tuning before the global launch of Nissan’s electric cars scheduled for 2012, and we plan to bring in this model within three years after the global launch,” Ang told reporters at a media briefing on the company’s new assembly plant here yesterday.

He said the company anticipated demand for its vehicles to be sustained this year with the introduction of new models.

“At the moment, the three new models that we introduced are expected to sustain our sales, despite the fall in demand for our premium brands (models within three litre engine range),” Ang said.

He said the company aimed to increased its local vehicle market share to 5% this year from 3.4% in 2007. The newly-launched models — the two litre Grand Lavina MPV, the compact sedan Nissan Latio and mid-size sedan Nissan Sylphy — together make up 70% of Tan Chong’s vehicle sales this year.

“A new model — the fully imported Nissan Navara 4x4 pickup — would be introduced later this year. We also plan to go into the compact car and mid-range sedan segments in the future, as Malaysia’s vehicle market move towards liberlisation,” said Ang.

From January to May this year, Tan Chong recorded an 85% jump in sales to 11,131 units, the largest increase among industry players in the country, according to data provided by the Malaysia Automobile Association (MAA).

Ang, who is also vice president of the MAA, said that based on the current trend, the total industry volume (TIV) for automobiles in Malaysia would easily meet the 510,000 units projected for this year, but cautioned that the total volume may decrease next year with the anticipated increase in car prices.

“We have no intention of passing the higher costs of production to our customers, but the greatest challenge would be an increase in interest rates, which is beyond our control and could have a more profound effects on the overall demand than the increase in fuel prices,” he said.

The new completely knocked-down assembly plant, built at a cost of RM230 million, has a capacity to assemble up to 2,400 units per month. “The Nissan Sylphy has received 1,500 bookings since its launch on June 26 — and at 22km-25km per litre, it is the most fuel efficient vehicle in its category,” Ang added.

rizalhakim

July 24th, 2008, 04:11 AM

Plan to make KL hub for Peugeot cars
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/07/11

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/20080711003304/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph9/new407.jpg

More Peugeot models will be introduced in Malaysia, with some to be assembled by Nasim for the Asian market, says Peugeot director for operations in Asia Pacific and Africa

NASIM Sdn Bhd and PSA Peugeot plan to make Malaysia a hub to help the French principal sell more Peugeot cars in Asia.

“For Peugeot owners to have confidence in the brand, it is very important for us to play a prominent role in developing the brand.

“This is why we are aiming at being a manufacturing hub for Peugeot automobiles, not only in Malaysia, but (also in) other right hand-drive markets as well in the near future,” Naza group executive chairman and chief executive officer SM Nasarudin SM Nasimudin said.

He was speaking to the press after the launch of locally-assembled Peugeot 407 at its flagship sales and service centre called Peugeot Blue Box in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, on Wednesd ay.

Francois Poirier, Peugeot director for operations in Asia Pacific and Africa, said more new Peugeot models will be introduced here, with some to be assembled by Nasim for the Asian market.

Poirier said the locally-assembled Peugeot 407 is on par with the same model manufactured in France.

The 407 is assembled at Naza’s manufacturing facility in Gurun, Kedah.

Nasarudin said Nasim has received about 200 bookings for the 407 prior to the launch. It expects to sell 150 units monthly.

The company plans to launch Peugeot 308 by the fourth quarter of this year, he added. The 207 GTI, 207cc and 308 RCZ are also to be introduced to boost the Peugeot sales.

Priced from RM125,888, the new 407 comes with the addition of VVT (variable valve timing) feature, a newly-revised automatic transmission and Xenon lights, among others.

Nasarudin said since launching the Peugeot brand in February 2008, Nasim has been progressively rationalising its parts pricing to improve its availability, besides increasing service network.

New sales and service centres should be opened soon in Penang and Johor Baru with RM3 million investment each.

rizalhakim

July 24th, 2008, 06:39 AM

suzuki sx4 sedan

http://www.autospectator.com/uploads/Suzuki/2008/SX4/2008_Suzuki_SX4_sedan.jpg

rizalhakim

July 24th, 2008, 09:24 AM

toyota celica 2008 image

http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_images/0206/16/toyota_celica.jpg

rizalhakim

July 25th, 2008, 08:41 AM

suzuki sx4 sedan

http://www.autospectator.com/uploads/Suzuki/2008/SX4/2008_Suzuki_SX4_sedan.jpg

Suzuki lancar SX4 Sedan
Oleh Ahmad Fiesal Othman
fsal@bharian.com.my
Dilengkapi ciri kemewahan kereta salon, kemudahan seperti MPV

SUZUKI Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd semalam melancarkan model kereta terbarunya, Suzuki SX4 Sedan yang diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) dari Jepun.

Suzuki SX4 yang dijana kapasiti enjin 1.6 liter itu dilengkapi ciri kemewahan sebuah kereta salon, selain ruang kabin yang luas serta pelbagai kemudahan seperti sebuah kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV).

Ia ditawarkan pada harga atas jalan berserta insurans RM91,437.50 bagi model 1.6 Automatik, manakala model 1.6 Automatik Premier berharga RM96,567.50.

Pengarah Urusan Suzuki Malaysia Automobile, Ibrahim Maidin, berkata model CBU itu bakal menjadi ikon bagi kenderaan Suzuki di negara ini, sejajar hasrat syarikat itu untuk membina jenama Suzuki yang lebih mantap pada masa depan.

Katanya, Suzuki SX4 juga adalah yang pertama dalam kelasnya yang dilengkapi kawalan penghawa dingin automatik dan penyangkut kerusi kanak-kanak ISOFIX.

"Model ini juga mempunyai ruang simpanan bagasi seluas 515 liter," katanya pada majlis pelancaran Suzuki SX4 di Subang Jaya, Selangor, semalam.

Hadir sama Timbalan Pengarah Urusannya, Takashi Ishikawa dan Shinya Yokokawa.

Suzuki Malaysia sudah membawa masuk 250 unit model Suzuki SX4, yang mana setakat ini kira-kira 200 tempahan sudah diterima untuk model terbabit.

Ibrahim berkata, pihaknya mensasarkan jualan awal antara 100 hingga 150 unit sebulan, sebelum ditingkatkan kepada 500 unit sebulan menjelang akhir tahun ini.

"Jika sambutan menggalakkan dengan jualan mencapai 500 unit sebulan, syarikat turut bercadang untuk melaksanakan pemasangan tempatan (CKD) untuk model terbabit," katanya.

rizalhakim

July 29th, 2008, 04:40 AM

All-new Honda Jazz set for Malaysian roll-out
Published: 2008/07/29

THE second-generation Honda Jazz, which won over fans around the world with its spaciousness, excellent fuel efficiency and advanced styling, is set to roll out in Malaysia later this year.

Jazz was first developed based on Honda's "man maximum, machine minimum" concept, which calls for maximising the space available for humans and minimising the space occupied by mechanical components.

"Its development was aimed at creating an ideal compact car that sets a new benchmark in the competitive compact car segment and exceeds expectations with its customer-driven values, such as fuel efficiency, spacious interior, practicality and original styling," Honda said in a statement.

First introduced in Japan in 2001, the Jazz is currently sold in 115 countries worldwide, and is delivered to some 400,000 customers annually. The first generation Jazz made an impressive cumulative sale of 2.3 million units worldwide, with Japan and eight countries in the Asia and Oceania region accounting for about half of these units.

Among the many improvements of the all-new Jazz, are its class-leading cabin spaciousness and greatly enhanced utility, as well as advanced drivability and fuel efficiency, which will deliver even more value to customers than before.

rizalhakim

July 29th, 2008, 07:51 AM

Bentley Continental GTZ

http://www.supercars.net/carpics/4069/2008_Bentley_ContinentalGTZ1.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/carpics/4069/2008_Bentley_ContinentalGTZ2.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/carpics/4069/2008_Bentley_ContinentalGTZ3.jpg

....cant wait 4 the opening of Bentley Pavilion..must be dem cool....

rizalhakim

July 30th, 2008, 03:58 AM

Suzuki expects sales to double
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/07/29

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/susuki.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph9/sx4.jpg

Itochu, which holds a 20 per cent stake in Suzuki Malaysia, may consider setting up its own showrooms to help sell Suzuki cars in Malaysia

SALES of Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia should double to around 5,000 units this year, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd managing director Ibrahim Maidin said.

Helped by popular Suzuki Swift 1.5 sedan, the company sold more than 2,500 units last year, 60 per cent higher than in 2006. The Swift Sports, Grand Vitara SUV and SX4 hatchback completed the Suzuki line-up in 2007.

"This year, we plan to double the volume. The results of the first six months indicate that we are on track to achieving the target," Ibrahim said at the launch of the new Suzuki SX4 sedan in Petaling Jaya recently.

Suzuki Malaysia expects to sell 250 units of the 1.6-litre SX4 sedan a month during the initial period, Ibrahim said.

Monthly sales should hit 500 units eventually and once this is achieved, the local assembly of the SX4 sedan may happen, he added.

The company, Ibrahim said, would strengthen its dealer and service network to give better sales and services to its customers.

Suzuki Malaysia may get a boost from Japan's trading firm Itochu Corp, which owns one fifth of the company's shares.

Suzuki Malaysia deputy managing director Shinya Yokokawa said Itochu may consider setting up its own showrooms to help sell Suzuki cars in Malaysia.

Itochu holds a 20 per cent stake in Suzuki Malaysia following the latter's restructuring early this year. The remaining 80 per cent is equally owned by Suzuki Motor Corp and DRB-HICOM Malaysia.

The SX4 sedan, fully imported from Japan, sells at RM88,888 for the entry-level version and RM93,888 for the premier unit.

The car's design and performance were fine-tuned in Europe, company executives said.

rizalhakim

July 30th, 2008, 11:23 AM

Monthly sale of 200 units of Hyundai i10 targeted
Published: 2008/07/30

http://imshopping.rediff.com/pixs/productsearch/product_images/four_wheeler/Hyundai%20i10%20Magna.jpg

http://bp3.blogger.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/RyhbVW2ozFI/AAAAAAAAZv4/qJ14Eg5QPDc/s400/Carscoop_2008HYundai_i10_0.jpg

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HYUNDAI-SIME Darby Motors Sdn Bhd aims to sell 200 units a month of the new Hyundai i10, a 1.1-litre compact car.

Chief operating officer Dennis Ho said the company expects positive demand for the car which has the latest safety technology.

The car will be launched at the Cineleisure, The Curve, Damansara Perdana on Friday.

“The car has a unique look. It gives a fuel efficiency of 20 kilometres per litre,” he told Bernama at the pre-launch campaign in Petaling Jaya today.

He said the car has motor-driven power steering that only could be found in the premium cars like Audi and BMW.

“The car comes with a five-year or 3,000-km warranty or whichever comes first,” he said.

Ho said the i10 was designed by Hyundai for the global market, especially for developed countries like Europe and the US, due to rising demand for a safety car.

The car was recently launched in India.

It has a power steering system and comes with the option of a four-speed automatic transmission for ease in city driving.

The i10 also comes with anti-lock braking system, seat belts with pretensioners, dual airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as an impact sensing auto door unlock mechanism that automatically unlocks the doors upon impact. — Bernama

rizalhakim

August 1st, 2008, 03:58 AM

Honda raises 2008 sales target
Published: 2008/08/01

HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd has raised its sales target for this year to 35,000 units from the 33,000 units previously.

This is due to the positive sales performance in the first half of the year where a total of 16,769 cars were sold compared to 14,177 during the same period last year, an 18 per cent increase.

In a statement yesterday, Honda Malaysia attributed the good first-half performance to the successful introduction of the All-New Accord in April and the continuing positive contributions from the City, Civic and CR-V models.

The Accord recorded a robust booking of more than 5,000 units in its first month. It hasa booking backlog of close to 3,000 units and is well on its way to exceeding the target of 7,200 units for the whole year.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto expressed confidence in meeting the increased target.

He said the fuel price hike in June could work to Honda's advantage.

“Currently, consumers are looking for cars that offer fuel efficient technology, a feature well-associated with Honda. As such,we believe Honda is in a strong position to cater to consumer needs,” he said.

Corresponding to the increased sales target as well as growing demand for its passenger cars, Honda is increasing the local assembly production from 30,000 to 35,000 units.

Honda will be introducing more new products in the second half of this year, starting with the second generation Jazz in August.

To cater to increasing demand for sales and after-sales services, Honda Malaysia plans to expand its dealership network nationwide. More would be opened in Pahang, Penang, Perak, Johor and Sarawak in the next five months. — Bernama

rizalhakim

August 1st, 2008, 04:01 AM

BMW Malaysia expects strong growth next year
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/08/01

The premium segment would buck the overall car industry's gloomy trend, says BMW Malaysia managing director, adding that BMW's growth would continue to be driven by its 3 and 5 Series.

BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd should do "very well" next year, managing director Geoff Briscoe said, after local sales of BMW and MINI vehicles expanded over 50 per cent in the first six months.

Briscoe expects BMW Malaysia to continue to grow strongly despite the expected slowdown in total industry sales beginning from the second half of 2008.

Total industry sales may drop 16.5 per cent or 45,874 units year-on-year from July till December partly on high petrol prices and interest rates on car loans, Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said on Wednesday.

In the first six months, total sales rose 25.9 per cent to 277,973 units, MAA noted.

"We are going to do very well next year. This (Malaysia) is a growth market, one which is not many in the world. The premium segment is growing here," Briscoe said after the launch of the first MINI 4S (sales, service, system and spare parts) centre in the Klang Valley owned by Sapura Auto Sdn Bhd at Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said the premium segment would buck the overall car industry's gloomy trend, adding that BMW's growth would continue to be driven by its 3 and 5 Series.

BMW Malaysia sold 1,929 units of BMW and MINI vehicles in the first half of 2008, up 53.3 per cent from the corresponding period last year.

Sales of MINIs alone grew 76 per cent to 88 units, compared with about 50 units in the January-June 2007 period.

BMW Malaysia, Briscoe said, expects to hit the 1,000 MINI mark by year-end since the British iconic brand was reintroduced in Malaysia in 2003 by Germany's BMW group.

"We need to sell slightly more than 100 MINIs in the remaining six months to hit the figure," he said. A total of 883 units of MINI were sold as of June this year.

Meanwhile, Sapura Auto chief executive officer Mohar Ibrahim said the MINI centre was naturally a progression of the company's association with BMW Malaysia in the past three years.

"This move shows our renewed commitment as a significant contributor to the fastest growing premium automobile brand in Malaysia," Mohar added.

The MINI facility occupies one- and-a-half floors of Sapura Auto's 60,000 sq ft, four-storey BMW 4S centre at Jalan Tun Razak.

rizalhakim

August 1st, 2008, 04:36 AM

BMW Malaysia Still Bullish On Local Car Market

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which distributes BMW and MINI cars, expects sales to continue showing good growth despite the fuel price hike, expected decline in car sales and rise in hire purchase rates.

Newly-appointed managing director Geoff Briscoe said the bullish outlook was largely due to the company's advantages in operating within a different segment of the market.

"We expect to record good growth this year and next year," he said when asked to comment on the company's sales outlook amid the current uncertainty in the local car industry.

"We have our own segment, which is the premium segment, and it is different from others as this premium market is growing in line with other markets in the region," Briscoe said.

"At the moment, the premium segment in Malaysia is doing very well. We love to grow our sales here. We also got some great news and products to tell (Malaysian buyers) soon," he said.

"This is our intention here as we foresee Malaysia as one of our key growth areas," he told reporters at the Sapura Auto's MINI showroom launch in the existing BMW 4S (sales, service, system and spare parts) centre here Thursday. Last year, the BMW brand recorded an increase in sales in Asia by close to 12 percent to 139,223 units from 124,582 units in 2006 while the MINI brand improved by about 15 percent to 19,957 units from 17,374 units.

In Malaysia, the group maintained its strong position with 3,336 vehicles sold, comprising 3,151 BMW and 185 MINI units.

The new Mini showroom, covering an entire one and a half floors of Sapura Auto's current 60,000-square foot, four-storey BWM centre, will become the first 4S MINI outlet in the Klang Valley.

Briscoe said the launch of Mini Sapura was part of BMW Malaysia's strategy of organically expanding its dealership network to allow the MINI's growing customer base more choice and convenience.

The new MINI showroom will carry all Mini models, including MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman and Mini Cooper Clubman S.

-- BERNAMA

rizalhakim

August 4th, 2008, 04:40 AM

Hyundai i10 unveiled

KUALA LUMPUR: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd is confident of selling 1,200 units of its latest i10 hatchback model this year.

Chief operating officer Dennis Ho said the i10 was a well-equipped vehicle in the small hatchback segment and represented a good value-for-money proposition.

“With a competitive price of RM48,888, we are targeting to sell at least 200 units of the i10 monthly,” he said at the launch of the model on Friday.

The compact model is available in a four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmission, and has a 1.1-litre engine that promises good fuel economy.

“Our i10 also comes with safety features that are not available in other vehicles of its segment.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/4/business/b_03car.jpg
From left: Sime Darby motor operations divisional director Lawrence Lee, Hyundai Motor Co's Asia regional headquarters president Seo Il Sung and Dennis Ho at the i10 launch
“These include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system, seat belts with pretensioners and a four-star crash rating under the European new car assessment programme,” Ho said.

rizalhakim

August 6th, 2008, 09:28 AM

the new 2009 honda city

http://www.terato.com/cars/images/stories/cars/2009_honda_city.jpg

Sources cited by AutoCar indicates that global launch will be on November 2008, so expect launch in other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to follow suit within the next few months after that.

rizalhakim

August 7th, 2008, 07:54 AM

UMW Toyota yakin jual 90,000 kenderaan

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd bersedia untuk mencapai unjuran sasaran jualan sebanyak 90,000 kenderaan tahun ini berbanding 82,000 pada 2007, kata Pengarah Eksekutifnya, Aminar Rashid Salleh.

Hingga bulan lalu, syarikat itu menjual lebih 60,000 unit, diterajui model jualan terlaris, Vios.

"Kami membawa momentum kukuh dalam permintaan dari tahun lalu hingga enam bulan pertama 2008. Bagaimanapun, apabila kerajaan melaksanakan penstrukturan semula subsidi bahan api, tempahan kami susut sedikit.

"Mujurlah permintaan bagi kereta dengan kapasiti yang lebih rendah seperti Vios dan Avanza meningkat. Walaupun dengan persekitaran ekonomi semasa, kami bersedia untuk mencapai sasaran jualan," katanya pada majlis penutup 'Toyota Eco Youth 2008' di Petaling Jaya, semalam.

Aminar berkata, model yang baru dilancarkan, Vios J Grade, mendapat sambutan baik daripada pelanggan dengan lebih 2,000 tempahan diterima hingga kini.

Bagi kenderaan komersial, Hilux dan Hiace masih menerima pesanan yang memberangsangkan.

Sementara itu, beliau berkata, UMW Toyota bekerjasama dengan Persatuan Automotif Malaysia (MAA) untuk memperkenalkan kenderaan mesra alam seperti kereta hibrid ke pasaran tempatan.

Katanya, pada masa ini syarikat mengadakan rundingan dengan kerajaan melalui MAA berhubung isu seperti harga dan prasarana.

"Kerajaan perlu menyediakan insentif tertentu seperti beberapa negara lain bagi memastikan ia berdaya maju secara komersial untuk memperkenalkan kereta hibrid di Malaysia," katanya.

Mengenai program Toyota Eco Youth 2008, Aminar berkata, ia adalah komponen utama teras alam sekitar di bawah inisiatif tanggungjawab korporat tahunan UMW Toyota Motor. – Bernama

rizalhakim

August 11th, 2008, 05:05 AM

Honda Malaysia to meet sales target
By SIMON KHOO

KUANTAN: Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident of meeting its sales target of 35,000 units for this year, according to managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto.

He said the new figure was revised from the previous target of 33,000 units in view of the positive performance in the first half.

“In total, the number of units sold during the first six months stood at 16,769 against 14,177 during the same period last year.

“The latest sales figure represents an increase of 18%, while in Pahang, the overall sales have increased by 75% over the last five years,” he said after opening the Macinda Auto Honda 3S centre yesterday.

Fujimoto said even with the recent fuel price hike, Honda was still confident as its models were equipped with fuel-efficient features.

“We believe Honda is in a strong position to cater to consumers’ current needs. With the support of our expanding dealership network, we are optimistic that we will meet our new target,” he said.

Presently, there were 54 Honda dealers nationwide, of which 51 of them operated 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centres, Fujimoto said.

“Our plan is to increase this number to 60 dealerships by 2010 to match the customers' ever-growing needs,” he added.

He said four more centres would be set up this year in Sarawak, Penang, Perak and Johor.

In the east coast states, there are five dealers – three in Pahang and one each in Kelantan and Terengganu.

Fujimoto said Honda would continue to focus on customer satisfaction by providing efficient and prompt after-sales services to maintain its position in the market.

Last year, Honda captured 6% of the total industry volume and 30% of the non-national passenger cars segment.

rizalhakim

August 11th, 2008, 08:00 AM

Naza 206 Premium diperkenal

http://www.bharian.com.my/Monday/Ekonomi/20080810231024/mainpix
MODEL BARU: Naza 206 Premium menampilkan ciri menarik yang mampu memenuhi cita rasa pengguna.

Keluaran edisi terhad tampil peningkatan cita rasa mewah

NAZA Corporation Sdn Bhd memperkenalkan model Naza 206 Premium baru yang menampilkan beberapa peningkatan premium terhadap model hatchback 5-pintu popularnya iaitu Naza 206 Bestari.

Naza 206 Premium adalah hasil maklum balas serta kajian terhadap permintaan pelanggannya yang mana ciri peningkatan itu direka bagi menyediakan gaya serta cita rasa mewah terhadap model berkenaan.

Pengarah Pemasaran Naza Corporation, Derick Tan, berkata Naza 206 Premium sesuai untuk mereka yang mahukan perbezaan tertentu berbanding model Naza 206 Bestari.

Beliau berkata, berdasarkan maklum balas dan kajian terhadap permintaan pelanggan, didapati mereka mahukan ciri yang lebih baik untuk Naza 206 Bestari, tetapi dalam pakej yang mampu dimiliki.

"Itu sebabnya untuk model Naza 206 Premium baru ini, kami masukkan banyak ciri premium seperti kemasan dalaman daripada kulit, lebih banyak speaker untuk kesan audio yang lebih baik dan tambahan jenama Peugeot di dalam dan di sekeliling kereta.

"Naza 206 Premium ini melengkapi model Peugeot 407 Premium yang dilancarkan baru-baru ini," katanya satu kenyataan.

Ditawarkan pada harga atas jalan RM71,888, Naza 206 Premium adalah model edisi terhad dan hanya boleh didapati dalam empat warna iaitu perak (Quick Silver), biru (Aegean Blue), kelabu (Svelte Grey) dan hitam (Onyx Black).

Antara peningkatan ditawarkan dalam Naza 206 Premium ialah kerusi kulit dua warna dengan logo Peugeot di bahagian belakang kerusi depan, stereng dibalut kulit, kemasan dalaman daripada kulit serta reka bentuk baru rim sport 14 inci.

Naza 206 Premium juga boleh didapati di Nasim Sdn Bhd.

rizalhakim

August 12th, 2008, 06:01 AM

Volvo C30 - small in size, big in features
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/08/12

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/vobo.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph9/C30.jpg

The three-door model, which costs more than RM200,000, is aimed at buyers who are younger than the typical Volvo customers

VOLVO C30 is a new breed from the Sweden-based carmaker in recent times. The three-door model marks the return of Volvo to making small models since the 480 was first introduced more than 20 years ago, although the first small Volvo was unveiled around the 1960s.

Volvo is counting on the C30 to win over new customers. The C30 is also aimed at buyers who are younger than the typical Volvo customers.

Although the C30 costs a lot - more than RM200,000 - for such a small car here, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) president Robert Norrman pointed out that a significant portion of the selling price goes to the Malaysian Treasury.

Coming as a complete-built-up (CBU) import from Belgium, the C30, initially available in its 2.4i variant here, is slapped with a 30 per cent import duty plus a 90 per cent excise duty.

The company expects sales of around 50 C30s annually. The first batch of several units has all been snapped up, company executives said.

Packaging

The C30 is a modern interpretation of the Volvo P1800 ES, combined with styling cues from the Volvo Safety Concept car. The C30 bears some resemblance to Volvo's current crop of sedans and wagons, specifically from the front and inside where it is almost identical to the S40 and V50, with which it shares a platform.

With its funky hatch and snazzy interior options, the C30 definitely scores higher on the "cool" meter than its siblings.

Volvo is famed for safety, and the C30's safety features include four-wheel ABS, DSTC traction control and Volvo's Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS). The IDIS system basically monitors various driver inputs and flashes a warning lamp indicator when the car thinks the driver is in danger.

There is also the optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which uses cameras in the wing mirrors to detect objects in a driver's blindspot and gives warning via indicators on the A-pillar.

The C30's dash design is similar to that of the S40, V50 and C70. There is the same "floating" centre console attached top and bottom, but the C30 has open space behind. A wide range of driver seat and steering wheel adjustments means it is easy to get comfortable.

Mechanical

There are quite a number of engines for the C30, but only a 2.4-litre automatic turbo is available for the Malaysian market. This is the same engine found in the S40. Its speed can top 215km/h and get up to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds.

Shifting is via a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, with the option for manual sequential shifting.

On The Road

The C30 is a sexy and fun hatchback. Short-travel suspension keeps body movement in check, so it remains composed on twisty country roads. The payoff is a rather firm ride, but it stops short of being harsh and improves with speed. The steering is also well weighted and quick to respond.

The C30 is dynamically very much an S40 coupe. This is a car designed with comfort and everyday driveability in mind.

Competitors

With the C30, Volvo is aiming at rivals such as the BMW 1-Series, Mini, VW Golf GTI and Audi A3. In other words, the C30 is a premium sporty hatchback. It undercuts the likes of the A3 and 1 Series on price.

Price and Equipment

The C30 2.4i costs about RM215,500 (without insurance). Given that local buyers have to pay a lot of money to the government to own the beauty here, VCM has attached as many goodies as possible which include leather upholstery, trip computer, cruise control, rain sensor, reverse sensors, rear roof spoiler, bi-xenon headlights and large 17-inch wheels (with 205/50 tyres).

The car comes in 17 colours including three solid - Black Stone, Passion Red, and Ice White. The metallic colours include Silver, Black Sapphire, Titanium, Barents Blue, Brilliant Blue and Electric Silver.

rizalhakim

August 22nd, 2008, 09:42 AM

BMW Malaysia rolls out X6
by Lu Jing Shia
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

PETALING JAYA: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is introducing the three-litre twin turbo engine BMW X6 xDrive35i to the domestic market today, with a target of selling up to 20 cars per month, said its managing director Geoffrey Briscoe.

He said Malaysia would be one of the first Asian countries to roll out the sports activity coupe, which is one of its kind in the market, being a crossover between a sports activity vehicle (SAV) and a sports car.

"We would love to get 20 or so (units of X6) a month but the world demand is just so high for this car," Briscoe told reporters after the media launch of the vehicle here yesterday. As of now, BMW Malaysia has about 30 X6 units ready to be sold.

BMW had sold 6,082 X6 units since its worldwide launch in late May, with Spartanburg in the US as the debut market.

"With the global sales of more than 1.1 million vehicles since the market launch of the first BMW X5 in 1999, the BMW X models have given BMW a strong and successful position in the SAV/SUV segment," said Briscoe.

Retailing at RM698,800 (on-the-road without insurance), the X6 xDrive35i is built with Dynamic Performance Control, which actively distributes drive forces infinitely to the rear wheels regardless of engine output.

"Any car with that price is niche. The higher up you go the less buyers there are with that sort of money floating around," said Briscoe.

Also with that price tag, don't expect the X6 to be the most frugal in fuel consumption.

"One that would buy a fuel-efficient car would not be looking at the X6. It's sort of saying I want to eat foie gras but I don't want the calories," said BMW Malaysia corporate affairs manager Vijayaratnam Tharumartnam.

Speed-demons raring for a more powerful engine would have to wait until next year when BMW Malaysia brings in the 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 X6 xDrive50i - the top of the X6 line-up, which also comes in two diesel engines in the global market.

rizalhakim

August 22nd, 2008, 09:52 AM

Citroen aims to regain glory days with new models
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/08/22

http://www.2dayblog.com/images/2007/january/citroen_c6.jpg
http://www.weblogsinc.com/common/images/6674783046968882.JPG?0.2514613231948181

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/01/05/033105.2-lg.jpg

CITROEN finally has new models for the Malaysian market after three years and hopes to regain glory days when the French marque used to boast annual sales of 2,000 units here.

Citroen and its local distributor Brooklands Motors Sdn Bhd yesterday unveiled the C6 luxury sedan and Grand C4 Picasso multi-purpose vehicle.

Company executives said many others will join the two models in the coming months including the facelift C4 and all-new C5 sedans.

The last Citroen models introduced here were the C4 and facelift C5 in 2005.

"Citroen has a long history in Malaysia and at the best of times, more than 2,000 cars a year were sold in the country," Citroen regional general manager Benoit de Lassus said.

"Malaysia remains one of the key Asian markets for Citroen with the biggest passenger car sales volume in the region," he added.

de Lassus and Brooklands Motors chief executive officer Muhammad Fadhil Ahmad expect sales of 300 units of the Grand C4 Picasso and 30 units of the C6 in the first year.

Brooklands Motors, Fadhil said, started rebuilding the brand image of Citroen two years ago when it was appointed the "authorised repairer" in August 2006.

A year later, it was "promoted" to sole importer and distributor of the brand.

"We know that we have a strong platform on which we can launch the sales of new vehicles, knowing that we have gained customers' confidence in the brand," he said.

The seven-seat Grand C4 Picasso sells at RM168,000 (without insurance) with two-year or 100,000km warranty.

The three-litre C6 luxury sedan costs RM398,000 with two-year or 100,000km warranty.

"The C6 is already the car of the French presidency, and closer to us, the car of the deputy prime minister of Singapore," de Lassus said.

rizalhakim

August 22nd, 2008, 09:53 AM

BMW upbeat on sports activity coupe
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/08/22

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/x6.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/bmwbris.gif

For a start, BMW Malaysia is selling the BMW X6 xDrive35i at RM698,800 excluding insurance and more variants of the X6 will follow suit in 2009

BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd unveiled BMW X6, its top-of-the-line model in the X Series, expecting the sports activity coupe to greatly challenge Porsche Cayenne in the premium SUV segment.

No sales target was disclosed, but BMW Malaysia managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said he would be happy if he could bring in some 20 units of the X6 every month.

"The BMW X6 makes history as the world's first sports activity coupe (SAC)," Briscoe said at the media preview of the vehicle in Kota Damansara, Selangor yesterday.

He said BMW had already sold 6,082 units of the X6 worldwide since its launch three months ago in Spartanburg in the US.

Briscoe noted that more than 1.1 million BMW X models had been sold globally since the launch of the first BMW X5 in 1999. Another model in the X family is the X3.

"The BMW X models have given BMW a strong and successful position in the SAV/SUV segment. BMW X6 is expected to up the ante by meeting the demand of a different niche," he added.

For a start, BMW Malaysia is selling the BMW X6 xDrive35i. More variants of the X6 will follow suit in 2009, Briscoe said.

The BMW X6 xDrive35i sells at RM698,800 excluding insurance. It comes with BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology.

Company executives claimed that it is the first vehicle to offer Dynamic Performance Control for unique agility, tracking stability, precision and traction in every situation.

OshHisham

August 25th, 2008, 05:52 AM

citroen...an overrated car makers :bash:

Riverofmoltensteel

August 25th, 2008, 07:44 AM

That BMW is the devil :evil: :devil: :lol:

rizalhakim

August 25th, 2008, 07:52 AM

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

http://www.autospies.com/images/users/omarrana/2008_mitsubishi_lancer_evolution_x_image001.jpg

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/lancer-evolution

Arkdriver

August 25th, 2008, 10:57 AM

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

http://www.autospies.com/images/users/omarrana/2008_mitsubishi_lancer_evolution_x_image001.jpg

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/lancer-evolution

cantik, tapi mahal nak mampus, over RM 300k..i'd better spend it on Merc C class instead. Untuk orang2 kaya yang nak manjakan anak diorang bleh la beli keta ni..

BTW im more than happy with the new Accord. Although my loyalty has been put to test by the new Mazda 6. I'd have both if i could.

rizalhakim

August 26th, 2008, 05:36 AM

Honda Malaysia set to Jazz up sales
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/08/26

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/20080826011314/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/jazz26.jpg

While Honda City should account for one third of the company’s expected sales of 35,000 units for 2008, about 1,400 units will come from the new Jazz from now till year-end

HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects to sell 2,400 units of the new Honda Jazz in the first year as more people look for cars with fuel-efficient technology amid high fuel prices, its chief said.

Managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto said Honda Malaysia expects to sell 200 units a month.

The second generation Jazz is fully imported from Thailand.

While Honda City should account for one third of the company’s expected sales of 35,000 units for 2008, about 1,400 units will come from the new Jazz from now till year-end.

The new Jazz was launched via a unique fashion runway show yesterday, in line with its marketing campaign tagline, Defy Convention.

“We found fashion to be a form of expression that can represent and convey the image of the all-new jazz very aptly,” Fujimoto said.

Honda Malaysia has positioned the 1.5-litre Jazz as an unconventional premium five-door hatchback. Coming in two variants, the Jazz grade S sells at RM104,500, while the Jazz grade V at RM109,500.

Asian Honda Motor Co Ltd president and chief executive officer Fumihiko Ike said since its debut in 2001, the first generation Jazz had generated sales of 2.3 million units in 115 countries.

“Half of the cars were sold in Japan and eight other Asian and Oceanian countries. The first generation Jazz was one of Honda’s best selling cars,” Ike said.

Honda Malaysia had sold some 10,000 units of “old” Jazz in the past five years, Fujimoto said.

The new Jazz will appeal to both men and women aged 25 to 39 years old, he added.

Fujimoto said its key highlights are dynamic exterior styling, best-in-class spaciousness and comfort, good fuel efficiency and advanced safety features.

rizalhakim

August 26th, 2008, 05:49 AM

50 units sales target for new Lancer sports sedan

KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd is aiming to sell 50 units of its latest high-performance Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sports sedan this year.

Chief executive officer Keizo Ono said the four-door sedan was the Japanese carmaker’s flagship and rally-inspired model which had received good response in all markets that it had been offered in.

“Even at the pre-launch stage, we have already received 30 bookings for this model,” Ono said at the launch of the model last week.

Besides sporting a powerful 291bhp tubo-charged 2.0-litre Mivec engine, the Lancer Evolution has a new six-speed twin clutch transmission, an all-wheel drive system, traction control system, 18-inch alloy wheels, seven airbags, a sunroof and bi-xenon headlights which turn at corners.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/26/business/p5-lanserinsidepic.JPG
From left: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd CEO Keizo Ono, Mitsubishi Motors Corp manager of Asia and Asean A department Kojiro Asai, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia chairman Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia CEO Omar Haron at the launch of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model in Kuala Lumpur. - Starpic by Kevin Tan

Mitsubishi Motors Corp manager of Asia and Asean Kojiro Asai said while the new Lancer was more spacious and comfortable than the previous model, it also promised a higher level of performance, better equipment and safety.

The car is priced on-the-road (without insurance) at RM315,436 and is available in red metallic, phantom black pearl and white.

rizalhakim

August 26th, 2008, 06:20 AM

Free rear seat belts for Honda Civics

SEPANG: Beginning Oct 1, Honda Malaysia will install free rear centre seat belts for 25,480 of its Civic cars sold between 2003 and 2005.

Its managing director and chief executive officer, Atsushi Fujimoto, made the announcement at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the company and the Road Safety Department here yesterday.

He said Honda was the first foreign car manufacturer to offer to install rear seat belts for free.

"We will contact the owners and the offer applies even for those cars that have changed ownership. For this year, we are also extending our safety driving courses to benefit more than 400 customers, to raise awareness on the importance of safety driving."

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat, in his speech read by ministry secretary-general Datuk Zakaria Bahari, said such safety initiatives could help to reduce road mortality by 50 per cent as well as reduce serious and light injuries by 45 and 50 per cent for rear passengers.

Studies done by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (Miros) showed the use of rear seat belts by private car owners prevented 175 deaths, 350 cases of serious injuries and 1,050 cases of light injuries based on last year's statistics.

Ong said the police and the Road Safety Department, assisted by the Automobile Association Malaysia, Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan and Besraya Highway, had conducted advocacy campaigns at toll plazas and rest and recreation areas to promote the use of rear seat belts.

"This resulted in an increased usage from one to 17 per cent along the highways and from one to four per cent in town areas."

At a press conference later, Road Safety Department director-general Datuk Suret Singh said Proton and Perodua cars would begin their free installation on Jan 1.

As a result of the large number of cars involved, dealers needed time to order supplies for the different models, he said.

Suret said his department would also be working on partnerships with other car manufacturers to enhance road safety.

rizalhakim

August 26th, 2008, 09:07 AM

Naza introduces Naza 206 Premium

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Corporation has introduced a premium version of the Naza 206 five-door hatchback, with several upgrades over the standard Naza 206 Bestari.

Naza said yesterday that the Naza 206 Premium was introduced in response to customer requests and surveys, and that the enhancements were designed to provide a more upmarket and luxurious feel to the 206.

"The 206 Premium appeals to those who want a certain degree of differentiation in their 206. They are looking for the finer things in life within an affordable package,"said Naza marketing manager Derick Tan.

"This is why we have included many premium features, like the leather interior, more speakers for better sound reproduction, the hood insulator for a quieter drive and also additional Peugeot branding inside and around the car. This 206 Premium compliments the new Peugeot 407 Premium that was just launched."

Retailed at RM71,888 on-the-road, the 206 Premium is a limited-edition model, and is only available is four colours: Quick Silver, Aegean Blue, Svelte Grey and Onyx Black.

rizalhakim

August 26th, 2008, 10:06 AM

Hyundai-Sime upbeat on 2nd-half sales outlook
Published: 2008/08/26

HYUNDAI-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd is upbeat on its sales performance for the second half of this year, riding on its newly launched super-long warranty package and some select models.

Managing director Dennis Ho said although the current economic situation is quite stressful resulting from the hike in fuel and goods prices, the company remains optimistic to record a positive sales growth for the rest of the year.

Judging by the growing response from buyers for its models, especially the Inokom i10, and plus the newly launched extended warranty package, the company is optimistic on its sales outlook for the second half, he told reporters after signing an agreement with MUI Continental Insurance in Shah Alam today.

MUI Continental Insurance chief executive officer Wong Kim Teck was present.

Launched early this month, the Inokom i10 is reported to have a fuel consumption of 20km per litre.

Ho said more than 400 confirmed bookings have been received by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors so far.

The company had set a target to sell 200 units of the i10 model a month, he said, adding that there would be more series of the i10 model introduced next year.

Following today’s agreement, Hyundai-Sime Darby has partnered with MUI Continental Insurance to offer a five-year or 300,000km extended warranty package to owners of Hyundai and Inokom cars and sport utility vehicles distributed by Hyundai-Sime Darby.

“This means based on the average new vehicle ownership of five years in Malaysia, our car owners have practically full warranty on their vehicle during the whole ownership period.

“This is one of the best warranty deals in town and is especially so when Malaysians are very concerned about the rising cost of everything in general and operational costs of vehicles in particular,” he said.

He said vehicles under this super warranty are the newly launched i10, Atos Prima 1.1 litre, Getz 1.4 litre, Matrix 1.6 litre, Tucson, Santa Fe and the 11- seater Grand Starex.

Ho said the warranty is at no additional cost to buyers. - Bernama

rizalhakim

August 27th, 2008, 03:53 AM

Lexus LS460 offers more legroom
Published: 2008/08/26

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/20080826011359/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/lexus.jpg

LEXUS Malaysia, a division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, has added a new variant, the Lexus LS460, to complement its flagship LS460L model.

The LS460 sells at RM665,000 without insurance, which is about RM100,000 less than its longer wheelbase cousin, the LS460LS.

The LS460 is designed to cater for customers who demand a more personal and involved driving experience with the added seating capacity, UMW Toyota managing director Kuah Kock Heng said.

“The LS460 is a fine addition to complement the LS460L that was designed with a chauffer-driven intention,” Kuah said at the 4.6-litre car’s launch at the Lexus centre in Mutiara Damansara last week.

“Although new to the Malaysian market, having made its entry in December last year, Lexus has already sold 330 units, with 90 of them being the LS460L model.

“We hope that with the addition of this variant, the Lexus brand will be strengthened and soar to greater heights in Malaysia,” he added.

While the LS460L seats only two occupants at the rear, the LS460 can seat three in total comfort.

For the first time, the driver’s seat comes with four-way lumbar support adjustment as driver comfort is paramount to safe motoring.

Another first for the brand is the vertical adjustment range for the seats.

Powering the car is the same V8 petrol engine found in the LS460L.

This advanced engine features the world’s first electric-motor driven variable valve timing with intelligence and electronically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE).

As with all Lexus models, the LS460 comes with a three-year warranty or 100,000km together with the full range of after-sales services offered at the Lexus centre.

rizalhakim

August 27th, 2008, 05:23 AM

Auto Bavaria unveils upgraded Mini showroom

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Wednesday/Stories/2332486/insidepix1
The Mini John Cooper Works model unveiled in all its splendour at the upgraded showroom.

KUALA LUMPUR: Auto Bavaria Malaysia, the biggest retail and service organisation of BMW, Mini and Motorrad recently opened its upgraded Mini showroom at its Bukit Bintang premises.

The showroom is the first Mini showroom in Malaysia, with a larger exhibition area and a section for its wide range of eclectic merchandise from the exclusive Mini Lifestyle and Accessories collection.

Auto Bavaria managing director Mathias Heimann said the new chic showroom would feature the Mini family, especially the latest Mini John Cooper Works, which was also unveiled during the showroom's opening.

The Mini JCW with a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine has a claimed a top speed of 238km/h and acceleration of 0-100km in 6.5 seconds.

With 17-inch wheels, the JCW also has a host of racing features and the signature JCW aerodynamics kit.

About 150 guests turned up for the showroom's opening.

rizalhakim

August 27th, 2008, 09:31 AM

Ford Ranger XL baru mampu milik

SIME Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd (Auto ConneXion), anak syarikat milik penuh Sime Darby yang menguruskan kenderaan jenama Ford, Land Rover dan Alfa Romeo, memperkenalkan Ford Ranger XL baru pada harga mampu milik di samping masih mengekalkan kualiti dan keupayaan prestasi pemanduan.

Model itu ditawarkan pada harga atas jalan (OTR) termasuk yuran pendaftaran RM69,888 di pasaran Semenanjung dan RM73,388 bagi Sabah dan Sarawak.

Dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini, Auto ConneXion berkata, Ranger XL baru itu menggunakan keupayaan enjin Turbo Diesel Intercooler (TDI) Ford 2.5 liter yang terbukti mantap dan kotak gear manual lima kelajuan bagi memberi nilai terbaik dalam pasaran semasa trak 4x4 di Malaysia.

“Walaupun harga ditawarkan sangat menakjubkan, Ranger XL baru mempunyai segala kelengkapan yang perlu termasuk lampu kabus dan rim aloi 16 inci bergaya.

“Kami juga menawarkan secara percuma ‘bed liner’ dan ‘sport bar’ untuk tempoh pengenalan terhad,’ katanya.

Ia mempunyai kemasan dalaman sama seperti kereta dan keselesaan seperti XLT, dengan mengekalkan hampir semua ciri utama termasuk pemain CD MP3, cermin sisi kawalan elektronik dan roda stereng yang boleh disendengkan.

rizalhakim

August 27th, 2008, 09:40 AM

2009 Honda City

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rizalhakim

August 27th, 2008, 09:41 AM

Honda Jazz

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http://paultan.org/archives/2008/08/21/new-honda-jazz-s-and-v-launched-in-malaysia/

rizalhakim

September 2nd, 2008, 05:20 AM

Diesel pick-up trucks drive Isuzu sales
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/09/01

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/isusu.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/dmax2.jpg

Isuzu Malaysia expects sales of the D-Max to almost double last year's performance with more than 5,000 units expected to be sold

ISUZU Malaysia Sdn Bhd says sales in the first seven months had almost surpassed its volume of 2,885 units for the whole of 2007, driven by the Isuzu pick-up trucks' fuel-saving properties.

A total of 2,732 units of Isuzu D-Max pick-ups were sold in the January-July 2008 period and chief executive officer Kyoya Kondo believes that the tax cut for diesel-engined vehicles announced in the Budget 2009 last Friday and the newly-launched D-Max Hi-DEF luxury variant would strengthen its position and image.

With the continuing trend, Kondo expects sales of the D-Max to almost double last year's performance with over 5,000 units expected to be sold.

"With the healthy demand for the D-Max, we had to increase our initial projections of 4,000 units for 2008."

He said diesel engined vehicles are generally more fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly than petrol-engined vehicles.

"As an industry leader producing highly fuel-efficient, durable and reliable products, Isuzu Malaysia welcomes the reduction of road tax of privately-owned diesel engined vehicles (effective from September this year)," Kondo told Business Times.

"This move will not only be beneficial to motorists, especially high-mileage drivers who depend on diesel vehicles to save on fuel costs, this will also be positive for the environment in the long run, due to the lower hydro-carbon emissions created by diesel engines," he added.

Following the fuel price increase in June this year, the company's July sales hit a monthly record high of 525 units. Buyers in Sabah and Sarawak continued to be the biggest consumers of the D-Max with 60 per cent of the units going to these states.

The strong demand has helped Isuzu Malaysia to maintain its second position on the sales charts, with a share of 18.5 per cent of the pick-up segment as of July this year.

The D-Max 2.5-litre variant remains the top seller for Isuzu with 45.5 per cent of total sales volume, followed by the 3.0-litre Super Commonrail 4x4 manual version, which contributes 30.4 per cent.

Isuzu Malaysia launched the D-Max Hi-DEF limited edition last Friday and expects it to stand apart from ordinary pick-up trucks and fit perfectly to the growing segment of owners who want the versatility of a rugged vehicle without having to look for the parts.

Only 200 units of the D-Max Hi-Def will be offered. It boasts of leather-wrapped seats and door trimmings featuring double satin stitching with embroidered D-Max logo on the front seats, a GPS satellite navigation system and a Bluetooth hands-free connection.

The pick-up also has a 7-inch touch screen multimedia unit to playback just about any format of encoding including MP3, MPEG4 and movies via CD, CDRs, VCD, DVD, DVD-R or via USB or auxiliary cable connections.

The impressive list of goodies adds about RM10,000 to the price of the D-Max and depending on whether you order it with a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission or 4x4 or 4x2 and whether you choose the D-Box or roll-bar, the Peninsular Malaysia price varies from RM95,006 to RM107,098, inclusive of insurance.

The warranty period is three years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.

"With the Hi-DEF, we are able to bridge the divide between the head and the heart. After all, customers will still enjoy the benefits of versatility, fuel efficiency, durability and reliability inherent in all Isuzu vehicles. Now, it just comes in a more striking package," said Kondo.

rizalhakim

September 3rd, 2008, 09:28 AM

Chery Easter MPV

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/3/nation/n_04najib.jpg
Looking East: Najib taking a closer look at the Chery Eastar MPV after it was officially launched at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

rizalhakim

September 4th, 2008, 06:45 AM

^^

http://www.cheryalado.com/eastar/b14banner.jpg

rizalhakim

September 11th, 2008, 08:03 AM

Premier Hybrid Proposes Green Tax Regime For Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Premier Hybrid Cars Sdn Bhd, the country's first franchised distributor of hybrid cars, has proposed that Malaysia come up with a green tax regime if it wants to remain a major player in the motor vehicle industry.

In a statement here today, Premier Hybrid chairman, Datuk Shahrin Zahari, said the company proposed this as it believed the current tax regime in Europe was regressive.

He said currently, such taxes were structured to hit the people who hurt the atmosphere by levying a tax on polluters.

"We propose rewarding consumers, via tax breaks for those who voluntary help reduce emissions by using renewable energy," he said.

Shahrin said such a move would help save the government billions of ringgit a year in fuel subsidy.

"We are not saying that we will be able to help cut the fuel subsidies within a year, but if done in a structured manner, the savings to the government and environment would be substantial over a period of a decade" he said.

He said in the medium term, multinationals would be the biggest winners by switching to hybrids as they could save consumers a minimum of RM3,000 a year.

"If you are running a corporation with 50 or 100 cars, the savings are enormous ... we expect this then to trickle to the consumer market," he said.

Toyota Motor Corp, the world's second largest carmaker by sales, announced in June its plan to produce 9,000 Camry hybrids by 2009 in Thailand, making the kingdom the first Asean country to build hybrid cars.

In 2009 Budget tabled recently, the franchise holders of hybrid cars are given 100 percent exemption on import duty and 50 percent exemption on excise duty on new completely built-up hybrid cars.

The move aims to promote Malaysia as a regional hub for hybrid cars and as incentive for local car manufacturers and assemblers to prepare for the assembly of such cars domestically.

-- BERNAMA

rizalhakim

September 15th, 2008, 10:20 AM

Naza Kia bullish on Citra II Rondo sales
Published: 2008/09/15

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The car distributor aims to capture 20 per cent of the MPV segment with the launch of the new model

NAZA Kia Sdn Bhd is confident of selling 200 units of Naza Citra II Rondo per month given its good initial response for the new multipurpose vehicle (MPV) model.

For this year, the company expects to sell at least 600 units, Naza Group of Companies group executive chairman and chief executive officer SM Nasaruddin SM Nasimuddin told reporters after the launch.

He said the company hopes the new model would receive good demand from the public as new products always have a place in the market and create wider choices in the market.

Todate, the company had received 200 bookings.

On market share, the company aims to capture 20 per cent of the MPV segment from the current 10 per cent, Nasaruddin said. - Bernama

rizalhakim

September 16th, 2008, 04:00 AM

Rondo to drive Naza's MPV market share
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/09/16

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/citra-2.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/cros.jpg

Naza Kia is targeting to sell 200 units of Citra II Rondo per month, says Naza Group chief executive officer

NAZA Kia Sdn Bhd has unveiled the Naza Citra II Rondo, banking on the cross-over utility vehicle (CUV) adapted from the new Kia Carens to help it capture 20 per cent share of the multi-purpose-vehicle (MPV) market.

"The local MPV market size is about 45,000 units annually. We hope to increase our share in the segment to 20 per cent with the new Citra II Rondo," Naza Group chief executive officer SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said.

A monthly sales volume of 200 units of the Rondo is expected, he said at its launch in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

"I am being a bit pessimistic with our monthly target of 200 units. Hopefully, the sales will gradually increase," he added.

Nasarudin said that steady sales of the Citra prove that Naza Kia's seven-seaters are popular choices for Malaysian customers.

Naza Kia has actually positioned the two-litre Rondo between the Citra and the bigger Naza Ria MPV, and to be a serious contender in the cross-over segment.

Coming in two variants, the Rondo 2.0 EX sells at RM84,888, while the high-line version Rondo 2.0 EXS costs RM88,888.

Nasarudin emphasised that the company has focused on giving customers value for money.

He pointed out the long list of standard equipment, including dual-front airbags, anti-lock brake system and electronic brake distribution, stylish side mirrors and a Shiftronic gearbox.

Compared with the Citra, the Rondo has some changes at the front and rear ends.

Customers can order their Rondo with a choice of four colours: fine silver, black cherry, urban grey and volcanic red.

rizalhakim

September 16th, 2008, 06:59 AM

Naza Citra ii rondo tampil lebih bergaya

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2008/0916/Kosmo/Negara/ne_09.1.jpg
Dua kakitangan Naza Kia bergaya bersama Naza Citra II Rondo pada pelancarannya di Kuala Lumpur semalam.

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

PETALING JAYA - Kumpulan Naza menampilkan model terbaru kenderaan pelbagai gunanya (MPV), iaitu Citra II Rondo dengan ruang dalaman lebih luas berserta reka bentuk dinamik.

Citra II Rondo yang dilancarkan semalam, adalah kesinambungan model terdahulu dengan beberapa perubahan termasuk enjin 2.0 liter DOHC CVVT, rupa bentuk luaran lebih sporty, kerangka badan utuh dan keselesaan pemanduan.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin berkata, model tujuh tempat duduk itu mengetengahkan gabungan kenderaan kegunaan sukan SUV dengan kenderaan sedan yang diberi nama crossover utility vehicle (CUV).

"Naza yakin model tersebut akan menjadi taruhan terbaik bagi meningkatkan penguasaan pasaran MPV kepada 20 peratus berbanding sebelum ini cuma 10 peratus," katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis pelancaran di Naza Auto Mall, Petaling Jaya.

Jelasnya, satu lagi kelebihan Citra II Rondo ialah penjimatan bahan api iaitu 20 sen bagi setiap kilometer berbanding 25 sen untuk model lama dengan kapasiti tangki 55 liter.

"Kami mensasarkan jualan 200 unit sebulan pembeli mempunyai pilihan warna perak, merah, hitam dan kelabu," ujarnya.

Tempahan untuk kenderaan itu mulai dibuka semalam.

Ia dijual dengan harga dari RM84,888 sehingga RM90,524.50 bagi kelas EX untuk versi standard manakala EXS untuk lebih sporty.

rizalhakim

September 17th, 2008, 04:22 AM

Naza-Kia rolls out Citra Rondo II CUV

PETALING JAYA: Naza-Kia Sdn Bhd aims to sell about 200 units of its latest Naza Citra II Rondo crossover utility vehicle monthly.

According to Naza Group chief executive officer S.M. Nasarudin S.M Nasimuddin, the seven-seater Rondo is competitively priced from RM84,000.

“At these prices, we feel the Rondo will be an attractive buy and appeal to customers wanting a versatile vehicle that is functional, stylish and gives good overall value for money,” he said at the launch on Monday.

The Rondo comes with air-conditioner vents for rear passengers, dual-front airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, a 2.0-litre twin camshaft engine with variable valve timing technology and a four-speed automatic transmission.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/9/17/business/b_04naza.jpg
Naza Group of Companies chief executive officer S.M. Nasarudin S.M. Nasimuddin (left ) and Kia Motors Corp Asian regional office MD Terry Im with the newly launched Naza Citra II Rondo multi-purpose vehicle. - Starpic by S.S. Kanesan

The vehicle is available in two variants – the entry-level EX priced at RM84,888 and the higher grade EXS, sold at RM88,888.

However, the EXS gets additional features such as steering wheel-mounted remote audio control, a special roof rack, automatic climate control air conditioning system and bigger 16-inch alloy wheels.

rizalhakim

September 18th, 2008, 04:47 AM

PHC plans to sell 100 hybrid cars

It’s in talks to supply RM20m worth of vehicles to GLCs

KUALA LUMPUR: Premier Hybrid Cars Sdn Bhd (PHC) is negotiating to sell some 100 hybrid cars to several government-linked companies listed on Bursa Malaysia.

A source said the deals, if they materialised, would be worth some RM20mil.

“PHC is offering a wide range of models compared with other local car companies for the hybrid models,” said the source.

The company offers Honda Civic, Toyota Harrier, Alphard and Estima hybrids.

Datuk Shahrin Zahari
“These GLCs are keen on the hybrids because the vehicles are economical and they want to show their commitment towards government effort to promote the usage of renewable energy,” the source said.

PHC chairman Datuk Shahrin Zahari confirmed the company had started to negotiate the sale of the vehicles but declined to provide details.

He, however, said there must be a green tax regime if the Government was keen to attract foreign direct investment for the assembly and manufacture of hybrid vehicles in the country.

“We would propose to the Government to implement a progressive green tax regime, unlike the current green tax system adopted by most European countries which is regressive in nature,” he said.

Shahrin said the company would also propose that the Government provide better incentives for those who opted to own and use hybrid vehicles.

“Users should be given tax breaks in personal or company taxes,” he said.

He said such an incentive would boost the usage of hybrids vehicles in Malaysia.

“Indirectly, this will help the local car industry develop their own hybrids, for which there would be a big demand in the future.”

rizalhakim

September 22nd, 2008, 04:38 AM

Volvo confident of hitting sales target
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/09/22

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Monday/Nation/volvic.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/V50.jpg

VOLVO Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident of achieving its target of selling 1,000 vehicles this year, helped by recent new model introductions and the facelift V50.2.4i stationwagon launched last week.

Volvo Car Malaysia president Robert Norrman said the company sold 760 units of cars last year and is already at more than the halfway mark of its target for 2008.

The company has so far this year introduced five new models and variants, including the refreshed V50, and plans to launch another model before the year closes, Norrman told reporters at the launch of the V50.2.4i in Kuala Lumpur last Friday.

Volvo Car Malaysia has lowered the price of the V50 to boost sales and promote the use of stationwagons in Malaysia.

The facelift V50 now sells at RM185,500 (on the road without insurance), more than RM35,000 off the price tag of its predecessor. The former complements the more powerful V50 T5 version, which sells at RM223,500.

"The good thing about the V50 is that it gives buyers, specifically interested in a wagon, an alternative to the existing V50 T5 version, which is priced at RM223,500," said Norrman.

He added that although it is cheaper, the refreshed V50 is much improved in all aspects including design and safety, over its predecessor.

The company expects the combined sales of the facelift V50 and V50 T5 to double to between 10 and 20 units a month, compared to the monthly sales of only five to 10 units of the previous V50 T5.

The facelift V50 follows closely on the heels of hugely successful launches of the likes of the sporty two-door C30 coupe, facelift S40 and XC90 sports utility vehicle recently.

rizalhakim

September 22nd, 2008, 07:14 AM

MD seeks more visibility for VW
By JAGDEV SINGH SIDHU

Prinz plans to introduce new models on local roads next year

ALL it took was one minute for Andreas Prinz to accept the posting to Malaysia as the new managing director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

After all, a trip 10 years ago showed him what the country has to offer.

And that was before thinking about the challenge of the job that is before him.

Andrea Prinz

Seeing the different cultures, cuisine and scenery during the three-day stopover a decade ago, made a lasting impression on Prinz, 44, who replaced Axel Barth as managing director.

“I can still remember the places I went to even though there is a lot of change. I always like to travel around Asia,’’ he said.

Prinz started his career with VW from Lufthansa as head of marketing for the group’s fleet business.

He then went over to Bentley in Crewe, England, to head Bentley’s worldwide marketing push.

“It was an exciting time as we launched the Continental GT, and other luxury cars and repositioned the Bentley brand,’’ he said.

He moved to Dubai years ago after VW decided to expand operations in the Middle East. Dubai serves as the regional HQ for VW in the Middle East.

Prinz then found himself shuttled off to India, where he presided over the business in India at a time when VW decided that it was going to make a lot of cars in that country €“ 110,000 cars annually from either end 2009 or early 2010.

But every country presents its own unique challenges and in Malaysia, VW continues to rebuild its business in hopes that one day it would sell higher volumes than now.

“It is quite a challenge. We have been selling cars since the beginning of last year and we are currently concentrating on completely built-up cars,’’ he said, adding that VW was focusing on positioning the brand instead of going for volumes in the initial stage.

“Knowing what it means to set up an organisation such as this, I am happy to find such good infrastructure in place. I am now happy to work on the growth path.”

In Malaysia, the best-selling models for VW are the Golf GTI and the new Beetle. Prinz said that is because of the appeal of both cars and how customers themselves are taken in the cars.

“It is a good mesh from a marketing point of view,’’ he said.

With a dealer network of 12, Prinz feels the size is sustainable, given where sales are at the moment.

“Based on the current volumes, it is the right size and we have good coverage now. Of course, we will slowly expand the network as well. Now we have to give the dealers a sustainable growth business and that is key,’’ he said.

But he would like to see more VW cars on the road. “If you look at a market of half a million cars a year and our tiny little market share, the visibility is not that great,’’ he said.

Reasoning for that is simple. More cars means more sales but equally important is that more cars also translates into more visibility of the VW brand. And as they say, nothing sells a car than a car itself.

That will soon be rectified as VW has plans to launch more models on the roads.

“We are bringing in some exciting models soon and also in 2009. We are going to launch the Volkswagen Tiguan. Since its launch, it has been very successful and it was hard for us here to fight and get the volumes,’’ he said, adding that the car would be launched next month.

“After that, we have the next generation of the Golf. We are in the process of launching it on a worldwide scale and we will be launching the car in Malaysia next year. Then we have the Passat CC and then the Sirocco will be brought to Malaysia.’’

VW Malaysia sold 757 cars in calendar year 2007 and Prinz said sales have accelerated.

“This year, we are more than happy as we have in August reached more than 90% of last year’s sales figure. If you look at the overall market growth in Malaysia of 20% to 25%, I am confident we will have similar growth this year,’’ he said.

He is also confident that sales will further increase next year with the new models.

The growth path he spoke about would see the company sell more cars and that would mean not solely relying on CBU imports.

“Of course, we are investigating the possibility of local assembly in Malaysia and other Asean countries in parallel. With the current AP system, we know that substantial growth will only come from local assembly or local production,’’ he said.

“We are in the project status for looking for local assembly. That will, in turn, broaden our product range in terms of smaller cars.”

Prinz said no decision has been taken on whether local assembly would be done. “We know the small car segment is the fastest growing in the country and we will also like to participate in that growth.

“At this point, it is key for us to position the brand and customers get a feel of the quality of our cars,’’ he said.

“We are here and have set up VW Malaysia. This shows our confidence and determination in the Malaysian market. And we are not here to sell only a few hundred cars in the future.”

rizalhakim

September 22nd, 2008, 10:10 AM

'Explore Malaysian hybrid car mart potential'
Published: 2008/09/22

Malaysia wants Japanese automakers to consider Malaysia as a production base for hybrid engines, says the International Trade and Industry Minister

JAPANESE automakers should explore the the hybrid car market potential in Malaysia, said International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said in the Budget 2009, the government had proposed a 100 per cent exemption of import duty and a 50 per cent exemption of the excise duty on new completely built-up units (CBU) of hybrid cars.

“What we hope now is for the Japanese automakers to explore the hybrid car market potential in Malaysia. We want them to consider Malaysia as a production base for hybrid engines in the future,” he told reporters after delivering the keynote address at the Malaysia-Japan Business Forum in Malaysia today.

Muhyiddin said Malaysia is keen to learn hybrid technology from Japanese automakers.

During his trade and investment mission to Japan in July this year, he had met the top management of Toyota and Honda to discuss the matter.

“We are offering Malaysia as a first choice destination for Toyota and Honda to expand to. We are even prepared to discuss with them any customised incentive that they might want to propose.

“I think the future of hybrid cars, electric cars or anything that is energy efficient is rather bright, and we want to be part of the industry as well,” he said. — Bernama

hetfield85

September 23rd, 2008, 03:46 AM

Malaysian auto sales fall in August on higher fuel price: industry

Malaysia's vehicle sales dipped by 12.5 percent in August from the previous month due to the impact of higher fuel costs, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said Monday.

The industry body said total vehicle sales for the month was 47,227 units, 6,757 units lower than in July and 1.0 percent lower than the 47,585 units sold in the same period last year.

It cited "higher interest rates and the tightening of hire-purchase loans" as other reasons for the slowdown in sales.

For the eight months to August, vehicle sales for both the passenger and commercial vehicles sectors was 21 percent higher than the same period in 2007 at 379,184 units.

The MAA said sales for September 2008 are forecast to be even lower than August from the impact of a shorter working month due to the Eid al-Fitr festive holidays.

It also factored in the increase in hire-purchase interest rates, stringent approvals for loans and a fall in consumer spending due to high oil prices for the predicted reduction in sales.

The association had said that vehicle sales are expected to dip 16.5 percent in the second half of the year due to higher fuel costs and rising inflation, with the bulk of the drop coming from a 28 percent reduction in the volume of commercial vehicles sold.

But the auto sector is expected to achieve its growth target of 4.7 percent to 510,000 units for the year despite the bleak second half outlook, the MAA said.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced a deeply unpopular 41 percent fuel price hike in June, which saw inflation surge to a 26-year high of 8.5 percent in July, driven by the escalating cost of fuel and electricity.

rizalhakim

September 23rd, 2008, 04:48 AM

Japanese invited to make hybrid cars in Malaysia
By Ooi Tee Ching Published: 2008/09/23

Malaysia has offered Toyota and Honda to be their first overseas production base for hybrid engines and will consider giving Japanese carmakers customised perks

MALAYSIA has offered itself as a production base for Japanese hybrid cars if carmakers like Toyota and Honda plan to expand outside Japan.

"We hope Japanese automakers like Toyota and Honda will explore the potential of the hybrid car market here and consider Malaysia as a production base for future hybrid engines," International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

Three months ago, Toyota Motor Corp - the world's second largest carmaker by sales - said it wanted to produce 9,000 Camry hybrids in Thailand by next year, which will make it the first Asean country to venture into hybrid car production.

Soon after the announcement, Muhyiddin led a trade mission to Japan and met with the top management of Toyota and Honda.

"Although Toyota and Honda have no immediate plans to venture overseas, but I believe, later, they may want to. We now offer Malaysia as their first overseas production base," he said.

Under Budget 2009, franchise holders are given 100 per cent exemption on import duty and 50 per cent exemption on excise duty on imported hybrid cars.

"Hybrid cars, being fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, are the direction being taken globally. Malaysia aspires to be a significant participant in the use and making of fuel-efficient automobiles," said Muhyiddin.

Malaysia is also willing to consider giving Japanese carmakers customised incentives, he told reporters at a Malaysia-Japan business forum in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Also present were Masahiko Horie, the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, and Tan Sri Azman Hashim, president of the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association.

rizalhakim

September 23rd, 2008, 05:01 AM

Contraction seen in auto sector sales
By C.S. TAN

Consumers cautious amid rising inflation, slower growth

PETALING JAYA: Sales of motor vehicles may have peaked in July, with a slowdown starting last month as consumers turned cautious amid rising inflation, financial volatility and slowing economic growth, analysts said.

Data released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) yesterday showed that sales volume in August dropped 12.5% to 6,757 units from July.

Sales were lower by about 1% on a year-on-year basis as total industry vehicle (TIV) sales amounted to 47,227 units in August compared with 47,585 in August last year.

MAA said in a brief statement the reasons for the month-on-month sales decline were higher interest rates, a tightening of hire purchase loans and the impact of the fuel price hike.

Workers assemble Perodua cars at its factory in Rawang, outside Kuala Lumpur.
Sales for September could be lower than that for August due to these reasons as well as a shorter working month because of the Hari Raya festive holidays, MAA said.

July was a month of robust growth for the automotive sector as sales grew 10.2% over June, and 20.2% over July last year.

That was then. Since then, disposal income has declined for many people amid stagflation and destruction of wealth in the stock market.

Sales dropped for almost all of the major motor marques, analysts said.

“The surprising situation is that sales of even small cars were slower in August than in July. People thought buyers would switch to small cars from Perodua and Proton for lower fuel consumption but their sales also slowed in August,” an analyst said.

As Perodua and Proton account for about 50% of TIV sales, a decline in their sales in August would cause the TIV sales to drop in the same month. In line with the decline of sales in the national cars, sales of non-national cars also slowed.

Hence, Toyota and Honda also saw slower sales in August month-on-month, but sales of Nissan cars were maintained, the analyst said.

Analysts said July was a month of strong sales as buyers rushed to register their vehicles ahead of an increase in interest rates for hire purchase loans which took effect around end-July.

While that may explain lower sales in August, sales activity was also uninspiring on a year-on-year comparison.

Sales in the automotive sector had fallen for two consecutive years in 2006 and 2007, but started to pick up in the second half last year and first half this year.

The momentum appears to have stalled as sales growth may continue to slow down or contract altogether in subsequent months with motor vehicle data pointing to a general slowdown in consumer spending as economic growth slows.

rizalhakim

September 23rd, 2008, 06:15 AM

UMW Toyota yakin jual 95,000 unit kenderaan

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd yakin mampu menjual 95,000 kenderaan tahun ini yang terdiri dari semua modelnya berbanding dengan jualan 93,000 unit pada tahun lalu.

Pengarah Kumpulan Jualan Kenderaan Barunya, Harry Loo Chee Yan, berkata kumpulan itu yakin mencapai sasaran jualannya selepas model jualan terbaiknya, Vios terjual 20,000 unit tahun lalu.

Beliau berkata, tahun ini UMW menjangka menjual lebih 30,000 unit Vios.

“Tempahan kami menurun selepas kerajaan mengumumkan kenaikan harga bahan api baru-baru ini tetapi permintaan untuk Vios meningkat walaupun dalam keadaan ekonomi semasa,” kata Loo selepas upacara penyampaian hadiah di Kuala Lumpur, semalam, bagi pemenang Peraduan Perayaan Uji Pandu dan Menang Vios 100,000.

Katanya permintaan tertinggi daripada pelanggan ialah untuk model Vios J Grade yang baru dilancar kerana ia adalah model Toyota termurah di pasaran.

“Jumlah agihan pasaran bagi semua model Toyota kini ialah 18 peratus berbanding 16.7 peratus tahun lalu,” katanya.

Sementara itu pemenang hadiah utama bagi peraduan berkenaan ialah Wel Anak Sami dari Miri, Sarawak, yang memenangi sebuah Toyota Vios 1.5E manakala Tan Kuan Chye dari Pulau Pinang memenangi hadiah kedua, iaitu pakej percutian dua orang di Kelab Med Jani Resort, Maldives.

Zalena Abd Razak dari Melaka memenangi hadiah ketiga, satu baucar e-service bernilai RM3,000.

kubundu

September 23rd, 2008, 06:16 AM

http://www.namakanprotonmpv.com/en/online_entries.aspx

rizalhakim

September 23rd, 2008, 06:18 AM

Istimewanya C230 Avantgarde
Oleh Mohd Razlan Salleh
mrazlan@hmetro.com.my

http://www.hmetro.com.my/Tuesday/Vroom/20080923095739/mainpix

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/2007mercedesbenzcclassfront.thumbnail.jpg

LEBIH garang tetapi eksklusif. Itulah pandangan pertama penulis terhadap ahli terbaru dalam keluarga Mercedes-Benz, C230 Avantgarde yang diperkenalkan, baru-baru ini.

LEBIH garang tetapi eksklusif. Itulah pandangan pertama penulis terhadap ahli terbaru dalam keluarga Mercedes-Benz, C230 Avantgarde yang diperkenalkan, baru-baru ini.

Sepanjang memandu uji, terasa pemanduan dan pengendaliannya memang mengasyikkan walaupun penulis menjalani ibadat puasa.

Walaupun dikategorikan sebagai sedan kompak, wajah baru C-Class ternyata tidak menampakkan ia sebuah jentera bertaraf kompak, malah berjaya menggabungkan pakej lengkap.

Sudut luar memperlihatkan keupayaan jurutera Jerman menghasilkan jentera lebih garang dan dinamik.

Perubahan menyeluruh dalam reka bentuk Mercedes ini dapat dilihat menerusi gril hadapan, lampu utama serta bonet yang menjadikan ia kelihatan lebih garang di jalan raya.

Setiap model terbaru Mercedes kini memanfaatkan sepenuhnya gril radiator dengan memperlihatkan keanggunan lambang bintang kebanggaan Mercedes-Benz yang besar.

Lambang berbucu tiga itu sentiasa mengingatkan penulis dengan jentera ‘Safety Car’ pada setiap perlumbaan Formula Satu (F1).

Panjang keseluruhan C230 Avantgarde adalah 4,581 milimeter (mm) dan model terbaru ini 55 mm lebih panjang daripada model sebelumnya iaitu generasi ketiga C-Class.

Tubuh tegap yang menggiurkan itu turut dilebarkan 42 mm kepada 1,770 mm dan jarak roda ditambah 45 mm kepada 2,760 mm menjadikan ruang dalaman lebih luas.

Bahagian belakang pula menyaksikan reka bentuk lebih aerodinamik dengan lampu belakang direka lebih bergaya dengan penggunaan LED pada lampu isyarat.

Ruang dalamannya menggabungkan ciri sporty selain aspek keselesaan menjadi keutamaan.

Padanan sut kulit hitam bermutu tinggi untuk semua tempat duduk, panel pintu dan stereng menjadikan ia benar-benar jentera sporty.

Malah, stereng dengan butang kawalan berpusat, papan pemuka mudah dicapai, moden serta bergaya menjadikan pemanduan cukup selesa.

Mengagumkan apabila sistem audio dengan penukar enam cakera boleh bertukar kepada sebuah telefon bimbit dengan mengaktifkan teknologi ‘bluetooth’ dan pemandu hanya perlu menekan butang ‘answer’ di stereng untuk menjawab setiap panggilan masuk.

Keistimewaan C230 Avantgarde terletak pada enjinnya iaitu enam silinder 24 injap 2,496 cc berprestasi tinggi.

Enjin berkenaan menghasilkan 204 kuasa kuda manakala tork mampu dicapai sehingga maksimum 245Nm antara 2800-5000 rpm.

Dengan kuasa tujahan setinggi itu, tidak mustahil jentera ini mampu memecut dari pegun ke 100 km/j dalam masa 8.6 saat selain mencatat kelajuan maksimum sehingga 233 km/j.

Walaupun nadi yang dibekalkan pada C230 Avantgarde amat berkuasa, penggunaan bahan api serendah 9.1 hingga 9.3 liter bagi jarak 100km.

C230 Avantgarde menggunakan transmisi 7G-Tronic dengan tujuh nisbah gear yang boleh dikawal menggunakan ‘paddle-shifter’.

Mod Sport membolehkan kuasa enjin digunakan secara maksimum dan hasil pecutan begitu mengagumkan selain dibantu sistem suspensi hidrolik yang akan merendah kedudukan kereta sebanyak 15 mm secara automatik untuk mengimbangi kenderaan pada kelajuan tinggi.

Untuk casis barunya, Mercedes memadankannya dengan teknologi Agility Control bagi mempertingkatkan keselesaan dan ketangkasan jentera terbarunya.

Agility Control membolehkan sistem penyerap hentak beroperasi dengan lebih mantap, stabil dan dinamik dalam pelbagai permukaan jalan.

Aspek keselamatan turut dipertingkatkan apabila model berkenaan dilengkapi Sistem Brek Adaptive yang sensitif dan selari dengan teknologi gear kenderaan.

Untuk melengkapkannya, C230 Avantgarde dipadankan dengan Sistem Brek Anti Kunci (ABS) bagi semua rodanya dan Edaran Daya Brek Elektronik (EBD).

Terbaru, sistem Start-Off Assist beroperasi mengawal sistem brek dalam situasi kritikal dan tindak balas lebih baik terhadap brek cakera dalam keadaan jalan basah.

Untuk keselamatan pemandu dan penumpang, ruang kabinnya dibekalkan dengan enam beg udara.

Kesimpulannya, penampilan C230 Avantgarde memang menjadi idaman dan pelaburan RM295,888 bagi model ini dan RM310,888 bagi versi Avantgarde Advanced berbaloi kerana kepuasan pemanduan yang hakiki.

SPESIFIKASI

MODEL: Mercedes Benz C230 Avantgarde

ENJIN: Enam Silinder V (V6) 24 injap 2,496 cc

KUASA MAKSIMUM: 204 hp pada 6100 rpm.

TORK MAKSIMUM: 245 Nm antara 2900 hingga 5500 rpm

TRANSMISI: 7G-TRONIC

KELAJUAN MAKSIMUM: 233km/j

HARGA: RM295,888

TAYAR DICADANGKAN

Continental SportContact 2

225/45R17 91W TL

rizalhakim

September 25th, 2008, 04:09 AM

Citroen repositioning CBUs
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/09/24

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/citon.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/C6.jpg

The French carmaker is repositioning its completely- built-up vehicles in the high-end segment as Malaysia does not have a favourable taxation for CBUs, says a company executive

FRENCH carmaker Citroen is changing its tactic in Malaysia as the local tax structure is not favourable for fully-imported vehicles, a senior company executive said.

The carmaker, which used to sell up to 2,000 cars a year during its heydays here in the 1980s, is now repositioning its CBU (completely- built-up) vehicles in the high-end segment.

"Malaysia, like other countries in Asean, does not have a favourable taxation for CBUs. Therefore, we have to be realistic in terms of our target," Citroen vice-president of international sales and marketing Jean-Louis Chamla said.

"We have revamped our line-up for the past few years and we intend to reposition our vehicles in the high-end segment," Chamla added.

Vehicles from non-Asean countries are now slapped with a 30 per cent import duty, compared with zero import duty for Asean-made vehicles.

Additionally, there are local excise duties of 60-105 per cent for Asean and non-Asean cars, plus 10 per cent sales tax.

Chamla spoke to reporters during a one-day visit to Citroen's regional headquarters (HQ) and local franchise holder Brooklands Motors Sdn Bhd's facility in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Also present were Brooklands Motors' managing director Muhammad Fadhil Anwar, Citroen's regional HQ (South & Southeast Asia) general manager Benoit De Lassus and Citroen director for Asia Pacific and Africa Loic De La Roche.

The next stop in his tight schedule to Citroen's operations in certain Asian countries is Singapore, followed by Hong Kong.

Citroen, which has no production plant in Southeast Asia, is making a comeback of sorts after three years without new car launches in Malaysia.

Together with Brooklands Motors, Citroen launched the C6 and Grand C4 Piccaso recently to get a share of the premium segment dominated by Mercedes Benz and BMW.

The new C6 luxury sedan in particular comes with a hefty price tag of RM398,000.

Chamla shared his short-to-medium-term plans for the Citroen brand and market share in Malaysia, partly by leveraging on partner Brooklands Motors.

"We want to increase the brand awareness and develop the (sales and services) network to accompany the development.

"With the current six point of sales, we are aiming to open another two within this year in Malacca and Kuantan, and another 3S centres in the Klang Valley in 2009," he said.

Citroen does have a sales volume and market share target here but Chamla stressed that having a strong brand and sales and service network is more important.

On its own, Chamla pointed that Citroen has set up a regional HQ in Kuala Lumpur as well as teamed up with The Otomotif College to build a regional after-sales training centre.

rizalhakim

September 25th, 2008, 04:15 AM

Citroen plans to go big in Malaysia
By LAW KAI CHOW

KUALA LUMPUR: French carmaker Citroen plans to be one of the major players in the continental car automobile segment in Malaysia.

Citroen international operation director Jean Louis Chamla said the company planned to accelerate the introduction of new and wider range of vehicles into the market this year to boost its presence in Malaysia.

“Malaysia is an important passenger car market in the region and it is very crucial for us to be here especially with our renewed range of passenger cars.

“In Malaysia this year, we have launched Grand C4 Picasso and C6, and we will be launching C5, which has been very successful in Europe, next month, “Two weeks ago, we presented our brand new C3 Picasso and we expect to launch it next year,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Chamla said sales targets were not their priority in Malaysia right now, as what was more important was to deliver good service and driving experience to the customers. He said Citroen has no immediate plans to build an assembly plant in Malaysia as well as in South-East Asia.

“We will do things one step at a time. We have a very good partner in Malaysia, Brooklands Motors Sdn Bhd, which is dedicated to provide quality service to customers. Together, we have right ingredient to be success in Malaysia,” he said.

International operations division director (Asia Pacific, Africa, French overseas territories) Loic de la Roche added that Citroen was committed to build their reputation as a quality carmaker by producing high quality vehicles, purchasing experience and after sales services.

rizalhakim

September 30th, 2008, 03:53 AM

Refreshed Volvo XC90 will impress you
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/09/30

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Industries/AutoTransport/xc90.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/xc90.jpg

On average, the XC90 has sold more than double the nearest competitor, according to registered sales from the Malaysian Automotive Association

UNTIL 2002, the premium sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment in Malaysia was dominated by two well-known marques from Germany, and both were fully-imported models.

But in 2003, a brand that shared the same homeland with the evergreen Abba pop group broke the dominance and the Volvo XC90 did not let go off the reign ever since.

The Volvo XC90 made its debut in Malaysia in August 2003, although the global launch of Volvo's first SUV was in 2002. Immediately, the SUV assembled at a plant in Shah Alam became a major local hit.

Prior to its Malaysian launch, global sales of the XC90 hit 50,000 units, a big volume to complement numerous accolades in the US and Europe with its design, versatility and safety innovations that included the "North American Truck of the Year" and the "SUV of the Year 2003" from the US top-selling magazine, Motor Trend.

Fast forward to the present, the refreshed XC90 was introduced in May 2008 to strengthen the model's position as Malaysia's favourite premium SUV for the past five years.

On average, the XC90 has sold more than double the nearest competitor, according to registered sales from the Malaysian Automotive Association.

Last year, about 155 units of the XC90 were sold to retain its leading position with a 40 per cent market share. The closest rival, Volkswagen Toaureg (it's not among the two top marques mentioned earlier), had sales of 85 units in 2007.

The XC90 sales volume for 2008 should be higher with 80 units expected in the first six months, Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd executives said.

"I am pleased and proud that Malaysians have made the Volvo XC90 the No. 1 selling premium SUV since day one," Volvo Car Malaysia president Robert Norrman said during a facelift XC90 launch in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Not much was changed to sustain the SUV's good qualities, which are in abundance. The overall design stays the same and in fact, its good-looking shape must be considered still in fashion.

Volvo will not put a new model on the market if it did not meet its superlative safety standards. Safety features include dual stage airbags, side airbags, as well as those with terms and initials such as Whips, ABS, EBD, DSTC, EBA and RSC.

The inside too looks pretty much the same. Black leather and cold aluminium panels make up the main theme to highlight the SUV's premium side.

There are seven comfy seats, from the supple driver's seat right to the two individual third row seats that can easily fit full-size adults.

For added child comfort and safety, there is a built-in booster support at the centre second row seat.

The AV system is upgradeable. Our test unit was equipped with a RM18,592 Volvo Navigation System (VNS) with parking assistance camera and the rear seat entertainment. This gets you a DVD-changer that plays movies with high quality surround system.

The VNS, meanwhile, gives useful route guidance and travel information using GPS signals to track the position of the XC90 on the planet. Digital maps of Malaysia are pre-installed covering many large urban areas.

Volvo Car Malaysia has limited the XC90 to only one model, the one with a turbocharged 2.5L engine.This powerplant has a healthy dose of 210hp at 5,000rpm while torque gained is maximised at 320Nm somewhere in between 1,500rpm and 4,500rpm. Automatic transmission has five ratios, with the manual function.

We drove back to Kuala Kangsar, Perak, in this SUV and a full tank of 72 litres easily gave us more than 500km. We largely used the auto-cruise function on the highway to maximise fuel consumption and of course, to avoid any unscheduled meeting with traffic enforcers.

In summary, the ride in the facelifted XC90 remains impressive. It handles highways well. It was floaty over bumps due to its off-road capable suspension, but otherwise was exceptional overall. The engine and shifting characteristics are noticeably smooth.

The SUV faces off with the likes of BMW X5/X3, Mercedes M-Class, Lexus RX350 and VW Toaureg. The Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier may be sold in big numbers but mostly in the form of reconditioned units, while official sales of the Lexus RX particularly only began last year.

The XC90 model offered here is the 2.5T model that sells at RM349,500, about RM9,000 more than its predecessor. Several new improvements and features include improved sound system with a high performance auxiliary system with MP3 or WMA capability CD player.

rizalhakim

October 4th, 2008, 09:24 PM

rizalhakim

October 7th, 2008, 04:04 AM

Citroen aims to return to heyday under Brooklands
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/10/07

The sale target of 500 units for a full year of operation is realistic, taking account of the size of the European CBU segment in Malaysia, says Citroen

CITROEN has targeted local franchise holder Brooklands Motors Sdn Bhd to sell 500 units of the French car in the first year as the carmaker aims to bring back its heyday.

Brooklands Motors should gradually sell 700 units in the third year as more Citroen models join the line-up, Citroen vice president of international sales and marketing Jean-Louis Chamla said.

"Our target is 500 units for a full year of operation and we hope to increase step by step in order to reach more than 700 vehicles in the third year," Chamla said during his one-day visit to Citroen regional headquarters and Brooklands Motor's facility in Kuala Lumpur last Tuesday.

"Our target is realistic, taking into consideration the size of the European CBU (completely built-up) segment in Malaysia," he added.

Citroen finally has new models for the Malaysian market after three years with the launch of the C6 luxury sedan and Grand C4 Picasso multi-purpose vehicle in August.

This has ignited the carmakers hope of regaining glory days when the marque used to boast annual sales of 2,000 units here with the likes of the ZX and Xsara.

Brooklands Motors started rebuilding the brand image of Citroen two years ago when it was appointed the "authorised repairer" in August 2006.

A year later, it was "promoted" to sole importer and distributor of the brand.

Chamla said many other Citroen models will join the C6 and Grand C4 in the coming months including the facelift C4 and all-new C5 sedans.

The last Citroen models introduced here were the C4 and facelift C5 in 2005 by previous distributor Directional (M) Sdn Bhd.

Malaysia, Chamla said, remains an important market for Citroen, although there was no immediate plan to set up a local assembly operation here or any other Southeast Asian countries.

"This is my first visit to Malaysia and my first impression is that this is an interesting and important market. We want to re-launch the Citroen brand here and deliver the right service for the new Citroen experience," he explained.

Citroen director for Asia Pacific and Africa Loic De La Roche said: "When we started with Brooklands Motors, we wanted to change the public perception of the Citroen brand and service. This is one key point in our strategy and we want to continue with this strategy."

On his thought on the Malaysian and regional automotive market in light of the current economic slowdown, Chamla said: "We note that the automotive market is still growing despite many statements announcing its decrease. Basically, the future trend remains encouraging."

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that it will be harder for everyone to do business under the current conditions but stressed that Citroen has "a very good argument to preserve our development in the coming years".

Chamla said Citroen wanted to achieve more in the Southeast Asian region, albeit the encouraging performance so far particularly in Singapore, where it is able to sell about 1,000 cars annually.

rizalhakim

October 7th, 2008, 04:12 AM

More buyers opting for used cars, dealers say
By Francis Fernandez Published: 2008/10/07

THE value of second hand Perodua Kancil cars have shot up by as much as 100 per cent over the past year, as more people are opting out from buying new automobiles, used car dealers and analysts say.

Business Times was told a 10-year second hand Perodua Kancil now fetches as much as RM8,000 in the open market, compared to below the RM5,000 mark a year ago.

"The norm in the industry is after five years, you slash 50 per cent off the original retail price. So assuming a 660cc Kancil cost RM24,000 ten years ago, the value after five years should be between RM12,000 and RM10,000, and after ten years, it generally shouldn't be trading above RM6,000," said a used car dealer.

Indeed, a couple of research reports recently seem to suggest that used car sales are gaining momentum at the expense of new cars, as consumers fret over their lower spending power and banks keep tightening the screws on credit.

"The second hand car segment may continue to benefit from down-trading," JP Morgan's Jon Oh wrote in a report, that forecast a 15 per cent year-on-year decline for all models of Perodua.

Perodua is the country's top selling car, having sold more than some 1.4 million units of vehicles of various models, since hitting the streets in 1994.

Oh reasoned that higher hire purchase rates, rising inflation and political tensions will erode consumer spending confidence. This will eventually hurt their affordability to buy big ticket items.

"The auto sector outlook is likely to become even more challenging as we head into 2009," Oh wrote, a concern highlighted by as early as June by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), that sales would start to quickly soften in the second half of the year.

Figures compiled by MAA show that auto sales in August had slumped 12.5 per cent from a month earlier, with sales volume shrinking to 47,227 units from 53,984 units in the previous month.

The drop, plus a weak ringgit that could slash up to 17 per cent of the national carmakers earnings per share for every one percentage drop in the value of the currency, has prompted Deutsche Bank to caution that Proton Holdings Bhd, which controls about a third of the country's passenger car market, could be in for another round of rating downgrades.

"In our view, consensus earnings are lofty and suggest significant downside risk. Sell.... Our new earnings forecast suggests that Proton will record losses in the next three quarters," analyst Nik Hadi Nik Mahmood wrote in the Deutsche report.

rizalhakim

October 11th, 2008, 08:11 AM

UMW seeks to maintain sales of Toyota cars
By Rupinder Singh Published: 2008/10/11

UMW Holdings Bhd is hoping to sell as many Toyota cars as last year amid depressed market conditions and higher interest rates for hire purchase, its top official said.

"We hope it would not be severely affected, but the figures show that we are still maintaining what we did last year," group managing director Datuk Abdul Halim Harun said.

Sales of Toyota vehicles have been good for the first half of this year, but the group is watching the second half closely to meet this year's sales target of 92,000 units, Abdul Halim said.

"If we can still meet last year's performance, we will be quite happy under the depressed market conditions," he told pressmen after a signing ceremony in Shah Alam yesterday.

UMW subsidiary UMW Corporation Sdn Bhd signed a joint venture agreement with Hong Kong-based Dah Chong Hong Holdings Ltd's subsidiary Dah Chong Hong Motor Service Centre Ltd.

Under the joint venture, a company called Lubritech International Holdings Ltd, with UMW holding a 60 per cent stake, is being set up to operate a lubricant blending factory in Xinhui, Guandong, China.

It would have an initial production capacity of 50 million litres of lubricant annually, with the potential to expand to 100 million litres within three years to tap the high growth market for vehicles in China.

The plant, costing US$16.5 million (RM57.9 million), is expected to be operational in September next year, said Abdul Halim.

UMW head of manufacturing and engineering division, Ibrahim Abu Bakar, said Lubritech was expected to contribute between US$20 million (RM70.2 million) and US$30 million (RM105.3 million) in pre-tax profits within five years.

Dah Chong Hong Holdings' group chief executive officer Donald Yip said the group, which was currently distributing European and Japanese cars in China, could move upstream in the motor vehicle business via the joint venture.

Yip said the venture in lubricants would be viable as the new vehicle sales in China were still growing at 20 per cent a year and the world market for lubricants was huge at six billion litres annually.

hetfield85

October 12th, 2008, 06:44 AM

MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA RECORDS 62.5 PCT RISE IN TOTAL CAR SALES

Bernama - Saturday, October 11

SEREMBAN, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Despite the depressed automotive market, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia defied the odds with a 65.2 percent rise in total car sales or 4,881 units in the first eight months of 2008, up from 2,955 units in the same period last year.

Chief executive officer Keizo Ono said the Triton pick-up truck recorded 3,209 units sold during the period, making it the second most popular pick-up truck in the country with a 19 percent market share.

"Such encouraging response proves the potential of the Mitsubishi Motors brand in Malaysia, best known for its rally heritage, clever technology and reliability," he said at the opening of a new showroom here today.

Also present at the function was Premium Century's managing director Tan Chong Fook.

Ono said in establishing a nationwide network, there are now 27 authorised Mitsubishi Motors showrooms around the country with another new showroom opening in Kuantan this month.

He also said that for this month, the company was offering special deals on the Mitsubishi Triton 2.5 and Grandis.

Those purchasing a new Triton 2.5 or the Grandis MPV will be able to enjoy hassle-free driving with a free Garmin GPS satellite navigation system.

"What's more, anyone purchasing a brand new Grandis, which now comes with leather seat as standard, will take a home shopping voucher worth RM2,000," Ono said.

The models being introduced at the showrooms are the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, Grandis MPV, Lancer Evolution high performance sedan and Triton pick-up truck.

The passenger cars are imported from Japan while the Triton comes from Thailand. -- BERNAMA

forrestcat

October 12th, 2008, 12:12 PM

Apparently 10 year old Perodua Kancils are selling as much as RM8000 due to surging demand.

In OZ, my friend just bought a 9 year old Daihatsu Mira Automatic for only $1200( x2.3=RM2760).

T_T Even crappy second hand cars cost a bomb in Malaysia.Wanna make PR in OZ. With graduate engineers earning only RM2000/month in Malaysia, buying a second hand Kancil is even a big burden.

rizalhakim

October 14th, 2008, 04:03 AM

Jaseri launches new Porsche

KUALA LUMPUR: The Porsche 911 model, which held close to 55% of the sports car segment for the last three years, is expected to strengthen its segmental domination with the launch of the 911 Carrera second generation last week.

Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, chairman of Jaseri Automotive Group which is the local Porsche distributor, said the company was confident the new 911 model, equipped with the latest technologies, would remain the segment leader.

“With the softening of the euro against the ringgit, the price of the 911 is lower than that of the previous model,” he said at the launch of the model last Friday.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/10/14/business/sectionpicp4-porchei.JPG
Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir at the launch

According to Mokhzani, the iconic model is available in the standard 911 Carrera and the more powerful 911 Carrera S variants, and priced from RM854,000 onwards.

Even at these prices, Mokhzani said the model would still be an attractive buy and appeal to enthusiasts.

Imported from Germany, the model comes with newly developed 3.6- and 3.8-litre engines with direct fuel injection technology and a seven-speed PDK double clutch transmission.

rizalhakim

October 14th, 2008, 04:04 AM

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/06/25/091113.1-lg.jpg

rizalhakim

October 15th, 2008, 04:44 AM

A road show from mall to mall

http://www.nst.com.my/Streets/Wednesday/Stories/2374769/insidepix1
A shopper trying out a Volvo on display.

KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo has begun a tour of shopping centres in the Klang Valley with its latest models.

The tour began at shopping malls in Bandar Utama malls earlier this month, where shoppers had the chance to see the Volvo C30 coupe, V50 2.4 wagon, XC90 SUV, S40 sedan, the S80 and the C70 coupe.

The Volvo On Tour show will make stops at several malls over the next three months.

Over the past year, Volvo Car Malaysia has renewed its entire stable of cars by introducing several fresh models and variants.

From Oct 17-19, Volvo On Tour cars will find "parking space" at Sunway Pyramid new wing before proceeding to Bangsar Village II where it will be on display from Oct 30-Nov 2.

From Nov 6-9, the cars will be shown at Plaza Damas before the tour reaches the end of the road in December at another Klang Valley venue, which is yet to be confirmed.

Volvo Malaysia president Robert Norrman said: "Many Malaysians would remember the Volvo of the past. However, Volvo cars are very different today.

Based on the specifications, the details, the ergonomics, the drive-ability, the state-of-the-art technologies and the competitive-pricing, Volvo cars are second to none."

rizalhakim

October 20th, 2008, 10:36 AM

Malaysia auto sales rise 12.8pc in Sept
Published: 2008/10/20

Carmakers Proton Holdings and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Nasional contributed most of the sales increase, an industry group says

MALAYSIA'S vehicle sales rose 12.8 per cent in September from a year earlier, led by demand for fuel-efficient cars, the Malaysian Automotive Association said.

Sales of cars, vans and sport-utility vehicles climbed to 50,729 units last month from 44,984 a year ago, the Petaling Jaya, Malaysia-based association said in a faxed statement. October will be a “favourable” month, it said.

Passenger car sales rose 13.7 per cent to 46,476 units in September from a year ago, the association said.

Local carmakers Proton Holdings Bhd and Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Nasional Sdn Bhd, or Perodua, contributed most of the sales increase, the industry group said.

Demand for smaller and fuel-efficient cars is increasing in Malaysia after the government raised gasoline prices 41 per cent in June and diesel prices 63 per cent.

The government has since then cut the prices in September and this month. - Bloomberg, Reuters

nazrey

October 20th, 2008, 08:56 PM

Surprise 7.4pc rise in Sept new car sales
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/10/21

NEW car sales unexpectedly grew 7.4 per cent in September to over 50,000 units against 47,227 units in the previous month, on strong demand for national cars.

Industry sales eased for the first time in months in August, with the volume dropping 12.5 per cent over July.

The decline was expected to continue in September due to higher interest rates, tightening of hire-purchase loans and impact of fuel price hikes.

However, higher sales of Perodua and Proton models pushed the September volume by 3,502 units more to 50,729 units, Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said.

"The increased sales were also contributed by the Hari Raya season," MAA said in its sales and production data released yesterday.

MAA expects the positive trend to continue, saying: "October will be a favourable month, spearheaded by sales of Perodua and Proton."

Sales volume in September was also higher than 44,984 units posted in the corresponding month in 2007 but slightly lower than the 53,984 units in July this year.

Industry players have already been cautious on the outlook for the rest of the year. But the latest data should put the industry firmly on track to outperform MAA's forecast of a 4.7 per cent sales expansion to 510,000 this year from 487,176 in 2007.

Reviewing the industry sales and production so far, the MAA said total sales for the nine months stood at 429,913 units from 358,234 previously. Passenger cars made up 392,393 units.

Total January-August production this year was 403,707 units, including 368,594 passenger cars compared with 327,340 units in the same period last year.

Of the September total, passenger cars accounted for 46,476 out of 50,729 units. The remaining 4,253 units were commercial cars.

rizalhakim

October 21st, 2008, 03:59 AM

BMW Malaysia sales rise 32pc
Published: 2008/10/21

BMW's sales in January to September has held up very well despite industry predictions that the automotive sector will see a significant reduction in sales, says its managing director

BMW Malaysia has reported a 32 per cent increase in its sales volume for the first three quarters of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007.

A total of 2,736 units of BMWs (previous year: 2,095) and 148 units of MINIs (previous year: 95) were sold, bringing the total number of vehicles sold by BMW Malaysia up to 2,884 units.

"Despite less than rosy sentiments and industry predictions that the automotive industry will see a significant reduction in sales, BMW Malaysia's sales volume has held up very well," said Geoffrey Briscoe, BMW Malaysia's managing director.

"Though we recognise that the recent escalation of the global financial crisis is affecting consumer confidence, we remain optimistic about the Malaysian market. Our sales figures point to a better total year performance," he said in a recent statement.

The BMW X5 had the highest growth rate, recording a 250 per cent growth with 147 units delivered compared to 42 units in 2007. In September alone, 30 units were sold, making it the highest number of X5s sold in a month for this year. Whilst the most popular X5 model is the BMW X5 3.0si, the 3.0 diesel now accounts for 14 per cent of the total volume.

Demand for the overall premium SUV segment is also on the rise, BMW said.

In addition to the high demand for the X5, the new BMW X6 - which is the world's first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) - has seen delivery of 18 units since its launch in Malaysia in August, while the X3 sales surged by 96 per cent, with 99 units sold compared to the corresponding period last year.

The BMW 1 Series had 56 units sold by the end of the third quarter, marking a 211 per cent growth compared to 2007 sales. This significant growth in numbers also marks a shift in interest and demand for compact vehicles in light of the increase in petrol prices and concern over environmental issues.

Not to be outdone, the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series continue to be the best-selling models with 1,259 units (previous year: 1,018) and 1,039 units (previous year: 866) sold respectively.

In the MINI family, the highest-selling model is the MINI Cooper S, with 76 units sold up to the end of September, followed by the MINI Cooper with 39 units sold.

"The difficult condition for the automotive industry in Malaysia remains a challenge, even for premium brands such as BMW.

"However, our efforts in further enhancing the brand by bringing in more high performance and fuel-efficient vehicles coupled with quality service and innovative financing and insurance by BMW Credit, will assure our position as the fastest growing brand in the premium vehicle segment in Malaysia," Briscoe added.

rizalhakim

October 21st, 2008, 04:01 AM

Honda knocks down price of Civic Hybrid
Published: 2008/10/21

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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.

rizalhakim

October 21st, 2008, 04:30 AM

Tan Chong unveils Navara
By HONG BOON HOW

It is creating new sport utility truck segment

SERENDAH: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, the local distributor of Nissan vehicles, is confident of creating a new premium sport utility truck segment with its soon-to-be-launched 2.5-litre Nissan Navara 4X4 pick-up truck.

Executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said the Navara, which would be launched on Nov 5, promised the convenience of a five-speed automatic transmission, leather seats, best-in-class interior space, a car-like handling and riding comfort.

“Although many pick-up trucks are used for commercial purposes, we are confident there are also many motorists who want to buy pick-up trucks for personal use and make a lifestyle statement,” he told StarBiz at the preview of the Navara at Tan Chong Group’s assembly plant yesterday.

Ang said the Navara would be competitively priced and that it would be announced at the launch.

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Nissan Navara 2.5-litre sport utility truck

The Navara, which claims to be the biggest and most powerful pick-up in the country with 174bhp and 403Nm turbodiesel commonrail engine, is also dubbed the “Mother Trucker”.

Other features include two front airbags, bi-xenon headlights, anti-lock braking system, electronically-controlled 4WD system, limited slip differential, electronic brake force distribution and large cargo area.

Fully imported from Thailand, the Navara will be available in colours of supreme black, tungsten silver and twilight gray.

rizalhakim

October 21st, 2008, 04:31 AM

Plans to produce new Subaru model outside Japan
By EDY SARIF

PETALING JAYA: Motor Image Enterprises Pte Ltd plans to manufacture the completely knocked-down (CKD) Subaru Forester series outside of Japan, says group chief executive Glenn Tan.

“We have been discussing the plan with Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (Subaru manufacturer) for the past few months.

“We choose Subaru Forester as we think the model might contribute a bigger volume for our sales,” he said after launching the all new third generation Subaru Forester 2.5XT last Friday.

In Malaysia, Motor Image Enterprises - through subsidiary Motor Image Sdn Bhd - is the sole distributor for the Subaru cars.

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Glenn Tan (2nd frm left) and Motor Image SDN BHD GM John Lim (2nd from right)

Apart from that, the group also manages the Subaru distributorships in southern China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.

Tan said currently, all Subaru series were manufactured in Japan and imported as completely build-up units.

He was banking on the new Subaru Forester to boost revenue in this region as sales were currently quite slow due to the current economic conditions.

“Last year, we managed to sell about 6,300 Subarus in this region but, this year, we are targeting only about 5,000 units,” Tan said, adding that the market was quite unpredictable.

He said Motor Image hoped to sell five to six units of the new model every month.

The new four-wheel drive, which is slightly bigger than the earlier model, is priced at RM189,621.80 on the road.

rizalhakim

October 21st, 2008, 10:09 AM

Honda Malaysia reduces Civic Hybrid price to RM125,000-RM130,000

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PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd yesterday announced that the Civic Hybrid will now cost between RM125,000 and RM130,000 after taking into consideration the exemption of 100% import duty and 50% excise duty on new hybrid CBU vehicles below 2,000 cc as announced in Budget 2009.

"With this revised pricing for the Civic Hybrid, we are also increasing our sales target for the Civic Hybrid to 30 units per month, from the original target of five units per month," said Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Atsushi Fujimoto in a statement yesterday.

He said there had been an overwhelming demand for the Civic Hybrid globally and Honda Motor Co Ltd, Japan was 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. The actual price of the Civic Hybrid can only be determined in February when the first batch of the Civic Hybrids arrive in Malaysia," Fujimoto said.

rizalhakim

October 22nd, 2008, 07:40 AM

Auto ConneXion yakin Freelander 2 diminati ramai

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Land Rover Freelander 2.2 Td4 ditawarkan pada harga RM272,000 sebuah.

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PETALING JAYA 21 Okt. – Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn. Bhd. (Auto ConneXion), anak syarikat milik penuh Sime Darby Motor Division yakin model terbaru Land Rover, Freelander 2 dan Discovery 3 bakal mendapat sambutan berikutan harganya sangat berdaya saing.

Auto ConneXion dalam kenyataannya berkata, Freelander 2 Td4 dilengkapi dengan enjin turbo-diesel 2.2 liter 160 bhp, digandingkan dengan transmisi automatik enam kelajuan yang dijual pada harga daripada RM272,000.

Model Discovery 3 TdV6 pula ujarnya, menggunakan enjin turbo-diesel 2.7 liter 190 bhp dan ia dijual pada harga bermula RM382,000.

Auto ConneXion, katanya, turut menawarkan Range Rover Sport yang bertenaga dan berciri sport dalam dua pilihan iaitu versi turbo-diesel V6 2.7 liter ditetapkan pada harga RM522,000 dan 4.4 liter V8 petrol M565,000 dan ke atas, bergantung kepada spesifikasi.

Bagi Range Rover model utama yang dilengkapi dengan enjin diesel V8 3.6 liter 272 bhp boleh didapati pada harga RM624,000 dan ke atas.

‘‘Dengan ketibaan model-model baru, selain daripada trak pikap Defender 110 PUMA yang sudah ada di bilik pameran, bermakna AutoConnexion kini menawarkan rangkaian lengkap produk terbaru Land Rover di pasaran Malaysia.

‘‘Auto ConneXion akan menawarkan model Land Rover terbaru untuk dipandu uji oleh orang ramai dari 10 pagi hingga 5 petang pada 25 dan 26 Oktober ini di Kelab Diraja Selangor, Bukit Kiara,’’ katanya di sini hari ini.

Freelander 2, yang dinaik taraf daripada Freelander asal, sebuah kenderaan utiliti sport (SUV) kompak premium sangat popular yang pertama kali dilancarkan pada 1997 dan kemudian diubah suai serta diberi nafas baru pada 2001.

Dengan binaan yang serba baru sepenuhnya, Freelander 2 menghasilkan prestasi luar biasa di atas jalan raya dan juga keupayaan luar jalan terbaik di kalangan kenderaan setarafnya, sejajar dengan keupayaan Land Rover sebenar.

Menurut Auto ConneXion, kenderaan ini lebih besar dan pantas, lebih luas dan ekonomi serta lebih mewah dalam segenap segi.

Freelander 2 juga tampak lebih menyerlah, dengan pengaruh reka bentuk daripada Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport dan Range Rover.

rizalhakim

October 23rd, 2008, 04:03 AM

Nissan Sylphy wins Car of The Year award
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2008/10/23

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The stylish two-litre Sylphy also triumphs in the midsize sedan/hatchback category

HONDA Malaysia Sdn Bhd bagged the most awards at the Autocar Asean car awards yesterday, but the coveted Car of The Year (COTY) 2008 went to Nissan via its Sylphy sedan.

The stylish two-litre Sylphy distributed in Malaysia by Edaran Tan Chong Motors Sdn Bhd (ETCM) also won the midsize sedan/hatchback category.

The Sylphy scored the highest points among 50 finalists vying for honours in 14 categories.

The panel of four judges selected the 50 finalists from a collection of nearly 75 new models introduced between June 2007 and end-August this year, based on a variety of criteria.

"We don't expect to be the overall winner although we still feel we have a chance. Finally, we have won," ETCM executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said after receiving the award from Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad in Subang.

Honda Malaysia won three awards for compact sedan/hatchback (Honda Jazz), large sedan (Honda Accord) and performance car (Honda Civic Type R).

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors were double winners.

The former walked away with awards for its Mitsubishi Grandis (small/midsize MPV) and Mitsubishi Triton Lite (pick-up truck).

Sime Darby won the large SUV (Inokom Santa Fe) and large MPV (Hyundai Grand Starex).

Proton Holdings Bhd bagged the small sedan/hatchback segment with the Proton Saga.

BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd took the large luxury SUV with its BMW X6.

Other winning cars were the Audi TT (small luxury hatchback/coupe), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (compact luxury sedan), and Suzuki Grand Vitara 2WD (small/midsize SUV).

The COTY was organised by MTM Publications Sdn Bhd.

Besides the Autocar Asean monthly magazine, MTM Publications also produces the Malaysian Motor Trader.

rizalhakim

October 23rd, 2008, 09:08 AM

BMW to unveil fresh versions of 3 Series
by Chong Jin Hun
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http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_27d832ca-cb73c03a-3bc1a100-1918c65b/1/BMW3_saloon1_inside.jpg

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BAVARIA: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd will unveil fresh versions of the carmaker’s best-selling BMW 3 Series in Malaysia next month as the Germany-based firm strives to make further inroads into more emerging automotive markets in Asia.

On a global scale, the group plans to launch 10 new models of the 3 Series comprising an equal number of petrol and diesel variants with engine capacities of between 2,000cc and 3,000cc. But the specific models to be released in the Malaysian market were not disclosed at the time of writing.

“(In Malaysia), we will be putting it out at the end of November this year,” BMW Malaysia corporate affairs manager Vijayaratnam Tharumartnam told The Edge Financial Daily at the international media launch of the latest BMW 3 Series here recently.

“The emphasis on efficient dynamics is clearly there. Our customers are people who like sporty dynamic cars,” he added.

The BMW 3 Series is a key component of BMW Malaysia’s product portfolio, accounting for about half of the firm’s total vehicle sales in 2007. During the year, sales of the 3 Series rose 28% to 1,523 units against the overall estimated 3,300 vehicles sold, according to news reports.

BMW Malaysia, established in 2003, is a joint venture between BMW AG, and Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd. BMW Malaysia, with a dealership network of 13 outlets nationwide, undertakes the wholesale of BMW cars and motorcycles, besides MINI vehicles.

In the first nine months of 2008, the company sold a total of 2,884 units of BMW and MINI vehicles, up 32% from a year earlier, BMW Malaysia managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said in a recent statement.

A total of 2,736 BMW cars were sold during the period. Of that, the 3 Series took the lead, constituting 46% or 1,259 units, up 23.7% from the 1,018 vehicles sold a year earlier.

Birgit Hiller, spokesperson for business and finance with Munich-based BMW AG, the global headquarters for BMW Group, said: “The Asian market is one of the most important emerging markets for us. We do invest there a lot.

“For example, we expand our dealer network, and we work together with importers in those markets which are not that big yet,” she added.

On the whole, Malaysia plays a key role in BMW Group’s expansion in Asia. The country is home to the BMW Asia Technology Centre which comprises three separate divisions — the Group Data Centre Asia Pacific & Oceania, and Regional BMW Group Academy which are based in Cyberjaya, besides the parts distribution centre within Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor.

The data centre offers information technology support for BMW Group’s operations in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, besides Eastern Europe and Africa, while the academy facilitates training programmes for employees and associates of the luxury carmaker.

Some 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region source their BMW components from the parts distribution hub in Malaysia.

rizalhakim

October 24th, 2008, 03:57 AM

Slowdown in vehicle sales expected
By JAGDEV SINGH

Higher September sales not indicative of outlook for next year

KUALA LUMPUR: The higher motor vehicle sales in Malaysia for September is not indicative of the industry’s outlook for next year, with the overall sales trend expected to be down given the weakening prospects in the domestic economy, analysts said.

Vehicle sales in September rose 7.4% from August and 13% from September 2007.

Analysts pointed out that the boost in sales in September was a bit of an anomaly, partly due to buyers switching from more expensive models to the economical national car makes and consumers rushing to get their cars before the Hari Raya holidays.

But next year will be different, as the global slowdown kicks in and affects the local economy, they said.

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Interested potential buyers looking at the new Proton Saga after its launch early this year.

“I am predicting a 10% contraction in sales for 2009,’’ said an analyst with a local brokerage.

He said the fall should not be larger because Malaysia’s gross domestic product was still expected to grow next year and that public infrastructure was still inadequate, making it necessary for people to own a car.

But AmResearch is looking at a 17% reduction in total vehicle sales next year.

Analysts are expecting a lack of new car launches, especially for the mass market, to hold back sales.

Among the few launches next year are Proton’s multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and a new Perodua model in the latter part of the year.

Apart from that, Honda’s City is the only other car that is projected to be launched. This could generate some volume for the industry.

Another factor that could hold back sales next year is financing.

Hire purchase rates have gone up and that could affect demand in a weaker economy.

“Banks are bracing for lower volumes and have responded by raising their margins,’’ said one analyst.

Meantime, good sales are expected to continue for the rest of this year with the Malaysian Automotive Association expecting full year sales to surpass its 2008 sales forecast of 510,000 units.

Analysts said the jump in sales in September was mostly felt by national car makers which saw a rise in market share while the market share of the big Japanese car companies saw a decline.

“There has been a migration to Perodua and Proton,’’ said an analyst.

Proton’s new launches this year has seen the company claw back market share in the industry as the last two launches - the Persona and the Saga - is said to account for over 90% of Proton’s increase in sales.

The September sales performance in Malaysia bucked global trends as car makers in numerous countries were experiencing slower sales.

In the US, Europe and Japan, sales were down between 10% and 35% in September compared with August.

rizalhakim

October 24th, 2008, 05:30 AM

Showroom organises test drive campaign for potential buyers
By TAN KARR WEI

THE Peugeot car showroom in Bangsar recently organised a test drive campaign for potential buyers.

“We believe in test-driving the cars so that customers could get an actual feel of the car and be confident when driving it,” said Nasim Sdn Bhd (Peugeot vehicles franchise holder, sole importer and distributor) branch manager Christopher Chun.

During the two-day event, customers were invited to test the Peugeot cars of their choice.

Chun said a showroom representative would accompany customers to explain more about the car and its features.

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Gettng a feel of it: Nuraiza getting into the Peugeot 407.

Nuraiza Zaharin, who test drove the Peugeot 407, was very impressed with the smooth drive of the car.

“I like its features like the GPS screen. I’m also particular about safety because my car has been stolen before,” said Nuraiza.

She said she liked that the car had the chassis number at the bottom of the windscreen and the dead-locking system.

When the dead-locking system is activated, the car cannot be opened from the inside.

“Even if a thief got into the car by breaking the window, he would not be able to open the car from the inside,” said Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd branch manager Herbert Chong.

Peugeot Bangsar Showroom, 105 Jalan Maarof, Kuala Lumpur. For details, call 03-2282 5630.

rizalhakim

October 28th, 2008, 04:42 AM

Mitsubishi to unveil three new SUV models
By JACK WONG

It says slowdown has not affected M’sian market

KUCHING: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd plans to launch up to three new sport utility vehicle models at a local motor show in May, said chief executive officer Keizo Ono.

Asked if the global economic slowdown would affect car sales, he said with the exception of Malaysia and Indonesia, markets in the region had already reported a drop in vehicle sales.

“The Malaysian economy is stable and the financial segment is quite strong. (But) we are a bit cautious for the (outlook) next year,” he added.

Mitsubishi sold 5,700 vehicles in the first nine months, almost 30% higher than the 4,414 units sold last year, Ono said.

“Despite a decline in the automotive market this year, Mitsubishi Motors defied the odds and achieved strong results,” he told reporters after the earth-breaking ceremony for the proposed RM8mil Mitsubishi 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre here yesterday.

Expected to be ready in eight months, the centre would be built by Mitsubishi Motors’ authorised dealer Jimisar Autotrade Sdn Bhd.

Ono said nearly 65% of the vehicles sold by Mitsubishi this year were Triton pick-up trucks.

Mitsubishi is the country’s second most popular pick-up truck, with a 19% market share in the segment.

Jimisar Autotrade managing director Datuk Ismail Salleh said the 15,000 sq ft 3S centre would be Mitsubishi’s first in Sarawak.

He said when the 3S centre was operational next year, Jimisar expected to double average vehicle sales to 60 units a month.

rizalhakim

October 31st, 2008, 10:14 AM

Chery sasar kuasai 10 peratus pasaran SUV

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PETALING JAYA 30 Okt. - Chery Alado Automobile Sdn. Bhd. (Chery) mengunjurkan penguasaan pasaran sebanyak 10 peratus bagi segmen kenderaan utiliti sport (SUV) pertamanya, Tiggo yang akan diperkenalkan di pasaran bulan depan.

Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Pemasarannya, Iqbal Saharom berkata, Tiggo yang diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) merupakan SUV pertama keluaran syarikat itu dan ia sudah dipasarkan di 60 buah negara.

Beliau memberitahu, walaupun baru dalam segmen SUV di negara ini, pihaknya yakin produk itu akan mendapat sambutan yang amat memberangsangkan memandangkan ia dijamin daripada sudut kualitinya.

Katanya, Tiggo menggunakan teknologi enjin Eco efficient activation for hyper functional surfaces dikenali ACTECO yang dibangunkan di China dengan kerjasama syarikat permotoran antarabangsa dari Itali, Fiat.

"ACTECO mempamerkan prestasi enjin terbaik selain ia menyelaraskan penggunaan minyak yang bijak dan berkesan.

"Tiggo yang turut dipasang dengan enjin ACTECO hanya dilengkapi dengan sistem manual dan didatangkan dalam dua versi iaitu 1.6 Liter (L) dan 2L dengan enjin VVT (variable valve timing),'' katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita pada sidang akhbar mengenai pelancaran Tiggo di sini, hari ini.

Tiggo 1.6L dijual pada harga RM78,888 dan 2.0L pula dijual pada harga RM81,888.

Ditanya mengenai kesesuaian melancarkan kenderaan pada waktu ketidaktentuan ekonomi tempatan, Iqbal berkata, pertumbuhan sektor automotif di negara ini amat sihat.

Katanya, menurut statistik yang dikeluarkan Persatuan Automotif Malaysia (MAA), jualan bagi segmen kenderaan penumpang dijangka meningkat sebanyak 5.9 peratus pada tahun ini.

Sementara itu, Pengurus Pemasaran Chery, Nazri Ahmad berkata, kedua-dua model itu akan dijual sebanyak 300 unit selepas majlis pelancarannya.

Beliau berkata, sebelum ini, SUV berkenaan laris di Labuan, Sabah dan Langkawi, Kedah dengan 160 Tiggo telah terjual dan pihaknya turut menyasarkan pasaran yang meluas di Johor, Sarawak dan Lembah Klang.

Ditanya mengenai sasaran pelanggannya bagi model Tiggo, Chery menyasarkan golongan muda berusia 25 hingga 35 tahun yang bekerja secara profesional atau eksekutif.

Katanya, ini kerana kenderaan SUV tersebut sesuai untuk golongan muda bagi menjalankan kegiatan santai dan perniagaan.

Ditanya mengenai kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) Easter yang dilancarkan pada 2 September lalu, Nazri berkata, jualan bagi kenderaan jenis itu amat memberangsangkan, terutamanya di luar Lembah Klang.

Katanya, 120 unit sudah dijual selepas majlis pelancaran itu manakala 240 lagi dijual pada bulan kedua.

Pada bulan ketiga, jelasnya, sebanyak 300 unit dijangka dapat dijual.

rizalhakim

November 6th, 2008, 07:50 AM

Tan Chong sees sales of 30,000 Nissan cars this year
by Yantoultra Ngui Yichen
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_6fa82bf8-cb73c03a-1a8402c0-c2825f07/1/Nissan_inside.jpg
PETALING JAYA: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned unit of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, expects to record sales of up to 30,000 Nissan cars this year mainly driven by the strong demand for Nissan Grand Livina, said its executive director Datuk Ang Bon Beng.

“Last year, we achieved our target of 17,000 units, this year we expect to achieve 28,000 to 29,000 and maybe 30,000 units. Over 40% (of the total volume) will be driven by Nissan Grand Livina, then 10% to 20% from sports utility vehicles (SUV),” he told reporters after the launch of sports utility truck Nissan Navara here yesterday.

Ang said Tan Chong Motor aimed to capture 30% of the local 4X4 double-cap diesel automatic and manual transmission segment in 2009, boosted by the newly launched Nissan Navara, which is expected to complement the existing Nissan Frontier in the segment.

Nissan Technical Centre South East Asia Co Ltd president Itaru Nishikawa (left) and Ang at the all-new Nissan Navara press launch at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor yesterday. Looking on are Nissan Motor Co Ltd corporate vice-president for Asean region Thierry Viadieu and Nissan Asia Pacific Pte Ltd senior vice-president for product training Toshimitsu Nose.
With an on-the-road price from RM103,721.90 (inclusive of insurance, road tax, registration fee and ownership claim fee), Nissan Navara is only available with a five-speed automatic transmission and is imported as a completely built-up unit from Thailand.

Ang said Nissan Navara, which comes with leather interior and Xenon headlamps, was targeted to capture 12% of the domestic 4X4 double-cap diesel automatic transmission segment while Nissan Frontier, a completely knocked-down model, currently has 18% share of the manual segment.

Commercial vehicles account for 9% of the total industry volume (TIV) currently and the rest is dominated by passenger vehicles. Out of the 9%, manual transmission vehicles dominated about 51% while the automatic segment controlled the balance, according to Ang.

“It used to be 60% to 70% manual. But now both segments are almost even. I foresee that the automatic segment will overtake the manual in the near future in tandem with people’s changing lifestyle,” he said.

Ang said the potential in the automatic transmission market was one of the reasons why Tan Chong Motor brought in the Nissan Navara.

Commenting on the pre-launch response to the Nissan Navara, Ang said: “We’ve got encouraging bookings for the new Navara. For the first batch of the bookings, we brought in 300 units, which are all sold out.”

He said the Navara, which will be the last Nissan car model to be launched in the country this year, was targeted at higher-profile customers to whom petrol price volatility was not a major concern.

The TIV in the domestic auto industry had been growing 25% year-on-year while Nissan’s sales volume had grown 74% this year, according to Ang.

“We will try to sustain the volume we’ve achieved this year, by launching more models, looking for opportunities during the crisis and so forth. What is most important is customers’ satisfaction. Today, customers don’t just look at the car itself, they are looking at the whole package like providing good services whenever they face any problem.

“We are well-positioned to deliver that expectation as during the last four to five years, we’ve achieved the top three position in customer satisfaction,” he said.

Ang said among the auto players in the country, Tan Chong Motor would be the least affected by the global economic slowdown as most of its customers were aged between 40 and 45 and were financially sound.

The company, which has two manufacturing plants in Serendah and Segambut, currently produces up to 60,000 cars a year.

rizalhakim

November 17th, 2008, 10:07 AM

Avanza baru lebih ‘sporty’

SEJAK mula diperkenalkan di pasaran tempatan pada Oktober 2004, model kenderaan pelbagai guna Toyota Avanza keluaran UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd sudah mencecah jualan 110,000 unit sekali gus menjadi pilihan utama pelanggan di negara ini bagi segmen berkenaan.

Pengarah Urusannya, Kuah Kock Heng, berkata sejak empat tahun lalu, model kenderaan berkenaan sentiasa dipertingkat bagi memenuhi kehendak pelanggan dan industri selain harga mampu milik.

Beliau berkata, mulai Jumaaat lalu, pengguna di Semenanjung berpeluang melihat wajah baru model itu yang dipamerkan di semua bilik pameran Toyota membabitkan dua variasi 1.5 liter.

“Pengguna di Sabah dan Sarawak pula berpeluang untuk mendekati wajah baru model berkenaan mulai 29 November ini.

“Selain harga kompetitif, model Avanza dibangunkan dengan keupayaan kualiti dan jaminan dari Toyota termasuk keselesaan tujuh ruang tempat duduk penumpang,” katanya dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini.

Katanya, model terbaru itu dibangunkan dengan kerjasama beberapa syarikat pengeluar kereta tempatan dan antarabangsa iaitu di antara Perodua dan UMW Toyota Motor serta Toyota Motor Corporation dan Daihatsu Motor Corporation Ltd.

“Sebagai usaha menjadikan model itu mampu dimiliki, kami lebih menekankan faktor kualiti selain tawaran pelbagai varian untuk pilihan pengguna,” katanya.

Model varian terbaru itu membabitkan Avanza 1.5S A/T dan Avanza 1.5E A/T.

Kedua-dua varian itu dipertingkat dari segi hiasan dalaman dan aksesori terkini supaya nampak lebih ‘sporty’ dan menawan.

Katanya, pihaknya turut menawarkan warna terbaru iaitu putih bagi wajah baru Avanza itu dan ia ditawarkan pada harga atas jalan bermula RM62,000 bagi varian 1.3 liter manakala, 1.5 liter pula ditawarkan pada harga permulaan RM69,000.

rizalhakim

November 18th, 2008, 07:34 AM

Tan Chong hits RM1b sales in 3Q
by Yong Yen Nie
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd surprised the industry by capturing 6% of total industry volume (TIV) and hitting the RM1 billion revenue mark for the first time in a single quarter, despite the threat of the global economic crisis softening demand for cars.

The group, most noted for distributing Nissan cars, registered a 187% surge in net profit to RM95.4 million for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2008 (3Q08) from RM33.17 million a year earlier.

Revenue for the quarter rose 69% to RM1 billion from RM593.03 million previously on the back of a seamless second shift in June, which resulted in 23.9% higher car sales volume of 10,884 units, up from 8,784 units in 2Q08.

Basic earnings stood at 14.3 sen against 4.97 sen.

For the nine months, Tan Chong’s net profit jumped to RM217.6 million from RM67.65 million a year earlier, on the back of a 79.11% rise in revenue to RM2.54 billion from RM1.42 billion.

Announcing its financial results here yesterday, the group said its net profit and revenue had exceeded consensus full-year estimates, underpinned by the introduction of its third model in its platform-sharing initiative, which resulted in greater cost efficiency at the Serendah assembly plant and fast-moving stocks.

“The combined market share of all three brands, namely Nissan, UD and Renault stands at 6% of total industry volume (TIV) for 3Q08, compared to just 3.8% for the whole of last year,” the group said.

Nevertheless, Tan Chong said the TIV had peaked in 3Q08, before the multiplier effect of the June fuel hike coupled with increase in hire purchase interest rates in July made their way through the economy and impacted domestic consumption.

It said the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) had reported a 20% year-to-date increase in September to 429,913 new vehicles on the road compared with 358,234 vehicles in the same period last year. However, it noted that 3Q08 TIV was up only 3.2% from 2Q08.

Going forward, Tan Chong noted that revenue for 4Q08 had started to weaken seasonally, on the back of a material reduction in consumer spending as adverse world news depressed local sentiment.

“Adverse currency movements -- given a significant strengthening of the US dollars and yen (against RM) is also expected to make imports more costly from year 2009 onwards,” it said. Nonetheless, Tan Chong said fallen fuel prices and measures to stimulate domestic demand as well as a moderately loose monetary policy provided a welcome relief.

The group added that it was quickly moving away from a supply-push model to demand-pull one, as it would help respond to abrupt changes in end-demand during times of low economic visibility, high currency volatility and global capacity shutdowns.

Meanwhile, Tan Chong’s sister company, APM Automotive Holdings Bhd’s 3Q net profit rose 12.37% to RM16.07 million from RM14.29 million, underpinned by increased original equipment (OE) sales that were in tandem with higher local vehicle production, as well as a surge of 60.6% in overseas revenue that was mainly contributed from the seat business in Indonesia.

Despite the higher revenue, APM said its overseas operations registered a pre-tax loss of RM2.4 million, mainly due to unfavourable currencies exchange, which had materially affected imported materials costs by its plants in Indonesia.

Basic earnings stood at 8.12 sen compared with 7.18 sen.

For the nine months, the company’s net profit rose 29.5% to RM46.11 million compared with RM35.6 million a year earlier. Revenue increased 19.08% to RM720.2 million from RM604.78 million.

Going forward, APM said although new car sales was expected to soften in the coming months, car sales for the whole year was likely to exceed MAA’s forecast of 510,000, which in turn, would enable OE sales to be better compared with a year earlier.

Nevertheless, it said unfavourable currency exchange rates and uncertainties on the global economy would make the operating environment more challenging on its overseas operations.

rizalhakim

November 19th, 2008, 03:53 AM

Mercedes-Benz aims to sell 4,000 cars

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd is targeting to sell over 4,000 passenger cars this year, with its range of C-Class models contributing nearly half of total sales.

Vice-president for passenger cars, sales and marketing Florian Mueller said the company was confident of achieving the target despite the current global economic downturn.

“Up to October, we have sold nearly 3,500 units,” he said after the media launch of its completely-knocked-down (CKD) S 500 L model yesterday.

The company said in February it aimed to sell 3,900 passenger cars in 2008. It sold 3,606 units last year.

According to Mueller, its C-Class currently contributes about 49% to sales, followed by the E-Class (38%) and the S-Class (11%).

He said the luxury car market in Malaysia was still good but the company was maintaining a cautious outlook next year.

“The local luxury car segment is still doing fine and should remain stable until the first quarter of next year.

“We think the effects of the global financial crisis will be felt in the second quarter.

“We are in discussions with our headquarters in Germany and will decide our next course of action after the first quarter,” Mueller said.

Meanwhile, the response for its newly-launched S 500 L had been promising, Mueller said.

He added that the company was targeting “double-digit” sales per year for the model, which comes with a price of RM998,888.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia was offering a CKD version of the model to provide better value for money for its customers, he said.

“A completely-built-up version of the S 500 L would cost over RM1.4mil,” Mueller added.

rizalhakim

November 20th, 2008, 09:24 AM

Malaysia Oct vehicle sales down 13pc
Published: 2008/11/20

MALAYSIA'S vehicle sales fell 13 per cent in October from a year earlier, as demand slumped amid the global economic slowdown, the Malaysian Automotive Association said.

Sales of cars, vans and sport-utility vehicles dropped to 37,512 last month from 42,915 a year earlier, the Petaling Jaya, Malaysia-based association said in a faxed statement today.

Sales in November will be “maintained,” as demand will hold up during the year-end festivities, it said.

It’s the first decline in eight months. - Bloomberg

rizalhakim

November 21st, 2008, 04:30 AM

Malaysia October car sales skid
By Zaidi Isham IsmailPublished: 2008/11/21

New car sales in October fell 13 per cent over the same month last year and this is likely to continue for the rest of the year as consumers cut back on spending.

Sales were 26 per cent lower compared with September.

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said the sluggish performance was due to low consumer confidence caused by the current global financial crisis.

MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said the fall is expected and may continue until next year as car buyers become cautious.

"Except for cheaper compact cars, the global economic slowdown is expected to drag motor vehicle sales further in the coming months as buyers are not so confident.

"So, they hold back on their purchases preferring to wait until next year," Aishah told Business Times in a phone interview yesterday.

Total sales volume for passenger and commercial vehicles in October shrunk to 37,512 units compared with 42,915 units in the same month last year, MAA said in its monthly sales and production release for October.

The MAA expects sales in November to be maintained at the same level in line with the year-end trend.

Reviewing the industry production for October, the MAA said passenger cars accounted for 41,840 units out of the total of 46,281. The remaining 4,441 units were commercial vehicles.

Total sales for the first ten months of this year stood at 467,425 units compared with 401,149 units in the comparable period a year before. Out of the 467,425 motor vehicles, 425,611 were passenger vehicles.

Total production from January till October this year was 449,998, which includes 410,434 passenger cars. Total production in the same period last year was 361,969 units.

rizalhakim

November 21st, 2008, 04:35 AM

October vehicle sales fall 26%

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/21/business/b_vehicle2111.jpg

PETALING JAYA: Vehicle sales tumbled 26.1% in October from the previous month as consumer sentiment was affected by uncertainties arising from the current financial crisis, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

It said total vehicle sales fell to 37,512 units, comprising 33,418 passenger and 4,094 commercial vehicles, from the 50,729 units in September.

October vehicle sales also fell 12.6% against the 42,915 units in the same month last year, the MAA said in a statement. From January to October, vehicle sales were at 467,425 units, up 16.5% from 401,149 in the previous corresponding period.

MAA said sales volume in November was expected to be maintained due to the year-end seasonal trend.

However, what was evident from the MAA data was that production had continued to increase despite the decline in sales. In October, production rose to 46,281 units, comprising 41,840 passenger and 4,441 commercial vehicles. This was an increase of 11,652 units from the 34,629 units in October last year.

Total January-October production rose to 449,988 units from 361,969 units in the previous corresponding period.

AmResearch analyst Hafriz Hezri said the contraction in October vehicle sales was expected due to lower consumer spending. Some automakers were said to have started to reduce production in view of the slowing economy, he said.

For the next two months, sales are likely to stay lower than the rest of the year as this is the typical trend for buyers to get new car registrations early in the year.

For next year, total industry volume (TIV) is expected to decline by 17% due to the slower economy, lower consumer spending and higher hire-purchase rate.

An auto analyst with Affin Investment said 2008 was a good year for car sales in general, compared with previous years due to more attractive model launches, coupled with a fairly stabilised market for second-hand cars and good gross domestic product growth of above 5%.

This year alone, Proton Holdings Bhd had launched the new Proton Saga and Persona at prices that were very attractive, while Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd and Toyota launched the facelifted Perodua MyVi and Toyota Vios respectively.

“It is a volume game for the automakers this year,” she said.

Additionally, she said, the higher purchase rate would not dampen sales for the non-national segment, particularly new cars.

Automakers such as Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd and UMW Holdings Bhd are still able to offer attractive interest rates of about 2.8% for new cars, compared with banks’ interest rates of 4% because they have their own financial arms to absorb the difference in interest rates.

Although October was seen as a “weak” month for vehicle sales for the year, she said sales could easily reach an average of 30,000 units per month for the next two months.

“We should be able to surpass the TIV target of 510,000 units to about 530,000 units.” However, things were “not going to look good” next year, she said.

“We expect vehicle sales to contract by 5% to 7% next year due to the slower economy and less disposable income,” she said, adding that there would be fewer mass model launches next year.

rizalhakim

November 21st, 2008, 04:37 AM

BMW aims to sell 10,000 units of its 3 series cars by 2010

CYBERJAYA: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is aiming to sell 10,000 units of its 3 Series cars by 2010.

Managing director Geoff Briscoe said the company was optimistic about achieving its target as the 3 Series had always been its best-selling model.

“The BMW 3 Series has been the main breadwinner for the company and we believe it will continue to be,” he said at the launch of its latest BMW 3 Series model yesterday.

Briscoe said BMW Malaysia had already sold 7,762 units up to October since the 3 Series was first launched in 2003.

He said BMW Malaysia did not have a sales target for its new 3 Series.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/21/business/b_pg02geoff.jpg
Geoff Briscoe with one of the newly launced BMW 3 Series variants in Cyberjaya Thursday.

“We are a premium-based car company and not volume-based. Of course, we would like to sell as many units as we can,” Briscoe said, adding that BMW Malaysia had already received expressions of interest for its new 3 Series from potential buyers.

The new 3 Series comes in five variants, with a starting on-the-road price of RM236,800. Briscoe said all variants were only available in automatic transmission to meet the market preference for such vehicles.

BMW Malaysia, established in 2003, is a joint venture between BMW AG and Auto Bavaria Sdn Bhd, a unit of conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd.

Year-to-date, BMW Malaysia registered a 19% increase in sales to 1,381 units for its BMW 3 Series compared with 1,157 units during the same period last year. Total car sales also increased 27% to 3,262 from 2,560 during the same period.

Later, on the sidelines after the launch, Briscoe said he anticipated the global economic downturn to affect the automotive industry.

“While it is still too early to set any predictions, we do feel that next year is going to be challenging,” he said.

Briscoe also hinted that BMW Malaysia was planning to introduce more diesel-based vehicles.

rizalhakim

November 21st, 2008, 08:18 AM

Kereta elektrik Mitsubishi buat penampilan sulung 3 Dis.

KUALA LUMPUR 20 Nov. - Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) akan menampilkan kereta elektrik, i MiEV, pada Persidangan Teknologi Petroleum Antarabangsa (IPTC) di sini dari 3 hingga 5 Disember ini.

MMM ialah pengedar eksklusif kereta penumpang dan kenderaan komersial di Malaysia.

Persidangan IPTC ialah antara persidangan teknikal paling menonjol di dunia untuk industri tenaga. Bertemakan 'Memenuhi Keperluan Tenaga Ekonomi Dunia yang Berkembang', persidangan itu akan memberi tumpuan kepada pemuliharaan tenaga, perubahan iklim dengan tenaga alternatif.

Lebih 4,000 peserta dari serata dunia dijangka menghadiri persidangan yang akan diadakan di Pusat Konvensyen Kuala Lumpur.

Mitsubishi i MiEV dengan pek bateri lithium-ion juga turut dipamerkan.

Bateri itu boleh dicaj untuk tempoh sekurang-kurang tujuh jam menggunakan arus 200-volt dan membolehkan i MiEV dipandu dalam jarak 160 kilometer (km) dan kelajuan sehingga 130km/sejam.

Model i MiEV, yang boleh memuatkan empat orang, dijangka dilancarkan di Jepun pada 2009. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) pada masa ini mengendalikan ujian dengan kerjasama beberapa syarikat tenaga elektrik Jepun.

Penglibatan awal Mitsubishi Motors dalam kenderaan elektrik bermula pada 1971 dengan pembangunan Minicab EV (Kenderaan Elektrik).

Sejak itu, syarikat telah meneruskan penyelidikan dan pembangunannya terhadap kenderaan elektrik, memberi tumpuan terutamanya kepada motor dan bateri, hasilnya pembangunan i MiEV pada 2006.

rizalhakim

November 21st, 2008, 08:23 AM

BMW perkenal model baru 3 Siri
Oleh Ahmad Farizal Hajat
ahmadfarizal@bharian.com.my

http://www.bharian.com.my/Friday/Ekonomi/20081120230624/mainpix
BRISCOE memperkenal satu daripada variasi terbaru BMW 3 Siri yang dilancarkan semalam.

Kenderaan paling sporty, efisien miliki teknologi casis canggih

BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd (BMW Malaysia) semalam memperkenalkan model sedan terbaru 3 Siri di pasaran tempatan, yang menggabungkan teknologi terkini BMW dalam segmen kenderaan mewah.

Pengarah Urusannya, Geoffrey Briscoe, berkata model terbaru yang menawarkan empat variasi enjin itu dijangka terus mengukuhkan kedudukan '3 Siri' sebagai kereta paling sporty dan efisien.

Katanya, BMW 3 Siri adalah gabungan segala keperluan dalam sesebuah kenderaan sedan dan model terbaru baru itu akan mengukuhkan lagi kedudukannya sebagai kenderaan paling sporty dan efisien dalam segmen berkenaan.

"Susulan pelancaran BMW 3 Siri sejak 2005, kami menjual sejumlah sejuta unit di seluruh dunia. Ia adalah kenderaan mempunyai jumlah jualan paling tinggi bagi Kumpulan BMW.

"Di Malaysia saja, kami menjual 7,762 unit dari 2003 sehingga Oktober 2008. Justeru, kami yakin kenderaan ini akan terus mengekalkan kedudukannya sebagai peneraju segmen kenderaan mewah yang konsisten untuk Kumpulan BMW di pasaran tempatan dan antarabangsa," katanya dalam kenyataan di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Menawarkan kaedah pemanduan dinamik yang tiada tandingan dan asas mewah serta efisien, BMW Sedan 3 Siri menerapkan standard tiada tandingan melalui pemanduan roda belakang, agihan beban gandar seragam, ketepatan pemanduan dan teknologi casis tercanggih.

Dengan empat jenis enjin petrol, model baru itu menawarkan variasi enjin paling luas dalam segmennya, termasuk enjin enam silinder terbaru. Ia termasuk 320i, 320i Sports, 323i (baru diperkenalkan di Malaysia), 325i Sports dan 335i.

BMW Sedan 3 Siri ini berupaya memecut dari sifar ke 100 kilometer sejam dalam masa hanya 8.7 saat dengan purata penggunaan bahan api 8.8 liter bagi setiap kilometer.

Briscoe berkata, pengenalan BMW 323i di pasaran tempatan menjadi bukti komitmen syarikat untuk membekal lebih banyak model daripada setiap segmen untuk pasaran Malaysia.

"Ia adalah sebahagian strategi keseluruhan kami untuk menawarkan pilihan lebih baik lagi kepada pelanggan kami," katanya.

Ciri dinamik BMW 3 Siri baru itu turut dipertingkatkan lagi dengan rekaan bamper depan baru yang memiliki salur masuk angin lebih luas.

Lampu belakang memiliki dua bahagian, kini distruktur mengikut bentuk "L", manakala bahagian dalaman moden dan berkualiti tinggi bagi BMW 3 Siri telah dipertingkatkan lagi melalui pengubahan khusus dalam pemilihan bahan dan rekaan permukaan.

Model berkenaan turut menawarkan sistem operasi BMW iDrive yang digabungkan dengan sistem navigasi terkini dan dipamerkan melalui Skrin Paparan Pengawalan 8.8-inci, yang mengatasi kesemua paparan dimensi grafik terkini dalam segmen kenderaan mewah.

Harga atas jalan tanpa insurans (termasuk khidmat servis pembaikan) adalah RM539,800 bagi model 335i, RM309,800 (325i sports), RM273,800 (323i), RM248,800 (320i Sports) dan RM236,800 (320i).

rizalhakim

November 21st, 2008, 08:23 AM

VW Cars kekal unjuran jual 1,000 kereta

VW Cars Sdn Bhd, pengedar kenderaan Volkswagen (VW) di Malaysia, mengekalkan unjuran jualan melebihi 1,000 kenderaan tahun depan di sebalik ramalan industri automotif yang dijangka terjejas berikutan krisis ekonomi global ketika ini.

Pengerusi Eksekutifnya, Datuk Ilyas Mohamed, berkata syarikat kekal yakin dengan unjuran jualan kenderaannya tahun depan bersandarkan jualan tahunan yang melebihi 1,000 unit sebelum ini.

"Kami mengambil langkah menghentikan perbelanjaan modal disebabkan krisis kewangan global yang mempengaruhi persekitaran ekonomi pada masa ini, manakala aktiviti perniagaan syarikat masih berjalan seperti biasa.

"Justeru, kami yakin jualan kenderaan VW akan terus kekal kukuh pada 2009 dengan sasaran melebihi 1,000 unit," katanya pada sidang media selepas penyerahan tajaan 30 unit kenderaan utiliti sukan (SUV) Volkswagen Touareg kepada penganjur Monsoon Cup Malaysia 2008 di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Pada majlis itu, VW menaja kenderaan bernilai lebih RM15 juta yang akan digunakan sepanjang acara bertaraf antarabangsa itu yang bermula dari 3 hingga 7 Disember di Pulau Duyong, Terengganu.

Ilyas menyampaikan replika kunci kenderaan itu kepada penasihat perlumbaan T-Best Events Sdn Bhd, penganjur Monsoon Cup Malaysia, Datuk Peter Gilmour. Hadir sama Pengerusi T-Best Events, Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh.

rizalhakim

November 21st, 2008, 09:02 AM

BMW targets 10,000th BMW 3 Series sale by 2010
by Yantoultra Ngui Yichen
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/storage/images/com.tms.cms.image.Image_bd1c4a72-cb73c03a-10bbd420-c45e28ed/1/cover_inside.jpg
CYBERJAYA: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd has set its sights on reaching the 10,000-units sold milestone by 2010 for its best-selling BMW 3 Series, driven by a consistently strong demand for the model in the country, said its managing director Geoffrey Briscoe.

“In Malaysia, we have sold a total of 7,762 units (BMW 3 Series) from 2003 until October 2008. It is a consistent leader in its segment for the BMW group both locally and internationally,” he said after the launch of BMW 3 Series’ five new variants — 320i, 320i Sports, 323i, 325i Sports and the 335i — here yesterday.

All of the models are completely knocked-down (CKD) units except the 335i.

Year-to-date, BMW Malaysia has sold a total of 3,262 BMW cars, 27.4% more than a year earlier. Of the total units sold, the 3 Series made up 42.3% or 1,381 units, which was selling 19.3% higher than a year before, according to Briscoe.

He said the five BMW 3 Series new variants, with on-the-road prices (without insurance) ranging from RM236,800 to RM539,800, were targeted at the passionate and affluent market, for whom petrol price volatility and stringent hire purchase were of no concern.

Briscoe said BMW Malaysia would continue to drive growth in the years ahead with “some important launches” next year, but he ruled out the possibility of bringing in the BMW 3 Series wagon as the X3 model would fill in that demand.

He said the company was currently “working behind the scene” to develop and introduce more fuel-efficient cars, which also included diesel cars.

Taking the BMW 323i as an example, Briscoe said the car would be able to accelerate to 100km per hour (km/h) from nought in 8.7 seconds with an average fuel consumption of 8.8 litres per kilometre.

“This (the horse power and level of fuel consumption) is a classic demonstration of BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy,” he said.

The five new BMW 3 Series variants, which are only available in automatic transmission, feature six-cylinder engines with LED (light-emitting-diode) headlamps.

rizalhakim

November 24th, 2008, 08:13 AM

Chery sasar pulangan RM400 juta tahun depan

KUALA LUMPUR 23 Nov. - Chery Alado Automobile Sdn. Bhd. (Chery Alado) menyasarkan pulangan RM400 juta melalui penjualan sebanyak 8,000 buah kenderaan tahun depan.

Timbalan Ketua Pegawai Pemasarannya, Iqbal Shaharom berkata, penjualan tersebut membabitkan kesemua segmen kenderaan jenama Chery, kenderaan utiliti sport (SUV), kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) iaitu Chery Eastar dan kenderaan penumpang yang akan dilancarkan Januari ini.

''Kami mensasarkan jualan 3,000 buah bagi setiap segmen SUV dan MPV dan selebihnya melalui kenderaan penumpang. Kenderaan penumpang ini akan dilancarkan pada Januari ini dan merupakan model pertama bagi Chery Alado di Malaysia,'' katanya selepas majlis pelancaran dan penyerahan SUV syarikat itu, Tiggo kepada 20 pemilik pertama kenderaan itu.

Sebanyak 80 buah Tiggo versi 2.0L dan 1.6L telah dibeli daripada keseluruhan 300 buah yang diimport siap dipasang sepenuhnya (CBU) daripada China, tambahnya.

Kebanyakan pembeli kenderaan SUV itu merupakan mereka yang berasal daripada Pantai Timur termasuk Sabah dan Sarawak, kata beliau.

Selain itu, beliau menambah, sejak Chery Alado memulakan penjualannya pada September lalu, sebanyak 800 buah kenderaan telah dijual.

Chery Alado berjaya memperoleh pulangan RM60 juta dalam tempoh empat bulan jualan membabitkan 300 MPV dan 500 SUV, katanya.

Ditanya mengenai perancangan bagi tahun depan, Iqbal berkata, selain melancarkan model kenderaan penumpang pertama Chery, mereka juga akan membuka 15 buah pusat servis kenderaan tersebut.

Pada masa ini, Chery Alado mempunyai 30 pusat jualan dan 15 buah pusat servis di seluruh negara, ujarnya.

Beliau juga yakin bahawa Chery Alado mampu mencapai unjuran pulangan dan jualan yang ditetapkan kerana kenderaan yang dibawa masuk atau yang dipasang di negara ini mempunyai kualiti yang terbaik dan menjadi daya penarik utama kepada penjualan SUV dan MPV syarikat.

rizalhakim

November 24th, 2008, 08:35 AM

Nissan Sylphy kereta ideal keluarga

Oleh JOHARDY IBRAHIM johardy.ibrahim@utusangroup.com.my

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2008/1122/Utusan_Malaysia/Pemotoran/mo_01.1.jpg
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEPERTI Nissan Latio, model eksekutif mewah Sylphy berenjin 2.0 liter ini memberi pengalaman pemanduan yang berlainan berbanding kereta buatan Jepun yang lain.

Ini mungkin kerana gabungan keluasan dalamannya dan kelicinan enjin memberi keseronokan serta keselesaan yang nyata.

Kereta ini mula dipertontonkan kepada media oleh Ketua Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Nissan Motor Company, Carlos Ghosn yang melawat Malaysia pada Mac lalu dan dilancarkan secara rasmi oleh Pengarah Eksekutif Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd., Datuk Dr. Ang Bon Beng pada Jun lalu.

Kesempatan menemu bual Ghosn ketika itu bagaikan menemu bual seorang tokoh negara dan mendengar taklimatnya mengenai kelebihan Sylphy, menunjukkan pengetahuan mendalamnya terhadap setiap produk syarikat itu, walaupun 50 peratus lagi tumpuannya diberikan kepada Renault.

Reka bentuk Sylphy adalah berlandaskan konsep Kehidupan Moden Nissan, satu pernyataan kualiti dalaman premium yang moden dari segi reka bentuk dalaman yang halus, keselesaan yang dipertingkatkan dan pengendalian yang luar biasa.

Ciri paling menarik pada Sylphy ini ialah kecantikan luar dan dalamnya bertemakan reka bentuk S-motion Nissan yang tersendiri.

Bentuk S yang elegan pada papan pemuka menyediakan fungsi keterbukaan yang luas pada pemandu dan penumpang. Ketegangan permukaannya dengan lekuk yang halus memberikan bentuk badan yang berirama.

Malah, kerusi berbentuk seumpama kerang juga memiliki reka bentuk yang bergaya, disarung pula dengan bahan `Masumi' yang berkualiti tinggi dan kalis calar.

Persekitaran dalaman Sylphy direka untuk keselesaan dan kepuasan. Ruang kaki diperluaskan sepenuhnya dan reka bentuk kerusi mewarnai kabin dengan penggayaan anggun dengan kelas tersendiri.

Kabin dalaman Sylphy yang luas berukuran 2,115 mm dengan ketinggian 1,210 mm, ruang kaki dengan 680 mm dan kapasiti but 504 liter, merupakan ukuran terbesar dalam sedan segmen-C di Malaysia.

Komponen paling menarik bagi ruang dalaman ialah konsol tengah dengan ruang 9.7 liter dan reka bentuk besar bagi menawarkan lebih ruang untuk menempatkan beg atase atau beg tangan.

Sistem pendingin hawa automatik mengekalkan suhu udara dalam kabin bersama dengan bumbung yang sejajar bagi membantu mengedarkan udara sejuk kepada penumpang belakang.

Sylphy dilindungi dengan lapisan kaca hijau UV yang mampu menghalang 87 peratus sinaran UV yang berbahaya. Ia juga meminimumkan kesan kerosakan akibat terdedah pada matahari kepada penumpang dan komponen-komponen dalaman.

Sylphy didatangkan dengan enjin serba aluminium MR20DE yang direka bagi memenuhi pemanduan harian dengan tork akhiran-rendah mencukupi yang mendatar sekitar kelajuan pertengahan hingga tinggi, dimana 90 peratus tork boleh dicapai daripada 2,000rpm, ia memaksimumkan keupayaan `seronok dipandu' enjin ini.

Generasi ketiga Nissan Xtronic CVT (Transmisi Boleh Ubah Berterusan) memberi kelancaran dalam penukaran gear dan mengekalkan tork optimum pada sesuatu tekanan kuasa yang diperlukan.

Pada masa yang sama, ia juga menitik beratkan isu alam sekitar dengan penjimatan minyak 16km seliter yang mesra alam.

Daripada aspek keselamatan, Sylphy dilengkapi dua beg udara SRS, penegang tali pinggan keledar dengan had beban, sistem penahan kepala aktif, berserta EBD + ABS + Bantuan Brek.

Dipasang dengan ciri-ciri keselamatan aktif dan pasif, Sylphy dianugerahkan taraf 6-Bintang Untuk Keselamatan oleh Program Penilaian Kereta Baru Jepun.

Pengerusi Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd., Datuk Tan Heng Chew berkata, dengan pengenalan Sylphy ini, para pelanggan yang berhasrat untuk menaik taraf kereta mereka kepada segmen sedan bersaiz pertengahan akan menikmati prestasi yang hebat dengan enjin 2.0 liter dengan penjimatan penggunaan bahan api di kalangan sedan eksekutif yang ada di Malaysia.

“Digabungkan dengan penawaran dalaman luas dan fungsi-fungsi pintar, Sylphy serba baru ini mampu memberi pengalaman yang elegan untuk para pelanggan dalam segmen ini,'' katanya.

Sylphy dipasang di kilang Tan Chong Motor di Serendah menggunakan Kaedah Pengeluaran Nissan (NPW), piawaian antarabangsa Nissan yang global bagi pengeluaran dan pemasangan berkualiti.

Ia ditawarkan dengan enjin 2.0 liter (Xtronic-CVT sahaja) dengan pilihan enam warna anggun. Harga atas jalan (termasuk insurans, cukai jalan, yuran pendaftaran dan yuran tuntutan pemilikan) sah di Semenanjung Malaysia adalah :

Nissan Sylphy 2.0 : (Pakej Keselesaan) - RM112,800 ; (Pakej Mewah) - RM116,800

Sylphy serba baru didatangkan dengan waranti 3-tahun atau 100,000 km (mana satu dulu).

rizalhakim

November 26th, 2008, 06:07 AM

Mercedes-Benz tawar kereta hampir RM1j sebuah

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KUALA LUMPUR 25 Nov. - Mercedes- Benz Malaysia yakin pengenalan kereta mewah terbarunya, S 500 L (gambar) berharga RM998,888 sebuah akan terus menjadi pilihan golongan korporat di negara ini, sekali gus mengukuhkan penguasaannya dalam segmen premium eksekutif tempatan.

Naib Presiden Jualan dan Pemasaran Kenderaan Penumpangnya, Florian Mueller berkata, S 500 L menggunakan enjin V8 dengan kapasiti 5,461 c.c menggantikan model S-Class yang telah terjual sekitar 500,000 buah di seluruh dunia.

Enjin baru tersebut ujarnya, berkeupayaan dipacu pada 388 kuasa kuda pada 6,500 revolusi per minit (rpm) dengan kuasa terjahan 530 Newton meter pada 2,800 hingga 4,800 rpm serta diperkasa oleh transmisi gear automatik tujuh kelajuan.

''Enjin ini merupakan inovasi terbaru dan menawarkan sehingga 26 peratus lagi kuasa pecutan dan sehingga 15 peratus kuasa terjahan berbanding model lama. Penggunaan minyak pula dikurangkan sehingga sembilan peratus," katanya pada majlis pelancaran model tersebut di Carcosa Seri Negara di sini baru-baru ini.

Mueller berkata, model S 500 L ini memperkenalkan inovasi teknikal yang bakal menjadikannya ikutan kepada pengeluar kereta lain, terutama daripada aspek ciri-ciri keselamatan dan keselesaan.

Katanya, sebanyak 12 inovasi teknikal diperkenalkan iaitu DISTRONIC PLUS, iaitu bantuan brek dengan radar pengesan, kerusi berbentuk kontur yang dinamik dengan fungsi mengurut, bantuan pandangan malam dengan teknologi infra-merah terkini, sistem COMAND terbaru serta perlindungan penumpang PRE-SAFE dan sistem gantungan.

Daripada aspek jualan, beliau berkata, tahun lalu Mercedes-Benz mencatatkan jualan keseluruhan kira-kira 3,600 buah dengan 11 peratus daripadanya terdiri daripada model S-Class.

''Dalam keadaan ekonomi global yang tidak menentu sekarang, kami masih berkeyakinan S 500 L ini akan mendapat sambutan dan kami menetapkan sasaran jualannya sebanyak 1 peratus bagi tahun ini dengan jualan pada dua angka.

''Kami tidak menekankan bilangan yang terjual kerana kami tahu wujud kalangan pengguna Mercedes-Benz yang setia di Malaysia. Mereka ini tahu kualiti kenderaan yang kami keluarkan berbaloi dengan pelaburan yang dibuat," katanya.

Menurutnya, penetapan harga di bawah RM1 juta berjaya dilakukan menerusi operasi pemasangan tempatan (CKD) dan jika tidak, kenderaan yang diimport sepenuhnya (CBU) mungkin berada di sekitar RM1.5 juta sebuah.

rizalhakim

November 28th, 2008, 04:25 AM

Mazda6 is Car of the Year
Published: 2008/11/28

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Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, the managing director of Proton Holdings Bhd, was awarded the Automotive Man of the Year 2008 Award

Mazda roared into the automotive limelight when its Mazda6 2.5-litre won the New
Straits Times/Maybank Overall Car of the Year 2008 award.

The Mazda6 also came out tops in the Executive Car (below RM200,000) category.

Mazda added another feather to its cap when its roomy seven seater, Mazda CX9, won the Best in Class in the Premium SUV category.

Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, the managing director of Proton Holdings Bhd, was awarded the Automotive Man of the Year 2008 Award in recognition of his leadership in Proton and turning around an ailing domestic giant into a genuine global challenger.

The winners of the New Straits Times/Maybank 2008 Awards were announced at a gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, hosted by the New Straits Times and Maybank Bhd.
The guest-of-honour for the night was Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

Also present was Datuk Aishah Ahmad, president of the Automotive Association of Malaysia.

The judging panel, comprising 12 senior Malaysian motoring journalists, unanimously agreed to award the coveted prize to Mazda6 for having a next to perfect balance between performance and comfort, two factors demanded by executive car buyers.

This year also saw the addition of five Special Mention Awards.

The winner of the Safety Award is the Jaguar XF, also the top choice in the Premium Executive Car (above RM200,000) category.

One of its primary winning points is the pedestrian airbag that sets new standards for automotive safety.

The Innovation Award went to Honda Civic Hybrid.

It is the first hybrid vehicle in the market to spur a path towards a more environment-friendly automotive sector.

The Volvo C30 received the Good Design Award for leaving a lasting impression and emotional attachment, while having all the sophistication without the complications
to the end-user.

Malaysia's Top Selling Car 2006-2008 Award was won by Perodua Myvi, which saw sales of 277,993 units since its launch in 2005.

Malaysia's Top Selling Non-national Car 2005-2008 Award was given to Toyota Avanza.

The Car of the Year Awards was first organised in 2002 by Cars, Bikes & Trucks, the motoring section of the New Straits Times.

It serves to recognise the efforts of all car manufacturers and serve as a guide to car buyers. The event is endorsed by the Malaysian Automotive Association.

rizalhakim

November 28th, 2008, 04:46 AM

HICOM-Chevrolet expansion plans intact
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM

It will continue to invest in brand and network despite downturn

PETALING JAYA: HICOM-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia, will continue investing in its brand and dealership network despite the current global economic downturn.

Chief executive officer Yukontorn Wisadkosin said the company’s plans were on track despite the impact of the global financial crisis on US-based parent company General Motors Corp (GM).

“We cannot ignore what is happening in the US but, in the Asia-Pacific, GM is still continuing to invest because we see a lot of growth opportunities there,” she told StarBiz via email.

“GM has plans to grow big in Malaysia and other parts of Asia-Pacific and that plan has not changed.”

HICOM-Chevrolet is a joint venture between GM unit General Motors Asia Pacific LLC and DRB-HICOM Bhd.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/28/business/b_p3Captiva.jpg
Chevrolet Captiva is currently the company's best-selling model

GM, Ford and Chrysler, also known as “The Big Three” in the US vehicle market, have been badly hit by the global financial crisis.

Officials from the three US auto companies have indicated that unless additional funding can be obtained over the short to medium term, there is a danger of one or more companies declaring bankruptcy.

Wisadkosin stressed that the business environment in Malaysia was different from that of its parent in the United States.

“Like any other car company, we are subject to local and global economic conditions but our outlook will depend heavily on local market conditions,” she said, admitting that the company had seen some slowdown in its showroom traffic and bookings of late.

“Our priority for 2009 is to strengthen our brand equity in the market, improve consumer confidence, expand our dealer distribution network and sell more cars,” Wisadkosin said.

According to Wisadkosin, the company is planning to launch a 3S facility in Penang by the end of this month.

Its Chevrolet Captiva sport-utility vehicle (SUV), which was launched in November 2007, is currently its best-selling model.

According to Wisadkosin, the Captiva currently captures about 9% of the local SUV segment.

On the impact of stringent hire-purchase loan approvals, she said: “We will have to do more homework in screening our prospective customers and ensure that they have high credit worthiness.”

rizalhakim

November 28th, 2008, 06:27 AM

Mazda6 is Car of the Year

http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/National/2414128/insidepix1
KUALA LUMPUR: Mazda roared into the automotive limelight when its Mazda6 2.5-litre won the New Straits Times/Maybank "Overall Car of the Year 2008" award.

The Mazda6 also came out tops in the Executive Car (below RM200,000) category.

Mazda added another feather to its cap when its roomy seven-seater, Mazda CX9, won the "Best in Class" in the Premium SUV category.

Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, the managing director of Proton Holdings Bhd, was awarded the "Automotive Man of the Year 2008" Award in recognition of his leadership in Proton and turning around an ailing domestic giant into a genuine global challenger.

The winners of the New Straits Times/Maybank 2008 Awards were announced at a gala dinner in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, hosted by the New Straits Times and Maybank Bhd.

The guest-of-honour for the night was Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.

Also present was Datuk Aishah Ahmad, president of the Automotive Association of Malaysia.

The judging panel, comprising 12 senior Malaysian motoring journalists, unanimously agreed to award the coveted prize to Mazda6 for having a next to perfect balance between performance and comfort, two factors demanded by executive car buyers.

This year also saw the addition of five Special Mention Awards.

The winner of the Safety Award is the Jaguar XF, also the top choice in the Premium Executive Car (above RM200,000) category.

One of its primary winning points is the pedestrian airbag that sets new standards for automotive safety.

The Innovation Award went to Honda Civic Hybrid.

It is the first hybrid vehicle in the market to spur a path towards a more environment-friendly automotive sector.

The Volvo C30 received the Good Design Award for "leaving a lasting impression and emotional attachment, while having all the sophistication without the complications to the end-user".

Malaysia's Top Selling Car 2006-2008 Award was won by Perodua Myvi, which saw sales of 277,993 units since its launch in 2005.

Malaysia's Top Selling Non-national Car 2005-2008 Award was given to Toyota Avanza.

The Car of the Year Awards was first organised in 2002 by Cars, Bikes & Trucks, the motoring section of the New Straits Times.

It serves to recognise the efforts of all car manufacturers and serve as a guide to car buyers. The event is endorsed by the Malaysian Automotive Association.

nazrey

November 29th, 2008, 11:15 AM

Mitsubishi i MIEV coming to KL
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Posted by: Anthony Lim

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will be showcasing the i MIEV electric car at the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) from Dec 3-5 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

http://star-motoring.com/blog/photos/2008/11/27/starmotorer184_1.jpg

Soon, in KL.

The IPTC is considered to be be one of the foremost technical conferences globally for the energy industry, and issues tackled are in the areas of energy conservation, climate change and alternative energy. Over 4,000 participants from around the world are expected to attend the conference.

MMM hopes that through the showcase of the i MIEV plug-in electric vehicle, it will promote greater appreciation for the superior practicality and environmental viability of such vehicles. The i MiEV’s lithium-ion pack will also be on display.

The battery, which takes about approximately seven hours to be charged using 200V current, gives the i MiEV a 160km range and a top speed of 130kmh.

http://star-motoring.com/blog/photos/2008/11/27/starmotorer184_2.jpg

How it works, in a nutshell.

The i MiEV is slated to be launched in Japan next year; presently, Mitsubishi is conducting fleet tests in cooperation with several Japanese electric power companies.

For exclusive passes to the Mitsubishi i MiEV showcase at the IPCT, please contact Shermaine / Sarah at 03-7680 6688 (admission is only for those aged 15 and above, and on a first come, first served basis).

rizalhakim

December 2nd, 2008, 03:31 AM

Mitsubishi to start electric car production
By HONG BOON HOW

SUBANG: While many car companies are still trying to perfect their electric cars, Mitsubishi Motors Corp has forged ahead with its i MiEV electric car that is set to enter production next year.

Unveiled to the media yesterday ahead of this week’s International Petroleum Technology Conference, the i MiEV electric car does not look much different from the 660cc petrol-powered “i” car on which it was based.

The original “i” car’s engine and fuel tank have been replaced by an electric motor drive system and lithium-ion battery pack.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Keizo Ono said the i MiEV was not a concept car but one ready for mass production.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2008/12/2/business/sectionpicelectriccarp5i.JPG
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd CEO Ono (left) and Mitsubishi Motors Corp’s MiEV business management representative Takayuki Yatabe at the media preview of the Mitsubishi i MiEV electric car in Subang on Monday

The electric car will go on sale in Japan next year with launches planned in the US and Europe markets in 2010.

It was developed in 2006 and had undergone extensive real world test.

The i MiEV electric car will be showcased at the International Petroleum Technology Conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from tomorrow to Friday.

“The intention of bringing in the soon-to-be mass produced electric car is to show that we already have a workable electric car technology that is non- polluting,” Ono said.

He also said the company hoped the showcase would help show the practicality of using electric cars.

The i MiEV electric car can be easily recharged via any household power point. Charging time is about seven hours with a household power point but if a special fast charger is used, the batteries can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes.

Fully charged, the i MiEV can travel up to 160km and has a top speed of 140kph.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp’s MiEV overseas business development manager Takayuki Yatabe said some 40 units of the electric cars were currently being tested by seven power companies in Japan.

“So far, we have received positive feedback on their usage and performance from these companies.

He said the i MiEV electric car had an operating cost that was one third of the petrol-powered version.

“In addition, the i MiEV can accelerate faster, and runs smoother and quieter,” he said.

rizalhakim

December 3rd, 2008, 04:38 AM

BMW stays upbeat
By RUBEN SARIO

KOTA KINABALU: Premium luxury maker BMW is optimistic of continued growth in the sales of its vehicles in Malaysia despite the current global economic slowdown.

BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said the company’s optimism was based on expectations that Malaysia’s gross domestic product growth was anticipated to remain positive in the coming months.

Noting that the company had sold some 3,200 vehicles between January and October, representing a 27% increase over the previous corresponding period, Briscoe said BMW Malaysia was anticipating a slightly lower growth in 2009.

“If we can get out of this by middle of next year, I’ll be happy,” Briscoe told a media briefing on the opening of Auto Bavaria’s 14th BMW dealership at Kolombong here recently.

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Kota Kinabalu branch manager Travis Ng (right) and Glenmarie MD Mathias Heimann at the Auto Bavaria showroom in Kota Kinabalu.

He said the company was particularly upbeat about the Sabah market, particularly in the sales in the four-wheel-drive range of BMW vehicles namely, the X5 and X6 series.

“To us, Sabah is a resource-rich vibrant market as evidenced in the numerous construction projects going on,” Briscoe added.

He said the opening of the 1,619 sq m dealership was part of the company’s network expansion that began when BMW Malaysia started operations in 2003.

“The opening of the Kota Kinabalu branch reflects the next step in our plans for Malaysia as we have always regarded Sabah as a key market which was up till now untapped,” Briscoe added.

He said with the latest dealership here, BMW vehicle owners in the state could expect service at par with similar BMW dealerships in Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne or London.

rizalhakim

December 5th, 2008, 02:57 AM

Car distributor gets award for building Peugeot brand

KUALA LUMPUR: Nasim Sdn Bhd, which invested nearly RM10mil to build the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, recently received official recognition for its efforts from the Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MFCCI).

The official franchise holder for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia and Automobiles Peugeot Asean regional office, Nasim received the Smart Partnership Award for 2008 from the MFCCI.

The award is given to companies that had significantly enhanced economic relations between France and Malaysia.

Nasim general manager Samson Anand George and Automobiles Peugeot Asean regional office general director Dominique Dourouze jointly received the award from International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin last Saturday.

Samson said Nasim’s key strategy was to build the Peugeot brand through proper positioning, having the right products for the market at all times and strengthening the professionalism of the sales and service chain while rationalising parts and service prices.

“These key strategies would continuously promote Peugeot in Malaysia and help maintain Malaysia’s position as France’s second largest trading partner among Asean economies,” he said.

Dourouze said the Naza group, with its vast experience and reach in retailing high-end luxury marques, was well positioned to push Peugeot to greater heights in Malaysia.

He added that Nasim had gained much through the close working relationship that it had established with Automobiles Peugeot since 2004.

This was mainly through the completely knocked-down (CKD) programmes which began with the Peugeot 206, the current Peugeot 407 and by early next year, the Peugeot 308.

The CKD programmes had enabled Nasim to create many jobs at its vehicle assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah.

rizalhakim

December 5th, 2008, 07:36 AM

BMW sasar jadi penanda aras pasaran kereta terpakai premium

SHAH ALAM 4 Dis. - BMW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. menyasar menjadi peneraju dan menetapkan penanda aras bagi pasaran kereta terpakai premium di Malaysia.

Pengarah Urusannya, Geoffrey Briscoe berkata, perdagangan pasaran tidak rasmi di bawah segmen kenderaan premium menyaksikan kadar pertumbuhan purata 6.2 peratus sejak empat tahun lalu.

"Pada 2007, kira-kira 6,081 kenderaan parallel import dibeli daripada sejumlah 13,760 kenderaan premium yang dijual," katanya pada taklimat media pada pelancaran program kereta terpakainya, BMW Premium Selection, di sini, hari ini.

Briscoe berkata, program tersebut merupakan sebahagian daripada strategi syarikat untuk berdepan dengan pasaran tidak rasmi tanpa mengelaknya.

Beliau berkata, pelanggan membeli kereta dalam pasaran tidak rasmi atau daripada wakil penjual kereta terpakai yang tidak sah meletakkan dirinya dalam risiko kerana kereta itu mungkin dibuat bukan untuk iklim Malaysia, tidak mempunyai sejarah servis dan mungkin mempunyai dokumentasi yang meragukan.

Briscoe berkata, BMW Premium Selection akan menawarkan ciri-ciri dan faedah yang disokong sepenuhnya oleh pengeluar utama.

"Ia juga direka bagi menyediakan keselesaan dalam permotoran, jaminan yang disokong pengeluar dan keyakinan yang sama seperti membeli kenderaan baru," katanya.

Beliau berkata, kenderaan yang dijual di bawah program kereta terpakai BMW perlu mempunyai sejarah kenderaan yang didokumen dan diluluskan sebagai sebahagian daripada kriteria, lulus ujian 72 mata oleh pakar BMW yang terlatih dan berusia kurang lima tahun serta perbatuan kurang daripada 100,000 kilometer.

"Perkhidmatan premium selanjutnya seperti jaminan 12 bulan, bantuan sisi jalan dan pembiayaan individu menerusi BMW Credit termasuk dalam program tersebut," katanya.

rizalhakim

December 16th, 2008, 03:08 AM

UMW Toyota sets new sales record
Published: 2008/12/16

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has set a new sales record after selling 95,000 units of vehicles last week.

It is the best annual sales performance ever achieved by UMW Toyota Motor since 2005 when 92,000 units were sold, said managing director Kuah Kock Heng in Shah Alam yesterday.

“The sale of 95,000 units is above the original target of 94,000 units for this year,” he said, after the Toyota Classics 2008 cheque presentation ceremony.

He said the core models such the Vios, Hilux, Camry and Avanza had helped the company achieve the sales record.

Meanwhile, Kuah said the industry outlook for 2009 is very much dependent on the total industry volume (TIV) for this year.

“I think the numbers will be finalised in early January and currently we are still monitoring the market feedback from dealers. The market is still dynamic, so we have to await the result for this year to determine the 2009 TIV,” he said.

Kuah said the move by Bank Negara Malaysia to cut interest rates, reduce the Employee Provident Fund contribution and also increase loan amounts for civil servants would boost the industry further.

Earlier, the company donated a total of RM444,900 to three charity homes, Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor, Monfort Youth Centre and the Malaysian Leprosy Relief Association.

The funds were raised from ticket sales and corporate donations for its 2008 Toyota Classics concert.

The cheques were presented by the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Noriah Kasnon. — Bernama

rizalhakim

December 16th, 2008, 03:09 AM

Latest 3S centre to help drive Chevy sales
Published: 2008/12/16

THE seventh, and latest, Chevrolet 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre has opened in Penang to help boost the presence and sales of the US marque.

Located along Jalan Sungai Pinang in George Town, the centre is the fourth dealership to be operated by Cergazam Sdn Bhd, after those in Petaling Jaya, Prai and Johor Baru.

The remaining Chevrolet 3S centres in Malacca and Bangi and Klang in Selangor are under other companies.

Cergazam managing director Eddie Chai said: "Our fourth Chevrolet dealership is a strong reflection of the confidence distributor HICOM-Chevrolet has placed in our capability to help boost the brand in Malaysia."

HICOM-Chevrolet chief executive Yukontorn Wisadkosin said in a statement: "Ensuring excellent pre- and after-sales service and commitment to our customers is key to strengthening the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia."

She added that Cergazam had proven its commitment to taking Chevrolet to the next level.

This month also marks Cergazam's first anniversary in the business.

In celebration of this, it is offering a service package with up to RM5,000 vouchers and five years extended warranty on Chevrolet vehicles.

Cergazam is also offering an anniversary service package under which customers are given an RM80 discount on their service bill when they walk into any Cergazam Chevrolet 3S centre this month with an SMS sent out to them. - By Zuraimi Abdullah