BREAKING ! : Spyshots of the Upcoming Perodua's MPV ( 20+ photos! )

Perodua has certainly moved on as the new MPV has a target of 90% local content, PLUS the MPV has many unique parts to differentiate it from its donor model.

According to Datuk Syed Hafiz, Perodua managing director, Daihatsu and Toyota will come out with boring design. Perodua tries to spruce things up with its own design and in the case of the new MPV, Perodua has come out with a higher spec vehicle than the Daihatsu Luminas itself.

The front end has changed (we get projector headlights and even HID on the high spec version), the rear door is unique to Perodua alone and the hatch has also been redesigned to accomodate a new tail lamp.

Let's wait for its launch in November.

For 20+ Spyshot Photos of the Upcoming Perodua's MPV:

CLICK HERE

For 20+ Spyshot Photos of the Upcoming Perodua's MPV

CLICK HERE

credit: strinx84.multiply.com

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Proton Jumbuck (Arena) Perform Poorly for ANCAP Crash Test in Australia

Australia’s leading independent vehicle safety advocate, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), has issued crash test results for three imported utes on the Australian market. All three scored poorly.

The highly anticipated Great Wall Motors SA220 and V240 utes from China received only two-stars out of a possible five, while the Malaysian Proton Jumbuck ute only rated a single star.

The Malaysian-made Proton Jumbuck, at $14,990 one of Australia's cheapest utility vehicles and advertised as "the toughest little half-tonner in town", scored just one star out of five.

The Proton has been on sale locally since 2003 but is effectively a 1990s hand-me-down design from Mitsubishi built under licence by Proton and is not equipped with airbags.

The fitment of airbags made little difference to the result of the Great Wall utes, both of which scored just two stars.

The Chinese maker has two models available: the $19,990 SA220 ute which is an older design and is not equipped with airbags, and the $23,990 V240 ute which is a newer design and is equipped with airbags.

Both scored two stars out of five because the airbags in the newer vehicle did little to prevent the driver dummy head from striking the steering wheel.

Both the Proton Jumbuck and the Great Wall Motors SA220 tested lacked potentially life-saving airbags that can reduce the amount of injury resulting from a crash. All three vehicles tested lacked electronic stability control, which can help a vehicle recover from a skid by sensing a loss of control and individually braking wheels.

“The (GWM) SA220 and the (Proton) Jumbuck lack airbags and other safety features that are expected as standard equipment by new car buyers,” said ANCAP chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, who indicated the airbags in the more expensive GWM ute were not performing their job of protecting occupants.

“Crash statistics show that occupants of one- or two-star vehicles have twice the risk of receiving life-threatening injuries in a crash, compared with four- or five-star vehicles - at a time when four- and five-star ratings are becoming increasingly available for new car buyers,” said Mr McIntosh.

“New vehicles that achieve only a 1 or 2 star ANCAP rating - while meeting the ADRs - are a cause for concern.”

Meanwhile Proton has complained that ANCAP tested a car that is about to be discontinued.

Proton Australia boss John Statari told the Carsales Network that there is less than six months supply of the vehicle.

"We didn't attend the crash test because there was nothing to gain from it. The model is finished," he said.

Proton had told ANCAP for the past 12 months that the Jumbuck was about to be superseded. Proton denies this was a delaying tactic to avoid testing of the vehicle. To retain independence, ANCAP purchases its vehicles from dealerships and chooses the cars from a random selection.

"Car buyers only get one chance at safety, that's why we do random tests," McIntosh said. "The Jumbuck is a popular, affordable model. We have had the Jumbuck on the agenda for some time. Manufacturers collectively are always suggesting they might have another model coming. When we see another model we'll test it."

“We’re a bit confused as to why that vehicle was selected for a test,” Mr Startari said.

“[The Jumbuck] is the last of the models on the old Mitsubishi platforms ... it’s not really fair because one car is a 1990s platform and the other one is a new car.

“[ANCAP] obviously tested Great Wall and were looking around for a comparable test, and there’s not too many light commercial [vehicles] around with no airbags.

“Obviously we’re a company that takes safety very seriously,” he said.

The new Jumbuck will feature improved safety measures including “multiple” airbags, Proton says.

Until it is replaced, the current-model Jumbuck joins the Mitsubishi Express commercial van as the only two new vehicles currently on sale in Australia to have been independently crash tested and receive a one-star crash rating (not all vehicles are independently crash tested).

ANCAP said the Jumbuck’s crash test score fell below that of the Express van, making the ute Australia’s worst-performing vehicle.

source:

ancap.com.au

smh.com.au

carpoint.com.au

caradvice.com.au

themotorreport.com.au

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The New Malaysian Lotus F1 Team to be Sponsored by Petronas?

The new Malaysian-owned Lotus F1 team is in talks about being sponsored next year by Petronas, the state owned oil company.

Petronas has been a long term sponsor of the BMW-Sauber team, who are being taken over by the mysterious investment group Qadbak but are not guaranteed a place on the 2010 grid.

Lotus boss Tony Fernandes, who is also in charge of the Williams sponsor AirAsia, confirmed the Petronas talks.

"We would love Petronas to sponsor us," he said at the verge of the Singapore grand prix.

It is also rumoured that 2002 Minardi driver and Malaysian Alex Yoong, now 33, has joined the team, but will have a management role rather than a driving one.

source: worldcarfans.com

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RM168 Million Start-Up Capital For 1Malaysia F1 Team, Annual Budget Estimated At RM308 Million

1Malaysia F1 Team will have a start-up capital of RM168 million while the team's baseline annual budget is estimated at RM308 million.

In a statement, the team said Proton Holdings Bhd will licence its Lotus brand to the 1Malaysia F1 Team (1MF1T).

The partnership licence will include a variety of benefits for both Lotus and Proton involving technology transfer, marketing rights and employment opportunities, both within the national F1 Team, at the team's technical centre in Sepang and its satellite base in Norfolk, United Kingdom, it said.

1MF1T is a privately-funded project and jointly owned by Tune Group, Naza Group and Litespeed UK.

Tune Group is jointly-owned by 1MF1T Team Principal Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes and 1MF1T Director Datuk Kamarudin Meranun. Other Directors of 1MF1T are SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, the Chief Executive Officer of Naza Group and Zahri Ismail of 1Malaysia F1 Sdn Bhd.

The government holds no equity in the project, either directly or indirectly, through any of the government-linked companies.

The team will collaborate with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS to help realise the aspiration of creating a growing class of high-technology and knowledge-intensive human capital for the country.

Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM), a leading composites manufacturing expert, will also be part of the project, the team said.

Plans are in the advanced stage to develop the 1Malaysia F1 Team technical, research and development and manufacturing centre on a eight hectare site at the Sepang International Circuit.

Fernandes described the team as a lifetime achievement for all Malaysians.

"Other countries have been bidding hard for this spot but Malaysia, through our concerted effort and strength in the true spirit of 1Malaysia, managed to pull it through.

"This will be an excellent opportunity for Malaysian corporates to share this dream that has finally come through," he said.

Fernandes said the project would help Malaysia move up the value chain by emphasising on innovation and technology.

"Having been involved in Formula One, we are very excited at Malaysia owning a Formula One team and the amazing benefits it will bring the country," he added.

Fernandes also said the team was delighted to be partnering Proton in a way that allowed both to focus on its core businesses yet share the benefits of the collaboration in a mutually beneficial manner.

"I am equally pleased too that we are able to announce that every day we are deepening our relationships with CTRM and SIC, with UTM and UTP. It's an immense privilege to be working with institutions that have embraced the spirit of the Prime Minister's 1Malaysia vision," he said.

In short, Fernandes said the programme was specifically designed to strengthen Malaysia's industrial base, inspire students to focus on a wide variety of skills, boost the country's image as a tourist destination and provide a competitive advantage for the nation on the world stage.

Proton's Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the company as very excited and supportive of the Malaysian initiative.

"Through the impending licencing arrangement between Lotus and the team, the brand association will be beneficial to both Lotus and Proton would definitely heighten global brand awareness," he said.

Similarly, Syed Zainal said the Proton Group also hopes to capitalise on this opportunity from a technical and engineering aspect.

"The exposure to be obtained from Formula 1 racing is invaluable, especially when Lotus is a renowned sports car manufacturer and a respectable engineering firm," he said.

The team will rapidly integrate a Malaysian technical and pit crew totalling some 200 people managed by one of Formula One's most respected and accomplished Technical Director, Mike Gascoyne.

The team has already recruited a core team of international experts with proven track records in the many and various engineering, design and manufacturing disciplines.

This is to ensure the 1Malaysia F1 team is of international standard, readiness and capable of competing with the world's greatest racing marquees on the world's most prestigious racing stage.

The 1Malaysia F1 Team project takes its name from the "1Malaysia - People First, Performance Now" policy mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak earlier this year.

The policy aims at unifying Malaysians in celebrating the co-operation amongst its multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society for the betterment of the nation.

source: bernama.com

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Proton Upcoming Australian Sedan: Renamed as the S16

PROTON Cars Australia has revealed that its forthcoming sub-$13,000 small sedan will be known as the S16 and will now go on sale a little later than expected, from November 1.

Renamed from the less palatable Saga – the nameplate used in the home market – the S16 is still being touted as “Australia’s lowest priced sedan”, although exact pricing is yet to be announced.

Proton Australia will confirm is that the model will sell for a drive-away price of less than $13,000, so it remains to be seen whether the S16 undercuts the smaller $12,490 Suzuki Alto sub-light hatch to become the cheapest car in Australia.

The S16 will replace the outgoing $13,990 1.2-litre Savvy five-door hatch as the entry point to the Proton brand.

Proton Australia sales and operations general manager Billy Falconer said this week that the S16 would deliver the “best value and economy equation on the Australian car market”.

“We believe the S16 will lead the market on price and economy, with performance that will be head and shoulders above other cars in the sector,” he said.

“We have already had a strong response to the announcement that Proton would be launching Australia’s lowest-priced four-door sedan, and between now and the launch date more details including exact pricing will be revealed.

“All Proton Australia dealers will be taking delivery of a demonstrator S16 during October for test drives and will take orders for the new car ahead of the launch.”

source: goauto.com.au

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1Malaysia F1 Team. Malaysia's Very Own Formula One Team

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced that Malaysia will participate in the FIA Formula One world championship through its own racing team - 1Malaysia F1 Team, starting from 2010.

The 1Malaysia F1 Team, a joint venture between the government and private sectors in the country, will participate in the F1 race beginning next year, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced Tuesday.

The Prime Minister said the project involved the combined expertise of Proton and Lotus with the support of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), Naza Motor and Air Asia.

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister I, told reporters when making the announcement at the Finance Ministry that leading corporate figures such as Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and S.M Nasarudin S.M Nasimuddin were also involved in the initiative.

"This is the Malaysian team. The car was designed at the SIC, manufactured at the SIC, tested at the SIC and the car is Malaysian-made. Even the pit stop team consists of Malaysians," he said.

He said the 1Malaysia Team would identify a suitable Malaysian driver, adding that the project could lift the country's image in the international arena. Najib said the FIA had received Malaysia's application to participate in the World F1 Championship next year.

Asked on the budget and the total investment by the government, Najib said: "The Malaysian government's investment is through Proton".

Najib said the project was not a waste because it would provide a strong marketing element to the country when it competed in the F1 championship.

"If we want to export the Proton, we must ensure that the brand is strong. There is a strong element of marketing.

It is not merely a sporting activity because there is an element of marketing for Proton and Malaysia while at the same time, the Air Asia and Naza brand names can be popularised," he said.

Najib said the creation of the team is a "natural progression" since Malaysia has hosted a leg of the F1 race since 1999 and national oil company Petronas has been a sponsor of BMW Sauber team for the last four years.

Engines will be provided by Lotus which reached an engine supply deal with Cosworth, transmissions by Xtrac and aerodynamics by FondTech. Fondtech is run by former Ferrari aerodynamicist Jean-Claude Migeot. In the future, an R&D, manufacturing and technical facility will be built at the Sepang International Circuit.

Team principle will be Tony Fernandes, owner of the Air Asia airline. The team technical director is Mike Gascoyne, who held the same role with Force India, Toyota, Renault and Jordan.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak held a news conference Tuesday to outline details of what was called the 1Malaysia F1 team.

"The 1Malaysia F1 team is a government and private sector initiative combining the collaborative experience of Proton and Lotus, coupled with world class expertise," a Malaysian government statement said ahead of the news conference.

Prime Minister Najib Razak said the team would integrate Malaysian technical and pit crew, with the future design, research and development, manufacturing and testing conducted near the Malaysian capital. The driving lineup is set to be announced by Oct. 31 from a short list of six candidates.

source: bernama.com ; paultan.org ; news.yahoo.com

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IRC: Spaninsh Rally Principe de Asturias Report for Proton

GUY slipped from fifth to tenth after a last stage disaster on the opening day of Spain's Rally Principe de Asturias.

The factory-backed Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 had made a strong start to this testing tarmac rally - as Guy had promised - after improvements to the dampers and engine.

Guy and Phil scored six successive top eight stage times to hold a solid fifth place after stage seven.

But on the final stage of the day - the 27km Piedrafita La Zorea Anayo test - the Satria had a transmission problem just after the start and was then slowed further by a puncture.

Phil said: "We had a bit of an overshoot on a left four, which had a lot of gravel on it. We beached the car on the end of a barrier and just couldn't get reverse, so we spent 15 minutes jacking it out. There was no damage, just a front bumper missing, but we were so unlucky."

Guy bounced back with a string of solid times - including joint fourth fastest on SS15 - to cross the finish line in 19th place.

Leading finishers:
Pos Driver Car Time/Gap
1. Jan Kopecky Skoda 2h41m51.3s
2. Kris Meeke Peugeot + 2m46.9s
3. Nicolas Vouilloz Peugeot + 2m49.5s
4. Freddy Loix Peugeot + 2m58.9s
5. Corrado Fontana Peugeot + 3m45.0s
6. Alberto Hevia Skoda + 4m27.2s
7. Michal Solowow Peugeot + 5m58.0s
8. Giandomenico Basso Abarth + 7m03.8s
9. Franz Wittmann Mitsubishi + 9m26.3s
10. Joan Vinyes Renault + 10m04.0s

source: ircseries.com ; guywilks.com

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Proton in Discussion of Strategic Partnership

Proton Holdings Bhd today confirmed that it was in discussion on forming a strategic partnership but refused to name the other party.

"The discussion is ongoing; I don't want to comment with which party," managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said after breaking fast with journalists here.

According to a newsreport, Proton was in discussion with Volkswagen AG, Europe's largest carmaker.

On Tuesday, Volkswagen group was reported planning to make Malaysia as its sourcing hub for auto parts and CKD (completely-knocked down) assembly with a local automaker.

Yesterday, Proton advisor Tun Dr Mahathir said Proton needed a strategic partnership with an international automotive company to upgrade the standard of national car.

source: bernama.com

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Mahathir Returns To Proton

Proton founder and adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday made a return to the country's first car manufacturing plant after four and a half years.

The former Prime Minister said he was happy to be back as the plant brought him nostalgia at a time when Proton was just starting out.

"I am happy to be back at the plant which manufactured the country's first Proton car in 1985. It has been 27 years since then, not many businesses can remain that long," he said at a break of fast with Proton staff here Thursday.

Tun Mahathir said the government established Proton as it had confidence in the country's ability although certain quarters were sceptical while some made fun of it.

"I can still recall a comic sketch of the Proton car with a bullock cart roof. However, when the first car was unveiled and I drove it, many people gave it the thumbs up."

He said Proton's pre-tax profit of RM64 million for first quarter of 2009 showed that it was capable of competing in the local and international markets.

Proton would also contribute towards making Malaysia achieve developed nation status by 2020.

source: bernama.com

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New Logo for A1 Team Malaysia Embraces the 1Malaysia Concept

The fundamental concept of 1Malaysia is an appreciation of the diversity of the nation’s people; its goal is to preserve and enhance this unity and cultural diversity whilst recognising that everyone shares a desire for a better tomorrow, within the bounds of opportunity, respect, friendship and understanding. 1Malaysia energetically reinforces this and encourages everyone to define Malaysia and the role Malaysians must play in its future.

A1 Team Malaysia is proud to represent the nation on a global platform, showcasing national brands and companies by using the powerful medium of motorsport. Since its inception, the team has recruited and developed its own Malaysian crew of specialist race mechanics and technicians, as well as commercial people, who are now in demand from other high-profile international teams, having been given the necessary top-level international motorsport training and experience.

Jack Cunningham, Chief Executive, A1 Team Malaysia says of 1Malaysia, “A1 Team Malaysia wholeheartedly supports the ethos of this initiative and applauds Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for creating a forum for nurturing, promoting and encouraging the nation to consider the future and recognising the importance of unity within the diversity of the population.

In our team we only succeed through focussing on a common goal of uniting together with the purpose of achieving excellence. In our case this is to be victorious at A1GP racing events but, whether we cross the line first or not, ultimately our success is measured in the strength of our teamwork and how we strive together to win.

Therefore, it is highly appropriate and relevant that we now incorporate the 1Malaysia logo in to our own. This is a very satisfying and relevant progression of our motorsport brand.”

The team has been competing in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport for the past four years and has consistently finished in the top 10 in an illustrious, yet short, life-time and is regarded as a potential championship title contender having finished 6th overall of the 22 teams competing in the last season.

source: a1teammalaysia.com.my

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Malaysian-led Consortium To Form a Malaysian Formula One Team?

AirAsia founder and CEO Datuk Tony Fernandes is said to be part of a Malaysian-led consortium eager to bid for a spot on the grid.

While AirAsia is currently serving its three-year contract with AT&T Williams, Fernandes is said to be acting on his own capacity this time around. Sepang International Circuit chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir’s name has been said to be part of the consortium as well.

Petronas and Fernandes are apparently joining forces to form a team led by several former Lotus personnel. Oddly, the team will be based out of Singapore.

“This whole situation is very strange and complex now. I don’t understand why would they (Malaysians) want to do this outside Malaysia. And in Singapore? This would surely anger some people,” an F1 insider based in Europe said.

The team could find it difficult to get a slot in the series with such a short time frame. None are willing to comment on the matter, stressing on the “sensitivity involved”.

Talks have it that the Malaysian consortium has the ‛blessings’ from the government and that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to make an announcement on the matter. None are willing to take the limelight over the said announcement.

Among the names bandied about in the pit lane to help the Malaysian project include former Ferrari Global Brand Development director Dany Bahar and former F1 technical director Mike Gascoyne.

Bahar is now the CEO of Lotus while Gascoyne is with MGI Ltd. MGI are working closely with Litespeed GP who are interested in joining the series under ‛Team Lotus’.

Petronas could be starring at a new team next season after BMW Sauber decided to pull out from F1. Founder Peter Sauber, who holds a minority stake in the team, blasted BMW’s decision to pull out and is now trying to set up a Hinwil-based team possibly powered by a Ferrari engine.

Top officials in Petronas are close to Sauber and many are not surprised if Petronas will support Sauber’s move. Also, many have not ruled out the possibility of Sauber, Petronas and even the Malaysian-led consortium working together for a common cause.

source: mmail.com.my

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Proton Upcoming Australian Sedan: Teaser Video

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Upcoming Proton Saga (other name might be used) for Australia.. there is even a teaser website

This new small sized sedan will be launched in 2010 and will take on the Toyota Corolla with a long list of standard features and an improved1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine.

It will have a spacious 413 litre boot, seating for 5 passengers and is expected to be offered with either 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions.

The Proton Saga is 4.35 metres long and 1.68 metres wide, ensuring its ease of use in the urban environment.

"Australia's lowest cost sedan will be the cornerstone of our range and Proton will present a value for money proposition from the entry level model [Savvy] to the sporty Satria.

"We will launch a revitalised range with the low cost sedan at a price and specification level that will make it hard to ignore in the market," stated Startari.

The new model will be the Proton Saga, a sedan-based version of a revised Savvy that Proton insists will undercut the Chinese opposition that will begin entering the marketplace.

"It will be significantly different to the current Savvy, it is the same car that was launched in Malaysia recently as the Saga, it is a sedan and is powered by a 1.6-litre Campro engine in place of the 1.2-litre engine in the current Savvy," contined Mr Startari.

It is not yet known whether the Saga name will be used in Australia, but Proton predicts sales of around 2000 units annually.

The company will not announce the pricing or the name of the new car until the launch in 2010.

Proton also has a teaser website for the upcoming sedan: http://www.newsedan.com.au/

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