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AN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA (AAM) PUBLICATION
Vol 32#13 w Jan/Feb w PP 314/12/2010(025776) w www.aam.org.my
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AAM’S ROAD
SAFETY BLOG
‘HAVE YOUR SAY’
Check out the all-new Automobile
Association of Malaysia (AAM) road
safety blog!
Follow-us on the blog as we address
various road safety issues and post
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safety awareness is a communal effort
and we invite members to contribute
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AAM offices
AAM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
CHAIRMAN
Y.M. TUNKU DATUK MUDZAFFAR TUNKU MUSTAPHA
DKYR, PSD, PJK, HON. COMP. IMI-UK, TUNKU KECHIL
BESAR
VICE CHAIRMAN
WAN ZAHARUDDIN WAN AHMAD
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
l AHMED ISMAIL B. HAJI AMIN
l YUSOF BIN ABU OTHMAN
l LEONG CHOO KONG
l DR ABDUL MALIK BIN MD YUSOFF
HEAD OFFICE
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Section 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel : Tel: (03) 5511 1932 (general),(03) 5518 1932 (customer
relations), (03) 5511 3429 (corporate) Fax: (03) 5511 2519
E-mail : [email protected]
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Drive Magazine, the Automobile Association of Malaysia
assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from
errors and omissions. The opinions of the writers or contributors
are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of the AAM.
Editorial contributions are welcomed but must be accompanied
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Wan Zaharuddin Wan Ahmad
EDITOR: Harris Iskandar Taib
LAYOUT & DESIGN: HIT Communications
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING : HIT Communications
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PUBLISHER: The Automobile Association of Malaysia
Correspondence and enquiries, please send to:
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so.
We have moved
from the chairman
Numerous efforts were undertaken by the
relevant authorities and stake holders to
enhance the level of road safety in the country.
This includes regulating the use of seat belts
for rear passengers of a vehicle and a serious
effort to crackdown on speeding motorists and
those who run the red lights. While this has
proven to be a strong deterrant, Malaysians
were however, shocked by the increase of road
accidents and fatalities involving buses.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all
Decade of Action for Road Safety which will
members a Happy New Year. In the pursuit of
officially launched on 11 May 2011, the AAM
greater economic and social prosperity in 2011,
wishes to reaffirm its commitment in continuing
the Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM)
with efforts aimed at reducing the number of road
also hopes that the year ahead will also achieve a
accidents, casualties and fatalities on the road.
significant improvement in relation to road safety
and making our roads safer for all road users.
During the past year, numerous efforts were
To successfully contribute to the global
initiative of saving millions of lives, we will
however, require the support of all members.
undertaken by the relevant authorities and stake
As the oldest and most respected motoring
holders to enhance the level of road safety in
organizations in Malaysia, I call on the support
the country. This includes regulating the use of
and co-operation of each and every single
seat belts for rear passengers of a vehicle and a
member of the AAM to help us in setting new and
serious effort to crackdown on speeding motorists
higher standards in road safety.
and those who run the red lights. While this has
It not enough to simply abide by the traffic
proven to be a strong deterrant, Malaysians
regulations, rather road safety must be embraced
were however, shocked by the increase of road
as a way of life and a culture. With more than
accidents and fatalities involving buses.
300,000 AAM members and growing, this equates
The AAM is extremely concerned with these
devastating turn of events which has claimed the
to 300,000 ambassadors of road safety.
Join us, and together, we can contribute
lives of many passengers and road users, and
towards establishing a firm road safety culture in
therefore appeals to the relevant authorities to
Malaysia.
firmly put in place more stringent and effective
measures to enhance the level of safety involving
public transportation. While some areas require
the introduction of new regulations, existing
laws must also be more effecively enforced to
safeguard the lives of passengers.
On the same note, road safety measures
must continue to address three important
elements: the design of roads; the behaviour
of drivers; and the roadworthiness and safety
of vehicles. Only then can the nation be able to
achieved the desired results.
In line with the United Nations‘ call for a
Y.M TUNKU DATUK MUDZAFFAR BIN
TUNKU MUSTAPHA
DKYR, PSD, PJK, HON. COMP. IMI – UK
CHAIRMAN
THE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION OF
MALAYSIA (AAM)
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4
news
HYUNDAI-SIME DARBY MOTORS
REACHES OUT TO THE
less fortunate
in malaysia
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn
Bhd (HSDM) recently embarked
on a CSR project with Hyundai
Motor Company (HMC) to lend their
support to the less fortunate children
in Malaysia.
Children from 9 charity homes
registered under Jabatan Kebajikan
Malaysia (JKM) received donations
in the form of new school uniforms,
shoes and books. Charity homes
identified and selected from the
north, central, south and east coast
regions of West Malaysia were:
1. Batu Grace Ashram Home, Kulim, Kedah
2. Children’s Protection Society Pulau Pinang
3. Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ehsan Ash-Shakur, Rawang,
Selangor
4. Rumah Anak Yatim Budi Mulia Nurul Huda, Chemor, Perak
5. Persatuan Kebajikan Darul Hanan, Pasir Gudang, Johor
6. Jemaah Pengurus Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Dan Miskin
Ulu Gadong, Negeri Sembilan
7. Kompleks Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim, Islam AL-IHSAN
Daerah Bentong, Pahang
8. Pertubuhan Anak Yatim & Kebajikan, Darul Izzah Daerah
Temerloh, Pahang
9. Maahad Bahasa & Ilmu Al-Quran (MABIQ) Daerah
Kuantan, Pahang.
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According to Mr. Dennis Ho,
Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime
Darby Motors Sdn Bhd, most of the
children residing in these homes are
between the age of seven and 18 years
old and essential items requested were
mostly new school uniform, shoes and
books.
He said donations to the 9 charity
homes were the biggest Community
Social Responsibility (CSR) programme
ever undertaken by HSDM. Besides
essential school items, HSDM also
donated roof, grill, washing machines,
computers, book racks, mattresses, beds,
refrigerators, lockers, cupboards, storage
boxes and essential food items to the
homes based on the homes’ requirements.
Employees from HSDM put in their
heart and soul into this donation drive to
ensure the success of the project. Some of
the teams even painted the homes to add
a more cheerful colour to the homes of
these unfortunate children.
Siti Norbayah Nordin, one of the
team leaders for this project said, “It’s
fulfilling when you know you have made
a difference in people’s lives. Helping
these children made me very happy. I am
grateful to be given this opportunity.”
Meanwhile, a recent handover
ceremony held at Pertubuhan Kebajikan
Ehsan Ash-Shakur Rawang saw the
children treated to a sumptuous buffet
lunch by HSDM employees. The children
were later given a red packet each by
HSDM.
En Rosli Abdul Ghani, Yang DiPertua Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ehsan
Ash-Shakur (PEKEAS), said he was
happy that HSDM had selected their
home as part of the Company’s CSR
programme as they are always on the
look out for support from corporations.
“There are currently 90 children
under the care of PEKEAS and the cost
of running the home is high. So we really
hope more organizations like HSDM will
lend us their support,” said En Abdul
Ghani.
On a yearly average, PEKEAS takes
in 30 children under its care consisting
consist of 15 boys and 15 girls. HSDM
plans to reach out to more homes in its
next CSR programme.
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news
PEUGEOT’S SOCHAUX PLANT
ROLLS OUT 20 MILLIONTH CAR
honour goes to a 5008
In conjunction with its bicentenary year,
Automobiles Peugeot recently rolled
out its 20 millionth car at its historic
Sochaux plant in France with the honour
going to a Peugeot 5008 MPV.
The Sochaux plant currently
produces 1,765 vehicles daily comprising
of 734 units of the 308, 651 units of the
3008 and 380 units of the 5008.
The award-winning 5008 MPV was
recently launched by Nasim on Dec 3.
Nasim has set an initial sales target of
100 units a month for the 5008 MPV.
The Sochaux plant in France was
established in 1912 and began producing
trucks followed by shells during World
War One. It began car production in 1921.
It is the biggest manufacturing facility in
France with 11,800 employees.
Production at the Sochaux plant is
expected to reach 360,000 units by end2010 while the total output in 2011 is
forecast to reach 400,000 units.
In 2008, the plant had the honour of
manufacturing the 50 millionth Peugeot
(combined from production sites). As at endOctober, a total of 55.66 million Peugeot
vehicles have been produced worldwide.
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The seven-seater 5008 is a new
interpretation of the MPV and sets itself
apart from its competitors in terms of
power, luxury, comfort, practicality and
safety.
With an on-the-road price of
RM159,888 in Malaysia, the front of
the 5008 features attractive profiled
headlamps, a steeply plunging bonnet,
a chrome-detailed grille and 17-inch
alloy rims to exude both a sporty and
premium appeal.
The vehicle’s profile portrays an
elegant styling line which begins at rear
door before accentuating on the wing
and passing onto the rear to add a touch
of dynamism the 5008’s side profile.
Inside, the 5008, features a luxurious
interior equipped with avant-garde
technologies and exemplary modularity.
The overall ambience in the 5008 is
enhanced as a result of its stunning 18
sq ft panoramic glass roof and plush
leather interior.
The instrument panel in the 5008
is extended by the design of the elegant
centre console with a flowing design to
focus around the needs of the driver.
Technology and entertainment is a
key characteristic of the 5008’s interior
with the inclusion of two seven-inch
LCD screens located in the front seat
head restraints, two Bluetooth wireless
headsets and a connection console which
can be connected to a DVD player or
video-gaming consoles.
The 5008, which was awarded MPV
of the Year by the UK’s What Car? Green
Car of the Year Awards 2010, features
a head-up display unit (HUD) which
displays essential driving information
such as speed, cruise control/speed
limiter and Distance Alert.
Distance Alert is a technology which
assists the driver in ensuring the 5008
is within a safe distance from the vehicle
ahead. This technology is made possible
by a radar located behind the lower
front bumper panel which measures the
time in seconds between the vehicle in
front and then transmits this data to the
HUD. This non-intrusive alert system,
which can be set between 0.9 seconds
and 2.5 seconds, will alert the driver if
the 5008 gets too close to the vehicle in
front.
Underneath the hood of the 5008 is a
1.6-litre twin scroll turbo high pressure
engine with direct petrol injection which
produces 156 hp and 240 Nm of torque.
This award-winning engine is mated to
a six-speed transmission with Triptronic
capabilities and a sport mode for
increased performance.
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8
news
nationwide festival in
CELEBRATION OF PROTON
PROTON Holdings Berhad in December
embarked on a nationwide road show
that showcased the past and present
as well as provided a rare insight
into the future of the national car
manufacturer,as a measure of saying
thank you to Malaysians who have
contributed to the company’s 25 years of
success in the automotive industry.
The two-week Festival PROTON 1
Malaysia made 12 stops in Peninsular
Malaysia, kicking off at Stadium Indera
Mulia in Ipoh on 18 December and
featured a convoy of 60 Proton Cars
and 25 cars from the official Proton car
clubs taking part in a mini carnival.
A mobile exhibition showcased the
accomplishments of PROTON over the
last 25 years and among the vehicles on
display were several conceptual models
that had been displayed at the Kuala
Lumpur International Motor Show
(KLIMS 2010).
Visitors to the carnival had the
chance to view the Satria Neo Super
2000 rally car which competed in
the 2010 Intercontinental Rally
Challenge (IRC) and Asia Pacific Rally
Championship (APRC); the Exora
Extended Range Electric Vehicle which
won the ‘Best Range Extender Electric
Vehicle’ category in the inaugural
Brighton to London Future
Car Challenge organized by the
United Kingdom’s Royal Automobile
Club; the EMAS hybrid concept global
car launched at the Geneva International
Motor Show; and conceptual home-grown
models like the Jebat and Kasturi.
Also organized was a mini autoshow,
numerous fun-filled activities for the
family and children, and appearances
and performances by renowned local
artistes. Proton car owners were also
encouraged to take advantage of a free
18-point vehicle safety check.
“Celebrating PROTON’s 25 years
in the automotive industry, Festival
PROTON 1 Malaysia is more importantly
to say thank you and pay tribute to all
Malaysians and Proton car buyers for
their continued support and belief in the
company, the brand and the national
aspiration,” said the company’s Group
Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed
Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.
“PROTON has grown stronger, more
matured and knowledgeable as a car
manufacturer over the years, and as we
push forward in our efforts to become a
competitive global car manufacturer, we
wanted to take the opportunity to share
with all Malaysians our accomplishments
as well as provide them with a rare insight
into the future the company is pursuing.”
The two-week nationwide tour ended
on 31 December with a Grand Finale
which included a mini concert held at the
PROTON Centre of Excellence (COE) as a
celebration and countdown to New Year’s
eve.
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9
isuzu chairman
VISITS MALAYSIA
As part of its determined effort towards
making Malaysia a key market for Isuzu
vehicles, Chairman of Isuzu Motors
Limited Yoshinori Ida paid a historical
visit to the country to dialogue with
Isuzu Malaysia and its dealers.
This comes at the heels of last
month’s launch of the new Isuzu N-Series
range of trucks that are expected to
spearhead Isuzu Malaysia’s efforts to be
the top commercial vehicle brand in the
local truck market.
Mr Ida’s visit, the first by the
top-ranking official of Isuzu Motors
significantly signals the company’s
intention to support the local operations
and to gain a stronger foothold in the
truck business in Malaysia.
During the dialogue that was held
in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Ida assured the
dealers of Isuzu’s full commitment
towards helping the Malaysian
operations achieve its position as the
leading truck brand and that quick
response and excellent product support
would be key areas that Isuzu Motors
would prioritize in an effort to create
a better business environment for
Malaysian dealers.
“Malaysia is one of the three Asian
tigers together with Thailand and
Indonesia. These will be a driving force
of the East Asian market in the coming
years. In order to achieve our objectives
of making Isuzu the No.1 truck brand
in the world, we need to have a strong
presence in these markets and react
quickly to the demands of our customers
here,” said Ida.
Mr Ida thanked the dealers for their
input during the dialogue and said that
their opinions would be considered as
valued feedback in determining the kind
of products and applications of the future
product range.
Most of dealer representatives present
at the dialogue were impressed and
honoured by the keen interest shown by
Mr Ida in soliciting their feedback.
“This is the first time the chairman
of a global corporation has come to
hear our views. I have never had this
opportunity before and more importantly,
he has taken note of our opinions and has
assured us that he will take the necessary
action when he returns to Japan. This
is truly a great show of commitment by
Isuzu,” said a dealer from Sabah.
Mr Ida made the brief visit to
Kuala Lumpur recently and spent
approximately three hours meeting with
the Isuzu dealers and having a working
lunch with them.
10
news
TOP COLLECTORS,
RARE CLASSICS AND
OVERWHELMING
SUPPORT AT
INAUGURAL
CBT HISTORIC CAR
CONCOURS
The inaugural CBT Historic Car
Concours 2010 held at the MATRADE
Exhibition and Convention Centre in
Kuala Lumpur recently attracted a vast
and rare collection of classic and vintage
cars
Held in conjunction with the
Maybank COTY2U Motor Carnival on
21 November, the Concours was divided
into three components which included:
a general classic car competition,
a special concours for Jaguar cars
to commemorate the make’s 75th
anniversary; and a concours devoted to
Alfa Romeo cars in celebration of the
Italian marque’s 100th anniversary.
The general classic car competition
attracted a total of 40 entries divided
into four categories: for vintage vehicles
that were registered pre-1949; classics
between 1950 and 1959; classics between
1960 and 1969; and modern classics from
1970 to 1985.
The Jaguar concours meanwhile,
exhibited 27 classic Jaguars that
competed in four categories: the XK
Series, E Type Series, Classic Saloon
Class and the XJ Series, with the
oldest model on display being a 1953
jaguar XK120 from Penang, a car that
was in its days popular and famous for
sprints and hill climbs. Another 30 cars
competed in the Alfa Romeo concours
which paid homage to the Spider Series,
Coupe Series and Saloons.
“We are thankful for the
overwhelming response. What was
outstanding was the fact that for the
first time ever in Malaysia, we managed
to gather a very large group of classic
Jaguar cars for a special Jaguar
Concours. This is something that has
never happened before as Jaguars were
commonly grouped together with the
other classic makes in past events,” said
the Concours Organizing Chairman
Andrew Suresh.
Andrew said the Concours attracted
the participation and support from five
major classic car clubs individuals and
some of the country’s top collectors.
Also on show were classic race cars and
a Malaysian-made hotrod which was
designed and built by famous veteran
driver James Wong.
“It was also the first time that all of
news
the country’s top collectors have come
together in a single event and this
augurs well with our objective of making
this Concours a neutral event for all
classic car owners. We also successfully
attracted a good number owners and
collectors who entered their vehicles for
competition for the very first time.”
The clubs that extended their
support at the Concours included
the Malaysia and Singapore Vintage
Car Register (MSVCR); the Royal
Malaysia Vintage and Classic Car Club
(RMVCCC); MG Club of Malaysia;
Classic Volvo Club of Malaysia; and the
Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club.
The oldest car at the Concours was
a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K which
belonged to classic car collector Tan Sri
Eugenio Campos, which also went on
to being crowned the best vintage and
classic car at the show. He had also
driven another three cars to the show: a
1972 Mercedes-Benz 350 SLC, a sixties
model Mercedes-Benz Pontoon 220S,
and a Rolls
Royce Corniche.
Another
show-stopper
was a Jaguar
XK140 1954,
a model
resembling the
one which had
won the famous
Le Mans 24
Hours in the
50s. The car,
judged the
Best XK in the
competition,
belonged to
collector Datuk
K. Kumaraendran who also won another
two awards for the best E-Type and the
overall best Jaguar at the concours.
Three other major prizes at the
Concours went to a 1963 MercedesBenz 300SE Fintail which won the
CBT Historic Car of the Year award,
while the best Jaguar and Alfa Romeo
went to a 1964 E-Type and a GTV 1750
respectively. A total of 50 trophies were
presented at the day-long event which
was held in fine sunny weather.
Judging was done by a panel of
nine individuals, all classic car owners,
collectors and marquee experts in the
respective Jaguar and Alfa Romeo
models.
“So intense was the competition that
one of the judges even returned home
to retrieve a book in order to verify the
originality of one particular model,” said
Andrew. “We also ended up with three
ties in three different classes which
required the cars to be looked at a second
time and be evaluated for preserving the
most originality.”
The Concours was sponsored by UMW
Penzoil, Sisma Auto Sdn Bhd and Sime
Darby Auto Connextion Sdn Bhd.
12
news
Shell to Power-Up 13,560
motorists with over RM3 million
CASH PRIZES AND LIMITED EDITION
FERRARI COLLECTIBLES
TO BE WON WEEKLY
Shell Malaysia launched its Shell
V-Power 97 ‘Win Weekly at Shell’ contest
on 21st December 2010, which seeks to
reward Malaysian motorists nationwide
with over RM3 million worth of prizes.
The prize purse also includes exclusive
limited edition Ferrari Key Rings Sets,
which are presented in luxurious and
custom-made cases.
In conjunction with the launch of
the contest, Shell Malaysia dispatched
groups of its famous Men in Red at high
traffic areas around Kuala Lumpur,
Johor Bahru, Kuantan and Penang. In
addition to promoting the new ‘Win
Weekly At Shell Contest’ and distributing
contest forms, they also actively engaged
members of the public, asking Shellrelated trivia questions and rewarding
them with Shell premiums on-the-spot,
upon answering the questions correctly.
From 21st December 2010 until
6 April 2011, motorists merely need
to drive to a Shell station, spend a
minimum of RM30 on any Shell fuels,
Shell Lubricants or Shell Select store
purchase in a single receipt, attach proof
of purchase to a contest form and drop
it into the contest box. Motorists are
entitled to double entries (two contest
forms) when they pump Shell V-Power
97 or Shell V-Power Racing, with a
minimum of RM30 in a single receipt.
“It has indeed been an exciting year
for Shell Malaysia. The launch of Shell
V-Power 97 which is a result of our
partnership with Ferrari for over 60
years, made 2010 a more remarkable one
as we received a tremendously positive
response from motorists, who have
tried the performance fuel.,” said Encik
Azman Ismail, Managing Director of
Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd.
“We also sent three lucky grand prize
winners of the Shell V Power 97 Cash
Contest, along with their partners, to
Abu Dhabi on an all-expense paid trip, to
watch the final race of the 2010 Formula
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1 season. Also included in the exciting
itinerary was their visit to the world’s
first Ferrari World Theme Park.”
Encik Azman further added,
“So in order to keep the momentum
going strong as we welcome 2011, the
next upcoming ‘Win Weekly at Shell
Contest’ will see more than 13,500 lucky
motorists driving off with exciting cash
prizes and limited edition Ferrari Key
Rings sets, worth a total of more than
RM3 million, over the 15 week contest.
This is one of the highest ever number of
winners that would be rewarded by Shell
in a particular contest.”
Each of the Limited Edition Ferrari
Key Rings is beautifully and exquisitely
crafted featuring a chrome finish. Each
exclusive set comprises of six models,
which includes F2007, Ferrari P3, F430
Spider, Enzo Ferrari, 250 GTO and
Ferrari 156F1.
At Shell, we know not all fuels are
the same. Shell is committed to making
better fuels for customers and their
vehicles. Shell V-Power 97 is a result of
over 60-years partnership with Ferrari
in Formula 1 Racing – designed for
improved performance whatever you
drive. This latest performance formula
is enriched with Friction Modification
Technology or FMT which is the additive
used by Ferrari for its Formula 1 Race
team.
So, the next time you drive into a
Shell station, submit your contest form
and stand a chance to win attractive
cash prizes as well as the limited
edition Ferrari Key Rings sets. For
more information and for the terms and
conditions of the contest, please visit
your nearest Shell station or log on to
www.shell.com.my/vpower
On a weekly basis, Shell will be giving away the
following prizes to more than 900 lucky motorists
•
•
•
•
RM30,000 + Limited Edition Ferrari key rings set X 1
RM3,000 + Limited Edition Ferrari key rings set X 3
RM300 + Limited Edition Ferrari key rings set X 300
RM50 Shell voucher X 600
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14
news
PROTON LAUNCHES R3 PERFORMANCE
ACCESSORIES AND
new identity for r3
PROTON Holdings Berhad has launched
its new line up of R3 Performance
Accessories giving PROTON car owners,
especially racing enthusiasts, the
opportunity to redefine their car’s
performance and aesthetics for more
excitement on the road.
The new line up, developed for the
PROTON Satria Neo and Gen2 models
by its motorsports division, Race.Rally.
Research (R3), is geared to significantly
enhance performance through superior
handling, improved drivability while
providing a modern and distinct style
through affordable quality parts and
accessories.
The launch of R3 Performance
Accessories was made official by YB Dato’
Seri Kong Cho Ha, Minister of Transport,
Malaysia, when he unveiled the new logo
which connote the attributes of a dynamic
and futuristic brand. The Brand Name
and Logomark are slanting to their right
to denote the energy and positiveness of
the brand in moving forward.
YB Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha was
accompanied by PROTON Adviser Tun
Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, and Managing
Director, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin
Syed Mohamed Tahir.
Addressing the media during the
launch held at the KL International
Motorshow, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal
Abidin said, “Through our market
research, we found that many PROTON
car owners have a keen interest in
accessorising and modifying their cars,
but our case studies have shown that
often safety may be compromised when
it is not done appropriately”.
“As part of our motorsports division,
R3 has an extensive experience on the
race tracks, and it was only natural,
that we developed a line of performance
accessories customised for PROTON
vehicles as an extension of our
commitment to provide Malaysians with
the best in automotive at affordable
prices.”
R3 Performance Accessories roll out
six packages that offer car enthusiasts a
range of enhancements from body kits,
to exhaust systems, camshafts, spoilers,
spring sets, and 15” and 16” wheels and
tyres. Packages are currently available
for the PROTON Satria Neo Baseline,
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CPS and non-CPS, , Gen2 and Gen2 CPS. Offered with
easy financing, those interested can make their way to
the PROTON Edar showrooms in Shah Alam (Centre of
Excellence), Mutiara Damansara, Plentong in Johor Bahru
and up north in Juru, Penang.
“Together with our vehicles’ superior Lotus Ride
and Handling feature that improves steering precision,
cornering and handling capabilities, the R3 Performance
Accessories is the perfect complement to enhance our
drivers’ experience on the road,” Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal
Abidin added.
Another highlight of the event was the PROTON Satria
Neo R3 Concept car, which boasts one simple objective
– ultimate performance. Kitted with R3’s very own force
induction system that allows it to produce 200hp and
250NM of torque, the Satria Neo R3 Concept is by far the
fastest Neo developed by PROTON to-date.
Besides superb engine performance, the Satria Neo
R3 Concept Car brings drivers one step closer to the
world of motorsports with its AP Racing brakes & Ohlins
suspension system, R3 designed bodykit with front splitter
for optimal down force, and a lightweight carbon fiber
bonnet and FRP fenders with reduced overall weight.
Other features of the car include Recaro full bucket
motorsport seats that provide the driver with ultimate
support during spirited driving, a MOMO steering
wheel for added control and a colour coded half cage to
give the driver added protection. The car also features a
motorsports digital multi-information display dash and
integrated 2-DIN multimedia built- in navigation system.
The PROTON Satria Neo R3 Concept Car will be on
display at the PROTON booth during the KL International
Motorshow at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) until
12th December 2010.
15
16 road safety
ROAD SAFETY FROM AROUND THE WORLD
ROAD SAFETY BEGINS IN
SCHOOLS
ROAD SAFETY EFFORTS IN
KENYA TARGETS THE YOUNG
The Automobile Association of Kenya (AA Kenya) has
introduced a programme that will train children in schools on
road safety.
Under a programme dubbed ‘Children Traffic Park’, AA
Kenya — in conjunction with the Federation Internationale de
l’Automobile (FIA) Foundation for the Automobile
and Society — school going children at primary
level will be taught traffic rules and regulations
under the banner ‘catch them early’.
AA Kenya Chairman James Murigu said the
move will help cut roads accidents on Kenyan
roads.
“Statistics indicate there are more than 1.2
million cars on Kenyan roads, with fatalities from
road accidents averaging 3,000 per year; making
Kenya one of the countries with highest number of
road accidents in the world,” Murigu said.
“Most of the accidents that occur on our roads can be
avoided through education, and attitude adjustment among
our drivers; and through proper design and safe construction
of roads.”
According to statistics released by the FIA, road carnage
globally costs a whopping $500 million. And some 10 million
people are injured, while 1.2 million persons die each year
globally. Of this, 65 per cent are pedestrians, while 35 per cent
are children.
By 2015, road accidents will be the leading health burden
for children over the age of five in developing countries.
“Road carnage in Kenya is ranked the third highest killer
after malaria and Aids. It is against this background that the
AA Kenya will rehabilitate four children’s traffic parks in
Nairobi, Nyeri, Kisumu and Kakamega,” said Murigu.
He also appealed to the Ministry of Education
to entrench compulsory traffic training in school
curriculum to build capacity, and create road
user awareness in the country.
“Many children die from hit and run
accidents on our roads, especially on estate
roads. The objective of this programme is
to make youngsters aware of the rules to be
followed while crossing a road, zebra crossings
and traffic signs.”
Hundreds of elementary school children took part in a
corporate-sponsored program to campaign on road safety held
by the traffic division of the Jakarta Police in December.
The event drew 400 students from 25 elementary schools
around Jakarta, who participated in cycling, drawing, reading
poetry and reciting stories centered around the theme of road
safety.
The head of the city police’s traffic division, Adj. Sr.
Comr. Kanton Pinem, said the program would not only raise
children’s awareness of road safety, but also build better
relations with the police.
Pinem said the campaign was crucial to reducing the
number of road accidents given the fact that human errors
contributed to 90 percent of all accidents.
In the first six months of this year, police recorded a total
of 4,129 traffic accidents in Jakarta. The students taking part
in the program were part of the 1,035 students taking part in a
road safety campaign sponsored by oil company Shell.
road safety
MOTORISTS MORE
WORRIED ABOUT
FINES AND NOT
DEATH ON THE
ROAD
In Australia, speeding
drivers are more
concerned about
getting caught than
being hurt or killed, a
study has found. A survey
of
800 Queensland drivers showed that the
biggest fear is in getting caught.
Dr Judy Fleiter from the Queensland
University of Technology’s Centre for
Accident and Road Safety Research, said
most
speeding drivers interviewed played the numbers game behind
the wheel.
“They are calculating, or really miscalculating the risk of
speeding,” Dr Fleiter said.
Many drivers involved in the survey admitted to slowing
down at known or anticipated speed camera locations. Some
actively sought information from other drivers about camera
locations, particularly when travelling on new or unfamiliar
roads.
“But the problem with drivers taking a calculated risk, is
that they are calculating the risk of getting caught and not the
risk of getting hurt.”
Dr Fleiter said many drivers did not properly appreciate
the risks of speeding, and believed they would survive a highspeed crash.
“There seemed to be a lack of understanding that at high
speeds, many road crashes are not survivable, no matter who
is driving, how skilled that driver may be, and how good the
vehicle is they are driving.”
Drivers polled in the survey were asked to say how they
normally drove in 60km/h zones, with responses varying from
40km/h to 100km/h. In 100km/h zones, drivers various said
they typically drove at anywhere from 60km/h to 145km/h.
17
JAMAICANS ENCOURAGED TO
REPORT TRAFFIC OFFENDERS
The Road Safety Unit in Jamaica is appealing to the
public to report instances of road traffic violations
to the police as part of efforts to reduce crashes and
fatalities.
Director of the Unit Kanute Hare says persons
should see it as their personal responsibility to play
an integral role in ensuring a safe environment.
According to Hare, there are far too many cases
of reckless driving and other violations of the
road code.
Since the start of the year 285 people have
been killed in 262 crashes in Jamaica.
Hare said the traffic crashes have resulted
serious economic pressure on the government as well
as families. The health ministry for instance, had spent more
than US$2 billion to provide treatment to persons injured in
crashes, while families have spent more than US$150 million
to bury loved ones.
EU NATIONS COLLABORATE TO
NAB TRAFFIC VIOLATORS
Europeans who break road safety rules when driving their
own vehicles in EU states other than their home country will
no longer be able to escape unnoticed. This is the essence of a
future EU directive on which the transport ministers agreed
in principle at their meeting in December to give EU member
states access to each other’s vehicle registration data.
Drivers in the EU should expect to be identified as traffic
offenders for speeding, driving without wearing a seat belt,
failing to stop at a red light, driving under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, not wearing
a safety helmet, using lanes
reserved for special transport
or closed for other reasons,
and illegally using mobile
phones when driving.
The authorities of the EU
member state in which the
offence was committed will be
able to identify the owner of
the vehicle used when the rules were infringed (the person in
whose name the vehicle is registered). Then that member state
will send him or her a letter giving the details of the offence
and stating the fine imposed according to its law.
The letter will be in the language the alleged offender is
presumed to understand, for instance, the language of the
vehicle registration document or one of the official languages of
his home country.
How and to what extent the sanctions will actually be
enforced will depend on the member states and their national
laws.
The Commission will publish a summary of the rules of the
road in force in all the member states on its website in all EU
languages.
The directive should help improve road safety and
guarantee equal treatment of drivers irrespective of their
country of residence.
18
road safety
HALF OF ROAD
FATALITIES
IN AUSTRIA
ACCOUNT FOR
FOREIGNERS
Almost one in two drivers killed on
Austrian motorways are foreigners,
new research has revealed.
Traffic Club Austria (VCÖ) said
49 per cent of motorists who died
on the country’s motorways over
the past five years were foreigners.
The independent traffic and
transportation watchdog added that
44 per cent of people involved in
accidents on Austrian motorways
during that period came from
abroad.
VCÖ explained foreigners
were involved in 793 of the 1,790
highway accidents registered
last year. It said 2,032 of them
were Germans, followed by 244
Hungarians and 210 Czechs.
The number of people who lost
their lives in traffic accidents in
Austria’s nine provinces dropped by
14 per cent year on year to 247 in
2009, according to federal statistics
authority Statistik Austria.
ARRESTED FOR STOPPING TO
PHOTOGRAPH AN ACCIDENT
Evansville police in the United States arrested a man after he
stopped in the middle of traffic to take pictures of an accident.
Brandon D. Hancock, 27, was released from the Vanderburgh
County Jail late Saturday after posting a $100 cash bond.
According to an arrest affidavit,
officers were at an accident with
serious injuries at Green River
Road and Bayard Park Drive about
7:20 p.m. when they saw Hancock,
going south on Green River Road,
stop and take pictures with his
cell phone.
Police said Hancock
interrupted the flow of traffic.
“I didn’t do nothing wrong,”
the affidavit quoted Hancock
telling police. When officers gave
him a citation for obstructing
traffic, Hancock said whoever
wrote the ticket “better be ready to
appear in court.”
Police said Hancock
continued to be belligerent, and
he was arrested.
Obstruction of traffic is a
class A misdemeanor.
DRIVER KNOCKS DOWN CYCLIST
AND BLAMES IT ON HIS NEW
MERCEDES-BENZ
A Morgan Stanley wealth manager who struck a cyclist in
Colorado in the United States dodged jail after blaming the
accident on the “new car smell” in his 2010 Mercedes.
Martin Erzinger, 52, struck Dr. Steven Milo and then fled
the scene – hiding his car behind an abandoned Pizza Hut,
according to Milo’s attorney.
But Erzinger’s lawyers say he
suffers from sleep apnea, and the
smell of his brand-new luxury
car could have altered his
consciousness and caused the
accident.
“It would be felonious
behavior for any of us to
leave after accident, but not
someone who suffers from sleep
apnea,” a medical defense expert
testified.
Erzinger will have to take a
leave of absence from his job to
complete 45 days of community service.
He’ll also lose his license for a year and be required to make
charitable donations, instead of paying court fines.
Dr Milo meanwhile, was still recovering from spinal
damage, brain bleeding and injuries to his knee and shoulder.
road safety
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
RECOGNIZED FOR EFFORTS IN
ROAD SAFETY
The automotive industry won a special Prince Michael
International Road Safety Award for helping drive down road
casualty rates in the United Kingdom over the past 20 years.
Since 1989 the number of people killed and injured on UK
roads has fallen dramatically. All road deaths have gone down
by 58 per cent and car occupant deaths - which make up a
significant proportion of road fatalities - have fallen by 56 per
cent. The Department for Transport has largely attributed this
to better vehicle safety.
Presenting the award, Prince Michael of Kent said:
“Over the last 20 years the automotive industry has made
huge investments in the research and development of safety
products. These systems have already saved lives and they
have the potential to save millions more. Many of us take these
innovations for granted, so this year I want to recognise the
outstanding achievement of this industry.”
Key achievements noted by the award include UK road
deaths falling from 5,373 in 1989 to 2,222 last year and annual
child road deaths falling from 440 to 81 over the same period.
Other achievements include car user deaths falling from 2,426
to 1,059, pedestrian deaths falling from 1,706 to 500 and cyclist
deaths falling from 294 to 104.
“A 56 per cent reduction over the last 20 years in the
number of vehicle occupant deaths demonstrates how far
innovative safety technologies have progressed,” said Paul
Everitt, chief executive for the Society of Motor Manufacturers
and Traders. “Today, vehicles have
never been safer and vehicle
manufacturers are pioneering
new technologies
to
further improve
occupant
protection
and reduce
the risks
for other
road
users.”
NAME AND SHAME
ERRANT ROAD USERS
In South Africa, the move to name and shame
road offenders is forging ahead.
“Working with the NGO South Africans
Against Drunk Driving we have drafted a
memorandum of agreement that will guide us
in achieving our objective for the naming and
shaming campaign for road offenders. We will
officially launch this campaign before
the end of the festive season,” said
KwaZulu-Natal acting MEC for
transport Sbongiseni Dhlomo.
Dhlomo said the year’s
plans for reducing road
deaths in the province
of KwaZulu included
collaborating with South
African Breweries (SAB), taxi
owners, tavern owners, longdistance bus operators and truck
drivers.
An optimistic Dhlomo said the commitment
from the taxi industry was that “there will be no
accidents involving taxis this festive season”.
“Alcohol abuse is one of the major problems
on our roads. It is quite appropriate therefore
that SAB as producers of alcoholic beverages
are proactive about collaborating with the
provincial government in bringing road
offenders to book.”
19
20
road safety
PROTON CAR OWNERS ADVISED TO BE VIGILANT OF
immitation
spare parts
In the interest of the safety of its
customers, PROTON has advised its
car owners to be vigilant against the
purchase and use of imitation spare parts
that are being passed-off as genuine
components in the market.
The reminder comes in the wake of
imitation parts being available in the
market, packaged to resemble Proton
Genuine Parts using similar packaging
and labeling. These components are
being sold at a cheaper price but do
not conform to Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) quality and safety
standards.
“These parts are not only inferior in
quality, do not last nor perform to the
standards of original components, and
are in breach of intellectual property
rights, but they are also capable of
inflicting serious risks to the safety of
Proton car owners and further damage
to vehicles,” said Proton Edar Sdn Bhd
Chief Executive Officer, Mohamad
Shukor Ibrahim.
“We always advise our customers
to only go to our service branches,
Authorized Service Dealers or Parts
Stockist instead of others to be sure
that they are purchasing original
components,” stressed Mohamad Shukor.
“Our biggest concern is the fact that
these parts are packaged to look like
Proton Genuine Parts, as they are packed
using similar-looking packaging and
labeling, yet sold at much cheaper prices,
deliberately intended at confusing or
hoodwinking consumers.”
For the benefit of Proton car owners
to maintain their Proton cars at optimum
condition at all time, Mohamad Shukor
said there are two generally acceptable
types of components available for Proton
cars in the market, namely Proton
“Our biggest concern is
the fact that these parts
are packaged to look
like Proton Genuine
Parts, as they are
packed using similarlooking packaging
and labeling, yet sold
at much cheaper
prices, deliberately
intended at confusing
or hoodwinking
consumers.”
road safety
21
E
K
FA
Genuine Parts and Proton Second
Branding Parts.
Proton Genuine Parts are
components that have been developed by
PROTON and are also known as OEM
(Original Equipment Manufacturer)
parts. These components have been
developed and tested for both quality
and durability.
Also made available by PROTON
are the Proton Second Branding Parts.
Manufactured by PROTON, these parts
are offered to customers whose vehicle
warranty has expired, and as an option
for those seeking lower-cost of ownership
compared to purchasing Proton Genuine
Parts. PROTON is also in the midst of
rebranding and increasing the number of
line items to offer more affordable parts
to customers.
Replacement Equipment Parts (RE
Parts) meanwhile, are components that
have been developed by manufacturers
other than PROTON using their
own branding and packaging. These
components offer quality that might
not meet the specifications of Proton
Genuine Parts and Proton Second
Branding Parts, with shorter usage life
cycle but sold at lower prices.
The fourth type, and most
threatening to safety, is imitation
components that are being packaged
to look like Proton Genuine Parts.
Imitation components result in
undesirable consequences, often causing
car owners to incur more repair costs
due to secondary defects resulted
from the use of these parts, and in the
worst case scenario, have been known
to fail and can cause road accidents.
Such components are also not always
compatible and at times are forced-fitted
to a vehicle, which causes irreversible
damage in which an original part
can no longer be installed in
future.
“Of course with the availability
of the cheaper imitation spare parts in
the market, which are of substandard
quality, the original components are
then being perceived as be “expensive”
in the eyes of consumers. However, I
wish to iterate that Proton parts are
being reasonably priced, and with this
price, comes assured quality,” explained
Mohamad Shukor.
He added to say that, “The ownership
cost of a Proton car is intended to be
low and affordable to the masses and
therefore it would be unwise for car
owners to stake their safety and the
lives of their loved ones on imitation
components when the cost savings are
negligible.”
Mohamad Shukor continued to say
that PROTON, with the help of the
authorities, is taking steps to weed out
the distribution, sale and use of these
E
K
FA
imitation
spare parts.
Under the Trade
Description Act 1972, the selling of
imitation parts is an offence punishable
by a maximum fine of RM100,000 or
3 years jail or both if committed by an
individual or maximum of RM250,000
fine if committed by a company.
Customers can purchase Proton
Genuine Parts at all Proton Edar’s
Service Centres, authorized service
centres, Exclusive PROTON Parts
Stockists, authorized PROTON Parts
Stockists and their agents. Car owners
in doubt of parts they purchased can also
send the parts together with the packing
and invoice or receipt for verification to
PROTON or contact PROTON’s i-CARE
hotline at 1800-888-398.
22
road safety
DECADE OF ACTION
for road safety
Road traffic crashes kill more than 3000
people, including 1000 children and
young people, every day. Annually, 1.3
million are killed and at least 50 million
are injured. More than 85% of these
casualties (and 96% of child deaths) occur
in low and middle income countries.
Many of those killed or injured are
pedestrians. They are also breadwinners
for their families. And by 2015 road
crashes will be the leading cause of
premature death, and disability, for
children above the age of 5 in developing
countries, unless action is taken now.
International efforts to combat road
deaths command a tiny fraction of the
resources rightly deployed to fight other
comparable global killers, like Malaria.
Safe roads are vital for achieving
many of the United Nations’ development
objectives.
In developing countries for example,
the number of people killed on the roads
road safety
is predicted to rise by at least 80% over
the next 20 years.
To overcome this and save millions
of lives, serious action must address the
following areas: making vehicles safer;
designing roads to be safe for all road
users; tackling inappropriate speed and
drink driving; promoting seat belt use
and helmet wearing; improving driver
training and police enforcement; taking
care to protect the most vulnerable road
users like children and pedestrians.
The United Nations Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon has called on
governments to release national plans
for the Decade of Action for Road Safety
when it is launched on 11 May 2011.
He called on all countries, international
organizations, the private sector and
community leaders to ensure that the
Decade of Action for Road Safety leads to
“real improvements” to save lives.
He also said that the UN Road Safety
Collaboration – which includes the FIA
Foundation as a member – will soon
release a global plan for the Decade.
Among key measures, the plan will
call for programmes to make roads and
vehicles safer, improve the behaviour of
drivers and pedestrians, and enhance
emergency services.
Ban Ki-moon said the best way to
honour the memory of the millions of
road victims is to take action.
“If we all take these and other simple
measures, we can give real meaning to
this observance, thereby honouring the
memory of the victims in the best way
possible: with action to spare the lives of
others.”
Much of the emphasis will be on
helping many developing countries
improve road safety and develop their
own home-grown technical expertise.
The solution that has been put
forward is a 10-year, US$300 million
Action Plan, combined with a global
target to cut by 50% the predicted
increase in global road deaths between
2010 and 2020.
The campaign objectives:
• For governments and the UN to
commit to a Decade of Action for Road
Safety with the aim of reducing by 50%
the projected increase in global road
deaths between 2010-2020;
• To help achieve this the
international community is called on to
finance a US$300 million, 10-year, global
Action Plan to catalyse improvements in
road safety in developing countries;
• G8 donor governments and major
lending bodies such as the World Bank
are called upon, to ensure that at least
10% of their multi-billion dollar budgets
for road construction and upgrading in
developing countries are dedicated to
road safety.
23
24
new car
PROTON INSPIRA SIZES UP THE
competition in
the c-segment
Inspira originates from the Bahasa
Malaysia word Inspirasi which in
English means inspiration.
“It is a strong and fitting description
of its bold and stylish appearance which
we believe will not only inspire but
provoke an individual to wanting to own
one,” said PROTON Holdings Berhad
Group Managing Director Dato’ Haji
Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir
who so aptly described the all-new mid-
sized four-door C-segment sedan as he
introduced the Inspira into the market.
The Proton Inspira is the result of an
OEM collaboration between PROTON
and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation of
Japan. While the base vehicles remain
every bit Mitsubishi, PROTON has
enhanced the already popular model
further in terms of the car’s performance
and ride comfort. In addition, PROTON
has also made several significant
new car
aesthetic enhancements to the Proton
Inspira highlighting its elegant-yetsporty looks.
“We enhanced the car with
several new features including the
unmistakable Lotus DNA of exceptional
ride and handling and what we present
is a product that is more affordable for
Malaysians,” said Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal
Abidin.
The Inspira underscores a new
strategic alliance with Mitsubishi Motor
Corporation of Japan, becoming the
first Proton car to be equipped with
Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve timing
Electronic Control system or in short
MIVEC technology. MIVEC optimizes
valve timing to increase performance
across a broad engine speed range.
Another first for PROTON is the
25
introduction of the Continuously Variable
Transmission or CVT with Intelligent
& Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control
System (INVECS-III), an advanced and
intelligent system that automatically
selects the optimal gear ratio based on
road and driving conditions with a selflearning ability to match an individual’s
driving style. This new transmission
will also offer customers paddle shifting
capability for a new level of enjoyment
and convenience. The Inspira is
available as a 1.8-litre CVT and manual
transmission as well as in 2- liter CVT
transmission.
Among the other practical features
customers stand to gain from include
auto-cruise; automatic light and rain
sensors; welcome and coming home light
system; fully automatic air-conditioning
system with climate control system for
both front and rear occupants; all-round
airbags for the safety of all passengers;
and a security tint film which will
26
new car
provide solar heat rejection of up to 48%.
For PROTON, the Inspira is a step
in the direction towards enhancing the
company’s technological capabilities to
emerge as a global car manufacturer.
“It is the start of what we believe
will be promising new future for
PROTON…The new model sports sleek
and more aerodynamic bodylines, it has
a distinctive and sporty personality,
and above all, possess the strength and
qualities that not only make it desirable
but an incredibly strong influence on
inspiring ownership of a Proton car.”
Elegance has also emphasized, and
PROTON is confident of the Inspira
appealling to a wide cross section of
car buyers, from professionals and
senior executives to car enthusiasts and
those in the market for a spacious and
comfortable family car.
Meanwhile, PROTON Holdings
Berhad Chairman Dato’ Sri Mohd.
Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh said that the
Proton Inspira is part of the strategy
to elevate PROTON to the next level of
becoming a global car manufacturer.
“PROTON is ready to move even
further ahead to become a recognized
player in the global automotive industry.
We have been working and collaborating
with Mitsubishi for the last 25 years
and it’s a natural step forward for us
to continue to work with them in this
project. Product collaboration between
OEMs is a normal practice amongst
international car industry players as
the partnership will be a mutual benefit
between all parties.
“One of our product strategies is
to introduce non-core models through
strategic collaborations which provides a
more efficient, timely, and cost effective
product to the market. The Proton
Inspira is an excellent example of this
strategic collaboration,” explains Dato’
Sri Mohd. Nadzmi.
“PROTON will continue to focus
on our own design and production of
our own cars. We are in fact working
on several new models. Customers can
expect a new facelift model rolling out
from our plant by end of this year and
more next year and a new model in 2012
– all done by PROTON in total.”
Customers can view the Proton
Inspira from today at all Proton Edar
showrooms nationwide and it can be
booked at a minimum fee of RM1,000.
new car
27
NEW SAGA FL
– proton’s best seller now even better
The best just got better, and three
years into what has been an extremely
successful run for the Saga, PROTON
Holdings Berhad has introduced the
new Saga FL which offers customers not
only a wide array of enhancements but
injects more dynamic styling and design
into the popular introductory family
sedan
Befitting its popularity especially
amongst the younger generation of car
buyers, the Saga FL has undergone
massive exterior restyling to take on a
more spirited, young, sporty and trendy
appearance.
The new Saga FL is offered in two
variants; the 1.3 Standard and the 1.3
Executive, both available in manual and
automatic transmissions, and priced
between RM1,000 and RM1,300 higher
than the current Saga depending on the
level of trim. The 1.3 standard manual
is priced at RM37,998, as opposed to the
current model which is sold at RM36,998,
while the 1.3 executive auto is RM43,298
compared to the existing model priced at
RM41, 998.
28
new car
Improving the overall exterior styling
to reflect a more dynamic personality,
the Saga FL features an all-new fender
design, hood, headlamps, front grille,
front and rear bumpers, and rear spoiler.
Also new is the introduction of side
mirrors incorporating LED turn signals,
a rear combi with LED, a rear reflector
and muffler cutter. The executive model
features additional front fog lights,
newly-designed alloy wheels, a rear
spoiler and side protector mouldings for
an even more sporty appearance.
Inside, the Saga FL features an
all-new seat and door trim fabric, a
radio CD/ MP3 player, as well as comes
equipped with rear power windows. For
improved driver and passenger safety as
well as styled to appeal to the younger
generation of car buyers, the executive
model features additional passenger side
airbag, an audio head unit with MP3,
USB, and AUX ports, and steering wheel
with audio switches.
“The Saga FL represents the new
way of doing things a PROTON. Instead
of resting on the popularity and success
of the existing Saga, the overwhelming
public acceptance motivated us even
more to make an already good model
even better,” said PROTON Holdings
Berhad Group Managing Director Dato’
Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed
Tahir.
new car
Syed Zainal Abidin added that
PROTON is targeting to sell 6,500
units of the Saga FL per month. Since
its introduction in January 2008, the
Saga has quickly risen to the rank of
the second top selling model in Malaysia
with a monthly average sale of 6,200
units and as of October 2010, PROTON
has already registered some 204,150
units and received 245,030 bookings.
With the introduction of Saga FL,
Syed Zainal Abidin said the increased
monthly sales volume of 6,500 units will
enable PROTON to achieve a targeted
volume of 75,100 units in its 2010/11
financial year.
“The Saga FL is again a
manifestation of PROTON’s
commitment to provide Malaysians with
exceptional value for money mobility
in terms of affordability in ownership,
practicality, style, level of features, and
safety.”
The Saga FL is available in six
colours; Tranquility Black, Solid White,
Genetic Silver, Granite Grey and two
new colours Blue Rock and Café
Late.
29
Model
Saga
Saga FL
Price
Difference
1.3 Standard (B) MT
RM 1,000
RM 36,998
RM 37,998
1.3 Standard (B) AT
RM 39,998
RM 40,998
RM 1,000
1.3 Executive (E) MT
RM 39,498
RM 40,698
RM 1,200
1.3 Executive (E) AT
RM 41,998
RM 43,298
RM 1,300
Customers who have already booked
the Saga can also opt to top up the
difference in price to acquire the new
model.
The Saga FL comes with a threeyear or 100,000km warranty
(whichever comes first).
30
new car
THE NEW HYUNDAI
SANTA FE
launched at
the kl international motor show 2010
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd
(HSDM) launched its new Hyundai Santa
Fe at the KL International Motor Show
2010 (KLIMS) in December at the Putra
World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
HSDM showcased the Santa Fe “R”
CRDi 2.2 diesel engine at KLIMS. The
new Santa Fe comes in the following
luxurious features:
• Smart key with complementing
keyless activated door handles and
engine start stop button. It facilitates
entry without having to take your key
out of pocket or hand bag
• Turn signal lamps on the electric
retractable door mirrors
• GPS Navigation System
• One-touch operation sunroof
• Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
and premium Nappa leather seats
• The new “Supervision” instrument
panel
• Reverse Camera
Two of Santa Fe’s high tech engines
were also displayed. They are the 2.4litre Theta II series petrol engine and
the “R” CRDi diesel engine. The 2.4-litre
Theta II series petrol engine is now
lightened by some 10kgs and is able
to churn out a very respectable 174PS
new car
(128kW) of maximum power and a just
as impressive 23.2kgm (228Nm) of
maximum torque.
The “R” CRDi diesel engine on the
other hand, has zero maintenance and a
more efficient silent steel timing chain
to drive the dual overhead camshafts
(DOHC) and 16 valves. The “R” engine
also gets the all-new electronic variable
geometry turbocharger (e-VGT) for
exhilarating instantaneous engine
response at any speed. Maximum
power has been boosted from 150PS
(110kW) previously to 197PS (144kW)
while maximum torque is significantly
improved from 34.2kgm (353Nm)
to 44.5kgm (442Nm) at the same
engine rpm range.
HSDM has started
receiving orders for
the new Santa Fe.
The new Santa Fe
is available in 2
variants namely “R”
2.2 CRDi diesel engine
and Theta II-2.4litre.
The Santa Fe was
voted the most reliable
car in the Consumer
Reports 2010 Annual Auto
Reliability Survey in the US
recently. The SUV received the highest votes
because of the car’s excellent performance.
It is an immensely comfortable SUV with
electronic stability control. The Santa Fe
is roomy and quiet with reasonably quick
steering response, making it fairly agile. The
ride is well controlled while the seats are
comfortable with nicely finished interior.
31
32
new car
NASIM LAUNCHES
5008 AT KLIMS 2010
makes maiden
entrance into
domestic
premium mpv
market
Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor
of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, has
launched the award-winning and highly
acclaimed Peugeot 5008, marking
the French carmaker’s entry into the
domestic premium MPV market.
The seven-seater 5008 is a new
interpretation of the MPV and sets itself
apart from its competitors in terms of
power, luxury, comfort, practicality and
safety.
“The new 5008, like its sibling, the
3008, has won numerous awards abroad
and features cutting edge technologies
to enhance comfort, convenience
and safety,” said SM Nasarudin SM
Nasimuddin, CEO of Nasim.
With an on-the-road price of
RM159,888, the front of the 5008 features
attractive profiled headlamps, a steeply
plunging bonnet, a chrome-detailed grille
and 17-inch alloy rims to exude both a
sporty and premium appeal.
The vehicle’s profile portrays an
elegant styling line which begins at rear
door before accentuating on the wing and
passing onto the rear to add a touch of
dynamism the 5008’s side profile.
Inside, the 5008, features a luxurious
interior equipped with avant-garde
technologies and exemplary modularity.
The overall ambience in the 5008 is
enhanced as a result of its stunning 18 sq
ft panoramic glass roof and plush leather
interior.
The instrument panel in the 5008
is extended by the design of the elegant
centre console with a flowing design to
focus around the needs of the driver.
Technology and entertainment is a
key characteristic of the 5008’s interior
with the inclusion of two seven-inch
LCD screens located in the front seat
head restraints, two Bluetooth wireless
headsets and a connection console which
can be connected to a DVD player or
video-gaming consoles.
The connection console makes it
possible to connect two video sources
simultaneously making each screen
independent in terms of the image
shown. That way, one passenger can, for
example, watch a movie while the other
plays a video game.
The 5008, which was awarded MPV
of the Year by the UK’s What Car? Green
Car of the Year Awards 2010, features
a head-up display unit (HUD) which
displays essential driving information
such as speed, cruise control/speed
limiter and Distance Alert.
Distance Alert is a technology which
assists the driver in ensuring the 5008
is within a safe distance from the vehicle
ahead. This technology is made possible
by a radar located behind the lower
front bumper panel which measures the
time in seconds between the vehicle in
front and then transmits this data to the
HUD. This non-intrusive alert system,
which can be set between 0.9 seconds
and 2.5 seconds, will alert the driver if
the 5008 gets too close to the vehicle in
front.
new car
33
Another feature of the 5008 that
makes it stand out is its Available
Space Measurement aid. Through the
use of two sensors on the sides of the
front bumper, a visual indication of the
possibility of parking in a free space is
displayed.
Other key aspects in the interior
includes an electric automated parking
brake as well as USB and Bluetooth
connectivity to its MP3/ CD player
which is connected to six speakers. The
5008 also features automatic dual-zone
air-conditioning with adjustable secondrow air-diffusion.
The second row of the new 5008
comprises three individual seats which
can be adjusted lengthwise and reclined
for optimal comfort and folded into the
passenger compartment floor to form a
perfectly flat surface. The trunk of the
5008 can accommodate 823-litres of
cargo while total luggage space is 2,506litres with the rear parcel shelf removed
and second row seats folded.
Underneath the hood of the 5008 is a
1.6-litre twin scroll turbo high pressure
engine with direct petrol injection
which produces 156 hp and 240 Nm of
torque. This award-winning engine is
mated to a six-speed transmission with
Triptronic capabilities and a sport mode
for increased performance.
Drivability of the 5008 is further
enhanced due to its exceptional body
rigidity which enhances road holding
but reduces body vibrations. Peugeot’s
engineers have fine-tuned the car’s
suspension to make it a safe and
efficient road-holding MPV, comparable
to that of a saloon.
For safety, the 5008 has a five-star
NCAP safety rating, six airbags, Hill
Start Assist, ESP, ABS, EBD, EBA,
Anti-Skid Regulation, Dynamic Stability
Control and anti-whiplash front seat
34
new car
headrests. Fuel consumption on a mixed
cycle in the 5008 is 7.9-litres per 100 km.
Apart from the 5008, Nasim also
showcased several other models at
the motor show including the recently
launched 207. Equipped with a 1.6L
engine, the 207 displays a bold exterior
with Peugeot’s trademark styling that
sets it apart from the other makes in the
segment.
Inside, the 207 is elegant yet
contemporary with the inclusion of
a leather-wrapped steering wheel,
automatic air-conditioning with a
pollen filter, an instrument panel made
by luxury-watch maker, Jaeger, a
multifunction display, sensor-activated
automatic headlights and wipers.
The 207 offers premium audio
capabilities with an MP3/WMA
CD player with USB and auxiliary
functionality connected to a six-speaker
system. The player is also fitted with
Bluetooth connectivity that can be
paired with a cellular phone. Priced at
RM72,888, the 207 features Peugeot’s
trademark road-holding capabilities.
Besides the 207, Nasim showcased
the 908 HDi FAP which is used by
Peugeot to compete in the 24 Hours of
Le Mans endurance race which it won
in 2009. Powered by a 5.5L HDi diesel
engine, the 908 has a maximum output
of 730 hp and 1,200 Nm of torque.
Team Peugeot Total’s driver, Stephane
Sarrazin, who recently won the Petit Le-
new car
year, now features new alloy wheels,
automatic foldable door-mirrors, roof
spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel,
multi-function display, a new front grille
as well as auto air-conditioning. The 308
VTi is priced at RM99,888.
The 3008 SUV, which shares the
same powertrain as the 5008 MPV, was
also on display. Priced at RM146,888,
the 3008 features elements of an SUV,
an MPV and a family hatchback. It
features an array of premium features
such as head-up display, a plush leather
interior, 17 sq ft panoramic glass roof
and dynamic roll control for enhanced
drivability.
Mans in Zuhai, China, was at Peugeot’s
exhibit at KLIMS on Dec 2 to explain the
characteristics of the 908 to the media.
Other cars on display at the Peugeot
exhibit included the recently launched
enhanced 308 Turbo, 308 VTi and the
3008 SUV. The enhanced 308 Turbo
now features a new six-speed
transmission and a maximum
output of 156 hp. Priced at
RM118,888, the 308 Turbo
now comes with new sporty
black dials on the instrument
panel as well as Bluetooth and
USB connectivity to enhance
its premium quality.
The 308 VTi, which
underwent a facelift this
35
36
new car
NASIM KICKS OFF 2011 WITH THE
308 CC
Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor
of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia,
ushered in 2011 with the launch of the
much anticipated and award-winning
308 CC on Jan 6.
The two-door convertible is the first
of three new models to be launched
by Nasim in 2011. With a stylish and
sporty design, luxurious features and
advanced technology, the new 308 CC
is set to grow Peugeot’s presence in the
local coupe cabriolet market.
“Our previous coupe cabriolet, the
207 CC, was the market leader in the
segment and we believe the new 308
CC will be just as popular in this niche
market.
“Peugeot was the first carmaker to
introduce the coupe cabriolet with the
401 in the 1930s and the new 308 CC
further reinforces Peugeot’s position as
a market leader in this segment,” said
SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, CEO
of Nasim.
The new 2+2 308 CC embodies
Peugeot’s philosophy of Motion and
Emotion with a strong emphasis
on design, technology and places
emotion at the heart of the motoring
experience.
Its exterior is given a sporty appeal
through its dynamic directional xenon
headlamps, LED rear lights, 18-inch
alloy wheels and a twin rear diffuser
design.
Inside, the 308 CC features a
premium leather interior designed in
the tradition of prestige cabriolets,
a retractable high resolution 7-inch
screen, JBL Hi-Fi system, dual zone
air-conditioning and premium leather
electric front seats with memory
functionality for the driver’s seat.
The 308 CC features a two-piece
electrically retractable roof that folds
within 20 seconds that can turn the
car into a dynamic coupe or an elegant
cabriolet.
Safety is also a key characteristic
of the 308 CC with the inclusion of six
airbags as well as the world’s first side
head airbags which are housed in the
seat and deployed laterally from the
head restraint.
Underneath its bonnet, the 308
CC is fitted with Peugeot’s awardwinning twin-scroll turbo high pressure
with direct petrol injection engine
which produces 156 hp and 240 Nm of
torque that is matched to a six-speed
automatic transmission with Triptronic
and a sport mode.
new car
37
over 300 bookings for
ALL NEW SORENTO
Naza Kia Malaysia, the official
distributor of Kia Motors vehicles in
Malaysia, received an overwhelming
response for the all new 2011 Sorento
which was launched on Dec 3.
Since the launch, Naza Kia Malaysia
has received over 300 bookings for the
all new 2011 Sorento, which features Kia
Motors’s latest design DNA.
The all new 2011 Sorento was
launched at the Kuala Lumpur
International Motor Show (KLIMS),
which ran from Dec 3 to Dec 12. Naza
Kia Malaysia’s bookings of over 300
units for the Sorento exceeds its initial
monthly sales target of 150 units for the
highline cruiser.
“We were confident the new Sorento
would be well received by the Malaysian
public. There aren’t many SUVs in
the market that offer the capabilities,
comfort, style and performance of the
new Sorento,” said SM Nasarudin SM
Nasimuddin, CEO of Naza Kia Malaysia.
He said the highline cruiser would
soon be available at Naza Kia Malaysia
showrooms nationwide. Besides the new
Sorento, Naza Kia Malaysia also received
positive feedback from the visitors to its
exhibit at the motor show for its other
38
new car
models on display such as the all new
2011 Kia Optima and 2011 Forte Koup.
“The new Optima and Forte Koup
are among the new Kia models we plan
to introduce to the market in the coming
year,” said SM Nasarudin.
The all new Sorento features
a confident and contemporary
exterior, high-performance
powertrain, modern and
technology-inspired interior with
superior safety features.
The all-new Sorento has been
a best-seller for Kia Motors in
several markets. In the United
States (U.S), Kia Motors America
recently celebrated the sale of its
100,000th Sorento, making it the
first Kia Motors vehicle to surpass the
100,000 unit mark in the U.S. in one
year.
The all-new Sorento features an
aggressive and muscular stance thanks
to Kia’s signature tiger-nosed grille
and high intensity discharge (HID)
wraparound headlamps while its
straight clean lines give it a solid and
robust appearance.
Its sporty appearance is further
accentuated with its 18-inch alloy
wheels, fog lamps, LED rear lamps and
LED side-repeaters on the side-view
mirrors. Underneath the hood of the
new Sorento is a four-cylinder 2.4-litre
DOHC CVVT engine
new car
that produces an output of 174 PS and
226 Nm of torque that is mated to a sixspeed automatic transmission to offer an
exhilarating ride.
For enhanced ride performance, the
new Sorento is fitted with a compact
and lighter MacPherson strut front
suspension and a fully independent
multi-link rear suspension while its
four-wheel drive system enables off-road
driving capabilities.
Inside, the new seven-seater Sorento
offers generous head and legroom. The
award-winning SUV also includes a
host of premium features such as pushbutton start ignition with a smart key, a
panoramic sun roof, a stylish supervision
cluster, in-dash six-CD changer, AUX,
USB and iPod connectivity, Bluetooth
connectivity as well as dual separate
climate control for the driver and the
front passenger.
In terms of safety, the new Sorento
is well equipped with a total of six
airbags (dual front, side and curtain
airbags), four-wheel Anti-lock Braking
System, Electronic Stability Control and
Electronic Brake Distribution.
The highline cruiser also features
Hill Start Assist Control which prevents
the vehicle from rolling backwards
when trying to pull away from an uphill
gradient and Downhill Brake Control
which helps keep the Sorento moving
straight and steady down steep grades.
The bonnet of the new Sorento
is also designed to crumple and flex
strategically to absorb and disperse the
shock of a collision with a pedestrian. As
such, potential injury for pedestrians is
reduced.
The new Sorento is fitted with an
electric chromic mirror (ECM) with a
39
3.5-inch rearview camera for all
round vision, rear parking sensors
and active headrests to cushion
the driver or passenger’s head and
prevent whiplash during a collision.
The new Sorento comes with a fiveyear warranty (terms and condition
apply).
40
motorsports
PROTON CONFIRMS
2011 programme
PROTON Motorsports will start its 2011
programme of events with next month’s
Monte Carlo Rally, where regular driver
Chris Atkinson will be joined by P-G
Andersson. Two-time FIA Junior World
Rally Champion Andersson (Sweden)
brings plenty of experience to the
PROTON Motorsports, having previously
driven for the Suzuki and Ford World
Rally Teams. While confirming its drivers
for the January 19-22 Intercontinental
Rally Challenge opener, PROTON can
also confirm it will contest 10 rounds of
the IRC and the full FIA Asia-Pacific
Rally Championship with the Satria
Neo S2000. In addition to Atkinson and
Andersson, Scotsman Alister McRae will
remain with the Malaysian manufacturer
for next season, contesting the APRC
series and selected rounds of the IRC.
For now though, all eyes are on the
French Alps and the forthcoming Monte
Carlo Rally. Next year’s rally will be
one of the most eagerly anticipated
events in the motorsporting calendar
as the world’s oldest rally celebrates
its centenary year. First run in 1911,
the 2011 itinerary poses a considerably
tougher challenge than it did 100
years ago. Starting from Valence, in
the heart of the Ardeche region, next
month’s event will take crews through
the stages which have built the legend
of this rally down the years. And, just
when the competitors think the event
can’t get any tougher, they arrive at the
overnight final loop which takes them
over the classic Col de Turini - a stretch
of road which has caused more than its
fair share of upset, intrigue and delight
DATO’ SYED ZAINAL ABIDIN SYED MOHAMED TAHIR
(PROTON MANAGING DIRECTOR) SAID
“We are extremely proud to be able to reveal our plans for
the 2011 rally programme. This development represents yet
more exciting news from PROTON, which celebrates its 25th
birthday this year. It’s incredible to think how far we have
come for such a relatively young company. But this is just
the beginning for PROTON. Thanks to the close alliance with
MEM in the UK, the rally team will go from strength
to strength, embracing the cutting-edge technology
which runs through the PROTON road car range.
Competing at such a high level of rallying across
the globe offers PROTON the perfect opportunity
to showcase its range of road cars. And all
of those cars sold to our valued customers
contain a little piece of our rallying DNA; the
same spirit of performance, expertise and
reliability which will undoubtedly carry the
Satria Neo S2000 to the greatest of heights
next season.”
in equal measure. And it’s before the
passionate and frenzied fans on top of
the Turini that PROTON aims to deliver
its first result of the season. PROTON is
already building new Satria Neo S2000s
for next season, with the test car already
heading south for the Alps to start
testing with Atkinson and Andersson
early next week. The Monte Carlo
Rally is nothing new to both PROTON’s
drivers, with Australian Atkinson
arriving in the principality with three
starts and three finishes on an event
that’s rated among the most difficult in
the world. Atkinson has never finished
outside the top six and collected a FIA
World Rally Championship podium last
time out in 2008. Andersson has also
contested the rally three times, taking
a strong eighth place on the 2008 event.
CHRIS ATKINSON SAID:
“Starting the season with
the Monte is awesome.
As a rally driver, this
is the traditional place
where we always start
our year. I’ve always gone
well on the event, but it
is really tough. Running
high in the Alps in
January, you never know
what’s really coming
around the next corner:
it could be dry asphalt,
wet asphalt, snow
or ice. It’s a massive
challenge for the team and the driver, with
one of the most important aspects being
to get the tyres right. I’m looking forward
to continuing my strong record there with
PROTON. As for the rest of the year, it’s
great to have everything sorted out with a
really forward-looking team like PROTON.
There was definitely a feeling of leaving
some unfinished business in the APRC
last season, so we’ll be back bigger, better
and stronger on some of the hottest and
toughest rallies in the world next year.”
motorsports
P-G ANDERSSON SAID:
“It’s great to be joining the PROTON team for Monte Carlo, I can’t
wait to get the testing started. It’s been a couple of years since I
was on this rally the last time, but I have always made good stage
times there and it’s a rally I like. Of course, the conditions can
make it tough, but if you have to gamble with the tyre choice then
you can always make some big gains. Drivers tend to like grip
from the car, so a dry Monte would be nice, but if we have a lot of
snow it’s always
fantastic to drive in these conditions. For now, we are with
PROTON for Monte, but we will be talking straight after the rally to
see what is possible for the future. I’m very happy to join a team
which is looking forward to a good future in the sport.”
ALISTER MCRAE SAID:
“I’m really pleased to be involved with
the team for 2011. We showed some
great potential through last year and with
everything in place, I think we can build
on that for next season. The Asia-Pacific
Rally Championship is the thrust of the
programme for me and going into next
year off the back of the first APRC onetwo in China is great news for PROTON.
I was third in the APRC this year and my
priority is to improve on that, hopefully by
two places!”
CHRIS MELLORS (TEAM PRINCIPAL) SAID:
“We’ve had an extremely positive few weeks since
the end of our season, with PROTON confirming
its significant investment in the car, the team and
infrastructure for next season. To have the programme
signed off is great news and to have PROTON so
thoroughly behind us on
this makes for a very exciting year ahead. On a more
practical footing, we have already begun our testing
for Monte Carlo. Next week, P-G [Andersson] will drive
the car for the first time in the Alps, where he will join
our other entry for the Monte, Chris Atkinson. We’ve
made some steps this season, but with everything in
place for next we’re looking to really push the PROTON
Motorsports ahead in 2011.”
41
42
motorsports
INDYCAR ADOPTS
the lotus position
Lotus supplies engines and aero body kits
for the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series
In a five year deal starting in 2012,
Lotus, the UK based iconic sports and
racecar manufacturer, will supply inhouse engines and aero body kits for the
IZOD IndyCar Series.
Lotus will also create a motorsport
facility in Indianapolis giving the
company a base in the thick of the action
for this exciting and adrenalin filled race
series as well as being close to IndyCar
engine and aero body kit customers.
Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus
said: “Lotus is unique in the automotive
world, no other car company has been
more successful in such a wide variety
of motorsports discipline, whether it is
Le Mans, World Rally, Sportscars, F1
of course and IndyCar. This year we
teamed up with KV Racing for IndyCar
and we will significantly increase our
participation next year. However in
2012 IndyCar competitors will have the
exciting opportunity to choose an IndyCar
with a Lotus engine and aero body kit,
immediately become part of a legacy that
is Lotus: one of the most innovative and
successful sports and racing car brands in
the world.”
Claudio Berro, Director of Lotus
Motorsport said: “The history and DNA
of Lotus is all about extracting the most
performance out of a car in return for
maximum efficiency and we are delighted
to offer our engine and aero body kit to
“Lotus is unique in the
automotive world, no
other car company has
been more successful
in such a wide variety of
motorsports discipline”
Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus
the 2012 IndyCar series.
“We will be using the knowledge
gained from our extensive research into
E85 bio fuel and turbo charged engines
to ensure we extract the maximum
performance. As you would expect
from the company that pioneered
aerodynamics in sports car and F1 racing
over the years, our aero body kit will
also be a world class solution. So all in
all, will the 2012 Lotus IndyCar will be
as innovative and revolutionary as the
Lotus Type 38 that won in 1965 and
changed Indy forever? Maybe – we’ll
have to wait and see!”
Randy Bernard, CEO of Indycar said:
“Lotus is a renowned name in racing,
with a long association with some of the
greatest names of motorsports. We’re
honored Lotus has chosen to serve as an
engine manufacturer for the first time.”
The Lotus IndyCar engine will
follow the agreed rules, namely 2.4 litre,
up to 6 cylinders and turbo charged
and producing between 550 and 700
horsepower to suit the diverse set of
tracks on which the IZOD IndyCar
Series competes. All engines will run
on E85 with additional details on the
fuel platform to be announced at a later
date. Lotus will join Honda (Japan) and
Chevrolet (USA) as an engine supplier.
motorsports
43
GROUP LOTUS + RENAULT + GENII = LOTUS RENAULT GP
lotus, the
manufacturer,
is back
Group Lotus plc and Genii Capital are
pleased to announce a partnership
which will see the Renault F1 Team
renamed as ‘Lotus Renault GP’ from
the start of the 2011 racing season
onwards. The association heralds the
return of a highly successful Formula 1™
association between Lotus and Renault
from the 1980s. Lotus’ racing pedigree
and heritage coupled with Renault’s
technology in Formula 1™ will set the
united team on a path to future success.
Group Lotus plc will acquire a major
equity stake in the team from Genii
Capital. The transaction represents a
partnership between Group Lotus and
Genii Capital and signifies the beginning
of a more comprehensive strategic
alliance between the two organisations.
The partnership between Lotus
and Genii brings the ability to
quickly incorporate new technologies
from F1™ cars into Lotus road cars
including hybrid technology, Kinetic
Energy Recovery Systems (KERS),
aero advancements and lightweight
materials. Genii, an investment holding
company with a portfolio of automotive
technologies, bring non-F1™ technologies
such as lightweight braking systems,
variable compression engine technology
and on board software systems to the
partnership.
Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said:
“I can think of no better platform for
automotive brand communications than
motorsport and F1™. We’re well aware
that there has been a lot of controversy
around the usage of our brand in F1™
and I’m delighted to be able to formally
clarify our position: We are Lotus, and we
are back.”
Dato’ Sri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh,
Chairman of Proton, Lotus majority
shareholder, said: “We know that Group
Lotus has much to offer Formula 1™ and
vice versa. After careful consideration, we
believe this arrangement will be fruitful,
both from a commercial and marketing
point of view.”
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Proton
advisor and former Prime Minister
of Malaysia, said: “This is an exciting
development which delivers strategic
benefits to both Group Lotus and Proton.
I fully support the partnership.”
Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of
Renault, commented: “This multi-partner
alliance will bring a new dynamic to the
team and enable it to compete with the
sport’s best from next season.”
In addition to this, Genii is also
offering Proton the ability to leverage
on its existing business relationships
in Russia and other parts of the world,
as a means to expand Proton’s global
reach. Through Genii, Proton can also
potentially access advanced automotive
technologies by virtue of Genii’s
association with Mangrove, a venture
capital group.
Gerard Lopez, founding partner of
Genii Capital, said: “For Group Lotus,
access to Formula 1™ opens up new
marketing opportunities and a major
platform for business exchanges and
development. In this regard, Genii
Capital possesses shareholdings in, and
direct access to, cutting edge companies
in the automotive industry. Our tie-up
with Group Lotus and Proton, which will
enable its future road car ranges to take
advantage of significant new technologies,
is a natural step.”
44
motorsports
axle bhpetrol racing wins the
PLUS YAMAHA INTERNATIONAL
CHALLENGE 2010
Speedway Plus Circuit, USJ, Selangor,
Malaysia, hosted the Yamaha SL Cup
International challenge for the first time.
This end of year challenge was the finale
for all the champions in the various
Yamaha Championships from around the
Asia Pacific region, including Japan and
Australia.
AXLE BHPetrol Racing entered their
two champions from the Malaysian series
with Ron Tan (senior class) and Daim
Hishammudin (cadet class - age 8 to 12).
Ron made history by becoming the
first Malaysian Champion in the Yamaha
International Challenge senior class
despite only being 15 years of age.
“I am absolutely over the moon with
my result. I had to work on remaining
calm through out the day, especially as
it was so close in the race with so many
competitive racers” Ron said.
Ron qualified second for the final
and after a terrific race long battle with
Rahul Raj Mayer from Malaysia and
Daichi Nagano from Japan, he managed
to overtake and maintain his lead to win
the race.
Daim Hishammudin was leading the
pre final until engine problems crept in.
Engines are balloted and could not be
fixed or changed. During the final, his
engine started losing more power and he
could not keep his competitors behind
him. He eventually finished 9th.
“I am so disappointed to not have won
the challenge as i really thought i had a
chance. I had a few problems adapting
to the brakes on the Birel chassis, but
i was getting stronger as the weekend
progressed, but the engine losing its
power finished any chances i had for
challenging for the win. But thats motor
racing sometimes, and you have to take
the good with the bad.” Daim said.
Eventual winner in the cadet class
was Max Fewtell, who also finished 3rd
in the Malaysian Yamaha SL Cup Cadet
Championship earlier this year.
Technical director, Rodney Magness
said “We are obviously very happy with
Ron. Its been a pleasure to see how much
he has improved this year, and his race
craft was the best its been all year. Daim
also gained great experience today, and
without the engine issues he would have
been right in it. Overall a good day for
the team and its very satisfying to show
the quality of Malaysian karting by
beating so many Yamaha champions
from around the region.”