Perodua Revamping Export Programme
May 26, 2005 19:53 PM


PETALING JAYA, May 26 (Bernama) -- Second national car manufacturer Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) is revamping its export programme that would take effect before December 2006, its managing director, Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar said Thursday.

He said a study on the revision started two years ago and was expected to be completed by the third quarter of next year.

The revamp entails re-looking at Perodua's export line-up, taking advantage of the Asean Free Trade Arrangement and reviewing cost efficiency of its production.

"We have to (do it before December) because the small car segment is being bombarded by the imports and the best defence is to attack and we are going to 1.3 litre (market with the Myvi).

"At the same time we have to defend our strength in the 1 litre segment," he told reporters after handing over the keys of Perodua Myvi to six owners -- who are among the first to place bookings for the car -- at a ceremony at Perodua's branch here.

After Myvi, he said Perodua plans to introduce one new model every year to meet the ever changing customers' demand especially the younger generation who always wanted new and trendy products.

Hafiz said export of Myvi might start later next year in line with Perodua's plans to boost its overall production towards bringing down cost and increase efficiency.

Perodua plans to raise its total production to 200,000 units by December this year after bringing it up to 180,000 units last March. It manufactured 150,000 units of cars in December 2004.

An estimated 35,400 of Myvi will be produced within the first year of its introduction.

He disclosed that the newly-launched Myvi was on target to register 15,000 units of bookings by May 30, 2005. Todate over 7,000 Myvi had been booked.

"In the first two to three months, we are expecting monthly sales of Myvi at 4,000 to 4,500 units," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Perodua To Cut Cost By Another 20 Pct To Face Greater Competition
June 01, 2005 12:35 PM



KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 (Bernama) -- Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) is to reduce production cost by another 20 percent through further localisation of parts and components, said managing director Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar.

The move is in anticipation of the onslaught of greater market opening under the framework of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by Jan 1, 2008, which Hafiz describes as "a bigger Tsunami" when compared to the implementation of the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA).

The move is strongly driven by the need to maintain Perodua's competitiveness the post-AFTA period and concerns over issues of protection and exemption which had benefited national carmakers in Malaysia in the last few years.

In the run up to AFTA, Perodua targeted a 30 percent cost reduction by Jan 1, 2005, but only managed to achieve a 20 percent cut, and this was largely affected by the fluctuating foreign exchange as well as higher prices of steel, plastic and rubber raw materials.

Perodua's 30 percent cost reduction target for AFTA was based on the manufacturing of parts' cost index in Malaysia, which has estimated to be almost 30 percent higher than other automotive players overseas.

Hafiz pointed out that the need to push cost down further had prompted Perodua to produce Myvi, its sixth and latest model with 80 percent local content right from the beginning.

The Kancil, its first car, took almost seven years to achieve 85 percent local content.

"The only thing that will stop us from localisation will be engine parts or parts of the car where technology is not available locally, plus parts whose local cost is not competitive," he told Bernama in an interview at Perodua's plant.

The imported parts today include those for engine, chassis and electrical components.

"The good news is that Perodua has spent approximately RM250 million several years ago to build our own engine plant and spent another RM125 million for our aluminium casting plant.

"As such, our engine block, cylinder head, camshaft and electronic fuel injection (EFI) are done in Perodua, which has greatly reduced our cost compared to having to import completely-knocked down (CKD) engines."

Hafiz also said that Perodua was currently conducting two studes, one on the impact of WTO and the other on the just-sealed Malaysia-Japan Free Trade Arrangement (FTA).

"This new FTA has changed the equation slightly. We are still waiting for MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) and MOF (Ministry of Finance) to call the industry (players) as they often do, to talk about the details," he said.

Issues of great concern to Perodua would be whether the FTA would make the duties of CKD vehicles and replacement parts from Japan to be close to the AFTA level and allow local car assemblers to source for more cost competitive parts from Japan instead.

On competition from the rising number of relatively cheaper cars from China entering Malaysia, he said that lessons could be learnt from the experience of Malaysians buying Chinese scooters and motorcycles a couple of years ago.

"And we are sure that the government is looking at issues like safety and quality," he said in reference to these imports.

On another note, he said bookings for Myvi had surpassed its May 31 target of 15,000 units.

Close to 18,000 Myvi had been booked by that date as against over 6,000 during the pre-launch.

Since the car was launched on March 25, sales have been averaging 2,000 units each day.

The on-the-road prices for the Myvi range from RM41,200 for the 1.0 litre manual transmission version to RM51,300 for the 1.3 litres automatic version, which comes with twin front airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Hafiz partly attributed the overwhelming response for the Myvi to the two-and-a-half-year wait for a new model from Perodua, publicity through teaser advertisements and occasional "picture leakages" of the car over the Internet.

Expectations that car prices would go up after the release of Malaysia's automotive policy later this month also impacted strongly on Myvi's sales, he said.

Hafiz said there was no stopping of such perception although in reality the MAP was not directly intended to drive up car duties and the hike in car prices seen early this year was driven more by the higher foreign exchange, and increased prices for steel, plastic and rubber used in car manufacturing.

-- BERNAMA

http://foto.bernama.com/foto/Photo/010605_4.jpg


MYVI… Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) managing director Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar said bookings for the Myvi had surpassed its May 31 target of 15,000 units. Pix: Mohamad Arshee Daud.

INTRODUCING THE NEW MYVI


http://www.perodua.com.my/myvi/pix/redcar.jpg


A car with an eye-catching streamlined body and stylish interior that can seat a family of five, yet still have ample room for luggage. Under its hood lies a powerful DVVT, DOHC and EFI engine that promises optimum performance. And as always, with power, safety must be respected. That's why we've equipped the new Myvi with SRS airbags and, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution).

After all that is said, we believe that some things are still best experienced in person. So explore this website and get passionate with the new Perodua Myvi.

Finally, the wait is over

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Take a closer look at the long awaited Perodua Myvi. Admire the sleek design and the sporty and luxurious exterior.


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The new Perodua Myvi – it's all about passion…

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porty and luxurious, Myvi's stylish design highlights sleek aerodynamic lines that exude bold confidence and echoes refined elegance. Its aesthetic beauty is matched only by its practicality, complete with plush body-fitting seats. It's also built with a trendy sleek nose and overhang while its dynamic belt line expresses movement and momentum.

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http://www.perodua.com.my/myvi/pix/panel_big.jpg

http://www.perodua.com.my/myvi/pix/cluster_big.jpg

Myvi is a new generation car that redefines space. It sits 5 passengers comfortably with ample luggage space. It's also versatile with a unique interior concept. Seats can be adjusted for more room should there be a need, turning it into a family-friendly multi-purpose car whenever you want.

http://www.perodua.com.my/myvi/pix/boot_big.jpg

http://www.perodua.com.my/myvi/pix/seats_big.jpg

http://www.perodua.com.my/myvi/pix/boot2_big.jpg

http://www.perodua.com.my/myvi/pix/seats2_big.jpg

http://www.perodua.com.my/myvi/pix/80_big.jpg

nice audio head unit! Overall, a good conversion :)

nice audio head unit! Overall, a good conversion :)


Actually this car isn't just any normal conversion........Perodua engineers had a hand in the development of the car and that explains the highly-customised look and fast release to the local market. ;)

http://www.perodua.com.my/myvi/pix/cluster_big.jpg


Saw it last weekend ..........I think the 4 giant buttons on the audio headunit is kinda a bit distracting :D

I actually like it!
Very industrial looking I think....I'm not a fan of small, excessive buttons
*GRIN*

NAZA launches Msia's largest auto centre
Updated : 28-06-2005
Media : The Edge
Story By : Tamimi Omar



NAZA Motor Trading Sdn Bhd, the franchise holder of various ranges of marques, has invested RM80 million on an Auto Mall, the biggest automotive showroom in the country with a combined display capacity of over 2,000 cars and motorcycles.

NAZA Auto Mall, which is located in Petaling Jaya, is an all-in-one car, motorcycle and jet ski showroom with a built-up of 2,230 sq metres and service centre with a built-up of 790 sq metres. It has won a mention in the "Malaysia Book of Records" for being the largest motor showroom in Malaysia.

NAZA group managing director Tan Sri Nasimuddin SM Amin said NAZA Auto Mall was a one-stop automotive centre for cars ranging from super cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Brabus to Japanese SUVs, MPVs and racing models such as Mitsubishi Evo and the Mazda RX8 series.

"We have spent RM80 million to set up this one-stop centre for the convenience of our customers," he said at the launching of the Auto Mall by Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz on June 28.

Nasimuddin said the NAZA Auto Mall was Naza group's answer to prepare for a more competitive and open automotive market. The centre is fully equipped with NAZA World's 3S (sales, service and spare parts).

Besides the main area of cars, bikes and watercraft displays, NAZA Auto mall is also equipped with an exclusive hi-tech auditorium, children play area, guest lounge, luxurious closing rooms, caf? surau, accessories corner, an advanced delivery centre, finance company, insurance agent office, bikers club, TV / Astro and pool table.

Their vision, your car
By Anthony Lim
Friday, May 27, 2005



FIRST LOOKS



PROGRESS can be measured in many ways; for a company, by its success (and profits), by openhearted acceptance of its products, even by the amount of goodwill afforded it from the buying public.

It can also be measured by how the company responds to the needs and wants of its customers, by making a car that people want, or aspire to own (affordably at that) rather than simply a case of giving them something that they can afford but, well, not want.

There’s a significant difference in how both points shape up, really. With its hot-off-the-presses Myvi, Perodua looks set to score big time with the former.

Progress? Why, certainly so, and in a big way at that. This may be the company that started out with the humble Kancil, but you can forget tinny, raucous and basic with Perodua’s sixth model - indeed, banish these terms from your mind, because the Myvi is anything but these.

I can certainly tell you that the first two don’t really apply, on the 1.3 litre auto and manual versions at least, after a short drive on them at Sepang during the media launch a week ago.





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No, they’re not speed record breakers – far from it – and the track exposed that area quite naturally. However, both versions had an assured feel about them (though steering feel is dull).

What really impressed, however, was the fact that, even with the accelerator pedal to the metal, the engine didn’t sound grating, and noise and vibration levels were very low.

Sounds yummy, but that of course isn’t what’s going to get you, the

potential buyer, all excited and hopping in the first place.

No, what’ll float your boat will be the styling, which is eye-catching.

With a sleek and sporty mix of curves and angles, the Myvi (the name, Perodua company says, is an abbreviation of a choice of three taglines: My Vehicle, My Vision or Malaysian Vision) represents a huge leap forward in the looks department.





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Car buffs would have spotted a strong similarity to the Daihatsu Boon or Toyota Passo, but there’s something to boast about in that. Yes, the Myvi’s chassis platform is indeed similar to them but Perodua will also have you know that it provided its own input from the very beginning of the Daihatsu/Toyota project.

In 2002, 80 Perodua engineers went to Japan to work together with the Japanese design teams on the project and, in the process, helped shape the Myvi for the Malaysian market by customising certain elements in the design.

The result is a vehicle that should serve and suit local tastes very well - it’s stylish, spacious, and has lots of functional appeal.

Following on current design trends of providing loads of cabin space, the interior is roomy (Perodua says it’s roomier than the Proton Wira’s), seating five passengers comfortably and with ample legroom and headroom to boot.





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Key ergonomic features include a low seating point of 590mm from seat bench height to ground and rear doors that open wider (to a 80 degree angle, with three stage widening to minimise potential door-created mishaps being worked on to the car parked next to yours - thoughtful), making ingress/egress a snap.

Couple that to low loading point and ample luggage area (which adequately holds two golf bags or suitcases), a rear seating area that can be split or folded to form a variety of flexible configurations, and you have a car that’s big on internal volume.

Besides enabling space for extra luggage to be carried, you can pull the rear seat cushions forward to the leg space, pop in the long cushion (available as an accessory) over the space, and make it into one comfy flat deck. Nap, anyone?

The rest of the interior fills in quite nicely too - the centre console features a CD receiver that’s integrated into the cluster and larger and fewer switches to give the assembly a less fettered look. Attention has been paid to the steering wheel - the three-spoke design is covered with softer, easy-to-grip material, and there’s tilt adjustability too. The instrument panel is equipped with an adjustable illumination level, with white backlighting on the 1.3 litre premium variants and amber for the rest of the versions. Speaking of lights, LEDs are to be found on the tail lamp cluster brake lights and on the signal lamp on the side mirror.





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There are two twin-cam, DVVT (that's Dynamic Variable Valve Timing) powerplants on call - a 1.0 litre EJ-VE 12 valve, three-cylinder pot and a K3-VE 1.3 litre four-cylinder 16 valve unit.

Specs for the 1.0 litre block is 43kW of power at 6,000rpm and 88Nm of torque at 3,600rpm, while the K3-VE – the same as found on the Kembara and Toyota Avanza – has a maximum power output of 64kW at 6,000rpm and 116Nm of torque at 3,200rpm.

Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or four-speed auto. The 1.0 litre version comes only in manual.

As for the suspension system, there’s MacPherson struts/coil springs and lower L-arms at the front, and torsion beam with coil springs and telescopic shocks at the rear - the 1.3 litre variants come with a front stabiliser bar.

Safety is, of course, paramount, with a passenger cell that better absorbs and dissipates the effects of an impact, side impact beams, head impact protection and a laminated windscreen heading the passive safety items list.

On the 1.3-litre premium versions, there are dual airbags and ABS. Pity that isn’t available across the board, though.

Colour choices abound, with seven in all, though the 1.0 litre variant gets only three of these. All variants come with 14-inch wheels, though the 1.0 litre gets steel wheels and the 1.3 litre versions, stylish alloys; tyre size is 175/65 R14 across the board.

Five model variants are available, starting with the entry-level, manual-only 1.0 SR, which is priced at RM41,200. This is followed by the 1.3 SX manual (RM44,755, solid colour; RM45,300, metallic) and EZ auto versions (RM47,781, solid; RM48,300, metallic), finishing with the bells-and-whistles versions, the 1.3 SXi manual (RM47,781, solid; RM48,300, metallic) and 1.3 EZi auto (RM50,781, solid; RM51,300, metallic), which are equipped with the lot, including ABS and airbags.

All prices are on the road, with insurance.

The Myvi will be another success story for Perodua. Certainly, the 5,000 people that placed an order for it before they even saw the product - or the "other car" - says it all. Progress? You betcha.

Malaysia Naza May Assemble Local Version Of Peugeot Car
Updated : 29-06-2005
Media : Dow Jones
Story By : Carolyn Lim




(Dow Jones)--Naza Corp. Wednesday said it has signed an initial agreement that could lead to the Malaysian auto firm assembling a local version of the 206 car from France's Peugeot S.A. (12150.FR).

"This first step represents the beginning of a joint project [between Peugeot and] the Malaysia carmaker that would lead to the manufacturing and distribution of a local variant of the 206," privately-held Naza said in a statement.

"This vehicle should provide immediate opportunities, not only for the domestic market, but also for export in the growing right-hand drive ASEAN market," Naza added.

Malaysia is Southeast Asia's biggest passenger car market, with over 400,000 new cars sold each year.

"Production (of the Peugeot car) should start early 2006 at Naza's plant in Gurun, Malaysia," Naza said.

Naza is already assembling cars from South Korea's Kia Motors Corp. (000270.SE). The Malaysian firm is also selling local versions of Kia models under the Naza brand.

These Naza-branded cars are significantly cheaper than similar Kia cars due to tax rebates and other incentives.

In 2004, Naza sold 26,000 units of Kia vehicles and is targeting sales of about 60,000 units this year.

Although its sales volume is still small, Naza has made a dent in the market share of dominant local automaker Proton Holdings Bhd. (5304.KU), analysts say.

Proton's market share fell to 44% in 2004 from 48% in 2003, due to stiff competition from Naza and other auto companies.

Malaysia's Naza ties up with France's Peugeot to assemble 206 model
Updated : 29-06-2005
Media : AP



Malaysian auto firm Naza Corp. said Wednesday it has signed an initial agreement with France's Peugeot S.A. to assemble the Peugeot 206 model early next year for the Malaysian market and for possible export in Southeast Asia.

"This vehicle should provide immediate opportunities, not only for the domestic market, but also for export in the growing right-hand drive (Southeast Asian) market," Naza said in a statement.

Production should begin in early 2006 at Naza's plant in northern Malaysia, the company said, adding that the car would be distributed under the Naza brand in Malaysia. The statement did not reveal the value of the deal.

On Tuesday, Naza opened an 80 million ringgit (US$21 million; ?17 million) auto showroom that the company hopes will help it face foreign competition when Malaysia's auto sector is liberalized under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Free Trade Area agreement, newspapers reported Wednesday.

The showroom in a Kuala Lumpur suburb can accommodate more than 2,000 cars and motorcycles, and is billed as the biggest of its kind in the country.

Malaysia is Southeast Asia's biggest passenger car market, with over 400,000 new cars sold each year. The government is expected to unveil a new auto tax structure by the end of August that could see a lowering of import tariffs as part of its obligation under ASEAN's free trade pact.

Naza is owned by prominent Malaysian tycoon Nasimuddin Amin and began operations in 1976.

Malaysia Proton & Perodua cars to be cheaper - PM

Thu | Mar 23, 06 | 02:35:51 PM

Oleh AFP KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Thursday that prices of cars built by national makers Proton and Perodua, and some foreign makes will fall following a new auto policy.

"Yes, the prices of Proton (cars) will unavoidably be reduced because Proton has to compete," Abdullah told reporters when asked if Proton car prices would drop following the release of the new auto policy on Wednesday.

"Proton has to have a price on its product which will be acceptable to the market. This is extremely important, they know that," he said.

He said prices for most cars would fall including autos imported in parts and assembled in Malaysia however sports utility vehicles, four-wheel drives and fully imported vehicles could maintain current prices.

Malaysia on Wednesday announced a string of new measures to boost its ailing auto sector, including tax cuts to five percent from 15 percent for cars from Southeast Asian nations.

"It will make the industry more dynamic," Abdullah said.

"We are now turning ourselves to the foreign market, to other countries, we're not just confining Proton to Malaysia. Proton must grow big, Proton must be competitive and the present management knows this."

National market share for embattled carmaker Proton slumped to 41 percent last year, down from 60 percent in 2002.

The barely profitable company has struggled with a reputation for producing shoddy and unimaginative models. As the government whittles away protection, foreign imports have become more attractive.

"however sports utility vehicles, four-wheel drives and fully imported vehicles could maintain current prices."

:( but still :D

yeah right......whatever happen, we're still getting more expesive protons and inferior to those that are meant for export market.

Yea...cheaper......I heard from news that Perodua cars are cheaper by RM1500 only. What's the big deal when interest rates are rising? We would end up paying more! :ohno:

Eventhough cheaper, have you seen the operation cost factors?(maintainence, fuel etc)

Yea...cheaper......I heard from news that Perodua cars are cheaper by RM1500 only. What's the big deal when interest rates are rising? We would end up paying more! :ohno:

From an economics point of view, a BNM rate rise on interest rates will probably increase the value of the RM, depending on the IS-LM model for Malaysia, also depending on how BNM manages the dirty float for the ringgit. From my point of view, the ringgit will almost definately appreciate on any further rate rises apart from the 2 that BNM has implemented, this has implications for the Malaysian car buyer as foreign cars will get cheaper for us!! So Woohoo!! On the downside it makes Proton less competitive vis-a-vis other regional manufacturers.

I don't see any big deal with just RM1000 cut in national car, doesn't make any difference at all

Argh.....what the heck....cars are just too expensive lah in Malaysia and it would always be (sorry for not being too optimistic)......anyway if they do not improve public transport, we all would have to buy more and more cars. :(

Which happen right now^^ :bash:

Hey, look on the bright side, atlease we don't have COE on top of high duties on foreign cars!

^^ Well....those with COEs have higher salaries and better public transportation as well as road infrastructure. We have tolls and low salaries ....hmmmmm...... :D

Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd Targets To Sell 200 Bikes Per Year
October 21, 2008 00:05 AM

PETALING JAYA, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd, the franchise holder of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in Malaysia, has target to sell 200 bikes annually.

Naza has invested RM6 million in a state-of-the-art flagship showroom called Harley-Davidson of Kuala Lumpur. The showroom, which is actually situated here, encompasses 20,000 sq.ft and is built to the global standards of the United States based Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

The chief executive officer of Naza Prestige Bikes, SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin said, the showroom was fully equipped with the complete product line-up of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

"This specially designed showroom is also Harley-Davidson one-stop service and general merchandise sales centre.

"It is also the only fully air-conditioned motorcycle service centre in Malaysia," he said after launching the showroom tonight.

-- BERNAMA

Naza revs up to boost Harley-Davidson sales
By Hamisah Hamid Published: 2008/10/22
BusinessTimes

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Wednesday/Nation/20081022002726/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph11/harley.jpg

NAZA Group expects to sell between 150 and 200 units of Harley-Davidson motorbikes within the next 12 months, following the official opening of the Harley-Davidson of Kuala Lumpur flagship showroom.

Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd chief executive officer SM Faisal SM Nasi -muddin said the company will bring in about 150 units into the market within the next quarter.

He said the company has invested RM10 million in the 20,000-sq-ft state-of-the-art showroom in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

"This specially-designed showroom is a Harley-Davidson one-stop centre comprising motorcycles as well as general merchandise showroom; a large fully equipped and the only fully air-conditioned motorcycle service centre in the country; and offices fully online with Harley-Davidson's worldwide dealer support database.

"Harley-Davidson of Kuala Lumpur's worldwide dealer support database makes it possible for motorcycle parts to be traced globally but purchased locally," Faisal said at the launch on Monday night. Also present was Harley-Davidson Asia Inc regional manager (Asian region) Frank R. Albrecht.

According to Naza Group executive vice-president Datuk SM Zulkifli SM Amin, the company expects to sell US$280,000 (RM988,400) worth of Harley-Da-vidson merchandise in the next 12 months.

He said the first shipment of the merchandise was almost sold out before the showroom was launched.

"The merchandise was purchased mostly by the youngsters. We are now waiting for the second shipment," he said.

Harley-Davidson of Kuala Lumpur's employees had been sent for training in technical, merchandising, sales, quality assurance and vehicle handling at Harley-Davidson's training centres.

The showroom, which has the capability to support all activities by the Harley Owners Group, is also a one-stop centre for Harley owners and enthusiasts.

There are currently about 2,000 registered Harley-Davidson motorbikes in the country.

^^ Well....those with COEs have higher salaries and better public transportation as well as road infrastructure. We have tolls and low salaries ....hmmmmm...... :D

:lol: