Car sales seen to be slower in 2011
By JAGDEV SINGH SIDHU and EUGENE MAHALINGAM starbiz@thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Auto sales are expected to grow by a low single-digit percentage next year after a record-setting 570,000 units in 2010 with higher economic growth, new models and the take-up of hybrid cars driving demand. “Should the country’s economy continue to improve in 2011 and the demand for motor vehicles maintains its current momentum … 2011 could possibly exceed the total industry volume (TIV) of 2010 which we have forecast at 570,00 units,’’ said Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

Competition though would be more intense. Car companies as usual will be coming out with new models and the CKD programmes of existing car makes, especially European cars, should also increase. Cars from China, which up to now has not really created a big dent in the sales of other makes in this country, should intensify and Aishah felt the ratio between national and non-national makes should hover around 60:40. “TIV would continue to grow but at a marginal rate of 2% to 3%% in 2011 versus 2010,’’ she said. Analysts said it would be difficult for the auto industry to replicate the boom in vehicle sales this year as the purchase of vehicles due to the replacement cycle, cheap financing, newer models and pent-up demand would have exhausted much of the momentum heading into this year.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng said that with economic growth forecast for next year still at a robust 6%, he expected positive consumer sentiment and reasonable interest rates to remain favourable for the automotive industry. “Next year will be very exciting as many new models will be introduced by auto players. We expect a 2% growth on TIV,’’ he said. Frost & Sullivan consultant Ahmad Faridz Dzulkarnain said that with Malaysian manufacturers heavily dependent on the domestic market and the high motorisation rate of 290 cars per 1,000 people, the country’s vehicle sales growth rate would be slower compared to neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia, which had much lower motorisation rate. “Although Malaysia is not really reaching its saturation point just as yet, the vehicle sales growth is likely to be at a much slower pace than before,’’ he said.

Based on the National Automotive Policy and the Budget 2011 announcement, Ahmad said it was clear that efforts were being made towards promoting green vehicle technologies, especially hybrid and electric vehicles. “While vehicle sales are likely to remain positive and fairly buoyant for 2011, vehicle productions are also expected to increase with the entry of new vehicle manufacturers and assemblers, especially in the hybrid/electric vehicle segments,’’ he said. “Higher penetration rate and sales of hybrids are expected for 2011, boosted by the anticipated entry of new hybrid models as well as increased sales of existing models such as Civic and Prius. In fact, we could even probably see next year as the year of hybrids.’’ UMW Toyota Motor president Kuah Kock Heng felt the removal of subsidies for petrol and diesel might affect vehicles with higher engine capacity. “To cope with higher fuel prices, consumers may opt for smaller engine capacity vehicles or more fuel-efficient vehicles such as the hybrid,’’ he said. The emerging trend of higher MPV sales should keep its momentum.

Although growth is not expected to be as robust as this year, Kuah anticipates MPVs, which accounted for 12% of TIV, to double its share of total car sales over the medium term. “Another factor that may affect demand is higher purchase interest rates, which increases the costs of vehicle ownership. If rates move higher, overall disposable income of consumers are reduced and this will affect their purchase decisions,’’ he said. Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd head of sales and marketing Takeshi Hirano said higher economic growth would encourage the purchase of cars which is the second biggest ticket items for households. He anticipated growth in the small car or compact car segment and expected consumers to shift towards fuel-efficient vehicles and technologies such as hybrid vehicles.

Date : 3 – 12 Dec 2010
Time : 11.00am – 10.00pm
Location : Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur

Admission :
Adults : RM15 (weekdays), RM20 (weekends)
Children : RM5
Family Package : RM35 (weekdays) RM40 (weekends) – Wife & Husband + up to 5 children under 12.

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) is back again for its 7th presentation to delight car enthusiasts and motoring reviewers from the region! The world’s most illustrious and glitzy automobiles will once again converge at KLIMS to showcase the automotive achievements of today and the possibilities of tomorrow.

Themed “We Care”, KLIMS’10 will make its prestigious appearance to showcase the auto industry’s accent on consumer, environment and community care. Besides showcasing the latest automotive products and innovations that can be found in the market, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) hopes to bring forth the automotive industry’s initiatives in contributing to the well-being of mankind. KLIMS’10 will add momentum to the Green Campaign by encouraging the automotive industry to showcase environment friendly vehicles and promoting the appeal of these vehicles to the public.

Visit the KL International Motor Show 2010 (KLIMS ’10) and you could become the owner of a brand new Toyota Prius for just the price of an entry ticket. The world’s best-selling hybrid car has been donated by UMW Toyota Motor as the Grand Prize for the event’s Lucky Draw contest.

Volkswagen Malaysia looks agressive in their marketing. You can see in TVs, magazines, newspaper and also through internet media on their car advertisement. With creative advertisement, attractive car price and high technology many of this model will win our Malaysian hearts.

• Volkswagen Polo: From RM108,888
• Volkswagen Golf: From RM165,888
• Volkswagen Golf GTI: From RM198,888
• Volkswagen New Beetle: From RM139,888
• Volkswagen Passat CC: from RM243,888
• Volkswagen Tiguan: From RM249,888
• Volkswagen Touareg: From RM433,888
• Volkswagen Scirocco: From 188,888

Want to know details, please visit http://www.volkswagen.com.my/

Few of local blogs has unveiled the new Proton Saga facelifted which is targeted to be release early next year. Eventhough there is no details given on this facelift model but the photo tells a thousand of words.

This spyshots photo was taken at the production line, here in Shah Alam plant.

The main changes is on the front cut. Its more elegant and solid. While the changes at the back are focus on the tailight and also bumper. Overall for me, the new facelift will give the Saga new fresh looks. Being one of the best selling proton car, I believe that Saga will get better sales figure next year.

The new Mitsubishi ASX (marketed as RVR in Japan) from Mitsubishi Motors will join the line-up of models imported and distributed by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). ASX (Active Smart X-over) compact crossover was initially introduced early February 2010 in Japan.

In term of size, it is smaller than a typical SUV, the “Smart-Sized” ASX offers larger dimensions than that of a compact car. Mitsubishi ASX offers a higher seating position which  gives a better view all round and adds confidence to driving. The ASX also was engineered to suit passenger car-type handling.
The Drivetrain

The ASX has a 2.0-litre 16-valve MIVEC engine producing 150 ps/197 Nm. Power delivery to the wheels is through an INVECS-III CVT gearbox with 6-step Sports Mode. The engine is the same that we can found in Lancer however the sedan produce 155 PS/199 Nm.

The engine and platform are shared with the Lancer, which should therefore equip the ASX with the dynamics of a sedan as claimed.

Whats extra !

All ASX sold in Malaysia will have standard Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist and dual front airbags (plus a driver’s knee airbag). Also included are leather seats, 2DIN Wide Touch Screen Audio system, reverse camera, automatic climate control and cruise control. There is also a full-colour LCD multi information system in the instrument panel.

Safety Features

Safety features include Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist plus dual front airbags and a driver’s knee airbag, among others.

The Price
Fully imported CBU from Japan, the ASX retails at :

• RM139,980 OTR inclusive of insurance. for Peninsular Malaysia
• RM141,046.10 OTR with insurance for Sabah/Sarawak
• RM74,980 with insurance for Labuan

The Prime Minister in the 2011 budget presentation has announced that the tax exemption and 50% off excise duty is given for all hybrid car in a move to encourage Malaysia to buy green environmental friendly car.

In conjunction with this, the two car imported UMW Toyota and Honda has released new price for their hybrid model.

• Toyota Prius : RM139,900
• Honda Civic Hybrid : RM109,980

To get details of this hybrid model, kindly visit www.toyota.com.my and www.honda.com.my

The Suzuki Alto is the latest model imported by Suzuki in Malaysia. The Suzuki Alto 1.0 is fully imported from the Suzuki Alto’s global production hub at Maruti Suzuki‘s new plant in Manesar, India.

Categorised as a Kei-Car (small car), the Alto was originally design to maximise fuel economy. Besides fuel efficiency aspects, Alto also provide a good safe car as this model was made for global market.

For record, Suzuki Alto has won several awards globally and recognised as one of the top model in term of fuel efficiency :

• Star Performer in AA Energywise Rally 2010 : Alto averaged 4.466 litres/100 kilometre (63.25 miles per gallon) in the 1,763 kilometre event, winning the award for the most efficient petrol car.
• NRMA Motoring & Services : The least expensive car to own and operate.
• Suzuki Alto scored 3 stars out of 5 when tested by EuroNCAP.
• The Global Green Challenge : Alto won the ‘Light’ and ‘Small’ car categories; ‘best urban cycle’ category and an overall CO2 emission of 89.9g/km, using just 123 litres of fuel for the seven day trip.

The drivetrain

The Suzuki Alto available with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions. The Alto is powered by the 996cc three-cylinder K10B engine, a 12 valves and multi-point injection. Based on the performance sheets the Alto produces 67hp @ 6,000rpm and 90NM @ 3,400rpm.

The Alto’s K10B engine is paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The Alto has a 35-litre fuel tank, but with a claimed fuel consumption of under 5.5l/100km it is going to win many friends who are looking for cheap city transport.

The variants

The Alto according to Suzuki is made from high-tensile steel, giving it a highly rigid and light chassis. It features a conventional suspension setup for the segment, MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam behind. Braking is provided by vented discs up front and drums behind. In terms of equipment, the Alto is decently equipped for the market segment. Dual frontal airbags are standard along with seat-belt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX mounts, and side impact beams. It should be noted that the Alto is openly designated as a four seater, with Suzuki only providing four 3-point seat belts.

For Malaysia market three grades are available namely GA, GLX and GXS :

• The GA (manual transmission) : This is the basic spec of Alto. The manual version makes do with manual windows and a single-folding bench rear seat. This basic spec also dont get GLX model’s fog lamps, coloured wing mirror caps, tachometer, front power windows, 50:50 split folding rear seats and ABS/EBD.
• The GLX (automatic transmission) : Automatic transmission models get ABS & EBD. With power windows, tachometer, tilt-and-telescopic steering adjusting, and split-folding rear seats being standard fare.
• The GXS (automatic transmission) : This grade can be called full spec, where you can get leather seats, tinted, visors and sporty local made bodykit. The other spec similar to GLX. For those who want to get full loan, will use GXS price to mark up.

The Price

• The entry-level (basic) GA model with manual transmission costs RM44,888 before insurance
• Automatic transmission models, the GLX cost RM49,999 and
• Automatic GXS (full spec) cost RM54,888.

How to Buy

Kindly visit to nearest Suzuki dealer nationwide, the location you can get from http://www.suzuki.net.my/

Via : JDM Auto Blog.

The much awaited model from Proton was launched yesterday. After many years since Wira era, Proton has return again with a model call Proton Inspira with collaboration with Mitsubishi Motor Corp (MMC) of Japan.

The car, which is essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer GT, will be launched on Nov 10. Proton targetted to sell 1600 units every month.

Group managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the vehicle, which is already available for booking, would be positioned as a high C-segment/low D-segment vehicle and will be tentatively priced from RM79,888 to RM95,000.

Syed Zainal said that while the Inspira was being offered in place of the discontinued Proton Waja, he clarified that the Inspira was not a direct replacement of the Waja.