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Passenger Cars in Malaysia

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#1 ·
#411 ·
UMW Toyota upbeat on new Camry
By Zuraimi Abdullah Published: 2009/09/03




The new Camry has attracted about 1,500 orders since pre-launch sales started on July 2 and UMW Toyota expects a monthly sales of more than 1,000 units

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd yesterday launched an upgraded Toyota Camry with its president Kuah Kock Heng expecting a monthly sales of more than 1,000 units.

The Camry is a popular large sedan with nearly 71,000 units sold since its debut here in 1994. Over 28,000 units of the volume came from the current generation model launched in October 2006.

"For the past seven months this year, we have sold more than 4,300 units of the (previous) Camry," Kuah said at the launch of the upgraded Camry in Subang Jaya yesterday.

He believes the facelifted version will help retain the Camry's leading status as "the most popular mid-sized executive sedan" in the local market. It now controls 45 per cent share of the segment and accounts for 10 per cent of UMW Toyota's total sales so far this year.

The new Camry has attracted about 1,500 orders since pre-launch sales started on July 2. The car continues with all three variants. The 2.4V sells at RM174.990, 2.0G costs RM154.990 and the 2.0E, at RM144.990. Six colours are offered including a new grey metallic.

There are several changes made to the car's exterior. They included the redesigned front grill, headlamp and bumper. The rear combination lamp design and alloy rim also gets a refreshed look.

Among the new features are the smart entry and start system for the 2.4V unit, cruise control and an auxiliary jack that enables portable music and devices like iPod to be connected.
 
#412 ·
UMW Toyota upbeat on vehicle sales


SUBANG JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is hopeful of selling 82,000 vehicles this year in line with the improved economic outlook.

Executive director Aminar Rashid Salleh said the improved outlook was in line with the Malaysian Automotive Association’s revised 2009 industry sales forecast of 500,000 vehicles from 480,000 initially.

“The market has improved and we will try our best to meet our target,” he said at the launch of the company’s new Toyota Camry yesterday.


A model posing by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd’s newly launched Toyota Camry

UMW Toyota’s 82,000-mark target was set earlier and not revised, according to Aminar Rashid.

“We expected a tough year this year,” he said.

The company sold 101,627 units in 2008.

It sold 44,788 units in the first seven months of 2009 compared with 63,162 units in the previous corresponding period.

President Kuah Kock Heng said UMW’s best seller was Toyota Vios, which accounted for about one third of its total sales.

He said the company was targeting to sell 1,000 units of the new Camry a month.

“We have already received 1,500 bookings since July 2,” he said, adding that the Camry would account for 15% of UMW’s total sales volume for 2009.

On the timing of the Camry’s launch, given the less than stellar market sentiment, Aminar Rashid said: “The market needs excitement, especially towards the end of the year.”

Its current generation Toyota Camry was launched in October 2006.

To date, 28,000 units have been sold.

The new generation Camry comes with several exterior and interior changes, such as wider front grille, headlamp and tail lights and new seat fabrics.

The new Camry comes in three variants – 2.4V, 2.0G and 2.0E – and is priced at RM174,990, RM154,990 and RM144,990 respectively (on-the-road with insurance). The cars are available in six colours.

Aminar Rashid also said response had been good for its Toyota Prius hybrid, which was launched in early August.

“We have already received 90 orders so far. This is very encouraging. We are happy that customers are accepting our products and our price positioning,” he said.

Kuah said UMW Toyota had no plans to launch any more models for 2009.
 
#413 ·
Mitsubishi aims to sell 500 units of Triton
By EILEEN HEE


PETALING JAYA: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects to sell 500 units per month of its face-lifted version of the Mitsubishi Triton.

“We expect a 20% increase in sales with the launch of the three face-lifted variants,” chief executive officer Keizo Ono told reporters after the launch yesterday.

He said at present, Triton was selling 400 to 450 units per month.

“Since its launch in 2006, Triton sales have grown sharply and it is currently in the top two best-selling pick-up trucks in the country,” he said.


The face-lifted Mitsubishi Triton at the launch

“From 2006 to 2007, it recorded a sharp increase in sales, marking an impactful entry into the segment. We then expanded the Triton family in 2008 by introducing the Triton 3.2 and Triton Lite models, which contributed to a strong 45.9% increase in sales over the 2007 figures.”

Ono said he expected the face-lifted model’s bolder look and improved versatility to increase Triton’s popularity and build on the success of the original Triton.

“We expect to increase our market share to 21% for the current financial year ending March 31, 2010 (FY10), with the launch of the three new variants,” he said.

From January to July, the pick-up segment had a 17.2% market share, down from 19.2% last year, he said, adding that at present, the pick-up segment contributed 60% to the company’s sales.

The fully imported Triton comes with a three-year or 100,000-km warranty and prices start from RM61,484.80 for the Triton Lite, RM87,051.80 for the Triton 2.5M/T, RM91,921.80 for the Triton 2.5 A/T and RM99,143.50 for the Triton 3.2.

Ono said the company planned to add another 10 3S centres in FY10, to be located mainly in Selangor and east Malaysia. At present, it has a total of 33 showrooms nationwide, of which six are 3S centres and 46 service centres.
 
#414 ·
Catrade-Abt lancar model VW
KUALA LUMPUR 6 Sept. - Catrade-Abt, pakar penalaan bagi kereta Audi dan Volkswagen hari ini melancarkan ABT VSR Golf GTI Mk6 dan ABT VSR Scirocco, model naik taraf terbaru Volkswagen.

Pengarah Jualannya, Helmi Ilyas berkata, kereta Scirocco versi naik taraf dijangka sedia menjelang Oktober setelah Volkswagen menampilkan model baru itu kepada pasaran Malaysia awal Oktober.

Sementara itu, model Golf GTI versi naik taraf dijangka sedia pada Disember, kerana penghantarannya akan hanya dibuat pada November.

Harga model asas Golf GTI dijangkakan di antara RM210,000 dengan RM230,000 seunit, manakala versi naik taraf berharga dalam lingkungan RM250,000 hingga RM265,000.

Bagi Scirocco, harga versi dipertingkatkan ialah antara RM280,000 dengan RM290,000 dan harga standard ialah dari RM230,000 hingga RM260,000 seunit.

Pakej versi naik taraf termasuklah unit kawalan elektronik (ECU), roda, sistem ampaian, sistem eksos berprestasi tinggi dan pakej aero, jelas Helmi.

Katanya, Volkswagen dijangka menghantar 100 unit Golf GTI dan 90 unit Scirocco menjelang akhir tahun ini.

Kira-kira 600 unit Golf GTI dan 250 unit Scirocco akan berada dalam pasaran dalam tempoh setahun selepas pelancarannya.

"Kami yakin dapat merebut 50 peratus daripada simpanannya, tetapi tentulah kami mengharapkan lebih banyak daripada itu.

"Kami merasa amat berbangga dapat melancarkan rangkaian VSR, takrif Abt bagi kit penalaan dan naik taraf terbaru kami," katanya, sambil menambah bahawa versi naik taraf baru itu dijangka mendapat sambutan hangat. - BERNAMA
 
#415 ·
Analysts: Minor impact on DRB-HICOM if GM exits JV
By SHARIDAN M.ALI


PETALING JAYA: DRB-HICOM Bhd’s bottomline will not be significantly affected if its joint-venture (JV) partnership with General Motors Corp (GM) ends on Sept 30, analysts said.

There has been speculation that the partnership between the two has been on the rocks but DRB-HICOM Monday denied via a statement that the partnership had been terminated.

GM, on the other hand, is said to be in the middle of a strategic review of its operations and business in the Malaysian market with on-going discussions but had not signed agreement with any companies yet, according to Bloomberg.

GM was believed to be talking to five parties for a new JV or partnership that included the Naza Group. DRB-HICOM and GM’s partnership was incorporated via a JV company, Hicom-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd, with GM Asia Pacific owning a 51% stake and DRB-HICOM the remaining 49%.


Among the models marketed by Hicom-Chevrolet is the Chevrolet Captiva sports utility vehicle

The 10-year partnership that sees Hicom-Chevrolet as a distributor of Chevrolet cars in Malaysia is renewable every year.

According to an industry analyst, if the agreement is not renewed, the impact to DRB-HICOM would not be overly detrimental based on the sales of Chevrolet cars in the country.

As at end June, Hicom-Chevrolet’s sales stood at 60-70 units per month with around 1,000 cars sold last year.

“The annual revenue for the sales of Chevrolet cars is close to RM1bil and if the speculation is correct, DRB-HICOM may only lose RM15mil to RM20mil in contribution at most to its annual bottomline,” he said.

Another analyst from a local research house said DRB-HICOM had many other car brands in its portfolio, including Honda, with sales of the Japanese car doing well.

“Its Honda sales stood at around 3,000 to 4,000 units per month for the past seven months,” she noted. DRB-HICOM’s other international joint venture partners include Isuzu and Suzuki.
 
#416 ·
Volkswagen Group may make KL its auto parts sourcing hub
Published: 2009/09/10





GERMAN auto giant and Europe's largest carmaker, Volkswagen Group, is looking at Malaysia as its sourcing hub for auto components in the region to fulfil its worldwide production.

Volkswagen Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Andreas Prinz said the group's global sourcing unit would set up a small department here within Volkswagen Malaysia in the next couple of months.

"They will not be looking only at the Malaysian market but use Malaysia as a sourcing hub for worldwide production," he said after unveiling three new Volkswagen models for the Malaysian market and breaking of the fast at the company premises in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

The new models are Passat CC, Scirocco and Golf GTI Mark 6. Volkswagen, based in Wolfsburg, Germany, was reportedly interested in assembling cars in Malaysia and was in discussions with several parties, including DRB-Hicom Bhd, but no concrete decision has been made so far.

Asked whether it was part of its completely-knocked-down (CKD) programme in Malaysia, Prinz said:

"We not only want to fulfil the 40 per cent local content requirement but also see the market as a really good sourcing opportunity for worldwide production.

"It is an independent programme from the CKD," he said, adding that initially the group was looking at Singapore as a sourcing hub.

He said there were many high-technology companies based in Malaysia and international suppliers have benefited and managed to fulfil their requirements.

"Malaysia is the second biggest car market after Thailand but it is the biggest passenger car market. This is why we are really keen to grow our business here," he said.

Over a medium-term, he said, the company was quite optimistic that the 40 per cent local content can be achieved.

On CKD, Prinz said he was hopeful that a decision can be made within this year.

"We are keen on entering the market but we have to see how it will be materialised. We need incentives from the government and then we have to achieve the local content," he said.

Asked how many cars would be built if the CKD programme materialised, he said: "We have not decided yet. I don't want to comment on it. It is still in a working progress. There are different scenarios that we are working on. - Bernama
 
#417 ·
DRB-HICOM, VW in talks on car assembly


PETALING JAYA: DRB-HICOM Bhd is looking at the possibility of marketing and subsequently assembling Volkswagen cars, said chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza.

“We have been talking to the company but there has been no outcome yet,” he said.

The talks with Volkswagen, Europe’s largest carmaker had been going on for sometime now, Syed Mohamed said after the company AGM here yesterday. He declined to provide further details.


Golf GTI Mark 6 is one of Volkswagen’s popular models in the Malaysian market

On the pact with General Motors Corp (GM), Syed Mohamad said DRB-HICOM was looking at positioning itself for a new arrangement. “We believe that GM is also engaged with other parties, so we are keeping our options open,” he said.

DRB-HICOM recently denied a report that GM Asia Pacific Holding Co LLC (GMAP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GM, had terminated an agreement with it for the distribution of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia.

“To date, the joint-venture and shareholders’ agreement between DRB-HICOM and GMAP is still valid. It has not been terminated,” DRB-HICOM told Bursa Malaysia recently.

According to Syed Mohamed, an exit by GM would not impact DRB-HICOM’s business as the contribution from it was not substantial. “It is very small,” he said.

GM is expected to make an announcement on the agreement with DRB-HICOM by end October. — Bernama
 
#419 ·
Suzuki Confident On Achieving Sales Target


By Santhia Panjanadan

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd says it is on track to achieve its sales target of 6,000 cars for all models for the current financial year ending March 2010.

Managing director, Ibrahim Maidin said the company's confidence was based on good sales record since June this year.

"We are 55 per cent on track now. With customers sentiment getting stronger, we are certain sales would increase for the coming Chinese New year.

"With upcoming promotions beginning November together with value-added offerings to customers, we are confident to hit our target," he said to Bernama after the company's Majlis Buka Puasa with the media here Wednesday.

He said the bulk of its total sales volume would be from Suzuki Swift, which currently comprised 85 per cent of total volume.

"Swift is our best selling model. We have been selling an average 300 units per month. But the last three months, sales volume has been more than 400 units per month.

"We have run out of stock and we are pushing for early arrival of our cars by November. So, we hope to cross 600 units per month," Ibrahim added.

He said demand for Swift was on the rise as customers were satisfied with its performance together with its low maintenance cost.

The Swift costs RM73,788 (on the road, with insurance).

Meanwhile, the local distributor for Suzuki cars will be opening another three Suzuki showrooms by year end.

"Currently, we have 26 outlets nationwide. The next three would be in Seremban, Johor Baharu and Klang Valley," Ibrahim disclosed.

The company's vehicle range also includes the Grand Vitara, SX4 Sedan, SX4 Crossover and Swift Sport.

All models are fully imported from Japan.

-- BERNAMA
 
#420 ·
Malaysia Aug sales of vehicles up 2.8 pc
Published: 2009/09/17





SALES of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in August rose 2.8 per cent, year-on-year, to 48,538 units, but compared to July this year, it was down by 3,390 units or 6.5 per cent.

Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said the month-on-month decline was due to lower sales reported by Proton.

It said sales of passenger vehicles in August rose to 44,099 units from 42,864 units in the corresponding month, last year, while that of commercial vehicles rose to 4,439 units from 4,363 units.

For the eight months period to August this year, total industry volume fell to 351,550 units from 379,184 units in the same period last year.

It said sales of passenger vehicles in the eight months period fell to 319,424 units from 345,917 units in the corresponding period last year.

Sales of commercial vehicles dropped to 32,126 units from 33,267 units previously.

MAA said production of vehicles in August fell to 44,476 units from 46,316 units in the corresponding month last year.

The association also said production of passenger vehicles in August fell to 40,865 units from 42,309 units in the corresponding month last year while that of commercial vehicles dropped to 3,611 units from 4,007 units.

It said production of passenger vehicles in the eight months period fell to 293,175 units from 329,557 units recorded in the corresponding period last year, while that of commercial vehicles dropped to 28,216 units from 31,512 units.

MAA said sales volume for September is expected to be maintained as it will be a shorter working month due to the Hari Rara festive holidays. - Bernama
 
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#421 ·
Sexiest station wagon in the market
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/09/23



Car buyers here do not have the luxury of choice when it comes to buying a station wagon. There was only a handful of such vehicles launched in the past decades with the more prominent one being Nissan AD Resort.

SWEDEN's Volvo is among the few carmakers to have introduced station wagons in the country on a consistent basis. It unveiled the likes of the 740 Turbo, the 850 T5, the V40 and the V70.

The latest station wagon from the Gothenburg-based carmaker to hit our local roads is the V50.

Packaging

Actually, the V50 with a turbo-charged engine (called V50 T5) was unveiled here a couple of years ago but late last year, we received an upgrade of that very versatile vehicle.

The cosmetically-updated V50 came with a 2.4 natural aspirated engine and some notable refinements.

The new V50 is essentially the station wagon variant of the S40 sedan launched by Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd (VCM) slightly earlier as both ride on the same P2 platform.

Some car enthusiasts think the V50 is sexier than the sedan version, but the majority will have no doubt that it is the sexiest station wagon in the market.

From the front, the cosmetic changes are similar to those on the latest S40 with the "softer" nose and a grille that has a three-dimensional look with its chrome surround.

The headlights have also been redesigned, both in size and looks, and look more distinctive.

The rear end retains the distinctive vertical tail lights with the position of each of the elements changed. The bumper is also new and has a "two-piece look".

Interior changes include a redesigned front door inner panel for better storage and a new loudspeaker grille, redesigned multi-directional air vents, new power window switches in door panels and some minor changes to the instrument panel.

The thin "floating" console that is a centrepiece of the dashboard design is present and still looks good.

Along the centre console between the front seats, the changes are more significant. There is better storage and the handbrake lever has a "Z operation", which makes it easier to pull up but it is still offset to the left side, next to the passenger's seat.

For children, there are child-booster cushions at the rear, plus ISO-FIX child seat mounts on both the rear seats.

The rear seats split and fold in various combinations to allow for placement of large and bulky items, and there is a tonneau cover to shield your rear cargo from prying eyes.

The sound system is decent, and the air-conditioner is of the climate-control type with a filter.

The V50 has four-wheel independent suspension with a multi-link layout at the rear. Volvo has always held the position of being No 1 in safety, so the handling of the V50 is of the "fail-safe" type.

Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA) is also provided, this inducing a boost of pressure in the brake system when an emergency braking situation is detected.

As an additional protective feature, there is a load-protection net at the rear.

Mechanical

The 2.4-litre petrol engine is the same as that in the S40. This means it is a five-cylinder unit producing 170 bhp/230 Nm and the power reaches the road through the 16-inch front wheels via a five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, (Volvo's version of manual shift option).

The V50 delivers a claimed fuel consumption of 9.1 litre per 100 kilometres.

On The Road

We took a V50 for a weekend drive to Morib and Bagan Lalang. Driving it as a family-type of person with decent speeds of 110km-130km, the stationwagon has adequate power, although it is not as fast on acceleration as the V50 T5.

With the naturally aspirated engine, the V50 offered frugal fuel consumption.

The vehicle gave comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. On the stretches that are clear and safe, the V50 was stable even at 200km/h. We felt secure as we know the brakes will do the job if we had to brake.

The V50 gave the dynamics and comfort of a sedan plus the utility of a sports utility vehicle, hence providing its owner the best of both worlds.

Price and Equipment

As with the new S40, VCM is offering the V50 2.4 at a price of under RM200,000, or RM185,900 without insurance to be exact.

This makes the V50 a much more attractive proposition against the Japanese executive sedans, especially as it has the European premium image.

Besides EBA, there are also the electronic brakeforce distribution, an anti-lock braking system and a stability and traction control system. For ladies, there is Park Assist. -By Zuraimi Abdullah
 
#422 ·
Naza edar Toyota Estima Hibrid

Oleh SHAWKATH AZDE
shawkath.azde@kosmo.com.my



MPV Estima Hibrid pertama yang akan berada di ruang pameran Naza World dijangka menjadi tumpuan peminat kenderaan hibrid tidak lama lagi.

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


PETALING JAYA - Kumpulan Syarikat Naza, menerusi Naza World akan mula mengedarkan model hibrid kenderaan pelbagai guna (MPV) pertama di negara ini, iaitu Toyota Estima Hibrid (Estima Hibrid).

Pengurus Besarnya, Richard Tan dalam satu kenyataan media berkata, ia merupakan kenderaan hibrid pertama yang bakal dipasarkan oleh syarikat tersebut di negara ini.

Bagaimanapun, syarikat belum membuat sebarang pengumuman mengenai harga kenderaan tersebut sehingga majlis pelancaran kereta berkenaan yang dijangkakan pada minggu ini.

Estima Hibrid itu merupakan generasi hibrid terbaru yang dilengkapi dengan THS II, yang berperanan memberikan prestasi pemanduan MPV yang lebih baik dan dalam masa yang sama memulihara alam sekitar.

Ciri-ciri THS II ini disandarkan kepada konsep Hybrid Synergy Drive yang mana ia bertujuan meningkatkan kecekapan penggunaan bahan api, pengurangan penghasilan asap kenderaan, operasi kenderaan yang lebih senyap dan prestasi keseluruhan kenderaan yang lebih baik.
 
#423 ·
BMW Confident Of Success For Its Efficient Dynamics Cars


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident that its efficient dynamics diesel-powered cars will take off well in Malaysia, its managing director, Geoffrey Briscoe, said on Thursday.

The four new diesel models are BMW 320d Sports, BMW 520d Sports Edition, BMW X3 xDrive20d executive edition and the flagship BMW 730ld.

"The timing of the introduction of these models in Malaysia is right, especially with the change in consumer sentiment towards environment," he said at the launch of BMW EfficientDynamics here on Thursday.

BMW EfficientDynamics is a continuous strategy by the carmaker to reduce fuel consumption and emission level, while at the same time enhancing the vehicle's performance and driving pleasure.

"Diesel-powered engines provide 75 percent better torque and 15 percent more horsepower.

"However, what is more impressive when compare to petrol engines is that diesel engines use up to 30 percent less fuel and carbon monoxide emission is reduced by 20 percent," he said.

He said BMW's EfficientDynamics cars could travel up to 1,000km on a single tank of fuel.

"For the layman, this means that for every six days of travel, two days are considered free of fuel cost. Most importantly, it is better for the environment," he said.

-- BERNAMA
 
#424 ·
BMW turns to diesel cars to rev up sales
By JAGDEV SINGH SIDHU


It launches four diesel-powered models to make greater impact

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd has taken a bold move by introducing four diesel-powered cars to consumers in the hope that such cars will find greater acceptance over time.

The company is banking on greater fuel efficiency and more power of the diesel-powered cars – all under the EfficientDynamics tagline – to drive acceptance and sales.

“Diesel is something we can do under the EfficientDynamics brand and get an immediate impact,” managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said at the launch of BMW EfficientDynamics yesterday.


MD Geofrey Briscoe with a BMW 520d Sports

The cars are the BMW 320d Sports, the BMW 520d Sports Edition, the BMW X3 xDrive20d Executive Edition and the flagship BMW 730Ld.

The selling point of the new diesel-powered cars is the fuel efficiency and performance as the 320d Sports costs RM7,000 more than the petrol version.

Briscoe said BMW’s diesel-powered engines provided 75% more torque and 15% more horsepower than its petrol versions while consuming 30% less fuel and emitting 20% less carbon monoxide.

“Our new BMW EfficientDynamics enable our cars to travel up to 1,000km on a single tank of fuel. For the layman, this means that for every six days of travel, two days are considered free of fuel cost and, more importantly, it is better for the environment,” he said.

Based on a rough calculation, BMW claims the payback for the RM7,000 extra for the 320d is three years if the car is driven 15,000km a year.

The 320d without insurance costs RM255,800, the 520d RM379,800, the X3 RM333,800 and the 730Ld RM698,800. The prices include BMW’s three-year/60,000km warranty.

Briscoe said the improved quality of diesel would help and called it a bonus but the company had been planning to introduce its EfficientDynamics cars for the past 18 months.

“The time is right. There is a huge shift in environmental thinking in Malaysia,” he said.

Briscoe feels the spread of the benefits of the new diesel-powered cars by word of mouth will slowly drive up demand and sales.

BMW said the current Euro 2 standard of diesel in the country, although not perfect for its diesel engines, would not harm its performance and reliability.

All four diesel models will be available at BMW Malaysia’s 14 showrooms nationwide from this weekend.
 
#425 ·
Jaseri upbeat on sales of Porsche cars
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


Reception for new sedan models very good, says chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: Jaseri Automotive Group Sdn Bhd, the official importer of Porsche cars in Malaysia, hopes to sell 30 to 40 units of its newly launched four-door, four-seat luxury sedan Porsche Panamera cars a year, says chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir.

“Reception has been very good. We have existing (Porsche) owners and potential buyers all curious to see what a four-door Porsche sedan looks like,” he told StarBiz after launching the Porsche Panamera S, 4S and Turbo models on Saturday.

“So far, six units have been pre-sold and 16 units booked by potential customers who want to see the cars first. Hopefully, this will translate into sales also,” he added.


Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir with a Porsche Panamera at the launch

He said other countries in the region had started unveiling the Panamera since its introduction at the Shanghai Auto Show in April.

On whether it was a good time to launch, in view of the current economic downturn, Mokhzani said: “There is never a perfect time but people are getting more confident about the economy. The stock market is moving so hopefully, it will get better.”

According to Mokhzani, Jaseri expects to sell over 100 Porsche cars this year. It sold over 120 units last year, with the Porsche Cayenne and Cayman models being its best sellers.

“This year, we are expecting a slowdown in view of the economy. But hopefully the launch of the Panamera will help boost sales for us,” he said.

In an effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and boost fuel economy, the Panamera models come with a fuel-saving stop/start measure, whereby the engine is automatically switched off when the car comes to a standstill, such as at traffic lights and in traffic jams.

All the driver needs to do is to keep his foot on the brake. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his foot off the pedal.

The basic price starts from RM998,000, RM1.1mil and RM1.4mil for the Panamera S, 4S and Turbo variants respectively. All cars are built at Porsche’s plant in Leipzig, Germany.

Mokhzani hinted that Jaseri may bring in the Panamera Hybrid and GT3 RS models after their launch by the German principal next year.
 
#426 ·
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia upbeat on second half sales
By Zuraimi AbdullahPublished: 2009/10/09



MERCEDES-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd expects to sell more cars than 2007 but will not beat the volume set in 2008, its top executive says.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president Peter Honegg said sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Fuso brands for 2009 should be more than the 3,600 units registered in 2007.

But it is unlikely to match some 4,200 units sold last year, he told reporters after launching the Mercedes-Benz pre-owned car programme called Proven Exclusivity in Bandar Kinrara yesterday.

"Our sales volume was down in the first quarter but has recovered since the second quarter," added Honegg, who is also Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO.

In the first six months of this year, the company's passenger cars volume dipped a marginal 2.2 per cent to 1,869 units from 1,912 units a year ago. Sales of trucks, prime movers, buses and vans eased to 563 units from 690 units previously.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is more bullish about its second-half performance, especially when the new generation E-Class is introduced here.

A senior executive said the car, which will be coded E212, is due to be unveiled next month in three variants - E200, E250 and E300. It will boast many new features and improvements, but prices should only be slightly higher than the current E-Class.

Meanwhile, Honegg expects low sales for pre-owned Mercedes-Benz initially under the Proven Exclusivity programme. But next year, the volume is expected at 200 to 300 units as the momentum builds up.

"Proven Exclusivity is ideal for Mercedes-Benz enthusiast to confidently purchase pre-owned Mercedes-Benz as they carry the company's seal of approval on quality and performance backed with
 
#428 ·
Perang rebut pembeli kereta

Oleh AHMAD SYUKRAN ZAINUDDIN
ahmadsyukran.zainuddin@kosmo.com.my



PERSAINGAN di antara pengeluar kereta dalam melariskan jualan kereta masing-masing menguntungkan pengguna. - Gambar hiasan.

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KUALA LUMPUR - Jika anda berhasrat membeli kereta baru, sekarang ialah masa terbaik untuk membuat pelaburan tersebut. Alasannya ialah selain harga kereta yang lebih murah, anda juga mungkin ditawarkan pakej pelancongan, komputer riba, rebat tunai, cukai jalan percuma dan rebat petrol atau diesel.

Tidak terhad kepada pengeluar kereta nasional, jenama luar juga bersaing memberi tawaran terbaik dengan trend ini dilihat berterusan sejak awal tahun ini.

Promosi sensasi terbaru turut ditawarkan oleh pengedar kereta dari China, Chery.

Beli sahaja mana-mana model kereta Chery sama ada Tiggo, Eastar atau A520, anda berpeluang mendapat pakej percutian ke Bali, Phuket dan destinasi pelancongan dalam negara termasuklah Langkawi, Port Dickson serta Pulau Perhentian. Tidak cukup itu anda juga boleh menginap di hotel lima bintang di Lembah Klang.

Bagi mereka yang mahukan keuntungan jangka panjang, tawaran pelan pembayaran fleksibel menjadi pilihan. Nasim Sdn. Bhd. yang bertanggungjawab menjual Peugeot memperkenalkan Step Ahead Flexi-Plan.

Pelan itu menawarkan bayaran bulanan yang rendah untuk model 308 VTi, sedan 407 dan model 207cc. Buktinya, dengan hanya RM899 sebulan pengguna boleh membawa pulang Peugeot 308 VTi 1.6 liter.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia pernah menawarkan komputer riba Sony Vaio P23 Pocket PC bernilai RM3,500 percuma untuk setiap pembelian trak pikap Triton 4x4 2.5.

Jurucakap Nasim memberitahu, kempen promosi yang kian rancak sempena musim perayaan dibuat bagi mengekalkan momentum jualan.
 
#429 ·
Beli kereta sebelum AFTA, kata MAA

KUALA LUMPUR - Beli kereta sekarang, jangan tunggu sehingga Perjanjian Kawasan Perdagangan Bebas ASEAN (AFTA) dilaksanakan pada 1 Januari depan.

Bagi Presiden Persatuan Automotif Malaysia (MAA), Datuk Aishah Ahmad, ramalan persatuan itu ialah harga kereta tidak mungkin turun tetapi kekal atau naik lagi apabila AFTA bermula kelak.

Alasan beliau ialah hanya duti import dari negara-negara ASEAN akan dikurangkan daripada paras lima peratus sekarang kepada sifar untuk kenderaan siap bina (CBU).

"Walaupun kita mengambil peluang ke atas import duti yang rendah sebanyak lima peratus yang ditetapkan mengikut perjanjian AFTA, harga kenderaan masih tinggi berbanding negara lain di rantau ini.

"Ada kemungkinan harga kenderaan akan naik lagi tahun hadapan seiring peningkatan mata wang asing berbanding ringgit.

"Tidak usah tunggu lama, lagipun banyak tawaran harga lebih rendah dan pelbagai keistimewaan diberikan menjelang penghujung tahun bagi menghabiskan stok,'' katanya ketika dihubungi semalam.
 
#430 ·
Analysts: 500,000 car sales for 2009 possible
By EUGENE MAHALINGAM


Forecast car sales achievable

PETALING JAYA: Local automotive analysts are mostly optimistic that 2009 car sales would meet or surpass the Malaysian Automotive Association’s (MAA) full year forecast of 500,000 units.

An analyst from a local bank-backed brokerage said the 500,000-mark was achievable despite a tendency for vehicle sales to slow down in the final quarter of the year – regardless of an economic downturn or not.

For the first eight months of 2009, vehicle sales stood at 351,558 units compared with 379,184 units sold during the same period in 2008. The MAA will be announcing vehicle sales for September later this month.

“You would need to sell another 148,442 units in the last four months of the year to reach 500,000 units. That’s an average of about 37,110 units a month,” the analyst told StarBiz.



“Monthly vehicle sales were lowest in February at 36,675 units, due to poor consumer confidence as a result of the global economic downturn and because it was the shortest month. Sales since have been over 40,000 units a month so the MAA forecast is achievable,” he added.

In its half-year briefing in July, the MAA revised upwards its total industry volume (TIV) forecast for this year to 500,000 vehicles from 480,000 due to improved economic conditions and consumer sentiment.

At 500,000 vehicles, the TIV is down 9% from the 548,115 units sold in 2008.

OSK Research auto analyst Ahmad Maghfur Usman also said MAA’s full-year target was “achiveable for sure,” adding that TIV in the fourth quarter was expected to ease.

“Most (buyers) would prefer registering their vehicle purchases towards next year. Some are also more keen to wait for new models as it has been rather quiet lately,” he said.

On whether he expected anything from Budget 2010, to be tabled next week, Maghfur said: “I expect a more liberalised auto sector as the Government tries to lure more value-added investments.

“Nonetheless, I don’t expect any change in the tax structure. Even if there were, it would be rather minimal; otherwise it would disrupt the secondary market.”

An AmResearch analyst who monitors the automotive sector said he was maintaining his initial forecast of a 14% drop in the TIV to 479,400 units for 2009.

“We’re still maintaining (the forecast) for now as risk leans more to the upside. Fourth quarter sales typically weaken as consumers hold back purchases for new year registrations.

“Perodua’s MPV (multipurpose vehicle) launch in November could provide a boost, but meaningful registration numbers (not bookings) are only expected probably from December or January,” he said.

The analyst said sales for September were likely to be weak or flat compared with August.

“Sales typically weaken towards the end of the year. August probably marked the start (of the slowdown). September this year also coincided with the Hari Raya festivities, (meaning) a shorter working month.”

He added that sales in September 2009 were unlikely to surpass the 50,729 units sold in September 2008.

“September last year was strong, being the month prior to Hari Raya when there were a lot of promotions.”
 
#431 ·
Motor vehicle sales in Malaysia dip in Sept
Published: 2009/10/16





MALAYSIA'S vehicle sales in September 2009 dropped 5 per cent to 2,469 units when compared against the previous month, said the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

The lower volume was because of the shorter working month due to the Hari Raya festive holidays

"Sales volume for October 2009 is expected to be maintained," the trade body said in a statement released yesterday.

Motor vehicle sales for September 2009 fell 9.2 per cent to 46,069 units from 50,729 units in the same period last year, MAA said.

For the first nine months of this year, the industry registered vehicle sales of 397,619 units, a 7.3 per cent drop compared with 429,913 chalked up in the same period last year.

Of the total, about 91 per cent or 361,463 units were passenger vehicles.

September's vehicle production fell 17.7 per cent to 35,099 against 42,638 units in September 2008.

For the first nine months, production fell 11.7 per cent to 356,490 units from 403,707 units in the comparable period a year ago.

Out of the 356,490 units, 325,644 units were passenger cars.
 
#433 ·
BMW's X1 coming soon


The BMW X1 ... It might be smaller than the X3 and X5 but it's still a Beemer nevertheless


IF you are looking for a smallish premium SUV that is as green as they come, hold your horses until January to March.

BMW Malaysia is expected to launch the X1 SUV then. You will have a choice of a 2.0-litre diesel and a 3.0-litre petrol versions to choose from. Plus the bragging rights to own the first vehicle in a new segment.

That’s right. This is the vehicle that is blazing a new trail that will soon see followers. The X1 will add to the X Series range that is now made up of the X6, X5 and X3.

The X1, about the size of a 3 Series, is the first X to offer a rear-wheel drive option but it’s only the all-wheel drive units that will make it to Malaysia.


Front view of the BMW X1


BMW rolled out the five-seater X1 to the international media earlier this month at its plant in Leipzig, Germany.

Five diesel engine options vs two petrol options signals that Europeans, not the Americans, will be the X1’s biggest customers.

The X1’s emissions of a mere 136g CO2 (X1 sDrive 18d) makes it the most efficient model in its segment for now.

Expect plenty of storage spaces, a higher seating position and agility in a vehicle that is certain to turn heads when it arrives soon.

Read Starmotoring’s take on the X1 in its Oct 25 issue.
 
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