A slalom is a driving exercise where you pilot a car in between cones as fast as you can. It seems easy enough swinging the car left and right but to do it at speed requires judgement so you don’t hit the cones and also managing the speed so you don’t slide out.
Recently, a 16-year old driver, Chloe Chambers, set a new world record for driving through a slalom with a time of 47.45 seconds. The time, officially recognised by the Guinness World Records organisation as the Fastest Vehicle Slalom, beat a previous record of 48.114 seconds set in China with a Chevrolet Camaro in 2018.
Chloe, who has been driving since she was 11 and races go-karts, set the record in a standard Porsche 718 Spyder with a manual gearbox and standard tyres. It’s not surprising that she was able to do so well as karters do require sharp skills and quick reflexes.
50 cones 15.2 metres apart
The slalom consisted of 50 cones laid in a straight line 50 feet (15.2 metres) apart over a distance of 2, 500 feet (762 metres) at a small airport in New Jersey, USA. Her record time of 47.45 seconds would mean her average speed from start to finish was around 58 km/h.
“It looks easy, but it’s really not – to weave between 50 cones as fast as possible, trying to beat a record time and knowing I couldn’t touch a single one for the run to count – I definitely felt the pressure,” she said. “Everything came together on my final run; the car worked beautifully, and I found the grip I needed. Thank you to my family and to Porsche for supporting and believing in me.”
PASM and PSM help
The driving dynamics and driver assist technologies would also have helped, especially the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system. This is an electronic damping control system, which continuously adjusts the damping force on each wheel, based on current road conditions and driving style. In enhancing performance, it increases driving stability which would certainly help as the car swerves left and right at high speed.
The other helpful system is Porsche Stability Management. Also an electronic control system, it uses sensors to continuously monitor the direction, speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration of the car. It also maximizes grip when accelerating on inconsistent road surfaces.
The 718 Spyder that Chloe drove had a 4-litre naturally aspirated boxer 6-cylinder engine producing 414 bhp at 8,000 rpm. It has helper springs on the rear axle and a ride height that is 30 mm lower than a standard 718 Boxster or Cayman, making it ideal for slaloms.
Visit www.porsche.com.my to know more about Porsche models available in Malaysia.
Delivering a completely built-up train would normally be done by ship, a journey that takes time. To get its trains to Malaysia faster, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, the public transport company, decided to use an Antonov An-124-100 operated by Russian airline company, Volga-Dnepr.
A first for Malaysia – and Southeast Asia
It’s the first time that a train has been delivered to Malaysia – in fact, the first time in Southeast Asia too – by an aircraft. And it will probably not be the only time since Prasarana has ordered a total of 27 units under its ‘Kuala Lumpur Additional Vehicle 27’ (KLAV27) project. Between now and 2023, the 4-coach trains will be added in stages on the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit route.
The trains are made by Bombardier Transportation which has production facilities in various countries. The trains ordered by Prasarana are the Innovia Metro 300 which is designed to run on an automated system. They will travel up and down the 46.4-km line between Putra Heights and Gombak in Selangor.
World’s largest cargo aircraft
First flown in 1982, the An-124 is the world’s largest cargo aircraft, similar in size to the Airbus A380. 55 aircraft, named ‘Ruslan’, were produced between 1982 and 2004 (to date, five are known to have crashed). Depending on the load carried, it can travel up to 11,500 kms. The distance it covered bringing the 84-tonne train from northeast America to Malaysia was almost 16,000 kms.
With the environment so competitive, distributors need a regular flow of new models to keep drawing customers to showrooms. Those that don’t get new models after some time have to create ‘special editions’ to sustain interest after a few years and that can be challenging. Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has been facing that sort of challenge for a long time as Nissan has been able to offer only a limited number of models for this market.
This year, that ‘dry season’ ends with a brand new Almera to replace the one that has been around for a long 8 years. The all-new generation is the fourth for the nameplate though in the Malaysian market, it is the second. Designated ‘N18’, it first appeared as the Versa in America in the third quarter of last year, and then in Thailand by the end of the year. Perhaps we would have got it earlier had it not been for COVID-19 shutting down the country for a few months, and forcing everyone to postpone their launches.
Pay more but get more for your money too
The new Almera Turbo is assembled at the Tan Chong plant in Serendah, Selangor and deliveries will start in October. ETCM is accepting bookings now for the model which will be available in three grades – VL, VLP and the VLT at the top – with estimated pricing between RM8X,XXX and RM9X,XXX. This is higher than the current 2-variant range which starts at RM66,000 and goes up to RM75,000+ (with exemption of 10% sales tax).
The increase in the price range would be justified by the amount of new tech that has been put into the Almera Turbo. Even though it is the entry-level model to the Nissan range in Malaysia, the list of equipment and features is impressive, particularly the driver assistance systems.
ETCM declares that the Almera Turbo VLT (the top version) for the Malaysian market is the best equipped in the region, which was not the case before. For instance, the cars sold in Thailand don’t have LED headlamps and their wheel size goes up to only 15 inches, whereas the Malaysian version is 16 inches with 205/55 tyres.
Joining the family in looks
The new car’s overall looks retain the profile of its predecessor but looks much more modern. At the front, the signature V-motion grille design unites the latest model with the rest of today’s Nissan family. The boomerang-shaped LED headlamps are also a familiar signature on Nissan models these days, providing another element of brand identification.
The styling treatment on the C-pillar follows that of the LEAF EV, creating a ‘floating roof’ sort of appearance. The rear end takes on a modern look with LED lighting units and for the top version, there’s also a discreet spoiler which helps lower the Cd to 0.284.
Dimensionally, the Almera Turbo is a bigger car than before – 70 mm longer and 45 mm wider – with a wheelbase that has been extended by 20 mm. This would improve interior space which was one of the strong points of the Almera when it was previously launched. The boot volume is 482 litres and the divided rear backrests can be folded down to expand the capacity by extending the length of the floor.
Intelligent and safe
Promoting Nissan Intelligent Mobility and Nissan Safety Shield 360, ETCM has packed more safety features into the Almera Turbo. All three variants get Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Emergency Braking which can not only reduce accidents but should a collision occur, the pro-active action can help to reduce the damage.
There are up to 6 airbags installed at the front and sides and the usual Active Safety Systems – ABS, stability control, traction control, brake assist, etc – are present in all variants. ISOFIX points are also provided in the rear seats for two compatible childsteats.
For those who place safety as a high priority, what comes with the VL variant are features which were only on the more expensive Nissan and Infiniti models just 10 years ago. There’s Blind Spot warning (with the warning shown on the door mirrors as well as the instrument panel), Rear Cross Traffic Alert when reversing, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor.
The monitor gives a top-down view of the car to aid parking and it’s also possible to switch views to one of the four sides for a closer look at the surrounding. No more excuses not being able to park properly in a bay and getting photographed to be shamed! The system also has Moving Object Detection which alerts the driver when there are moving objects around the car.
Much of the information is shown on the instrument panel as well as the 8-inch full colour touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. The new spacious ‘Gliding Wing’ instrument panel design has a combination of a conventional analogue speedometer on the right, and a variable display on the left. The driver can choose to show a tachometer, fuel consumption (average and historical) and warnings of other vehicles ahead or nearby. A coolant temperature bar can also be displayed for those who have concerns about the operating temperature.
The equipment list is as good as other rivals in the same segment and for the more expensive versions, ETCM has added leather upholstery, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and automatic climate control. Pushbutton starting/stopping of the engine is standard and there’s also Apple CarPlay for smartphone connectivity.
152 Nm of torque from 1 litre
Under the bonnet is a Nissan HR10DET engine and this is a 3-cylinder unit with a displacement of 999 cc. This is big news because it’s a bold move for ETCM to choose a 1-litre engine (although they probably don’t have much choice as they must follow other ASEAN countries) instead of a bigger powertrain. The last time ETCM sold a 1-litre model was in the 1980s when it had the March hatchback.
Malaysians are still displacement conscious, never mind that with all the modern technology plus turbocharging, smaller engines now generate as much power – and even more – as larger engines. Many Malaysians still regard small displacement engines as being ‘weak’. Their first question would be ‘can go up Genting or not?’, the steep road up to the hill resort being a test of performance.
Perhaps it’s because of our fuel being priced low (with subsidies until early this year) that motorists don’t think too much of economizing on fuel costs. But in other countries, motorists are much more conscious and appreciate it when they can get lower fuel consumption and yet not have to sacrifice performance.
The 1-litre engine in the Almera Turbo produces 100 ps, just 1 ps less than the 1.5-litre engine of the outgoing model. But what is more impressive – and useful – is that it generates up to 152 Nm of torque which is 13 Nm or 9.3% more than the 1.5-litre engine. And where the maximum torque in the bigger engine was only available when it was spinning at 4,000 rpm, all 152 Nm is available from 2,400 rpm all the way to 4,000 rpm. This means that take-offs will be strong and overtaking will be quicker.
Over 40 years ago, when Daihatsu introduced the world’s first 3-cylinder, 4-stroke engine in its Charade, the 1-litre engine produced only 60 ps and 81 Nm. It was enough to give zippy performance with the light hatchback. Back then, fuel delivery was by a carburettor but today’s 1-litre engines have a turbocharger which boosts output significantly. The turbocharger in the Nissan engine also has an electronic wastegate, managing the high compression pressures efficiently to reduce turbo lag.
Multipoint electronic fuel injection (EFI) also helps deliver fuel more efficiently and while EFI, turbocharging and 4 vales per cylinder already boost output, the 67% higher output compared to a 1-litre engine in the late 1970s is also due to other technological advancements. For example, there is Mirror Bore Coating Technology – adapted from the mighty GT-R engine – which reduces friction internally.
So it’s really time to put away the negative perceptions about engine displacement and give attention to the output numbers instead. The displacement may be small but these modern engines like the HR10DET can provide performance comparable to bigger engines, and they will save you money.
ETCM claims that the Almera Turbo can go up to 18.4 kms per litre which means the full tank of 35 litres should be good for at least 650 kms.
First driving impressions
At today’s introduction to the new Almera Turbo, ETCM also offered the chance to get brief driving impressions around the Glenmarie area. It was certainly a welcome opportunity to check out the new engine powering the car.
The new Almera Turbo (front car) is larger and lower than the car it replaces.
I certainly remember what a 1-litre engine used to be like, having driven the old Charade back in 1977. Such small engines have also been used in Perodua models over the years and it is clear that they have improved, and with the Almera Turbo’s engine, the advancement is really quite impressive.
As expected, the car moved off the line with eagerness. The shifts were smooth with the next-generation XTRONIC CVT that uses a D-Step Logic System. This software-based system creates a feel of the CVT that is like a conventional torque converter transmission with linear progression. On occasions when the road slopes steeply, the transmission can be locked in low ratio for easier forward progress.
Although noise levels were reasonably low, that ‘motorboat sound’ typical of 3-cylinder engines could still be heard. It’s common with such engines and you get used to it. What’s more important is that the Nissan engineers have been able to overcome the vibration issues that are inherent in 3-cylinder engines. Even under hard acceleration, the engine was almost as smooth as a 4-cylinder unit.
Generally, the engine provides as much performance as most people would require. If you are law-abiding and do not venture over the highest national speed limit, 100 ps is fine. If you are in a hurry, you still have the high torque for safe and quick lane changes when there is a need overtake. There wasn’t a steep slope to check its climbing ability but I am sure that it will do ust fine. Definitely, this car will have no problems going up to the Genting Highlands resort.
If you want to find out yourself, ETCM starts the test-drive program for the public this weekend and next weekend at 18 showrooms around the country. And just for going on a test-drive in the Almera Turbo, you could also win a RM2,199 iPhone SE. To locate a showroom, visit www.nissan.com.my.
According to the Transport Minister, there are over 4.2 million registered vehicles which have not had their roadtax renewed. Many of these would have the roadtax expired for more than a year, which means that if they wish to use the vehicle on public roads again, it will have to be sent to Puspakom for a roadworthiness inspection first.
Now, that requirement has been abolished for vehicles registered for private use by individuals. No Puspakom inspection will be required for vehicles which have not had their roadtax renewed for up to three years.
A car undergoing inspection at PUSPAKOM
Announcing this, the Transport Minister said that the change is in response to requests from vehicle owners. Particularly at this time when the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many financially, removing the vehicle inspection requirement can help to save some money. Perhaps some of those affected have old cars in the house and now want to use them again as they do not want to avoid public transport.
However, the exemption from inspections does not apply to commercial vehicles which, in any case, are subject to periodic mandatory inspections to ensure they are in a safe condition for use.
Discount period extended to end September
Meanwhile, the discount of up to 70% offered for summonses has been extended. It was originally up to the end of August but will not still be available until September 30,2020. The discount given applies to all compoundable summonses issued by the JPJ and the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) but not those issued by the police.
Again, the move is aimed at helping those who are in a difficult situation at this time and need to have a licence to work in jobs like e-hailing or food delivery. In some cases, not settling a summons would mean they are blacklisted and cannot renew their licence. Nevertheless, they still have to pay for the offence if they committed it.
Toyota and Honda may be rivals in the marketplace, battling for sales and market share. However, when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it’s a different matter and where appropriate, they can work together for the good of communities.
During the magnitude 9 earthquake followed by a tsunami in northeastern Japan in 2011, it was found that power outages were a serious matter that affected rescue operations. That’s to be expected when the power supply network is damaged and repairs take a while. To address this issue, Toyota and Honda will bring technologies together to create a mobile power generation/output system.
Mobile power stations
For some time, carmakers have to considered drawing electricity from the big battery packs in their hybrid and electric vehicles, both of which are made by Toyota and Honda. These would become mobile power stations which could supply electricity for emergency use when necessary.
Now Toyota and Honda have jointly developed a system for a mobile and safe power supply. The system incorporates the ‘Moving e’, a fuel-cell bus developed by Toyota using the FC Bus as a basis. In the first step, the versatile application possibilities of the system will be demonstrated in tests starting this month.
CHARGING STATION
The Moving e mobile power generation/output system will consist of Toyota’s CHARGING STATION fuel cell bus with Honda’s Power Exporter 9000 portable external power output device. The CHARGING STATION loaded with all equipment will be driven to the place and the Moving e will supply electricity in actual locations.
More specifically, portable external power output devices and portable batteries will be used to take electricity out of the fuel cell bus, which serves as a power source, and feed electricity to electrical appliances. The CHARGING STATION features a high-output and large-capacity power generation capacity (generates 454 kWh with maximum output of 18 kW).
The Moving e can also be used for routine applications such as large events. As a mobile charging station, the bus drives directly to the place of use. However, it is limited to a radius of about 100 kms from a hydrogen filling station.
Rest area
Furthermore, featuring a space where people can take a nap, the CHARGING STATION can serve not only as a means of transportation but also as a place for people to rest in times of a disaster.
External power delivery devices and portable batteries can be charged with the energy from the fuel-cell via the charging station integrated on the back of the bus. In this way, the selective energy supply can be ensured after the breakdown of a power grid.
Nissan has been taking a beating in recent times, with its CEO being charged with financial wrongdoing and massive losses worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s getting to be like the 1990s when a steady decline in its business saw a debt of US$20 billion by 1999 putting it on the brink of bankruptcy.
The new management team is struggling to slash expenses worldwide, cutting at least 12,500 jobs globally by March 2023 and closing some factories. It’s almost like the early years of the Ghosn era when his ‘Nissan Revival Plan’ called for 5 factories to close with a termination of up to 21,000 jobs and 50% reduction in suppliers. Though criticised for his extreme measures, Ghosn turned Nissan around completely by March 2001 with a net profit of 331.1 billion yen.
Product development was naturally hampered by limited budgets; reduced sales could not generate enough revenue to effectively fund development of the next generations. But Ghosn kept morale high with the revival of the GT-R and also authorised continuation of the legendary Z sportscar, the former still a significant model 13 years after its launch.
Now, Nissan is doing the same thing with what looks like a new Z, and the prototype will be revealed to the world on September 15, 2020 at 7:30 pm in America (8:30 am on September 16 in Malaysia). The prototype could be the final form for the new sportscar which is rumoured to be designated ‘400Z’.
Typically, Japanese manufacturers show off a ‘prototype’ which is pretty much production-ready and then launch the new model within the next 12 months. If it was not something about to go into production, they would more likely call it a ‘concept car’.
Actually, Nissan already hinted at a new Z in May and a teaser video showed the silhouette of a sportscar (above). It had the characteristic long nose and as for what will be under the bonnet, probably a V6 from the current engine family that has won awards for years and years.
Remember the date: September 16 at 8:30 am in Malaysia.
We recently wrote about the Volvo P1800, an iconic sports model from the 1960s which also came to be known as ‘The Saint’s Car’. Now Cyan Racing, the reigning triple World Touring Car Champions, has revealed an interpretation of that car – the Volvo P1800 Cyan.
The original P1800 was unveiled in 1960, a year before the Jaguar E-Type, two years before the Ferrari 250 GTO and three years before the Porsche 911. “The Jaguar, the Ferrari and the Porsche are all cars with a continuation,” said Christian Dahl, CEO and founder of Cyan Racing. “That left us with inspiration to create what could have been if we, as a race team, had been there during the Sixties, racing the P1800, and got to design a road version of our race car.”
What could have been
In the age of autonomous driving, electrification and connectivity, Cyan Racing decided it was time to capture what has been and to make it timeless. “Obviously we could have built an electric Volvo P1800 filled with all the latest technology, comfort and luxury. But that was not what we wanted,” Dahl said. “Amid this paradigm shift, we decided to slow down time and freeze a part of it in our own time capsule. To take the best from the Golden Sixties and combine it with our capabilities of today, keeping a pure yet refined driving experience.”
Tailored to deliver genuine driving pleasure
While creating the P1800 Cyan, the team behind it decided to treat the design and engineering of the sixties with care, moving it forward in a delicate way. They applied their expertise in engine, aero and chassis design to make a car that delivers on the Cyan engineering philosophy in terms of predictability and intuitive driver control.
But it would also be lightweight and offer the analogue driving experience of the Sixties. “There are no driver aids to distort the driving experience, meaning no stability control, ABS or brake booster,” said Mattias Evensson, Project Manager and Head of Engineering at Cyan Racing.
“The Volvo P1800 Cyan is about clearing away anything disturbing the direct connection between driver, tyres and the road. Our objective has been to keep that undisturbed sensation whilst refining it with the best technology of today,” explained Evensson.
Carbonfibre and steel body
The bodywork has been altered to accommodate a wider track, larger wheels and repositioned greenhouse, among a long list of redesigns. “To put together an interpretation of an iconic design is a challenge. I think we succeeded in merging new technology without losing the character of the original Volvo P1800,” said Ola Granlund, Head of Design at Cyan Racing.
The P1800 Cyan which started life as one of the units produced in 1964 has been refined and reinforced utilizing high-strength steel and carbonfibre. “The basis for a precise and intuitive driving experience is a solid body structure. Cars from the Sixties are far from ideal when it comes to this due to weak points and steel quality that allow for flex,” said Evensson.
“We have redesigned the structure of the original shape and strengthened weak points in the chassis through triangulation, using high-strength steel and integrated the carbonfibre body with the chassis structure. The carbonfibre is not just a fine shell of separate panels, but rather structural components joined with high-strength adhesive to the steel. All parts of the carbonfibre are adding to the structural rigidity,” he said, adding that the car weighs just 990 kgs (lighter than a Perodua Myvi 1.5).
Powertrain from racing car
The 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is based on the same engine as used in the world title-winning Volvo S60 TC1 race car, producing 420 bhp/455 Nm, with a redline at 7700 rpm. Although the engine is turbocharged, it is developed to deliver a linear power and torque curve with the characteristics of a normally aspirated engine. The engine character is designed to deliver a driving experience as in the Sixties but with increased performance and precision.
“While evaluating engines for the Volvo P1800 Cyan, we considered a wide range of Volvo engines, including the original B18, the ‘Red Block’ B230, the 5-cylinder ‘White Block’, the short inline 6-cylinder and the 4-cylinder VEA engine that power Volvos of today,” said Evensson.
“The efficient and lightweight VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) gave us the best base, also allowing us to transfer our experience from the different versions of the VEA that we have designed for our race and performance cars of the past decade,” he said.
“We have adapted it to suit the Volvo P1800 Cyan with the power output increasing through the entire powerband. The power peaks late. It is designed for high revs a lot, with the torque intuitively linear to the pedal. We have learnt from racing where the drivers want perfect control of the torque, increasing precision and driving pleasure at the same time,” Evensson added.
A 5-speed bespoke Holinger gearbox has been selected to carry the mechanical feeling of the original Volvo P1800, but with greater gear change precision and capability of handling the increased torque. The live rear axle of the original car is replaced with a Cyan-designed independent rear suspension.
A key part to the engaging rear-wheel drive experience is the torque-biasing limited slip differential. The differential is mounted in a Holinger housing with unique gears in order to combine capable performance on a circuit with civilized behaviour for road use.
Pure driver focussed chassis
The fully adjustable front and rear suspension features bespoke lightweight components, including aluminium uprights, double wishbones and two-way adjustable dampers with Cyan hydraulics.
“The settings of the car are not aimed at fast lap times but rather to deliver an enjoyable and exciting driving experience. I feel my smile widening each time that I control the drift angle of the car through a long turn. The car goes where you point it. You can be brutal going into a corner and still find your apex and exit within millimetres,” said Thed Bjork, development driver and 2017 touring car world champion for Cyan Racing.
The carbonfibre-reinforced chassis is connected to the road with 18-inch forged rims with Pirelli P Zero 235/40 tyres at the front and 265/35 at the rear. Each wheel has 4-piston calipers with 362×32 mm steel discs with a ‘genuine feeling’ as no brake booster or ABS is there to interfere.
“The Volvo P1800 Cyan is the result of an advanced engineering process, involving many of the same talents who designed, built and developed our world title winning Volvo S60 TC1 Cyan,” said Dahl, adding that pricing and individual specification is available for those who want one.
Hyundai’s Tucson will start its fourth generation when its world premiere takes place on September 15, 2020. Before then, the company is showing the first official images of its all-new SUV. For this new generation, the Korean carmaker has made major changes to the styling and it will be the first C-segment SUV to be available in two different wheelbases to suit different markets.
Overall, the new Tucson’s body is bigger and wider than before, with a long bonnet and short overhangs on a stretched wheelbase that give it a coupe-like profile. The angular body panels offer yet another interpretation of the parametric design language that Hyundai is now using.
The exterior styling expresses what Hyundai designers call ‘Parametric Dynamics’ with kinetic jewel-like surface details that will have people doing a double take. Chiseled surfaces create a striking contrast between sleek silhouette and masculine wedge, suggesting forward motion even when standing still. The taut athletic shapes merge into angular wheel arches in the typical manners of SUVs.
Parametric Hidden Lights
New design highlights include the latest evolution of Hyundai’s signature headlamp architecture called ‘Parametric Hidden Lights’ and a dual cockpit layout that offers personalized space with a high-tech user experience. The signature daytime running lights (DRLs) are integrated into the jewel-like grille, only revealed when turned on.
‘INTERSPACE’ with an integrated interface
The evolution of the Tucson’s interior layout has led to a lower instrument display and removal of the gauge cluster housing for a decluttered surface. The broad ridge of the dashboard blends seamlessly with the doors, wrapping around front occupants like a deep gorge.
The vertically oriented, fully integrated centre fascia descends to the console like a mighty waterfall. Twin silver garnish lines streaming from the centre fascia to the rear doors harmonize neatly layered premium surface materials in complementary neutral tones.
“The mission of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ is to elevate the emotional qualities of automotive design. We want our customers to feel moved. With the all-new Tucson, we are introducing its ultimate evolution and a definitive statement about Hyundai’s unstoppable forward momentum,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Centre.
When automotive historians look back on 2020, it will be regarded as a dark period for the industry. Factories had to shut down for long periods, along with showrooms, and sales came to a standstill for a couple of months. It was an unprecedented situation; even during the worst recessions, business still continued.
However, it appears that the industry is recovering steadily and where the Malaysian market is concerned, the Total Industry Volume of new vehicles sold exceeded 50,000 units for the second month in a row. That’s partly due to the government exempting sales tax, which lowers the retail price, but there would also have been people who had to defer their purchases in March and April.
Market share estimated at 21.7%
For Proton, things have been going well with yet another great month – its second best – in August. During the month, 11,378 units were sold, an improvement of 24.7% over the same month in 2019. With this volume, the brand’s market share for the month is forecast at 21.6% while its year-to-date market share is estimated to be 21.7%.
With 61,672 sales so far in 2020, Proton‘s cumulative sales volume after 8 months is 46 units ahead of the same period from the previous year. The achievement is particularly noteworthy as sales in March, April and May were affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO).
The company also states that three of its models were sales leaders in their respective segments although we wonder how they determine that when the official data for individual model sales of other brands is not released. In any case, the powerful Competition Commission makes it an offence to share such information. This was declared some years back with the Competition Commissioner saying that if such data is shared by the industry, ‘the prices of spare parts will go up’. As a result, the Malaysian Automotive Association stopped releasing model sales data and the data can only be made public 12 months later.
“Proton is pleasantly surprised by how quickly we have been able to recover the lost sales during the MCO period, as it only took us three months to get back on track. By exceeding our YTD volume in August 2019, we are quietly confident of recovery from the headwinds of COVID-19. The positive effect this has on the company, our employees and the vendor community cannot be understated and we hope to continue this trend until the end of the year so as to give the automotive industry ecosystem a strong boost,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
