Tag Archives: Perodua

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Perodua Bezza: how much does it cost to maintain the ‘King of the Road’

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You may assume that the Perodua Myvi is still the ‘King of the Road’. Sadly that is no longer the case, as the title has been taken over by the Bezza, which recorded sales of 56,735 units last year.

In addition to its affordable price and practicality (this small car boasts a boot space of 508 litres!), the Bezza becomes a Malaysian favourite due to its low maintenance costs.

In this article, we will explore the service costs for the Perodua Bezza 1.3 automatic up to a mileage of 100,000 km or five years of ownership:

10,000 km

The first service for the Bezza must be carried out at a mileage of 10,000 km. Three items need to be replaced: full synthetic engine oil 0W-20 (RM161.10), drain plug gasket (RM3.80), and engine oil filter (RM12.50). No labour charge is applied, resulting in a total amount to be paid of just RM177.40.

20,000 km, 50,000 km & 70,000 km

For these three services, owners must replace the same three items: full synthetic engine oil 0W-20, drain plug gasket, and engine oil filter; however, this time, a labour charge of RM44.00 applies. Including 8% SST (RM3.52), the total amount payable is RM224.92.

30,000 km & 90,000 km

At a mileage of 30,000 km and 90,000 km, Perodua will add a cabin filter (RM24.20) to the list of items to be replaced, alongside the engine oil, drain plug gasket, and engine oil filter. With a labour cost of RM61 and 8% service tax (RM4.88), the total cost is RM267.48.

40,000 km & 80,000 km

Now it is time for major service. This time, you will need to replace the engine oil, drain plug gasket for the engine oil, engine oil filter, air filter (RM103.20), transmission oil (RM109.50), drain plug gasket for the transmission (RM3.80), and brake fluid (RM26.40). The labour cost for this service amounts to RM165, resulting in a total of RM598.50.

60,000 km

The items to be replaced are the same as for the 30,000 km and 90,000 km services: engine oil, drain plug gasket, engine oil filter, and cabin filter. However, for the 60,000 km service, Perodua will use 4 litres of engine oil instead of the usual 3.5 litres. The overall cost remains the same at RM267.48.

100,000 km

After reaching six figures, you will need to fork out RM480.96 for a service involving the replacement of 3.5 litres of engine oil, drain plug gasket, engine oil filter, and spark plugs (RM220.40).

Conclusion

The total cost of periodic servicing for the Perodua Bezza 1.3 automatic is RM3,332.56 for a mileage of 100,000 km/five years of ownership. This means that, on average, owners will need to spend RM666.51 annually or RM55.54 monthly on servicing.

This calculation is crucial because, in addition to the monthly installments, customers should also consider service costs and other expenses such as fuel, insurance, and tolls before making a decision.

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10 exciting cars to see at KLIMS 2024

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In case you missed it, the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024 is set to open its curtains from December 5 to 11, 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

According to organiser Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the event, themed ‘Beyond Mobility’, will feature nearly 70 exhibitors, with an exhibition area covering almost 30,000 square feet across two floors of the MITEC building.

For those planning to attend, here are some of the exciting cars that will make their appearance at the event:

Perodua EMO-II

Undoubtedly, Perodua is set to capture visitors’ attention with their electric concept model, the EMO-II (Electric Mobility Online). The concept car previews the production version of Perodua’s first electric vehicle, which is expected to be launched in the market later this year.

Proton e.MAS 7

Although not officially announced, Proton’s first electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7, is highly likely to make its debut at KLIMS 2024. It will be available with two battery pack options, with an estimated price of RM120,000.

Honda Prelude Concept

Another brand that will undoubtedly attract attention at KLIMS 2024 is Honda. In addition to its latest model lineup, Honda Malaysia has announced that it will also showcase the Prelude Concept, making Malaysia the first country in Asia, besides Japan, to exhibit the hybrid coupe.

Mazda CX-60

For devoted Mazda fans, Bermaz Motor will be showcasing two upcoming SUVs, the CX-60 and CX-80. Built on the SkyActiv Multi Solution Scalable Architecture platform, the former offers petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options, with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive capabilities.

Mazda CX-80

Like the CX-60, the CX-80 also belongs to Mazda’s Large Product group but offers three rows of seating. The powertrain options are similar to the CX-60, featuring inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, PHEV, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD or RWD systems.

Toyota Camry

Following its launch in Thailand last October, the ninth-generation Toyota Camry (XV80) will make its debut in Malaysia this week. The D-segment sedan is powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid engine combined with an e-CVT transmission, producing a total system output of 227 PS.

Toyota Corolla Cross

In addition to the Camry, UMW Toyota Motor will also introduce the facelifted version of the Corolla Cross, which has already been open for orders since November. Along with a refreshed exterior design, the SUV will also feature several new enhancements, including an electronic parking brake, Auto Hold, and improved driver-assistance systems.

Nissan Kicks e-Power

As previously reported, the Nissan Kicks e-Power will be available as a fully imported version (CBU) from Thailand, with two variants: VL and VLT. It features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that acts as a generator to charge the battery pack, which in return powers the electric motor on the front axle.

MG Cyberster

Without a doubt, among the standout cars at KLIMS 2024 will be the MG Cyberster, an electric roadster powered by two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 503 PS and 725 Nm. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds.

GWM Wey 80

Wey is a luxury sub-brand under Great Wall Motor (GWM). While it is still uncertain whether the luxury marque will be officially launched in the local market, it is certainly a possibility if the Wey 80 MPV receives a positive response at the show.

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Perodua links up with Petronas Dagangan, Gentari to enhance customer experience

Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd (Perodua Sales) recently signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Petronas Dagangan Berhad (Petronas Dagangan) and Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari) subsidiaries to enhance the retail experience for its customers through the integration of various services.

The first MoU – signed between Perodua Sales and Petronas Lubricants Marketing Sdn Bhd (PLMMSB), Mesra Retail & Cafe Sdn Bhd (Mesra), and Setel Ventures Sdn Bhd (Setel) – will provide Perodua customers access to new services at its service centres.

This includes the integration of Setel’s seamless digital payment feature into Perodua’s UFirst app, the establishment of Mesra for added convenience and the set-up of Perodua service centres at selected Petronas stations.

“Perodua Sales and PLMMSB have been partners for over 20 years and that partnership has proven mutually beneficial and we will further expand this partnership that will benefit our valued customers,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

PLMMSB is the sole provider of all vehicle lubricants to Perodua Sales since 2004. In line with the country’s shift towards green mobility, both Perodua Sales and PLMMSB are to collaborate for a stronger commitment on sustainability-driven practices.

He said that the collaboration with Gentari would allow Gentari to set up charging facilities at Perodua service centres for the upcoming launch of Perodua’s EV, supporting Perodua customers in the transition to EVs.

“Overall, these MoUs will allow seamless cooperation between both national companies to serve our customers better,” Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin said.

Meanwhile, the second MoU, signed between Perodua Sales and Gentari through Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, will see the latter setting up charging facilities at existing Perodua service centres in view of Perodua’s upcoming electric vehicles (EV) launch, thus easing its customers in the EV transition process.

Petronas has over 1,000 stations across the country, while Perodua has 194 sales and 209 service centres nationwide. With over 175 DC charging points, Gentari currently operates the largest licensed direct current (DC) charging network in Malaysia.

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DMM Sales breaks ground on new RM6.4 mil Perodua 3S centre in Pasir Mas

DMM Sales Sdn. Bhd. (DMMS), a subsidiary of the Daihatsu Malaysia Group and the largest Perodua dealership in Malaysia, celebrated a historic milestone with the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Perodua DMM Sales 3S Centre in Pasir Mas, Kelantan.

This will be DMMS’ 18th outlet nationwide and its first 3S (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) Centre in the East Coast region, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to strengthening its presence and enhancing its service offerings in Malaysia.

Spanning a total of 84,506 square feet within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) Pasir Mas Halal Hub, an investment of RM6.4 million has been allocated for the development of the Perodua DMM Sales 3S Centre here.

Managing Director of Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Arman Mahadi said, “This centre will provide the new and existing Perodua customers in Kelantan with greater accessibility to Perodua’s high-quality vehicles, aftersales services, and genuine parts under one roof.”

“With this new facility, not only will it meet the automotive needs of this region, but it will also create job opportunities, enhance existing skills, and boost the socio-economic development of the people in Pasir Mas and its surrounding areas,” he added.

Chief Operating Officer of Perodua Sales Sdn. Bhd. Ybhg. Datuk JH Rozman Bin Jaafar said the new 3S Centre is part of a longterm strategy to bring Perodua closer to the people.

“Perodua has always placed a strong emphasis on being present in every corner of the country. Our vision is not simply to be the market leader but to be the brand that Malaysians trust and rely on,” he noted.

The project is expected to be completed by August 2025. As of today, DMMS, the largest Perodua dealership in Malaysia, operates 17 sales outlets, 13 service centres, and 2 body and paint centres across the country.

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MITI to help Perodua produce Malaysia’s first sub-RM100k EV

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Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said that MITI will assist in producing Malaysia’s first electric vehicle (EV) priced below RM100,000.

Tengku Zafrul further remarked that the ministry is confident Perodua will achieve this target by the end of 2025.

“The reason why we want to assist and facilitate Perodua is because we want to make EVs affordable.

“Perodua has been in discussion with MITI, and we are optimistic with its plan of achieving its target by the end of 2025,” he said.

Details regarding Perodua’s EV have yet to be announced. However, the emo-1 (Electric Motion Online) prototype showcased in May offers some hints at the specifications of the finished product.

The prototype, built on the Myvi platform, is equipped with a 55.7 kWh battery pack, allowing for a driving range of up to 350 km. It features a front-wheel drive electric motor with an output of 161 hp and 220 Nm of torque.

Tengku Zafrul also said that as of September 2024, nearly 16,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) had been registered in Malaysia, surpassing the approximately 13,000 units registered in 2023.

“This positive momentum brings us closer to our target of achieving 20 per cent EVs of total industry sales by 2030,” he stated.

On charging infrastructure, he mentioned that in just three months, 565 new chargers have been added, bringing the total number of public charging stations to nearly 3,200 by the end of September.

“We aim to have 10,000 public chargers, reducing the ratio of chargers to EVs to one-to-nine (1:9) by the end of 2025” he added.

VIRAL

The Perodua Myvi is King, even in the UK

Typically, cars left sitting for an extended period can encounter various issues, including an inability to start. However, this is not the case for the Perodua Myvi.

In addition to having the remarkable ability to ‘fly’ and tailgate supercars on the highway, the Myvi can also be started normally, even after lying unused for years. It’s little wonder that the hatchback has earned the title of King.

The extraordinary quality of the Myvi was recently demonstrated by its owner from the United Kingdom in a video that has gone viral on social media.

The man recorded the video as a farewell to his Myvi before disposing of it. However, he was astonished when the car, which had been left neglected for nearly five years, started up easily.

Not only that, the engine also sounds like as if it had been driven regularly over the years.

In the video, the Myvi owner expressed some regret about having to dispose of his old car.

“I’m regretting it but you are not going to change my mind,” he said.

“Rather than scrapping it, maybe try to get it to the MOT (Ministry of Transport). Because someone is selling it for £2,000 still,” he added.

 

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5 car factories in Malaysia that you should know

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For most automotive brands in Malaysia, local assembly plays a crucial role in ensuring their continued competitiveness in the local automotive market.

It goes without saying that national carmakers such as Proton and Perodua run their own assembly plants in the country; however, for foreign brands, completely knocked-down (CKD) operations allow them to offer products at more competitive prices.

Through support and various incentives offered by the government, Malaysia has become host to several vehicle production plants from leading brands. Here are five automotive production plants in the country that you should know about:

Proton Shah Alam & Tg. Malim

The Proton vehicle assembly plant in Shah Alam began operating in 1985, the same year the original Proton Saga was launched. This plant also produced many other important models such as the Wira, Waja, Exora, and Satria.

Proton is reportedly planning to relocate its entire manufacturing operations in Shah Alam to Proton City, Tanjong Malim by 2027. The RM1.8 billion plant, opened in 2003, covers an area of 517 hectares. In addition to producing the latest models such as X50 and X70, the plant also assembles the 1.5 TGDI engine.

Perodua Sg. Choh, Rawang

Perodua’s headquarters sits on a 522-acre site in Sungai Choh, Rawang. In addition to its corporate building, an R&D facility, a test track, and various other facilities, it also houses two vehicle assembly plants: Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB) and Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB), which was opened in 2016.

According to Perodua, both plants have a vehicle production capacity of up to 320,000 vehicles a year. Perodua also has engine and transmission production plants, both located in Sendayan TechValley.

Toyota Shah Alam & Bukit Raja

The first locally assembled Toyota vehicle was the Corolla KE10, assembled at the Champion Motor plant in Shah Alam. In 1975, the plant was renamed Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB).

With increasing demand and the need for a new, more modern plant, UMW Toyota in 2019 opened its second assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Klang, where the latest models such as Vios, Yaris, and Corolla Cross are manufactured.

Honda Pegoh, Melaka

Honda began its CKD operations in the country in 2003 with the assembly of the second-generation Honda CR-V at its Pegoh, Melaka plant. The plant, covering an area of 46,543 square feet, can produce up to 50,000 cars per year.

In 2014, a second assembly line was launched, allowing Honda Malaysia to double their annual production to 100,000 units of vehicles annually and 400 units daily.

Volvo Shah Alam

The Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia plant, located in Shah Alam, is the oldest automotive assembly plant in Malaysia. It began operations in March 1967 through the assembly of the Volvo 144.

Interestingly, it is also the first Volvo plant opened outside of Volvo’s home country, Sweden. Today, the plant produces a range of Volvo PHEV and BEV cars such as XC90 Recharge, XC60 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, and C40 Recharge.

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Increase in civil service salary will benefit Proton, Perodua

The upcoming review of civil service salaries is set to benefit the automotive sector as 1.5 million civil servants will have higher purchasing power and find it easier to obtain bank approval, said AmInvestment Bank.

As a result, the investment bank has revised the total industry volume (TIV) in 2024 to 750,000 compared to the previous 740,000.

“Higher salaries automatically mean better debt-to-income ratio, and we believe car loan financing will readily approve new loan applicants.

“We are confident that Perodua and Proton will experience increased demand as they are the most popular brands among civil servants,” he said in the sector update report today, adding that other brands may not be as affected.

Previously, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil hinted that civil service salaries would be increased by 15 percent to 43 percent by the end of 2024. Final details will be announced by August 16.

AmInvestment Bank said the main beneficiaries will be MBM Resources (which owns 20 percent of Perodua), Sime Darby (with a 38 percent stake in Perodua), and DRB HICOM, which holds a 50 percent interest in Proton.

It also raised the revenue forecast for MBM Resources for the financial years 2024 to 2026 by 3.0 percent, 5.2 percent, and 3.7 percent, based on expectations of the upcoming civil service salary review boosting car sales, especially for the affordable car segment like Perodua Axia and Bezza models.

The bank has maintained a “Neutral” recommendation on the sector but with a bias towards an upward trend.

EV, NEWS

Perodua’s first EV set to be launched in 2025, MCE Holdings secures component supply contract

Leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components manufacturer, MCE Holdings Berhad and its subsidiary company have announced the acquisition of a contract worth RM19.6 million from Perodua to supply various electronic and mechatronic components for Perodua’s first EV model.

These include multimedia display units, instrument cluster panels, advanced driver assistance systems, function switches, interior lighting systems, and many more.

According to MCE, the three-year contract will commence in the second quarter of the company’s financial year, ending on July 31, 2026.

This aligns with previous reports where Perodua planned to commence production of its first EV model by late 2025.

Showcased at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, Perodua revealed a concept model named emo-1.

As per specifications, the emo-1 is powered by a 68 PS and 220 Nm electric motor, paired with a 55.7 kWh battery pack that allows for a range of up to 350 km on a full charge.

This EV also supports AC charging of up to 11 kW, or fast DC charging up to 50 kW.

Perodua had previously announced that the development of this first EV project was done in collaboration with three local universities, namely Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Universiti Kuala Lumpur, and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Meanwhile, power conversion technology development was conducted with technical partners from Australia whose identity has not yet been disclosed.

It is understood that the selling price of this Perodua EV will range from RM50,000 to RM100,000.

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MRL inks MoU with Perodua, Kuantan Port for Potential ECRL Freight Transportation Services

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Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has signed two memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd (Kuantan Port) respectively, signalling potential long-term collaborations for the East Coast Rail Link’s (ECRL) freight transportation services which will come on stream by January 2027.

The formalisation of the MoU between MRL and Perodua as well as between MRL and Kuantan Port is also poised to spur various industry players to switch the movement of cargo from road to rail as the 665-km ECRL network will facilitate seamless transportation between the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.

The MoU between MRL and Perodua will explore the possibility of transporting its products to the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia to supplement the compact car maker’s growing need for logistical support.

“The inking MoU has significant meaning for MRL as we unlock ECRL’s value, not just as a viable transportation for the public but also a reliable logistic service for local and international businesses,” said MRL Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak.

He added, “The ECRL serves as a key enabler in enhancing regional connectivity and economic development, underpinned by its “landbridge” connecting Kuantan Port wharf to the wharves at Northport and Westports in Port Klang. This crucial ‘last-mile’ connectivity between Kuantan Port and Port Klang will streamline the transfer of goods between ports and address the issue of double-handling of cargo”.

Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said, “We are looking to diversify the way we transport our products, and ECRL is a viable option to this need. This MoU will let us explore in detail all opportunities for both parties.”

“The MoU with MRL and Perodua marks a pivotal step in optimising our logistics network. Leveraging the ECRL, Kuantan Port aims to enhance connectivity and efficiency, offer competitive logistics costs and improve delivery times,” said Mr. Lee Chun Fai, Chairman of Kuantan Port and Group CEO & Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad.

“This strategic collaboration will enhance our logistics capabilities, establish Kuantan Port as a key gateway to the East and strengthen trade links within the region. It will facilitate smoother goods movement, support the economic development of the East Coast, and drive significant economic benefits, including job creation and enhanced trade opportunities,” he added.

MRL Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, signed the MoU on behalf of the company while Perodua was represented by its President & Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, and Kuantan Port by Mr. Lee Chun Fai, Chairman of Kuantan Port and Group CEO & Managing Director of IJM Corporation Berhad.

Today’s MoU Signing and Exchange Ceremony was witnessed by Minister of Transport, YB Loke Siew Fook, at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur.

MRL is the project owner of the 665-km ECRL will traverse through the East Coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang before linking the Klang Valley on the West Coast.

The ECRL rail alignment from Kota Bharu to Gombak Integrated Terminal is expected to be completed by December 2026 and operational by January 2027.

Its alignment between Gombak and Port Klang is scheduled for completion in December 2027, with full operations to commence from January 2028 onwards.

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Perodua might need a third factory for its EV production

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PERODUA is currently evaluating the construction of a new plant by 2025 to support the production of the new generation Myvi, as reported by Wapcar.

As you might have known, the new generation Myvi will also feature a fully electric (EV) variant.

At present, Perodua operates two plants located in Rawang. The first plant, Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB), currently produces Alza, Aruz, and Myvi, along with the Toyota Veloz under contract.

The second plant, Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB), currently manufactures Axia, Bezza, and Ativa. The third plant is referred to as the ‘BEV plant’ for electric battery vehicles.

At the same time, Perodua is exploring other options. An alternate plan is to collaborate with other manufacturers on a contract basis.

Speaking during the public unveiling of the Perodua EMO-1 concept last week, its President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, said, “I cannot disrupt the current plants. They are operating at over 300,000 units (per year).”

“As I mentioned earlier, our target is to produce around 340,000 to 350,000 units. This already exceeds our normal capacity.

“So, I cannot disrupt the current plants. This EV (battery) is something we have to consider to build a new plant, or seek a partner, who has the capability in Malaysia to enable us to carry out the installations,” he added.

The new generation Perodua BEV is being developed independently, without technical assistance from Daihatsu.

Starting from scratch, this project is being carried out in collaboration with three local universities and electric vehicle conversion experts from Australia, namely EV North.

Led by chief engineer, Puan Jehan Adnan, this project utilizes a prototype with support from 60 local vendors, ensuring that Malaysia has a supply chain for domestic EV production.

Based on the Myvi, this prototype is equipped with a 55.7kWh battery pack giving it a driving range of up to 350km.

It features a single electric motor at the front wheel with an output of 161hp and 220Nm of torque.

It is understood that the first Perodua EV model is planned to be launched by the end of 2025 with a price not exceeding RM100,000.

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Perodua showcases first working EV prototype, up to 350km range

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PERODUA has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) prototype – known as the Myvi Conversion – which will serve as the foundation for the compact car manufacturer in developing its electric technology.

As the name suggests, the prototype is based on the Myvi but equipped with a 55.7kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of up to 350km. It features a single electric motor at the front wheel, delivering an output of 161hp and 220Nm of torque.

The EV prototype consists of three main components: the power bench, the power converter system, and the overall frame design, all made in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the development of the power conversion technology is carried out in collaboration with a company based in Australia. Perodua is also cooperating with three local universities for this project.

“The process of developing the power bench is carried out by Perodua in collaboration with three local universities, namely Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, and Universiti Putra Malaysia,” said Perodua’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“This collaboration aims to fully understand the technology used.”

This collaboration, which began in September 2022, sees Perodua and the three universities working together to develop the EV power converter system from the basic stage.

The collaboration opens up opportunities for all parties to enhance their expertise and capabilities in the field of EV.

It is understood that Perodua’s first EV model is planned to be launched at the end of 2025 with a price not exceeding RM100,000.

“We chose the Perodua Myvi as the model of choice for this project because it is our car model that has won the hearts of most Malaysians,” said Zainal.

“Although the actual appearance of our EV is different from what is being showcased here, rest assured that Perodua’s electric car will make its presence in the market.

“Meanwhile, we invite the public to visit the Perodua booth at the Malaysia Auto Show 2024 to see the Perodua Myvi Conversion for themselves and participate in various attractive campaigns that we have prepared.

“We also welcome customers to interact with our staff here to obtain further information about Perodua, such as our newly implemented Standard Outlet aimed at providing a seamless experience to customers at our 3S center,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal.

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Perodua to ramp up exports by 79% for 2024, Brunei the first foreign market expansion this year

PERODUA will ramp up its exports by 79% to 1,960 units this year from 1,094 units in 2023 as the compact car company aims to broaden its overseas markets.

On 3 May 2024, the compact car company introduced the Alza AV and H, as well as the Axia AV and G to Brunei with sales target of 120 units and 40 units respectively.

Perodua also exports the Bezza 1.0L G to Brunei, where it aims to sell 300 units, bringing the expected total sales units sold in Brunei to 460 units in 2024.

For 2023, Perodua sold 300 Bezza 1.0L G to Brunei, making it Perodua’s highest export market of 2023.

“We foresee 2024 to be our first year of our export expansion as we are now at a point where the Malaysian automotive ecosystem would be able to cope with the ever-growing demand of our vehicles both within and outside the country,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Offer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

He expects the growth in Perodua’s exports to continue as the company will be aggressively expanding its operations and its vendors’ production capabilities.

“Brunei is the first export market we are expanding to without compromising domestic allocation of our vehicles. In fact, we have significantly reduced the waiting period for most of our popular models and even have ready stock for selected models.”

“In addition, our targeted increase in exports will also give greater opportunities for our vendors to grow their sales volume in tandem with the need for spare parts,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

On the newly launched Alza AV, H and Axia AV and G, the price offered are B$30,900 for the AV, B$27,900 for the H, while the Axia AV is priced at B$21,900 while the Axia G is priced at B$17,900. The Bezza 1.0L G is priced at B$16,900.

Prices listed above include road tax and insurance.

EV

Perodua’s affordable EV to enter mass production late 2025

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TENGKU Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has announced on social media that Perodua is scheduled to begin mass producing its first electric vehicle (EV) at the end of 2025.

According to the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, this is in line with Perodua’s appointment to lead the production of affordable EVs under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).

Zafrul went on to say that Perodua has collaborated with an ‘international automotive company’ to develop an EV prototype.

“Thank you to Perodua for assisting Malaysia in advancing electric vehicle technology and strengthening sustainable mobility in Malaysia,” he said.

On November 29, Perodua announced it’s targeting electric and hybrid vehicles to contribute up to 20% of total new car sales by 2030.

Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said that the sales figure could be achieved “if all industry players can work together.”

“We are collaborating with the government and other partners. We have also been appointed in the new industrial plan to lead the development of EVs in Malaysia.

“We need to produce new products. We have not finalized the production timeline, but the government’s target – 20 percent by 2025 or 2030 – will become a reality if all parties cooperate,” he said.

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Daihatsu safety scandal: Perodua to conduct detailed assessments

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FOLLOWING the announcement by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (DMC) today regarding the suspension of its models due to “procedural irregularities,” Perodua has also issued a response in relation to the independent audit committee report.

The “procedural irregularities” were conducted by DMC during vehicle safety tests on several original equipment manufacturers (OEM), which were announced early this morning.

The independent audit committee report, as announced by DMC, stated: “The inspection and tests confirm that all 174 irregularities identified by the independent audit committee meet the standards set by laws and regulations.”

Perodua is conducting a detailed assessment of the issue and is in discussions with the Malaysian authorities regarding the impact of these developments on its vehicles.

On April 28, 2023, DMC announced the occurrence of “procedural irregularities” during safety tests on vehicles in Japan. Following this announcement, DMC established an independent audit committee comprising legal and technical personnel.

“We apologize to our valued customers and the public for the concerns arising from this announcement,” stated today’s release by Perodua.

“Our intention is to provide assurance to our valued customers.

“We will share the results of these discussions with all our customers in the near future.”

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Inaugural Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge 2023 receives entries from seven countries

The “Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge 2023” (ACSDC 2023) car design competition, which was held for the first time in Malaysia, has seen 93 entries from seven countries for its inaugural program. ACSDC 2023 is a sedan car design competition open to professional designers and design students in Asia, jointly organized by Perodua and the Malaysian Institute of Design (MRM).

“The number of entries from other countries in Asia is encouraging as the exposure to the Perodua and MRM brands outside of Malaysia is significant,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perodua. A total of 93 entries were received from Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Iran, Japan, India, and Malaysia.

For the professional category, Kenny Chan from Malaysia was crowned the champion of the ACSDC 2023 competition with his concept car “Payung.” According to the head judge, Muhamad Zamuren Musa, the dynamic car design with a ‘fastback’ silhouette and a strong and stable vehicle body character makes the car more balanced. Furthermore, distinct details and creative style elements were other factors that led to the selection of this car as the best among all participants.

Meanwhile, Philip Samuel Tandio from Indonesia emerged as the runner-up with the “Out Ride” concept, while Muhammad Izhar Che Shukarno took third place with the “Fastback” concept.

In the student design category, Bryan Teh Yea Quan from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, was named the champion for his unique interpretation of a sporty sedan.

Alfred Han Wen Hao from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Malaysia, was the runner-up, and Muhammad Amin Othman from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, secured third place.

“For Perodua, this competition provides an insight into sedans because the definition and perception of this vehicle type differ from one country to another. Malaysians see it as a practical vehicle, while other countries may view it more as a status symbol. By organizing this competition, we can see where we can combine both ideas into one,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal.

“This competition not only encourages designers to test their talent but also exposes them to different design philosophies from other countries around the world,” said MRM Director, Husaini Ismail.

NEWS

Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid named the 2023 Malaysia Car of the Year

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THE 19th Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) recently concluded, and the prestigious title of Overall Car of the Year was awarded to the Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid.

The annual program which serves as a platform for automotive enthusiasts and experts to recognize and celebrate the best new cars in Malaysia, unanimously picked the Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid for its technology which eliminates power-robbing gearboxes, whether CVT or hydraulic, and for providing the best energy regeneration of all current hybrids in Malaysia.

With 121 new cars nominated for this year’s award, the competition was fierce and represented a diverse range of vehicles. The judging panel consisted of 10 esteemed automotive journalists and two professionals from the legal and medical fields.

These judges evaluated the cars based on several criteria, including design, technology, safety, and value for money. As a result of their analysis, the 121 nominated cars were divided into seven main categories, with 13 winners emerging as the best in their respective segments.

One interesting aspect of the MCOTY program is the People’s Choice award, which is determined through online polling using smartphone to implement one person one vote from a list of 25 cars nominated by the judges and a team from the Malaysia Automotive Robotics IoT Institute.

This year, the Perodua Axia E took home the People’s Choice award in the mass market category, while the BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport won the hearts of the public in the premium market. Interesting to see that Malaysians selected an EV in the premium market segment.

In addition to the winners, the judges also made Honourable Mentions of three outstanding cars that defied convention.

The Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 V6 petrol twin turbo was acknowledged for its outstanding performance, being described as a supercar in pick-up guise.

The Perodua Axia 1.0 E received recognition for its affordability, with its price tag of RM22,000 making it one of the best value-for-money cars in the world. Despite criticism regarding its safety standards, the judges argued that the Axia E is still much safer than motorcycles.

Third, the Chery Omoda 5 was commended for its warranty, as it was launched with an unprecedented 1 million km warranty for the first 3,000 buyers. This imaginative brand-building exercise caught the attention of the judging panel.

Winners of the 19th Malaysia Car of the Year Awards:

A) Sedan and Hatchback:

Below: RM110,000: Toyota Vios 1.5G
RM111,000 to RM249,000: Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid
Above RM250,000: Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line

B) Crossover

Below RM200,000: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8
Above RM200,000: Mazda CX-8 2.2D 2WD

C) Electric Vehicles (EV)

Below RM200,000: BYD Dolphin Premium Extended
Above RM200,000: Volvo C40

D) Hybrids

Below RM 250,000: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8
Above RM 250,000: Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate.

E) SUV

Below RM250,000: Kia Sorento 2.2 diesel AWD
Above RM250,000: Lexus RX 350 Luxury 2.4 T

F) Trucks

Ford Ranger 2.0 XLT Plus Double Cab 4×4 WildTrak

G) MPV

Kia Carnival 2.2D 11-seater

H) Overall Car of the Year

Honda Civic e-HEV RS Hybrid

I) People’s Choice

Mass Market: Perodua Axia
Premium market: BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport

J) Honourable Mentions

Performance: Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 petrol twin-turbo V6
Affordability: Perodua Axia 1.0 E (manual)
Warranty: The Chery Omoda 5

K) Charge Point Operator of the Year

Gentari

L) Person of the Year

Ahmad Hadri Haris

TEST DRIVE

2022 Perodua Alza: Best bang for your buck – Test Drive

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WITHOUT any doubt, the new Perodua Alza was the most talked-about car for the year 2022. This was evident from the discussions among netizens on social media and the significant traffic and engagement generated whenever we post anything about this model.

This phenomenon was not a surprising one, considering that the first-generation Alza has been on the market since November 2009, so it’s only natural that many were eagerly anticipating the arrival of its successor.

In July 2022, the second-generation Alza was finally launched, featuring comprehensive updates covering not only the exterior and interior design but also the platform, engine, and technology.

The majority of the motoring media were actually invited to take a closer look at the model several weeks before its launch date. However, this writer only had the opportunity to familiarise himself with it during a recent media test drive trip to Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

It was a trip to look forward to, not only because of the somewhat ‘unusual’ destination but also to personally check out the seven-seater MPV people have been raving about since it was first teased in June 2022.

In terms of design, the new Alza is clearly more stylish and fresh compared to its predecessor. Some might say it looks a bit cluttered, but this writer feels the aggressive lines give the Alza a rather modern look capable of enticing a younger group of buyers.

The journey started from the Perodua headquarters in Rawang, passing through Batang Kali to reach the Karak Highway. From there, the convoy followed the East Coast Expressway 1 and 2 before exiting via the Kuala Terengganu exit. The total journey distance was about 650 km.

Three drivers were assigned to each car, meaning this writer only had the chance to take over the steering wheel after a lunch break in Kuantan.

The 200-km drive was done entirely on the straight stretches of the LPT, which felt a little dull after a while. But the highway’s bumpy and uneven surfaces turned out to be a proving ground for the Alza’s Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, which performed superbly throughout the journey.

It is fair to say that the performance shown by the 2NR-VE 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine was quite commandable despite the lack of a turbocharger. More importantly, the combination of the engine with the D-CVT transmission felt seamless as the RPM was maintained at around 2,000 to 2,100 at speeds of 110 km/h and above.

In short, for highway driving situations, the RPM remained below the 2,500 mark even when the vehicle exceeded the national speed limit. This shows that the Alza is the perfect car for those who want a comfortable and fuel-efficient people carrier.

Speaking of fuel efficiency, the fuel consumption level shown on the display dropped sharply due to aggressive driving by our fellow media friends, but with light-footed driving (and some patience), this writer managed to achieve a reading of 19 km/l before reaching the Kuala Terengganu exit. This is not far from the figure claimed by Perodua, which is 22 km/l.

When it comes to ride and handling, the DNGA platform felt comfortable despite facing the bumpy and uneven conditions of LPT2. Some degree of vibration managed to seep into the cabin, but it wasn’t to the extent of causing discomfort.

The use of the new platform also resulted in a larger rear space, which is exactly what most Alza buyers look for. For this writer, who stands at 167 cm tall, there was still ample legroom even when the driver’s seat was pushed back. The backrest angle was also not too upright.

The third-row seats, as expected, are more suitable for children due to their relatively small size. However, when not in use, they can be folded flat to achieve maximum cargo space of nearly 500 liters.

If that’s not enough, the new Alza also comes with a host of creature comforts including rear air conditioning vents located on the ceiling, complete with a control panel, two USB charging ports and cup holders in the second and third-row seats.

In conclusion, this writer thinks that the Alza is the best bang for your buck if you are looking to buy an affordable, fuss-free family car. But what it lacks in performance it more than makes up for in practicality, comfort, and features.

Perodua Alza Specifications

Price: From RM62,500 to RM75,500
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder Dual-VVTi
Gearbox: D-CVT
Power: 105 hp
Torque: 138 Nm