Limited Growth For Automotive Industry Next Year

The outlook for automotive sales was limited for the next year moving forward as the current industry scenario is lackluster on the back of weak sales and foreign exchange pressures.

RHB Research Institute Sdn Bhd (RHB Research) analyst Alexander Chia revealed, “The September quarter was dismal for earnings. Four of the six auto stocks under our coverage reported earnings that were below expectations.

“We expect the total industry volume (TIV) to remain flat in 2012 with auto sales estimated at 607,000 units. Although the new model pipeline looks strong, the expected slowdown in the economy will likely put a dent on consumer discretionary spending with some potential buyers possibly opting to postpone purchases or trade down to a less expensive model,” he opined.

Although Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) and DRB-Hicom Bhd (DRB) were broadly in line with RHB Research’s expectations, both suffered from large year-on-year (y-o-y) decline in earnings.

Proton’s earnings for the first half of financial year 2012 ending March (1HFY12) declined 87 per cent y-o-y due to losses at Group Lotus from expenses associated with its ongoing five-year turnaround plan.

The national carmaker’s market share of the industry was 27.1 per cent year-to-date (January to October), trailing Perodua which had a 28.9 per cent share over the same period.

Despite maiden associate contributions from Pos Malaysia, DRB’s 1HFY12 earnings fell 33 per cent y-o-y due to the 9.6 per cent decline in automotive profit from weaker earnings at 34 per cent owned Honda Malaysia and higher effective tax rates.

The strength of the yen was blamed for some of the weaker earnings at APM Automotive Holding Bhd and MBM Resources Bhd (MBM).

MBM’s 23.6 per cent-owned associate Perodua saw margins squeezed by the higher yen resulting in nine month 2011 associate earnings falling 15 per cent y-o-y despite Perodua sales volumes only falling 9.9 per cent y-o-y.

UMW Holdings Bhd’s third quarter of 2011 earnings were blighted by lower contributions from Perodua, continued losses at 22.3 per cent owned WSP Holdings Ltd, and other losses related to its various subsidiaries.

Chia had a mixed outlook for 2012, starting with the prospects for 4Q11 looking ‘unexciting’ due to the seasonal sales weakness arising from consumers’ preference to register their vehicles in the new year.

Supply constraints due to the floods in Thailand could also mean fewer compelling year-end sales promotions to entice buyers.

He listed the risks to the forecast, namely a stronger economy lifting car sales and favorable foreign exchange trends.

“We remain cautious on the prospects for stocks in the sector going into 2012. In addition to limited headroom for significant TIV growth in 2012, the key risk for the sector is margin compression arising from the recent strength of the yen and US dollar,” he stated.

For investors with a larger risk appetite the research firm pegged Proton with a fair value RM5 per share on the back of potential merger and acquisition activity.

Originally posted: TheBorneoPost

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Perodua retains top spot in 2009

KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua ended 2009 as the number one car manufacturer in Malaysia for the fourth consecutive year, with sales of 166,700 units, the second highest in the company's history.

The volume sold last year represented 31.3% share of the market compared with its record 176,400 units or 30.5% market share in 2008.

"We did considerably well in 2009 with a 0.4% drop despite the global economic downturn," its managing director Aminar Rashid Salleh said in a statement today.

He said sales dropped in the first half of last year but picked up in the second half, following the government's RM67 billion stimulus packages and the car-scrapping scheme for cars 10 years old and above. 

"Our sales every month in the final quarter of 2009 were higher than the same period in 2008.

"We believe that the upward trend will continue in 2010. This optimism is also on the back of the 5% economic growth forecast for this year by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in the Prime Minister's Department," he added.

Perodua aims to sell 176,000 units this year, a 5.58% annual growth, its highest ever sales volume underpinned by the popularity of its three models, the Myvi, Viva and recently introduced Alza.

Aminar added that Perodua's new Alza had received 18,000 bookings since its launch last November and the waiting list had lengthened to up to four months from three months previously.

"The interest in our two other models, the Myvi and ViVa, continues to be strong with an average sale of 7,600 units and 5,700 units, respectively, monthly," he said.

On after-sales service, Perodua service operations recorded a 16% jump in service intakes to 1.59 million from 1.37 million intakes in 2008 on the back of higher car sales, improved efficiency at service outlets and the opening of new branches.

Perodua parts division also chalked a 23% increase in sales revenue.

originally appeared on: theedgemalaysia by Max Koh

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Smooth ride for Malaysia auto sector in 2010

THE Malaysian automotive industry is expected to see a smooth racetrack ahead in 2010, reversing this year's slowdown that resulted from the global economic turmoil.

The vroom factors include better economic growth, new model launches, strong consumer confidence, improving access to financing and a more favourable pricing environment.

The Malaysian economy is expected to grow between four and five per cent in 2010, barring unforeseen circumstances.

"Based on the encouraging sales figure in November, car sales are set to continue gaining momentum in the new year," Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad told Bernama.

In November, 2009, total vehicle sales were 45,200 units, up 11 per cent from 40,865 units in the same month last year as market conditions improved.

Aishah said the revised National Automotive Policy (NAP) was expected to give the industry a boost as the policy would ensure a long-term viability and competitiveness of the automotive industry.

However, the industry might take some time to warm up before shifting to an upper gear, she said.
OSK Research motor analyst Ahmad Maghfur Usman said the NAP could transform the local automotive industry into a regional hub over the longer term with giveaways such as corporate tax holidays and tax exemption on exported goods to lure global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

"While the incentives will benefit the industry overall, we see Proton as a clear winner given that ample capacity at its Shah Alam plant can potentially be taken up by global OEMs," he said.

He said the government was trying to attract European carmakers following the recent relaxation on equity conditions for manufacturers in the luxury passenger car segment.

"This fortifies our view that a partnership between Proton and Volkswagen is bound to materialise anytime soon," Ahmad Maghfur said.

"We are optimistic of the longer term prospects of the industry going forward," he said, adding that total industry volume (TIV) would grow by 3.7 per cent next year from 500,000 units projected in 2009.

 

On the downside, the key risks were lack of new models to lift TIV and higher financing cost due to the likelihood of a hike in the overnight policy rate (OPR) next year, he added.

Bank Negara Malaysia has decided to leave the OPR unchanged at two per cent at its last Monetary Policy Committee meeting for 2009, last month.

On new models, Proton for instance will be launching new Waja and Perdana next year, in addition to a facelift Persona.

Proton Holdings Bhd recorded a 77 per cent increase in its pre-tax profit to RM100.652 million for the second quarter ended Sept 30, 2009 compared with RM56.608 million in the same quarter last year.

With revenue rising to RM2.104 billion from RM1.846 billion previously, the national carmaker attributed the improved results to better overall margins following the introduction of its multi-purpose vehicle, the Exora.
Proton was also reported to be optimistic about increasing its market share to 29 per cent in the financial year ending March 31, 2010 from 26 per cent in 2009.

Second national carmaker Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) also expects to increase its market share to 33.3 per cent next year from 31.1 per cent presently, counting on its latest MPV, the Alza.

Perodua Alza, the smallish seven-seater, with a price tag of between RM55,000 and RM70,000, is the among the latest local models unveiled this year. Others include the Naza Forte.

Market watchers are of the view that automotive companies should strengthen their advertising and promotions as well as sales teams to win the minds and hearts of buyers both in the city or rural areas.
Those with the swift gear will step on the accelerator to win the race while those who blink and press the brakes, will lose out.

 

source: bernama via businesstimes

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Perodua Alza Launched: Car One Moment, MPV The Next

Perodua.. a word that is so familiar among us..

What would be the first thing to cross your mind if you see the word “Perodua”  in front of you? Made in Malaysia? Not really.. Cheap and funky? very doubtful.. what then..

the perfect word.. SMALL ..

Since it’s founding in 1993, Perodua has produced small cars for almost 15 years such as the Kelisa, Myvi, recently re-launched Viva (Elite version) and of course.. the popular Kancil.. 15 years of small car is just the tip of the iceberg considering that Kancil alone has the total production units of 722,223. Not forgetting that the Myvi is the best selling car for 3 consecutive years since 2006 in Malaysia.

But recently, Perodua just got bigger and bigger. After the Nautica SUV, here it is.. the first MPV from Perodua, the Alza..

So anyway, here we are finally, the Perodua Alza. The smaller MPV also comes with a smaller price tag, though Proton has worked to introduce the Exora Basic as well. Perodua says the Alza project first started off as the D46T about 3 years ago. The Japanese version was unveiled on Christmas day last year.

As for the name Alza, it actually means ‘to rise’ in Spanish. Probably symbolizes Perodua rising up the product segments once again – its cars are getting bigger and bigger.

First, let’s take a look inside this MPV. The first thing that caught my attention in the automatic version is the shift lever that positioned at the dashboard resulting in more spaces between the driver and the front passenger seat. The space filled up by the driver seat which extends leftwards. However, the extended part of the driver seat is relatively pointless if you ever want to use it as a seat because of the dashboard design. The foldable armrest is just nice and comfy. This automatic version also features a footbrake as the handbrake. Although the wheelbase of the Alza is greater than the Exora had, the Proton’s still felt bigger and more comfortable. This issue is supported by the fact that a 180+ cm person’s knee had to be pushed hard against the second row seat when he’s seating at the third row.

The Alza had improved suspension settings and it was likely that the biggest contributor to the Alza’s decent behaviour around corners is the addition of a rear stabilizer bar.The Alza’s power output and weight is actually quite similiar to the Avanza’s, which means performance should be comparable. The Alza and Avanza actually use the same 3SZ-VE engine though the Alza’s is transverse and the Avanza’s is longitudinal for rear wheel drive installation.

The luggage space depth is about 30cm but the third row kinda slants rearwards so you have more of a triangular wedge kind of boot space. WIth the third row folded, the luggage space grows up to 89.5cm in length. It’s a Myvi with a good sized boot.

Perodua Alza 1.5L Standard M/T
Solid – RM55,490
Metallic – RM55,990

S. Metallic – RM56,190 Perodua Alza 1.5L Standard A/T
Solid – RM58,490
Metallic – RM58,990
S. Metallic – RM59,190

Perodua Alza 1.5L Premium M/T
Solid – RM60,490
Metallic – RM60,990
S. Metallic – RM61,190

Perodua Alza 1.5L Premium A/T
Solid – RM63,490
Metallic – RM63,990
S. Metallic – RM64,190

 

Perodua Alza 40 seconds TV Commercial –English-

Perodua Alza 40 seconds TV Commercial –Malay-

Perodua Alza 60 seconds TV Commercial –English-

Perodua Alza 60 seconds TV Commercial –Malay-

 

   

source: paultan

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Here they are!!.. photos of Perodua’s next big thing, the Alza (test drive unit)

Here they are!!.. photos of Perodua’s next big thing, the Alza.. although it is only the test drive unit, its even got bodykit.. Unfortunately, we still don’t know where these photos shot at.. Unlike the spyshot photos that we posted before, the test drive unit features a bodykit by adding bumpers to the front and rear end resulting in a more aggresive look.

Perodua began accepting bookings starting from 13 November and would be priced between RM56,000 and RN64,000. Datuk Syed Abdul Hafiz, Perodua managing director said that Perodua expect to sell the MPV between 3500 and 4000 units per month. Lets wait for the launch in 23rd November.

 

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Perodua MPV To Be Launched November 23rd

The upcoming Perodua seven seater MPV has been unveiled to members of the media in Putrajaya but the full details of the MPV are embargoed until 23^rd November which will be the day the MPV will be launched. Perodua will begin to accept bookings starting from 13 November and would be priced between RM56,000 and RN64,000. Datuk Syed Abdul Hafiz, Perodua managing director said that Perodua expect to sell the MPV between 3500 and 4000 units per month.

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New Perodua Myvi Exclusive Launched With a Limited Production of 5,000

Perodua has just launched the Myvi 1.3 Exclusive Edition which is now available for booking. The special edition hatchback that is limited to only 5,000 units is powered familiar 1.3 liter DVVT engine as the rest of the Myvi range, save for the 1.0 liter model of course. The 1.3 liter engine is the K3-VE inline-4 DOHC with variable valve timing producing 86 horsepower at 6,000rpm and 116Nm of torque at 3,200rpm. No 1.5 liter Myvi in sight yet, and it looks like if you want that you’ll have to just opt for the D46T and get a larger boot or a third row of seats in the process. What the Myvi Exclusive Edition does have is some uprated equipment.

It has 14 inch alloy wheels, side skirts, and chrome door handles on the outside. On the inside, the chrome treatment continues on the inner door handles. The seats, door trims and steering wheel are wrapped with leather. The audio system is a 2-DIN system (not the Myvi’s standard integrated audio) supports CD, MP3 and WMA, USB support and a Bluetooth handsfree feature. Basically it’s the same 2-DIN system that the Myvi SE gets.

Only three colours are available – Ebony Black, Ivory White and Medallion Grey. It’s priced at RM51,000 for solid colours and RM51,500 for metallic colours. It’s basically a regular non-SE Myvi but with side skirts, Myvi SE alloys and the upgraded specs mentioned above. This is for those who want abit more than a standard Myvi but don’t like the styling of the Myvi SE or the SE’s higher price. In accordance with its specs, its price is also somewhere in between a normal Myvi and a Myvi SE.

click here for more photos of Myvi Exclusive Edition

source: paultan.org ; paultan.org

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Perodua's New Managing Director to be From UMW Toyota

It seems that there will be a "swap" between the top management of Perodua and UMW Toyota Motor, the sole importer and distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia.

Perodua's current Managing Director Datuk Syed Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar's contract with Perodua is expiring by the end of this year. Word on the street is that UMW Toyota's current Executive Director of Strategic Marketing Hj. Aminar Rashid Salleh will be Datuk Syed Hafiz's successor.

Both UMW Toyota and Perodua are affiliated companies within the larger UMW group umbrella. UMW Holdings is the largest share holder of Perodua, at 38%. UMW Corporation is the main shareholder of UMW Toyota, at 51%.

Prior to joining Perodua, Datuk Syed Hafiz was formerly attached to Exxon (now known as ExxonMobil) before moving to UMW to head Penzoil and Kayaba operations.

original article: autoindustrie

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