Proton Gen.2 To Be Assembled In Iran

TEHRAN, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd's Gen.2 model will be assembled in Iran from April 2009 in a deal with a local partner.

Proton and Zagross Khodro inked an agreement here Tuesday for the supply of automotive parts that allows the latter to assemble the Gen.2 through a completely-knocked-down (CKD) arrangement at its assembly plant in Borujerd city, southwest of Iran.

The signing was witnessed by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who is on a four-day official visit to Iran.

Currently, Proton is exporting completely-built-up (CBU) Gen.2 to this country of over 70 million people.

This is the third of a series of agreements aimed at enabling Zagross, Proton's sole distributor in Iran, to assemble the Gen.2.

Signing the dotted line for Proton was its managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir while Zagross was represented by its managing director, Siroos Gholami.

Also present were Proton chairman Datuk Mohammed Azlan Hashim and Zagross chairman Dariush Gholami.

The previous two agreements were on licensing and technical assistance and purchase of equipment.

"This agreement signifies Proton's continued commitment to the vast Iranian market and is part of its overall export market strategy," said Mohammed Azlan.

He also disclosed that Proton, Malaysia's first car manufacturer, would open an office in Iran in March 2009.

With the CKD operation in Iran, Proton will be able to price its cars more competitively in the local market and more importantly improve on its after-sales service in the country, the company said in a statement.

The collaboration between Proton and Zagross began in 2001 when the latter became the sole assembler and distributor of the Proton Wira in this Islamic republic.

Zagross had previously imported CBU units of Proton cars into Iran, a market viewed as a potential for Proton in view of its large population.

Established in 1996, Zagross is the largest private automotive company in Iran with the capability of selling 50,000 cars a year.

Source : BERNAMA [Read more!]

Perodua NAUTICA 4WD - Review

Perodua NAUTICA 4WD
The new Nautica SUV which was launched mid of year 2008 signals a new phase in the evolution of Perodua. This is the first time that Perodua is not building its own model and instead importing it as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from Japan, a move that critics say is a departure from its original mission and also not appropriate for a national car company.

Perodua estimates that the successor to the Kembara would draw about 200 buyers a month at most and while making 2,400 units a year locally is possible, the question is whether it will be worth the investment and whether it will be a CKD assembly approach or manufacturing (which means stamping body panels). There are companies which do assemble less than 3,000 units a year but their plants are geared towards smaller volumes than what Perodua today produces.
The first thing most people will remark is that the Nautica looks like the Toyota Rush and yes, it is a shorter version. From various conversations with Perodua, Daihatsu and Toyota engineers, the Daihatsu BeGo/Terios from which the Nautica is derived is the ‘standard’ wheelbase model and Toyota adapted the platform to use for the Rush for Asean in order to get a 3-row SUV (and also uses the same platform for the Avanza).

Dimensional differences are therefore visually noticeable since the Rush has to accommodate three rows of seats. The wheelbase is almost 100 mm longer while the body is about 300 mm longer but the width is the same for both models. However, Perodua’s marketing people do not regard the Rush as a direct rival since that is aimed at a more family-oriented target group which needs a 7-seater. So if it is not competing with the Rush, then the Nautica is actually in a segment on its own as other 2-row SUVs are larger and cost more with the exception of the Chery Tiggo from China.
The Nautica has a 1.5-litre (1495 cc) DVVT petrol engine with a DOHC, 16-valve aluminium cylinder head and cast iron block. This is the largest engine now offered by Perodua as the Rusa van, which had a 1.6-litre engine, is no longer in production.

The compression ratio of the engine is around 10.0:1 but it is tuned to run on RON92 petrol without problems. In this state of tune, it produces 80 kW/108.8 bhp of power at 6000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. DVVT, the variable valve-timing mechanism, enhances driveability throughout the rev range which, in turn, helps in fuel economy and promotes more complete combustion for less toxic emissions. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available but the drivetrain is a full-time 4WD, like the Kembara’s. The use of 4WD in small models is not new in Japan and many of the manufacturers have provided it as a means to improve stability on slippery surfaces like ice and snow, and not for off-road capability. Thus the 4WD in the Nautica is essentially a ‘mild’ system that will come in useful on wet roads and also for casual off-road driving. Don’t expect it to perform like a Toyota Land Cruiser just because it has 4WD and in any case, the Dunlop Grandtrek tyres (215/65R16) are not intended for extreme conditions.

Moving inside the Nautica, it will be immediately evident that it is very different from the Kembara. The earlier SUV was small and the cabin was compact but the Nautica offers a lot more space with its wider body. Those who felt the Kembara’s seating made them too ‘intimate’ with their passengers will be pleased with the extra elbow room and also the larger seats. The driver’s seating position is high, like in the Kembara, something which was a major reason for many people buying the SUV.
Whether the Malaysian public will accept a Perodua that costs RM89,900 remains to be seen and it really depends on the strength of the brand image today. Much has gone into brand building in recent years to try to get away from the cheap image that it started off with and make it a brand of choice. Given the serious and consistent efforts to raise build quality and after-sales service, Perodua has succeeded to some extent.

The Nautica will be a good test of how Malaysians regard Perodua today and besides that, by offering a model at this price will enable the company to more easily adjust its prices later on if and when the government decides to remove all special privileges for national carmakers and their prices will need to be revised upwards.

Perodua NAUTICA 4WD [Read more!]

2009 Mazda RX-8 Overview

2009 Mazda RX-8
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is weird. Its body style? Weird. Its engine? Weirder. Its styling? Yep, that's pretty strange too. Since its introduction five years ago, the RX-8 has served as an automotive asterisk.

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is a four-seat coupe with a pair of rear-hinged "suicide" doors that ease access to the backseats. There are four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and R3. The base Sport features 18-inch wheels and performance tires, a rear lip spoiler (manual transmission models only), air-conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, full power accessories and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Touring trim adds a limited-slip rear differential, xenon headlights, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an in-dash six-CD changer.

The rear-wheel-drive Mazda RX-8 is powered by a 1.3-liter rotary engine. The engine's output depends on the transmission selected. Models with the six-speed automatic (with paddle shifters) receive 212 hp and a redline of 7,500 rpm. The six-speed manual version has 232 hp and an atmospheric redline of 9,000 rpm. All RX-8 engines produce a rather meager 152 pound-feet of torque.

Although generally quick by most measures, acceleration is hardly impressive for a sports car. In our tests, a manual-equipped RX-8 went from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds. Fuel economy is unimpressive at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

Although the 2009 Mazda RX-8 has the look of a race-tuned sports car, its demeanor on the road is considerably more docile. There's plenty of grip in the corners and solid feedback through the steering wheel, but a compliant ride means that it won't beat you up on the daily commute. The rotary engine requires high engine speeds to make serious power, but the delivery is virtually vibration-free and noise levels are subdued. If you like a smooth engine (in feel, sound and delivery), there's none smoother. Overall, the RX-8 is one of the best examples of a car that's both fun to drive and very livable on a day-to-day basis -- just be prepared to pay at the pump.
2009 Mazda RX-8 [Read more!]

Watch your back!

FANCY seeing this in your rear view mirror?

That’s a distinct possibility now that the police have taken delivery of 25 units of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Better known as the Evo X in some markets, Mitsubishi’s World Rally Championship-inspired high-performance car is as mean as they come. With a 2.0-litre turbocharged Mivec engine pumping out 295bhp, sports suspension and a tarmac gripping all-wheel drive system, suffice to say that the Lancer Evolution has enough blistering pace and sure-footedness to pin down any throttle-happy felons.

According to the Bukit Aman public relations department, the cars will carry the police livery and be equipped with communications and siren systems, and could be deployed for high-speed pursuits or even as VIP escorts. The police version will be a five-speed manual.

Besides Malaysia, the current Evolution model is also used by the police in Japan and Australia as high-speed interceptors.

Pardon the pun but it’s a copping fast car that the Mat Keretas will have to be on the lookout for now. And it looks like the men in uniform will be having some fun. [Read more!]

2009 Honda Accord Coupe

The Accord has been fully redesigned for the 2008 model year. This model is bigger than previous Accord models and boasts better engine performance without any loss of fuel efficiency. It's available as a midsize coupe or sedan and a variety of trim levels to suit almost any buyer's needs. Entry-level LX models have the basic necessities while top-line EX-L models feature items like leather upholstery and an optional navigation system. All models come with a fully array of safety equipment, including side curtain airbags and stability control.

As has been the case with the past few generations of the Accord, the newest eighth-generation model comes with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine makes 177 horsepower; an upgraded version of this engine makes 190 hp. For more power, a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 is available. The four-cylinder engine has a five-speed manual transmission as standard and a five-speed automatic as optional. The V6 typically comes with a five-speed automatic, though V6-equipped coupes are available with a six-speed manual.

In reviews, we've found the latest Honda Accord continues to excel as a family sedan or midsize coupe. The interior is very roomy and high in quality, though some might take issue with the car's multitude of buttons on the dash. As a response to some Accords of the past, the latest model is a bit sportier to drive. We wouldn't call the Accord a sport sedan exactly, but this newfound agility is a desirable addition to the usual Accord strengths of safety, reliability and comfort.

[Read more!]

Mazda Biante special editions launched in Japan

Japan must be rather big on year-end specials, or is it because of the need to clear stocks? Another Mazda vehicle that gets a limited/special/etc edition treatment is the Mazda Biante, which has two special editions - a Mazda Biante Limited Edition and a Mazda Biante NAVI Special.

The Mazda Biante 20S Limited Edition is based on the 20S but gets extra equipment such as leather on the steering wheel, dual power sliding doors and a keyless entry and start system. The Mazda Biante 20CS Limited Edition is based on the 20CS grade and gets HID headlamps, cleanable seats and leather on the steering wheel.

The Mazda Biante 20 NAVI Special is limited to 800 units and as you can probably guess from its name, adds a navigation system. This takes the previously mentioned Biante 20S Limited Edition with the power doors and etc and adds a Mazda G-BOOK Alpha-compatible HDD navigation system, that also has features such as parking assist with front, side and rear guide monitors, a DVD and CD player, an analog TV tuner with printed antenna, Bluetooth hands-free, and steering-wheel audio controls.

Has anyone seen the Biante in grey import showrooms in Malaysia yet? Given the popularity of the Toyota Alphard, it would seem Malaysians like tall roof MPVs as well.

Source : Paultan.org [Read more!]

GM puts Volt engine plant on hold

General Motors, anxiously conserving cash so it can keep operating into 2009, said on Wed it would halt construction of a plant tied to one of its most important projects while the automaker awaits a Washington bailout.

GM said it is putting the brakes on the construction of a factory in Flint, Michigan, set to make 1.4l engines for the Chevrolet Cruze and the Chevy Volt plug-in electric car.

It's just one more effort by GM to hold on to every penny possible as it speeds closer to the day when the 100-year-old industrial giant won't be able to pay its bills.

The company has been scaling back just about everywhere - shutting down vehicle production, ending sports sponsorships, turning off escalators and even cutting back on office supplies - to stay afloat.
GM is seeking up to US$18bil in government loans as it tries to survive the worst US auto sales environment in 26 years. It says it needs US$4bil before this year runs out.

GM board member Kent Kresa told The Associated Press last week that the company might make it into the early part of the first quarter, depending on auto sales, yet GM has several billion dollars worth of supplier payments due shortly after the first of the year, and analysts have said the company probably doesn't have the cash to pay them.

GM announced plans in Sept for the new engine plant in Flint, 50 miles northwest of Detroit, and said production would begin in 2010. But the company is delaying the purchase of big-ticket items needed to build the factory, such as structural steel, spokeswoman Sharon Basel said.

The plant's engines will extend the range of the rechargeable Volt, GM's high-profile next-generation vehicle that will be able to travel 40 miles on electricity alone. They will also power the Cruze, GM's new small car that is supposed to get around 40mpg.

Basel said Volt and Cruze development will continue as scheduled and the company still plans to bring them to showrooms in 2010. The construction delay, she said, may be temporary until the company figures out its cash situation.

"Everything that involves heavy cash outlays obviously is under review," Basel said. "Our intent is to still go forward with a new facility bringing that engine to Flint."

Meanwhile, GM has held off many large expenditures, such as the steel for the Flint plant, Basel said."Those are huge cash outlays, and we don't have the cash," she said.

Basel said there is plenty of time to build the factory, install equipment and get it up and running in time to produce engines for the two new cars. The company already makes the 1.4l engine at a plant in Austria, she said, giving it another option for engines.

"We have lots of options. The construction of the new plant is not going to interrupt our plans for the Volt or Cruze," Basel said.

Work will continue as scheduled on the Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant, which will make the Cruze starting in mid-2010, said GM spokesman Chris Lee. The company has not formally announced where the Volt will be built, although the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant was identified in the 2007 contract with the United Auto Workers. Lee said Volt production remains on schedule for later in 2010.

GM said in Sept it would invest US$370mil in the new factory, which will employ 330 hourly and salaried workers and allow the company to double its global production of smaller engines by 2011. The plant will have 300 flexible work stations that will let GM build different four-cylinder engines without retooling.

The United Auto Workers union agreed that new hires for the plant would be paid US$14 per hour, about half the wages of a current UAW worker. It also agreed to a new flexible pact with GM that lets workers do multiple jobs.

The new factory brings the prospect of more jobs to an industrial city hard hit by auto job losses. GM's nearby Flint Engine North plant closed in Aug. - AP

Source : Star-motoring.com

[Read more!]

All-New City Model Set To Boost Honda Malaysia Sales Despite Economic Slowdown

2009 All New Honda City

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The All-New Honda City 1.5 sedan is expected to boost Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd sales in 2009 with 18,000 units targeted to be sold in the first year of its launch despite the current global economic slowdown.

Managing director/chief executive officer, Atsushi Fujimoto, said the company was confident of achieving the target in view of the positive growth in the local motor vehicle market.

"We are looking to sell 1,500 units a month. The market here is much better than in Europe, the US and Japan which are facing a slowdown in their car industry," he told reporters after the launch of City here on Wednesday.

Fujimoto said Malaysia's economy was not badly affected by the current crisis.

"Malaysia has a safe and stable financial system. Honda Malaysia will not call for any retrenchment and cut its operation," he said.

The All-New City model is the third generation Honda City.

It is available in two variants. The City grade S sells at RM84,980 (on-the-road price with insurance) and the grade E at RM89,980.

The grade S offers essential features of the All-New City while the grade E variant offers additional features such as paddle shift, rear reclining seat, rear underseat tray and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The City is powered by the new i-VTEC engine and is the first in the 1.5-litre sedan segment to come with the five-speed automatic gear transmission.

Honda City was first introduced in 1996 in response to the growing needs and want for cars among Asians in tandem with the economic growth in the region.

It has become a strategic model for Honda following the Civic, Accord, CR-V and Jazz, with cumulative sales passing one million units as at late May this year.

Source : BERNAMA

2009 All New Honda City [Read more!]

The all-new Honda City unveiled

Honda Malaysia today unveiled the third-generation Honda City compact sedan in Kuala Lumpur.

The all-new City comes with numerous firsts in its class, combining style, performance and practicality, but more on that as you read on.

There are two variants available, these being tagged Grade E and Grade S. The Grade E comes with additional paddle shifters, rear reclining seats with an underseat tray and 16-inch sport alloy wheels.

Exterior style-wise, the City adopts what Honda calls an ‘Arrowshot Form’ design outlook from end-to-end. Strikingly, the front end resembles a transformable robot from an animated movie, whilst the tail lamps look very much like those found on the BMW 3-Series.

The i-DSI block is history, so the new City goes about its business with a single powerplant choice, this being a newly-developed four-cylinder 1.5l i-VTEC engine which pushes out 120bhp at 6,000rpm and 145Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. Compliant with Euro 4 level emission standards, the City is deemed the most powerful compact sedan in the market to date.
The advanced i-VTEC engine is now mated with a five-speed automatic transmission with Shift Hold Control and is the first in its class. Gone too is the CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) gearbox, an omission brought about by the rougher style of driving encountered here, according to surveys carried out by Honda Japan’s R&D division.

Compensating for the absence of a manual transmission gearbox (a five-speed manual is available in both Thailand and Singapore) are the paddle shifters in the Grade E, which provides the driver with a sportier means of changing gears.

The steering wheel is now of the tilt and telescopic type, and the footrest is now wider as the accelerator and brake pedals have been shifted more to the right. The car comes with EPS (Electric Power Steering), and safety comes in the form of dual SRS airbags and front seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Stopping power is reinforced with ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), while BA (Brake Assist) amplifies the driver’s foot force with minimal pedal input.

Entertainment for the occupants inside the City is provided by an advanced audio system that is compatible with MP3 players, iPod, USB memory or a mobile hard disk drive. In the Grade E variant, you get a six-speaker system with steering wheel audio controls, while the Grade S makes do with a four-speaker arrangement.

The all-new City does not compromise in rear passenger convenience with a fold-down armrest that also houses integrated cup holders.

Another first in its class, the City’s rear trunk is able to contain a whopping 506l of cargo, which is equivalent to being able to store four nine-inch-wide golf bags.

As mentioned, the Grade E’s rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split configuration for extended luggage carrying capacity, and is fitted with an underseat tray to stow away wet umbrellas or footwear.

There are a total of five colours to choose from – Alabaster Silver Metallic, Bold Beige Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, and new colours Crystal Black Pearl and Deep Lapis Blue Metallic. Unfortunately, a striking signature colour called Habanero Red Pearl, as well as a very pretty Tafetta White, is not available.

The Honda City is manufactured in Malaysia, with 30% of the parts sourced locally, including the seats and instrument panel, while the rest are from Japan.

According to Atsushi Fujimoto, managing director of Honda Malaysia, the previous City was still doing quite well into the end of its run, having registered a total sales volume of 8,000 units from Jan to Nov this year. With the arrival of the new one, Honda Malaysia is targeting to sell about 1,500 units of the new City on a monthly basis, and pre-launch bookings have been brisk, with more than 1,500 orders to date - as of launch time, the waiting period is a month, though that is surely to change if more orders come about.

The City rolls in at RM84,980 for the Grade S and RM89,980 for the Grade E (both on the road, with insurance) and comes with a three-year warranty or 100,000km and six months free service or 10,000km, whichever comes first.

A Modulo accessories package is available to spruce up the City’s exterior, and this consists of front, side, rear and trunk spoilers, all for an additional RM4,750.

Source : Star-motoring.com [Read more!]

Honda To Quit Formula One, Citing Global Financial Crisis

TOKYO, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Honda will withdraw from Formula One by the end of this year, citing deteriorating business conditions due to the global financial turmoil and the worldwide economic downturn.

"Near-term uncertainty surrounding the global economy continues to grow and we expect recovery to take some time," President Takeo Fukui of Honda Motor Co., Japan's second-largest automaker, was quoted by Kyodo News Agency as saying Friday.

"It was a very difficult decision," Fukui said.

Source : Bernama [Read more!]

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Fusion Hybrid uses an evolution of the powertrain in the Escape Hybrid, and it promises to be the most fuel-efficient mid-size hybrid sedan, besting the hybrid versions of the Chevy Malibu, Saturn Aura, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry, while falling short of smaller fuel-sippers like the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

Like the hybrid Escape, the Fusion uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, modified to run on the more efficient-but somewhat less powerful-Atkinson cycle. The Fusion, however, has its own specific continuously variable automatic transmission, its own electric motor, and its own lithium ion battery pack. The system's total combined power output is 191 hp, which is enough to provide decent acceleration. Ford says the Fusion Hybrid is able to run in engine-off, pure-EV mode at speeds up to 47 mph, but that doesn't mean the engine only starts up once you reach 48 mph. Trying to accelerate to 47 mph in EV mode would take an eternity (and likely enrage the line of drivers behind you). In truth, engine assistance is needed for all but the most glacial acceleration. But the fuel frugal needn't worry too much that they're slurping the world's oil reserves, since Ford's hybrid system engineers advise that the most economical driving is done by accelerating normally-using the gasoline engine-then backing out of the throttle, getting the car quickly into EV mode. Under those circumstances, yes, you can go as fast as 47 mph without aid of the gasoline engine, depending on the batteries' state of charge. That is, until you encounter an uphill grade.

In order to help would-be hyper-milers, the Fusion Hybrid has its own unique instrument cluster, in which the speedometer is flanked with several LCD color displays that help the driver keep tabs on the unique powertrain and monitor his all-important mpg. One can select from four different settings (called inform, enlighten, engage, and empower) to choose how much info is displayed. The most advanced setting not only shows when you're in EV mode but also how close you are to the threshold, whereby you'll slip out of it and wake the engine. This works far better than a simple EV indicator to help you maximize EV time (and hence fuel economy). For those who do well, another part of the display shows an image of a vine, which grows a bit larger after every three-minute segment in which you're driving efficiently. Stomping on the gas should cause it to wither and die, but that doesn't happen.

Within the Fusion family the Hybrid is its own trim level, perched just above the SEL. Pricing is not yet available, but we expect that the hybrid premium over a four-cylinder SEL will be roughly the same as that of the hybrid Escape, which should put a Fusion Hybrid in the mid-$25,000 range. Sure, at the moment, gas is cheap again, but does anyone think it will stay that way? When prices shoot back up, the $3000 or so extra you'd spend on a hybrid Fusion will likely seem well worth it for this combination of exceptional economy, acceptable performance, and a high degree of livability.

Source : automobilemag.com

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Read more!]

Petrol and diesel down 10 sen

PETALING JAYA: Petrol and diesel prices have been slashed by another 10 sen effective today.

The price of RON97 petrol is now RM1.80, while RON92 is selling at RM1.70 a litre.

The pump price of diesel is now RM1.70 a litre.

In a statement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the reduction was in line with the drop in global crude oil prices.

The retail prices of petrol and diesel have been gradually lowered from their highs of RM2.70 and RM2.58 respectively in June.

Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Ashfar Ali said the drop would hardly impact his operational costs.

“The damage is already done. The price of daily necessities and foodstuff have gone up and nobody will reduce their prices.

“Spare parts are still expensive – their prices have not gone down either. And the bulk of the diesel used for our operations is under the fleet card system, where it costs RM1.43 a litre.”

Ashfar suggested that the subsidised diesel enjoyed by bus operators could be reduced by a further 13 sen to RM1.30.

“With the lower global crude oil price, I feel the Government can afford it.”

Pan Malaysian Lorry Owners Association president Er Sui See said with cheaper diesel, lorry operators could consider maintaining transport prices.

“At RM1.70, I think we can sustain the price. Diesel accounts for 35% of our operational costs, and only about half of the operators benefit from the fleet card system.”

Source : thestar.com.my [Read more!]

Perak Govt Buying Camry To Replace Perdana V6

IPOH, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The Perak government Friday approved the purchase of 16 Toyota Camry 2.4 cars for official use by its state executive councillors and senior officers to replace its fleet of Proton Perdana V6 said to have worn out. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the decision was made because the repair and maintenance costs of the Proton Perdana cars currently in use were high as the cars were old and had frequent breakdowns.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the state executive council (exco) meeting here, he said the purchase of the new cars costing over RM2 million would be made soonest possible and the Proton Perdana cars then sold off.

The Perak government had at the state assembly sitting on Nov 13, claimed that the previous Barisan Nasional government had spent about RM1.3 million to repair and maintain the official cars of the Menteri Besar and state exco members from 2004 to March 2008.

In another development, Mohammad Nizar said the issuance of permanent land titles to residents of new villages and planned villages was expected to be made before this Dec 25.

He said many applications for the land status had been received from residents.

The state government's move to convert the 99-year leasehold of land to 999-year land ownership title became controversial as it was said to have violated the National Land Code.

The Menteri Besar also reiterated that the state government had issued a directive that all housing projects on hillslopes be stopped until confirmation from the Environmental Impact Assessment reports, Public Works Department and the Minerals and Geoscience Department that the projects were safe.

Source : Bernama [Read more!]

Avanza gets cosmetic changes

HAVING become the most popular multi-purpose vehicle in Malaysia since its launch in 2004, the Toyota Avanza (right) has been given a fresh new look. In addition, the Avanza also comes in two new automatic variants – the 1.5S and 1.5E to broaden its appeal.

The 1.5S variant comes with an exclusive front grille and bumper design with integrated fog lights.

The side skirts visually make the car look lower than it is to project a sporty appearance.

The interior upholstery of the Avanza has been changed from beige to a mixed colour known as Greige (mixture of grey and beige).

Prices start from RM62,000 for the 1.3-litre variant and RM69,900 for the 1.5-litre version.

Article source : star-motoring.com [Read more!]

Mitsubishi-based model for Proton confirmed

Proton has announced (through a filing with Bursa Malaysia) that it has signed a Development Agreement to develop a new model with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), its old partner who helped start up the company and provided the first model platforms. Complementary agreements have also been signed relating to the restyling and modification of the new model as well as manufacturing activities for it.

This confirms rumours that a Mitsubishi-based model is likely to feature among Proton’s future products although the Australian-market Mitsubishi 380 that had been identified earlier, supposedly to replace the Perdana, is definitely not the model. It was deemed too big, especially the powerplant, for this market and was also a failure in Australia.

Instead, the strongest rumours are that the Lancer platform is the one which will be the basis of the new Proton model as it seems to be the only one in the Mitsubishi range which would be suited as a Perdana replacement, if not the Waja. However, it is the 14-year old Perdana that needs a brand new replacement more urgently (the earlier hope of cloning a VW was dashed after the Proton-VW talks ended abruptly) whereas the Waja platform could be re-engineered for a second generation. The flagship Chancellor, a long-wheelbase Waja, which is mainly used by government officials is rather dated too.

If it is a Lancer, then it might be a long wheelbase version although the Licensing Agreement with MMC does stipulate that it will be non-exclusive which means that while the design can be exclusive to Proton, MMC could also use the same jointly-developed model for itself. In fact, this type of collaboration is something which was already being explored 8 years ago with the ill-fated Juara. At that time, the expectation was that Proton would initially clone the mini-MPV model and then progressively re-engineer it into a new generation, whereupon MMC would then buy units manufactured by Proton and put the Mitsubishi badge on them. However, the failure of the Juara in the market ended that venture. Interestingly, MMC did later take a small MPV from another manufacturer; in Indonesia, it buys the Suzuki APV and sells it under its own brand.

The choice of a Lancer could have implications for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), which is a subsidiary of MMC. While the Lancer is not its bread-and-butter model (the Triton is), the availability of a Proton variant - which would be much cheaper - could reduce demand for the Lancer in future. Thus, it seems more likely that a long-wheelbase variant will be a better move for both manufacturers as the Lancer can continue to be sold by MMM and the longer-wheelbase variant sold as a Perdana by Proton.

No time-frame has been mentioned for the new model launch but given that it would be a ‘cloning exercise’ on a ready-made platform, the development period could be very fast as it would involve mainly bodyshell design. It could turn out to be something similar looking to the Lancer (or whatever model is chosen), the way the original Saga looked like the 1984 Mitsubishi Lancer or it could look very different, like the Waja which is known to sit on a platform that was used for the 1995 Mitsubishi Carisma/Volvo S40.


MMC is certainly keen to collaborate with Proton as it wants to move beyond a CBU-only business in Malaysia. Its past relationship was certainly a successful one, at least till Proton decided it was big enough to stand on its own and ‘suggested’ to MMC that its presence was no longer needed in 2004.

Commenting on the relationship between MMC and Proton during an informal dinner with Malaysian journalists in KL on Thursday night, MMC President Osamu Masuko said that there is a long history between the two companies and Proton engineers are very familiar with Mitsubishi’s philosophy, approach and engineering so there is a good basis to work together. He said there are also close business ties since MMC supplies many parts, transmissions and V6 engines to Proton and the Japanese carmaker is keen to explore further avenues of collaboration.

Mr Masuko confirmed that the earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2006 had expired last year but the two companies still remained in contact to see what else could be done to work together and presumably, this new development is the result of those extended discussions. It also seems that some elements of the earlier MoU have been retained in a new MoU regarding MMC’s assistance to ‘improve both build and component quality for Proton vehicles’.

In Proton’s filing with Bursa, there is also mention of ‘contract assembly’ on which both companies will conduct feasibility studies over the next 3 months. Mr Masuko told journalists that MMC will start Lancer assembly to ASEAN and suggested that this could be done in Thailand but it is entirely possible that the model could also be assembled here at Proton’s Tg. Malim plant which has lots of spare capacity.
Having MMC as a strategic partner suits Proton well since the Malaysian carmaker has been resisting having equity participation by other carmakers, and from Mr Masuko’s remarks, MMC also has no strong desire to get into equity participation. It was in serious financial difficulties in 2005 after Daimler-Chrysler withdrew from its partnership (‘divorced!’, Mr Masuko quickly corrected when this writer tried to use the ‘diplomatic’ phrase) and nearly had to close down its biggest plant. But today, it is much healthier and has an optimistic growth plan charted up till 2010. So it would be happy to work with its old friend in Malaysia in what can be a win-win situation without corporate entanglements.

Article source : Motortrader.com.my [Read more!]

Police get Lancer Evo

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has acquired 25 units of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (with manual transmission) which will be used alongside the Proton Wajas and Iswaras as patrolcars. The purchase was rumoured for some time but the PDRM did not officially comment on it and it was thought that the cars might be used for undercover purposes.

High-performance models are nothing new to the PDRM and even as far back as the 1970s, the force had a fleet of 2-litre Alfa Romeo Alfettas, the first police force outside Italy to use the Italian cars. Marketed by City Motors at that time, they were assembled at the Swedish Motor Assemblies plant in Shah Alam, Selangor.

Later on, during the 1980s, the police also purchased a small fleet of Ford TX3s which were used for undercover operations. The cars were unmarked and little was known about them other than that they existed. Around that time, other government agencies like the Customs also used models like the Citroen BX and BMW 318i in order to pursue criminals who had fast machines.

In the 1990s, the Highway Patrol got the powerful Volvo 850 T5 stationwagons which were ideal for use on the North-South Highway. The stationwagons served for some time but today, the Highway Patrol uses Mitsubishi Pajeros, Nissan X-Trails and some Proton Satria GTIs.

The PDRM will be sending its Evo drivers for special training courses so that they will be able to make full use of the car’s performance so illegal racers had better think twice before trying to accelerate away when they see flashing blue lights behind them. The police also say that the cars may have other roles that require high-speed escorts.

As these are government vehicles, the cost would be about half the showroom price of RM324,000 since they are purchased tax-free. Also, the Evo's 295 bhp engine is a thirsty powerplant but since the police also get tax-free petrol, that should not be a worry either!

Article Source : Motor Trader

[Read more!]

2009 Subaru FORESTER - Review and Photos

The current Subaru Forester was introduced for the '09 model year. Based on the most recent Impreza, this Forester is larger and offers more ground clearance than its wagonlike predecessor. The result is a compact sport-utility that is decidedly less compact, offering the same type of sizable maximum cargo capacity and interior space available as its principal competitors.

As before, Subaru offers a pair of horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder engines with all-wheel drive as standard. The 2.5X models feature a naturally aspirated unit that produces 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual is standard and a four-speed auto is optional. The XT models get a turbocharged version of this engine that churns out 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. All XT's get the automatic.

The Forester comes in four trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. The base model is very modestly equipped, but some of the XT's features are available in a Premium Package that includes alloy wheels, sunroof and a reclining rear seatback. The Limited models gain luxury items like leather upholstery, a power driver seat, automatic climate control and an upgraded stereo. They can also be outfitted with an optional navigation system.

As with its previous iterations, the current Subaru Forester is a strong entry in the constantly growing compact SUV segment. Although the four-speed automatic hampers its performance and refinement, this new Forester is nevertheless an impressive entry. With a comfortable cabin, ample cargo space and lots of available equipment, the Forester stands up well to best-selling competitors from Honda and Toyota.

Article & Image Source : Edmunds.com

2009 Subaru FORESTER Photos

[Read more!]

Proton PERDANA Replacement Model (PRM)

Words are spreading around about the new Perdana replacement model. Most likely the new perdana will be based on the Australian made Mitsubishi 380.

The mitsubishi 380 based perdana will be most likely to be a replacement to the current Perdana which is based on the Mitsubishi Eterna. However the Mitsubishi 380,as the name implies, uses a 3.8 liter v6 engine. This is a big no no for malaysian market. With fuel prices shooting up like rockets, it is most likely to be replaced with a smaller engine.

The current perdana uses a 6a12 v6 engine from mitsubishi which produces around 150hp which is suitable for platform which weight only 1300kg. But this engine is not suitable for the new perdana as it weight over 1600kg. Expect a 2.2 or 2.4 with at least 160hp engine to be fitted on this 380 based platform.

However this new model can be quite dissapointing for proton fans as proton start to do rebadging again despite of the few successful,proton made model such as the gen 2,satria neo,persona and the new blm.

Whatever it is,lets cross our finger and hope to see an outstanding new perdana which can outperform most of its competitor such as the Mitsubishi Lancer GT and Honda Civic.

Source : Kereta.info
[Read more!]