PROTON POSTS RM35 MILLION PROFIT IN Q2 2011/2012

Lotus spending saps Group's Q2 profit at RM47 million compared to RM185 million recorded in the corresponding period last financial year.

PROTON Holdings Berhad announced an unaudited Group profit before taxation of RM35 million in the second quarter of its 2011/12 financial year, driven by an increase in sales and stronger demand for higher margin models.

During the quarter under review, the Group registered revenue of RM2.26 billion compared to RM2.24 billion recorded during the corresponding period in the previous financial year.

The Group's profit before taxation for the six months ended 30 September 2011 however, was lower at RM47 million compared to RM185 million recorded in the corresponding period last financial year. The lower profit was largely attributed to higher spending by Lotus Group International Limited (LGIL), mainly on capability enhancement, infrastructure development and marketing costs, in line with its five-year business transformation plan.

Proton takes MTCC Crown (1.6-litre class)

Seasoned campaigner, Faidzil Alang drove a textbook race in the fifth and final round of the MTCC to take the crown of the 1.6-litre category of the Malaysian Touring Car Championship and hand Proton another notch on their 2011 Motorsports pole.

Syafiq Ali  in the Proton Gen2 sealed a PROTON 1-2 in the championship with the two drivers concluding what has been a dominant performance all year long.


The results today conclude what has been a triumphant year for PROTON in motorsports, particularly for the Satria Neo that has excelled in both circuit racing and international rallying," said PROTON's Director of Group Marketing and Branding John Doody Chacko.

 More news after the jump

Proton Saga gets CVT in FLX SE form

The Proton Saga is a major product from the Malaysian carmaker and it accounts for the biggest chunk of their sale and for good reason, it offers good interior space, decent engine and great value for money.

In today's competitive market, these are not enough as buyers also want the latest specifications.

Proton has updated their Saga FL with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and called it the FLX SE.

With the new fuel-saving transmission, the FLX SE is now priced at RM49,449


The combination of the 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine with the CVT automatic transmission delivers better torque, four percent better acceleration, and reduces fuel consumption by an additional four percent compared to the current 1.6-litre Saga.

Priced RM2,900 above the current selling 1.6-litre automatic Saga FL, the Saga FLX SE features eight and three exterior and interior changes. The car is fitted with 15” inch alloy wheels, an all round factory-fitted body kit, fog lamps and smoked finishing rear lights. The cabin is trimmed in leather which comprises the seats, steering wheel, door ornament, parking brake and gearshift lever.



Available in two colour choices - Solid White and Fire Red - the Saga FLX SE comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first). Customers who have ordered a Saga and are still waiting for their car to be delivered can opt to change their booking to the Saga FLX SE at the respective showroom in which the booking was originally made.

Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin expects the new Saga FLX SE to sell in the region of 500 units per month. PROTON’s target is to sell some 78,752 units of the Saga in its current 2011/12 financial year.

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PRESS RELEASE

PROTON LAUNCHES SPORTIER SAGA FLX SE

SUBANG JAYA, 30 November 2011 – To provide car owners with greater excitement and driving pleasure, and more performance and fuel economy from an affordable vehicle, national car company PROTON Holdings Berhad today unveiled a new Saga variant, the Saga FLX SE.

Powered by a 1.6 litre Campro IAFM engine and available only with CVT automatic transmission, the Saga FLX SE is priced from RM49,449 (Peninsular Malaysia). Car buyers can view the new model at all PROTON showrooms from 1 December 2011.

“The introduction of the Saga FLX SE effectively expands the range of the Saga model by providing customers with a vehicle that has a higher engine capacity while at the same time, reaffirming the Saga as the people’s car given its exceptional affordability and value for money attributes that include better fuel economy, greater performance, and superior ride and handling characteristics,” said PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin added that the Saga FLX SE is also a model that was designed to appeal to the younger generation of car buyers who now have the option of owning an entry-level vehicle which offered not only affordable ownership and upkeep, but exceptional performance – in line with PROTON’s brand promise of “Committed to be Better.”

The combination of the 1.6-litre Campro IAFM engine with the CVT automatic transmission delivers better torque, four percent better acceleration, and reduces fuel consumption by an additional four percent compared to the current 1.6-litre Saga.

Priced RM2,900 above the current selling 1.6-litre automatic Saga FL, the Saga FLX SE features eight and three exterior and interior changes. The car is fitted with 15” inch alloy wheels, an all round factory-fitted body kit, fog lamps and smoked finishing rear lights. The cabin is trimmed in leather which comprises the seats, steering wheel, door ornament, parking brake and gearshift lever.

Since the Saga was first launched in January 2008, there are already a total of 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 and in 2010 rose to being ranked the second top most selling car in Malaysia. The Saga has also won five prestigious awards within three years of its introduction, which includes being named Best Model of the Year in 2009 by Frost & Sullivan, and crowned Best Passenger Car of the Year in 2010, also by Frost & Sullivan. On average, PROTON sells about 6,500 units of the Saga per month.

Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin expects the new Saga FLX SE to sell in the region of 500 units per month. PROTON’s target is to sell some 78,752 units of the Saga in its current 2011/12 financial year.

Available in two colour choices - Solid White and Fire Red - the Saga FLX SE comes with a three-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first). Customers who have ordered a Saga and are still waiting for their car to be delivered can opt to change their booking to the Saga FLX SE at the respective showroom in which the booking was originally made.

           ON-THE-ROAD PRICES

	Pen M’sia	East M’sia	Labuan	Langkawi
Solid	49,449	52,049	47,449	47,349
Metallic	49,899	52,499	47,899	7,799

Proton open Medan Platinum Showroom

Medan is a key market for Proton and they are strengthening their position there by opening a new Platinum Showroom to better service the Indonesian market which has given the Malaysian carmaker a very warm welcome, especially for the Exora MPV.

Proton models have been enjoying a growing popularity in Indonesia. The Exora Star, which is the base line variant for Proton Exora, recently won an award from MobilMotor magazine’s ICOTY (Indonesian Car of the Year) under the Best Small MPV 2011 category. The Exora Star was also awarded the ‘Best Budget MPV 2011’ earlier this year at Indonesia Automotive Award.

The rest of the news and official Press release after the jump

First sketches of new Volvo XC-90 is out

The Volvo XC-90 is the Swedish company's best car, in fact it was named Sweden's export of the year recently but it is exceedingly dated and desperately needs an heir. These are the first sketches of the replacement model.

As first sketches go these are very conservative and this may have something to do with the company's caution when it comes to replacing their best seller.

We do hope that their designers will push the envelope more as ideas of the new XC-90 develop further.

Three variations of the rear are after the jump

Audi to release R8 LMS Ultra to customers for 2012

The Audi R8 has been doing rather well in the Le Mans and GT3 series  and to help improve customer team performance, Ingolstadt is releasing an upgrage called the LMS Ultra for next year.

"Our customer teams provided us with valuable suggestions and stated their wishes for the various fields in which the car is used," says Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH.

"We have close ties to our customers and analyzed their suggestions and wishes worldwide, and subjected the R8 LMS to further development in many details. In the R8 LMS ultra we consistently implemented all the performance measures which ensure that we'll be able to continue to offer an intercontinentally competitive and attractive race car in the future."

More details and Press release after the jump

The Ultra gets new doors made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) and new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi.

It also gets an updated transmission, a new exhaust system equipped with race catalytic converters and updates on the V10 mid-engine so it can draw on even higher torque at lower engine speeds.

The 5.2-liter unit delivers a power output of up to 419 kW (570 HP), depending on restrictor regulations and still good for 20,000 kilometers of racing.

Better cooling with larger engine oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler, an oil cooler for the steering hydraulics that used to be installed at the front is now located in the vehicle's mid-section to help with weight distribution.

The characteristic side blades of the Audi R8 enable enlarged air vents for the cooling system in the new R8 LMS ultra for improved thermal management. At the same time, air supply to the radiator at the front of the vehicle has been improved, as has the interior ventilation.

The chassis of the Audi R8 LMS ultra was updated in several steps. At the front 12-inch, instead of 11-inch, wheels are now used.

Optimized brake cooling at the front wheels improves the durability of the braking system. Instead of the previous silent rubber mounts the transverse control arm mounts now feature uniball joints.

Aerodynamic improvements complement the changes for 2012. The wider front hood has been optionally provided with louvers, subject to permission by the homologation rules for the various racing series.

The new rear wing has been widened and now features larger end plates. Work in the Audi wind tunnel has led to a yet more efficient position of the wing for maximum downforce and minimized aerodynamic drag. The improved air flow and larger effective area increase downforce on the rear axle. A new front plate with optimized diffusion under the front end guarantees perfect aerodynamic balance.




PRESS RELEASE
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2011/11/17
Audi R8 LMS ultra to be launched in 2012

- Deliveries of new vehicle to start in March 2012
- Next generation of successful customer sport race car
- Further technical development for even better performance

Ingolstadt, November 17, 2011 – In 2012, the Audi R8 LMS ultra will succeed the successful R8 LMS GT3 sports car with which R8 LMS customers have won 115 races and 12 national and international titles in the space of just three years.

Improving a totally successful vehicle yet again: This was the challenging task specified for the engineers of quattro GmbH. Audi's wholly owned subsidiary that has been responsible for the customer sport program as of this season pursued a clear aim for this project. "Our customer teams provided us with valuable suggestions and stated their wishes for the various fields in which the car is used," says Werner Frowein, Managing Director of quattro GmbH. "We have close ties to our customers and analyzed their suggestions and wishes worldwide, and subjected the R8 LMS to further development in many details. In the R8 LMS ultra we consistently implemented all the performance measures which ensure that we'll be able to continue to offer an intercontinentally competitive and attractive race car in the future."

Romolo Liebchen, Head of Customer Sport at quattro GmbH, and his development team focused on several central areas. New doors made of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in combination with high-energy absorbing new crash foams not only help reduce the race car's weight even further but also result in another increase in passive safety. The new PS1 safety seat developed by Audi, which is now part of the standard equipment, serves this purpose as well. It offers perfect protection and clearly surpasses the mandatory minimum requirements under extreme loads.

An updated transmission provides additional reserves on long-distance runs. In the past season, the Audi R8 LMS had already made its mark as an excellent long-distance expert and achieved overall victories at the Bathurst (Australia) 12 Hours, the Spa and Zolder 24 Hours and GT3 class victory plus third place overall at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.

A new exhaust system equipped with race catalytic converters helps improve the engine's characteristics. The V10 mid-engine can draw on even higher torque at lower engine speeds. The 5.2-liter unit delivers a power output of up to 419 kW (570 HP), depending on restrictor regulations. It is still based on the production engine produced at Audi's plant in Györ, Hungary. Mileages of up to 20,000 kilometers were certainly typical in customer operations before and continue to be easily achieved.

The optimized cooling system of the race car successfully combines several objectives. In addition to a larger engine oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler, an oil cooler for the steering hydraulics that used to be installed at the front is now located in the vehicle's mid-section. The characteristic side blades of the Audi R8 enable enlarged air vents for the cooling system in the new R8 LMS ultra for improved thermal management. At the same time, air supply to the radiator at the front of the vehicle has been improved, as has the interior ventilation.

The chassis of the Audi R8 LMS ultra was updated in several steps. At the front 12-inch, instead of 11-inch, wheels are now used. As of the next season, development partner Michelin will be offering wider – 30-65/18 – tires, which allow more consistent lap times to be achieved. Optimized brake cooling at the front wheels improves the durability of the braking system. Instead of the previous silent rubber mounts the transverse control arm mounts now feature uniball joints. Weight-reduced compression and rebound-adjustable gas dampers with optimized characteristics from partner Bilstein complete the chassis package and represent the latest state of development.

Aerodynamic improvements complement the changes for 2012. The wider front hood has been optionally provided with louvers, subject to permission by the homologation rules for the various racing series. The new rear wing has been widened and now features larger end plates. Work in the Audi wind tunnel has led to a yet more efficient position of the wing for maximum downforce and minimized aerodynamic drag. The improved air flow and larger effective area increase downforce on the rear axle. A new front plate with optimized diffusion under the front end guarantees perfect aerodynamic balance.

As of 2012, all new vehicles will be equipped with the evolution stage described above. For the existing vehicles, quattro GmbH offers conversions to the 2012 evolution stage.

In addition, Audi is pursuing a subsequent homologation for individual aerodynamic improvements to include the 2011-generation vehicles. This ensures that the current model continues to be competitive with slight modifications.

"We're convinced that the Audi R8 LMS ultra will continue the successes of its predecessor," stresses Romolo Liebchen. "With over 40 customer sport vehicles delivered, the first generation of the R8 LMS was already a sporting and commercial success."

The selling price of the Audi R8 LMS ultra is EUR 329,900.00 plus VAT. Deliveries will commence in March 2012.

Alfa Romeo to build Mazda MX5 challenger

According to British magazine AutoExpress, Alfa Romeo is working on a car to challenge the Mazda MX-5 which is the reigning small, simple, fun sports car champion.

Seeign as how Mazda has had the big blue ocean to itself for the last two decades, it is about time someone gave them a run for their money.

The goal is to come up with a STG25.000 two seater to replace the Brera Spyder and some suggest that it could be based on the 2uettottanta  concept by Pininfarina.

More details after the jump

EXCLUSIVE: Johor may get second race track

A section of the newly completed test track at
Lotus HQ in Hethel

During a dinner with bloggers, Dato’ Izzaddin Idris, Group Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of UEM Group Berhad talked about their development plans for Nusajaya, the new high-tech township that is supposed to attract foreign investors and high-technology companies away from Singapore and into Johor.

In passing he mentioned that they are planning to build an auto city in Nusa Jaya and immediately I thought that the Group is being painfully cliched and boring.

Then Izaddin said that their autocity would have a special attraction to make it different, they would be a test track on site so you can test your sportscar or supercar or family sedan to your hear's content without the dealer worrying about police summons or insurance claims by other motorists.

Being a motoring hack, I saw an opportunity to make a case for Malaysian Motorsports and suggested that UEM shouldn't muck about building a silly test track and should instead build a proper FIA approved racing circuit.

It could be a compact circuit in the way of the Lotus test track facility in Hethel which is also FIA certified so it can be used to hold FIA-Sanctioned motorsport event. Think Ferrari cup, or Porsche cup or other one make series that do not need large facilities like Sepang.

Since they wanted to make the whole autocity area a bonded area then Singaporean and other foreigners could buy their favourite track car, keep it on site and come down on weekends to have a bit of fun.

That way UEM can collect rental, have their own first Motorsports-themed exclusive residential development and possibly a high-end motorsports development facility that will help to improve Malaysian motorsports as they service the rich clients' weekend outing.

Izaddin thought it was a good idea and said he would definitely look into it.

Don't hold your breath though. Right now it is just a plan for a test track but if our suggestion takes root and the numbers make sense then maybe Johor will get a second race track.
(Don't forget Izaddin is still an accountant who has to make money for his company) 

Kia to race turbo Optima in the US

KIA is really getting into their sporty image with their latest racing adventure, in the 2012 Pirelli World Challenge Championship, with a pair of Optima SX Turbo.

The Optima will have to go up against cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

Kia is the first Korean carmaker to take part in the race series.

Check out more photos of the car and a Press Release after the jump...

VIDEO: Jeremy Clarkson's Heaven and Hell (2005)

Jezza looks at seven good cars and seven bad cars.

PROTON ANNOUNCES FIRST GROUP OF “AMAZING HOLIDAYS” WINNERS

Proton is doing a lot to woo new customers and  keep existing ones happy and one of the programmes they are running is the Amazing Holidays competition which allows owners to win a series of holidays.

The first six winners of the competition was announced earlier today and  they are;

1. Rosliza Abu Bakar from Klang, 
2. Tan Siang Loong from Ampang, 
3. Hairul Nizam Abdul Rani from Kuantan and 
4. Ahmad Radzlan Mohamed Yusof from Kluang. 

The contest, which is also open to non-Proton car owners, also sees two winners in this category,

1. Kong Pooi Yee from Batu Caves and 
2. Lee Liew Chloe from Kuching. 

All winners will receive an exclusive 3 Days, 2 Nights holiday getaway at either The Hard Rock Hotel in Penang, Tanjung Jara Resort in Terengganu or Casa del Rio in Malacca.





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROTON ANNOUNCES FIRST GROUP OF “AMAZING HOLIDAYS” WINNERS

SUBANG JAYA, 8 November 2011 – PROTON today announced the first group of winners of its Amazing Holidays contest. The contest is part of PROTON’s Very Important PROTON (VIP) programme aimed at acknowledging and rewarding PROTON customers and supporters.

The first six winners of the Amazing Holidays competition are Proton car owners Rosliza Abu Bakar from Klang, Tan Siang Loong from Ampang, Hairul Nizam Abdul Rani from Kuantan and Ahmad Radzlan Mohamed Yusof from Kluang. The contest, which is also open to non-Proton car owners, also sees two winners in this category, Kong Pooi Yee from Batu Caves and Lee Liew Chloe from Kuching. All winners will receive an exclusive 3 Days, 2 Nights holiday getaway at either The Hard Rock Hotel in Penang, Tanjung Jara Resort in Terengganu or Casa del Rio in Malacca.

“As part of our ‘Committed to be Better’ initiative, we are proud to be able to provide yet another offering to those who are part of our VIP Programme,” said Mr. John D. Chacko, Director of Group Marketing, Branding and Motorsports. Our VIP Programme has gained quite a bit of interest and we are glad that we are able to reward supporters of the PROTON brand. We are really excited for these winners as we know that they will have a great time.”

PROTON’s VIP Programme was initiated in the middle of this year as part of the company’s efforts to reach out to its customers and the Malaysian public. Apart from the Amazing Holidays competition, there is also a “My PROTON Makeover” programme which rewards winning Proton car owners with an opportunity for a full car makeover.

Smart fortwo electric on show

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's Marketign boss, Kai Schlickum
with the smart fortwo electric drive in One Utama

Government tax break for electric cars catching car companies' attention

With the Malaysian government offering import and excise duty exemptions for electric and hybrid cars, companies are rushing to show off what they have in the display cabinet.

After Mitsubishi registering the Miev electric car, the first electric car to be registered for road use in Malaysia, Mercedes Benz is putting their smart fortwo on show.

In terms of technology, the car is  powered by a 30kW electric motor that can twist 120Nm of torque from standstill and can last 135 kilometres on the Tesla Auto-developed lithium-ion 16.5 kWh battery.


Full story and pictures after the jump

Instructions better be included

Many of us had fun putting together plastic model kits, peeling back glued fingers and scraping paint from under our fingernails and smashing models that are not lucky enough to enjoy our patience.

Well as an adult I want one of this put-together kits. I hope it comes with a phone-book worth of instructions or phone numbers I can call to help me out.

What you see here is a collection of beautiful parts that should come together as the Chevy LS7 or LS( engine, depending on which kit you order.

If you choose item number 19259944 then you end up with the 505-hp LS7, which has an MSRP of $22,756.10, while part number 19259945 is for the 638-hp LS9, which has an MSRP of $32,050.

I would be happy to get a crate race engine from Proton to put together, how about it Proton, when can you start a crate-engine programme for motorsports? I know the R3 boys can do it...