Licence to build

APPROVAL WITHIN 2 MONTHS: First EEVs to be rolled out in two to three years, says Mustapa

Malaysia is set to announce the first licence to manufacture
energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs) under its revised automotive
blueprint in the next two months.

Under the new National Automotive Policy (NAP) unveiled on January 20, foreign companies are allowed to produce energy-efficient cars of any size without local partners.

Prior to this, they can produce vehicles of 1.8 litres and above on their own, while production of vehicles with smaller engine capacity must be undertaken with local partners.

“Since the announcement of the NAP, there have been numerous enquiries by major international automotive players,” said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between four local and foreign parties to develop electric
buses and lithium ion batteries, here, yesterday.

“We are in the process of approving the EEV licence and will announce it in two months.

The company can start production in two to three years.”

Malaysia aspires to become an export hub for EEVs, which include hybrids, electric vehicles (EV) and those fuelled by compressed
natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and fuel cell.

The government has projected that about 85 per cent of vehicles produced in Malaysia by 2020 will be EEVs.

Mustapa said the country is moving forward in becoming a hub for EEVs to increase export receipts from the automotive sector.

In line with the goal, the Malaysia Automotive Institute yesterday sealed the MoU with ARCA Corp Sdn Bhd, AutoCRC Ltd and Australia’s Swinburne University of Technology to locally develop and manufacture electric buses, lithium ion batteries and a public transport information system.

The RM200 million deal over the next four years will see the research, development and commercialisation of the three areas.

The parties expect the first electric bus to roll out in the first quarter of next year. The bus will have a range of 200km and will initially be used in Putrajaya and Langkawi, and subsequently in Indonesia and China.

At the event, Mustapa also launched NAP’s six roadmaps. They are for automotive technology, automotive supply chain development,
automotive human capital development, automotive remanufacturing, automotive Bumiputera development and automotive authorised treatment facilities framework.

Read more: Licence to build http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20140207001841/Article/index_html#ixzz2sad3eei8

Honda hybrid battery to cost up to 52pc less

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd announced a price reduction of up to 52 per cent for a replacement hybrid battery and an extended warranty of up to eight years, with unlimited mileage, for all Honda Hybrid models, effective June 1.

The extended warranty period applies retrospectively to customers who had purchased their hybrid vehicles between January 2011 and May 2013.

Managing director and chief executive officer Yoichiro Ueno said yesterday the company is able to lower the battery prices due to lower logistics and administrative expenses from enhanced business efficency.

"The depreciation of the yen against the ringgit has reduced the cost of hybrid batteries, which are fully imported from Japan.

"Thus, we have taken the decision to reduce the price of the hybrid batteries and extend the warranty period," said Ueno.

He said the company has been constantly studying the market and taking customer feedback into consideration.

"We have learnt that the two main concerns of customers in accepting hybrid vehicles are the hybrid battery's lifespan and its replacement cost," he added.

Owners of the Honda hybrid family, including completely knock down (CKD) and completely built up (CBU) Jazz Hybrid, Insight, CR-Z and Civic Hybrid, will benefit from this offer, he said. Bernama

Read more: Honda hybrid battery to cost up to 52pc less http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/GODOS/Article/index_html#ixzz2VR89tTV1

Mustapa: No plans for cash rebate as incentive to buy electric and hybrid cars

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government does not plan on cash rebates as an incentive to buy energy-efficient vehicles (EEV) similar to that implemented in the United States or other European countries, Parliament heard Wednesday.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamedsaid such a subsidy to attract buyers to purchase electric cars would cost a lot of funds, which will be taken from other ministries.

"Currently, to attract consumers, the Government has lifted the import duties for EEV while major car companies were given incentives to draw them to set up their manufacturing operations locally," he told Datuk Ismail Kassim (BN-Arau) during Question Time.

Ismail had asked whether the Government would consider handing out cash rebates like in the US or European countries to attract more people to buy EEV or hybrid vehicles.

Mustapa said the incentives given by the Government to major companies had attracted companies such as Honda, which recently set up an EEV factory in Malacca, attracting some RM1bil worth of investments.

"The new factory enabled 1,000 new job opportunities for the locals as well as the production of some 50,000 EEV assembled locally to be sold locally and to other Asean countries," he said.

He also noted that the reduction of import car excise duty needed to be studied carefully to avoid any negative implications to the economy.

"We believe that the vehicle ownership cost is still considered cheap compared with other Asean countries if we take consideration of other factors such as oil and gas subsidies, maintenance costs, insurance and others.

"We must also look into the impact on used car dealers, public transportation as well as congestion problems before we consider reducing the import duty," he told Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (PKR-Machang), who asked whether the Government intended to reduce the excise duty for cars.

source:http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/10/24/nation/20121024125553&sec=nation

TNB bangun pusat cas kereta elektrik

Peter Chin ketika melancarkan stesen pengecas kereta elektrik, di Kuala Lumpur, baru-baru ini. - Foto hiasan

Projek berhampiran Bukit Bintang, persediaan awal infrastruktur EV 

Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) sedang membangunkan sistem grid pintar (Smart Grid TNB) berpusat di kawasan segi tiga emas berhampiran Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur sebagai persediaan awal pembangunan infrastruktur stesen pengecas kereta elektrik (EV) di seluruh negara. Projek itu, akan membolehkan TNB menguruskan penyaluran dan penggunaan elektrik dengan lebih cekap selain meraih penjimatan besar dengan mengurangkan kadar kehilangan tenaga yang tidak digunakan.

Sumber industri berkata, syarikat utiliti itu memperuntukkan pelaburan besar bagi menerapkan teknologi Smart Grid yang mampu mengumpul maklumat dan bertindak balas berdasarkan pembekalan dan permintaan yang diperoleh hasil kecanggihan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi (ICT). 

Katanya, teknologi itu amat berguna bagi membantu negara memperkukuhkan lagi pembangunan teknologi EV yang dijangka dilaksanakan secara komersial menjelang 2014. 

“Apabila kereta EV diperkenalkan secara komersial, keperluan kepada stesen pengecas akan meningkat sekali gus memerlukan bekalan tenaga elektrik yang mapan untuk kegunaan pengguna EV, premis perniagaan dan persendirian di kawasan terbabit. 

“Bekalan tenaga perlu ditingkatkan atau ia boleh diuruskan dengan cekap bagi memenuhi keperluan ini, maka TNB mencadangkan sistem grid pintar sebagai penyelesaiannya membolehkan syarikat menyalurkan bekalan elektrik secara optimum mengikut keperluan semasa. 
Meter pintar 

“Sistem ini menekankan elemen meter pintar dan dikawal secara jarak jauh, selepas pengujian di kawasan segi tiga emas selesai kita akan tahu kriteria grid pintar di Malaysia dan hasil kajiannya akan digunakan sebagai model rujukan untuk dibangunkan di kawasan lain pula,” katanya kepada BH di Kuala Lumpur, baru-baru ini. 

Teknologi Grid Pintar kini digunakan secara meluas di negara maju khususnya Eropah bagi mengawal selia dan menyelaras pengedaran bekalan tenaga secara automatik. 

Katanya, cadangan projek itu sudah dibentangkan kepada pihak industri terbabit dengan teknologi EV dan mereka menyambut baik rancangan itu yang membuktikan komitmen kerajaan dan agensi kerajaan kepada hala tuju teknologi EV negara. 

Pertambahan permintaan 

Mengulas perkembangan itu, Menteri Tenaga, Teknologi Hijau dan Air, Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui yang ditemui pada Pameran Produk Teknologi Hijau Antarabangsa (IGEM 2012) baru-baru ini, berkata kini pertambahan permintaan bekalan elektrik masih belum ketara kerana jumlah stesen pengecas EV masih rendah. 

Katanya, pada masa depan apabila jumlahnya melebihi 20 hingga 30 stesen EV di satu lokasi ber-hampiran ia akan menjejaskan bekalan kuasa di kawasan terbabit. 

“Dengan pertambahan jumlah stesen pengecas bermakna TNB perlu mengukuhkan sistemnya di sana, kalau terlalu banyak bekalan elektrik disedut oleh kenderaan EV akan timbul pula masalah bagi keperluan premis lain di sekitarnya. 

“Maka kementerian juga perlu melakukan kajian bagi mengumpulkan data bagi mengetahui berapa banyak kuasa diperlukan di satu-satu tempat,’ katanya.


source:http://www.bharian.com.my/articles/TNBbangunpusatcaskeretaelektrik/Article/

Charging Electric Car Station

Charge an electric car in under 30 minutes at this ABB office in Holland. Will you get the chance to use an ABB EV charging station?

You can now recharge your car in 15-30 min at our Rotterdam Waalhaven location!

source : https://www.facebook.com/aroundABB

Standards for electric vehicle charging stations in the works

KUALA LUMPUR: The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry is working on introducing standards for companies that want to set up charging stations for electric vehicles in future.


Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin said there must be an environment to encourage people to use vehicles that run on electricity.

"Until we have charging stations, we are not ready. Once the infrastructure is up, then people will be tempted to buy electric vehicles," he told reporters after launching the 2012 General Electric-Naza Electric Vehicle Experience event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here Tuesday.

The event, hosted by General Electric and Naza Group of Companies, aims to bring together key stakeholders and industry players to discuss issues concerning electric vehicle deployment in Malaysia.

Chin said it would not be difficult for petrol companies to install charging stations in their existing petrol station branches around the country.

"Electric vehicles can also be charged at home and buildings using power points. But if we want to make it commercial, certain infrastructure must be in place, such as credit card facilities for consumers to pay for charging services," he said.

Under the National Automotive Policy, the ministry has developed an electric vehicle infrastructure roadmap to enable pilot demonstration projects to be carried out in Malaysia.


source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/5/29/nation/20120529154606&sec=nation#1341644272968333&if_height=577

Our first green shopping mall

SHAH ALAM: The country's first green shopping complex was opened to much fanfare and looks set to be a hit with big name retailers.


Setia City Mall, designed to save energy and water, is the first to receive the Malaysian Green Building Index accreditation with a provisional Silver Certificate.

“We oriented the building so it doesn't get too hot and harvest rainwater to water the landscaping,” said its development director Robert Spinks.

The building also comes with green car park bays, which can recharge electric cars.

A preview: Liew showing Sultan Sharafuddin a model of the Setia Alam township as (from left) Selangor state secretary Datuk Khusrin Munawi, SP Setia Foundation chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Lend Lease Asia CEO Rod Leaver and Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim look on.

“As soon as the cars are sold, the bays will be ready,” said Spinks.

Besides the accreditation, the mall is also the first in the country to provisionally receive Singapore's Building and Construction Authority's Green Mark gold award.

With the mall's opening yesterday, Setia Alam is fast becoming a self-sufficient township. With more than 230 retailers, residents of Shah Alam and Klang do not need to travel far to get to big names such as Parkson, Golden Screen Cinemas, Harvey Norman and Fitness First.

The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah graced the launching.

SP Setia president and CEO Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin expressed pride in the project, which is fully tenanted.

“With over 700,000 sq ft of lettable area, the mall will create more than 2,000 jobs.”

He added that a convention hall, the largest in the Klang Valley, will also be built in Setia Alam.

Setia City Mall was jointly developed by SP Setia and Asian Retail Investment Fund.


http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/6/24/nation/11541593&sec=nation#1340510932015410&if_height=503

Three month free parking pass for Hybrid car users in PJ

THE Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has allocated RM4mil in its 2012 budget for emergency works to expedite its services.

Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman said many departments fail to take immediate action upon receiving complaints due to the lack of funds.

“I hope this move will solve any financial problems. The money will serve as back-up to ensure complaints are settled faster,” he said after announcing the budget themed “PJ Cares” at its headquarters.

The highlights include a RM100,000 allocation for installing and maintaining energy-saving lights at the back of houses to brighten dark lanes — provided the house owners agree to pay the electricity charges.

“This is in line with the Safe City project. It would only cost about RM10 extra every month for a household,” he said.

MBPJ will also be giving out RM2,000 to each senior citizens’ organisation registered with the council to fund their activities.

A RM150,000 allocation has been set aside to provide workshops and courses for petty traders to improve themselves.

In an effort to promote arts and culture, MBPJ will waive the rental of Civic Hall Auditorium for one cultural society once every month to conduct cultural shows.

MBPJ is also encouraging the purchase of hybrid cars and simultaneously helping to boost the business of Petaling Jaya car dealers.

“Petaling Jaya residents who buy hybrid cars from dealers in the city will receive a parking pass to enjoy three months of free parking in areas under MBPJ’s jurisdiction.

“To discourage the use of paper, those opting to receive their assessment tax bill online will be in the running to win a hybrid car in a draw to be held in September 2012,” he said, in line with MBPJ heading towards a paperless organisation.

The council’s total expenditure has been set at RM281.1mil, an increase by RM9.1mil compared to last year. The revenue is also expected to increased by RM17.8mil and totals at RM281.1mil.

source: Surprises in MBPJ budget
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/10/31/central/9794969&sec=central

能減碳解決阻塞 印度推出超低價車

（新德里4日訊）印度車廠Bajaj Auto展示內部研發的超低價車款RE60，寄望有助解決都市空污及交通阻塞問題。

　“法新社”報導，這是該公司首次進軍汽車市場，RE60車款具備低耗油量及低排碳量等特點，但未透露車價。

　Bajaj集團董事長巴賈（Rajiv Bajaj）在新車發表會上說：“在Bajaj Auto，我們認為地球人應獲得更好、更快的汽車。”

　RE60排氣量達200cc，1公升燃油可行駛35公里，每公里僅排放60克的二氧化碳。這款車的廢氣排放量約是目前市面上小型車的一半。

　Bajaj去年放棄與法國雷諾（Renault）及日本日產（Nissan）的低價汽車共同開發案。

　印度塔塔汽車出產的Tata Nano是全球最廉價車款，RE60預計將分食它的市場。Tata Nano在2009年推出，車款價格只有2770美元（約8726令吉）。
http://www.chinapress.com.my/node/282677

CARS, since their invention in the 19th century, has been continually evolving.

CARS, since their invention in the 19th century, has been continually evolving.

Imagine that by the end of the 21st century, vehicles powered by rotating tyres using oscillating energy generated by motors are replaced by those using perpetual thrust force generated by air resistance or thermal energy.

Hence, in the 22nd century, we will drive cars using accumulated potential energy.

Actually, this was the vision, or rather imagination, of Leiji Matsumoto, a manga artist who provides cover illustrations for the Tokyo Motor Show's official daily news bulletin.

The present reality of the car industry is somewhat going towards Matsumoto's future realm.

Global car companies are adapting to environmental and energy issues to come up with vehicles that are safer and friendlier, and at the same time, satisfy all our desires.

Big players from Japan led by Toyota, Nissan and Honda, for example, have been working on such vehicles for quite a while now, with some measures of success.
Think of Prius, Leaf and Insight.


The success of these eco-cars have prompted other automakers to pursue their own green vehicles.

This year's evemt offers a glimpse of future green, sophisticated vehicles by the country's automakers, which are rebuilding themselves after its devastating earthquake and tsunami nine months ago. Tokyo

Read more: More Japanese carmakers driven by green technology http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/WAKANOT/Article/#ixzz1fZG28Iwz

Proton hopes Govt will look into incentive policy for electric vehicles

SURREY (Britain): Malaysia's national car maker, Proton Holdings Bhd, hopes the government will look into an incentive policy or offer rebate for electric vehicles (EVs) to spur Malaysians to move to EVs.

Its Green Tech Department, Board Project director Datuk Zainuddin Che Din said the cost of the vehicle ownership was among the challenges in the implementation of the EVs or hybrid vehicles initiatives.

He said the Green Project Team is working with the United Kingdom-based Frazer-Nash Research Ltd to develop the Proton Saga EV and Proton Exora Extended Range EV (REEV) expected to roll out in the first half of 2013.

Citing examples, he said, the United States government provides US$7,500 tax credit, the Chinese government provides subsidies of up to US$8,800 for purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and UK Plug-in Car Grant offers 25 per cent discount up to a maximum 5,000 pounds for a new car.

Zainuddin said there was lack of awareness of the benefits and advantages in Malaysia for EV vehicles and relatively the cost would be higher than normal vehicles.

"The EV or better known as the hybrid industry is still new among Malaysians and the price will be higher due to high technology acquisition costs and high installation costs of charging stations," he told BERNAMA after briefing the Malaysian media on the progress of electrification plans for proton cars.
At the media briefing, Zainuddin said while the EVs would be cheaper to operate but purchasing would be costly, (therefore) it was important to promote the industry's growth.

He said incentives or rebates would be one way to attract Malaysians to buy EVs which would snowball to create awareness going forward.The Exora REEV has an on-board generator to recharge the battery-driven engine and the Proton Saga EV is purely battery-powered.

On demand, Zainuddin said if the government withdrew fuel subsidies, the petrol consumption would be less as compared to previous petrol quantity at the same price.
"So, demand for EVs would likely increase as people will perhaps look into moving to EVs and incentives will encourage them further," he added. - BERNAMA

source: The Star

i-MiEV註冊‧三菱首推電動車

大馬三菱汽車不久前在馬來西亞率先註冊了第一輛純電動車――三菱i-MiEV。

隨著i-MiEV的註冊，大馬三菱也將展開多項配合性活動，主旨在於喚醒公眾的醒覺意識，而全電動車的推介，主要的標在於協助減緩日漸暖化的氣候壓力。

i-MiEV的註冊，意味著愛車人有機會測試純電動車，從中瞭解革新車藝的研發背景，以及如何為零排廢的宏願盡一分力。


充電8小時

行駛160公里

i-MiEV的取名由來，源自於Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle，在友善的應用模式下，車主在家中可通過230伏特的電壓充電，8小時的充電過程，二廂四座五門掀背式的電動車，在時速130公里的駕駛狀態下，續航里程長達160公里。

2010年發售以來，三菱i-MiEV至今已在日本售出4千輛，海外銷售量更為標青，1萬輛以上的銷售量，登陸點包括歐洲、香港、澳洲、紐西蘭及智利等。

靈感源自三菱Minicab EV的i-MiEV，純電動車的驅動力，來自於鋰離子電池與永磁式電動馬達組合，最大馬力及最大扭力分別為49千瓦及180牛頓米。（星洲日報／投資致富‧車壇GoGo）

Proton sees fillip to green car ownership

The government's efforts in driving the "green" initiative as outlined in the 2012 Budget, will encourage market acceptance and further motivate Malaysians to own green vehicles, says Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton).


Its Group Managing Director, Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said: "This is a positive point for Proton as we are moving towards this direction with the development of green vehicles, namely the Saga EV and Exora REEV."

Both cars are now being put on road-trial via Proton's Fleeting Testing Vehicle (FTV) Programme with the government, he said in a statement today.

However, he hoped, that this will be subsequently followed with more initiatives by the government to further encourage the take-up of such vehicles, including measures to reduce cost of ownership and localisation of related component parts.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in tabling the 2012 Budget in Parliament yesterday, proposed a full exemption of import and excise duty on hybrid and electric cars to continue to be given to franchise holders, to promote green technology and ensure sustainable development of the industry.

Meanwhile, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) Managing Director, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the 2012 Budget will definitely help lessen the impact of global economic challenges. -- Bernama

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20111008153932/Article/index_html

2012財政預算案‧優惠延長2年‧混動車免稅至2013年

吉隆坡7日訊）2012年財政預算案建議，進口油電混合系統（Hybrid）汽車或電子車享有100%豁免入口稅及國產稅的優惠，將延長2年至2013年。


政府在2011年財政預算案中，為了把大馬打造成為本區域的油電混合系統汽車中心，宣佈從2011年1月至2011年12月31日期間，讓引進整裝進口（CBU）的油電混合系統新車與電子車，100%豁免進口稅及國產稅。

為了進一步提昇油電混合系統汽車在大馬使用率，政府建議將上述優惠延長2年。

須符合特定條規要享有上述免稅措施必須符合一定的條規，包括油電混合車必須符合聯合國的定義（在驅動汽車方面，車子至少擁有兩種不同的能源轉換器及能源儲存系統）、引擎容積低於2千CC的載客新車、引擎規格至少符合歐盟3型（Euro3）標準。

同時，車子須通過陸路交通局確認為油電混合系統，取得‘車輛類型認證’，同時和其他以汽油驅動的汽車相比，在城市駕駛的耗油量證實能節省不少過50%、在城市和高速公路行駛節省不少過25%，每公里的排碳量也不能超過2.3克。

至於電子車必須符合聯合國的定義，僅限整裝進口（CBU）、擁有低於100kw電力引擎的全新電子車。

2012年財政預算案】
（星洲日報）

http://www.sinchew-i.com/sciWWW/node/244712?tid=783

Proton goes electric

PUTRAJAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd’s global compact electric and hybrid car, Emas, could enter the market in two to three years, its chairman, Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, said.


The electric vehicle, designed by Italdesign Giugiaro and developed by Proton, was first unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show last year.

Emas, short for Eco Mobility Advance Solution, is a plug-in electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV).

The compact car’s powertrain could include a turbocharged small engine of 1.2-litre capacity, or lower.
Proton is currently fleet-testing the Exora REEV and Saga EV to assess their potential.

The national car maker yesterday handed over five Exora REEVs and three Saga EVs to the government to be test driven. This would be the first step before mass-producing them.

The vehicles were received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in a ceremony witnessed by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is also Proton’s adviser.

Others who took delivery of the vehicles at the PM’s Department were Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir and Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri.

This is the first phase of fleet testing, a collaboration between Proton, the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry and International Trade and Industry Ministry.

Nadzmi said 250 electric-powered cars would be handed to the government in phases for fleet-testing by the year-end or early next year.

“We want to deliver them as fast as possible.”

Proton will get feedback from the testing, covering the technological aspects, design and performance of the vehicles.

Charging stations provided by Proton will be at the Prime Minister’s Department and the four minis tries.

The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, in a statement, said that a charging system for home use would be supplied to motorists who will be identified from the PM’s Department and the four ministries.

According to Dr Mahathir, Proton took three years to develop the vehicles.
“We hope that Proton will one day produce trucks and buses using this system which reduces the use of petrol by relying on batteries to power the engine.”

Read more: Proton goes electric http://www.nst.com.my/articles/Protongoeselectric/Article//Article#ixzz1XykP2yVP

Honda Hybrid

Toyota Prius -The First 10,000kM

After 12 month of maiden journey , finally Prius completes her first 10,000km mileage .


See photo, my best consumption 4.4L/100km!
Performance : I give 5 Star

NASA reviewed 280,000 lines of software code to look for flaws that could cause the acceleration, and

I agree with NASA reports concluded that there is no electronic-based cause for unintended high speed acceleration, thus no electronic flaws in Prius electronic control systems.

Au revoir,

Foo


See photo, my best consumption 4.4L/100km!


My Previous Post

Advantages of Toyota Prius in Malaysia Part-1


About Foo

The story of Toyota Prius in Malaysia-Chapter 1
 

Hybrid: Green the Right Way (Fuel Powered Car Vs Electric Hybrid car)

Here come with the Hybrids

From Malaysian Today (Feb 24-Mar 9, 2011)

1. Honda CR-Z
2.Honda Jazz Hybrid
3.Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
4.Kia Forte LPI Hybrid
5.Kia Optima Hybrid
6.Toyota Prius v
7.Porsche 918 Spyder
8.Honda Civic Hybrid
9.Lexus CT 200h
10.Lexus LS600h L
11.Lexus RS 450h

Hybrid model to help Lexus hit sales target

Lexus Malaysia is confident of achieving its sales target of 1,200 units of cars this year with the introduction of the new Lexus CT 200h.


The company said the hybrid model is set to capture about 80 per cent of the total sales for the brand here.

The CT 200h is Lexus' first full hybrid luxury compact car, which will be a main selling model and is expected to do well in Malaysia. This is in addition to the support from its two existing independent Lexus dealers in Penang and Johor.

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd president Ismet Suki said Lexus Malaysia is upbeat on the revised number, which is more than a 100 per cent increase over last year's 431 units sold.

"It's a very ambitious sales number for Lexus Malaysia, and we are confident that such a figure is achievable following the introduction of the CT 200h, which will retail at about RM200,000," Ismet said at a press conference after the opening of the Lexus Johor facility.

The facility is owned and managed by independent dealers Mutiara Motorsports Sdn Bhd, which is part of the Mutiara Motors Group of Companies.

The launched was graced by the Tunku Temenggong Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar Sultan Ibrahim, on behalf of the Tunku Mahkota Johor.

Also present was Mutiara Motors Group of Companies executive chairman Datuk Ahmad Kemin.

Ismet said another independent dealer-managed Lexus showroom will be opened by the end of this year in the Klang Valley.

This would bring the total Lexus outlets in Malaysia to four, where the main outlet in Mutiara Damansara is operated and managed by Lexus Malaysia.

Ismet said this was a good sign for the Lexus brand in Malaysia and added that more outlets are in the pipeline following the brand's progress in Malaysia.

"It was not easy for us as we had to work hard to establish a previously unrepresented luxury brand here with proper infrastructure and brand experience."

When asked if 2011 would be a challenging year for non-national makes like Lexus following the aggressive model introductions and promotions by European car brands here, Ismet said Lexus Malaysia believed that they can still reach or exceed the projected sales target.

"Lexus is a niche car brand and it has their own customer-base who know what they want."

Ahmad, who was instrumental in opening the Lexus Johor outlet, said the RM5 million concept showroom would be a showpiece for Lexus in the southern region.

He also expressed confidence that Lexus Johor can reach sales of about 135 units for this year.

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