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Monday
Saturday
2010 IRC Preparation For Proton
Proton continued its preparations for the 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge season by putting three leading drivers through their paces during a test in Wales recently.
Finns Anton Alen and Matti Rantanen and Belgian Francois Duval all drove a Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 at the Sweet Lamb test facility in Wales.
"We had three great drivers who gave us some very positive and valuable feedback. From our point of view one of the most encouraging things is that we put the equivalent of a world championship rally distance on the car without having to do any work to it." said Chris Mellors, who runs MEM, the factory Proton team
"The car felt very stable and the engine had a really good spread of torque right from the bottom all the way to the top."said Alen, who is considering Proton as one of his options for next season's IRC.
A couple of days after the test, Duval slipped on some ice at home in Belgium and broke two vertebrae in his back. He is expected to recover fully, but will be out of action for at least eight weeks.
source: rallybuzz
Wednesday
Michael Schumacher Signed Up For Mercedes GP For His F1 Return
Michael Schumacher has signed a one year deal with Mercedes. The seven-times Formula One champion made a comeback into Formula one after retirement and will be seen in action in F1in 2010.The news of Schumacher’s return to Formula One racing broke on Tuesday.
According to reports, the 40-year-old German finalized the deal at team's offices in Brackley, England .The champion who earned his titles in association with Benetton and Ferrari, had quit F1 at the end of 2006.
According to media reports, Schumacher will receive 7 million euros .Mercedes, who have taken over champions Brawn, have signed Nico Rosberg as their other driver for 2010.
Schumacher had recently cancelled comeback plans with Ferrari this year as replacement for injured Brazilian Felipe Massa due to recurrence of his neck injury he had encountered in a motorcycle accident.
A move to Mercedes will see his unison with Britain’s Ross Brawn. The technical director had guided Schumacher to his record seven titles and 91 race wins. Schumacher has been working as a consultant for Ferrari since his retirement but the Italian team had made it clear that it was not a binding agreement.
Rosberg, who signed for Mercedes shortly after the season ended, has already warned Schumacher he faces a tough task getting back up to speed with F1 but said he would welcome him as a team-mate.
"It will not be easy for him," Rosberg was quoted in German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung.
"When you stay away from F1 for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the test sessions again. It's not simple.
"I have no idea if it (a comeback) is true or not, but if he did join that would be an absolutely fantastic move."
Mercedes chief executive Nick Fry on Schumacher return had said earlier this month, "I think that just adds another very interesting element. Can a 40 or 41-year-old compete against someone who is 24 years old? In other sports people have proven that they are very capable even at that age."
source: india-server ; bbc uk
Tuesday
Alex Yoong Shows Disappointment Towards Petronas-Mercedes Deal
Despite being linked with both Sauber and the Malaysian backed Lotus team, Malaysian oil company Petronas has signed as title sponsor for Mercedes for 2010.
The country's first - and so far only - Formula One driver Alex Yoong, who is now head of driver development for Lotus, has expressed his despair at the deal on Twitter.
"Petronas signs with Mercedes GP," he wrote. "Words fail me. Mercedes is a good team, no doubt, but what Lotus is doing is completely ground-breaking and brave and Petronas not seeing that fills me with shame."
The exact length and value of the Petronas deal has not been announced, but team principal Ross Brawn welcomed the news.
"Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with Petronas and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future," he said.
"Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and Petronas livery at the Valencia test in February."
The sponsorship is good news for Mercedes, after German consumer goods company Henkel announced it would not be honouring a deal with the team as it was brokered by an unauthorised member of staff. However, Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug said the contract with Petronas would ensure the team's competitiveness in 2010.
"Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new season, with some fundamental rule changes, will be a particularly challenging one."
source: espnf1
Petronas ties up with Mercedes in F1, shocking news for Malaysia-backed Lotus
Malaysian oil and gas company Petronas has confirmed a long-term title sponsorship deal with the Mercedes Grand Prix team, just says after saying that it would not be involved in Formula 1 as a team sponsor next season.
Having been associated for over a decade with the Sauber - later BMW - team, Petronas explained last week that it would not continue in F1 as a team sponsor next year but remain only as title sponsor for the Malaysian Grand Prix.
However, Monday's news marks the first large outside funding for the Brackley-based Mercedes, with a concept livery released by the team showing Petronas branding on the front and rear wings of the car which, due to their sizes and visibility to onlookers, are two of the more expensive areas for logo-showing on an F1 car.
"Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with Petronas and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future," commented Mercedes Team Principal Ross Brawn.
"The collaboration of the premium automotive brand Mercedes-Benz and a company as prestigious as Petronas gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula 1 and building on the success of 2009, which saw the team achieve the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships.
"Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new silver arrows and Petronas livery at the Valencia test in February."
The news is likely to come as a particular blow to the newly-formed Lotus team which, under Malaysian ownership and soon to be based at Malaysia's Sepang circuit, was always tipped as the most likely candidate for a Petronas contract.
source: malaysiangp
Thursday
Kovalainen To Drive Proton Satria In Finnish Arctic Rally
Heikki Kovalainen looks set to contest next month's Arctic Lapland Rally in his native Finland.
It was reported at the end of the 2009 season that the 28-year-old was keen to resume his hobby of rallying, which was forbidden under the terms of his McLaren contract.
"Heikki is here to drive in Formula 1. That's why he was in Malaysia. But, maybe there is a chance for the rally car. He went and sat in the car and he was very excited about it. It would be a great story, but at the moment no discussions have taken place at all. He would need permission, the rally is dangerous, there is a lot of speculation on this - and that's all it is right now. Nothing is agreed." said Autosport’s source.
Kovalainen has contested the Arctic Rally four times in the past, and his new deal with Lotus looks set to pave the way for a reprise at the end of January.
While in Malaysia for the announcement of his 2010 F1 contract, the Finn sat in a Proton Satria Neo S2000 rally car that had been used the day before with Alister McRae at the wheel.
Proton is the majority owner of the Lotus Cars company, and the Turun Sanomat newspaper reports that the Satria Neo is Kovalainen's likely car for the Arctic Rally.
The Satria Neo S2000, built in Britain by MEM, was in Malaysia for Alister McRae to complete a series of demonstration runs for the Proton board of directors. Once the Scot had completed his driving in a forest stage around the Sepang circuit, the car was taken to Proton's centre of excellence, where Kovalainen asked to see it and then sit in it.
"Heikki was very interested in the rally car and it would be great if we could put something together [for the Arctic Rally]." told MEM team principal Chris Mellors.
Mellors confirmed there would be a car available for the F1 star, should the deal come together.
"I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem," said Mellors.
Another high profile competitor in the Arctic Rally will be Kimi Raikkonen, who is set to make his debut in the Citroen C4 he will drive in the 2010 WRC.
source: motorsport ; autosport
Bring It On: Tony Fernandes VS Richard Branson
LONDON (Reuters) - Lotus F1 principal Tony Fernandes has risen to Richard Branson's challenge for the loser of the two Formula One team owners next season to serve as a stewardess on the winner's airline.
Fernandes, the founder and CEO of AirAsia, said last week that his new Malaysian-backed team had to finish ahead of Branson's Virgin Racing "otherwise I will retire and kill myself."
Branson replied at the presentation of his team on Tuesday by suggesting a less painful solution.
"He has an airline, we have an airline and if we beat him he can come and work on our airline as a Virgin stewardess," he said, adding that he would be "game to do it" if Virgin finished behind Lotus.
"Bring it on, the sexier the better," Fernandes told the Lotus team website (www.lotusf1racing.my) on Wednesday, beneath a mocked up photograph of Branson in an AirAsia outfit.
"It's quite fitting, don't you think? Our passengers will be delighted to be served by a Knight of the Realm," he added.
"But, knowing Richard, the real challenge will be to prevent him from asking our guests 'coffee, tea or me?' That would be scary."
source: reuters
Tuesday
A Date to Remember: 28 Dec 2009, First Ever Top Five Malaysian Car of the Year 2009 Award
Nominations:
- Proton Satria Neo CPS (launched February)
- Proton Exora (launched April)
- Perodua Viva Elite (launched July)
- Perodua Viva 660 BX (launched July)
- Proton Saga SE (launched July)
- Proton Exora Manual (launched July)
- Perodua Myvi Exclusive Edition (launched October)
- Naza Picanto (launched October)
- Perodua Alza (launched November)
Official Trailer:
Do Not Forget
28 December 2009
Monday
Breaking News: It’s official, Trulli and Kovelainen at Lotus F1, Fairuz as third driver
Lotus F1 Racing has today confirmed that Italy's Jarno Trulli, Finland's Heikki Kovalainen and Malaysia's Fairuz Fauzy have joined the team to spearhead driving duties for its debut Formula 1 season in 2010.
There has been much speculation surrounding the identity of Lotus F1 Racing's driver signings in recent weeks, but the appointment of Jarno, Heikki and Fairuz was made formal in an official announcement by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon, at which Jarno, Heikki and Fairuz were also present.
35-year-old Trulli is one of the most experienced, consistent racers in Formula 1 and unquestionably still one of the fastest men over a single lap. He is one of just a select few drivers to have tasted victory in Formula 1, and that at the jewel in the crown of Formula 1 racing, the Monaco Grand Prix. He has also finished in the top ten of the drivers' Championship table on seven occasions.
"I am also delighted to be racing alongside Heikki, someone who I have enjoyed racing against since 2007, and someone else, like me, who brings valuable experience from his time with two of Formula 1's most established teams. I believe that together, we are among the most competitive pairings on the grid, and we will be determined to bring success to Lotus F1 Racing to repay the faith that Tony and the team have shown in us." said Trulli
Heikki's F1 career began in 2006 when he made his debut as a test driver. His appointment to the Lotus F1 Racing team will see the 28 year old Finn starting his fourth season in the Formula 1 World Championship and he brings with him a race winning reputation, confirmed by his first victory in Hungary in 2008, and a wealth of experience that will make a potent combination with fellow race driver Jarno Trulli and Fairuz Fauzy.
"It's fantastic to be joining Lotus F1 Racing and I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead. I recently visited our factory in Norfolk, UK, and was so impressed by seeing how far the team has come in such a short time since it was launched in September, and by how determined everyone is to meet Tony's ambitious targets. I knew immediately it would be a fantastic opportunity to help them achieve their goals." said Kovalainen
Apart from the two, local boy Mohamed Fairuz Mohamed Fauzy, was announced as the third driver for the team.
27-year-old Fauzy joins the team having previously held a Formula 1 testing role for the Spyker squad back in 2007. Since then he has driven in the F1 feeder series GP2, the World Series by Renault, as well as being named as lead driver for Malaysia's involvement in the A1GP Championship.
"There is no greater honour than having the chance to drive for your country. I was given the opportunity to do that for A1 Team Malaysia in A1GP for a couple of years, but to have the chance to join Malaysia's first fully fledged Formula 1 team is very special for me and the highlight of my career so far. I look forward to working closely with Jarno and Heikki on developing the car and the team in our first season together in Formula 1. I am sure we can do Malaysia as a nation proud, as well as upholding the tradition of such a legendary F1 name such as Lotus. Furthermore I look forward to developing as a driver in Formula 1 with the team in the future." said Fauzy
It is a reflection of the determination and status of Lotus F1 Racing to return to Formula 1 that they have hired two race winning drivers for the debut season.
"The selection of the drivers, especially Trulli, was a perfect choice as the 35-year-old driver is vastly experienced," Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek who represented Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak told reporters after making the announcements.
Ahmad Shabery said a new team like Lotus F1 Racing would naturally need an experienced driver to gauge the performance of the team.
"The feedback from the driver (Trulli) who has featured in about 200 F1 races will be vital for the technical and mechanical technological aspects of the team," he said.
Meanwhile, as Quoted by Team Principal Tony Fernandes:
"Firstly, I would like to say this is an historic day for all us at Lotus F1 Racing as we announce our first driver line-up. We have three drivers who I believe complement each other excellently and who I think represent what Lotus F1 Racing and 1Malaysia is all about. That is not to say it was a straight-forward decision because we spoke with other drivers who I rate very highly, but ultimately we have opted for a careful mix of experience, youth and ambition. In Jarno we have the F1 veteran who proved in 2009 that he is as quick and determined as ever. In Heikki we have a continuing rising star who is still hungry to prove himself, and in Fairuz we have a Malaysian national driver who is eager to progress up the F1 ladder to fulfill the hopes of a nation. It's the full package if you ask me."
source: LotusF1Racing ; bernama
Wednesday
Perodua has no immediate plan to make hybrid cars
SHAH ALAM: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has no immediate plan to manufacture hybrid vehicles as it wants to focus on producing “affordable, mass-market” cars, said managing director Datuk Syed Abdull Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar.
“Hybrid and electric cars are here to stay but we have no immediate plans (to manufacture the cars) because Perodua’s objective is to make cars affordable for the masses,” he said at a Perodua Alza prize-giving ceremony here yesterday.
It was reported last week that national carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd plans to embark on mass production of hybrid cars by 2011 to overcome rising costs and address environmental concerns.
Hybrid cars are expensive to buy, maintain and insure PERODUA MD DATUK SYED ABDULL HAFIZ SYED ABU BAKAR
“People talk about hybrid and electric cars when the economy is down. But when it improves, everyone forgets about them,” Hafiz said, adding that hybrid cars were “expensive to buy, maintain and insure.”
“As a compact car company, Perodua’s objective is to manufacture affordable cars for the masses. To cater to this market, our cars need to be within a certain price range,” he said.
Currently, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd and UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd are the only two official franchise holders offering their own hybrid models in Malaysia – the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius respectively.
The Civic and Prius are priced from RM129,000 and RM175,000 respectively.
Hafiz also said Perodua had no plan to launch diesel cars, and that “when we launch our next new model in 2011, it will be a compact, petrol-based car.”
He also revealed that 20% of Perodua Alza bookings comprised single buyers, with 83% of overall buyers choosing the automatic transmission.
Response to the Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has been overwhelming with the company having received over 11,000 bookings since Nov 13.
Perodua had set an initial target of selling between 3,500 and 4,000 Alza units a month.
But due to the better-than-expected reception, the company has revised its initial sales target of 162,000 Perodua vehicles to 164,000 by year-end.
Sales up to November stood at 151,000 units, according to Hafiz, with Perodua expecting to sell 13,000 vehicles in December.
“Our monthly bookings for November, which stood at 26,357 units was the second highest ever after 29,900 units achieved in June 2005,” he noted.
Hafiz said that with the good demand for Perodua cars, especially for the Alza, the company was confident of meeting its target of selling 176,000 units next year – its highest ever.
“Looking at bookings so far, we expect 2010 to be the best year for Perodua in terms of registrations. With the economy recovering, fuel prices will escalate and at the end of the day, it comes down to fuel consumption,” he said.
Hafiz added that Perodua would be launching “one or two” face-lift models next year, hinting that it would be based on the Myvi.
“The Myvi is here to stay. It’s affordable and just the right size. It’s quite a versatile car,” he said.
Meanwhile, four Myvi buyers won a Perodua Alza each after they were picked as the grand prize winners of the company’s “Myvi Moment” contest, which was held from June 13 to July 31.
The contestants had to purchase a Myvi during the period of the contest to qualify for the draw.
article from: thestar
Explore new global markets, Proton told
TOKYO: Proton Holdings has to be more competitive in the global automotive industry, especially with the opening of new markets due to the Asean Free Trade Area and free-trade agreements.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the national car company needed to come up with suitable marketing and production strategies to make it a bigger player in the international scene, since Malaysia’s domestic market was a small one.
“Depending on government support is not enough,” he told Malaysian reporters yesterday on the second day of his visit here on a special investment mission.
Muhyiddin added that penetrating countries such as India, China and Pakistan alone would be sufficient to make Proton a significant player in the regional market.
He also said that there was a need to produce the vehicles more competitively, as the cost was still high.
Earlier, during a question-and-answer session with Malaysian students and professionals here, Muhyiddin said he was still dissatisfied that Proton was not exporting the national car in a big way.
“They need to increase their competitiveness. They should be able to compete not only domestically but also internationally. I don’t need to teach them, the Proton management.”
On whether a strategic partner had been identified by Proton, he said nothing had been finalised.
Muhyiddin also told reporters that investment by the Tokuyama Corporation was expected to contribute RM19bil to the country’s gross domestic product in 10 to 15 years.
“The company’s business operations in Sarawak will have a multiplying effect as many of the supporting companies will also be located in the area,” he said.
Tokuyama is expected to begin polycrystalline silicone manufacturing operations for solar cells from 2013, with its base in Longmaju, Sarawak. The investment from Tokuyama will be RM5.5bil.
Muhyiddin said a meeting yesterday had resulted in Malaysia agreeing to give incentives like cheaper supply of electricity for 10 years, sourcing of skilled workers and negotiating on electricity rates after the 10-year period.
article from: thestar
Tuesday
A1 Team Malaysia eyes Le Mans series
With the future of A1 Grand Prix looking bleak due to financial difficulties, A1 Team Malaysia have set their sights on another car racing category — the Le Mans series in Europe.
A1 Team Malaysia CEO Jack Cunningham, in an interview with The Malaysian Insider,explained that the Malaysian A1 team was finally getting a clearer picture as to its direction and what it needed to do to ensure the team's survival and relevance in the world of motorsports.
"We are still trying to understand how to fit in the motorsports picture in light of the F1 programme in Malaysia. Although there is no complete position, as of right now we have a greater sense of an idea of what we're going to do," said Cunningham, referring to the hotly publicised introduction of Malaysia’s very own Formula One team — Lotus F1.
His declaration today came in light of the recent controversies surrounding A1 Grand Prix, where so far three major racing events have been cancelled with the most notable being the opening race at the Surfers’ Paradise International Raceways in the Gold Coast, Australia.
A1 Grand Prix Operations Ltd, a subsidiary of A1 Holdings, went into liquidation in June 2009 after cash-flow problems resulted in the company, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the series, being unable to pay its suppliers.
Its cars were also impounded by a freight company seeking outstanding payments, something which threatens to ground the series to a permanent halt despite assurances that a rescheduling of races is to commence in February next year.
"We think that we are going to run in what is known as the Le Mans series as well as the 24-hour race of Le Mans," said Cunningham of his Malaysian team's plans.
The Le Mans series (LMS) is a European sports car racing endurance series based around the 24-hour Le Mans race and run by the Automobile Club de 'Ouest (ACO). The series was originally named the Le Mans Endurance Series, but changed its name prior to the 2006 season.
The Le Mans 24-hour race, widely touted as one of the most gruelling races in the racing industry, requires drivers to drive 24 hours non-stop where whoever goes the furthest wins. Only refuelling and the changing of tyres are allowed. Three drivers take turns to drive each car.
Although the future sounds promising for A1 Team Malaysia, the issue of sponsorship remains a problem.
"We are talking to our current sponsors in the light of the probability that A1GP will only adjourn in February... we have to see whether they will support us in another series."
Asked whether the talks are proving to be favourable, he declined to speculate as things were too early for any concrete indication.
"Impossible to say at the moment, it’s too early to gauge their feelings on this, but without the transfer of sponsors we would not be able to go ahead with this (Le Mans series plan). We also need to find other sponsors that would want to do the series with us," noted Cunningham.
He hinted that the prospective sponsors were more "flexible" than the current sponsors the team had under A1GP.
Besides that, a deal with car racing engineering company Lola is possibly in the works, as Lola has shown positive feedback towards A1 Malaysia's courtship of them.
"I don’t want them (Lola) to think that the sale to us of these cars is a given... I want to go back to them and negotiate a proper deal. It’s not finalised. Lola was here in Malaysia last week discussing a range of issues, to see if there are potential partners for Lola in Malaysia."
Cunningham asserted that the focus on Lola was also because the original A1 cars were of Lola designs.
It is understood that Lola aims to expand its reach and influence in Malaysia far beyond motorsports, as Lola also owns a large composite business, and 75 per cent of the company's work is outside the motorsports field.
A1 team Malaysia's racing engineers are currently in a training programme with Lola to "familiarise" themselves with its cars.
There is also the probability of the team hiring a non-Malaysian for the position of one of the three drivers as Fairuz Fauzy's availability depends entirely on Lotus F1.
"We have three weeks to decide on this. The entries for the Le Mans series have to be submitted in January," said the A1 Malaysia boss.
article from: malaysiainsider
Thursday
Lotus F1 Given Numbers 18 and 19, aiming next week for driver announcement
Team Lotus F1 will be using the designated No. 18 and 19 on their cars in what is seen as a boost to their efforts to stamp their mark in their debut season in the world championships next year.
“We have received confirmation from the FIA that we will be No. 18 and 19. This makes us the highest ranked among the new teams,” he said.
Besides Lotus, three other newcomers have been accepted for the 2010 season – Campos Meta 1 (No. 20 and 21), US F1 Racing (22 and 23) and Virgin Racing (24 and 25).
Besides that, Lotus are set to name their team for the 2010 season in the immediate future, with chief executive officer Riad Asmat
"We will name two drivers and a reserve. Negotiations are still going on." said Riad Asmat, CEO
He also said that they hoped to finalise the much awaited driver’s line-up by next week.
Malaysian Fairuz Fauzy is among the candidates and the possibility is he will be the reserve driver as technical director Mike Gascoyne is looking at having experienced drivers to carry the challenges in the team’s debut season.
Paddock talk has former Toyota driver Jarno Trulli, Kamui Kobayashi, Takuma Sato and also former F1 world champion Jacques Villenueve in the running for the two main seats
source: thestar
Wednesday
Mass Production For Proton Hybrid Cars In 2011
BANGKOK, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Proton is hoping to embark on mass production for its hybrid cars by 2011, said its managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Syed Mohamad Tahir Wednesday.
He said it was being developed through collaboration with its Britain-based subsidiary Lotus and several component suppliers like battery manufacturers.
"We have a dedicated team at Lotus to develop and test the car using Lotus technology. I tested the cars two weeks and I am impressed with it," he told Malaysian media on the sideline of the Thailand International Motor Expo here.
Earlier Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who launched the Expo, was given a briefing on Proton's venture in Thailand and its latest model Exora which hit the Thai market during the expo.
Syed Zainal said several Exora hybrid cars are currently being tested in Britain and would be shipped to Malaysia by end of December or early next year.
Under the second stage, Proton would assemble hybrid vehicles as government fleet vehicles, especially in Putrajaya before going for mass production in 2011.
"This can be expanded to fleet for private sectors like Pos Malaysia, DHL or others who are using big number of vehicles for their business," he said.
He said it was part of Proton's move to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's initiative to enhance green technologies for vehicles that could pave way for fuel efficiency and a greener environment.
Asked about the investment involved, Syed Zainal said it was not big as they were working with Lotus and other component manufacturers.
"We are developing the hybrid with battery manufacturers. By doing so, our investment will not be high," he said.
On the pricing, he said it has not been decided yet, but added that it would initially be higher than the conventional models.
Hybrid vehicles, which deliver power by switching between a petrol engine and an electric motor, can save up to 30 per cent on fuel costs but they are more expensive than conventional models.
He also said Proton has been developing electric cars since early this year, using models like Saga, Persona and Exora, adding that mass production would take longer as it needed expensive infrastructures like charging stations and power plants.
source: bernama
Proton To Announce Strategic Alliance With A Global OEM Soon
BANGKOK, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Proton's talks with a global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for a strategic alliance is underway and the national car maker is confident of clinching a deal soon, Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said Wednesday.
“We are clear on what needs to be done (our future plan)...the biggest question everyone is asking is on the strategic alliance. Discussions are underway, hopefully we can make an announcement soon," he told the Malaysian media on the sidelines of the Thailand International Motor Expo here.
Syed Zainal Abidin said once the specific collaboration with the global OEM was announced, he was confident it would bring better future for Proton not only in the Malaysian market, but also other markets where Proton was already in or going to enter.
He, however, declined to identify the OEM involved or whether German auto giant, Volkswagen, was the company Proton was talking to.
Syed Zainal's latest statement was the clear indication of Proton forming a partnership with a global player after months of speculation on its future, especially with reports that some local companies like DRB-Hicom was keen to take over.
There were earlier reports that Volkswagen would form a strategic partnership with Proton and assemble its vehicles at the national carmaker's second plant in Tanjong Malim.
Volkswagen Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd Managing Director Andreas Prinz had said before that the group was also thinking of making Malaysia its hub for parts distribution in South East Asia.
Malaysian Government investment arm, Khazanah Nasional, the largest shareholder in Proton, aborted talks with the world's fourth largest carmaker in 2007 as it was not keen to let the German manufacturer to take over management control of the national carmaker.
Proton officials were tight-lipped when asked on the potential partner or whether other players like General Motors are also negotiating with them.
Global players' interest in Proton resumed after the Malaysian Government unveiled the National Automotive Policy in October that aimed to liberalise the automotive sector.
Last week, Proton Holdings Berhad announced 77 per cent increase in pre-tax profit of RM100.65 million for the second quarter ended Sept 30, 2009 against RM56.61 million in the same quarter last year.
In the 2008-2009 financial year, the national carmaker sold 108,405 Proton cars in the country and exported 18,426 units.
source: bernama
Proton Aims To Export 50 Percent Of Production
BANGKOK, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd will export its top-selling Exora to Australia and Middle East next year and launch its first model in India in 2011 as its aims for a 50 per cent export of its total production within three years.
Its managing director, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, said Proton exported about 24 per cent, or 26,000 cars, in financial year 2009/2010 and hoped to sell over 40,000 next year.
"The economy is recovering and the signs are there for us to reach a 50 per cent share of export and 50 per cent domestic market within three years," he told the Malaysian media after launching Exora at the Thailand International Motor Expo here on Tuesday.
In the 2008-2009 financial year, the national carmaker sold 108,405 Proton cars in the country and only exported 18,426 units.
He said Exora, Proton's maiden multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), has received 25,000 bookings since its launch in Malaysia last April and 1,500 in Indonesia while total sales in Thailand were expected to be around 150 units a month.
Asked if he was confident of Exora's success in Thailand as the MPV market was only around two per cent, Syed Zainal said similar situation existed in Malaysia four years ago, but the trend has changed and more people were moving towards such segment to get value for money and the changing lifestyle.
Since making its entry into the highly-competive and Japanese manufacturer-dominated market here, Proton and its Thai distributor, Phranakorn Auto Sales, had sold over 7,000 cars, with the top model being Savvy.
Syed Zainal said next year, Proton planned to launch the Exora in Australia, Egypt, Syria, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia after exporting it to Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore earlier.
"To cope with the expected increased in demand, we plan to have two shifts to double our production from the current 2,800 units a month," he said.
On India, which he considered a strategic and important market, Syed Zainal said Proton was expected to announce its local partner early next year and the first car would roll out within a year.
To stay competitive, Syed Zainal said, Proton would refresh its models with more new cars within a short period of time as the life cycle of a current model by top manufacturers was four years, unlike 10 to 12 years before.
"One model for 10 years don't work anymore. We are working on models like Perdana and Waja ... works are under way and we hope to finalise them soon," he said.
source: bernama
