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.”
Singaporean "STOP RACING RECKLESSLY" on Malaysia roads.
In the wee hours of the morning was how three Singaporean drivers allegedly got their kicks.
Occupants of the Toyota Vios, a man and two women, survived the crash with minor injuries. — NANYANG SIANG PAU
But on Sunday morning, their greed for speed killed one innocent motorcyclist in Johor Baru.
One of the three Singapore-registered cars hit a road divider and the driver lost control of the vehicle.
His car, a red Toyota Vios, flipped over and crashed into the back of a motorcyclist, killing him instantly.
more on » Singaporean racers kill a Malaysian
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.
more on » 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.
more on » Nissan to boost compact car and fuel economy vehicle market
Proton Holdings will open its doors to public, staff and families at the Proton Tech Day highlighting current car maker technologies and technology which Proton R&D are currently developing.
Date: 2nd August 2008
Venue: Proton
Details of activities yet to be known. CS will update once all the information gathered.
Proton Perdana the flagship of Proton fleet of cars are really in need of replacement. Enough with the facelifts, it deserves better than a minor changes.
CS found this a spied shot what could be the Rebirth of Proton Perdana.
more on » 2008 Proton Perdana replacement or 2009
