Parts shortage from Thailand forces Honda Malaysia to stop production

SOURCE: CLICK ME

In a statement, the company said the floods have caused a huge number of factories in the supply chain to shut down, which include Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co Ltd and other major suppliers which supply parts to Honda Malaysia.

However, Honda Malaysia is actively accessing the situation and its parts suppliers’ recovery.
Honda Malaysia is also studying the feasibility of sourcing parts from other countries until its suppliers’ production in Thailand returns to normal.

“We announce with regret that we have to temporary halt production in Pagoh Plant, in Malacca due to parts shortage.

“We apologise for the delay of delivery and we appreciate the understanding of our customers. We are doing all we that can within our capacity to recover the production here in Malaysia as soon as possible,” said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Yoichiro Ueno.

Assembling work at Honda Malaysia's Pagoh plant has 
stopped from today.

“The good news is that all our fully imported models such as the Insight, Stream and Freed are not affected, except for Jazz that is imported from Thailand, which we have sufficient stock to meet the current market demand,” he added.

Asian Honda Motor Co Ltd has recently donated 100 million baht (RM10mi) to Thai Red Cross Society to help flood victims in Thailand.

Honda Malaysia will keep its customers informed of the plant’s progress and it looks forward to bringing good news to the customers.


END OF SOURCE...

My (Jeff Lim's) comments: Two days ago, I visited a Honda Showroom in Petaling Jaya. The Salesgirl told me that they have Limited stocks (while stock lasts) for ALL CKD Hondas and Honda Jazz. >10 units Civic 1.8 and 2.0, >15 units NEW Accord, >15 units New City, >10 units New Jazz in Malaysia

.  Next batch of CKD will arrive only in February Earliest. As a result they "DON'T HAVE CAR TO SELL". Honda Malaysia were forced to bring the CR-Z and Jazz Hybrid to Malaysia earlier than expected. The CR-Z's coming in 2 weeks time while the Jazz Hybrid is coming in December.

In a meantime, Freed (Indonesian Made), Stream and Insight production uninterrupted.

Proton eyes world market in pact with Hawtai

Sunday, October 23, 2011


Proton eyes world market in pact with Hawtai

NANNING (China): Proton is not only planning to expand its presence in China through Hawtai Motor Group Ltd but will be using the partnership as a springboard to the world market.


It's not your typical joint venture. It's a cooperation that covers many areas," said Proton chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.

"We are looking at the low-cost base of China. We should capitalise on that.

In Malaysia, it's difficult for us to achieve economies of scale because of our low volume."
proton.jpg
Mohd Nadzmi (right) and Syed Zainal Abidin.


"Going to China, we can leverage on its low-cost base, especially on the component industry, which is important because 70% to 75% of the cost of a car comes from its components," he said.

Proton exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hawtai Motor at a roundtable dialogue between Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chinese CEOs here on Friday.

Speaking to Malaysian journalists covering the 8th China-Asean Expo here, Mohd Nadzmi said the MoU would result in an agreement in about 90 days and during the period both parties would study how the cooperation would take place.

"We are talking about product collaboration. Immediately, our (Proton) Saga is ready to come to China, followed by the Exora and also our new model that we will make available for this collaboration with Hawtai," he said.

Proton managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said both parties were still discussing whether to use Proton brand or Hawtai brand in selling cars in China.

"What we look forward to is one day to get our cars produced in China. From China, we can export to other left-hand-drive markets, for example, the Middle East.

"The production cost will be much more competitive. This is one of the big objectives we have.

"We can't rely on Malaysia to export left-hand-drive vehicles. We can use China as a base and because they have a big volume here and our partner will provide us with the facility, knowledge and infrastructure," he said.

Syed Zainal Abidin said Proton products in the C and B segments would complement Hawtai Motor's 4X4 vehicles and D-segment sedans.

Hawtai also has a major plant producing diesel engines for the domestic and export markets.

"So we can also use their diesel technology in our cars to exploit the diesel market, for example, in India," said Syed Zainal.

So, the discussions are not only about products but also on technology transfer."

Hawtai Motor has an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles, 300,000 engines and 300,000 auto transmissions.

As for the China market, Syed Zainal said Proton was targeting sales of 50,000 to 100,000 per year and for every unit, Proton would receive revenue whether in terms of components or sales or royalties for the technology transferred.

He also said Proton would not be sourcing parts from China for its Malaysian operations.

"Our priority to support our local vendors."

On Youngman Automobile Group,Syed Zainal Abidin said: "Our relationship with Hawtai is complementing our existing relationship with Youngman. We will continue to support Youngman based on our current business arrangement,"

"Youngman is a straight forward licensing agreement. Hawtai is a different arrangement altogether ... different platform, so there is no conflict of relationship with Youngman," he added.
-Bernama

Cuba lifts 50-year ban on buying and selling cars

HAVANA: Cuba has authorised auto sales among individuals easing a 50-year-old ban that has helped make the island a living museum of vintage cars.

Until now, Cubans have only been permitted to sell each other vehicles built before the country's 1959 revolution, which has given long life to the US chrome and fin-tail antiques that swarmed pre-revolutionary Havana.

The new regulations, published in the Official Gazette, had been expected as part of a series of reforms being undertaken by President Raul Castro to ease state controls on the economy and encourage some forms of small-scale private enterprise.

The regulations provide for "the transfer of ownership of vehicles for purchase-sale or donation among Cubans living on the island or foreigners who are residents of Cuba."

Ordinary Cubans will still be prevented from buying new cars, which are restricted under the new rules to buyers with dollars or convertible pesos engaged in "work on assignment by the state or in its interest".

But tens of thousands of Cubans who were allowed to buy Soviet-made vehicles through their workplace before 1990 will now be able to sell them legally.

Also on the market will be newer imports that the government has allowed artists, athletes and doctors working in overseas missions in places like Venezuela to bring home with them.

Foreigners living in Cuba will be allowed to buy or import up to two vehicles under the new rules.

Cubans who emigrate - some 38,000 a year - will now be allowed to sell their vehicles or transfer ownership of them to family members.

For retired musician Lazaro Gonzalez, the new measures provide the long-awaited opportunity for him to buy a Russian Lada from his sister, who works in Chile.

"This (transaction) is something normal, which never should have been banned," Gonzalez said. "It's another one of these absurd prohibitions that Raul Castro has removed since coming to power."

Allowing car purchases and sales is seen as among the most important of some 300 reforms adopted in April by the Communist Party Congress, which aimed at keeping the centrally planned system from collapse but stopped short of embracing a market-led economy.

Other measures expected to shake up the lives of ordinary Cubans included introducing the right to buy or sell homes or receive a bank loan.

Most Cubans own their homes and do not pay taxes but have only been allowed to exchange, not sell them until now. Details on the home sales measure should be published before the end of the year, sources said. – Bernama-NNN-Mercopress

BMW develops laser light for the car

  SOURCE

BMW develops laser light for the car

After LED technology, laser light is the next logical step in car light development. BMW engineers are currently already working on the introduction of laser light as a further pioneering technology for series production within a few years.


Laser light could then facilitate entirely new light functions for even more safety and comfort and at the same time contribute significantly through its higher degree of efficiency towards a saving in energy and fuel respectively.

Laser light produces virtually parallel light beams.


By definition, laser lighting is radically different from sunlight, and also from the various types of artificial lighting in common use today. For a start, laser lighting is monochromatic, which means that the light waves all have the same length. And it is also what is known as a “coherent” light source, which means that its waves have a constant phase difference.
As a result, laser lighting can produce a near-parallel beam with an intensity a thousand times greater than that of conventional LEDs.

In vehicle headlights, these characteristics can be used to implement entirely new functions.
Also, the high inherent efficiency of laser lighting means that laser headlights have less than half the energy consumption of LED headlights. Simply put, laser headlights save fuel.
The intensity of laser light poses no possible risks to humans, animals or wildlife when used in car lighting. Amongst other things, this is because the light is not emitted directly, but is first converted into a form that is suitable for use in road traffic.
The resulting light is very bright and white. It is also very pleasant to the eye and has a very low energy consumption.
Completely safe laser lighting technology is already in use in a variety of consumer products, though in many cases this is a product feature that goes unnoticed by the customer.

That won’t be the case when this technology is used in cars, however, as planned by BMW.
Here the whole point is that the advantages should be noticeable and visible.

A further feature of laser technology, which has important implications, is the size of the individual diodes. With a length of just ten microns (µm), laser diodes are one hundred times smaller even than the small, square-shaped cells used in conventional LED lighting, which have a side length of one millimetre.
This opens up all sorts of new possibilities when integrating the light source into the vehicle. The BMW engineers have no plans to radically reduce the size of the headlights however, although that would be theoretically possible.


Instead, the thinking is that the headlights would retain their conventional surface area dimensions and so continue to play an important role in the styling of a BMW, while the size advantages could be used to reduce the depth of the headlight unit, and so open up new possibilities for headlight positioning and body styling.
A further advantage of laser lighting technology, and one which the BMW engineers intend to use to full effect, is its high inherent efficiency.

Whereas LED lighting generates only around 100 lumens (a photometric unit of light output) per watt, laser lighting generates around 170 lumens.
Laser lighting could also be adapted for use in Adaptive Headlights and BMW's “Anti-Dazzle High-Beam Assist”.
BMW said it will also be possible to use laser lighting to implement completely new functions, which will have only minimal power consumption.

For a start, BMW is using the i8 Concept to introduce laser lighting.

Three Honda models due for 'product update'

Monday, September 05, 2011

Three Honda models due for 'product update'

PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia today announced a "product update campaign" on the Civic, City and Jazz.

The vehicles involved in the campaign are Civic 2006 year-model (YM) - 2008YM, City 2006YM-2007YM and Jazz 2005YM-2007YM.

The affected cars are (from bottom to top) Jazz, City and Civic.

Honda Malaysia said all current selling models are not affected.

“Honda Malaysia would like to apologise to all customers for the inconvenience caused," said Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Yoichiro Ueno.

"The campaign aims to implement a few preventive measures against technical failure. This is an early call for inspection and replacement, of which we believe could sustain the best product performance for customers in spite of the technical irregularities.”

For Civic 2006YM-2008YM, the power steering feed hose may leak oil when the hose deteriorates after running in hot and humid weather. Though the affected units may not cause serious safety issues, the possibility of a technical breakdown might show in the future.

Honda Malaysia will change the rubber material for the power steering feed hose to improve its heat resistance. The campaign is expected to involve 16,537 units of Civic 2006YM-2008YM.

Meanwhile, City 2006YM-2007YM and Jazz 2005YM-2007YM are prone to possible failure of the power window master switch, which under certain conditions, could cause a minor short-circuit resulting in a burnt smell.

Honda Malaysia undertakes to change all the affected units with a counter measure power window switch. The product update campaign will involve 20,949 units of City 2006YM-2007YM and 2,970 units of Jazz 2005YM-2007YM.

The company said necessary replacement would be carried out when the parts are ready and it would bear all costs incurred.

All owners of affected units involved are to send their vehicle to an authorised dealer as soon as they receive notification from the company.

For more information, call Honda’s toll-free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit any authorised Honda dealer. Customers are advised to call for an appointment to avoid long waiting hours.

SOURCE

Women prefer men to take the lead - in car maintenance

 The Star Motoring: Saturday, July 16, 2011 (SOURCE) 

Women prefer men to take the lead - in car maintenance

LONDON: Women are still passing on the responsibility of car servicing to male counterparts, according to new research from car servicing network, Bosch Car Service.

Just three in 10 women said that they take their own cars for a service, compared with seven in 10 men. While neither men nor women expressed a particular ‘dread’ towards car servicing when asked to compare it with any other household chores, a significantly greater number of women (35%) stated that they were not confident that they would get a good experience from a car service, as opposed to just 24% of men.

“It is clear that there is still a feeling of discomfort amongst women drivers towards taking their cars in for a service, which could be why they are leaving it up to men”, said Bosch Car Service Concept manager, Howard Price.

“The majority of customers in general (70%) already feel confident that they will get a good experience of getting a car serviced, and this is good news for the profession. However, there are still discrepancies according to gender and age; car servicing professionals need to continue to do all they can to build the same levels of confidence among all customers, regardless of whether they are male or female, old or young.”

The survey was conducted to compare drivers’ perceptions and to highlight any concerns amongst the public towards car servicing. Almost half of the women asked stated that they leave car servicing up to the men in their families, with 36% leaving it to husbands, 6% boyfriends and 4% dads.

Bosch Car Service, which has over 500 garages in its British-wide network, recently released the results of its annual customer satisfaction survey, scoring 99% for overall customer experience.

The survey also revealed that three in ten drivers under the age of 24 admitted to letting mum and dad deal with the responsibilities of car maintenance, and just three in ten took their own cars in for a service.

This was significantly less than the percentages from other age groups that take their own cars to be serviced – with all other age groups showing as approximately 50%. In contrast, younger drivers didn’t express any greater concern about car servicing experience in general than any of their older counterparts.

Howard continued: “With younger drivers, the reason for leaving it up to parents is most probably because of inexperience – as well as cost – rather than feeling unconfident in the experience of car servicing.”

Although younger drivers expressed no greater dread or concern about car servicing overall, they were significantly more concerned than any other drivers about garages overlooking faults, with 20% stating this as their biggest concern. This varied significantly with the thoughts of older drivers, who – at aged over 35 – averaged just 8% who had the same concern.

“This could indicate a wider lack of confidence in vehicle maintenance amongst newer drivers”, continued Howard.

“Garages need to reassure younger and newer drivers, and make an effort to explain to them about any problems that are detected in their vehicles to make sure they gain an understanding – and therefore a confidence – in maintaining a car, detecting faults, and staying safe on the roads.”
 

 

Auto players unhappy with Hire-Purchase Act

Auto players unhappy with Amended Hire-purchase Act

Auto dealers are doubtful whether the targeted 2.1 per cent increase in total vehicles sales to 618,000 units this year can be achieved, no thanks to the amended Hire-Purchase Act 1967, which although aimed at protecting the rights of consumers, was dampening bookings.

Several auto companies have complained that their daily bookings mainly for cars had declined by an average of 20-30 per cent since the amended Act came into effect on June 15.

Local automotive players, while appreciating the amended Act which upheld the rights and interest of consumers, are already feeling the pinch of flat sales which they expect will continue for the next few months due to new requirements under the Act.

At least three auto industry players Proton, UMW Toyota and Edaran Tan Chong, with a combined market share exceeding 50 per cent of the total industry volume (TIV), said they might revise the company's initial sales targets.

The amended Act, which came into effect a month ago, has resulted in cash flow problems for dealers, as the maximum booking fee of only one per cent of the total selling price of the car imposed on buyers, was too small compared with the previous requirement of 10 per cent.

To make matters worst, if the deal falls through, the buyer gets back 90 per cent of the booking fee, leaving very little for the dealer.

The Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd Datuk Ang Bon Beng said customers can change their mind to purchase a car even at the eleventh hour in view of the low booking fee.

In other words, there was no commitment to the deal, he said, adding that the burden of this uncommitted relationship has to be borne by car dealers or the principals of automotive companies.

Besides, customers only need to sign the purchase agreement when the car is produced and shown to the customer and if the customer opts not to buy the car, dealers again tend to lose out.

If the cars are not sold, then it causes disruptions to the supply chain as orders were already made for the cars.

As a result, car dealers were now recording a 20-30 per cent decline in bookings per day owing to the longer process required to get a car under the amended Act as buyers now have to deal directly with the bank which means increased documentation and processes.

Previously, a dealer would be able to handle the entire documentation and buying process of a vehicle. "We (Tan Chong) used to record about 200 bookings per day, but now it has dwindled to about 100 bookings only," Ang said.

Ismet

Moreover, due to the low booking fee, car dealers could not distinguish between genuine and phantom buyers, as many opted to switch to other cars at the last minute.

Dealers also complained a buyer could place phantom bookings at several different car dealerships without paying booking fees, resulting in a waste of loan application resources and inefficiencies for banks and car dealers.

President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, Ismet Suki, while concurring that the intention of the government to ensure consumers were not cheated and misled was noble and accepted by all industry players, however, felt there were weaknesses.

"The act is flipped, from the automotive perspective, as many segments are disrupted, namely manufacturing, production and the (vehicle) ordering system," he said.

Ismet said the longer documentation and paperwork process between banks, car dealers and customers have actually slowed down the delivery system as the process of finalising a vehicle purchase agreement took an extra 3-4 days.

The manufacturer and marketer of Toyota marques as well as the distributor of Lexus-brand vehicles also said that the main issue now was not selling the cars, but taking the risk of producing cars according to the order bank, without knowing whether the orders were genuine or would be met.

Proton Edar Sdn Bhd General Manager for Marketing Sidik Abdul Hamid said as far as the national car maker was concerned, the reaction to the amended Act from consumers was positive.

However, he said, the company was looking at revising downwards Proton's initial sales target of 173,000 cars as the number one automotive player has registered a 30 per cent drop in bookings since June 15.

Against such problems faced by car sellers, the government had last month promised to resolve their grouses over the implementation of the Act.

 -Bernama 

Related: 

Government open to reviewing act

Preview: Mondeo and S-MAX ECOBOOST

KUALA LUMPUR: Local Ford vehicle distributor Sime Darby AutoConneXion Sdn Bhd has unveiled two Ford new models featuring the Detroit car maker’s powerful and yet fuel efficient EcoBoost 2.0-litre engine - the updated Mondeo sedan and S-Max multi-purpose vehicle.

The Mondeo will be launched next month followed by the seven-seater S-Max in August.

Both vehicles to be sold in the luxury Titanium trim grade, are fully imported from Europe and will be equipped with the six-speed dual clutch Powershift transmission for smooth gear shifting.

The Mondeo is estimated to be priced between RM180,000 and RM185,000, and the S-Max from RM185,000 to RM188,000.

The Mondeo gets features such as adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, B-pillar mounted rear air conditioner vents, keyless entry and go, USB support, Bluetooth and Voice Command, cruise control and 17-inch wheels.

It also has Ford Convers+, a 256-colour screen in the instrument panel which displays radio, CD, MP3 player or Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone information.

Safety features include seven airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, hill launch control and traction control.

Powered by a 203bhp and 300Nm 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine that features direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing technologies, the Mondeo can sprint from 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds.

EcoBoost powertrain promises up to 20% more power and fuel economy with up to 15% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a normal engine of similar capacity.

The S-Max meanwhile, promises spacious interior for family vehicle in a stylish package featuring Ford’s current “kinetic” styling.

S-Max.

Its Fold Flat Seating system which offers 285 litres with all seats folded up and up to 1,171 litres available in “five-seat” mode, greatly enhances the S-Max’s ability to people and luggage together.

Utilising the same EcoBoost powertrain with the Mondeo, the S-Max can sprint from 0-100kph in 8.5 seconds to a top speed of 221kph.

Key features include adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, Ford Convers+, B-pillar mounted rear air conditioner vents, keyless entry and go, USB support, Bluetooth and Voice Command, cruise control and 17-inch wheels.

Safety equipment include nine airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, hill launch control and traction control.

Ford Export Operations Asia Pacific regional manager David Westerman said: “The new Mondeo’s smart design gives it a premium feel, and Malaysian customers will appreciate the class, style and comfort that this outstanding vehicle delivers.”

He also said the S-Max’s sleek new look combines first-class enhancements and functionality for a maximum fun-to-drive experience in comfort and style.

The Mondeo and S-Max come with a five-star Euro NCAP crash rating.

The Star: News

Monday, June 27, 2011 8:39 AM

Demand for luxury cars remains strong

(Click title for source)

By EUGENE MAHALINGAM

PETALING JAYA: Demand for luxury vehicles in May continued to rise despite a decline in total industry volume (TIV) that month.

Sales of Volkswagen vehicles rose the most last month, jumping 325% to 455 units from 107 units a year earlier, according to data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

For the five-month period ended May, sales of Volkswagen cars surged 341% to 2,057 units from 466 units a year earlier.

Within the luxury segment, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles was the highest in May at 541 units, which was a 19% increase from 455 units a year earlier.

During the period under review, Mercedes-Benz vehicle sales increased 13% to 2,278 units from 2,023 units in the previous corresponding period.

Sales of BMW vehicles meanwhile increased 38% to 443 units from 322 units a year earlier, while the German marque's five-month sales rose 30% to 2,029 units from 1,564 units in the previous corresponding period.

MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said consumer sentiment for luxury cars was still strong, and that TIV, especially luxury makes, had been affected by the earthquake that hit Japan in March.

“The economy is still strong. Most of the luxury cars are from Europe and not affected by the Japanese tsunami. The demand (for luxury cars) is still there,” she said in a StarBiz report.

An analyst from a local bank-backed brokerage concurred.

“If not for the production disruption, TIV would not be affected and total vehicle sales in all segments would be registering good growth and not just the luxury segment.”

Total vehicle sales fell 9.5% in May to 46,045 units from 50,883 a year earlier due to a shortfall in production for the month of April.

This was a result of insufficient supply to cater to deliveries stemming from the impact of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March.

The drop in sales marked the biggest decline of the year since February when local vehicle sales fell to 40,387 units from 40,654 in January.

However, for the five-month period ended May, cumulative sales were still higher at 255,413 units from 247,110 in the previous corresponding period

Total vehicle production in May fell 20% to 38,909 units from 48,845 a year earlier.

Production for the five-month period fell 4.5% to 230,676 units from 241,658 in the previous corresponding period.

Analysts and industry observers are already revising downwards their TIV outlook for the year, in light of the disruption in vehicle production as a result of the Japanese disaster.

Earlier this year, MAA had forecast that TIV for 2011 would hit an all-time high of 618,000 units.

Total vehicle sales in Malaysia grew 13% to hit an all-time high of 605,156 units last year, surpassing the previous record of 552,316 units achieved in 2005.
 

Ministry to meet car industry reps on HP Act

The Star: Friday, June 24, 2011

SOURCE: 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry will be meeting financial institutions and used car industry representatives to discuss issues on vehicle sales, resulting from the recently amended Hire-Purchase Act 1967.

Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he had instructed the ministry's legal and enforcement departments to do so.

Ismail

Regarding complaints of a slowdown in car sales since the amended Act took effect on June 15, Ismail said, “We will need to look at the causes of the problem.”

He reiterated that the Act was amended to protect the interests of consumers.

“Of course, with the amended Act, the documentation process (by financial institutions and vehicle dealerships) is more troublesome and takes more time,” Ismail said yesterday after officiating at a function concerning the Government's Tukar (transform) initiative, aimed at helping traditional sundry shops stay competitive.

To recap, car marque franchise holders and dealers contacted by StarBiz recently said they were worried about the possibility of trickling cashflow, a rise in booking cancellations and longer lead-time for completion of sales resulting from the amended Act.

Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said on Wednesday that the amended Act had definitely impacted car sales and there were “teething” problems in the vehicle retail trade.

The Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia and Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia have urged the Government to defer and review the amendments to the Act.

Top 10 parts wear and tear parts likely to fail

According to British specialist insurer Warranty Direct, its study shows that around one in three repairs to vehicles aged between three and seven-years old will be due to a wear-related failure.

Manufacturer new car warranties only cover material or manufacturing defects because wear-related failures increase in frequency as a vehicle ages and moves outside the traditional three-year cover period.

The Warranty Direct data shows that even small parts which will wear out over time – like the bearings in a water pump – could set you back an average of £209 (RM1,045) to fix. Meanwhile, larger components like gearboxes cost on average £1,378.65 (around RM7,000)  to put right.

“The statistics highlight the importance of checking the small print on longer term new car warranties and after-market policies,” says Duncan McClure Fisher of Warranty Direct. “Those with ‘wear and tear’ exclusions mean the consumer is left to foot the bill for worn out parts.”
Motorists are also advised to verify the level of cover throughout the duration of the advertised warranty period as the cover level may deteriorate as the car ages.





McClure Fisher adds: “It’s not reasonable to expect manufacturer warranties to cover parts that wear out but, on the flip side, motorists are not necessarily aware that, as their car gets older and wear-related failures become more frequent, they won’t necessarily be covered unless they have a policy that covers wear."
 

Motorists to bear cost of testing vehicles

The Star, Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Below: Khoo

PETALING JAYA: Car owners, not car dealers, will bear the costs of Puspakom’s Transfer of Ownership (B5) and Hire-Purchase (B7) inspections, the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia (FMCCAM) said.

Secretary-general Khoo Kah Jin said motorists wanting to sell theirvehicles to used car dealers have to pay for the B5 and B7 inspections first.

“We will evaluate the car according to Puspakom’s inspection results,” he told The Star yesterday.   However, he said the federation remained totally against the B7 inspection costing RM60 which is to be enforced from today, deeming it “an unnecessary cost.”

“The four-point B5 inspection is sufficient to test a vehicle’s roadworthiness. Sellers can always go to a trusted mechanic for additional free professional advice,” he said.

On Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s statement last week that used motorcycles would be exempted from the B7 test due to the small number involved, Khoo questioned why this was the case if safety was the main issue.

Meanwhile, FMCCAM and Gerakan Youth will submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Department and the ministry today requesting to delay the implementation of the B7 inspection.

According to the amended Hire-Purchase Act, motorists wanting to sell their vehicles need to send the cars for a comprehensive 18-point inspection by Puspakom before entering into a hire-purchase agreement.

The inspection will include computerised testing for smoke emission, brakes, side-slip and suspension.
 

Related

» Puspakom readies for influx with more inspection lanes

Biodiesel goes on sale + Videos

The Star: Thursday, June 02, 2011

PUTRAJAYA: Biodiesel is now available in the market.


From this month until October, the supply of the new fuel will be available in stages starting at Putrajaya followed by Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor respectively.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok launched the B5 biodiesel programme at the Petronas station at Precint 9 here on Wednesday.

With this, all five Petronas stations and one Shell station here will be dispensing the fuel.

Dompok fuelling up a BMW X3 xDrive20d with a full tank of B5 biodiesel during its launch in Putrajaya on Wednesday. Also present were representatives from BMW and Petronas.

B5 is a blend of 95% regular petroleum-based diesel and 5% biodiesel which can be used in normal diesel engine vehicles without any modifications. It will be sold at the same price as regular diesel at RM1.80 per litre.

Dompok said that the B5 price mechanism would be regulated and determined by the Finance Ministry.

“The rolling out of the B5 programme will not cause any price changes as the Government will continue providing subsidies to ensure that the B5 will be at the same cost as regular diesel,” he said.

“The production of the B5 is more expensive but the cost is absorbed by the Government,” he added.

Malaysian Palm Oil Board director general Datuk Dr Choo Yuen May said the fuel is more environment-friendly compared to regular diesel.

BMW, a strong diesel advocate, said it supported the government initiative.  BMW Group Malaysia currently has an Advanced Diesel variant vehicle here in Malaysia for almost every BMW model introduced in the country.

It said modern diesel engines generate 20% more horsepower, 75% more torque and consume up to 30% less fuel compared to their petrol equivalents. They also produce up to 25% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than their equivalent petrol counterparts.

The next step forward for Malaysia is to go ahead as planned to introduce Euro 4M standard diesel this year, it said.

"Such a move would ultimately be most beneficial to consumers as well as the environment, who would obtain better performance while lowering fuel consumption and emission levels at the same time," it said in a statement.

"This would ultimately ensure the further takeup of green technology that is sustainable for both the nation and the environment in the long-run."

END OF ARTICLE
Here's some videos I compiled related to biodiesel:

Video 1:


Video 2: Top Gear


Video 3: MythBusters...  Cooking Oil as Economical Diesel Fuel


Video 4:



Video 5:

Be gone, AP system...

The Star, Focus

Sunday, May 01, 2011 8:29 AM

What it takes to move our auto industry forward

By Dr FONG CHAN ONN

The cost of cars is always a hot topic.

Last month, International Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed again publicly reiterated that the number of Approved Permits (AP) for imported cars was still being kept at 10% of car sales, with 4% for franchise holders.

Why is the Government maintaining the AP system? Is there still a need to protect the industry players who have benefited so much over the last four decades?

The Prius hybrid. With surging oil prices, the trend worldwide now is rapid development and utilisation of advanced technology in electric, hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles.

In the 1970s, the automotive industry was seen as the forerunner industry for countries attempting to industrialise.

The automobile contains hundreds of components and was considered the ideal industry to stimulate manufacturing activities based on the substitution of imported components (tyres, pistons, etc) with local parts.

Thus, it is no wonder that Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand pushed to develop this sector after seeing the successes it enjoyed in Japan and Korea.

In 1983, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, then Prime Minister, established Proton to build the national car in collaboration with Mitsubishi. The legendary Proton Saga rolled out in 1986 as the first model of our national car (NC).

In 1993, Perodua was established and, in collaboration with Daihatsu, launched the Perodua Kancil as the second NC serving the 1300cc car segment.

The main objective of the automotive vision was to spin off local (particularly bumiputra) suppliers, create job opportunities, upgrade the know-how of our workforce and, ultimately, to create a local identity for the Malaysian automobile sector.

Past challenges and aspirations

The main challenge for Malaysia’s car industry was market size. In the early 1980s, the Malaysian market for passenger vehicles was about 80,000 units per year – slightly less than the minimum efficient size for automobile manufacture of 100,000 units per year.

Unfortunately, the mid-1980s also saw the world going into a deep recession. And the Malaysian automobile market was further worsened by the fragmentation of a large number of auto models and assemblers.


The Government remedied the shortfalls by using licensing procedures together with high tariffs for non-national car (NNC) models.

This, of course, resulted in substantial price differences between Proton Saga and other NNC models, enabling the Saga to capture over 80% of the market share then.

The other car manufacturers (Tan Chong for Nissan and Oriental for Honda) were compensated with partnerships for the manufacture of Proton components and parts.

The Perodua Kancil, launched in 1994, also captured a large share of the 1300cc car market and quickly became part of the national automobile scene.

The main issue, ironically, was a severe constraint on choices for Malaysian car buyers. With high tariffs on NNC CKDs and imported components, consumers are penalised heavily if they choose to buy these (locally-assembled) NNC models, and with the AP system in place, prices for the imported models are even higher.

Several important points emerged from a comparison of car prices in the world (see relevant table).

The prices of NNC brands, naturally, are substantially higher than that of Proton or Perodua. For example, the Honda City (1500cc) priced at RM85,480 is 41% higher than Proton Gen2 (1600cc).

Prices of these NNC brands (such as Honda and Ford) are also substantially higher in Malaysia than the rest of the world, reflecting the adverse impact of our high duties on these cars in the local market.

Singapore is the exception here. Its car prices are far higher than other countries due to the cost of the “quota permit” being imposed on each car.

Another interesting point is that Proton and Perodua are being exported to other countries at prices even lower that the home market. For example, the Perodua Myvi is being marketed in Britain for RM36,792 compared with the home price of RM46,400. Whether this reflects export subsidy on the part of Proton and Perodua is an issue for us to reflect upon.

Why would Malaysian car buyers choose NNC brands despite their substantially higher prices? They will tell you that it is because of the advanced safety features not available in NC brands.

How APs came about and why

There is no written policy as such on the AP system, but it evolved in the 1970s initially to encourage bumiputra participation in the used car industry.

Contrary to what most people think, it was not introduced merely to protect Proton. Today, even the imports of hybrid or alternative-fuel cars require APs as there are no hybrid or alternative-fuel car manufacturers in Malaysia.

An AP is a licence issued to a vendor to sell foreign cars with no local content. There are two categories – Open APs and Franchise APs. The former allows the holder to import a car of any brand while the latter ties the holder to a particular brand.

There are currently 76 Open APs and 37 Franchise AP holders. The total number of APs issued was 51,559 in 2004, decreasing to 27,838 in 2007. But in 2008, it spiked to 40,886 before being reduced again to about 20,000 in 2009.

The AP System, with no transparent guidelines on the selection of holders (who, by definition, enjoy substantial monopolistic economic gains at the expense of consumers), has drawn a lot of criticism.

For example, several months ago Datuk Seri Nazir Razak (CEO of CIMB), in his luncheon address to the Chinese Economic Congress, reiterated that the AP system had been severely abused and should be abolished immediately.

Further, because of the anti-competitive nature of the AP System, it is deemed to be non-WTO (World Trade Organisation) compliant.

Hence it has also been severely criticised at many international trade forums. WTO has repeatedly urged the Government to abolish the system so that a more competitive and efficient automobile market can emerge in Malaysia.

It was under such a scenario that the Government pledged in 2006, under the National Automobile Policy (NAP), to phase out the AP system by Dec 31, 2010.

Unfortunately, subsequent intense lobbying by the AP holders resulted in a review of the NAP in 2009 by MITI (International Trade and Industry Ministry). Under the review, the Government extended the deadlines to 2015 for the Open APs and 2020 for the franchise APs. 

Cost to Malaysian consumers


Cars sales in Malaysia over the last five years have surged (see Table 2), increasing from 490,768 units in 2006 to 605,156 units in 2010. This surge has largely been facilitated by easy availability of credit at low interest rates, and a high level of subsidy on petrol prices.

The table on Malaysian Car Sales shows that Proton and Perodua are the main players, commanding about 55% of the market share. But it also shows that despite the big price differences between NC and NNC brands, NNC brands (especially Toyota and Honda) have still managed to acquire a substantial share (at 45%) of the market.



This is because Malaysian car buyers are generally prepared to pay the initial higher prices for the NNC brands because of their more advanced features, resulting in better reliability and lower maintenance costs compared with Proton or Perodua.

Further, because of the large subsidy on petrol prices, the cost of running a car in Malaysia is relatively affordable. As the table on car ownership shows, the price of one litre of RON95 is RM1.90 in Malaysia compared with RM3.05 in India and RM5.32 in Britain.

Assuming a five-year lifespan for a car, and an average consumption of 400 litres per month, the cost of owning and running a Ford Fiesta is RM23,098 per year compared with Proton Gen2’s RM21,218 per year. At this range of minimal cost differences, it is not surprising that NNC brands can still command a sizeable share of the local automobile market.

The table also shows that, on a global basis, the cost of owning and running a NNC (such as Honda or Ford) is about the same in Malaysia as in Thailand, China or India. For example, the cost of owning and running a Honda Civic for a year is RM32,116 in Malaysia compared with RM33,705 in India and RM30,224 in Thailand.

This is because the higher taxes levied on these brands in Malaysia have been offset by the greater subsidies Malaysian car users enjoy at the pumps.

Disconnect with world trends

The 10% ceiling on imported cars and the fact that Proton has refused, despite repeated probing by the Government, to conclude a strategic partnership with a world automobile company demonstrate just how disconnected our car industry is with the rest of the world.

Under a regime of prolonged high domestic protection, our national car manufacturers have neither the incentives nor the urgency to innovate and be front-runners in the automobile industry.

After over 25 years since its formation, Proton is still manufacturing conventional cars based largely on replication of other manufacturers’ models.

Even among conventional cars, its makes are not up to world benchmarks in terms of quality and safety. For example, not many people realise that the official Proton cars currently used by Cabinet Ministers are not even equipped with air bags. Merci­fully, these official cars at least have safety belts!

More importantly, with surging oil prices, the trend worldwide now is rapid development and utilisation of advanced technology in electric, hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicles.

In 2010, more than 40 million hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles were sold worldwide.

Brazil is the leading nation in the production of flexible-fuel vehicles.

In 2010, it sold 10.6 million units of such vehicles, followed by the US with 9.3 million units. The US is the world’s leader in terms of hybrid cars, producing more than 1.8 million units in 2010. It is followed by Japan with 1.1 million units.

In the development of natural-gas cars, Pakistan is a world leader, producing 2.4 million such cars in 2009. Iran, with 1.7 million units, is next. Thailand and China are also aggressively manufacturing hybrid cars.

In Malaysia, we are totally out of sync. As hybrid cars are still not being assembled or manufactured locally, Malaysian consumers will have to get an AP first before they can buy such cars. This is despite the fact that the Government has already abolished all levies on the import of these models below 2,000cc.

Further, to support the use of alternative-fuel cars, we need to develop a national system to supply such fuel (e.g. natural gas). For electric or hybrid cars, we need to develop a system for the convenient charging of the batteries on highways, as well as repairs and maintenance of the batteries.

The NAP has not specified strategies or incentives to develop these supporting infrastructures.

In summary, the current protective AP system is not only a burden to Malaysian car owners, it also hinders the local automobile industry’s connection with the global trend towards the development and utilisation of green cars.

Moving forward

After over three decades of protection, the Government must take bold steps to reform the auto­motive industry. It needs to undergo transformation in the same way the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector has since the 1970s.

The Government has declared its intention to abolish the APs. However, as pointed out earlier, even the 2015 and 2020 targets are already a postponement of the original target of 2010.




The argument for the postponement was again to give the relevant automobile players time to adjust to the new reality.

I personally feel that Malaysian consumers have been paying far too much to sustain the livelihood of these key players.

Requiring Malaysian car buyers to wait until 2015 and 2020 for the sector to completely open up is a huge burden for them, particularly for youths with first jobs who are seeking to buy their first cars.

The Government should consider phasing out the entire AP system earlier, say by 2015.

Further, considering that there is now a global excess manufacturing capacity of 20 million units of conventional cars, we should also be less ambitious with our automotive industry.

The sector requires huge expen­diture on R&D, and many countries are already far ahead of us in the new automotive trends.

Needless to say, we cannot afford giving our car manufacturers another 20 years of further protection.

Following the successful experience of China and Thailand, our strategy should be to open up the sector to FDIs, and encourage the best global automobile manufactures, in collaboration with local partners, to be the leaders in the market.

With their global marketing strategies, Malaysia can emerge as a focal point of their new supply chains, particularly for components of advanced technology cars for the huge China market.

As immediate steps, I urge the Government to quickly abolish the AP requirement for hybrid and alternative fuel cars. It should also accord tax incentives (such as double tax deduction) to buyers of such vehicles.

At the same time, subsidies on petrol prices should be gradually removed to compel conventional car users to adapt to the reality of high fuel prices.

Given our large reserves of natural gas, we should also take immediate steps to establish a national natural-gas supply system for natural-gas cars. This infrastructure is crucial for the mass utilisation of this alternative fuel vehicle.

Weaning the Malaysian automobile industry away from dependence on conventional cars towards green vehicles, as well as steering away from continued protection of Proton and Perodua to an open automobile market, would be the most welcomed gifts that our Prime Minister can bestow to Malaysian car users and the Malaysian public at large.


> Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn was Prof of Applied Economics and Dean of Faculty of Economics and Administration, Universiti Malaya. He served in the Government as Deputy Minister of Education (1990-1999) and as Minister of Human Resources (1999-2008). Currently, he is the MP for Alor Gajah.

Proton to give lifetime warranty on power windows

By TEH ENG HOCK

 

SHAH ALAM: Proton’s power window problem is in the past, and in a show of confidence, the national car maker will give a life-time warranty.

Proton managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said Proton power windows now had zero defects although people still thought otherwise.

“We have improved the quality by leaps and bounds, but the negative perception lingers,” he said after launching Proton’s campaign for quality here yesterday.

Proton guarantees that power windows in its cars built today like the Saga FL are reliable and back its words with the lifetime warranty.

“The perception of the public at large is very important, and it is our biggest challenge,” Syed Zainal said.

He chose to tackle the most widespread misperception – the infamous power window problem that had plagued Proton in the past.

“We will guarantee that the power windows will work,” he said.

However, he said, there would be conditions attached to the life-time guarantee and the guidelines would be out by the end of the month.

Earlier in his speech, Syed Zainal related his experience riding in a Proton Waja airport limousine from KLIA to his house in Subang Jaya.

“The driver would open his door instead of using the power window when we stopped at the toll booth. My wife was giggling and poking fun at me.

“So I asked him if the window was spoilt. He said no. He said his friend told him that if he used the power window too much, it would break down,” Syed Zainal said.

The Proton boss said this agitated him as the perception on the quality of Proton cars was very important – to the point of it being debated in Parliament.

“I gave the taxi driver my card, and asked him to do me a favour by using the power window. If it breaks down, he can call me on my mobile phone. He has yet to call me,” he said.

He said the quality of cars was not solely the responsibility of assemblers but started from the suppliers to the sales dealers, service dealers and stockists.

“We want parts to arrive at the factory in good quality. Some people, although they have never driven a Proton, are saying Protons are not good. We want to put a stop to that,” he said.
 

END OF ARTICLE... SOURCE (Star Motoring)

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry,

New Puspakom used cars checks to help reduce crime

New Puspakom checks to help reduce crime 

SOURCE

PETALING JAYA: The requirement for used, reconditioned and modified cars to be approved by Puspakom before they can be sold will help to reduce crime.

Puspakom chief executive officer Hisham Othman said these checks would help it identify vehicles that had been stolen or illegally modified, or had a criminal history.

“Indirectly, it will help the Government fight crime in line with the country’s National Key Result Areas (NKRA) goals.

“The thorough inspection will also help protect finance and insurance companies from losses. It will also raise customer confidence in used-car dealers,” he said.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob had said on Monday that under an amendment to the Hire Purchase Act, used-car dealers and individuals would be required to send their vehicles to Puspakom to ensure that these were roadworthy.

Puspakom will conduct an 18-component inspection that will also help it identify kereta potong (cut-and-join) cars.

Hisham said inspections would be conducted in test lanes using computerised equipment.

“We use both visual and computerised testing to thoroughly inspect the vehicles. This includes testing for side-slip, smoke emissions, brakes and suspension,” he said.

Hisham said presently, Puspakom only conducted an identity check for used-cars to verify the chassis, engine and vehicle registration numbers.

He said although the current charge of RM30 for used-car inspection would go up with the implementation of the rule, the ministry had yet to finalise the new fee.

On tinted windscreens and windows, Hisham said Puspakom had no control over car modifications done after inspections.

“We only inspect vehicles brought into our centres. Any change done to the car after that can’t be controlled by us,” he said.

Puspakom had spent RM20mil to upgrade its inspection centres in preparation for the new regulation, including having new facilities at Taman Bukit Maluri, Batu Caves, Pandan Indah, Petaling Jaya, Seremban, Johor Baru, Juru, Bayan Lepas and Kota Baru.

Its biggest and most modern facility in Section 28, Shah Alam, costing RM14mil is under construction.

Students paid up to RM8,000 to steal cars

By YIP YOKE TENG

 

SOURCE: http://www.star-motoring.com/News/2011/Students-paid-up-to-RM8,000-to-steal-cars.aspx 

  PETALING JAYA: College and secondary students, lured by easy money, are being used by syndicates to steal cars.

The students are paid between RM300 and RM500 for every car stolen and some can even earn up to RM8,000 a month.

Wayward students tailing the driver of the vehicle they want to steal. - Photos posed by models.

A source, who runs a car workshop, said the students were responsible for tailing vehicles after the car keys were duplicated by operators of workshops, car wash, valet parking and towing services cooperating with the syndicates.

He said only the bolder ones were asked to steal the cars.

In most cases, they were given about an hour to drive the vehicles straight to the port where containers were waiting to ship them overseas. A batch of shipment normally carries six cars and they can ship off 30 to 50 cars a month.

The youngsters also drive the vehicles to designated workshops where the parts are disassembled immediately.

“It is not difficult to penetrate into schools and colleges. The amount is attractive to the youngsters, who are either from poor families or are hooked on a lavish urban lifestyle,” he said, according to a Star Metro report.

“But in many cases, the boys do it for the excitement. To be able to steal a car within minutes, avoid police road blocks and send the vehicles within the stipulated time to the destination is a challenge that gives them the adrenaline rush,” he added.

The source advised the public to be watchful when they leave their car keys to the outlets because many of them were working closely with the ring.

He said there were many car theft syndicates in the Klang Valley and one could have a pool of up to 50 students at their disposal but their parents had no clue about what their children are up to.

He added that this trend of roping in students had been going on for about 10 years.

“Training” is provided and the “trainers” would sometimes disguise as policemen to assess how the youngsters react in critical situations. Some students are involved as soon as they obtain their driving licence.

“The students are given the plate numbers of the cars and they work in groups to reduce risks. They are usually asked to follow the drivers for about a week, not only to see the drivers’ patterns, but also to make sure that no other syndicates are eyeing the same car. Clashes between syndicates can lead to bloodshed,” he said.

Make sure you station yourself at the car wash and be watchful of the operators when your car is in someone else’s hand.

The smarter students or the expert car thieves then take over from there. According to him, they can fetch the highest commission of RM30,000 with Toyota Harrier, as this model has a high demand in the Middle East. Toyota Hilux, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry as well as other four-wheeled-drive vehicles from Japan.

“European cars are not in high demand in the black market,” he said.

He did not know how many car theft syndicates there were but said many used a legal and successful car dealer who sold expensive cars as a front.

Besides using duplicate keys, the syndicates also use tailor-made circuit boards costing up to RM20,000 each to steal vehicles. “The technology is amazing. The car is unlocked, alarm system crippled and engine activated within minutes simply by scanning the circuit board over it,” he said.

From his observation, Subang Jaya, Serdang, Cheras and Kuala Lumpur are the hottest spots with the many shopping centres and commercial districts in these areas.

The culprits often avoid small towns such as Kajang because the residents know one another.

The students will not stay long with the syndicates. “Most of them will leave after they’ve earned enough,” he said.

Not all are lucky enough to escape, though. Some of them even lost their lives in the violent rivalry among the syndicates. He had heard at least 10 cases in five years about students beaten to death when trying to steal a car, because other thieves also wanted it.

As a result, some thieves would pretend to be hurt and sought help from strangers to drive the car for them. In fact, they are looking for scapegoats. “That’s the scariest part of the whole operation,” he said.

When contacted, Subang Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Zainal Rashid Abu Bakar and Cheras OCPD Assist Comm Mohan Singh said they had not received any report on car thefts involving students, and that the rate of car theft was not alarming in the areas.

Serdang OCPD Supt Abdul Razak Elias said there were a few cases of car thefts involving school dropouts aged between 16 and 18, who had been apprehended. 

Six men arrested, stolen car and lorry parts seized

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have crippled a syndicate specialising in stealing cars, stripping their parts, storing and reselling them as spare parts in the Klang valley, Malacca and Johor, after arresting six men in two separate operations.

Police also recovered 1,603 components and engines worth a staggering RM5mil during the raid while seven vehicles were also detained.

Bukit Aman CID Director Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin said during the first raid on April 8, two men in their 30s were arrested after inspecting three stores in Batu Berendam and Durian Tunggal, Malacca.

"Six cars reported stolen in the Klang valley and a lorry reported stolen in Johor were also seized," he told reporters here Monday.

He said the second raid was carried out a day later in Johor and involved a store, two shops selling spare parts and two houses while four men in their 30s were detained.

Mohd Bakri said with the arrests, police would be able to solve 250 car theft cases involving Waja, Wira, Iswara and Hicom lorries.

He said the modus operandi of the syndicate was to steal cars or lorries and hide them at stores before stripping them of their parts before selling the parts at a lower price.
 -Bernama

Monday, April 11, 2011

Tesco starts selling used cars

Tesco starts selling used cars

LONDON: Britain's largest supermarket chain Tesco has gone into the used car business over the weekend.

The Tescocars.com site was launched on Sunday, and will advertise up to 3,000 cars per week.

"Fresh stock would be added to the website daily," said Tesco, adding that it has a broad range of cars between six months and three years old, including family-sized MPVs, fuel-efficient city cars and executive sedans.

A customer pays a £99 (RM485) fee to reserve a car and the money is refundable in case he decides not to follow through with the purchase.

Today's web offering from Tescocars.com.


Tesco retailing services chief executive Andrew Higginson said: "By supplying directly to customers, there is no middle man, no expensive showroom and no salespeople on commission."

Cars come directly from the source and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) subjects each car to a 167-point inspection, said Tesco.

Aftersales support is provided by some 1,000 independent garages nationwide that charge up to 30% cheaper than franchise dealers, it added.

Tesco is leveraging on the expertise of online dealership Carsite - in which it has a minority stake - to grab a share of the £24bil (RM117bil) automotive market.

Porsche Centre opens in KL

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur welcomed its first Porsche Centre in the shopping district of Bukit Bintang over the weekend.

The opening of the outlet was marked by the launch of the 911 Carrera GTS. It is the second centre after the one in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, under current Porsche franchise holder Sime Darby Auto Performance.

The showroom, just down the road from the JW Marriott hotel and the Pavilion shopping centre, comprises 545 square metres of floor space for new cars on the ground floor and 456 square metres for used cars on the upper floor.

The spanking new Porsche Centre in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, has separate levels for new cars and used aka pre-owned cars.

Sime Darby Auto Performance has also started its used Porsche car operation in the country with trade-in programmes for customers to make their purchase of the next Porsche more convenient.

All pre-owned Porsche cars sold pass rigorous quality control checks, some of which include the stringent 111-point check. Any faults found during this check require rectification before the cars can qualify for a two-year Porsche Pre-Owned Car Warranty.

The centre will include an aftersales diagnostic centre, to be opened within three months, which will offer diagnostic and detailing services.

The 911 Carrera GTS is a natural crowd puller.

The Porsche Club Malaysia has also been allocated some office space  and facilities in the Porsche Centre for them to hold functions and events.

According to Sime Darby Auto Performance chief executive officer Arnt Bayer, a Porche Centre will be set up in Penang within two to three years, to be followed by another one in Johor Baru. It is also looking at Sabah and Sarawak as potential markets at a later stage.

Some new models to be introduced in the coming weeks and months are the Boxster S Black Edition, the Cayman R and Panamera S Hybrid.

The RM900,000 Carrera GTS showcased at the Porsche Centre Bukit Bintang has a 3.8-litre engine producing 408hp and 420Nm of torque.

The increased output is not at the expense of fuel consumption, as Porsche claims it consumes about the same mount of fuel as the Carrera S.

The Carrera GTS has a six-speed manual transmission, and a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) is optional.

In comparison with the Carrera S, top speed of the model with manual transmission rises by four km/h to 306 km/h. In general, acceleration from zero to 100 km/h improves by 0.1 seconds, and is 4.2 seconds for a GTS Coupé with PDK and a Sport Chrono Package Plus in Sport Plus mode.

Sime Darby took over the Porsche franchise from Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir's Jaseri Automotive Group Sdn Bhd in April last year.