Proton Jumbuck Reaches The End Of The Line

THE PROTON JUMBUCK, a low-cost half-tonne ute released in 2003, has come to the end of the line.

Built on superseded Mitsubishi technology and powered by the 1.5 litre four-cylinder 4G15 petrol engine - which also powered the Mitsubishi Lancer and Mirage - the little ute is due to be succeeded by an all-new Jumbuck in the future.

John Startari, Proton Cars Australia Managing Director said the next generation Jumbuck will be a leap forward for the model, utilising new technology as it leaves the ageing 1990s Mirage platform.

“The current Jumbuck has been great but it is in the final phase of its life and a new model is well overdue, it has been a great ute but there will be a new generation model to replace it,” Mr Startari said.

“Like all Proton models the new Jumbuck will retain a value for money purchase price that will ensure it retains its status as the lowest cost commercial vehicle to own and run in this country.”

Details of the new model have not been revealed. It is understood that the next generation Jumbuck will be powered by a small four-cylinder engine, offered with both manual and automatic transmissions.

“Proton is mindful of safety and that is why we are moving to bring a new safer, more modern Jumbuck to market as soon as possible.”

New safety features will include multiple SRS airbags - the current model is not offered with airbags - ABS brakes, Lotus-tuned suspension, and crash protection, such as crumple zones and integrated passenger cells.

Proton will continue to sell the Jumbuck over the next few months in run-out sales, before discontinuing the line completely.

Jumbuck Comes to an End After Nearly 7 Years

MILPERRA, AUSTRAL - August 14, 2009: Proton has announced that its current Jumbuck model will be phased out over the next few months ahead of the launch of an all new model Jumbuck.

The company introduced the current model Jumbuck as a low cost half tonne pick up in early 2003 based on the previous model Persona sedan, a car which utilised superseded Mitsubishi design and technology.

The Jumbuck is the last of the Proton models on sale in Australia that still utilises the outdated Mitsubishi design and technology.

Proton is in the process of developing a new model Jumbuck, targeted at the current market leaders which will take advantage of the latest technology in terms of safety, structural integrity and powertrain and will be a Proton-developed model, sharing a platform with an existing passenger car model.

Proton Australia will also launch additional models within the next 12 months to compliment the range such as the new low cost sedan late in 2009, followed by the new entry level Persona, Satria Neo & Gen.2. These models will be followed by the release of the Satria Neo CPS, Exora MPV seven-seater and Satria Neo R3 in 2010.

In keeping with the current Jumbuck philosophy, it will be a cost effective, economical and simple pick up with the possibility of a number of different configurations for commercial or personal use.

According to Proton Cars Australia managing director, Mr John Startari, the new generation Jumbuck will benefit from the latest technology and will not be constrained by the limitations of what is now an old platform in the existing model.

"The current Jumbuck has been great but it is in the final phase of its life and a new model is well overdue, it has been a great ute but there will be a new generation model to replace it," said Mr Startari.

"It has been an important model for us here in Australia providing the market with a unique blend of passenger car based design, half tonne capacity and low cost entry and running costs," he said.

"Proton is mindful of safety and that is why we are moving to bring a new safer, more modern Jumbuck to market as soon as possible," he added.

"Like all Proton models the new Jumbuck will retain a value for money purchase price that will ensure it retains its status as the lowest cost commercial vehicle to own and run in this country," Mr Startari said.

"The important point will be that the new car will not only be the lowest cost commercial but also amongst the safest on the road," he added.

While details of the new Proton Jumbuck are still yet to be announced the car will still be powered by a small economical four cylinder engine but will have the benefit of both a manual and an automatic transmission option.

Along with this there will be increased levels of safety including multiple SRS airbags, ABS anti lock brakes, Lotus tuned ride and handling and the latest crash protection technology in terms of progressive deformation crumple zones and integrated passenger cell design

Proton Exora Expected To Be On Thai Roads By Year End

August 14, 2009 20:55 PM

Proton Exora Expected To Be On Thai Roads By Year End

By: Ramjit

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SHAH ALAM, Aug 14 (Bernama) - National car maker Proton Holdings Bhd plans to launch the country's first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Exora, in Thailand before the end of this year.

Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin said the model was well received in Malaysia, since its launch on April 15, and was also enjoying roaring sales in Indonesia since its debut there in July.

"Insyaallah, this November or December, the Exora will be introduced in Thailand, thanks to buyers and the media which have been complementing Exora's good features," he told reporters after launching Proton's Merdeka celebration here today.

The programme, beginning tommorrow until September 15, would see various Proton models, including the first Proton Saga and the latest Exora taking part in a nationwide road convoy.

Syed Zainal said, todate, Proton received 18,000 bookings for the Exora while 10,000 of the MPVs were already registered in the domestic market.

In Indonesia, Proton received 1,200 bookings for the MPV, out of which 230 units have already been delivered.

He said Proton was targetting vehicle sales of 150,950 units for the financial year ending March 31, 2010, and planned to sell about 36,000 units of the Exora in the current financial year.

For the financial year ended March 31, 2009, the company sold 141,000 vehicles.

"We are now trying our best to increase production capacity to meet market demand and reduce the waiting list," Syed Zainal said, adding that the company's current monthly output of the Exora stood at 3,500 units.

The model was awarded the Malaysian Vehicle Assessment Programme certification by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), scoring four out of five stars for safety assessment.

Syed Zainal said the accreditation was expected to boost public confidence in Proton cars.

On the company's first quarter results, Syed Zainal said,"If you look at sales performance, obviously this is a very good number."

"We are in a much more solid and stable footing now. Given the current scenario in the global automotive industry where many companies are going through turbulent times, we, as a small company, are able to adapt and rebound very quickly," Syed Zainal said.

Proton is expected to announce, next week, its financial results for the first quarter ended June 30, 2009.

Meanwhile, Syed Zainal said Proton has, todate, issued almost 17,000 discount vouchers after the government introduced the auto scrapping scheme in the recent mini-Budget.

Under the scheme, owners can trade-in their cars, which are 10 years or older, for a RM5,000 discount when they purchase a new Proton or Perodua vehicle.

"This is a very good programme as we have seen its effectiveness in Germany, Italy and France. We hope the government would study the benefits of the programme and perhaps extend it in the future," he added.

-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based)  news coverage in our Newswire service.

MITI To Complete Automotive Policy Review End Of September

August 14, 2009 12:07 PM

MITI To Complete Automotive Policy Review End Of September

By: Ramjit

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By D. Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia expects to finalise the review of its three-year-old National Automotive Policy (NAP) by end of September, taking into account various automotive policies worldwide, especially the success story of Thailand's automotive industry.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said Thailand, regarded as the "Detroit of Asia", has a good automotive policy and was much advance than Malaysia despite starting late.

"We acknowledge Thailand's strength in the industry...they started late but are now a giant in the field," he told Malaysian media after a breakfast meeting with Thailand-based Malaysian business community on the sidelines of the 41st Asean Economic Ministers Meeting here.

Mustapa, however, declined to elaborate on the possible changes in the revised policy although previous reports had stated that Malaysia wants to remove rules that protect the auto industry from foreign competition in order to boost the sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had said in May that the automotive industry in Malaysia needed to be energised and revitalised to boost investment.

When the NAP was formulated in 2006, the government reduced import taxes on most imported vehicles and lowered car prices to make Malaysia a regional auto hub but critics said there are still barriers to protect national carmakers Proton and Perodua.

Malaysia is the largest market for passenger cars in the region, with over half-a-million units sold annually.

Thailand has no national carmakers but has become home to about 14 automobile assembly plants owned by major vehicle makers, with a total production capacity of 1.2 million vehicles a year.

More than 50 per cent of its vehicle production are exported to over 100 countries annually.

It has about 300,000 people working in the industry and in five motorcycle assembly plants with a capacity of 2.5 million units annually and auto parts industry with 709 factories.

Next week, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will organise a marketing mission on automotive parts and components.

Officials from six Malaysian companies will visit autopart maker Aapico, Honda Thailand and Able Sanoh.

-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based)  news coverage in our Newswire service.

Proton R3 Malaysia Rally Team with Neo S2000 and Karamjit/Jagdev ...

Click for enlarged image

Proton officially launched its new Proton R3 Malaysia Rally Team yesterday. The team will run one of those new Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 rally cars and it will be piloted by a team that needs no introduction: Karamjit Singh and Jagdev Singh as driver and navigator respectively. The Neo recently finished 4th place at the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in Russia, driven by Guy Wilks.

“It has been quite a while but we’re now ready to return to the rally motorsports arena. With the Neo S2000 and our long time associate Karamjit, we are sure that we will put up a strong challenge in this championship. What the car has achieved thus far while still in the developmental stage has been extraordinary,” said Proton chairman Dato Mohd Nadzmi.

When asked about his thoughts on the race, Karamjit said he was concerned that his left-hand drive Proton Satria Neo S2000 has him at a disadvantage. “If the car was right-hand-drive I would be confident and able to attack. It’s a fabulous car and the tricky Stages I can handle. I just don’t feel comfortable so I’ll be taking it easy to ensure we finish,” Karamjit said after completing the reconnaissance earlier today.

Rallying has done wonders for Subaru and Mitsubishi in their brand building efforts and Proton is also using the rally scene as a platform to showcase their cars, namely the Satria Neo Super 2000. The Neo will race at the Rally of Malaysia this weekend, and will move on to Indonesia on the 3rd to 4th October and then the China Rally on the 14-15 November.

Look after the jump for some photos of the Neo S2000 on test on Malaysian soil before the official launch, and also read up my previous stories on the Neo S2000 to find out more about the rally car.

Related Posts:
Cool facts: The Proton Satria Neo S2000 Racer
MEM Satria Neo S2000 makes first rally debut
Introducing the MEM Satria Neo Super 2000
Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 enters the IRC
Satria Neo S2000 Videos

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� Import Used Car from Singapore Car Exporter Today, Prestige Auto ExportSingapore�s leading used car exporters, Prestige Auto Export, in an attempt to expand its horizons, launches its website prestigeautos.com.sg to facilitate its global customers by providing easier seaClick here to view related Website: singapore used cars exportersPublish Date: 2009-08-10

Police gun down four wanted robber-rapists

Published: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 9:36:00 AMUpdated: Tuesday August 11, 2009 MYT 2:50:13 PM Police gun down four wanted robber-rapists (Update) By STEVEN DANIEL

stevend@thestar.com.my

RAWANG: Four wanted robbers-cum-rapists were gunned down here by police early Tuesday after they charged at the cops with parang (machetes) and a sickle.

�This was a very violent group which did not hesitate to hurt and rape their victims,� Selangor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar claimed.

He said the group is strongly believed to have the been ones who broke into the home of Umno Muar division committee member Datuk Kadar Shah Sulaiman Ninam Shah on June 21.

Kadar Shah�s maid claimed she was raped by the parang-wielding men.

DCP Khalid said police received a tip-off from the public that four men in a car were behaving suspiciously near the Selayang wet market at around 6.15am.

A police team from the Selangor serious crimes division (D9) was approaching the gold Proton Waja near the market when the car sped off. Police gave chase right up to Rawang where the suspects� car took the exit onto a road heading towards Kuang at around 6.45am.

�When the suspects entered this dimly lit road (Jalan Bristol), they turned off their car lights to avoid being spotted by the pursuing cops but in the darkness, ended up crashing into a drain.

�My officers spotted them but the suspects, armed with parang and a sickle, charged at them leaving them no choice but to open fire, killing them instantly,� DCP Khalid said when met at the scene.

Police recovered three machetes, one sickle, two screwdrivers and a metal cutter. The Proton Waja is believed to have been stolen.

DCP Khalid said based on initial investigations, the same group may have been involved in a failed robbery attempt in Jinjang barely an hour earlier before looking for its next target somewhere near the Selayang area.

�This group is believed to have been involved in at least 15 robberies in the Klang Valley,� he said, adding that they were checking if this group had been involved in robberies in other states as well.

It is learnt the four men were from Indonesia and were between 22 and 39 years old. Their names are Iskandar Hasan, Lufti and Rifa�i; the identity of the remaining suspect was still being determind.

DCP Khalid said police have identified the group�s hideout and would be conducting a search to see if there are any stolen items hidden there and to find their passports to confirm their identities.

He said police believe there are still members of the gang at large and are on the lookout for them.

New Dealers Around the Country Add Strength to Proton Push

MILPERRA, AUSTRALIA- August 11, 2009: Proton has announced it's successfully recruited a number of new dealers in key regional and metropolitan areas around the country as part of its program to rebuild its national network.

The Proton dealer network is again 35 following the appointment of six new dealers across the country in the past month, while the company has accepted applications from a number of other dealers ahead of the launch in October of a new entry level car that promises to be Australia's lowest priced four door sedan.

Interest in the marque from highly accomplished dealers has been intense according to Proton Cars Australia General Manager of sales and operations, Billy Falconer.

"We have signed on new dealers in West Australia, Queensland, NSW and South Australia and we have accepted applications from a number of other dealers," said Billy Falconer.

"The company is in close discussion with another 11 dealers and I am confident we will appoint most of these outlets in the next few months, realising our goal of expanding our network to around 50 by the end of 2009," he said.

"Proton has been very careful in selecting dealers who have a genuine interest in expanding sales and helping to take Proton to the next level in Australia," he added.

"We deliberately shed under-performing dealers over the past few months to make way for high calibre operations and I feel certain we now have a much stronger, more active and capable network in key markets around the country.

"In Queensland we have appointed Reef City Motors in the booming town of Gladstone as well as Ian Boetcher Motors in Bundamba near Brisbane, strengthening our representation in our best performing state," said Billy Falconer.

"We have signed on Hunter Proton in Cessnock near Newcastle and Cowra Motors in the central west of NSW to expand our operations in the Premier State while we have added a new Adelaide metropolitan dealer with Newspot Proton opening for business in Hampstead Gardens," he added.

"Meanwhile the coastal resort town of Mandurah just south of Perth has seen the Paterson Auto Group sign on as our newest Proton dealer in WA," he said.

"There is a car park of around 25,000 Protons on Australian roads, the marque has been established here for 14 years and it is now time to take the brand to a higher level," Billy Falconer concluded.

Proton was established in 1983, and is Malaysia's largest manufacturer of automobiles. With operations in key markets including the UK, Western Europe, the Middle East and across South-East Asia and Australasia, Proton produces a range of cars from versatile and reliable four-door family sedans to sporty three-door hatchbacks and utilities, and is also the parent company of world-renowned sports car maker, Lotus.

Proton's promise is to be a marque which builds cars with passion, and soul, which are a delight to drive, and a pleasure to own.

Policeman Killed While Helping Accident Victim

August 10, 2009 21:31 PM

Policeman Killed While Helping Accident Victim

By: Ramjit

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KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- A traffic policeman and three passers-by went to the rescue of a motorist whose car had swerved off the road at the 25km stretch of Jalan Kuala Terengganu-Kuantan in Marang Sunday night.

Sadly, the motorist did not get to thank Corporal Nik Mohd Fadeli Abdul Ghani for his good deed.

In what can only be described as a freak accident, a car skidded and rammed a stationary vehicle which in turn, ploughed into Nik Mohd Fadeli and the passers-by.

The impact of the crash sent the policeman and a tow-truck driver identified only as Rosli, into a trench filled with knee-deep water.

Nik Mohd Fadeli, 48, who sustained head injuries, drowned in the trench in the incident about 11.30pm, near Kampung Alur Toman.

Rosli, in his 20s, and the two other helpers, Mohd Husain Ibrahim, 32, of Kampung Mengabang Telipot, Wan Mohd Yuzairi Ismail, 25, of Kampung Gong Beris, sustained head and body injuries.

They were warded at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital. The policeman's body was sent to its mortuary for post-mortem.

Acting Marang police chief ASP Zohan Che Seman said Nik Mohd Fadeli, of the district police headquarters traffic unit, and the injured victims were helping the driver of a Nissan Cefiro which had earlier, swerved off the road.

He said, at that juncture, a Proton Waja driven by a man, skidded and rammed into the rear of Mohd Husain's Proton Wira which he had parked by the road-shoulder to help the Nissan car driver.

"The impact (of the crash) caused the stationary Proton Wira to plough into Nik Mohd Fadeli, Rosli, Mohd Husain and Wan Mohd Yuzairi, while the Proton Waja spun out of control and rammed into another car across the road," he told reporters here Monday.

Zohan said the impact of the collision sent Nik Mohd Fadeli and Rosli into the trench where the policeman eventually drowned.

"Due to the state of panic, nobody realised that the policeman was missing until his partner found him lying face down in the trench," he added.

Meanwhile, Wan Mohd Yuzairi, who was pinned down under the Nissan car, sustained broken legs and partially-severed earlobes.

Nik Mohd Fadeli will be buried at his hometown in Pasir Putih, Kelantan.

The 36-year-old driver of the Proton Waja was remanded for four days to facilitate investigations under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transportation Act 1987.



-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based)  news coverage in our Newswire service.

Thailand: Government Under Pressure to Adjust "Green" Car Program

BANGKOK — The Thai government is being urged to review its eco-car policy following a sharp decline in vehicle sales in the key markets both in the region and in Europe, and in response to the changing priorities of the vehicle manufacturers.

The launch of the Toyota Camry and Prius hybrids in this region over the past month adds fuel to the argument. The government is under increasing pressure to draft a more integrated green-car policy covering a broader range of technologies, including hybrid, electric, and biofuel, including ethanol. There are already local efforts to develop a strong bio-fuel supply industry.

The current eco-car program, announced in 2007, seeks to establish small cars as a new export-oriented vehicle manufacturing segment in Thailand, alongside one-ton pickup trucks. Some of the original required specifications were dropped prior to the launch of the plan in response to manufacturers' demands, in favor of fuel consumption limits of 20km/l and emission levels complying with Euro IV standards.

Under the plan, the Thai government offers preferential excise tax rates of 17 percent in the domestic market, compared with the 30 percent rate applied to conventional cars, as well as duty-free machinery imports and a five year tax holiday. In return, manufacturers must achieve minimum output volumes of 100,000 units per year within five years of production.

Six companies have signed on to the eco-car program, meaning that, in theory at least, 600,000 cars will eventually be produced every year under the program. In light of the current slump in world automotive sales, vehicle manufacturers are increasingly questioning whether these targets are realistic.

There are questions as to their suitability to the Thai market, given that most sedan demand is for compact cars or larger which do not qualify for the incentives. Indonesia favors MPV-type vehicles, while Malaysia's small-car market is dominated by national car companies Proton and Perodua.

Of the six vehicle manufacturers that signed up, only Nissan looks to be on schedule to launch its eco-car early next year. Earlier this year, it announced it will include both Japan and Europe on its list of export markets.

Toyota said at the end of 2008 that it is reviewing all its investments in Thailand, including eco-car production due to start in 2012. Tata Motors' participation in the plan looks to be the most precarious, with very little sales potential in markets outside India. Its scheduled 2010 launch will inevitably be delayed, and the company recently urged the government to review the minimum production requirement.

Fearing potential delays and possible cancellations, the Thai Board of Investment extended the eco-car incentives to cuts of up to 90 percent on import duties of components and materials that are not available locally.

Suwit Khunkitti, minister of Natural Resources and Environment, last week said the government may further improve the tax incentives as a means of helping to stimulate the economy.

He told local reporters that a government panel seeking to avert delays in the eco-car program is looking into "green tax" incentives, where tax reductions are directly related to cuts in carbon emissions.

Inside Line says: More fine-tuning needed to make the solution fit the problem. — Tony Pugliese, Correspondent

Proton Satria Neo 1.6 Sport

Proton Satria Neo 1.6 Sport

Aug 9 2009 Ian Johnson

PROTON is warming up the hot hatch market with the Satria Neo.

This is the most westernised and least quirky design we have seen to date from this Malaysian manufacturer which makes the most of performance know-how from sister company Lotus engineering.

The Satria Neo is streets ahead of the old cheap and cheerful models we used to expect from Proton. Stepping up a gear in terms of image has created new challenges for this enterprising company because keeping up with the big boys in sporty hatches can be a tough learning curve and the customer can be very discerning.

Proton wanted to develop a car that boasted high-speed stability, great manoeuvrability and superior control.

So does the product tick all the boxes? In terms of high-speed stability,the answer is yes in normal road limitations. And the Satria Neo handles beautifully too with steering that is up there with the market leaders.

Where is does fall short is in low-range power. The 1.6 CamPro 16v petrol engine developed in collaboration with Lotus just does not have enough low-down oomph to really cut the mustard with the hot hatch fans. Its 0-62mph acceleration figure of 11.5 seconds does not exactly match the Lotus badge on the rear hatch.

But where the Satria Neo scores is in long range cruising. It is remarkably comfortable and the ride is is sophisticated even over rough surfaces. The Lotus input in this department is very noticable and in some ways makes this car more advanced than some more expensive competitors.

The European styling also helps this car tremendously and inside the Lotus influence shouts its presence with a leather interior on the Sport model which includes a two-tone steering wheel that looks as if it would not be out of place on something costing six figures.

What this car actually costs in its Sport version with leather interior and performance stripes is £10,995 ( £9,995 for the GSX ) which is not bad when you look at the opposition.

Proton is gaining a reputation for high standards of customer satisfaction and its dealer network is much improved. Its major stumbling block has been the company's image problem because it has never been able to completely shake of its perception as a bargain basement manufacturer. But things are getting better in terms of residual values and the Satria Neo is one of the models that is driving this company to new horizons.

FAST FACTS

Proton Satria Neo 1.6 Sport

Price: £10,995

Mechanical: 111bhp, 1,597cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 11mph

0-62mph: 11.5 seconds

Combined mpg: 42.8

Insurance group: 7

CO2 emissions: 157 g/km

BIK rating: 17%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Singapore gets first Indonesia-made Honda

By SAMUEL EE

The first Indonesian-built Honda will be launched in Singapore this weekend by authorised distributor Kah Motor. The Freed is a compact seven-seat MPV, and the cars headed here will be produced outside Jakarta, at Kawarang.

But the Made-in-Indonesia label is not new to the local automotive market - Suzuki introduced its APV multi-purpose vehicle here in mid-2005. Other Japanese models are also sourced from Asean countries, such as Thailand (Toyota Vios, Corolla Altis and Camry, as well as Honda City and Accord) and Malaysia (Proton and Perodua). For a while, starting in mid-2004, there was also a Ford Laser from the Philippines.

Because of its large manufacturing footprint, Honda has production facilities worldwide. Japan's second-biggest auto-maker began exporting cars to Singapore from other than its home base when the first Thai-made City sedan arrived here in 1996.

This was followed by an Ohio, US-sourced Accord in 1998. Then in 2003, an Accord began arriving here from Thailand. In 2007, the sporty Civic Type R from the Swindon plant in the UK made its maiden appearance in Singapore.

The Freed is a 1.5-litre mini-MPV that debuted in Japan in May 2008. A month later it became available here through parallel importers.

It is based on the Jazz Hatchback platform, but with a longer 2,795 mm wheelbase and, of course, a third row of seats. Thanks to the tall roof and low cabin floor, the last row can accommodate two average-size adults in relative comfort.

The Freed also has dual rear sliding doors. On the Kah Motor model, these are electrically powered.

Kah Motor reckons the car will be a winner. 'If you look at the success of the Jazz, with all its desirable qualities like fuel economy and manoeuvrability, then it follows that the Freed, with its convenience of a third row of seats, will also be popular,' said Kah Motor's product manager Vincent Ng.

Prices will only be announced on Friday, but the Freed is likely to cost more than the most expensive Jazz - currently the Jazz 1.5, which is priced from around $75,000.

The authorised Freed will also be dearer than the $70,000 or so that parallel importers are asking for.

In the 12 months since the Freed has been available here, about 600 units have been registered.

This story was first published in The Business Times.

Common concerns

Sunday August 9, 2009 Common concerns By DZIREENA MAHADZIR

When it comes to cars, it�s style versus substance for both men and women, we discover in part four of our six-part series on buying a car.

UNLIKE what some may think, men and women concur on many counts when it comes to buying a car.

Both sexes look for the same thing � safety, practicality and price, although the last is the determining factor. If price isn�t an issue, then looks, engine capacity, speed and luxury head the list of what they look for.

Johan Murison, an engineer who studied the different personalities of men and women for his masters degree, noted several types of car buyers.

The first type is the Driver, he says. �And I don�t mean the guy or gal behind the wheel.

�Driver buyers are very driven both in their work and personal life and are only interested in what they want and how they will get there. They are typically domineering and dictate rather than discuss options.�

The second type, Analytical, is driven by data and numbers. They are inquisitive and have a keen eye for detail.

Then there is Expressive, Murison adds. These buyers are open, talkative and very visual. They make good presenters and can clearly paint a picture with words.

Finally, there is Amiable, the easy-going, quiet types who are not fussy and go for the simpler things in life � they don�t really care what vehicle they buy.

Looking at overall mass market sales, he observes a link between the type of buyer and the car he/she goes for.

Drivers opt for status vehicles like BMW and Mercedes, while Ferraris and sport cars are typically bought by the Expressive types. Mr Analytical will pick a Volvo or Audi for performance and reliability, while Mr Amiable prefers a Ford, Proton, Nissan or Honda.

Women follow the same profiling, but when it comes to selecting the cars, certain factors come into play, Murison adds: are they single, married or divorce; do they have children; have the kids left home?

Kamil Fazrin Rauf, creative group head of Krakatua:ICOM says he looks at the wow factor (what makes a car stand out); cost (fuel, maintenance, road tax); engine performance; space (due to his job and lifestyle which means carting equipment, road travel and family) the little things (paddle shift gears, electronic seats, Ipod interface, etc) and perks (what he gets with the vehicle).

�If money wasn�t a factor, I�d go for the Volkswagen Touareg R50. If some debts were cleared and the wife won�t mind, the Volkswagen Tiguan 147TSI. If pigs could fly, the Hummer H1 and H2 to amuse my wife. If I�m being sensible, it would be the Mitsubishi Triton 2.5L.�

Aemel Nordin, managing director of a manufacturing company, says comfort and accessories (functional items like the Bluetooth Ipod) are important.

�So are engine size (it does matter) and bling like big rims, sporty looks, spoilers. Plus the perceived sex appeal the vehicle exudes. Actually, you can get all that for any price; even the Proton can be accessorised. You see it all the time.�

For women, one of the biggest gripes when choosing a car is the lack of a proper place for handbags.

I can so relate to this: why isn�t there any space for our bags? Putting one on the passenger seat would tempt someone to break the window and grab it. The floor is out, especially for expensive totes, and the glove compartment is way too small �have you seen the size of handbags today?

So how come none of the car manufacturers have come up with a solution for this?

Working mum Nora Ahmad says that she would need a car that�s low on fuel consumption. �As a mother of four who has to do the school run and errands, and drive to work, I can�t afford a guzzler.

�In fact, the Atoz, Pinto or Kancil will do just fine. For travel, the MPV can fit in the whole platoon.�

What if she did not have to consider the price or practicality?

�For personal satisfaction, it�s cruising in a convertible,� Nora says.

Rusnita Noor, a lawyer, adds: �Like everything else that I buy, my car has to look nice first � stylish, streamlined and chic. No chunky-looking vehicles. It needs to be easy to handle on the road, with everything motorised � from seats to windows (rear ones too) and anything else that needs to be adjusted. The car must also have good resale value.�

Businesswoman Farah Kassim prefers a car that�s reasonably priced and easy to maintain, plus easy access to a service centre.

�I am pretty simple when comes to choosing cars. I�d go for a Japanese model � I find them more reliable. I�ve driven continental cars before � had to drive from Kuala Lumpur to Shah Alam to get it fixed or serviced. So no more continental cars for me.�

Lawyer Ella Basir likes solid cars as her priorities are safety, and good after-sales service.

�I need to feel comfortable in a car, hence my propensity for 4WDs. I like to glare at bullying minibus drivers from their height and feel safe enough to ram potential criminals should I get cornered at a roadside. Serious.�

There you go. Men and women do look for the same things when buying a car. More or less.

> If you have questions about buying a car, go to smartwheels.com.my for tips and more information; you can also post questions at the site that will be answered by an independent car reviewer. This initiative is brought to you by Honda Malaysia.

Terry on top as third is enough

Terry on top as third is enough

4:23pm Thursday 6th August 2009

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TERRY Martin has won the 2009 SD34 Championship after finishing third overall on the Morecambe Road Rally – his best result of the year.

The Blackburn driver claimed the title with four rounds still to go, but didn't have an easy time of it on the 120-mile long event, Martin and navigator Paul Taylor went off at Curwen Hall Farm, and then lost a minute with a high-speed spin on the approach to Woodacre Ford – but still cleaned the section.

However, hopes of second place went out of the window when Taylor booked in at a control early, incurring a two-minute penalty.

The pair ended the night just under six minutes behind overall winners – and number one seeds – Steve Retchless and Iain Tullie.

They dominated the event in their Ford Escort, steering clear of the early time penalties that affected many of the 35-car field, to claim a four-minue advantage over their nearest rivals, Tim and Leigh Powley.

Early frontrunners Alex Willan and Ali Proctor took the fastest time on the Wray white section, but then retired after hitting a gatepost at Gunnerthwaite.

ANWCC 1400cc championship front-runners Paul Buckel and Steve Butler made it through Gunnerthwaite unscathed.

But they then lost an argument with a wall shortly afterwards, damaging their Vauxhall Nova and forcing instant retirement.

Garth Jones and Gruff Parry made the long trip from North Wales worthwhile by finishing an excellent fourth overall in their Nissan Micra, just three seconds ahead of Roger Powley and Max Freeman’s Proton Satria.

They had to be content with fifth place instead of second after incurring early time penalties.

Accrington garage owner Simon Boardman and new mapman Ian Rayner, taking part in his first road rally for 20 years, finished an excellent ninth overall and second semi-experts in their Proton Satria.

Rossendale rallyman Mark Yates and Niall Cook brought their Nissan Micra home in 16th place overall and fourth in class.

On her first ever road rally, Marie Bamford guided Clitheroe DMC president Dave Barritt to 21st overall and fifth in class in their Mini, three places behind clubmates Neil McCarthy and Alan Barnes’ BMW.

Organiser Ashley Hodge and his team from Morecambe Car Club laid on an excellent route through North Lancashire and Cumbria, starting and finishing at the Punch Bowl Inn at Low Bentham.

Thanks to to co-operation of local farmers and landowners, the rally also included a selection of well-known ‘whites’ including Wray, Gunnerthwaite and Woodacre.

“We are very grateful to them for allowing us to use their land,” explained Ashley.

“As some crews found out, the roads are very demanding but give the Morecambe Road Rally its unique flavour.

“We are also indebted to all the marshals and our sponsors, Mitchells of Lancaster, York Brewery, Timber Jack, Lime Tree Garage of Halton, AI Harrisons of Bentham, C&M Motors and Armstrong Builders, Bentham, without whom the event simply wouldn’t run.”

>>Results
1: Steve Retchless/Iain Tullie (Ford Escort) 2m 37s; 2: Tim Powley/Leigh Powley (Proton Satria) 6m 52s; 3: Terry Martin/Paul Taylor (Proton) 8m 31s; 4: Garth Jones/Gruff Parry (Nissan Micra) 10m 47s; 5: Roger Powley/Max Freeman (Proton Coupe) 10m 50s.

Class winners: Paul Brereton/Chris Williams (Semi Experts), Thomas Byrne/Phil Martin (Novices) Fastest Wray White Award: Alex Willan/Ali Proctor.

Best Marshal Award: Sue Murgatroyd.

An Early Arrival and New Lower cost Models to Spearhead ...

August 6th, 2009

An Early Arrival and New Lower cost Models to Spearhead Revitalised Proton Line-Up Proton Cars will now launch Australia's lowest priced sedan in October this year along with new lower cost entry variants across its entire passenger car range. The new low-cost sedan was originally slated for early 2010 but will now be brought to market four months early as part of a cost efficiency onslaught from the Malaysian car maker. The new car, based on the Malaysian Saga sedan, will have an all new name for the Australian market and will join low cost variants across all Proton passenger car models with new specifications and ultra competitive pricing, as the company continues to restructure its Australian operations. Proton's value-leading sedan will come to market with a sub-$13,000 price tag and will spearhead a range boasting extreme value for money. It will be launched initially with Proton's 1.6 litre Campro engine and five speed manual as standard with an automatic and a smaller engine option to be available from February 2010. Proton will add to its Satria Neo, Gen2 and Persona models with lower cost entry level models featuring new specifications in an effort to attract more buyers to the company's value for money proposition. The new lower cost Proton models will be introduced during November 2009 and will position Proton as an economy leader in the new car market which, along with its focus on rebuilding and refreshing its dealer network, will equip it for strong growth in 2010. Proton is continuing its recruitment of high calibre dealers to broaden the reach and service levels for customers after it severed ties with almost half its existing dealers earlier this year. Managing director of Proton Cars Australia John Startari says a combination of new specifications, improved manufacturing efficiencies and a stronger Australian dollar has allowed the company to formulate a lower pricing structure across its model range. "Along with our new price leading sedan, economy car buyers will be able to take advantage of Proton's trademark Lotus engineered handling as well as our acknowledged reliability along with lower prices right across the range," said John Startari. "Our plan is to champion the value proposition without sacrificing safety, quality and reliability and that has been particularly attractive to the new dealers who we have been recruiting," he said. "Clearly there will be new low cost brands entering the market in the coming months, however Proton's strength is that it has been in this market for close to 15 years and is a factory owned operation with the full backing of our parent company in Malaysia. Product, pricing and marketing support have received major boosts from our parent company to ensure that we have the tools to expand our market share in this country. "With a lower cost sporty Satria Neo, Gen2 and Persona as well as the entry level sedan, Proton will have a very structured range of cars with more variants covering the market from sub $13,000 to a shade over $20,000." Mr Startari reiterated the message that Proton is here to stay and has a solid base on which to build its future expansion. "Proton has already recruited a number of new dealers and they have told us that they had considered taking on other low cost brands but did not want to take the risk with brands that do not have an established record in Australia," he added. "There are more than 25,000 Protons on Australian roads and we believe we can now take the brand to a higher level," Mr Startari concluded. Proton was established in 1983, and is Malaysia's largest manufacturer of automobiles. With operations in key markets including the UK, Western Europe, the Middle East and across South-East Asia and Australasia, Proton produces a range of cars from versatile and reliable four-door family sedans to sporty three-door hatchbacks and utilities, and is also the parent company of world-renowned sports car maker, Lotus. The Proton brand is accelerating its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. Proton's promise is to be a marque which builds cars with passion and soul which are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own.

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Let more fuel-efficient cars on Malaysian roads

Thursday August 6, 2009 Let more fuel-efficient cars on Malaysian roads Making a point - By Jagdev Singh Sidhu

FROM Germany to Japan to the United States, the car industry in recent months has received huge amounts of government aid to assist people to trade in their old cars.

Cash was offered to car owners to swap their jalopies for a new, fuel-efficient car, and the economy-stimulating move was a success in the many countries where it was introduced, often lifting car sales during recessionary times.

In Germany, car sales soared as the government gave 2,500 euros to owners who sent their old vehicles to the crusher for a more fuel-efficient car.

In Japan, car buyers were given US$2,500 to trade their petrol cars for next-generation hybrid or electric cars.

Similarly in the United States, owners are given US$3,500 to US$4,500 to scrap their old petrol guzzlers for new fuel-efficient cars. That helped not only to lift sales but saw more compact cars and hybrid vehicles sold.

While these moves helped the industry and economies in those countries, a similar move in Malaysia fizzled out shortly after it started.

The anaemic response to our auto scrapping scheme in Malaysia could be due to the small amount of money being offered, up to RM5,000, which in reality represents a small fraction of the price of a new small car in Germany or the United States where the price of cars is cheaper.

Furthermore, limiting the choice of new cars to Proton and Perodua might not have helped.

Another impediment might have been the long tenure of auto loans, which now has stretched to a mind-boggling 12 years, making it prohibitive for people to send their car to the scrap heap shortly after paying off the finance company.

In fact, the reduction of taxes and duties would have done more to drive up sales.

Granted that the auto-scrapping scheme in Malaysia was not designed to drag auto sales from any deep slump as the drop in car sales in Malaysia was the smallest in this region, the use of it to promote more fuel-efficient cars and reduce public transportation�s reliance on fossil fuels should have been encouraged.

In fact, consumers should have been given a large tax break to buy the next-generation hybrid or electric cars in an effort to get more of such cars on the road.

The reasons and benefits from such a move are plenty.

A steep discount and tax breaks for fuel-efficient cars is necessary as lithium-ion batteries that power such cars are expensive and last for a period that is shorter than the shelf life of such a vehicle.

By having more fuel-efficient or electric cars, the domestic consumption of fuel drops and that will not only delay the so-called doomsday scenario when Malaysia becomes a net importer of fuel but also allows the Government to gain more revenue from the sale of petrol abroad and through the reduction of petrol subsidy.

Conserving fuel consumption domestically would also shield road users from the inevitable grim reality of skyrocketing price of fuel once true economic growth returns and helps put more disposable cash in the pockets of car owners.

Proton GEN-2 GSX ecoLogic

Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic: 'the impressive sums may just persuade some buyers who hadn't previously considered one of these Malaysian motors to take the plunge'

"Can I afford not to be driving a Proton GEN-2 ecoLogic?" That’s the question Proton suggests visitors to its website looking for information about its LPG-powered mid-range car should be asking themselves.

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is an alternative fuel that can offer significant savings for drivers of cars that normally run on petrol (as opposed to diesel) and while there are all sorts of other factors to take into account when deciding what car to buy, you'd have to say that on the numbers, it's difficult to disagree with Proton's case.

LPG conversions were quite popular a few years back because they were subsidised under the UK government's PowerShift scheme designed to encourage the use of alternative fuels. These grants were abolished in 2005, and since then, drivers have generally had to balance the cost of converting a car to run on LPG - upwards of £1600 according to UKLPG, the trade body for the British LPG sector - against the price advantage of LPG compared with petrol.

LPG prices typically lie in the 50 to 60p per litre range compared with the £1-plus that filling stations are charging for unleaded at the moment. A complicating factor is that the energy density of LPG is a little lower than that of petrol, so it delivers slightly fewer mpg, but this only offsets the price advantage of LPG to a small degree.

Anyway, it's clear that even in the absence of the previous subsidies for equipping and car to run on the fuel, LPG could offer many motorists a financial saving depending on a series of sums taking into account factors such as the cost of the LPG conversion, the period over which they expect to amortise their investment, how many miles they travel each year and so on.

But now Proton has made the maths really easy and tipped the advantage quite strongly in favour of LPG - and the customer - with the ecoLogic versions of its GEN-2. These are sold as LPG-capable cars straight from the showroom (and this is the really interesting bit) at no extra cost compared with the equivalent petrol-only GEN-2 models. Another big advantage of the ecoLogic is peace of mind; an "official" LPG conversion like this one should go a long way to assuage any doubts about the quality of the work carried out or quibbles over warranties and so on.

The only external difference between the LPG-capable GEN-2 and its petrol-only counterpart is a neatly installed second filler cap for the LPG and a small "ecoLogic" badge on the tail.

The LPG itself is stored in a round doughnut-shaped tank that sits in the spare wheel bay under the load area, so opting for the ecoLogic brings little or no penalty in terms of luggage or passenger space. A small combined LED fuel gauge/button mounted on the centre console allows the driver to switch between LPG and petrol operation on the move (the car always starts on petrol), as well as to see how much LPG is left in the tank.

Apart from the fact that it was capable of running on LPG, our test car, a mid-range GSX priced at £10,995 (a more basic version, the GLS costs £9,995), was pretty much the same to drive and to live with as the standard GEN-2.

The 1.6 litre engine isn't especially quick on paper but is subjectively lively and willing. Switching between LPG and petrol is an entirely seamless process producing no hesitation at all, and regardless of the theoretical differences between LPG and petrol in terms of energy density, octane rating and so on, most drivers will be unable to detect any change in the ecoLogic’s performance when switching between the two fuels. The GEN-2's road behaviour, as you would expect, given that Proton owns the sports-car maker Lotus, is sound.

The interior is fairly roomy and Proton has gone a long way to address the main weakness of early GEN-2s - their low-rent interiors. Over the years, beiges and browns have been edged out in favour of the dark greys Europeans tend to prefer when it comes to car interior trim but the biggest improvement has been the adoption of leather trim as standard on the GSX until the end of September 2009 (normally it costs an extra £1,000), which must surely make it by far the cheapest car on the market to provide this sort of luxury. Apart from the abundance of red piping, which feels like the result of Proton trying just a little bit too hard, the result is very agreeable.

Some of the switchgear and surfaces still lag a bit behind the best, but owners can always console themselves that any residual flimsiness might just be the result of Lotus engineers' congenital inability to add weight to their cars (motto: "add lightness").

So, in all, the impressive sums may just persuade some buyers who hadn’t previously considered one of these Malaysian motors to take the plunge, provided they get to hear about it in the first place, of course - Proton's promotion of these cars has been a bit low-key. Of course, it could be argued that going diesel might produce similar savings in terms of fuel costs - and the lack of a diesel engine in its line-up is probably one of the reasons Proton went the LPG route. But the market isn't exactly awash with diesels with prices that start at less than ten grand, and which deliver near-Golf-like space. We are now running an extended test of the ecoLogic in order to assess the precise advantages it provides in terms of running costs, and will bring you the results within the next few weeks.

Car stats

Price: £10,995

Engine: 1.6 litre petrol/LPG

Power: 110 horsepower

Transmission: five-speed manual

Top speed: 118 mph

Acceleration: 0-62mph, 12.6 seconds

Fuel consumption: 39.8mpg (combined cycle, running on petrol)

CO2 emissions: 170g/km (running on petrol)

Expert says great deals on used cars

Expert says great deals on used cars

August 04, 2009

USED Car Expert magazine says popular new buys mean lots of supply on the used market, which makes for cheap prices and great deals. But what if you want something different? Three minor-market, high-priced when new cars to consider, says magazine editor Matt Tumbridge, are: PROTON Gen-2 - "Small family car which is fine to drive, looks quite smart and, being a Proton, is a good-value buy, especially when this model is a couple of years old," states Tumbridge. Used Car Expert prices a 2007 1.6 GL with average mileage of 9,300 at £5,350. DAIHATSU Materia - "A much more practical car than it looks, it is great fun and far more interesting than other small MPVs - but not as cheap as you'd imagine," warns Tumbridge. Used Car Expert prices a 2007 Materia with just 8,000 miles on the clock at £7,000. FIAT Stilo - "Roomy, good value and cheap. Not popular new, it was often heavily discounted by showrooms, and that trend continues on the used market. They all get lots of standard equipment, and petrol power is the best value," says Tumbridge. Used Car Expert prices a 2007 1.6 Dynamic with average mileage at £5,500.

Lotus Cars USA reveals supercharger kit for the Elise and Exige

Proton-owned and UK-based sports car maker Lotus, has revealed a supercharger kit for the Lotus Elise and the Lotus Exige models, for the US and Canadian markets. Announced by Lotus’ US division, the supercharger kit basically uses the same supercharger and intake manifold unit as fitted to a production Elise SC and can be installed on any naturally aspirated Elise or Exige powered by the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine.

Along with the supercharger and the intake manifold, there is also new high-flow fuel injectors and a re-programmed engine management control unit. Overall, power can be increased to 218HP, up from 189HP. Torque figure would also be rated at 155 ft.-lbs, instead of 133 ft.-lbs, and furthermore, the 155 figure is achieved at 5,000 revs rather than at 6,800 revs. The kit is available for purchase and installation at all authorized Lotus dealers in the US and Canada. Continue reading to view more images.

Related Stories:

A1GP News Update

London, August 3, 2009: As the momentum continues to build ahead of Season Five of A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, Dutch fans are about to get their glimpse of the A1GP Powered By Ferrari car in Assen where the series will race for the first time on 14-16 May 2010.

The Dutch, who have proved one of the most enthusiastic and loyal set of fans, will be able to see the car of A1 Team Netherlands at the annual Rizla Racing Day at the world famous TT Circuit Assen on Sunday 9 August.

The event provides a unique atmosphere for race fans who get free access to the finest grand stands and enjoy a full day’s car, motorcycle and superkart racing and stunts.

A1 Team Australia’s John Martin, the driver most likely to be in the Australian cockpit for the Nitro SuperGP this October, took victory in the Superleague Formula event at Donington Park in Britain yesterday (2 August).

Martin won the finale event for the top six of the weekend, which is held between the top three from the two races held over the weekend with Martin qualifying for the race via a second place. The victory was British team Glasgow Rangers maiden Superleague Formula victory.

A1 Team Australia seat holder Alan Jones said he was pleased to see Martin take the win as the countdown to this October’s Nitro SuperGP continues.

“John is certainly fulfilling the expectations which we have all had of him,” said Jones.

“He is proving that he is getting better and better and stronger as a driver, and the miles he is doing in Europe and these wins will help his confidence and of course bode well for his next outing in the A1 Team Australia car.”

The Nitro SuperGP is produced through a partnership between the Queensland Government and IMG - tickets for this year’s event are on sale now through Ticketek.

For all the latest ticket information visit the event’s website www.SuperGP.com. From a one day General Admission ticket to a four-day Platinum Grandstand seat, the Nitro SuperGP has ticket options to suit every style and pocket. See www.SuperGP.com for all ticketing information, terms and conditions and prices.

At the last round of the Firestone Indy Lights series, the Firestone Indy Lights Grand Prix of Edmonton (25 July), A1 Team USA’s J.R. Hildebrand took his third win of the season to remain out in front in the championship standings.

"We were running our own pace and I think the other guys started to fall off a little bit,” said Hildebrand. “I was just trying to run the same lap time from start to end and the car came to me a little bit as the tires went off, so I didn't have to take too many risks to accomplish that. We were able to bring home another win. It's a great circuit. It keeps you on your toes from top to bottom and front to back. I'm happy for the guys. We had a frustrating weekend at Toronto, but everyone did a great job this weekend."

A1GP pit lane commentator James Hinchcliffe finished fourth, his fifth top-five finish of the season.

Several Firestone Indy Lights competitors also paid tribute to Formula 2 driver Henry Surtees, the son of former A1 Team Great Britain principal John Surtees, with a memorial decal on their cars.

The idea was sparked by British drivers Martin Plowman and Pippa Mann, who knew the 18-year-old who died following an accident while racing at Brands Hatch, England on 19 July.

Earlier this month Hinchcliffe claimed his fourth third-place finish this season at his home event, the Honda Indy Toronto on the streets of Toronto, 12 July. Hildebrand finished second behind Sebastian Saavedra.

Current A1GP World Champion Ireland’s star driver Adam Carroll is also continuing to be sought after as he decides what the future holds for him. He spent last weekend in Hungary putting his talents to good use acting as driver coach to iSport’s Giedo van der Garde. The Dutchman went on to score his maiden GP2 Series win in Sunday’s sprint race at the Hungaroring after finishing 7th in Saturday’s race.

The 26-year-old racer from Northern Ireland is naturally seeking a move to Formula 1 or IRL for 2010 and has recently been rumoured to be linked to a drive with the newly created Manor Grand Prix.

A1 Team Malaysia helped keep visitors entertained at the Indonesia Motorshow in Jakarta this week with the team’s race simulator appearing on the Proton stand. A1 Team Malaysia has a close relationship with commercial partner, Proton, who were at the show for the international launch of the new Proton Exora MPV vehicle.

The team’s simulator has proved to be a popular vehicle on the Proton stand with team member Tomy Mathen George, on hand to help the budding A1GP drivers get to grips with the challenge of driving a highly sophisticated racing car. George has also been kept busy giving stand visitors more information on A1 Team Malaysia and the A1GP Series.

Mathen George says of his trip to the Indonesia Motor Show in Jakarta, “There has been plenty of interest in our team and no shortage of people wanting to try their hand at driving a racing car. I think it has been a very worthwhile addition to the Proton display and has encouraged visitors to take a closer look at the Proton range of cars. I’ve enjoyed meeting many fans of the team and I hope that they will be supporting us in the next season of racing which starts again later this year.”

A1 Team Malaysia has proudly displayed the Proton logo on its race car and team uniforms since the launch of the A1GP Series in 2005. Since this time the team has supported Proton at many events, including drivers participating in a launch at the Australian Motor Show.

Owen Leed, Commercial Director, A1 Team Malaysia explains, “We are always keen to add value to our commercial partnerships and our presence at this Motor Show with the team’s simulator is a very appropriate marketing opportunity for both the team and Proton. We can draw visitors to the Proton stand with our interactive display chassis, while also promoting the car manufacturer’s links with our international racing team, which represents Malaysia in the nation versus nation championship.”

Arabian knights

By Christopher Tan

The most sensational automotive news last month was not General Motors and Chrysler going broke.

As significant as that was, it was no more surprising than the sun rising from the east.

It was not even the headline-hogging Chinese vehicle market, which posted another double-digit growth in sales to 6.1 million units in the first half.

That the juggernaut would overtake the American market, and by a convincing 27 per cent in the first six months, was also a matter of time.

The earth-shaking news was how Volkswagen, the world's third-largest vehicle group owned by two of Europe's proudest families, ended up being partly in the hands of a tiny Gulf state.

The story started four years ago, when Porsche bought into VW to prevent the company, its biggest parts supplier and manufacturing partner, from being acquired by others.

Well, the stake got bigger and bigger and Porsche eventually launched a takeover of the behemoth. With little surprise, that failed.

VW then turned the tables and swallowed the sports-car maker.

The tale had all the ingredients of a good soap opera, with the heirs of Ferdinand Porsche assuming crucial behind-the-scene roles.

In the final act, Porsche chief Wendelin Wiedeking was paid €50 million (S$103 million) to resign.

The sum, which makes ex-GM chief Rick Wagoner's severance of US$10 million (S$14.3 million) seem paltry, could have been €140 million had labour representatives not objected.

To be fair, it was not all Mr Wiedeking's doing.

If he was responsible for saddling Porsche with billions in debt from the failed takeover, he was also credited with turning it from near bankruptcy in the 1990s into one of the most profitable carmakers.

And he has pledged half his payout to charity.

The upshot of the saga?

A sizeable portion of VW has landed in foreign hands.

Qatar, which acquired VW stock options from Porsche earlier, will now hold 17 per cent in the enlarged VW Group, making it its thirdlargest shareholder.

About 50 per cent of the company remains in the hands of the Piech and Porsche families, while the German state of Lower Saxony has 20 per cent.

Who knows, Qatar might acquire more of VW.

The kingdom's coup is yet another piece of an emerging jigsaw that features more Middle Eastern interest in the world's top car brands.

Abu Dhabi's ruling al-Nahyan family owns 5 per cent of Ferrari.

The United Arab Emirates owns 9.1 per cent of Daimler.

Kuwait, Daimler's other Gulf owner, holds a 6.9 per cent stake.

Kuwait also owns 50 per cent of Aston Martin.

And Abu Dhabi's investment arm Aabar has a 4 per cent stake in US electric-car maker Tesla.

It is interesting to note that the one region in the world without a car-making industry, and one which is oil-rich, is now part-owner of some of the most enticing marques.

The lesson in the whole VW-Porsche affair? Never bite off more than you can chew.

Two other pieces of automotive news emerged last month.

While nowhere as intriguing as the David-Goliath tale gone awry in Germany, they are noteworthy in the local context.

First, VW Group Singapore managing director Olaf Duebel ended his six-year stint here last month.

He has returned to Wolfsburg to lead a new engineering unit that focuses on hybrid and electric cars.

His successor has not been named.

Second, Mr Mark Choong, chairman of Toyota and Hino distributor Borneo Motors, retired yesterday after 30 years in the Inchcape group.

He leaves the firm in the hands of managing director Koh Ching Hong, marketing director Klaus Redomske and finance director David Colwell.

The final bit of news has to do with Proton launching the Exora, its first MPV in its 26-year history.

It is a sombrely styled car powered by a 1.6- litre engine with a four-speed gearbox.

That Proton has lost much ground to fellow national carmaker Perodua on its home turf highlights its fading appeal.

The only appealing thing about the Exora is its $58,000 price, which makes it $11,000 cheaper than something like the Kia Carens MPV.

The Korean car, however, has a higher residual value.

Back home, Proton has recently been trying to sell part of its struggling business to foreign investors.

Perhaps a Middle Eastern emirate will come a-knocking? Fat chance.

christan@sph.com.sg

Exora to boost Proton sales in Asean

(From left) Proton Holdings Bhd chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, Ambassador of Malaysia to Indonesia, Datuk Zainal Abidin Zain and Proton Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamad Tahir give the thumbs-up at the launch of the Proton Exora MPV at the Indonesia International Motorshow 2009 in Jakarta on July 24. Now Proton is keen for a partner and wants to introduce the Exora in China and Iran next year.

�We can launch in the Philippines and Vietnam today if we want but we want to wait for them to subscribe to CEPT. If we sell now, our products may not be competitive because of the tax structure,� he said.

Syed Zainal said Proton may introduce the Exora in China and Iran next year.

To date, the national car maker has a presence in 24 markets, including New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, China, Iran and Britain.

Syed Zainal said Proton was studying the possibility of introducing the MPV in Britain.

�Britain has strict regulations. Exora meets the Euro 4 standard but Europe is already implementing Euro 5,� he said. The standard defines the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of vehicles.

�We need to improve on the Exora if we want to penetrate the British market, which is also contracting. We are still studying the viability of penetrating the market.�

In Indonesia, the MPV segment makes up about 60% of the total automotive market. Proton has been present in the country since March 2007 and has been selling six models since, including the Saga, Savvy, GEN.2 and Waja.

Given that Proton�s earlier models could only tap about 40% of Indonesia�s total automotive market, Syed Zainal is optimistic that the Exora would offer more growth opportunities to the national carmaker.

Proton currently commands a 3.4% share of the Indonesian automotive market. Syed Zainal said the company had not set a target market share.

�We want to be focused on having sustainable growth. I think that is more important. When you are obsessed with targets you tend to lose sight of what you want to achieve in the long term.

�To grow steadily, we must continue to expand our network, improve our product and branding initiatives. So far, we have made improvements, but there is still a lot of work to be done,� he said. � By Eugene Mahalingam

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