Kereta Saga

ANCAP: Preve a 'safe' purchase

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:50:00 +0000

FIVE-STAR RATING: Vehicle scores 34.25 out of 37 possible points from three crash tests in Australia

PROTON Preve's five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) safety rating means it joins many globally renowned models as a car that is recommended by ANCAP to be purchased by consumers given its high safety standard.

The Preve was accorded the star rating after it completed three crash tests (frontal offset, side impact and pole) conducted by independent specialist laboratories in Australia to determine its safety level.

To qualify for ANCAP star ratings, new vehicles are assessed and awarded points collected from a combination of test categories and scientific criteria.

The tests showed that the Preve achieved the highest international standards in all of its test categories.
The star rating is a first for the Proton brand.

The Preve was crash-tested in late December last year. It was launched in Australia last October and at that point was unrated by ANCAP.

The Preve 1.6 CVT evaluation mule scored well in all ANCAP crash tests, which led to the five-star safety rating.

The car is sold in Australia as standard with six airbags (dual frontal, side chest and side head-protecting curtain) and ESC and front wheel traction control.

The car obtained 34.25 points out of a possible 37 in the overall score, with 14.53 out of 16 points in a frontal offset score and 15.72 out of 16 points in a side impact score.

It aced the pole test, and managed a "good" rating in the whiplash protection test.

The only area in which Preve's score was rated as "marginal" was the pedestrian protection, something ANCAP is encouraging Proton to improve on.

Nonetheless, ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh said the Preve's five-star rating is "a testament to the commitment of Proton senior management and its engineers to incorporate high levels of safety into its new vehicles".

"Proton hasn't let the previous poor results for its vehicles hold it back. Rather, it has used this as incentive to strive for the top safety rating for the Preve.

"A lot of time and effort has been invested in improving the design and safety equipment of the Preve, and it is reassuring to see Proton reach this mark."

Australia was the first export market for the Preve, followed by Thailand and Brunei.

Proton officials said all Preve units for domestic and export markets utilise a technology defined as hot press forming.

The technology provides better protection and higher body as well as structural rigidity without compromising the overall car bodyweight, they said.

Price the key in race for Proton

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 08:47:00 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: Over the past few weeks, the market has been keeping a close watch on turns of events at Proton Holdings Bhd.

What initially appeared to be a straightforward race to buy Khazanah Nasional Bhd's 42.7 per cent stake in Proton has now become a four-horse race, with any of four parties - DRB-HICOM Bhd, Naza Group, Sime Darby Bhd and shareholders linked to UMW Holdings Bhd - could end up becoming new major owner of the national carmaker.

A look at the potential suitors shows that all four can do good with Proton's business and take the company to the next level

.

DRB-HICOM, controlled by reclusive tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al Bukhary, is a conglomerate that has businesses in the automotive, financial, property, hospitality and other industries.

For the year ended March 31 2011, it posted a net profit of RM472.47 million (a marginal improvement), while revenue rose by seven per cent to RM6.8 billion.

"DRB-HICOM is able to turn around Proton. With the backing of Syed Mokhtar, funding for future capital needs would not be an issue," said an analyst from a local brokerage.

Naza Group, which started as a used and re-conditioned car trader before becoming one of the country's top carmakers, is another force to reckoned with.

The group, via its units, currently assembles various Kia and Peugeot models.

"This is a tricky one. It is hard to predict how their chances would be. Being a privately-owned company, not many people would really know what is their true financial strength and how much it would offer to buy Khazanah's stake," said the analyst.

Sime Darby, the second most valuable company in the country, also seems to be a good fit for Proton.

"Sime Darby's auto division is run well. The company has been growing its automotive business significantly and consistently over the past few years, both top and bottom lines, at a time when some carmakers couldn't," another analyst noted.

Then comes shareholders linked to UMW Holdings.

Sources disclosed to Business Times on Thursday that the group appeared to be favoured by Khazanah to buy its stake.

UMW is majority controlled by Permodalan Nasional Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund.

If indeed Khazanah should announce that UMW Holdings is its choice, persistent rumours about a merger of Proton and Perodua could happen after all.

"This is interesting as the deal may mean a potential merger of two national carmakers. There could be a lot of synergies that both carmakers can create with a merger," said the analyst.

UMW Holdings has denied that it had submitted a proposal to Khazanah to acquire the stake.

Although analysts are reluctant to put all their money on any one of the potential suitors, most of them have narrowed down their pick to two parties: DRB-HICOM and UMW shareholders.

Overall, they agree that all potential suitors have the strengths to turn Proton around and grow it to the next level.

However, the key now is the pricing and whether there will be cannibalisation between the potential buyer's business and Proton's.

New spin on Proton shareholder saga

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:43:00 +0000

THERE was a shocking rumour again about Proton Holdings Bhd (5304) last week, although many might not be aware of it because they were probably so busy with ketupat, rendang and satay at open houses and other Raya stuff.

The latest round of rumours involving Proton was about the so-called approval given to Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary's DRB-HICOM Bhd to take over the national carmaker.

DRB-HICOM, together with several ex-Proton managers, had formally submitted a bid to buy 32 per cent of Proton a year ago, according to a business news portal.

The purported approval was not that shocking. What was more shocking was the claim that Proton's top executive, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, was not aware that a deal to fold Proton into DRB-HICOM had been concluded.
Even more shocking was that not a single one of senior executives of government investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd - Proton's largest shareholder with a 42.7 per cent stake - was involved in the deal, the portal claimed further.

If the news were indeed true, it would seem that some people were wheeling a deal behind the back of Khazanah chief Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar and Proton's Syed Zainal. This suggests that Syed Mokhtar, or his trusted executives, had dealt directly with certain people at the Ministry of Finance.

But a reality check of sorts prevailed a few days after the portal made the supposed "scoop". DRB-HICOM managing director Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil denied that the group had ever submitted the formal bid last September. He, however, maintained that the group remains open to taking a stake in Proton if opportunities arise.

So does this mean the rumours were just that: rumours? Was it no different from the previous talk by various news medium claiming that a strategic alliance with a certain global player had been sealed, which ultimately helped drive Proton share prices?

Was this one way for some quarters to punt on the Proton stock and along the way, make some money? We may never be certain, although Proton appears to be one of the more popular stocks for such a speculative play.

When it comes to Proton's survival, it has been persistently stressed by many that the high-profile carmaker currently needs a strategic partner more than a new owner to help it become a competitive player.

Proton controlled some 40 per cent of the total industry sales volume in 2005 before it shrunk to under 30 per cent in 2006, the year "little brother" Perodua superceded it as the country's top selling carmaker.

After two failed attempts with Germany's Volkswagen AG and another with General Motors of the US to form a strategic alliance in recent years, it's back to the drawing board for Proton.

But we may have to wait longer than expected before a real partnership (and not a simple cooperation) can be forged between the national carmaker and a foreign carmaker. Until then, we may be served with more speculative news quoting unidentified sources about mergers and acquisitions involving Proton.

Saga FLX wins Asean recognition

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:39:00 +0000

MALAYSIA'S most popular family sedan, Proton Saga FLX, has been awarded three stars in the Asean NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme).

In a statement, Proton Holdings Bhd said the first Asean NCAP frontal collision test results were announced at the Asean NCAP Open Day held by Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) at its crash laboratory at the Road Transport Department Academy in Malacca yesterday.

Proton Holdings Bhd executive chairman, Datuk Mohd Khamil Jamil, said it was time to change the perception about the Proton brand as it is of good quality and is affordable.

"Proton's new direction to further enhance its products on all levels clearly demonstrates our commitment to provide our customers with a high level of safety protection.

"This achievement is a testament of the improving quality of Proton cars and that Proton Saga is a safe car which has passed the internationally-recognised assessment programme - Asean NCAP."

Mohd Khamil said the Proton Saga FLX model, with the technical advancements and safety features, was known for its performance, superior ride and handling.

Since its introduction, the new generation Saga has been extremely popular, and has received numerous accolades, including the NST Car of the Year Best Value Compact Sedan Award and Autocar Asean's Best Small/Mid-Sized Sedan in 2012, he said.

Mohd Khamil said the award was not just about Proton, but its role to further enhance the safety standards of the national car industry.

"As the national car company, we continuously improve our range of products to cater to the needs of today's market, and it would not be possible without the support of the government and its supporting bo-dies like Miros. Bernama

Proton Saga FLX scores 3 stars in ASEAN NCAP

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:22:00 +0000

Malaysia’s most popular family sedan, the Proton Saga FLX, has been awarded 3 stars (out of a maximum of 5 stars) in the ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) which was conducted by The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) at its PC3 Crash Lab in Malacca.

The ASEAN NCAP programme is designed to provide a fair, meaningful and objective assessment of the impact performance of cars and provide a mechanism to inform consumers. This protocol is based upon those used by the well-known European NCAP.

Like EuroNCAP, it is not a government-related program nor is it an activity in the ASEAN federation. The ASEAN NCAP was conceived by MIROS which also acts as its secretariat and is involved in the technical and steering committee.

To read more about the ASEAN NCAP methods of testing, click here for a detailed document by MIROS. For more information, visit www.aseancap.org.

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Proton Saga FLX given recognition by Asean NCAP

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 02:20:00 +0000

THE Proton Saga FLX has been awarded three stars in the Asean NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme).

The first frontal collision test results were announced at the Asean NCAP Open Day, held by Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) at its PC3 Crash Lab, at the Road Transport Department Academy in Malacca.

Since its introduction, the new generation Saga has received accolades, including the NST Car of the Year Best Value Compact Sedan Award and Autocar Asean’s Best Small/Mid-Sized Sedan in 2012.
According to Proton Holdings Bhd executive chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil, it is time to change the perception about the brand, as its cars were of good quality and affordable.

“Proton’s new direction to further enhance its products on all levels, clearly demonstrates the commitment in providing customers with a high level of safety protection.

“This achievement is a testament of the improving quality of Proton cars and that the Proton Saga is a safe car which had passed the internationally recognised assessment programme — the Asean NCAP.”

“To be able to offer such standards in even our entry-level models is proof of our commitment to provide Malaysians value-for-money cars.

“We are very pleased that Proton Saga’s safety standards have been recognised as per other international OEMs in Malaysia.”

Mohd Khamil added that more significantly, the award wasn’t just about Proton, but its role to further enhance the safety standards of the national automotive industry.

“As a national car company, we are continuously improving our range of products to cater to the needs of today’s market, and it would not be possible without the support of the Government and its supporting bodies like Miros.

“We applaud the existence of the region’s first crash test facility, as well as the support provided by the Government — for this is a strong encouragement to manufacturers so as to build better and safer cars.”

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It is Not Easy Being a Taxi Driver in Johor Bahru

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 02:18:00 +0000

Sometimes, the direct path to take when you are out of work is to rent a cab and be a taxi driver. After all, if you are willing to work hard, you might be able to take home a decent earning everyday. Of course, this assumes you are willing to put in 12 hours shifts consistently, including on weekends.

In Malaysia (and especially in Johor Bahru), things get a little complicated. And we list down why exactly it is not easy being a taxi driver in Malaysia.

Firstly, if you adhere to using the meter, your passengers will smile or roll their eyes in disbelief. The RM$2 starting fare, set 13 years ago, is not even sufficient to buy you a plate of chicken rice. The incremental fare of 10sen/200m is just as incredulous. Cheap cheap!

And if you do the natural thing, which is to turn off the meter and charge a flat fee, you risk a fine if caught. On an especially irritating day, you have a Singaporean passenger that will blurt out in their typical clear and pronounced English: "Uncle, how can you not turn on the meter? Don't cheat us! You must use the meter!!"
Fares aside, there are equally irritating matters that makes things yet more difficult for a taxi driver in Johor Bahru.

There are few designated taxi stands in Johor Bahru. You make a stop to pick up a passenger by the road side. Suddenly, someone taps on your window - The Man-in-White. Traffic Police who either enforces the law or makes a wink at you. Either way, you can be assured that your entire day's taking will be gone.
On a clear day (when there is no Man-in-White), plain-clothes officers from the Johor Bahru Transport Council can also board your cab and do a spot check on you. If you do not wear a white sleeve shirt, or if you taxi is not spotlessly clean, you risk a fine. Or he too, can wink at you.

And if the lawful people does not get to you, your might have a chance with the lawless kind. Johor Bahru does not has an enviable crime rate.

Human factors aside, there are yet more irritating matters which adds to the difficulty.
The Proton Saga you are driving hardly seems like a good workplace, especially when you look across the causeway and Taxi Drivers in Singapore are driving 2000cc Hyundai Sonatas, Skodas and even Toyota Camry. You get a terrible leg cramp from the clutch and backache from the poor suspension. The windows are not tinted and your right arm is similar to that of a trailer driver.

Things get worse at night. Except the main roads, the streets are not well lit and you really strain to distinguish a passenger from a Pontianak.

Once in 10 years, MPJB or the Johor Bahru City Council takes on a big project. For example, the new Johor Bahru CIQ throws the entire Jalan Wong Ah Fook into disarray. You are confused, scared and helpless. For a few days, you wonder around without any passengers in sight. The only comfort? You are not the only one affected.

Having mentioned only some of the bad things about being a Taxi Driver in Johor Bahru, there is one positive thing worth mentioning. Mm.. Parking is cheap!!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Gan

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Promo Bulan Februari hingga Maret 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:07:00 +0000

Dapatkan Harga Promo untuk pembelian:

Datamax E-4204 B Mark III 203 DPI, Thermal Transfer, Speed 4 ips, USB-Serial
Symbol LS9203 Omni-Directional scanner With USB Interface
Symbol LS2208 BLACK with USB / PS2 interface cable + stand
FARGO DTC1000 Single Side Model

Hanya PrinterKartu.com yang mampu memberikan penawaran paling murah dibandingkan dengan yang lainnya. Untuk informasi lebih jelas silahkan hubungi CS atau YM kami.

Promo Bulan Februari hingga Maret 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Dapatkan Harga Promo untuk pembelian:

Datamax E-4204 B Mark III 203 DPI, Thermal Transfer, Speed 4 ips, USB-Serial
Symbol LS9203 Omni-Directional scanner With USB Interface
Symbol LS2208 BLACK with USB / PS2 interface cable + stand
FARGO DTC1000 Single Side Model

Hanya PrinterKartu.com yang mampu memberikan penawaran paling murah dibandingkan dengan yang lainnya. Untuk informasi lebih jelas silahkan hubungi CS atau YM kami.

Proton Saga gets safety award

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:09:00 +0000

THE Proton Saga FLX has been awarded three stars in the Asean NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) after frontal collision tests were conducted by Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) at its PC3 Crash Lab at the Road Transport Department Academy in Malacca.

Proton Holdings Bhd executive chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil said it is time for the public to change the perception about the brand as it offers good quality and affordable cars.

“This achievement is a testament of the improving quality of Proton cars and that the Proton Saga is a safe car which had passed the internationally recognised assessment programme — the Asean NCAP.

“Proton’s new direction to further enhance our products on all levels, clearly demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with a high level of safety protection.

“To be able to offer such standards in even our entrylevel models is a proof of our commitment to provide to Malaysians value-for-money cars. We are indeed very pleased that the Proton Saga safety standard has been recognised as per other international makes in Malaysia.”

More significantly, Mohd Khamil said the award isn’t just about Proton but its role to further enhance the safety standards of the national automotive industry.

“As the national car company, we continuously improve our range of products to cater to the needs of today’s market, and it would not be possible without the support of the government and its supporting bodies like Miros.

“We applaud the existence of the region’s first crash test facility, as well as the support provided by the government — for this is strong encouragement to manufacturers to build better and safer cars.”

Since its introduction, the new generation Saga has received numerous accolades, including winning awards such as Autocar Asean’s “Best Small/Mid-Sized Sedan” in 2012.

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Mitsubishi Lancer - World Renowned Compact Model from

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 02:17:00 +0000

General Introduction:

Mitsubishi Lancer was built by Mitsubishi Motors as a compact model car way back in 1973. Since then, in many variants, over six million Lancers have been sold. Mitsubishi Lancer also formed the basic platform of numerous Proton models in Malaysia.

Some Important Variants:
Mitsubishi Lancer has been sold in various countries as the Soueast Lioncel, Hindustan Lancer, Mitsubishi Carisma, Colt Lancer, Dodge Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Plymouth Colt, Lancer GSR, Lancer Evolution, Lancer Ralliart, Eagle Summit, and Mitsubishi Mirage.

Out of these models; Lancer GSR, Lancer Evolution, and Lancer Ralliart are the best performance models and forms great part of the success story of Mitsubishi Lancer.

Some other models that form major competition to this compact model of Mitsubishi motors are Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda Mazda3 and others.

First Generation Mitsubishi Lancers:
Mitsubishi Lancer was first launched in 1973 in the class of sub compact cars. At that time Mitsubishi had the Minica kei car and the compact Galant. Mitsubishi Lancer has helped Mitsubishi Motors filling in the gap between those two segments in a perfect way and at the perfect time. This has helped Mitsubishi Lancer gain popularity among the target customers right from the first day.

This model initially called Chrysler Valiant Lancer and Dodge Colt. It has got 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon. This generation of models extended up to 1979.

Second Generation Mitsubishi Lancers:
First generation Mitsubishi Lancers were followed by stylish Lancer EX models in 1979. The EX series included, from 1980, a turbocharged 1.8 L model. Stylistically, the boxy, angular look replaced the "coke bottle" look of the previous LAs and LBs. They came with a body style of 4-door sedan. These models look similar to Mitsubishi Mirage.

Lancer Fiore was an extension of both Lancer EX model and Mitsubishi Mirage. The Fiore was often sold as a Lancer in international markets, but also the Mirage Sedan and, with the five-door hatchback model, remained in production for a good part of the 1980s. It was also sold in Australia under the name of Mitsubishi Colt Sedan. Hence Mitsubishi has got two different names in two different parts of the world at the same time for the same model. This was termed as big strategic success for the management at that time.
Third Generation Mitsubishi Lancers:

In 1983, both Mirage and Lancer lines were renewed in a newer way. The Mitsubishi Mirage four-door and Mitsubishi Lancer sedan model became the same concept car. Turbocharged and Fuel injected models were an implicit part of this particular range. To those models in 1985, a station wagon was also added. This model spawned a raised, four wheel drive version. This helped Mitsubishi in a very big way. Often, the Mitsubishi Mirage or Mitsubishi Colt would be the name used on the three-door hatchback, and the Mitsubishi Lancer name used on the remainder. This same model also formed the basis of the original Proton sedan, the Saga, Malaysia's first car.

Some of the variants of body styles in these models are 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan,
5-door hatchback, and 5-door station wagon. This model has got changed after 1987 in the market.
Fourth Generation Mitsubishi Lancers:

In these fourth generation models, more emphasis was put on aero dynamics and other related technological issues. Mitsubishi has invested quite a lot in R & D while designing these fourth generation models.
Inspired by the shape of Gallant, a new model was launched in 1987. This was a more aerodynamic looking Mitsubishi Lancer. Another addition to this fourth generation model was a five-door hatchback. In Australia, all models were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer. By that time, the Lancer name was shared with the Dodge Lancer sold in North America. The sedan was sold as the Mirage Aspire in Japan.

Performance Models:
Finally Mitsubishi Lancer has also got in to the race for performance. It has got it's 3 performance variants as Lancer GSR, Lancer Evolution and Lancer Ralliart. Lancer GSR was the model of 1999's. It has got 1800cc turbocharged engine to differentiate itself from the Evolution.

Lancer Ralliart is the current stop gap between the standard Lancer range and the Evolution. However, Lancer Evolution is still the high performance version of Mitsubishi Lancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Srinivas_Nudurupati

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Proton Saga Malaysia - LATEST!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:11:00 +0000

For nearly three decades, Malaysia’s national car project, Proton, has suffered through endless troubles, nearing its demise several times only to be propped up again and again by the government.

The government has regularly sought foreign buyers to come in and save the project, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd. The carmaker has cost the country’s consumers billions in lost opportunity costs from the steep tariffs levied against other carmakers in addition to the losses the company made on its own, estimated at US$2-3 billion, plus the cost of building its factories. The preferential tariffs haven’t stopped consumers from turning to other makes anyway.

In January, DRB-Hicom Bhd, controlled by billionaire Syed Mokhtar al-Bukhary, a longtime Mahathir friend and United Malays National Organization crony, agreed to take the ailing carmaker off the hands of Khazanah Nasional Bhd., the state-owned investment fund which owned 42.7 percent of the shares after taking the company over during an earlier period of distress. The subsequent events have raised many questions of insider trading, none of which have ever been addressed either by Proton, Hicom or Bursa Malaysia, the country’s stock exchange.

In the two months prior to the announcement of the sale, Proton’s shares went on a wild ride, beginning on Nov. 14, when the shares traded thinly, at only about 3,000 per day at a price of around RM2.70 (US88 cents)

According to official announcements by Bursa Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur main board, the shares took off on Nov. 15, rising to RM3.21 on volume of 4.3 million traded. Over the next 12 days, daily volumes averaged 4.4 million shares. By Dec. 5, volumes increased to 20 million shares per day – 60 times the November average - with the price rocketing up by nearly 25 percent over the period to RM4.50 per share.

Proton was the focal point of Mahathir’s dream to turn Malaysia into an industrial powerhouse built on the country’s considerable natural wealth of rubber, palm oil and crude. The car was one of a flock of mega-projects that Mahathir forced onto Malaysia in the 1980s and 1990s, creating steel mills, the US$475 million Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, a US$5.5 billion Putrajaya administrative capital, the US$2.4 billion Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the US$15 billion Multi-Media Super Corridor which was supposed to eclipse Silicon Valley. The Bakun Dam in Sarawak was to generate enormous amounts of electrical power to be piped through 1,500 kilometers of underwater cables to West Malaysia. A vast network of highways was flung across the country.

Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp persuaded Mahathir to retool an even-then ageing Lancer in 1985 and put an Islamic star and shield on the hood to create the first Proton Saga. Mitsubishi, however, quit in 2004 and sold its 16 percent stake back to Proton Holdings Bhd, the parent holding company.

After Mitsubishi pulled out, the absence of newer models and the inability to find a reliable and technically sound foreign partner meant that sales began to decline. Although Proton had more than 60 percent of the market in 2002, that fell to 30 percent by 2006. It has hovered around 30 percent ever since, despite the preferential government treatment. A 2007 Wall Street Journal-Asia report suggests that Proton burned up RM300-500 million ringgit annually.

Proton Saga FLX – Recommended

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 03:28:00 +0000

Proton Saga FLX got its name after several improvements were made to this model. It started as Saga BLM, and the name was changed to Saga FL before the letter X was added at the end of the word FL. The name changed for reasons. Proton has made huge steps in trying to increase the quality of their products. With decades of experience in the automotive industry, and with current goals of getting into the Global market, Proton has been trying to emphasize on the their Research and Development (RND) team to meet these goals.

With great quality controls of the products, we had experienced ourselves the differences between FLX model and the other previous models. The improvements are astonishing especially on the handling, performance parts, as well as the design. While maintaining the brand quality, Proton offers a very reasonable price to this model, marking RM 38,148 as the starting price. Never look down on this model as it has the newest CVT transmission technology that improves the driving experiences. Many of our FLX customers are satisfied with their new rides and thanks to Proton for making this happen.

Proton Plans To Launch R3 Models For Saga, Pesona, Inspira And Exora

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:14:00 +0000

PETALING JAYA, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd, the national car maker, plans to launch its R3 (Race, Rally, Research) models namely - Saga, Pesona, Inspira and Exora by early next year, said Head Motorsports Division Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood.

He said these models, built by the Motorsports Division under the R3 unit, were still undergoing the modification, prototyping and development processes and the prices were yet to be decided.

"The Proton's R3 models have their own special market especially people who are keen to have some uniqueness and looking for better performance," he said after launching the "My Proton Makeover" programme here Tuesday.

"We will sell these models in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia and also offer the body kits," he said, adding that about 80 units of the Satria R3 model had been sold this year.

Meanwhile the "My Proton Makeover" contest is part of Proton move to acknowledge and reward faithful customers of Proton. Those interested in the programme can register at www.protonVIP.com.

-- BERNAMA

New Video: PROTON Saga FLX - CVT

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:13:00 +0000

Find out why Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) makes the PROTON Saga FLX even better, in this exciting video.

credit to : Daniel Fernandez

2011: Proton Launch the New Proton Saga FL

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:41:00 +0000

From their boss’ speech, and some new features, we can conclude that Proton is trying to get the younger market to consider the Saga as their first car. This saga version only has two versions of color: Blue Rock and Cafe Latte. There are now two trim lines – Standard and Executive – down from the previous three. Saga FL has been using the 1.3 Ltr-Cylinder engine, which deliver power at 95 hp at 6000 rpm and 120 Nm at 4000 rpm. Also, there are two options for the transmission, the five-speed manual gearbox and four-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Proton Saga FaceLift is available in four different types – the Standard M/T and A/T as well as the higher spec Executive M/T and A/T, which is one grade level less than the pre-facelift Saga, which was available in N-Line, B-Line and M-Line.

Here is the price of new proton saga facelift for every variant:
1.3 Standart M/T                    RM 37.998
1.3 Standart A/T                      RM 40.998
1.3 Executive M/T                   RM 40.698
1.3 Executive A/T                    RM 43.298

Here is some photos of New Proton SAGA FL:

Another front view of Proton Saga FL

Proton Saga FL Interior Design

Spion View of Proton Saga FL

Another Frontview of Proton Saga FL

Backview of Proton Saga FL

Proton's Q1 earnings surge

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 04:07:00 +0000

PETALING JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd recorded better earnings for the first quarter ended June 30 (Q1) year-on-year due to higher sales and better product mix.

The national car maker’s net profit surged 55.2% to RM84.7mil in Q1 versus RM54.5mil in the same quarter last year. Revenue rose 23.6% to RM2.29bil against RM1.85mil.

Proton said in a filing to the stock exchange that in line with the improved market sentiments, its domestic sales volume grew 17% due to demand for its three core models - Saga, Persona and Exora.

“The group will intensify its marketing initiatives for the current product offerings as well as refreshers and new models to increase sales volume.

“Internationally, the group will focus on improving sales volume through planned launches of its core models in key markets,” it said.

Proton saga for taxi model??

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:58:00 +0000

Back in May this year Datuk Noh Omar (and his Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development) suggested that Proton develop a new vehicle designed to be used as a taxi similiar to the London Black Cab. The whole idea is that the Malaysian taxi system switch to this new standardized model rather than having multiple models like the Proton Saga, Proton Waja, Naza Citra, Renault Espace, Proton Perdana and even premium Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Cefiro taxis. According to Datuk Noh, this will help “standardize the image of taxis” in Malaysia.

Proton will be looking into the feasibility of the request and if possible, the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development will help “ensure take-up”. Ideally the taxi should also have a factory-fitted NGV system rather than with current taxis which have to retrofit the NGV system as an aftermarket addition to the car. In cars with smaller boots like the Iswara, the NGV tanks can take up a significant amount of boot space depending on the size of the NGV gas tank.

Firstly, the London Black Cab is only used in London. The rest of the UK, or rather the rest of the world uses conventional 4 door sedans or minivans as taxis. Do we really need Proton’s financial records to be plagued with yet another model that has a limited market?

Consumers purchase different types of cars for different needs, so taxis should use different models for different needs as well. A large and heavier taxi with lots of boot space and passenger room powered by a larger engine to move around with that extra capacity will be going around town wasting unnecessary petrol (or NGV) if it carries only one passenger on short trips most of the time.

A much better idea would be for Proton to offer a new taxi based on the new Proton Saga (sources inside Proton say one with a factory-fitted NGV system and a possible upgrade to a 1.6 liter engine is under development) for the purpose of short trips. Longer trips that require more passenger and luggage space can be serviced by larger models converted for taxi purposes like the Kia Rondo Taxi that we saw last year. It can be supplied by Naza Kia Sdn Bhd when it updates the Citra to the next generation Rondo. Just remove the option for the 3rd row of seats and use it for luggage.

On the matter of improving the images of taxis in Malaysia, the government can support this transition to the new models mentioned above by offering financial assistance and loans to taxi drivers for them to be able to afford the upgrade to a new generation of taxis easily. And while we’re at it, cut out the middlemen and give the taxi licenses to the people actually running the taxi services!

There is really no need to waste money and time on the R&D and production of a new specialised single taxi model that will serve nothing more than an ego boost to be able to say that we have our London Black Cab equivalent. It will be the case of the Eye on Malaysia emulating the London Eye all over again.

Proton's new KPIs achievable

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 05:23:00 +0000

The new headline key performance indicators (KPIs) announced by Proton Holdings Bhd is achievable as the company is already making steady inroads, especially in market share expansion and exports, according to MIDF Research.

New models planned, including the new Waja which is expected to make its debut in the coming months, will push the national carmaker's market share and revenue growth, it said in a
research note today.

"The mainstay of Proton's products remains the Saga and Exora and we expect it to remain as such for the foreseeable future," said MIDF Research, part of MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd.

The new models are expected to open up greater sales opportunities that would translate into better market share and provide the boost to the company's revenue growth, it said.

Proton announced yesterday that it was targeting to achieve 20 per cent growth in revenue for the financial year ending March 31, 2011, under its headline KPIs.

Contribution of export sales to revenue is set to be 8.4 per cent while the domestic market share for passenger vehicle segment is targeted to grow at 33 per cent.

MIDF Research said Proton's current export markets are the African nations, the Middle East and countries in Asia Pacific region, including Australia.

"Proton is seen to stand a fair chance to convince Chinese buyers if they managed to sort out the pricing and product quality as the competition is stiff in China," it said.

According to MIDF Research, there are no major earnings surprises expected for the current financial year.

"Sales is improving, rising 18 per cent year-on-year to 80,126 units for first half 2010 with market improving to cross the 30 per cent level," it said. -- Bernama

Its not easy being Taxi Driver in Johor Bahru

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:41:00 +0000

Sometimes the direct route is to take if you are unemployed is to rent a car and a taxi driver. After all, if you are willing to work hard, you may be able to make a decent profit every day. Of course, providing we are willing to put in 12 hour shifts consistently, even on weekends.

In Malaysia (and especially in Johor Bahru), things get a little more complicated. And we list down exactly why it is not easy, a taxi driver in

Malaysia

.

First, if you are to the use of the device, your smile, roll their eyes in disbelief or passengers. The MR costs $ 2 departure, set 13 years ago, not even enough to buy you a plate of chicken rice. The additional fee of 10sen/200m is equally incredulous. cheap cheap!

And if you punish the most natural thing, something to turn off the meter and flat rate is, you can, if they are caught. In a particularly irritating day, you have a passenger from Singapore who missed it clear in the English rule and said: "Uncle, how can you not turn on the meter? Not deceive us, you need the meter!"

Price aside, there are the nagging questions that makes things even more difficult for a taxi driver in Johor Bahru.

There are few taxis in Johor Bahru away. You are taking a pause passenger side of the road. Suddenly someone knocks on your window - The man in white. The traffic police, the force of law or fact or a wink to you. However, you can be sure that your whole day is gone.

On clear days (when there is no man-in-White), undercover officers of the Council of Johor Bahru Transport Board can also give your car and do a spot check on you. If you do not wear a white shirt with long sleeves, or when taxi is not very clean, you risk a fine. Or, you can ignore.

And if people do not legitimate for you, you might have a chance with this kind of lawlessness. Johor Bahru unenviable about a crime.

Human factors aside, there's even more irritating questions that add to the difficulty.

The Proton Saga drive hardly seems like a good place to work, especially when you look across the street and taxi drivers in Singapore are the 2000cc engine Hyundai Sonata, Skoda and Toyota Camry the same. You get a terrible cramp leg of the clutch and back pain poor suspension. The windows are not tinted, and your right arm is similar to a driver of the trailer.

It gets worse at night. With the exception of the main roads, the roads are not lit well and work hard you really distinguish between a passenger in a Pontianak.

Once in 10 years, notes Mr. PJB Johor Bahru City Council or a big project. For example, the new CIQ Johor Bahru Wong Ah Fook Jalan throws all into confusion. You're confused, fear and helplessness. For a few days, ask for no passengers in sight. The only consolation? You are not the only one affected.

After mentioning that some of the bad things, a taxi driver in Johor Bahru, there is something positive to report. Mm .. Parking is expensive!

A new Proton Saga facelift spotted

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 08:23:00 +0000

Proton gave us the second generation Proton Saga back in early 2008 and it was easily the most anticipated car ever during that period of time, as everyone expected it to be the most affordable Proton sedan one could buy, given the Saga’s positioning.

Following a 5 year lifecycle, we should be able to expect the third generation Saga in late 2012 or early 2013 but before that it’s time for a mid-life facelift sometime this year or next year, which will hopefully revise the model line-up to include a model with dual airbags like available on the 25th anniversary special edition.

In any case, it’s about time that we see taped up facelifted Proton Sagas running around, like this one here snapped by reader Victor while exiting the Bukit Jelutong toll entering the NKVE. At the front we can see that Proton has given it the family grille with the horizontal bar that’s found on the Persona and the Exora.
The rear end also looks different. The Saga that’s currently available has tail lamps that position the signal lamp on top, so the upper most part of the tail lamp is clear. Fortunately in one of these photos we can see the car braking so it shows that the brake lights have been moved to the area where the signal lamp previously occupied.

NEW PROTON SAGA SPECIAL EDITION

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:28:00 +0000

PROTON already launched a special edition of its Frost & Sullivan’s Best Model of the year 2009, the SAGA Special Edition which features new enhancements on 8 July 2009. Special about Saga SE? Lets take a look. Is it so special? For us, it is looks like a Saga with set of bodykits.

Our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the Proton SAGA SE, a premium and sporty variant to the existing model and also Proton Exora manual edition in the Felda Settlers day or Hari Peneroka celebrations at Felda Labis.The pepole who live in Felda Labis are so lucky because they can see the the new model in front of them.

As a premium variant of one of PROTON’s cheapest cars, the Proton SAGA SE boasts a new interior finishing complete with leather seats, door trims, a leather wrapped steering wheel, pearl white meter panel finishing and a CD player with MP3 capability.

For the engine, the new Proton Saga SE still using the 1.3 liter Campro IAFM engine that is found in the rest of the Saga BLM.Except for the 1.6 for the taxi.The SAGA SE is estimated to be sold at RM43,000 for manual and RM45,500 for the automatic variants respectively. It is now available for booking for RM500, but the cars will only however be available for sale at all Proton Edar and EON showrooms from the 15th of August 2009 onwards.

So, what is the special about Proton Saga SE? Below are the details that will make you see it clearly.Proton should put more enhancements to make it to be more special right?

- Two colours offered – brilliant red or solid white handsomely dressed up with stylish black finishing roof top.
- A new front grille with black finish.
- New front, rear and side skirts.
- Leather seats, door trim and wrapped steering wheel.
- Dark chrome air-conditioning vents.
- Pearl white meter panel finishing.
- CD player with MP3 support.

Product enhancements are a continuous process in PROTON to offer more value to their customers. The launch of the new SAGA SE is aimed to excite new buyers and make them view the car as their first choice. They also said that the new SAGA SE was targeted to the youngsters who want to be different.