If you’ve been waiting for the arrival of Perodua’s new compact SUV, you’ll now have to wait until 2021 before you can get up close and personal with one, because the as-yet-unnamed D55L won’t be making its market debut this year.
At a press conference following a Perodua vendor certification event hosted by Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii) yesterday, we asked Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad for an update on the anticipated arrival of the new B-segment SUV, and whether the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic had altered the timeline of its introduction.
The reply intimated that it had, and what was surprising was the indication that it was never scheduled to appear this year, despite word on the grapevine in January having suggested that the new SUV was set to be launched sometime in the second half of 2020, with all previous indicators pointing to this.
“I cannot say when, but even in our original plan it wasn’t going to be launched this year. However, as a result of the movement control order (MCO) and so on, we have to re-look at the schedule, and at this moment we have not decided on a launch timeline yet,” he replied.
It could well be that the pandemic and resulting lockdown a few months back has interrupted or delayed plans to complete its enhancement of its manufacturing facilities as scheduled. At its 2019 full-year review presentation in January, the company said it planned to invest RM1.06 billion, double what it spent in 2019, on plant modernisation, building expansion as well as in preparation for a “future model,” which is expected to be the SUV.
The unexpected increased demand for its current models as a result of the government’s sales tax exemption, which is in place until the end of the year, may also be another reason that the D55L’s introduction has been moved to a later date. Presently, the national carmaker is assembling around 25,000 units a month on average, which is almost 98 to 99% of its production capacity.
Zainal said that this would continue right into December to meet demand. From a business perspective, the prioritising makes perfect sense, with the rush to get as many cars out before the tax holiday ends on December 31 the right way to go, more so with the waiting period already stretching to two months at present.
The D55L will be a close relative of the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize twins, which have been on sale in Japan since late last year. The JDM offerings measure just 3,995 mm long and 1,695 mm wide and are powered by 1.0 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine making 98 PS and 140 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT.
So, those expecting the much-anticipated showdown between the new P2 SUV and the Proton X50 will have to wait until 2021 before that materialises. The Proton SUV will arrive on the scene first, for sure – its appearance may be just around the corner.
GALLERY: Daihatsu Rocky, 2019 Tokyo Motor Show
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I guess X50 will make a killing since there’s no competitors.
“We are not committed to any launch date for the new model because we are busy replacing fuel pump for the Myvi G3 this year.”
Proton SC still busy replacing power window la.
fake news.
P1 windows been worry free since 2011.
Are you sure your calendar at home is for year 2020?
Proton will launch X30 compact SUV with the same size as the D55L next year. At that time, X30 will block the sales of D55L.
Proton will finally feel relaxed for the first time Perodua isn’t launching new car to fight against Proton’s upcoming car!
Dear Perodua,
1. Please use only 1.5L non-turbo engine on new Kembara. It is proven quality and reliable in long run. Avoid turbo with sure leaking problems later on.
2. For colours just use the black roof colour version because it looks perfect and blend nicely with the car theme. Oh ya, with black chrome sport rims wheels too (15 inch is fine).
3. Pricing wise just wait for the other China competitor to release their price first and strike it lower price. Don’t be silly in timing your tactical move. Patient is virtue.
Yes only these 3 things to ensure another sales success against the other China competitor so let them self-deluded with their brainless fanboys overhype it.
Thank you & good luck all the best to you Perodua!!
black roof colour version, vely hot inside…
Kudos P2! Great cars come to those who wait.
Great cars come without fuel pump problems. Evidently none of Perodua cars are great.
Last Nautica was a failure, will this new Perodua D55L encounter the same fate?!
Nice looking car.
Looking forward for it’s launch.
Cakap saja! Just like that lie they told us Perodua is not going into SUV market but when they saw how superhot Proton X70 is coming, they scrambled to celup Rush so rushing that they didn’t have time to change the steering wheel cover. With X50 soon to debut at Q3, they dare to not launch D55? Hahah! Let’s see how when X50 is launched. I bet ‘suddenly’ the week after, Perodua will paper launch D55 to steal Proton’s glory.
When p2 had their kembara, proton were still busy with their arena and juara. They dont even know what is suv.
It’s ok lah. Different customers segment anyways. Those that can afford to pay more will buy the X50. Those that want a more affordable B Segment SUV will buy this D55L.
Besides, competition be good. It’ll push manufacturers to be more competitive by giving more bang for bucks.
Meanwhile, Perodua Myvi 1.5L ASA 2.0 Lagi Power Lagi Safe
There is no mention of 2021 launch either, from the man in the chair. It could well be 2022 or beyond. Avoid speculating that it will be 2021.
I’m so sad to hear this news. I’ve been hoping P2 would launch this SUV this year together with X50 so that I can compare and choose which one to purchase..
X50 is B segment SUV, that D55L is compact SUV. Different category and size.
This is strategic move. Unlike some that launched 4-5 models in a year and none sell well.
Ya, Lexus launched 4-5 models in a year and none sell well.
Bruh….Perodua want launched next year cuz have a covid 19 yang si*l ni