Malaysian Car

Malaysian Car Number Plates

noreply@blogger.com (aidilla) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:51:00 +0000

Malaysian car number plates typically begin with one or more letters followed by up to four numerical digits. (WPA 1234, BGX 1234, ...)

All vehicles' licence plates in Malaysia, other than those issued to diplomats, have white characters on a black background. The issue of licence plates is regulated and administered by the Malaysian Road Transport Department.

Vehicles registered in a particular state will bear licence plates beginning with that state's identifying character. Additionally, certain divisions of government, such as the military, have their own distinguishing characters.

State	Car Plate Prefix	Example
Kuala Lumpur	W	WRC 1234
Selangor	B	BJX 1234
Perak	A	AFT 1234
Penang	P	PGV 1234
Kedah	K	KBW 1234
Perlis	R	RG 1234
Kelantan	D	DAX 1234
Terengganu	T	TAM 1234
Pahang	C	CBV 1234
Johor	J	JJT 1234
Melaka	M	MBH 1234
Negeri Sembilan	N	NBU 1234
Sarawak	Q	QAF 1234
Sabah	S	SS 1234 J

Others
Labuan	L	LC 1234
Taxi	H	HWA 1234
Military	Z	ZZ 1234
Diplomats	DC	11-22-DC

There are also a number of special prefix used in vehicles number plates in Malaysia. These special prefixes may denote the brand of the car or a special events. Among the more commonly used special prefixes are:

Proton (and their models), Perodua (and their models), Naza, SUKOM, XIII NAM, BAMbee, Putrajaya...

Proton's Exora en route to more foreign markets

noreply@blogger.com (aidilla) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:52:00 +0000

BANGKOK: National carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd will launch the Exora, the first Malaysian-designed multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), in the Middle East, Europe and Australia next year following the success of the car in Southeast Asia.

It will also introduce its other existing models like the Saga 1.3 and Savvy in new markets such as India, in a bid to increase exports to 50 per cent from 23-24 per cent now, in three years.

The Exora was launched in Malaysia on April 15 this year, and then in Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei. Yesterday, it was launched at the Thailand International Motor Expo.

"We are focused on selling the MPV in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand but we are eyeing new markets to build our brand and raise our production," Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir said.
Syed Zainal added that Proton will launch the MPV, as well as its other existing models, in the UK, Australia, Egypt, Syria, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia from the second quarter of 2010.

On India, Syed Zainal said Proton is identifying suitable strategic partners/distributors to sell its cars.

"A lot of work needs to be done to push for exports in India, which is a very important market for us. As an important market, we must have the right strategies. We hope to make a decision by early next year and launch a model there a year later. It may not be the MPV," he said after the launch.

"The population in Malaysia is small, so we have to look abroad to grow our business. Asean (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) will be the focus market for us," he said.

Syed Zainal said Proton is looking to increase the production for the Exora following demand for the car.

Currently, Proton produces 2,800 units of the Exora a month, based on one shift capacity.

Syed Zainal said Proton will move up a notch to produce 5,000 units a month, as it enters new markets.

"That is something we are looking at seriously," he said.

The Exora is the most cheapest development in Proton history, thanks to simultaneous engineering and technology improvements.

It took the company 18 months to develop the Exora compared with over 20 months for its other existing models.

"We believe there is a bright future for the MPV. Demand for the car, domestically, has so far been encouraging," he said.

Proton has 25,000 bookings for the car, of which, 19,000 units have been delivered.

In Indonesia, it has 1,500 bookings with 400 units already on the road.

Syed Zainal said response from Thailand has also been very positive, with 300 bookings prior to the launch.

Proton, through its exclusive distributor, Phranakorn Auto Sales Co Ltd, aims to sell at least 1,500 MPVs per year in Thailand.

"We are in Thailand for long term. The Exora launch is just the beginning. We will launch our Saga 1.3 next year, followed by newer models in the following years," Syed Zainal said.

Proton made its entry into the Japanese manufacturers-dominated Thai market at the end of 2007 to take advantage of the low 5 per cent import duty imposed under the Asean Free Trade Area agreement.

By end-December this year, Proton would have sold 6,100 cars, comprising four models namely Neo, Gen 2, Persona and Savvy.

It aims to sell 65 per cent more cars next year in Thailand, fuelled by the Exora and Savvy car sales.

Malaysian other car?

noreply@blogger.com (aidilla) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 17:53:00 +0000

There are three factory's in Malaysia, that produce cars: Proton, Perodua and Naza They are sometimes working together as brother and sister. Although the cars are made in Malaysia, in the car the engine is from abroad. For that part they are working together with Mitsubishi (Japan) and KIA (Korea). That makes Malaysian cars: solid cars!

The Naza Sutera, which means 'silk' in Bahasa Malaysia, was launched by the Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the 22th of April 2006 during the ground-breaking ceremony for Naza's new automotive plant on a 103ha site in Bertam, Kepala Batas.

The Sutera comes in two models, the Sutera GS and the Sutera GSi. The only difference is that the GSi model comes with reverse parking sensor, silver interior finishing and square chromed exhaust pipe finish. It also has 2 more exclusive colours (Onyx Black and Citrine Yelow). The prices (on-the-road with insurance) are RM35,998 and RM36,998 for the GS and GSi models respectively. At present both models come with a five-speed manual gearbox.

What I found amazing is that dual airbags (driver and passenger) is a standard safety feature. Also standard is the audio system (radio, CD and MP3) with six speakers

Well, even if this car is not as popular to other Malaysian car, but it should have credits too right...

Naza Kia Sdn Bhd (NKSB) formerly known as Earning Link Sdn Bhd, a member of the Naza Group of Companies was incorporated to market and distribute Kia's range of vehicle in Malaysia.
Naza has an assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah where local versions of Kia models are being assembled. In May, 2005 a second shift was added, enabling the plant to manufacture 50,000 cars yearly.
Kia uses the Naza production facility as the global production centre for the Pregio van.
It is no wonder that the company also uses the DRB Hicom factory in Pekang, Pehang as a contract assembly plant.
A new plant based in Penang is working to assembly the Naza-branded Hafei Lobo.

PROTON XCHANGED PROGRAM DISCONTINUED

noreply@blogger.com (aidilla) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:24:00 +0000

The PROTON Xchange Program – a car-scrapping program partly funded by the government via the Economic Stimulus Plan in March this year - has been officially discontinued. The program was introduced to stimulate car sales and reduce carbon emission. Under the program, a discount of RM5,000 were given to car owners who traded in their cars (which had to be not less than least 10 years old) for the purchase of new Proton cars. The scheme was to have run until December 31 2009 or until the funds were been fully used up. However, response from the public was overwhelming and Proton received a total of 25,862 applications from March 10 to October 31st, exhausting the funds provided by the Stimulus Plan even before the given year-end period.

In a statement issued today to provide clarification, Proton apologized to all its customers who have recently turned up at sales outlets for the Xchange Program only to be disappointed with news on the discontinuation of the program. Only applications that reached Proton’s regional offices on or before October 31 2009 could be processed accordingly for the rebate vouchers.

However, Proton had received 7,539 applications from the November 1 to 6 before customers were told that the program was discontinued (in mid-November, the Deputy Minister of Finance declared that the program was discontinued with effect from November 1 2009). However, in appreciation of the support and enthusiasm shown by these customers to own a Proton, the company has come up with a special incentive scheme which is offered to the 7,539 applicants. The applicants include customers who have retracted their applications submitted during the said period and these customers are advised to contact the same outlets they were dealing with to make further arrangements which will enable them to enjoy the incentive scheme.

As this initiative is not part of the Xchange Program, the said customers do not have to surrender their old cars in order to enjoy the special scheme. However, should the customers wish to proceed to sell-off their old cars, Proton will provide the necessary assistance in making arrangements with second-hand car dealers.

Proton emphasizes that while this scheme is applicable to the purchases of any Proton cars, the cars must be registered by the January 31, 2010.

Buyers can enjoy savings when they buy a Savvy or Perdana

Concurrently, all new buyers may enjoy many other great savings and promotions offered by Proton Edar. This includes the RM10,000 savings offered for purchases of the Perdana and up to RM4,000 savings on Savvy purchases. There are also many other year-end promotions such as the 'Drive for Holidays’ campaign.

NEW WAJA - COMING SOON

noreply@blogger.com (aidilla) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:35:00 +0000

How about this new coming soon Malaysian Car by PROTON. After Proton Persona which very similar to GEN2, Proton will (maybe) launch the new Proton Waja - Proton Impian. The price is around RM55k+ so, have a look.

MALAYSIAN MPV - PERODUA ALZA VS PROTON EXORA

noreply@blogger.com (aidilla) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Perodua recently has confirmed the release date of it’s 1st MPV D46T on 23rd November 2009. The name of Perodua MPV has been widely spread as a Perodua Alza or MPV Alza. About the meaning, until now, there is no clue why the name has been choosen if it is true that the name of the new perodua MPV is Alza. However, as I said before, there is no surprise about the new perodua Alza as it is really based on Toyota Passo Sette and Daihatsu Boon Luminas.

Perodua just rebadge it with new facelift and some small minor changes on the upcoming Perodua Alza with the cost of around RM300 million.

PERODUA MPV - PERODUA ALZA

noreply@blogger.com (aidilla) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:48:00 +0000

It’s 2009 and as promised, Perodua is introducing another significant model two years after the Viva. The product plan to launch a significant new model every two years was set early in the decade when Perodua and Daihatsu strengthened their relationship and began to plan for greater involvement by Malaysians in the development of new models, with the Myvi being the first one.

This time round, the new model is not a Myvi 'sedan’, as many had expected, but a small MPV on an extended Myvi platform. That Perodua chose not to go for a sedan even though many Malaysians prefer sedans suggests that the company sees the MPV segment as a growing one. In 2008, of the 548,100 new vehicles sold, around 55,000 were MPVs, making it the second largest type of vehicle sold in Malaysia. So it was important that Perodua, as the largest carmaker in Malaysia, also offer such a model and also at an affordable price.

As before, a team of Malaysians went to Japan a few years ago to work alongside their Daihatsu counterparts, developing the Malaysian version which would have an ever greater number of parts made in Malaysia. Though it may seem that Perodua is a 'cloner’, it actually does more than just put its own badge on a Daihatsu model. A visit to the factory in Rawang, Selangor, earlier this month was eye-opening in may ways – for example, almost the entire engine is made in Malaysia and Perodua even makes aluminium cylinder heads for Proton’s CAMPRO engine. For this new model, the aim was to also add items like the catalytic converter and airbag to the locally-made list which will bring total purchase of locally-made parts by Perodua to about RM3 billion this year.

In terms of R&D too, Perodua has been advancing in Japanese style, ie developing full proficiency at each stage rather than be over-ambitious (and impatient) and try to 'run before learning how to walk’ properly. Since starting off doing mostly cosmetic with the early models, Perodua’s R&D department has progressed to more structural work and for the model after this MPV, Malaysians will be working on the upper body design themselves. This will mean they can develop a unique body design while sharing a platform with Daihatsu (saving a lot of money) in the same way Nissan and Renault models sit on similar platforms but look very different.

So that’s the background to the new model which you will now know is called the Alza. The name was selected from submissions by Perodua employees and is said to be derived from a Spanish word which means 'rise’. Like many new names for cars, it will probably draw all kinds of comments but it’s a fairly 'neutral’ sort of name and in time will be as accepted as Myvi.

The styling of the Alza has some cues from the Myvi but because it is longer and has an extra row of seats at the rearmost section, the rear quarters have been given more glass area. This ensures those in the back won’t feel claustrophobic and give the cabin a more airy feeling too.

The front end follows the corporate face which Perodua currently uses with special attention paid to the headlights. The detail inside the lighting units is nice and this model is the first model in its segment to have projector-type headlights. These lights provide more focussed illumination rather than depend on the reflector to enhance lighting.

The rear end is clean and simple with distinctive lights on the roof pillars. LEDs are used for the upper section while the lower third is taken up by the large reversing light. Positioning the units high up is good as not only are drivers further back in a queue able to see the brake lights but in a rear-end collision, they are less likely to be broken, reducing repair costs. The premium version also has a spoiler mounted on the trailing edge of the roof for a sporty image.

Under the skin, extra attention has been paid to structural strength. Daihatsu is a specialist in small cars and over many decades, it has found ways to increase the levels of protection for occupants. For the Alza, besides a computer-engineers front structure that effectively absorbs impact energy from a collision, there is extra reinforcement to give better protection against collisions from the sides. The centre pillars have extra reinforcement and two extra transverse beams in the floor to provide extra rigidity. Though Perodua doesn’t do its own testing, Daihatsu has conducted the necessary crash tests and the Alza meets Japanese requirements.

Being a MPV, cabin packaging is of great importance and within a volume of 11.5 cubic metres, comfortable accommodation has been provide for seven persons on three rows of seats. However, as surveys revealed to Perodua product planners that many Malaysian buyers look for a MPV not for 7-seater capability all the time and many just want the extra space. So even though the third row is not exceptionally spacious, this is not expected to be an issue. What is good is that the middle row can move 150 mm fore and aft so legroom for the passengers on the third row can have extra space. Not all MPVs have this feature and it does make quite a difference.

Like most MPVs, there are many seating configurations for the Alza depending on requirements. Perodua shows seven different ones, two of which are only meant to be used when the vehicle is not moving. All the seats can be folded flat to create a floor area that is about 2 metres in length, 1.4 metres wide and 1.3 metres to the ceiling. Loading is also easy as the rear opening is unusually wide at 1.33 metres.

The dashboard has a nice stylish appearance, especially with the two-tone theme, with the deeply recessed instrument panel set in the middle. The instrumentation uses the bright Optitron meters with amber background illumination for the standard version and blue for the premium version. A multi-info display is set to the left side of the meters and provides information on fuel consumption, range on remaining fuel, fuel tank level, distance travelled and gear position (for the automatic). It seems a bit crowded on the display, though.

The shift lever for the automatic is mounted on a panel that extends from the middle of the dashboard just below the audio system. This is rather like some European MPVs and is quite convenient to reach.

Standard version with manual transmission

Premium version with automatic transmission

The audio system is a custom-designed type and apart from playing CDs, you can also play mp3 files from a thumbdrive (a USB slot is provided). There’s also Bluetooth on the premium version, making it easy to connect the handphone. And if you need to recharge any portable device, a 12V socket is also provided. On the premium version too, there’s the convenience of operating the audio system from switches on the steering wheel.

Drivers in this class may not be familiar with the foot-operated parking brake for the Alza Automatic which liberates space between the front seats. It’s a simple operation – push to activate, push to release – and will probably need getting used to. For the manual version, the conventional handbrake lever is between the front seats.

Air-conditioning is very important in our climate, more so in a MPV with many people on board. The size of the Alza did not permit having a dual blower system so a lot of attention was given to ensuring the airflow would reach all the way to the back. The blower has been made stronger to 'throw’ cool air further and the ceiling guides the air to the rear.

Storage spaces are plentiful as would be expected and there are lots of cupholders (more in the manual version). In front of the steering wheel, where the instrument panel would normally be, there’s a storage compartment while for the automatic, an extra-large centre armrest between the front seats has a sleeve for a handphone. But it’s disappointing that Perodua left out the teh tarik hook – surely an essential item for our Malaysian lifestyle? Proton has it in the Exora, which was a relief for their MD as I did not ask why it was left out in a Proton again, but Perodua did not escape my well known query!

The engine for the Alza is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder unit which you will also find in the Toyota Avanza. However, while the Toyota’s engine is imported from Indonesia, the Perodua’s is almost entirely made in Malaysia. The engine produces almost 104 ps or 76 kW of power and 136 Nm of torque, which is expected to be enough to provide acceptable performance for the Alza. Consumption is claimed to be 15 kms/litre with the 5-speed manual transmission and 12.7 kms/litre with the 4-speed automatic.

The suspension is similar to that of the Myvi’s but beefed up for the greater load that the Alza will carry. It is a very simple layout of MacPherson struts in front and a torsion beam axle behind. 15-inch wheels are fitted and shod with 185/55 tyres. Due to the need to maximum interior space, the spare wheel (skinny space-saver type) is slung below. For brakes, there are ventilated discs in front and drums behind and ABS+EBD is available for the premium version.

[Want tyres that can last up to 100,000 kms? Click here]

At the time of the media preview which was earlier than the launch today, we were informed that the tentative prices for the Alza start at RM55,990 and RM60,990 for the Manual Standard and Premium versions, respectively, while the Automatic versions will be prices at RM58,990 and RM63,990 for the Standard and Premium versions, respectively. This price range takes the Alza near the bottom end of the Avanza and Exora but it is likely that the Toyota will be the one more affected (and ironically, it is assembled at Perodua’s plant).

An Advanced version will be available next year. This will have a bodykit to give a more sporty image and have accessories such as GPS and reverse camera and leather upholstery. It will cost between RM66,490 and RM69,990 but there will be people who want the extras factory-fitted and included in the financing package.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

The need to also limit exposure of the new model prior to the public launch often prevents a company from providing a more extensive driving session during a media preview so it’s understandable that the first impressions of the Alza had to be brief. The course was around the hill in Putrajaya where the palace is and this at least provided a chance to assess the question which people always ask about small MPVs – do they have enough power to cope with a full load? The answer I would give is the same as that I gave for the Exora: the engineers have ensured that the performance will be acceptable to those who are really going to be owners of the Alza and who accept that a MPV is a family vehicle and you do not drive it like a sportscar. On one of the drives, I had a full load and the car could still make brisk progress up the slopes though dropping a gear gave extra zip. The engine smoothness and also the slick gearchanges were strong points which would be appreciated on long journeys.

It handles well for a small MPV and because the roof is not very high, stability is better in corners. Again, the sort of speeds at which a real owner would drive are unlikely to be very fast and as designed, the handling is fail-safe and also provides a good ride.

Accommodation-wise, the second row is very comfortable and if the seats can be set all the way back, there’s plenty of legroom. However, even when set forward, it’s not too bad and most people will be fine with the space. As for the third row, it is clearly not going to be ideal for large people but in a group of seven, there will surely be people of different sizes so those who are smaller can use the third row.

One thing which I found to be troublesome was getting into the rear seats. The second row can fold forward but the gap is still small and I can imagine an elderly person struggling to get in so maybe it would be better for him or her to be given a space on the second row. Let the young ones who are more nimble and have more supple bodies climb into the back!

Build quality in the test units was as good as we have come to expect of Perodua products. They work very hard on this aspect and during the visit to the plant, it was quite amazing to see the obsession they have with minimizing dust in the assembly areas. I’ve never seen such obsession even in Japanese plants and I feel sure that the same pursuit of high quality will be applied in every step of the production of the Alza.

Initial production is set at 4,100 units a month and at least 3,500 units are expected to be sold every month. From a source in Perodua, it was learnt that 1,800 orders were already received within the first 9 hours of bookings being accepted so the MPV is off to a good start.

PROTON MPV - EXORA

noreply@blogger.com (aidilla) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:54:00 +0000

PROTON EXORA

The Proton Exora is a compact MPV vehicle produced by Malaysia car manufacturer Proton and launched on 15 April 2009. It is a new model from Proton based on a new chassis. The development of this MPV starts from scratch and it is the first Malaysian-designed MPV. Fully undisguised photos of Proton Exora were leaked onto the internet on the 23rd of January 2009, ahead of the MPV's April 2009 launch date.

Engine specifications

CPS 1.6

* 4-speed AT/5-speed MT
* S4PH DOHC
o Multi Point Injection (MPI) Fuel System
o Max output : 125 bhp (93 kW; 127 PS) @ 6,500 rpm
o Max torque : 150 N·m (110 ft·lbf) @ 4,500 rpm
o Max speed : 165 km/h (103 mph)
o 0-100km/h : 14.8s for M-Line 5MT/15.3s for M-Line 4AT/15.5s for H-Line 4AT
o Weight : 1408kg for M-line 5MT/1422kg for M-Line 4AT/1442kg for H-Line 4AT

The Proton Exora chassis uses a MacPherson strut design at the front and a torsion beam at the rear.It measures 4,592 mm (180.8 in) long, 1,809 mm (71.2 in) wide and 1,691 mm (66.6 in) tall with a wheelbase of 2,730 mm (107.5 in).[1] It is powered by the Campro CPS engine producing 125 hp (93 kW) and 150 N·m (110 lb·ft) of torque,resulting the top speed of165 km/h (103 mph).

The average fuel consumption of 7.2 L/100 km (39 mpg-imp; 33 mpg-US).[3] The gearbox is similar to the Proton Waja and Proton Gen-2 but has a higher final drive ratio to help with power delivery.

The Exora features a Body Control module which allows automatic activation and configuration of various vehicle functions such as door locking/unlocking, interior lamps, headlamps, brake lamps and wipers.

The Exora was awarded a 4-star EuroNCAP rating after 32 Exoras were crashed at the Applus+ IDIADA crash testing facility in Spain. As well as this, the Exora was awarded another 4-star rating by Malaysia's own MyVAP evaluation program. One of the key features that made these ratings possible was the use of high tensile steel for the body cage, providing better stability and increased impact absorption during a collision. Side impact bars are also installed to reinforce the door frames and to absorb impacts from the side.

Other safety features include an Antilock Brake System (ABS) to avoid skidding during an emergency brake and an Electronic Brake Force Distribution System (EBD) to ensure the correct amount of braking power is sent to the correct wheels according to the current weight distribution of the car. Two front airbags and pre-tensioner seat belts are installed for the front passengers.

Proton MPV naming contest

Proton announced a contest called the Proton MPV Naming Contest to find a name for the MPV. The contest closed on 30th September 2008. This is the second time Proton held a naming contest for their new car after Proton Saga.

The result has been announced on 17th February 2009. The name Proton Exora was picked from the Name The Proton MPV competition grand prize winner Norsholihan bt Abdul Eanich among 251,763 entries.The winner was awarded with the first Proton Exora off the production line.

A controversial rule in this naming competition stated that an entry must not be taken from flora or fauna, but the winning entry Exora is inspired from the Ixora flower. Proton later clarified that the word Exora was only similar to Ixora but not a direct name of a flora or fauna so it was allowed.