Iran’s Saipa and Malaysia’s Proton signed an MoU on cooperation in the presence of Iran’s Industries and Mines Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian, IRNA reported.
The MoU obliges the two companies to initiate a unified strategy in design, development, marketing, sales, joint investment, using financial capabilities, as well as export and supply networks of one another.
“One of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s main strategies is promotion of ties, especially with Muslim countries,” Mehrabian said, naming Malaysia a leading Muslim country in science and technology.
The minister noted that of the 56 Muslim countries, Iran, Malaysia and Turkey are best situated to produce cars.
Taking advantage of the Muslim countries’ huge market has been underlined in the recent meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference.
Continue reading Iran Saipa and Proton Malaysia JV
NTV7’s Edisi 7 interviews Dr Halim Ali, inventor of the Hydrofuel system (I noticed the Hydroxene name is not used anymore). He says 5 liters of water lasts about 2,000km.
He claims over 79,000 (multiplied by RM1,300 that’s about RM102.7 million in sales!) bookings so far for the system and plans to expand the Hydrofuel dealer network up to 600 dealers nationwide. The first Hydrofuel units will be installed into customer vehicles in about 2 weeks time, and installation could take anywhere between 45 minutes to 3 hours.
He said that although he has received offers to sell the technology, some offers amounting to US$26mil (RM95.7mil), he had no intention of letting foreign parties get hold of it.
Continue reading Hydrofuel hot alternative to costly NGV and price sensitive fuel
At the 2008 British Motor Show as the Lotus Evora, and Lotus is beaming over its little eaglet. The Evora will be the most grown up and accessible Lotus in the British manufacturer’s lineup.
To illustrate, the automaker claims it will fit two American males in the front seats (did they just call us fat?). It’s a mid-engine, 2+2 coupe (a convertible is planned) with 3.5L V6 sourced from Toyota but elevated by Lotus above its humble origins to produce 276 horsepower. The car weighs just 2,976 lbs., which might be a lot for a Lotus but is well below the average weight of most cars.
Continue reading Lotus Evora in London 2008
It appears the story is being repeated worldwide, soaring gas prices move drivers onto two wheels and in turn, motorcycle fatalities increase substantially.
In the case of Malaysia, the increase of a 120,000 extra motorcyclists on the road in the first six months this year is being blamed for an additional 218 motorcyclist deaths during the period of January to June this year, compared to the same time last year.
Every year, some 400,000 new motorcycles are registered.
“Fatal accidents involving motorcyclists have increased for the first six months this year compared to the same period last year even though cases of serious accidents have decreased," said Malaysia’s Road Safety Department Director-General.
“Among the reason why this is happening is because more road users are now using motorcycles due to the increase of petrol. People who traveled by car before are now traveling by motorcycle.”
Back again the partnering issue, to have or not to have it sign & seal? Or a stock holder games in KLSC.
Check this news from AFP 2 days ago.
Malaysia’s national carmaker needs to hook up with a foreign company if it is to compete in the automotive industry, the trade minister said according to Sunday news reports.
Muhyiddin Yassin said such a partnership would help Proton expand into overseas markets, and thrive in the long term.
“I don’t think we need to be too nationalistic in supporting Proton without taking into consideration what the business is all about,” he said according to the Star daily.
“Proton needs to grow beyond the boundaries of Malaysia, where it needs to be competitive, form partnerships, have good technology and brand name,” he said.
Continue reading Proton need a foreign partner? Again!!
An interest rate hike would have a significant impact on car sales in Malaysia.
“Customers are concerned over speculation that interest rates would be increased,” said Edaran Tan Chong Sdn Bhd executive director, Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng.
“In fact, the new fuel structure has not affected sales as much, as customers can switch to smaller cars. But higher interest rates will have a negative impact,” he told reporters during a media tour of Tan Chong Motor assemblies Sdn Bhd’s plant in Serendah near here today.
According to Ang, customers were also concerned over drastic changes to their car loan repayment amid the slowdown in the economy.
During the January to May period this year, total industry volume (TIV) rose by 29 percent to 228,984 units from 176,959 units in the same period last year, he said.
During the period, Edaran Tan Chong had a five percent market share or 11,131 units compared to 6,015 units previously boosted by the sale of its Grand Livina, Latio and Sylphy models.
Continue reading Nissan to boost compact car and fuel economy vehicle market
