NEWS: Proton records RM105 mil profit in Q1, growth in all areas

SOURCE: Paul Tan's Blog

August 23, 2010 at 11:24 pm By Danny Tan

Proton records RM105 mil profit in Q1, growth in all areas

National carmaker Proton announced its financial results for the first quarter of the company’s 2010/11 financial year. It was positive figures across the board, with a headline of RM105 million profit before tax in Q1. This is significantly more than the RM13 million profit made in the previous quarter (Q4 09/10). In the same period of the previous financial year, Proton posted RM64 million profit before tax.

Riding on the 19% growth in Malaysia’s Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the first half of 2010, Proton sold 39,994 vehicles in Q1, which is 8% more than the corresponding period in 2009. Similarly, revenue rose to RM2.29 billion from RM1.85 billion.

Some of you might have been surprised at Proton’s position in our recent Thai market report post (Exora is the best selling MPV in Thailand), and the company is happy to announce that total exports have increased by 88% (8,303 units) compared to Q1 09/10. This figure takes into account the Gen2 and Persona CKD kits exported to China, which amounts to 60-65% of total exports. In the longer term, the company plans to introduce the Proton brand in China, making the world’s largest auto market its left-hand drive hub.

Proton, which has a presence in 29 countries, is working hard to boost exports as “the domestic market has reached saturation point and exports are needed to increase economies of scale,” according to Proton Chairman Dato’ Sri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh.

The company is also seeking to establish more CKD operations in other countries to replace the current CBU (except China) practice, as localisation to meet diverse needs is essential. The markets Proton is eyeing are ASEAN, China, Iran and India. The short term goal is to reach 40,000 export units this financial year.

Besides higher car sales, Proton attributed the improved financial showing to the ongoing efforts to rationalise its dealer and support network. Offering value added products/services, consolidation of dealers, increased efficiency and the promotion of the use of genuine parts all led to a 40% growth in revenue from service and spare parts in Q1.

At the media briefing, management revealed that the company is deep in a restructuring process that will see it being divided into four strategic business units (SBU). While not disclosing what the SBUs are (there could be a manufacturing arm and a dealer arm, for instance), it was explained that by doing this, it would be easier to collaborate with other companies.

For example, if company V wants to work with Proton on vehicle assembly, it would be possible for the manufacturing deal to happen without company V buying equity into Proton. V may be eyeing something Proton has, but may not want to manage another brand.

At the event, Proton MD Dato’ Syed Zainal also showed off some very interesting future products and plans. Stay tuned for more!

END OF ARTICLE. Source:

http://paultan.org/2010/08/23/proton-records-rm105-mil-profit-in-q1-growth-in-all-areas/

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

HOT NEWS: Proton's NEW turbo engine gets 6-speed manual Getrag gearbox!

HOT NEWS: Proton's turbo engine gets 6-speed manual Getrag gearbox!

Proton is certainly moving up ahead with its new engine development.
According to industry sources, the new engine will be using turbo technology but is developed more for low end torque and fuel consumption.

The main target for the engine is for the Exora, which we was told will only happen next year.
We were told that the Low Pressure Turbo (LPT) system uses a turbine from BorgWarner  and pressure starts to kick in at around 1,800rpm.  Power should hover around 140hp.

Apart from the LPT system, the new engine will also be using a Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) system on the intake valves.

Transmission wise, the 6-speed Getrag gearbox is said to be chosen for the engine while a CVT gearbox by ZF will replace the normal torque converter automatic transmission system. Proton realises that it needs more control on the transmission and using Mitsubishi's will not allow them so.

The engine is loosely based from the CAMPRO block but many changes have been done to it (improved water jackets, etc) and that it should deserve a new name.

CBT editorial team  thinks the project's code name, Phoenix, is good enough.


SOURCE:
1) http://cbt.com.my/100319/proton039s-turbo-engine-gets-6-speed-manual-getrag-gearbox

NST/Maybank Car of the Year award 2009

Peugeot 308 Turbo wins “Overall Car of the Year 2008” Award

Source: Cars.Bike.Trucks website:
http://cbt.com.my/091214/peugeot-308-turbo-wins-%E2%80%9Coverall-car-year-2008%E2%80%9D-award

Submitted by salihin on Mon, 14/12/2009 - 12:36pm


The new Peugeot 308 Turbo made its mark when it won the New Straits Times/Maybank “Overall Car of the Year 2009” Award. The 308 Turbo was also a winner in the Family Car Award.

The winners for the New Straits Times/Maybank 2009 Awards were announced at a gala dinner at The Saujana Kuala Lumpur, hosted by the New Straits Times and title sponsor Maybank Berhad.

The guest-of-honour for the night was Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the Deputy Prime Minister.


Also present was Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association.

A panel of 10 judges, comprising motoring editors, an automotive blogger and other distinguished personalities unanimously voted for the Peugeot 308 Turbo as winner of the coveted “Overall Car of The Year” based on its impressive road handling, powerful performance, comfort and safety.

Judges were impressed by the car’s fuel efficiency, and the performance of the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine, already an award winner internationally - but it was the 308 Turbo’s competitive price point and build quality that was the key factor in its win. The car also has a full-length panoramic glass roof, the only car in its class to offer such a feature.

The 308 Turbo is completely knocked down (CKD) and consists of imported parts from France. It is distributed by the official franchise holder of Peugeot Automobiles in Malaysia, Nasim Sdn Bhd (NSB), a member of the Naza Group of Companies.


The winner of the Good Design Award is the Toyota Prius. Already the number one selling hybrid car in the world, The Prius was selected not just for its beautifully sculpted shape, but also how much of its styling have been made to help its aerodynamic efficiency. Judges were also won over by the flowing lines of the car’s interior, the overall “cockpit” feel of the cabin, right down to the innovative use of storage space in the car.

The Volvo XV60, winner of the Luxury SUV award, added another feather to its cap by winning the Safety Award for its impressive list of safety features, which include the laser-based City Safety feature, Lane Departure Warning System and Collision Warning with Auto Brake, which uses radar technology for vehicle tracking.

The winners were selected from 68 new models introduced between December 2008 and October 2009, and judges took into account criteria such as exterior and interior design, comfort and ergonomics, performance, safety, emotional appeal, and after sales service including the comprehensiveness of its warranty. Points were awarded to the cars, and the vehicle with the most points wins the category. The overall Car of The Year winner was then selected from the list of 15 winners.

The night also saw history in the making when two distinguished names in motoring were selected as the “Automotive Man of The Year 2009” Award, Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng and Datuk Syed Abdull Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar.


Dato’ Dr Ang is the Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor while Datuk Syed Abdull Hafiz is the Managing Director of Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua).

Dato Dr Ang was selected for his efforts in keeping the Tan Chong business thriving and making it the icon it is today, all this in spite of internal turmoil and pressure from its Japanese principal.

yed Hafiz was recognised for presenting a product loved by Malaysians for its quality, reliability and styling.

The Car of the Year Awards is the country’s first motoring award, and was launched in 2002 by Cars, Bikes and Trucks, the motoring section of the New Sunday Times, as a means to acknowledge achievements within the motoring industry.

The event is endorsed by the Malaysian Automotive Association.



1- Entry Level Car of the Year 2009 - Hyundai i10



2- Compact Car of the Year 2009 - Honda City



3 – Premium Compact Car of the Year 2009 - Fiat 500



4- Family Car of the Year 2009 - Peugeot 308 Turbo



5- Executive Car of the Year 2009 - Honda Accord 2.0 VTI-L


6- Premium Executive Car of the Year 2009 - Alfa Romeo 159


7- Limousine of the Year 2009 - Jaguar XFR



8- Performance Car of the Year 2009 - Mazda RX8


9- Premium Performance Car of the Year 2009 - Nissan 370Z



10- Midi MPV of the Year 2009 - Proton Exora



11- Large MPV of the Year 2009 - Hyundai Grand Starex Royale



12- SUV of the Year 2009 - Mitsubishi Pajero Sport



13- Premium SUV of the Year 2009 - Audi Q5



14- Luxury SUV of the Year 2009 - Volvo XC60 LE


15- Twin Cab Pickup Truck of the Year 2009 - Mitsubishi Triton


16 - Good Design Award 2009 - Toyota Prius



17 - Safety Award 2009 - Volvo XC60


18 - NST-Maybank Car of the Year 2009 (overall winner) - Peugeot 308 Turbo


Head of the Jury Panel, CBT Editor Yamin Vong delivering the citations for the Automotive Man Of The Year Awards


END OF SOURCE...

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

I'm back and I CUT ALREADY! (18SX)

SORRY FELLOW READERS/FOLLOWERS, After 2 week hiatus, I'm back. I've ditched the WORST Broadband service provider, S-L-O-W (hey, it's only averaged 2x faster than 56k DIAL-UP MODEM (mine is RM66 512kb package + RM26 fixed line = RM92++), always down - DSL light blinking (my house is in Section 17, Petaling Jaya where it's full of UTAR/UM Students = always congested). This is no other than Streamyx, by Telekom Malaysia.

The reason I didn't post for 2 weeks is because:
i) Preparation of MOTHER'S 60th birthday party bash at Grand Millenium Hotel on 18 October.
ii) Sister's birthday on 23rd October
iii) Lastly, my ADSL Modem struck by lightling back in 3rd October 2009. Hence, I relied on 56k TMNET dial-up modem till TODAY. Hey, can't update much with average transfer speed of 4.1kbps right?

Well, I'm proud to announce: TODAY I FINALLY CUT ALREADY!!!

This is actually the 2nd time I CUT IT...

"WARNING 18SX": 1st time is REAL ONE when I was 14 years old. My "sunroof skin" is too THICK and can't open fully, dad said it'll be pain when making love in future. So he brought me to a hospital... AND CUT IT... Gotta wear SARONG for 3 weeks. Aiya... Long story man. End of the day, after the "surgery" my brother's NOT ONLY CLEANER, BUT grew 1.2" longer and slightly thicker in 3 years (by 17 years old)...

Without further ado, here's one of the funny leaflet found around Klang Valley.




I addition, here's some goodies I found in youtube. They have both the Radio and TV Commercials version which I found it very hilarious. Hence, I decided to share to you readers/followers of my blog:

RADIO ADVERTISEMENTS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNSUKNck3kk
Cantonese

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpwgPZICpHM
Malay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I_e2jkUTZ8
English

VIDEO ADVERTISEMENTS:
Cantonese 1: (Director's cut)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjM1OR0d-b4

Cantonese 2: (Director's cut)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDCCvDiKmEg

Malay version (Director's cut):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQiZhxvdxHU

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

All Models from Honda Malaysia are RON95 compatible

Petaling Jaya, 26 August 2009 - Honda Malaysia today announced that all models distributed by the company are compatible with petrol RON95 (Research Octane Number 95). The Company announced this following the government's decision to increase the price of RON97, along with the introduction of a more affordable option, RON95, which will replace RON92. The new fuel is available at RM1.75 per litre effective 1^st September 2009.

Honda Accord 2.0 VTi-L.

Honda's premium sedan-driving SUV in a new sophisticated colour - Taffeta White.

As RON97 is most commonly used, many are doubtful in switching to fuel with lower RON. Honda Malaysia assured all Honda drivers that RON95 should not affect any model distributed by its authorised dealers with the exception of Civic Type R.

"Since 2001, all Honda cars require a minimum RON91, hence, any number above the minimum RON is safe. The switch therefore will not affect the performance and fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Compromisation of performance and fuel efficiency will only occur when the RON is lower than the minimum requirement," said Mr. Toru Takahashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.

"Except for Civic Type R, of which we recommend RON97 because of its high performance engine. A higher RON will thus produce more power for this performance sedan. Otherwise, the performance and fuel consumption may be affected," he added.

In the event when fuel with lower RON is used, a condition called engine knocking will happen, which will result in reduced performance and fuel efficiency.

In order to prevent engine knocking, all models from Honda Malaysia are equipped with knock sensors. Knock sensors are detectors that signal engine operation to slow down the ignition timing (spark plug action) in case of engine knocking, which would consequently affect the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency. These knock sensors can also run on fuel with a minimum octane number of 91.

For models distributed before 2001 or distributed by non-authorised Honda dealers, owners are advised to cross check the vehicle's minimum RON requirement by referring to their owner's manual.

For more information, please visit www.honda.com.my or call 1-800-88-2020 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What exactly is RON?

RON stands for Research Octane Number, which measures the quality of fuel. It represents the fuel's ability to resist premature & uncontrolled combustion that occurs when fuel pre-ignites before the ignition spark plug.

2. What is engine knocking?

Engine knocking is caused by self-ignition of the fuel or air mixture, which is a result of using RON levels that is lower than the minimum requirement.

3. What is the minimum RON requirement of my Honda Car?

For all Honda cars produced in year 2001 onwards, the minimum RON requirement is 91. Honda cars are equipped with 'Knock Sensors' that detect the octane quality of the fuel used, enabling it to automatically adjust spark timing to prevent engine knocking.

We advice drivers that bought their cars from non-authorised dealers to check their owner's manual for minimum RON requirement.

4. Type-R RON Issue

It is recommended to use RON97 for Civic Type R because of its high performance engine, as it was tested in Japan with RON100 for optimum engine performance. Please note that this engine version with knock control can also run on fuel with a minimum octane number of 91; but performance and fuel consumption are affected as a result.

5. What is a Knock Sensor? Are all Honda cars equipped with Knock Sensors?

A knock sensor is a detector, which identifies engine knocking during spark ignition. When engine knocking occurs, the knock sensor signals the engine operation to slow down the ignition timing that will eliminate the knock, which may result in some power loss.

All Honda cars are equipped with Knock Sensor.

6. What fuel should I use & what RON works best for my car?

As long as the fuel used is not below the minimum RON requirement (RON91), it will be appropriate for all Honda Cars.

7. What is the effect to the engine if petrol of a different RON is mixed together?

As long as the fuel meets or exceeds the minimum RON required by the engine, mixing is fine & should not damage your engine. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97). However, do note that different fuel brands come with different levels & types of additives, so mixing different fuels may not provide the optimum performance & efficiency for your vehicle.

8. Do I have to always pick the highest octane rating petrol for my vehicle?

Anything above the minimum RON requirement, which is RON91 for all Honda cars will be appropriate. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97).

9. Will there be a reduction of fuel efficiency & performance with the use of RON95 from RON97?

The efficiency & performance will not be affected if the car uses above its minimum requirement RON which is RON91 for all Honda Cars. (except Civic Type R, recommended RON97). Loss of power & fuel efficiency will only occur when the minimum RON requirement is not met as the knock sensor signals the engine operations to retard its spark timing to eliminate engine knock.

Source: http://www.honda.com.my/newsevents/news/details.dot?inode=60509

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

Petrol Price Higher "because of subsidy"

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2 – The price of petrol had to be adjusted upward “because of an increase in subsidy”, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak explained today.

He said the government was committed to a 30 sen subsidy for every litre of petrol sold to the rakyat (people).

“Our promise to the rakyat is a subsidy of 30 sen but the subsidy is currently more than 30 sen. So there has to be a slight adjustment, a minor adjustment," he told reporters after announcing the winner of the 1 Malaysia song competition at Bangunan Putra Perdana, here.

He was asked to comment on the increase in the pump price for RON95 from the RM1.75 announced earlier to RM1.80 per litre while RON 97 is now sold at RM2.05 from RM1.80 previously, both effective since yesterday.

As he was answering the question during the press conference, Najib said he would provide a detailed explanation later. – Bernama

Source: The Malaysian Insider, 4 September 2009.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/36696-petrol-price-higher-because-of-subsidy

That's all folks... Feel free to post your comments here...

IN: SHOUTMIX and Nuffnang XChange, OUT: Chatango

Fellow readers of my blog, Did you guys noticed any changes?

Well, I've removed Chatango in My blog due to HYPER-UNFAVOURABLE response. Also "Chatango" is less popular among the Malaysians.

So, now, I present you SHOUTMIX AND Nuffnang XCHANGE (among Nuffnangers). I hope I can attract more and more visitors/readers to this blog...

Warmest regards,
Jeff Lim
ONLY Blog owner and editor...
(Contributors wanted).

31 May - World No Tobacco Day

Friday, May 29, 2009

31 May - World No Tobacco Day

This 31st May, world will be celebrating No Tobacco Day. The theme of this year celebration is 'Tobacco Health Warnings'.


So to all smoker in this world, please put all your cigarette away on this 31st May. Better still if you can stop smoking for your own good and to people around you. Smoking is just wasting your money. [Eg. 2 packs a day @ RM9.00 per pack = 18.00 per day => RM540 A MONTH!!! WAH! RM540 is A LOT OF MONEY! Can use the Money to pay for Car Installments. Can borrow for a car worth RM50,000+/- (9 years, 10k d/p, 3.5% interest, RM540 per month...)]

In addition, it deteriorate your health at faster rate.

For more info please visit this link:

My Health Portal
http://www.myhealth.gov.my/myhealth/bm/template.jsp?
showMe=36&catalogid=1242715108286

Info Sihat
http://www.infosihat.gov.my/isusemasa.php?id=35

WHO
My Health Portal

SOURCE: Zuhrizad's blog... [EXCEPT the CALCULATION which is Jeff's original]
http://zuhrizad.blogspot.com/2009/05/31-may-world-no-tobacco-day.html