PROTON kicked-off the second half of 2018 by posting its strongest sales numbers for the last 30 months. Sales grew by 31% over the previous month as 8,102 Proton cars were sold to local car buyers and export customers. While Malaysian sales were driven by customers looking to take advantage of the zero rating for GST and before the implementation of SST in September, the resumption of export activities by the Company was what delivered a boost to the overall numbers.
Approximately 11.7% market share as Saga and Persona continue to be the most popular models… PROTON experienced a third consecutive month of market share growth with an estimated 11.7% of Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month. This compares to the 9.6% market share it garnered in June according to numbers published by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).
The Saga and Persona continue to lead sales, with the former breaking through the 3,000 unit barrier for the first time in 2018… The Persona also achieved a new high point for the year as more than 2,221 sales were recorded, marking the first instance it breached the 2,000 unit barrier since May 2017.
The continued popularity of the Saga is attributed to its class leading affordability, spaciousness and handling as well as the ‘Best Saga deal in 10-years’ promotion where a brand new Saga could be bought for less than RM30,000 in June and July this year.
As for the Persona, its internationally recognized ASEAN NCAP 5 star rating, extensive safety feature list that includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC) and 6 airbags as well as its spacious interior, 510L boot and long equipment list were key factors to attracting buyers.
“July was a very good month for PROTON as we had achieved our highest volume not just for 2018 but also for the last 30 months. We know that a big factor in boosting sales is the current tax holiday period with zero-rated GST prior to the implementation of SST in September but the numbers also prove that Malaysians are opening their eyes to the attractive buying proposition offered by the current range of Proton cars. We are therefore hopeful of carrying over this momentum even after SST has been introduced as we gear up for the launch of our first SUV later in the year,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON Edar.
In other news… Exports resume for the first time since collaboration with Geely
One of the main pillars outlined for the long term growth of PROTON is export sales, which kicked off in 2018 with 517 cars shipped in July. With more shipments due before the end of the year, the Company is confident of achieving its export sales target for 2018, which will act as a springboard to selling even more cars internationally over the coming years.
Currently, the most popular export market for Proton cars is the Middle East with countries like Jordan, Iraq and Iran being the main destination. Sales in Egypt are set to resume over the final quarter of the year as the country recovers from the currency crises that had hampered their car industry over the last few years.
Scania Malaysia recently handed over vehicles to three of its key customers in the northern region – Sin Hock Soon Transport Sdn Bhd, Nurkasih Holiday & Tours Sdn Bhd and LLZ Haulage Sdn Bhd – which received 17 trucks, six buses and two trucks respectively.
The keys were presented by Scania Southeast Asia Managing Director, Marie Sjödin Enström to Sin Hock Soon Director, Mr. Tony Yew; Nurkasih Holiday & Tours, En. Hafisol; and LLZ Haulage, En. Tajnoor at the Scania Butterworth service centre. The three customers cited the performance, reliability, fuel economy and safety that Scania vehicles offer, all of which contribute to the profitability and sustainability of their businesses as well as Scania’s excellent after sales service.
Sin Hock Soon Transport and LLZ Haulage purchased the G410LA6x2MSZ trucks, 17 units and 2 units respectively. These G-series trucks promises powerful performance and increased fuel savings and are suitable to attain the best profitability during long-haul operations. Meanwhile, the six buses acquired by Nurkasih Holiday & Tours – five K360IB4x2 and one K250IB4x2 – feature a powerful engine with higher torque at lower revs and are equipped with the Scania Opticruise gear-change that promises better comfort while reducing clutch and synchromesh wear.
Facilitated by Scania Credit, these new buses and trucks come with the standard package of the two-year free Scania Maintenance; two-year free 24/7 Scania Assistance and a ten-year free Scania Fleet Management System (FMS). “We are proud to be a partner for Sin Hock Soon Transport and LLZ Haulage for their long-haul operations. We are also proud of our partnership with Nurkasih Holiday & Tours for their tour operations. We are indeed very happy that these established companies have placed their trust in Scania for the sustainability of their businesses,” said Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström.
The event also saw Scania presenting an award to Express Seni Budaya (M) Sdn Bhd for achieving the best fuel savings for a competition for the bus category based on the Scania Fleet Management System. The FMS is a total solutions approach from Scania for its customers to achieve the best profitability and efficiency in their businesses by gathering data from the driver’s performance and vehicle.
That data is then used together with methods such as driver training and coaching to increase the productivity of the fleet, reduce fuel consumption and eventually reduce the cost of operations. The handover of vehicles was held in conjunction with the Scania Open Day, which served as an opportunity for staff and their immediate family members as well as customers to mingle, understand what Scania can offer as an employer and have a more intimate look at how the company operates.
Also on site for them to see and understand were information counters for Scania Genuine Parts and Scania Fleet Management System, a Scania Truck Simulator game console and a Scania autonomous platooning table that depicts the future of the industry which Scania is developing. “Scania’s continuing success is based on our employees and our core values. We focus on the individual and our future success depends on the achievements from our employees,” said Marie. “We are currently driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system. The Scania Open Days allow us to showcase what our solutions can do and gain feedback from customers and even families of staff. All of these for continuous improvement purposes. Only then can we make that shift”, she added.
Despite a great first half (1H18) of record sales and after-sales results, Perodua is preparing to face many challenges in the second half (2H18) and is maintaining its sales target of 209,000 units by end-2018. Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh (below) said that the compact car company is also maintaining its production target of slightly over 215,300 vehicles this year which is a 7.5% increase compared with 200,100 vehicles made last year.
On a year to date basis, Perodua sold 117,100 vehicles for the first 6 months of 2018, 17.5% up on the 99,700 units sold in the same period last year and a half-year record for the carmaker. Against a 289,700-unit 1H18 total industry volume (TIV), Perodua took 40.4% market share, also a half-year record.
“Due to the increase in sales, Perodua has also increased its vehicle production to 109,000 units between January and June 2018 which is an increase of 10% compared with 99,000 units in the same period last year,” Datuk (Dr) Aminar said. He said that Perodua purchased some RM2.28 billion from vendors for the first six months of this year, which is a reduction from RM2.33 billion in the same period last year. “The decrease in the amount is due to forex rate savings enjoyed in the first half of the year despite the increase in volume,” Datuk (Dr) Aminar said.
The 117,100 registrations comprised 46,860 Myvis, 33,870 Axias, 23,555 Bezzas and 12,815 Alzas, retaining the top spots for all four models in their respective segments. “We attribute this sales record to continued strong demand for the new Myvi as well as for our other models in the first quarter while towards the end of the second quarter we saw a surge in sales due to the zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST),” said Datuk (Dr) Aminar.
The new Myvi continues to be Perodua’s most popular model – since its November launch, over 65,000 have been registered out of over 115,000 bookings collected. By way of comparison, Perodua closed 1H17 with 35% of a 284,500-unit TIV. Its 1H18 monthly market share breakdown was 39.7% for January, 42.2% February, 41.5% March, 42.3% April, 51% May and 31% June. The June dip was due to an overall market sales spike brought on by the zero-rated GST.
“Our sales peaked in May at almost 22,000 units. However, we do not foresee this momentum continuing in the subsequent quarters of the year. While engagement with the government is on-going, we are still unclear on the full mechanism of the impending Sales and Service Tax (SST). On the assumption that there will be an increase in vehicle prices from September onwards; we foresee that the public will go through a period of adjustment hence resulting in less demand for a certain duration. Perhaps the impact would be up until December 2018 where, typically, most players would give good offers to reduce their carry-over stock into the following year,” Datuk (Dr) Aminar said.
On bookings, Perodua received over 185,000 orders in 1H18, a 24% boost over 1H17 and another half-year record. In June alone orders surpassed 40,000, and the carmaker is working overtime to meet the demand, the President and CEO said. “Unfortunately, apart from a few units of the Alza, we expect all orders made this month to be fulfilled only from 1 September onwards. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused but we believe we still offer the best value in the market at present,” Datuk (Dr) Aminar added.
On after-sales, Perodua’s service intakes at its 179 service centres nationwide saw a 6% growth from 1.026 million vehicles in 1H17 to 1.083 million in 1H18. In preparation for a record 2.14 million service intakes expected this year, Perodua aims to further improve its standards, skills and knowledge of its after-sales staff nationwide through its National Technical Skill Contest.
First held in 1997, the Perodua National Technical Skill Contest puts service advisors, foremen, mechanics, and for the first time this year, Body & Paint service advisors, through a series of tough customer-related scenarios. “Participants are judged on how correctly, thoroughly, quickly and efficiently they solve the issues given, and not just from a technical perspective – they also have to demonstrate a strong focus on the all-important Customer Satisfaction,” said Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin.
This year’s contest was among the largest Perodua has ever conducted, with more than 2,000 after-sales staff across the country, from dealers as well as branches, taking part in the preliminary round in February. The national finals held on 19 July saw mechanics Nur Adilin Mohd Yusuf (KK1 branch) and Muhd Izuan Kamarul Baharin (Nagoya Automobile), foremen Jamaluddin Ja’asa (Seremban branch) and Felix Chee Tuin (Posh Auto), service advisors Noor Faziha Md Anas (Ipoh2 branch) and Siti Fatimah Abu Samah (Roda Juara), as well as Body & Paint service advisor Arthur James (KK1 branch) emerge as the winners.
“The victors represent the best Perodua has to offer in the country in terms of service, and are examples to us all. Their technical expertise, customer focus and problem-solving skills will be cascaded throughout our after-sales divisions for our customers’ benefit,” said Dato’ Dr Zahari. “After-sales plays an extremely crucial role in our quest to satisfy and delight our customers. Via healthy competition, the Perodua National Technical Skill Contest serves to exercise and ensure our service capabilities remain up to standard, competitive and relevant to the ever-changing needs and wants of the customer. People First in Perodua’s slogan refers to both our employees and customers. We will never cease to develop and improve the capabilities of our employees so that they can better serve our customers and retain their trust,” he added.
It’s here! Motor Image, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles across eight countries in Asia, has launched the All-New 2019 Forester in Taiwan. The All-New Forester brings with it improved refinement and practicality – for maximum comfort and enjoyment. The All-New Forester has been reengineered, reimagined and redesigned to include a host of enhanced features, resulting in a balance of easy handling and spacious interior. Here’s the regional media making their way into the launch arena…
Safety continues to be a priority with the inclusion of a strong suite of active safety and driver-assistance features, as part of the Subaru Core Technologies:
“The All-New Forester is now bigger and better with an all-round enhancement to its technology, interior and exterior to create an SUV that boasts performance, comfort and maximum safety” said Mr Glenn Tan, Managing Director, Tan Chong International Ltd (above, 4th from right). “We are thrilled to launch the new fifth generation Forester and are confident that the model will excite drivers and create amazing experiences with their loved ones.”
The All-New Forester will be available in four variants*: – Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight – Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S – Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L EyeSight – Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L
The brand’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive feature delivers power to each wheel to provide maximum stability and control, allowing drivers to safely travel across challenging terrain and road conditions. The All-New Subaru Forester (all variants) is powered by a 2.0-litre direct injection boxer engine, it features a direct injection to improve horsepower while also boosting fuel efficiency. It churns out 156Ps and 196Nm of torque.
Driving enjoyment has also been enhanced through a new seven speed manual mode of continuously variable transmission (CVT) which will improve acceleration and fuel efficiency. Here’s the new Subaru Forester making its maiden appearance!
Incorporating into the redevelopment of the All-New Forester is also the Subaru Global Platform – a redesigned chassis. The Subaru Global platform offers a safer, smoother driving experience by delivering less shake and body roll while also significantly reducing road noise to make conversations at high speeds more comfortable.
The All-New Forester also comes equipped with X-MODE function, which enhances driving performance on challenging terrain through optimised integrated control of the engine, all-wheel drive, brakes and other functions.
Drivers can now conveniently activate X-MODE via a new dial-switch in select modes, allowing for easy switching between modes depending on road conditions. The hill descent control function gives drivers greater peace of mind by maintaining low speeds on downhill slopes. The handling of the All-New Forester is further enhanced with active torque vectoring, which enables drivers to control their vehicle exactly as intended, for outstanding cornering stability and hazard avoidance performance.
Precise handling is enabled by applying brakes to the inner wheels which in turn distributes more torque to the outer wheels when making necessary sharp turns. The All-New Forester is equipped with award-winning safety features, providing drivers with an added peace of mind on every drive. A new feature on the Forester is EyeSight, an advanced driver assist technology that includes automatic pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lead vehicle start alert, lane departure and lane sway warning. The feature is available on select variants of the All-New Forester.
In addition, features such as auto vehicle hold and Subaru rear vehicle detection (SRVD) are also available on the new model.
Auto vehicle hold works to reduce driver fatigue by keeping the vehicle still when the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped. SRVD uses radar sensors installed on the rear of the vehicle to detect objects and vehicles behind and alerts the driver with its three main functions: blind spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Visual indicators light up if a vehicle in the blind spot is detected.
Here’s the walkaround video just after the official launch: (Stay tuned for more videos because tomorrow we drive the new Forester!)
When signalling a lane change, the system alerts the driver if the vehicle in the neighbouring lane is approaching. Viewability is also enhanced with reverse linked tilt down door mirror, which makes it more convenient for checking blind spots around rear tyres for worry-free reversing and parking. Safety is further enhanced by the excellent high eye-level view and careful optimisation of the shape of the pillars to help reduce blind spots and provide outstanding visibility.
The All-New Forester offers excellent road clearance with minimum ground clearance of 220mm for the ultimate driving experience. Raised roof rails with integrated tie-down points are also available for more loading options, providing drivers with the flexibility to handle all kinds of adventures. The redesigned interior of the All-New Forester comes with impressive interior dimensions, providing the driver and all passengers with greater comfort in everyday and recreational usage.
The spaciousness of the interior is enhanced by the replacement of the traditional parking brake lever with a new electronic parking brake switch that opens up more space on the centre console. The All-New Forester also introduces redefined interior features such as divided seatback pockets, USB charging ports and air-conditioning vents behind centre console, bringing a refreshed riding experience for the passengers.
The instrument panel also comes with a high grade multi-function display, providing drivers with key vehicle statistics in a clear and easy-to-see layout. The enhanced connectivity between the meter display and multi-function display shows driving information that improves convenience, safety and enjoyment.
The new model will also comes with added rear leg room, as well as an increased cargo room with wider rear gate opening. The availability of power rear gate allows opening, closing and locking of the entire vehicle with just the touch of a button, making it more convenient than ever before to haul more gear.
Built to last, the All-New Forester uses extensive high-strength steel that promises durability and rigidity. The ruggedness of the SUV is further underscored with the raised body, claddings and underguard, coupled with powerful fenders with emphasised protrusions. The updated design pays homage to the model’s earlier predecessor, with subtle updates on the grille, headlights and tail lights for added robustness and sophistication.
The All-New Forester brings together the combination of superior technology, smart design and advanced engineering, it provides the ultimate driving enjoyment while ensuring that safety is not compromised. The All-New Forester will be available in Malaysia by Q2 2019.
In conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and the last month for the Goods & Service Tax (GST) to be zero rated, Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor for Haval SUV in Malaysia, is running the Freedom From GST promotion on all Haval models. The promotion will be from now until 31 August 2018 offers new and existing HAVAL customers with savings worth up to RM6,600 which covers zero-rated GST and rebates ranging from RM500 to RM1,500.
Aside from the current promotion, the Company will be organising another HAVAL mall roadshow at The Curve Shopping Mall, Petaling Jaya from 9 – 12 August as part of the ongoing Reimagine Campaign which began earlier this year. “Being the final month for our customers to enjoy the zero-rated GST before the introduction of Sales & Service Tax (SST), Go Auto takes the opportunity to add-on from the existing tax holiday with the current promotion. This month, as part of the Independence Day – where Malaysians celebrates kemerdekaan, our promotional theme seems to be apt as we celebrate Malaysia’s special day. Aside from that, the Company definitely hopes to continue giving Malaysians the opportunity to own SUVs at competitive prices,” said Executive Director of Go Auto Group, Dato’ SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal.
“We will be having our following HAVAL mall roadshow at The Curve next week and I invite everyone to see our SUVs and enjoy our current offerings in addition to the fun-filled activities we have prepared. I am confident our range of SUVs can certainly meet customers’ needs,” Dato’ Azli added.
NB: For more information on reimagine campaign visit HAVAL’s microsite http://reimagine.haval.my/. Customers can contact Customer Care at 03-5569 7332 or email us at customercare@goauto.com.my. Customers can also visit www.haval.my or our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/havalmy or instagram page at www.instagram.com/havalmy.
In line with the increasing demand for better quality and cleaner diesel in the region, PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) today extended its enhanced PETRONAS Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive to Sabah, with plans to expand to 20 stations by year-end and to gradually increase the availability over the next year.
Based on the laboratory tests conducted, the PETRONAS Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive removes deposits and protects injectors thus allowing the fuel to effectively clean the engine, ensuring optimum engine efficiency. PDB’s Head of Retail Business Division, Aadrin Azly, said, “At PETRONAS, we continuously improve our products to ensure that we offer our customers only the best. Since we launched this earlier in Peninsular and Sarawak, we have received good feedback and have seen a marked increase in our diesel sales volume. Sensing the growing demand for better quality and cleaner diesel, we are ramping up efforts in making sure everyone will benefit from the new formulation, including Sabahans.”
In comparison to other diesel fuels in the market that were tested, results shown that the PETRONAS Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive recorded higher cetane number, which helps to improve combustion resulting in smoother drivability, cleaner emission and lower noise. PETRONAS Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive also has higher heating value, indicating more energy per kilogram fuel to deliver better fuel economy.
This is evident during an Experience to Believe road trip organised earlier for various diesel car clubs to put the enhanced fuel to test. One of the participants, Ritchie Fernandez, who drove a Mitsubishi Triton said, “The PETRONAS Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive reduces consumption, and provides savings about 2% – 3%.”
Another participant, Lum Tuck Chin, the owner of a Ford Ranger commented, “I definitely experience better fuel consumption. Even driving on the highway with heavy footer, I could still save about one litre per 100 kilometer.”
The improved PETRONAS Dynamic Diesel Euro 5 with Pro-Drive promises to deliver three key benefits for diesel vehicles:
Clean: Cleans and protects critical diesel engine parts to prolong engine life
