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BMW Group Malaysia achieves record sales in 2011, ActiveHybrid models to make local debut this year

January 18, 2012 at 3:41 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, Local News

BMW Group Malaysia, in a press briefing this morning, announced that 2011 was a record breaking year for them in terms of sales. The company sold a total of 5,604 vehicles last year, consisting of 5,003 BMWs, 301 MINIs and 300 Motorrad bikes. This surpasses the sales figure of 2010 by 24%, making Malaysia one of the fastest growing markets in the entire BMW Group network.

At the event this morning at Pavilion KL, Briscoe, together with Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, unveiled the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Car, which will be on show at the posh mall till this Sunday. The futuristic concept car is featured in Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol, where it is driven by saviour of the world Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is quite a sight, but it’s not coming to your neighbourhood BMW showroom anytime soon. What is coming are BMW’s ActiveHybrid models, in F30 3-Series and F10 5-Series form, sometime this year. But don’t expect cut price BMWs – these models are powered by 3.0-litre turbo engines, and will not enjoy the tax breaks given to hybrids from Toyota and Honda.

If you didn’t know, BMW’s ActiveHybrid models aren’t all out eco cars, they pack in plenty of performance. We’ve covered them it detail already – click here and here for more on the ActiveHybrid 3 and ActiveHybrid 5. We’ve also driven the ActiveHybrid 7, click here to read the review.

Hybrids aside, BMW Group Malaysia is without doubt the biggest proponent of diesel engines in Malaysia, and it will continue to bring in ‘d’ models. They say that diesels now account for 15-20% of total sales in Malaysia, which is encouraging, but to increase that number, the company is hoping that the Government will do its part in this matter.

“The Malaysian government’s long stated intention of introducing Euro IV spec for fuel for instance is a critical step towards the country’s evolution into an actual green tech advocate, and it’s our hope that greater emphasis will be given towards the alternative engine technologies that are readily available today in the discussion of the second review of the National Automotive Policy scheduled for this year,” said Geoffrey Briscoe, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.

“It is vital that while we pursue new alternatives to achieve sustainability, attention is also given to improve on existing tech such as Advanced Petrol and Diesel engines which run on the lower sulphur content Euro IV spec fuel, as well as the introduction of incentives for all hybrid tech including those for hybrid vehicles above 2,000 cc, as these engines can prove to be more efficient than their smaller counterparts,” urged Briscoe.

If this wish list comes true, BMW won’t be the only party benefiting, but Malaysian car buyers as well.

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Reports: DRB-Hicom to cut Proton’s costs, review Lotus

January 18, 2012 at 9:10 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Lotus, Malaysian Makes, Proton

Now that DRB-Hicom is in control of Proton, what’s in store for the national carmaker? A report by Business Times details the changes that will happen in terms of cost cutting and efficiency, trimming “excess fat” currently carried by Proton. The reporter quoted unnamed “sources close to the deal”.

For starters, no large scale staff retrenchment is expected, although some changes in the top management are predicted to happen. DRB-HICOM wants to turn Proton into a serious regional player within three years, before becoming a global player two years from that point. The conglomerate will also strengthen Proton’s vendor and dealer network, while improving staff skills by leveraging on its International College of Automotive (ICAM) in Pahang.

“There will be zero lay-off as the immediate focus is on the low-hanging fruits at Proton. The group will trim any excess fat in product planning, consultancy contracts and third-party service providers, among others,” their sources said.

An example is the storage of Proton cars at a third-party site in Sijangkang, Selangor. “The group does not think it is necessary to farm out this logistic service as Proton cars can be distributed to dealers and branches efficiently by using a good IT infrastructure. A lot of money can be saved from this,” they added.

When it comes to costs, Lotus is sure to crop up. Now that DRB-Hicom is in control, what is in store for Proton’s sports car subsidiary? The British brand is currently in a cost consuming revamp from niche specialist sports car maker to a Porsche challenging brand, led by CEO Dany Bahar, who is fresh from signing a four-year contract last month.

“If Lotus continues to ride on Proton, it will be cancerous, it will be like a parasite. Hence, it requires a review so that it can stand alone and be successful, perhaps like what Audi is to its parent Volkswagen AG,” BT’s sources said, adding that the review will focus on Lotus’ involvement in motorsports sponsorships, especially in F1.

If this report is accurate, there is sure to be plenty of boardroom battles in Proton, in the near future.

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SMART Tunnel will be closed tomorrow for maintenance

January 17, 2012 at 1:17 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News

The SMART highway will be closed from 11pm tomorrow night (18 Jan) to facilitate routine maintenance of the motorway tunnel system, Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) Sdn Bhd said in a statement.

The closure will last until 6am the following day (19 Jan), opening in time for the rush hour. Motorists can call SMART Helpline at 1300-88-7188 for further info.

Meanwhile, PLUS in a statement announced that the Ulu Bernam R&R area at Km 298.8 of the North South Expressway will be closed today between 8am and 5pm for maintenance. Highway users are advised to instead use the Behrang R&R (Km 382.2) or the big Tapah rest area (Km 331.2), both southbound from Ipoh. PLUSLine’s number is 1800-88-0000.

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Group N Proton Satria Neo rally car goes on sale in Japan

January 17, 2012 at 12:15 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Motorsports, Proton

Proton Motorsports and renowned Japanese automotive parts manufacturer Carrosser Co Ltd (CUSCO) announced at the Tokyo Auto Salon that the Satria Neo will officially go on sale in Japan for motorsports use. CUSCO is the authorised Proton reseller in Japan and is responsible for the importation and distribution of the Neo in Japan.

This is the fruit of Proton Motorsports and CUSCO’s joint-development to produce Group N 1600cc Proton Satria Neo rally cars, which was first put on display at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The cars competed in last year’s Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and made a clean sweep of the 2WD categories, winning the APRC 2WD Manufacturer’s title, APRC 2WD driver’s title (Karamjit Singh) and APRC Junior driver’s title (Akira Bamba). Meanwhile, in the Japan Rally, Shuhei Muta also drove the Satria Neo to win the JN3 Class title.

Developed for the Japanese domestic market, the rally cars are sold by CUSCO to those competing in the Junior Rally Championships in Japan and Asia Pacific. Proton and Carosser have also jointly-developed Group N components for rally use on the Neo. A well known name in aftermarket performance parts, CUSCO is the only independent firm in Japan to compete in all categories of the All-Japan Championships: track racing, rallying, dirt trials and gymkhana.

“Besides the collaboration on vehicles, we are also looking to expand our business, not only in Malaysia, but globally in terms of jointly-developing performance parts and accessories together with Carroser,” said Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood, head of Proton Motorsports.

“The main objective of this joint-development is to further deepen the prosperous relationship with Proton Motorsports by presenting the Japanese market with a sporty automobile that has proven its capability as a solid motorsports base machine. Moreover, Carrosser will strive to dedicatedly support various teams and end users utilising Proton machines in any given genre of motorsports, especially the APRC,” said Carrosser President Tsutomu Nagase.

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ETCM gives away Nissan Sylphy to Grand Livina buyer

January 17, 2012 at 11:02 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Nissan

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has given away a Nissan Sylphy worth RM114,880 to a Nissan Grand Livina buyer, concluding the second round of its “Test Drive & Win” campaign. The lucky lady is Tengku Norul Karlina Binti Tengku Yunus from KL.

“I entered this contest with the least expectation to win. This is absolutely shocking and I just couldn’t believe that I am the lucky winner! I am delighted because it brings so much joy to my family and of course, thanks to ETCM for everything,” said Tengku Norul Karlina.

The second draw was open to those who have bought or test driven any Nissan vehicle from 1 August till 30 November 2011. The first draw winner was Dr Aida Adlina Binti Anuar from Seremban. The good doctor was also a buyer of the Grand Livina MPV.

If you think buying a Livina and winning a Sylphy is a good deal, ETCM’s “Test Drive & Win” goes into its third round where a Nissan Teana or 370Z will be given away. The contest period is from 1 December last year to 31 March 2012. To join, one will need to test drive a Nissan vehicle at any authorised Nissan dealership. That will gain you one entry. Buy a Nissan and six entries will be in the pot. For more info go to www.nissan.com.my.

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Six more winners in Proton’s Amazing Holidays contest

January 17, 2012 at 9:13 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton

Proton has announced six new winners in the second round of its Amazing Holidays competition. They receive a 3D2N holiday stay each, at either The Hard Rock Hotel in Penang, Tanjung Jara Resort in Terengganu or Casa del Rio in Malacca.

The winners are Proton car owners Rizalman ShahBandra from Putrajaya, Noor Fizan Ahmad from Ipoh, Zamri Abdul Malik from Petaling Jaya and Masmira Ibrahim from Temerloh. Winners under the non-Proton owner segment are Chee Sook Fun from Klang and Chong Bing Shan from Kuala Terengganu.

Amazing Holidays is part of the “Very Important Proton” VIP programme, aimed at acknowledging and rewarding customers and supporters.

“Our VIP programme has been truly instrumental in our ‘committed to be better’ initiative as it is an active expression of our pledge towards the improvement of our products and services. We have been very happy with the response received. The positive reactions we have witnessed have been truly encouraging to us as this initiative is instrumental in helping us build stronger relationships with Proton supporters,” said Director of Group Marketing, Branding and Motorsports, John D. Chacko.

Proton’s VIP programme was initiated in the middle of 2011 and lasted throughout the year. Also under the initiative is “My Proton Makeover”, which sees the R3 boys refurbish old Protons. They’ve so far laid their hands on Fadly Hisham Roplay’s 1992 Saga and Sashideran Radha’s 17-year old Wira. Next up is a 1996 Iswara Aeroback owned by Norzamzarini Mohd Bajuri. Keep your eyes peeled for that one!

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DRB-Hicom announces proposal to acquire Khazanah’s Proton stake – RM5.50 per share

January 16, 2012 at 5:33 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton

DRB-Hicom, the apparent winner of the tussle for Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s 42.74% stake in national carmaker Proton, has officially announced a proposal to acquire the stake to Bursa Malaysia, as any listed company is required to do.

They will pay the Government’s investment holding arm RM1,291,040,812, or RM5.50 per share in cash. DRB-Hicom also proposes to do conduct a mandatory general offer (MGO) to buy up the shares it doesn’t already own after the deal with Khazanah, as per listing rules.

Minority shareholders will be offered the same price – RM5.50 per share – as the conglomerate is offering Khazanah. Last Friday, before trading of Proton shares were suspended, the counter closed at RM5.18.

The deal is almost 100% done, but for two caveats: the approval of the shareholders of DRB-Hicom at an extraordinary general meeting to be convened AND the approval of or notification to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) on the change of shareholder of Proton.

In the proposal, DRB-Hicom also stated that it will not carry out any dealing with any Proton shares within two years from the transaction date, including the disposal of the assets of Proton, or any of its group companies. The company also says that during the period of one year from the completion date, it will not propose or vote in favour of any plans which may result in the dismissal, discharge, retrenchment or lay-off of the employees of Proton and/or its subsidiaries.

DRB-Hicom had issued an irrevocable standby letter of credit in the amount of RM38,731,224.35 representing 3% to the vendor, which is of course Khazanah. Mere formality now, before the official announcement.

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Trading of Proton and DRB-Hicom shares suspended on Bursa, official announcement to come soon

January 16, 2012 at 11:24 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton

It looks like the battle for Khazanah Nasional Bhd 42.7% stake in Proton has had its winner. Trading of the national car maker’s shares, as well as those from DRB-Hicom Bhd, have been suspended from 9am to 5pm today pending an announcement. The companies did not give details in a filing to Bursa.

DRB-Hicom asked for a suspension in trading, saying the company will be proposing a corporate exercise involving a very substantial transaction.

Reports surfaced last week saying that Government investment arm Khazanah will announce today that DRB-Hicom has won the bid to acquire its stake in Proton, with the transaction said to be at RM6 a share or total of RM1.4 billion.

Other confirmed parties bidding for the Proton stake were the Naza Group and Proton chairman Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh. The press and/or analysts roped in UMW and even Tan Chong into the party, but both companies denied any invitation to bid and involvement in the sale.

Last Friday, Proton shares closed at RM5.18 and DRB-Hicom’s at RM2.17. Minority shareholders and speculators are waiting to profit from a general offer for their shares, expected to be coming soon.

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Speed limit for state and federal roads reduced for CNY

January 13, 2012 at 10:33 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News

For safety purposes, the speed limit for state and federal roads will be reduced by 10 km/h for the upcoming Chinese New Year period. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said the speed limit for federal roads will go down from 90 km/h to 80 km/h, while state roads will see a reduction from 80 km/h to 70 km/h. No change for the highway limit.

“Road Transport Department (RTD) will conduct a joint operation starting from Jan 16 until Jan 30 to reduce the number of accidents and deaths during that period. Commercial vehicles will be barred from federal and state roads on Jan 21 and 22 which is two days before the Chinese New Year and on Jan 28 and Jan 29,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Separately, Kong said the RTD would double their road safety campaigns, targeting motorcyclist and pillion riders, drivers, passengers and pedestrians. The campaign would be publicised through a cooperation between the Information Communication and Culture Ministry and media organisations.

Drive safe and beware of roadblocks, you’ve been warned!

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Gold up for grabs in ‘Peraduan KeEMASan dengan Caltex’

January 13, 2012 at 8:56 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News

The coming Year of the Dragon could be a “golden” one for a lucky few. Caltex has a contest which runs from now till March 31. Called “Peraduan KeEMASan dengan Caltex” the contest offers prizes up to RM280,000 worth in gold.

A minimum purchase is of course required, and the amount this time is RM40 in a single receipt for one entry. Caltex customers only need to verify their details and receipt, and correctly answer a question on the entry form to be in the running.

There will be four First Prizes worth RM40,000; eight Second Prizes worth RM10,000; and eight Third Prizes worth RM5,000 each. All grand prizes will be in the form of a Maybank Gold Investment Account. In addition to this, eligible customers will also be in the running to win one of 1,688 station prizes of Caltex StarCash worth RM118 each. This means that there are sure to be four winners per participating station.

“With the Lunar Year around the corner, we are pleased to offer our customers an opportunity to prosper at the pump. Peraduan KeEMASan dengan Caltex aims to reward the invested support shown by valuable customers towards the Caltex brand and quality products with worthy prizes we hope will also appreciate with time – gold. With more prizes and greater opportunities to win, we’re hoping customers will enjoy their next journey to their neighborhood Caltex,” said Jeremy Oh, Country Chairman, Chevron Malaysia Limited.

For more information, visit your nearest participating Caltex service station or go to www.caltex.com.my.

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