Lower Car Prices For Malaysians?

“I believe that low-income Malaysians today would not have been able to have their own cars had it not been for Proton." - Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung.

So pathetic.

How does a low-income Malaysian get to own a Proton? Proton has to build a car which has cheaper components and parts [I hope that the quality has not been sacrificed/compromised ;)] coupled with lower duties imposed by the government.

Personally, those who can even afford to buy a local made car are quite well off. It's not just buying a car but you have to ensure periodic maintainance, pump it up with the costly petrol, clean it, the need to pay road tax and a potential higher car insurance.

Try telling that to a father who is fetching two of his kids to school early in the morning. This is happening right in Kuala Lumpur itself. Don't need to describe about the rural areas.

Because of government protection accorded on Proton, higher duties were imposed on all other foreign made cars which made it quite impossible for low-income (I would say even above average Malaysians are affected) Malaysians to own one. These foreign made cars, even though of better quality and safety standards, are placed out of reach in that Malaysians will be forced to opt for a cheaper version i.e. the Proton cars.

I have heard before that one of the main reasons for imposing high duties on foreign made cars was to reduce the number of cars being driven on the roads. But why produce local cars that are cheaper where more people can buy it then. It contradicts.

Surprisingly, Proton cars could be bought at a cheaper rate even though it was exported out of Malaysia. No duties imposed by those countries? What about the freight charges?

In Saudi Arabia, Proton cars are sold at unbelievable low prices. It's not only in Saudi but the same in many other countries where Proton is being sold.

Worse still, the quality/specs are much better for those exported Proton cars. Apparently, it's to meet the minimum quality/safety standards in those countries.

Shouldn't these low prices be the same as in Malaysia for those low-income Malaysians?

Why are we benefitting the foreigners?

Low-income Malaysians subsidised those cars being exported?

Related post - Prices of Cars in Canada
Related post - Proton Cars Being Ridiculed in UK

Reading: Chor lauds Proton for making cars affordable - Star
Reading: Proton - Prices & Specs - Drive Arabia
Tags: Malaysian Car Prices, Saudi Arabia, Proton, Car

RON97 and RON92

Extracted the following article from Paul Tan's blog.

You might have seen numbers like RON97 and RON92 at your neighbourhood petrol station. Fuel with a RON97 rating is more expensive, RM1.92 per liter at time of writing with the lower RON92 rating going for RM1.88.

Have you ever wondered what they mean? Why is RON97 more expensive than RON92, and can you use RON92 to save on fuel costs?

Let’s have a discussion. What petrol do you use regularly, and why do you like your choice of petrol? Or are they all the same to you?

RON97, RON92, who is this RON person?
You might have seen numbers like RON97 and RON92 at your neighbourhood petrol station. Fuel with a RON97 rating is more expensive, RM1.92 per liter at time of writing with the lower RON92 rating going for RM1.88. Have you ever wondered what they mean? Why is RON97 more expensive than RON92, and can you use RON92 to save on fuel costs?

RON stands for Research Octane Number, a rating used to measure a fuels knocking resistance in spark-ignition internal combustion engines. Before we attempt to understand this mumbo jumbo, we have to know what knocking is. Knocking is what happens when parts or all of the air-fuel mixture prematurely ignites before the flame from the spark plug can reach it. This can be caused by ignition timing that is too early or engine overheating, where the heat from the cylinder itself causes the mixture to combust before the spark plug can burn the mixture. This causes a decrease in performance and might also harm the engine.

It is a misunderstanding to think that RON97 fuels produce more power than RON92 fuels, even more so with the fact that in reality a higher RON number means the fuel burns less easily! RON refers to the ability of the fuel to resist knocking and nothing else.

By pumping the RON97 into a car which engine only requires the RON92, all you're going to get is an emptier wallet which hardly counts for performance gains via weight reduction!

Engines are designed to have a minimum RON rating for its fuel. Do check your service manual for the minimum RON rating that it requires. For engines that require a minimum of RON92, you might as well pump RON92 fuel and save abit of money since RON92 is cheaper by 4 cents per liter. Another common minimum RON rating is RON95, but since we do not have RON95 fuel in our market, we have to use RON97 fuel for the engine. These engines normally have higher compression ratios, like the one found in the Satria GTI so it needs higher knock resistance to withstand higher compression.

If you find that your engine can use RON92 petrol and decide to save abit of money, do check out if a petrol stations RON92 petrol is leaded or unleaded. All RON97 petrol is unleaded, but some RON92 petrol might be leaded although this is very very rare. Buy me a teh tarik with the money you save, thanks!
Tags: RON97, RON92, RON, Research Octane Number, Unleaded Petrol

Perodua Cars Being Ridiculed in UK

Top Gear has not only done a review on the Proton cars from Malaysia but also on the second national car manufacturer, Perodua. It didn't escape Top Gear's melancholic eyes.

What was Top Gear's verdict on the Perodua brands? Here goes nothing again (the following write-ups and pictures were sourced from Top Gear's website):-

It may be true that you get what you pay for, but it doesn’t follow that the cheapest cars are the best value. These appallingly under-developed, outdated and plain ugly offerings come from Malaysia’s least desirable brand. Think about it – that means even if you’re doggedly pro-Malaysia, you don’t have to buy one of these.

Perodua Kelisa
‘The cheapest car Malaysia’s cheaper manufacturer produces. Doesn’t fill you with confidence does it?’

The Perodua Kelisa may be the cheapest supermini on sale in the UK, but it will never feel like a bargain. A wheezy little engine, cramped interior, crappy plastics and truly rubbish styling leave you wondering who on earth actually buys this stuff.

An astonishing feat – Britain’s cheapest car is so humblingly bad it’s not even worth the pocket money it costs. So poor it deserves to benefit from the next Comic Relief.

Perodua Kenari
‘As much as we all want to cheer on the underdog, the Kenari deserves all the abuse it gets. An utter shambles.’

A deeply embarrassing car to be seen in, or near for that matter, but in truth the weird looking and weirdly named Perodua Kenari is actually quite capable and an undeniable bargain to boot.

Looks like it ought to have plenty of room inside but is actually pitifully cramped – like the Tardis in reverse. Except that the Tardis looks more like a car than this.

Perodua MYVI
‘A compelling argument for never learning to drive. Concerned fathers take note.’

Although they have made a far better fist of styling the Perodua Myvi than they did with the ridiculous Kelisa and Kenari, it still feels staggeringly cheap and lacks any trace of desirability.

Named after a classic ice lolly, but not as sweet, desirable or long lasting. Costs about the same though. There’s an old Toyota Yaris underneath. Get one of those instead.
Tags: Top Gear, Perodua, Perodua Kelisa, Perodua Kenari, Perodua MYVI, Car Review

Proton Cars Being Ridiculed in UK

Before a car is being put into the market, car reviewers will usually give their expert verdict on how good a car is.

One of them is Top Gear, a famous United Kingdom TV show that has its car review magazines being published worldwide and their website being read by potential car buyers internationally.

Malaysia's national car, the Proton brand, is being sold in UK and therefore they are being reviewed as well. Want to know what was Top Gear's verdict? Here goes nothing (the following write-ups and pictures were sourced from Top Gear's website):-

We don’t know what Malaysian motorists did to upset the gods, but it must have been something pretty serious, judging by the punishment they seem to be getting. Still, at least the domestic audience thinks this stuff is the norm – what on earth do they think they’re doing bringing it to the UK? Walk away.

Proton Gen-2
That sounds like an illegal muscle-building milkshake. Should we call the IOC?

The Proton Gen-2 was the first indication that Proton might be capable of building a car that wasn’t completely dreadful. But it’s out of date now, and still wasn’t much cop way back when.

A budget five-door hatchback intended to make you think twice about buying a Focus. Frankly, we think a medium-size cabbage makes a more sensible alternative.

Proton Satria Neo
‘How do you tell your mates you drive that without getting a slap? And that’s before they even know how bad it is.’

Proton’s concerted bid to attract a younger audience starts here, and it could have been a lot worse. The oddly named Proton Satria Neo both looks good and drives pretty well. But it is still just a Proton…

Not half-bad hatch with decent Lotus-aided chassis, but lack of space inside, awful badge and ridiculous name make it a must-not-have for the youth it’s aimed at.

Proton Savvy
‘What the hell happened here? It looks like someone cracked the designer over the head half way through the job.’

The Proton Savvy is a new-ish and sharply styled offering, both of which facts might lead you to believe that it was half decent. But you’d be very wrong. The Proton Savvy is a stark reminder of just how good cars like the Aygo and Panda really are.

Truly awful, but we are grateful to Proton for reminding us of how good every other small car on sale in the UK is. We suggest you try buying one of those instead.

I wonder how will Top Gear rate Proton Exora, the first home-grown MPV model that had just rolled out of the car factory.
Tags: Top Gear, Proton, Proton Gen-2, Proton Satria Neo, Proton Savvy, Proton Exora, Car Review

Just Got A New Car

We finally received our new car .....












The Infiniti EX35 model from USA, the high end model of Nissan.

Personally, I have not seen this model in Kuala Lumpur before and they have it here in Khartaoum. Really amazing!











Really comfortable. You start this car by pressing a button? A person can just drive the car away without a key?

It's being retailed at US$35,450 in the USA. In Sudan, ridiculously priced just below US$70,000 ........................ totally out of control.

How I wished it was our company car .......... actually, it belongs to a friend's friend ......... sigh. That Mitsubishi Pajero in the background is ours.
Tags: Infiniti, Infiniti EX35, Nissan

New Proton MPV in Factory

The hot item in the local car industry ....... the latest MPV in town which is to be released by Proton Holdings Berhad.

Six colours available for the customers to choose? Just wait and see.

One of those test car being used for various tests before putting it on the road for the public. The MPV's name has yet to be announced and I'm wondering whether the name will be chosen from the 'name the car competition' that was held last year.




Interior will somehow look like this unless Proton is willing to spend large amount of money to change this facade.














How do you like the design?

Related post - Proton's Latest Model?
Tags: Proton MPV, MPV, Proton Holdings Berhad

Barack Obama's Beast

Barack Obama, the president-elect of USA, will ride in a heavily modified car, the 2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine, in his inauguration ceremony on 20 Jan. The car is a Cadillac-made model and has been given the nickname of Beast owing to its huge size and for its toughness.


How heavily modified? Just look at the specifications:-
* Hand-stitched leather

* 10-disc CD player

* 8-inch-thick doors with each door having the same weight of a Boeing 757 airliner's cabin door (because of these doors, it's also called the Cadillac One)

* Boot contains an independent oxygen supply and advanced fire-fighting system

* Defence systems include pump-action shotguns, night-vision cameras and tear-gas cannons (the president must have been trained using all this weaponaries)

* Supplies of the President's blood in case of emergency medical treatment

* Petrol tank is amour-plated filled with specially designed foam to prevent it from exploding

* Tyres on the limousine are Kevlar-reinforced, puncture- and shred-resistant, with special steel rims that allow the car to continue driving even if the tyre is missing

The bad part of the car:-
* top speed of only 60mph (how to have a fast escape from danger then?)
* eight miles to a gallon (wow, that's really a beast!)

The price - £300,000

Reading: The beast – it's Obama's new Cadillac - What Car?
Tags: Barack Obama, Cadillac, Cadillac One, 2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine, Kevlar

Ikea To Start Selling Cars?

Ikea, famous for being the furniture retailer that allows you to purchase certain goods at much lower price as the setting up of those furnitures will be done by your goodself.

In view of the current world economy, rumours are out that Ikea could be involved in selling cars at a much lower price. Good news at last that cars would be cheaper.

If they are selling it, I won't worry about the spare parts as they always stock it up right up to the warehouse ceiling.

All you need is just one allen key, provided in the package.
Tags: Ikea, Allen Key, Ikea Selling Car

Police to Race Against Other Drivers

Malaysian policemen are a lucky lot as they will have the opportunity to drive the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution on the roads in weeks to come while test drives are being conducted.

* Engine Type: 2.0-liter (1,998 cc) turbocharged inline-4, aluminum-alloy block and head (4B11)
* Valvetrain: DOHC, 16-valve with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC)
* Horsepower / Torque: 291 hp @ 6,500 rpm / 300 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

The police contingency is willing to spend millions of ringgit to purchase twenty five of such powerful racing cars. Let's see, one of this car has a price list of RM323,888. Twenty five of them will cost us, the taxpayers, RM8,097,200.

So ......... the money saved by the government in petrol subsidies will be spent in this way ... indirectly benefitting the public as policemen will be able to nab all those criminals as they can't escape this time ......... haha

Justified?

Reasons for buying, as given by Inspector-General of Police - "to be used in high-speed car chase, especially in cases of carjacking, kidnapping and hi­­jacking. The speed of the cars would enable the police to catch up with criminals who often used modified turbo charged cars to escape."

I find that reason from the Inspector-General of Police quite disturbing.

Malaysia do not have many super highways and normally high-speed car chase happens on city roads or rural areas. If the police starts to chase after such criminals and the criminals, out of panic and desperation, will be crashing all over the place and knocking into other cars or worse still, into people. Such scenario could be seen in action-packed movies.

Don't fret, the citizens of Malaysia, as you will have a chance too by year 2010. Our national car manufacturer, Proton Holdings Berhad ("Proton"), has decided to execute a development agreement to manufacture a new motor vehicle. Both Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (subsidiary company of Proton) and Mitsubishi Motors Corp of Japan will roll out a replacement car for the ageing Proton Waja model. The new car will be a hatchback and targetted to be on the road in year 2010.

Upon reading this, I think I'll postpone my plan in getting a new car ......... Too bad you can't speed with the new hatchback as the police will be watching you with their new racing car ............... hehehe.

And in comparison with other developed countries' police cars, I'll be proud to show off my country's future police car.
Tags: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Inspector-General of Police, Proton Holdings Berhad, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd, Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Proton Waja, Police Car

Thinking of Solid Trucks

Recent pick-up trucks launches had really got my saliva drooling. Their ruggedness is really solid and tough.

Nissan Navara, a 2.5L (A) truck, is now the most powerful amongst its competitors. It has a torque of 403Nm at 2,000 rpm and climbing hills won't be an issue at all.

It also has a nozzle turbo incorporated in its engine that runs on diesel with a 5 speed auto transmission.

Those days, trucks were targetted at construction or agriculture industries but nowadays, manufacturers are targetting personal owners who are keen on adventures trips. The interior comfort it possesses baffled car reviewers as it comes with leather seats.


Navara is the longest truck now. It may pose a problem since car park in Kuala Lumpur is quite scarce.

The vehicle specifications do show good value that you would be paying at a retail price - RM103,000 ++.

Ssangyong Actyon Sports ....... wow I really like its design but at the same time, some people scorned at its design. So, it's either you like it or you don't at all.

In terms of power, it's running on a 2.0L diesel engine with a 310Nm torque at between 1,800rpm to 2,700rpm. The pro about this engine is that it has Mercedes Benz roots.

It's built and specifications qualified the car to be categorised as a Sports SUT.

With leather/electric seats, 4-speed auto transmission and the back canopy, price will come to around RM103,000 ++ too.

The famous auto blogger, Paul Tan, has a good write up on both the Navara and Actyon trucks.
Tags: Nissan Navara, Ssangyong Actyon Sports, Pick-Up Truck

Honda's Latest MPV in Malaysia

Honda Malaysia will provide the toughest challenge to Malaysia's local car manufacturer, Proton. Proton has in their plans a new MPV model on their drawing board and rumours are saying that it will be launched in 2009.

Honda is one step ahead of them now, with the launching of their new MPV model that could seat twelve persons and the price is even more shocking .......... retailing at RM56,000 ...........

.....

.....

.....

Tags: Proton, Honda, Car, MPV

Proton's Latest Model?

Malaysia's Proton Holdings Berhad ("Proton"), the manufacturer of Proton brand cars, is moving into the higher range of motor vehicles sector, the Multi Purpose Vehicle or MPV and could be challenging the likes of Porsche Cayenne S, BMW X6 or Nissan Murano as shown in the picture below.This new Proton model has not been named yet but the prototype MPV model was given the name of Proton MSX. You can't see it in the showrooms yet but lots of people have been invited to see the prototype model.
Proton can't even match the likes of Toyota Wish, Honda CRV or Nissan Grand Livina but now have thought of matching those of the top range. What kind of strategy is this? How much will this car be priced at? If I have RM500,000, I'll rather buy those the imported cars rather than a local model of the same specifications.



Another two blogs by the name of Automotive News and Kereta Dot Info have pictures of Proton's alternative prototype MPV models. Which model will be finally chosen as the Proton MPV that is targetted to be launched in year 2009?

By the way, Proton has not decided on the name for the new MPV model. Proton has set up a competition in naming the MPV model. The grand prize is the said MPV model and followed by two consolation prizes of overseas trips worth RM15,000. Give it a shot.
Tags: Car, Proton, Proton Holdings Berhad, Proton MSX, Proton MPV, Porsche Cayenne S, BMW X6, Nissan Murano, Multi Purpose Vehicle, MPV, Toyota Wish, Honda CRV, Nissan Grand Livina

Handicap Driver Being Taken Advantage

Looks like Malaysia has many 'handicap' drivers (pun intended). The way they parked their cars render them to be mentioned as such. Taking advantage of the services provided for the real handicap people is really too much.
Related post - Handicap Driver
Tags: Handicap Driver, Car Park

Handicap Driver

Did this Toyota Vios driver parked according to the three cars at the front?

Was the driver a handicap person? If not, this person has some handicap on the eyesight as in parking in the middle of two parking lots reserved for the handicaps.

The Sunway Pyramid carpark operator must be laughing when they saw this car.

Reading: KY saw - Idiot at Sunway Pyramid parking lot
Tags: Handicap Parking, Handicap, Toyota Vios, Sunway Pyramid

Extreme Way of Parking

A Mini Cooper being hanged on the side of Sapura Auto Sdn Bhd's building along Jalan Tun Razak. Saw the car being dangle up and being 'nailed' to the war. How? Beats me.

Sapura Auto Sdn Bhd is one of the authorised distributors for BMWs and Mini Coopers. Have seen many models being displayed at their place.









This is really one way of attracting people's attention but this was done at the side of the building. People passing by along Jalan Tun Razak right in front of it may not notice it at all.

Drivers on the opposite side of the road may get themselves into an accident by trying to read the words itself.









And the side of this building is facing an empty lot where I park my car. Maybe they were trying to entice me into getting one of the Mini Cooper for myself.

One of this toy will cost you between RM150,000 to RM200,000 a piece.

Each day, I have to walk pass their building looking at my dream cars ........... what a torturing feeling, so near yet so faaaaaaaaaaaar.

Ahhhhhhhh boss, if you reading this blog post, do remember my salary adjustment. Adjust higher. Thank you!

Tags: Mini Cooper, Car, Sapura Auto Sdn Bhd, Car Advertisement, Jalan Tun Razak

Toyota Camry at Discounted Price

With the rising cost in almost anything in Malaysia, the Toyota company is offering their Toyota Camry model at a discounted price. Tags: Car, Toyota Camry

French Has The Secret For Prolongation

Keen to live beyond 100 years old? If you do, the French people have the secret for such life prolongation thing.

So, I was wrong to mention that Malaysia has the most oldest people in one nation. Looks like France has as many as 20,115 people that are above 100 years old. My my ...... and in Britain itself, there are about 11,000 of them. What's their secret? Not that I'm aiming to have that age. But I do wonder how would I look like (not as handsome like now definitely) and what would be the condition of my bones / muscles by then?

I knew that personal lifestyle do make a difference. Personally, keeping my body fit is my main goal. My motivation was seeing a 80 year old man finishing the New York marathon within the 6 hours qualifying time for a certificate. That kept me on.

Many people that I came into contact with do tell me that they wanted to do this or that but would be exhausted by the time they reach home from work. They would just rather laze around the house or be a couch potato especially the weekends.

For me, it would be meeting friends, going to the gym, running around doing my chores, blogging till late night and able to watch middle of the night live football matches. That's life! My secret - just need to do simple exercise throughout the week.

But for the French, they did the following to 'preserve' their precious life:-
* diet rich in olive oil
* ability to "keep smiling"
* play boules
* and cycle
* serious lunch hour – a proper, sit-down, three- or four-course meal from an early age
* red wine
* poultry
* fish
* haricots of the typical French south-western diet
* sign of contentment
* eat better quality and more variety of food
* exercise

France has predicted a great great granny-boom.

Reading: Want to see your 100th birthday? Be like the French and drink red wine - The Independent
Tags: Old Age, Life Prolongation, Oldest People, Health, Centenarian, Red Wine, France, French, Britain

Malaysian Made Cars Are Not That Bad

When you read about the Malaysian car being recalled for some repair in my blog entry for Proton Savvy, your mind may think that "aiyah, that's our national car, what do you expect? a Ferrari quality standard?

The following days after Proton Savvy has announced for a recall, two other foreign car manufacturers made a similar recall.

Volkswagen AG is recalling some 410,000 Passat sedans sold in the United States due to potential problems with heat shields and fuel line components - wow, fuel line????? The car could turn into a fireball out of a sudden.

Toyota Motor Corp will recall 539,500 Corolla and Matrix vehicles for the 2003 and 2004 model years due to potential power window problems. In case of any emergency and the door was stucked, they can't even escape through the windows. Just last Sept 2007, Toyota has to recall certain Toyota Lexus and Toyota Camry due to its floor mat which may not be attached properly.

General Motor Corp will recall 122,598 Pontiac Vibe hatchbacks, a joint production with Toyota, also due to power window issues.

Now after reading the above, Proton Savvy is ain't that bad after all as compared to the other three car manufactuers who had to recall hundreds of thousands. But the question is - was there a failure in the quality assurance part? It's so easy for these car manufacturers in just requesting for a recall as and when they found out about the defects.

What if the defects have caused human lifes to be taken away?
Tags: Car, Proton Savvy, Volkswagen AG, Passat, Toyota Motor Corp, General Motors Corp, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, Motor Vehicle, Car Manufacturer, Power Window, Fuel Line Component

Proton Savvy Being Recalled

Now if you are a proud owner of this wonderful Malaysian manufactured car known as Proton Savvy, kindly make your immediate drive to the nearest Proton Edar or EON service branch for an immediate FREE repair on your car.

Your car's rear wheel could be coming off anytime now. Don't believe ah? Read Proton's announcement here.

So, I assumed it's free repair lah since it was not your fault, right?

There are 34,000 of you out there somewhere. Only the cars in Malaysia? What about those sold overseas, for example in United Kingdom? Proton UK's office has not issued any notice yet? Or none was sold in UK yet ...... hehehe.

O killed, if you so happened to brake or stopped at a traffic light / jam and saw some metal balls rolling ahead of your car, you would definitely need to call this Proton i-Care emergency number at 1-300-880-888. All the best.
Tags: Proton Savvy, Proton, Proton i-Care, Wheel Bearing, Motor Vehicle, Car

TATA, New Owner of Jaguar and Land Rover

Tata Motors Ltd ("Tata"), an Indian based company, has emerged as one of the frontrunners in the motor industry by purchasing the

Jaguar and

Land Rover marquees



from the previous owner, Ford Motor Company ("Ford") at a price of US$2.3 billion, less than half of what Ford paid for 8 years back.

In January 2008, Tata has launched the world's cheapest car also known as the People' Car - Nano in India to capture India's low income market segment which comprise hundreds of millions of people.

Will this affect Jaguar and Land Rover's luxury brand name by associating it with the world's cheapest car in the same stable?

Ford has no choice but to let go of this two luxury brands due to financial constraints and easier to sell off compared to other brands in its stable. The 15,300 workers employed under this two luxury brands would be shivering now, not knowing what would be in store for them.

With USA heading into recession, will there be more fire sale of other luxury brands of any industry to foreign-based companies.

Reading: Ford sells Jaguar, Land Rover to Tata - BusinessWeek
Tags: Ford, Tata Motors Ltd, Tata, Jaguar, Land Rover, People's Car, Nano, India, Motor Industry, Motor Vehicle, Car