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Perodua to go the sedan and above 1.5L capacity route?

February 10, 2012 at 4:02 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Perodua

According to a report, Perodua is expected to obtain permission soon from the government to build cars with an engine capacity larger than 1.5 litres, which it has up to now been unable to do under the limitations tabled in the original arrangement between the government and the company when it was set up in 1993.

The ongoing arrangement dictates that Perodua is only allowed to produce compact cars with an engine capacity of under 1.5 litres. The NST report quotes an unnamed source, who said that the existing arrangement was being reviewed as part of the revision of the National Automotive Policy (NAP).


Toyota Etios with Perodua badging by Theophilus Chin

The source said that if the revised agreement yields positive results, Perodua will be able to begin assembling and producing cars with engine capacities ranging from 1.6 litres to 1.8 litres, effectively marking the beginning of the company’s venture in the sedan segment, the report adds.

The source also hinted that the new models with larger engine capacity would probably be prototyped along the lines of the Bezza concept, which made its debut at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show in 2010 as a show car.

He added that the introduction of new cars in the segment can be seen as a logical step and consistent with the increased demand for sedan choices among first-time car buyers in the country, but added that the company would not be reducing its focus on the production of compact cars.

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New Perodua Alza SR – entry level variant from RM53k

February 2, 2012 at 10:26 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua

Perodua has introduced a new variant of its MPV called Alza SR. SR stands for “Smart Ride” and this is an entry level variant positioned below the Standard and Advanced spec. It is available for viewing and booking at all 178 Perodua showrooms nationwide now.

Selling for between RM53,013.50 and RM56,513.50 on-the-road with insurance in Peninsular Malaysia, the new variant, available in BX Manual and BZ Auto spec, is Myvi SE priced. Previously, the cheapest Alza was the Alza GX Manual at 55,503.50, so this new one lowers the entry price by about RM2,500.

“The introduction of the Alza SR variant will make it even more affordable for Malaysian consumers looking to upgrade to a more spacious vehicle. Our customers like the versatility and functionality that Alza offers and do not mind having less features available compared with the standard and other variants. However, it does not mean we have compromised on the safety and the aesthetics of the Alza SR,” Perodua MD Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

Under the hood, nothing has changed, but what’s the difference is spec? The Alza SR makes do with “UV protected glass” on the windscreen only, as opposed to on all glass panels, and there’s no rear wiper. The wing mirrors are manually operated. Fog lamps, airbags, ABS, EBD and BA are unavailable, but that’s the case for the 1.5 SX and EZ as well, so it’s expected.

Note that in the Alza SR automatic, the parking brake has been moved to between the front seats (it’s foot operated in other auto Alzas), and the front seats are separated, not bench style. For the manual variant, there’s no change in layout.

The Alza SR comes in three colours: Glittering Silver, Ivory White and a new hue, Mystical Purple. Perodua targets to sell about 400 units of the Alza SR monthly, which will take up around 13% of Alza’s monthly sales.

Alza 1.5 BX Manual (Solid) – RM53,013.50
Alza 1.5 BX Manual (Metallic) – RM53,513.50
Alza 1.5 BZ Auto (Solid) – RM56,013.50
Alza 1.5 BZ Auto (Metallic) – RM56,513.50

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Perodua sold 180k cars in 2011, takes 30% market share

January 20, 2012 at 3:02 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua

Perodua had a media briefing in KL this morning, revealing its 2011 performance and targets for this year. In a difficult year for the auto industry, the brand once again became the top selling marque in Malaysia, shifting about 180,000 vehicles in 2011. Retaining this title means that Perodua has been top of the tree for six consecutive years now.

The 180k figure is slightly down from the record breaking 188,600 vehicles sold in 2010, but then the total industry volume (TIV) also fell from from 605,156 to just below 600k units. Perodua’s market share also saw a slight decline from 2010′s 31.2% to 30%.

Exports grew from 4,000 units in 2010 to 8,000 units last year. Perodua revealed that Sri Lanka is its top export market now, taking over from UK. Bosses say that once overall cost is further lowered, exports will be ramped up, with a target of 20,000 units by 2015, or about 10% of total output. For 2012, they plan to export 10,000 cars.

Of the 180k local total, Perodua sold 81,904 units of the Myvi, which retains its title as Malaysia’s best selling car, 60,675 units of the smaller Viva, and 37,402 units of the Alza, which is the biggest car it sells.


Click to enlarge chart

2011 saw the introduction of the new Myvi in June, before Perodua wheeled out the “Lagi Power” 1.5-litre Myvi SE and Extreme in September. The Myvi is also exported CBU to Indonesia as a Daihatsu Sirion, launched at IIMS in July.

It wasn’t an easy year to launch such a big model, with the launch coming so soon after the triple disaster (earthquake, tsunami, nuclear) that hit Japan, but the company pulled through (Perodua MD Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh singled out partner Daihatsu for their efforts) and reclaimed lost ground with the popular new Myvi.

Among other obstacles they faced were the amended hire purchase act that came into effect mid 2011, the weak global economy, a strengthening Japanese yen and the recent Thai floods, although effects from the latter was minor compared to the Japanese disaster.

Looking ahead, Perodua sees 2012 as cautiously positive. Datuk Aminar revealed the target of a 4% sales increase to 188,000 units on the back of network growth and “aggressive promotions” throughout the year. Besides new competitors, Perodua sees inflationary pressures, slower growth and Bank Negara’s credit tightening measures (Malaysia’s household debt levels are very high) as challenges.

At the event, Perodua also announced a new flagship 3S Centre to be located in Section 19, Petaling Jaya. This RM30 to 40 million facility will be the model for future sales and service centres in Malaysia and abroad. It will also be the central region’s hub in the company’s new “decentralization” approach. Construction will start in March or April and it’s expected to start operations in 2013.

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Google 2011 Zeitgeist list: Perodua Myvi tops car searches

January 12, 2012 at 5:40 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua

Google has released its annual Zeitgeist list for Malaysia, which ranks 2011’s hottest search terms on google.com.my. Zeitgeist, which is German for “the spirit of the times”, offers a glimpse at the significant whats and whos in the eyes of Malaysians. Since we’re an automotive site, let’s focus on the car list. The top 10 fastest rising car brand searches on google.com.my in 2011 are:

1. Myvi/Perodua Myvi
2. Mercedes
3. Volkswagen
4. Honda Insight
5. Peugeot
6. Lexus
7. Perodua
8. Ford Fiesta
9. Audi
10. Lamborghini

This is a “fastest rising” list, search terms that have seen the largest increase in search volume over the year. Not to be confused with “most popular”, which indicates terms that are most frequently searched.

It’s no surprise that the Perodua Myvi is at the top – it’s Malaysia’s best selling car, and people want to read up before they buy. Also, the new Myvi was introduced last year, before the more powerful SE and Extreme came in September, further adding interest.

Mercedes-Benz came in second, so perhaps it’s the brand most Malaysians aspire to. Continental cars are getting more popular by the day, gaining a foothold in the Japanese dominated non-national segment, so it’s no surprise to see VW and Peugeot in the top 5.

Hybrids are “in” too, thanks to tax breaks, and the sub RM100k Honda Insight is popular both on urban streets and in Google. Another “hot car” is the Ford Fiesta, the stylish B-segment hatch that single handedly revived the Ford brand in Malaysia. A surprise for me is Lamborghini at number 10 – everyone wants a bull as their wallpaper perhaps?

Away from what we all love, here is the overall fastest rising searches in 2011:

1. Facebook
2. Angry Birds
3. Maharaja Lawak
4. iPhone 5
5. Samsung Galaxy
6. iPad2
7. Jawatan kosong
8. Android
9. Tonton
10. Aishiteru

Agree or disagree? Discuss and leave your two cents below!

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Perodua organises mass circumcision event for 50 boys

December 14, 2011 at 6:09 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua

A constant stream of news flows past us everyday, from the mouth watering to the bizarre, and here’s one that jumped out to catch attention. Perodua recently organised and sponsored a majlis berkhatan beramai-ramai (mass circumcision ceremony) for boys in the Kampung Sg Choh area. P2 is headquartered in Sg Choh, north of Rawang.

Organised by Badan Agama Islam Perodua (BAIP) together with Masjid Nurul Islamiah Sg Choh and Hospital Selayang, the mass circumcision ceremony, timed to fit in the year end school holidays, saw the participation of 50 boys ranging from six to 12 years old.

Among the brave kiddos were sons of Perodua staff and students from schools around the Sg Choh area. BAIP Chairman Tuan Haji Noor Hashiman Sulaiman officiated the event.

The Myvi maker sponsored RM80 of the RM150 cost for each boy. A majlis Aqiqah was also held, with seven Perodua staff combining funds to sponsor a cow. Perodua chipped in with RM3,000.

Here’s to a speedy recovery for the 50 lads in sarongs!

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Perodua Myvi – 1.3 litre model begins selling in Mauritius

November 28, 2011 at 12:10 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua

Perodua has begun selling the New Myvi 1.3 litre in Mauritius, with the first 22 units already on Mauritian shores. The car, which is available in four variants (AT and MT, in Standard and Premium versions), was launched by Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius, the Honourable Dr Ahmed Rashid Beebeejaun, last week.

Mauritius has long been an export market for the company – since 1996, Rauf Dusmohamud and Co has sold a total of 1,227 Perodua vehicles in the country, with models ranging from the Kancil, Rusa, Kenari, Kelisa and Viva to the Myvi.

Perodua MD Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh expect’s Perodua’s overall sales performance in Mauritius to grow by 67% to 200 units in 2012 from the 120 units expected this year.

He added that P2 is planning to increase its overall export sales to 20,000 units by 2015 from an expected 8,000 units this year.

“This plan, which is a part of our 5-year strategic road map, involves increasing the export volume to our existing markets, while at the same time exploring to new right-hand drive markets that has similar standards as Malaysia,” he said.

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India’s Premier Rio CRDI is a diesel-powered Kembara!

November 23, 2011 at 3:23 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, India, International News, Perodua

Miss the Perodua Kembara? Some might, but we reckon most don’t. Here’s something you might not know – the Kembara a.k.a. Daihatsu Terios is still on sale in India today, where it’s known as the Premier Rio. Billed as “India’s first compact SUV”, the Rio is available as a 1.2 petrol (77 PS/104 Nm) or a 1.5 turbodiesel with 65 PS and 152 Nm.

India’s car buyers have embraced diesel big time, but the Rio diesel hasn’t been selling well. That’s because the current oil burner doesn’t meet the country’s Bharat Stage IV emissions standards (we’ll just have to wait till 2014) that most big cities already use – it’s just BSIII compliant. But reports mention that from next year, the Rio will be adopting a BSIV compliant diesel engine to be more competitive.

This diesel engine is question is said to be the 1.3-litre Multijet sourced from Fiat. Indians are very familar with this license built engine, as it also powers top selling cars like the Maruti Swift and Tata Indica Vista, among other models. The proven engine puts out 75 PS and 190 Nm at 2,000 rpm, which should be very useful in small cars.

Perhaps if we had such an engine with the Kembara, we would have missed it more!

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Perodua’s Twitter-based Tweckbot safety check team is back, now serving Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh and JB

November 22, 2011 at 3:43 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua

Perodua is re-introducing Tweckbot, its unique Twitter-based free safety check team, in time for the upcoming year-end and Chinese New Year festive period. And this time, apart from the Klang Valley, Perodua will extend the service to Penang, Ipoh and Johor Bahru for the four-weekend campaign, which kicks off this Friday.

The teams will carry out a 20-point check that includes an engine check, transmission check, coolant system (coolant level, fan, temperature), brake system check (brake fluid, brake pad wear), power steering system check, clutch system check, tyre check, suspension system check, electrical system check (battery, lights, wiper) and engine diagnosis.

Tweckbot will be in Penang from 25-27 November, Ipoh from 2-4 December, Johor Bahru from 9-11 December and the Klang Valley from 16-18 December. Perodua will allocate between three to five mobile teams each weekend.

In Penang, the areas covered are Greenlane, Batu Lanchang and Island Glades (25 Nov); Pulau Tikus and Island Park (26 Nov); Bukit Mertajam, Simpang Ampat and Bukit Tambun (27 Nov).

In Ipoh, they will go to Ipoh Garden, Canning Garden and Kampung Simee (2 Dec); Bercham, Pasir Puteh and Bandar Baru Tambun (3 Dec) and Taman Happy, Taman Mayfair, Taman Bunga Raya and Taman Sin Far (4 Dec).

Perodua owners in JB can find Tweckbot teams at Taman Sri Tebrau, Taman Serene, Taman Pelangi and Pasir Pelangi (9 Dec); Taman Perling, Taman Sutera and Taman Permata (10 Dec) and Taman Sri Skudai, Taman Skudai, Taman Harmoni 1 and Taman Nesa (11 Dec).

In the Klang Valley, the teams will visit Taman Maluri, Taman Connaught, Taman Muda and Taman Len Sen (16 Dec); Kepong Lama, Jinjang Utara and Selatan and Jalan Ipoh (17 Dec) and SS2 Petaling Jaya, Bandar Utama, Damansara Jaya, Taman Mayang and Taman Megah (18 Dec).

P2 customers whose vehicles need repairs or service will be offered a 15% discount on selected parts at Perodua Service branches. To secure an appointment, Perodua customers need to have a Twitter account and follow the Perodua team on @MYPerodua to know where and when the Tweckbot team will be in their neighbourhood.

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Perodua to acquire Yayasan Melaka land for new 3S Centre

October 6, 2011 at 6:17 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Perodua

Earlier today, Perodua entered into an agreement with Yayasan Melaka to acquire a piece of land at Kota Hang Tuah Jaya, Ayer Keroh, Melaka. This piece of property, measuring 1.77 hectares, will be used to build a new 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre.

The purchase price is about RM7.7 million and Perodua will design the new facility to “incorporate the culture, tradition and history of Melaka,” according to Perodua MD Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh at the signing ceremony. Datuk Tahir Bin Haji Hassan, VP of Yayasan Melaka, signed on behalf of the foundation.

Also planned at the location are a regional office and a training centre to cater for the southern region. There will also be facilities for human capital development, a body and paint (B&P) centre and stockyard.

The 3S service centre will have 25 service bays catering to about 2,500 vehicles per month. The B&P centre will have 30 bays. Construction of this new the outlet is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2012 and completed before the end of 2013.

Perodua currently operates two branches and five dealers in Melaka employing some 220 staff.

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Perodua expects to ink agreement with Proton on strategic collaboration by year-end or early 2012

October 6, 2011 at 3:38 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Local News, Perodua, Proton

According to Bernama, Perodua says it expects to ink a collaboration agreement with Proton later this year or by early 2012. The company says it has had meetings with Proton at the highest level, and a strategic collaboration for both parties is well on the cards.

“There are a few areas that we are trying to collaborate. They are still at discussion stage. I think we are happy with the items. We will make the announcement on a memorandum of understanding this year or next year,” Perodua MD Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh was quoted as saying.

Aminar added that there was no change in Perodua’s stance on the proposed merger with Proton. “We are against the merger. We have our own plans, going forward,” he said.

In other news, Perodua will be announcing details of its new electronic automatic transmission (EAT) plant in the near future. Aminar said that the company will reveal details on the equity structure of the plant as well as its exact location when the announcement is made.

“We are setting up a joint venture. It’s still in discussion. We’ll make announcement on the equity structure of both Perodua and our Japanese partner (Daihatsu), as well as the location of the plant in the next one or two months, whether it will be in Selangor or outside Selangor,” he told reporters today.

Perodua was also mulling whether the plant will be constructed at one go, or in phases, adding that at least RM200 million is to be invested on the factory, which will produce transmissions for both the domestic and export markets.

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