We have in previous post shared, a story where a Honda Civic Hybrid owner claims defect in IMA system. You can read the whole story here. The case was closed on 28 March 2012 and in favous to Honda Malaysia. Read below email that I received from Jessica Tan

Dear Members of the Social Media,

Good afternoon.

Recently in the past few months, there has been an email circulating to you all by Ms. Latifah Emir regarding our Civic Hybrid which she purchased. In the email, she made some false accusations about our products (IMA battery) being faulty and also about Honda Malaysia. Due to the sensitivity of the case as it was under Judicial Review, we restrained to make comments or give any statements regarding that matter.

On the 28^th of March 2012, the Kuala Lumpur High Court through Judicial Review R2-25-249-09/2011, in favor of Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd & our Authorized Dealer Kah Motor Co Sdn Bhd, quashed the decision of the Consumer Tribunal after finding that the claim made by Ms. Latifah Emir was unsustainable. This put an end to the allegation by Ms. Latifah that the Honda Civic Hybrid’s IMA battery was a faulty product. The High Court acknowledged that Honda’s IMA battery is not a defective product as claimed by Ms. Latifah Emir.

The legal pursuit has ended in favor of Honda by proving that it had not misinformed its customers or the general public at any point in time about its Hybrid technology products.

We sincerely hope that this statement clarifies any doubts of Honda’s Hybrid Technology that was created by Ms. Latifah Emir over these past few months.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Honda PR Department at 03-7718 9231 for further clarifications.

Thank you.

One of the recent hot news in the social media, forum is about Preve is its failure just based on the picture above. The photo was taken by Maniac and first posted in lowyat forum. The picture goes viral as quickly as its booking figures.

For those who love to blame our national car for what ever reason, read the official statement from Proton on this issue below :

We would like to address concerns regarding pictures of a damaged Proton Prevé circulating on the web.

At around 4.45pm yesterday, one of our sales advisors was involved in an accident while driving from Jalan Sentul towards Jalan Pahang …in KL, when the Proton Prevé that he was driving hit a divider and landed awkwardly causing the lower arm to break.

While we’re happy to report that our sales advisor is unhurt, our test-drive unit, however, was damaged as a result of the accident. So, remember to buckle up and drive safe because accidents can happen – to anyone and to any car.

Source : Proton FB

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has launched the brand new Proton Prevé today.

“Over 27 years in the automotive industry, Proton has progressed by leaps and bounds and produced many models for the local and international markets.

“Proton Preve has been developed in accordance with global standards of quality and safety which, in combination with its competitive price, makes it a truly attractive car to own,” he said.

Proton has described the turbocharged Preve (meaning ‘to prove’) as its most technologically-advanced vehicle to date.

The 1.6 Charged Fuel Efficiency (CFE) engine is Proton’s first turbocharged engine with an economical 6.6 litre/100km fuel consumption and 10,000km service interval.

It is equipped with features to enhance driver comfort and safety, including a push-start button, active headrests, LED lights, Electronic Stability Control(ESC), Anti-lock brakes(ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Proton Preve Variants

Proton Preve is offered in three variants: the Premium with 1.6 CFE engine mated with Proton’s seven-speed ProTronic CVT, and two Executive variants utilising the six-speed CVT transmission, and five-speed manual transmission; both coupled with the IAFM+ engine.

How To Book Proton Preve

Preve, which will be available at all authorised Proton showrooms nationwide tomorrow.

This model is also the first Proton model to receive the five-star Malaysian Vehicle Assessment Programme (MyVAP) rating by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (MIROS).

Proton Preve Price

The Preve is priced from RM72,990 for Premium variant, RM62,990 for the Executive CVT and RM59,990 for the Executive with manual transmission.

Proton Prevé 1.6 CVT PREMIUM
RM 72,990.00 / Metallic
RM 72,540.00 / Solid

Proton Prevé 1.6 MT EXECUTIVE
RM 59,990.00 / Metallic
RM 59,540.00 / Solid

Proton Prevé 1.6 CVT EXECUTIVE
RM 62,990.00 / Metallic
RM 62,540.00 / Solid

Preve Colour

Its available in six colours — blue lagoon, fire red, tranquility black, solid white, genetic silver and elegant brown.

The new Proton model which previously known with a codename P3-21A finally has its own name Proton Prevé ! The Proton Prevé was first introduced as TUAH in KL Motor Show.

Proton Holdings Berhad group managing director Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the name came from the English word “preve”, which means proof or to prove. The new car’s name has been given a tweak in its pronunciation, which is “prae-veh”.

This is the first Proton model which was made with global markets in mind. “The Prevé is a re-alignment of our DNA for the future and is a de­­parture from the past,” Syed Zainal Abidin said at a press conference at the Maritime Centre here yesterday.

The Price

The car will come in 1.6-litre CFE (premium), 1.6-litre CVT (executive) and the 1.6-litre manual editions, with prices from RM62,000 to RM75,000.

How To Place Booking

PROTON has opened booking for Proton Prevé  since  14 March 2012.  You can book it at the nearest PROTON dealer. However, until now there is no test unit yet.

If the Toyota Prius C look boring to you without a bodykit, you should look into the bodykit available for Toyota Prius C or also known as Toyota aqua in Japan. Please take note that the bodykit listed here at the moment only available in Japan and the cost easily hit RM6,000+ for full unit.

So far only TRD and Modellista bodykit available for Toyota Prius C. It is expected that TOMS Racing will introduce their kit for Prius C soon.

Toyota Prius C – TRD Bodykit

The price for Toyota Prius C bodykit listed at TRD website.

Toyota Prius C (Aqua) – Modellista Bodykit

For those who have been waiting for Proton new model, the booking for much awaited P3-21A which is based on model TUAH will be opened on 14 March 2012. You can book Tuah P3-21A at nearest Proton dealer.

Unlike previous model, this P3-21A is the first global model from Proton. Being marketed for global, definitely Proton will focus on quality etc for this unit.

P3-21A is just a model code, the actual name will be announced during launching.

Before you book, watch the P3-21A video below :

Click here to view the embedded video.

UMW Toyota has recently introduced the new facelift Toyota Prius for Malaysian. Eventhough there is no major changes, but many who have bought Prius (from Prius forum) earlier felt upset as UMW should notify earlier on the NFL model. One of the most coolest feature in the LED daytime running lights

Anyway, lets see what are the changes in the Prius 2012 :

• LED daytime running lights
• New lower grille style
• repositioned fog lamps,
• New rear lights
• New Bordeaux Mica Metallic colour.
• The theme is now available in Black.

For 2012, UMW has also introduced new variant called Luxury. The high spec model comes with  LED projector headlamps with auto leveling and washer,  electro chromic rear view mirror and leather seats. The Prius Luxury is tagged at RM145,500 while the normal spec price remains at RM139,900 OTR with insurance.

Visit : Go-Prius.com

UMW Toyota Motor has recently launched the all new Prius C or also known as Toyota Aqua in the JDM market. We should thank to the government for the tax exemption for all hybrid car cc below 2.0. without this incentive, we think, all this model will be hardly to be seen in our road.

The B-segment model is actually a direct competitor to Honda Insight which was first hit our market last year. Tagged at RM97,000, the Prius C has good price to give run of money to Honda Insight.

Just like older brother Prius, the Prius C is powered by Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive “full hybrid” system. The engine 1NZ-FXE alone are delivering 73 PS and 111 Nm of torque while the electric motor added another 61 PS and 169 Nm of torque which makes 101 PS when combined.  The motor is powered by a 144-volt nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery located under the rear seats (max output is 19.3 kW).  Just like Prius, you have few modes for the driver namely Normal, ECO and EV

Toyota Prius C Malaysia Spec

• Engine : 1NZ-FXE
• Max Output : 54KW (73PS) / 4,800RPM
• Max Torque : 111 (11.3) / 4,000
• Fuel System : EFI, Unleaded RON 91 or higher
• Motor : 520v
• Motor Output : 45kw (61PS)
• Motor Torque : 169 (17.2)
• Battery : Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) 144v
• CO₂Emissions : 91 g/km
• Transmission : Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)
• Smart Entry System
• OPTIONAL : 2-DIN Head Unit with 6.1″ Colour Touch Screen, Tuner, DVD-Player, MP3, AUX-Jack, USB, iPod® compatibility, Bluetooth®, Navigation System and Reverse Camera

Colours
There are five colours available – pearl white, silver, black, citrus orange and red.

Price
The Prius c is priced at RM97,000 on the road including insurance.

How To book ?
You can book now at any Toyota dealers and the waiting list currently three months. For details visit Toyota.com.my

Photo Gallery

One of most successful Toyota model in Malaysia is Avanza. Since its first launched in 2004, a total of  140,000 units of the first gen MPV have been sold.

The era of old Avanza finally come to the end as UMW Toyota introduce all new Avanza 2012. The new Avanza is 20 mm longer and 30 mm wider than the older model.

The new Avanza 2012, is powered by the 3SZ-VE 1.5-litre VVTi engine which delivers 103 PS and 136 Nm. For those who want smaller engine, you can get 1.3L with a 5-speed manual gearbox, makes 91 PS and 117 Nm of torque.

UMW Toyota claimed, the new Avanza has better improvement interm of fuel consumption. The Avanza fuel consumption is rated at 12 km/l and the 1.3 model at 12.6 km/l.  Better FC is believed is due to Toyota continuous efforts to lower rolling resistance tyres (by 10%), improved aerodynamics, lower weight (15-20 kg depending on variant) and the adoption of Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Where to Book ?

You can visit nearest Toyota dealer to place your booking.

Toyota Avanza Price

The Avanza 1.3 is priced at RM64,590, the 1.5E at RM72,590, the 1.5G at RM77,290 and the 1.5S at RM79,590. These are on the road prices including insurance, for metallic colours. Solar Flim and an Aerokit

Toyota Avanza 2012 Pictures

A revision in motor tariff premium rates in Malaysia will take effect from Jan 16 on a gradual basis over the next four years.

Bank Negara said at a briefing that the premium adjustment, which would be implemented in small amounts over a measured pace, was expected to have only a marginal impact on the public and businesses.

For example, in respect of third-party cover, motorcycles of 100cc would experience a premium increase of between RM1 and RM3.50 per year over the next four years. For a private car of 1,400cc, the premium adjustment would be in the range of RM6 to RM34 per year over the next four years.

The premium adjustment for commercial vehicles such as outstation taxis and buses, on the other hand, would see only a minimal impact of less than 10 sen per passenger per trip.

Tariff adjustments aside, the element of loading would still apply based on the risk profile and age of the vehicles, but the maximum rate of loading would remain unchanged at 150%.

The upcoming revision in motor tariff premium rates forms part of the New Motor Cover Framework that is aimed at addressing the structural issues within the motor insurance sector to ensure continuous and sustainable motor protection to users.

It will be the first to be undertaken after more than 30 years of non-revision, despite the fact that the levels of car ownership, accident rates and claim incidences have risen significantly over the years, thus putting cost pressures on the country’s motor insurance industry.

Malaysia now has 19 million registered vehicles.

Under the new framework, Bank Negara said the adjustment on motor tariff premium rates would be reviewed periodically to ensure that the adjusted premium rates would be reflective of the claims experience.

The new measure was expected to pave the way for the de-tariffing of motor insurance sector in Malaysia by 2016, following which motor premium rates were expected to be further differentiated according to the risk profile of individual vehicles to ensure fairness to consumers.

The new framework would also encompass enhancing efficiency in claims settlement process.

Bank Negara said the objective was to ensure that all claims would be settled within six to 18 months, compared with the present average lead time of up to five years.

As part of an initiative to enhance the efficiency, Bank Negara said it would introduce a motor insurance claims kit to expedite notification of an accident and claims as well as the establishment of a nationwide 24-hour call centre to provide immediate roadside assistance to accident victims in the first quarter.

The central bank is also working on a review of legal fees in bodily injury cases, measures to incentivise early claims notification and leverage on hospital counters to facilitate claims notification as well as the development of guidelines on long-term nursing care.

These initiatives are targeted for completion by June.

source : TheStar

Proton Exora Bold is the latest products of Proton, the improved version of Proton exora gets many improvement not just on the interior and exterior but most important the fuel efficiency.

Proton Exora Bold is powered by the Campro Charge Fuel Efficiency (CFE) which delivers  138 hp at 5,000 rpm and 205 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm from 1.6 litres. For this model, Proton make use of  CVT gearbox and claimed fuel consumption of 7.8 litres per 100 km.

From tomorrow until 18 December, you can test drive Exora Bold and  get door gifts as well. The price of Exora BOLD is as follows :

• 1.6 Standard MT RM59,998,
•  Bold 1.6 Executive MT for RM70,998,
•  Bold 1.6 Executive AT for RM74,998
• Bold 1.6 Premium CVT for RM79,998.
• Exora Prime is priced at RM88,998.

Honda UK has launched an official road-going version of the CR-Z MUGEN which will arrive at dealers in UK sometime spring 2012.  Honda’s eight specialist MUGEN dealers will retail the hot Honda CR-Z iCF for a list price estimated at around £24,000.

This hot hatch claimed to be hot as Civic Type R hot hatch with 0-62mph taking 6.1 seconds – more than 3 seconds faster than standard.  It is also capable of over 130mph, thanks to a 175hp power output that’s up over standard by more than half.

This performance boost has been achieved by the MUGEN Euro engineers, who have fitted a centrifugal forced air induction kit, charge-air cooler and a MUGEN Euro remap for the ECU. This improves torque as well as power.

Yet despite the performance changes, Honda has retained the 3-button IMA modes that help the hybrid Honda return strong fuel consumption figures.

Martin Moll, Head of Honda (UK) marketing said, “MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the “hot hatch” marketplace as we move into 2012.”

There’s still work to be done, which is why the car will not go on sale until the spring. When it does go on sale though, it will become the second production car to be jointly developed by Honda and MUGEN Euro, following the 2010 Civic Type R MUGEN.

Watch Honda CR-Z Mugen Video :

Click here to view the embedded video.

PROTON Holdings Bhd has today unveiled a new entry-level Saga variant, the Saga FLX SE which is targeted to hit the younger generation of car buyers.

The Powerplant

Proton Saga FLX SE is powered by the 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic transmission. The advantage of having CVT transmission in this model as its capable in delivering better torque (four per cent better acceleration), and reduces fuel consumption by an additional four per cent compared with the current 1.6-litre Saga.

Price
Proton Saga FLX SE is priced from RM49,449. Priced RM2,900 above the current selling 1.6-litre automatic Saga FL.

Colour
Available in two colour choices – Solid White and Fire Red.

Warranty
The Saga FLX SE comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.

The national car maker said since the Saga was launched in January 2008, there were now 274,469 units of Saga on the road with PROTON receiving some 331,768 bookings.

The Saga remains PROTON’s best selling model to date with an average 6,500 units sold per month.

PROTON targets to sell some 78,752 units of the Saga in its current financial year ending March 31, 2012 whereby it expects the new Saga FLX SE to sell in the region of 500 units per month.

How to Book ?

If you interested, proceed to nearest Proton Edar to view the new model from tomorrow.
PROTON also said customers who ordered a Saga and were still waiting for delivery can opt to change their booking for a Saga FLX SE at the respective showroom where the original booking was made.

Proton Holdings Bhd expects to seal a joint venture agreement with Mitsubishi Motors Corp by year-end to produce Mitsubishi sedan models at its Tanjong Malim plant.

Its group managing director, Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, said under the agreement, Mitsubishi would manufacture 60,000 units a year and via this agreement it would increase the plant’s production capacity to 90 per cent.

“The plant currently operates at between 56 and 58 per cent capacity,” he told a media briefing after the announcement of the company’s second quarter 2011′s results here Tuesday.

Syed Zainal said under the memorandum of understanding it signed with China’s car firm, Hawtai Motor Group Ltd, Proton would expand its presence in the Chinese market, where it would sell four Proton models under Hawtai badge.

He said the companies were expected to conclude the agreement by year-end or early next year.

Meanwhile, Proton recorded a lower pre-tax profit of RM47.524 million for the six months ended Sept 30, 2011 versus RM185.914 million chalked up in the corresponding quarter last year.

On the second-half outlook, Syed Zainal said although the Malaysian Automotive Association has forecast a downtrend, Proton would overcome it with the introduction of its Saga face-lift, Saga FLX Special Edition, in December.

“2012 will be an exciting year for us with the introduction of four models — Exora Bold and Exora Prime, Inspira R3 and a sedan codenamed ‘P3-21A’ — which are expected to be launched early next year,” he said.

He said the ‘P3-21A‘ would be the first of Proton’s new generation of global cars that are being built according to the latest global rules and regulations which governed various parameters such as emission and safety standards.

“In line with aspirations of becoming a global car manufacturer, the group’s fleet of Saga electric vehicles and Exora range extender electric vehicles that are currently being used by the government are also expected to be made commercially available by 2013,” he said.

Via : Bernama

Is it sound ridiculous ? Yes its true, hybrid vehicles are 25 percent safer for their occupants than conventional fuel models but are more hazardous for pedestrians, according to a study from an insurance institute released on Thursday.

It may come as no surprise that heavier cars provide better protection to passengers in a collision than lighter cars. It turns out that the batteries that help to power hybrids actually create more weight, making them on average 10 percent heavier than regular cars. The study by insurance institute used more than 25 hybrid cars paired with their standard-model versions.

The analysis included more than 25 hybrid-conventional vehicle pairs, all of them 2003-2011 models, with at least one collision claim and at least one related injury claim filed from 2002 to 2010.

Lets watch the video to see the study’s findings:

Click here to view the embedded video.

However, another research carried out by the Highway Loss Data Institute shown that among 17 pairings of hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles, the hybrids were 20 percent more likely to be involved in an accident with a pedestrian. This is because when driving in electric mode, hybrids are so quiet that pedestrians often do not hear them approaching.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has already been promoting a measure that would require hybrids and electric vehicles to emit a noise to warn pedestrians of their approach.

Many automakers such as Toyota and Lexus are working on device that can produce sounde alert for their cars.