2 Lotus F1 teams

Latest press release from Lotus.

Group Lotus plc and Genii Capital are joining hands and we will soon see the Renault F1 Team renamed as ‘Lotus Renault GP’ from the start of the 2011 racing season onwards.

Group Lotus plc will acquire a major equity stake in the team from Genii Capital. Genii, an investment holding company with a portfolio of automotive technologies, bring non-F1™ technologies such as lightweight braking systems, variable compression engine technology and on board software systems to the partnership. In addition to this, Genii is also offering Proton the ability to leverage on its existing business relationships in Russia and other parts of the world, as a means to expand Proton's global reach. Through Genii, Proton can also potentially access advanced automotive technologies by virtue of Genii’s association with Mangrove, a venture capital group.

However, I wonder where that leaves Team Lotus (also powered by Renault) led by AirAsia CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

Some quotes:

Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar:

"I can think of no better platform for automotive brand communications than motorsport and F1™. We’re well aware that there has been a lot of controversy around the usage of our brand in F1™ and I’m delighted to be able to formally clarify our position: We are Lotus, and we are back.”

Dato' Sri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh, Chairman of Proton, Lotus majority shareholder:

"We know that Group Lotus has much to offer Formula 1™ and vice versa. After careful consideration, we believe this arrangement will be fruitful, both from a commercial and marketing point of view."

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Proton advisor and former Prime Minister of Malaysia:

"This is an exciting development which delivers strategic benefits to both Group Lotus and Proton. I fully support the partnership."

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault:

“This multi-partner alliance will bring a new dynamic to the team and enable it to compete with the sport’s best from next season.”

Gerard Lopez, founding partner of Genii Capital:

“For Group Lotus, access to Formula 1™ opens up new marketing opportunities and a major platform for business exchanges and development. In this regard, Genii Capital possesses shareholdings in, and direct access to, cutting edge companies in the automotive industry. Our tie-up with Group Lotus and Proton, which will enable its future road car ranges to take advantage of significant new technologies, is a natural step.”

Malaysia to become regional hub for Peugeot

French carmaker Peugeot has chosen the Malaysian Naza group to spearhead its expansion in the region following the success of the marque in the country. The Naza Group was appointed official distributor for the Peugeot brand in January 2008. 3,766 units of Peugeot vehicles were sold in 2009 which accounted for 86% of Peugeot sales in the Asean region.

Former Malaysian PM Tun Dr Mahathir launched the Peugeot 207 yesterday. Codenamed as the T33 Project, the car is different from the 207 sold here in the UK and is actually a modified version of the 206. The only difference from the 206 is that it has a slightly elongated boot at the back making it a sedan. The car will be assembled at the Naza plant in Gurun, Kedah.

The car is powered by a 1.6L engine and price on the road with insurance starts from RM72,888 (approx. £14647).

Are you looking for car rental France?

Review of MillionCars website

I recently found out about a new Malaysian online car marketplace called MillionCars. It is is not the typical car site and targets all income ranges of consumers in Malaysia. The website has not been even officially launched even though it's already online. Right now it only offers limited features to the users and the first phase development of this website is just to give a chance for the dealers and buyers to get used to the website.

At this moment, individuals or dealers can register. The individual account is open to anyone in Malaysia who wants to sell a car. Individuals would receive 25 credits at registration and they can use the credits to post, renew, add and pro long their ads. If they want to post more than 4 ads, they need to upgrade their account to a dealer.

The second type of account is strictly for car dealers. They will receive 250 credits at the time of registration and they will also get their own online showroom that can be seen from the "Dealer" Page. The free registration promotion for dealers will end mid November (Nov 15, 2010). The google map feature has been integrated to make it easier for the customers to get to their selected dealer's showroom.

As for payment options, the website is integrated with the iPay88, a Malaysian company that offers safe bank online payments. It works just like Paypal. The iPay88 payment system allows different payment systems.

According to Muhammad Nasri, they plan to offer extra features in the next few months for both the buyers and sellers. They are in the process of tweaking the site to make it more user-friendly.

The user could browse used or new cars easily from the front page. Also, keep in mind that this website is not targeted for middle range type of consumers but rather, targeting for all types of consumers in Malaysia.

Technology that powers the Lotus Racing team

Mia Sharizman Bin Ismail, Head of Operations (Asia) of Lotus Racing talks about the growth and opportunities for Malaysians in the ICT sector and in developing a k-economy. I have taken part of the interview that relate to the F1 races.

(From L-R) Mia Sharizman Ismail,Head of Operations (Asia), Riad Asmat, Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Racing, and Alex Yoong (former F1 driver).

How important is the role of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) solutions in Formula 1?

Mia: ICT is definitely crucial in F1. Firstly, as a communication tool. The entire team must be in constant communication, whether it be in the factory, on the circuit, in the pit walk, on the track and even between the driver and the team during the actual race.

Secondly, ICT is fundamental in the engineering of the F1 car. This covers a range of processes, from the design to the manufacturing of the F1 car. At Lotus Racing, we have to meet all the state of the art requirements needed in F1, and this includes having a team of trained specialist in F1 technology. We also need huge storage capacity, high speed communications, and complex ICT network solutions and infrastructure.

Another crucial area for ICT is in F1 simulation. The Data Acquisition system collects data from the F1 car which is equipped with multi-functional sensory. The data then is transferred back to track side, while the car is moving around the circuit. This data can be used to simulate any F1 track in the world!

What are the programmes available in the Lotus Racing team for Malaysians; aimed at building Malaysia’s expertise and knowledge of building an F1 team and its facilities?

Mia: We are at early stages in hiring Malaysians onto the team, be it in the ICT field or in other fields. Our goal is to ensure that Malaysians acquire the expertise needed to be a contributing member of the F1 team by providing them with first hand experience.

We’ve also started to implement our internship programs with students. Given that we are a young F1 team, we can only accommodate a group of 5-6 students at any given time. The internship programme is held every quarter of the year and Malaysian students who are in their final year of education in universities here in the UK are shortlisted from a pool of write-in applications.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for young Malaysians to gain valuable experience and soak in the excitement of being a part of one the automotive world’s most prestigious racing platform.

How much has Malaysians progressed in the Automotive/Racing sector from our partnerships to bring the 1Malaysia F1 Racing Team to where it is today in the F1 arena?

Mia: In terms of partnership, we are working with Italy for the wind tunnel system which is critical in developing the aerodynamics of our cars. In Germany, we are working with our Competent Fuel Design (CFD) house. Additionally, we are also in the midst of moving these infrastructures into our Higham, Norfolk centre here in the UK - a major step on our part. We have now grown from outsourcing to developing in-house capabilities or to be partners instead of bystanders. This provides us an avenue to gain as much knowledge and expertise as possible.

As, Dato’ Tony Fernandes mentioned, it is our 3 year plan to make this facility available in Sepang. In view of this, we are also in partnership with two Malaysian universities - University Technology Malaysia (UTM) and University Petronas Malaysia. Collectively, we are working on developing Lotus Racing facilities in Malaysia and my duty is to ensure that the transfer of knowledge happens.

What are the goals in ICT solutions (software and/or hardware) that 1Malaysia Lotus F1 team is aiming for in order to improve its standing in F1 racing?

Mia: In a nutshell, our goals are similar to that of a car developer. And that is to produce a vehicle with maximum performance and a system with great reliability. To achieve this, from an operations point of view is to be as efficient as we possibly can.

Ultimately, what we are all about is getting the extra seconds for both our cars. For us, it’s vital to leverage on existing technology whilst developing new ones, for that extra boost in performance. Our yardstick is to finish in a race, and everything we do moves towards achieving just that.

Give us an example, of one automotive/racing technology used in Lotus Racing which you feel best demonstrates ‘cutting edge’ technology?

Mia: At the moment, I would say that that is the CFD. This relates to the wind tunnel simulation, where we take the car models from the design office and we create a simulation in the virtual world. This is how we gain aerodynamic advantage with our cars and is cutting edge technology made possible with super computers. We are striving all the time to get even better accuracy which translates to a higher performance car design.

Tell us about some of the milestones in your career leading up to where you are today in the Lotus Racing team?

Mia: Well, I was in the Sepang circuit management for about 5 years. Then I moved on to promote and organize international races around the Asia Pacific region like in China, Japan and Korea. And though I’ve had great moments in my career, I must say that our cars finishing in Bahrain recently is truly a pivotal moment in my career. We were all in complete exhilaration and that feeling of gratification was immense for everyone. I remember Dato’ Tony saying that we’ve made history!

What are the benefits or perks that comes with your position in the 1Malaysia Lotus F1 team?

Mia: Malaysia is a developing country with a strong vision to progress towards the status of a developed country. When we made our way into F1 ten year ago, Malaysia joined the ranks of the small group of developed countries around the world. That makes me proud and I believe that every step we take to becoming a developed nation is vital. Being able to play a part in that process with the F1, is a great perk in my career.

What does a Malaysian have to do to make their way to the 1Malaysia F1 Racing team?

Mia: What we try to inspire here, is that Malaysians has the ability to make it big. So if you do have that special talent, work at it and don’t give up. When we put out our recruitment advertisement for just one day last year, we received 6,500 applications! Of that group, 16 Malaysians made it to be part of the team. So, never say never.

Dr. Mahathir talks about Proton

Dr.Mahathir bin Mohamad is the former Prime Minister of Malaysia. He is an advisor to Proton, the Malaysian car company which was also his brainchild.

Anyway, he recently wrote about Proton's progress in his blog and how he was surprised that the Lotus racing team was able to get their car ready in such a short time. They just debuted this season.

In case you were not aware, Lotus is owned by Proton and Lotus Racing is run by 1Malaysia F1 Team Sdn. Bhd., a partnership between Government of Malaysia (through Proton) and a consortium of Malaysian entrepreneurs. The Team’s principal is Tony Fernandes , CEO of Malaysian budget airline Air Asia.

Mobil mewah Bufori Geneva tidak dujual di eropa dan Amerika

Pendiri dan pemilik Bufori, Anthony Khouri menyebutkan bahwa ia dan kedua saudaranya George dan Gerry telah begitu jatuh cinta dengan salah satu kota di Swiss, yakni Jenewa.

Mereka pun sepakat untuk memberi nama mobil mewah mereka sesuai dengan nama ibukota Swiss, Jenewa pada mobil sedan baru mereka.

Seperti dilansir dari siaran pers Bufori, Kamis (4/3/2010), produsen mobil yang berbasis di Malaysia ini secara resmi mereka menamakan sedan mewah terbaik yang pernah diciptakan Bufori sebagai Bufori Geneva, yang juga dipamerkan dalam gelaran Geneva Motor Show.

Bufori Geneva didukung mesin berkapasitas 6,1 liter V8, menghasilkan tenaga yang mengesankan 430 hp dan torsi 586 Nm. Akselerasi 0-100 kilometer per jam di bawah 6 detik, dengan kecepatan tertinggi lebih dari 260km per jam.

Ini yang paling menarik, ketika kita melongok bagian interiornya. Tim desain interior telah mengupayakan untuk menciptakan suasana santai, dengan mengkombinasikan bahan-bahan tradisional dan modern seperti kulit dan kayu.

Ruang interior dipenuhi dengan cahaya alami, diperkuat oleh Sunroof opsional dan dilengkapi dengan pencahayaan suasana hati yang terintegrasi. Kabinnya pun tidak hanya sekedar ada mini bar atau kulkas saja.

Tapi Bufori Geneva lebih jauh menawarkan beberapa fitur unik termasuk instan tea set dengan dispenser, alat pembuat kopi Espresso, cool box & mini bar untuk
champagne, kotak cerutu, bahkan brankas penyimpanan uang dan benda berharga.

Belum lagi urusan entertaiment, dimana fitur dan sistem multimedia komprehensif berdefinisi tinggi memberikan surround sound dan pilihan 1, 2 atau 3 monitor layar sentuh.

Begitu juga untuk urusan keamanan, dimana Geneva memiliki rangka semi monocoque state-of-the-art Hybrid Carbon Fibre dan Kevlar, yang lebih kuat dari baja, ringan dan pemeliharaan minimum untuk seumur hidup.

Anti Lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Steering Angle Control dan Adaptive Cruise Control dimasukkan
untuk memberikan rasa lebih menyenangkan dan aman berkendara.

Juga ada Night Vision Thermal Imaging kamera. Jika diaktifkan, siang atau malam, fitur keamanan ini mendeteksi pejalan kaki dan benda hingga 300 meter jauhnya dan menampilkannya di layar.

Setiap satu unit Bufori Geneva melewati 24 tahap pengerjaan, yang dilakukan oleh 6.000 pekerja. Sehingga, meskipun Bufori memiliki kapasitas produksi hingga 300 unit, namun Geneva hanya akan diproduksi 60 unit saja.

Namun, anda tidak akan melihat Geneva di Amerika, karena Bufori akan memfokuskan penjualan Geneva di sekitar Asia Tenggara, Timur Tengah, China dan India.

Exora Receives Well Deserved Endorsement In Thailand

Proton sales bookings in the Expo had as such beaten all Korean and continental brands in Thailand, positioning it as one of the strongest selling brands in the Expo within the ranks of the Japanese brands.

The Proton Exora, which made its debut in Thailand during the motor show, was the best selling Proton model securing a total of 825 bookings, which accounts for almost 60% of Proton’s 1,388 units sold during the Expo. The Proton Savvy was the next best-seller recording 19.5% of the total bookings over the event.

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Proton: Siapkan Tiga Model Facelift

PT Proton Edar Indonesia (PEI) selaku distributor utama mobil merek Proton di Indonesia akan meluncurkan tiga model versi facelift sepanjang 2010 ini. Ketiganya adalah, Gen-2, Neo, serta Exora President.

Gen- 2 dan Neo tak hanya mendapat sentuhan perubahan pada sektor eksteriornya saja tetapi juga interiornya. “Sedangkan Exora selain ada perubahan minor di eksterior, akan ada perubahan fitur di interior. Misalnya, jok yang akan dibalut hingga perangkat hiburan audio video desain baru,” kata Fransisco Sirait, Sales Training and Development Head PT PEI, di sela acara Media Gathering Proton di Jakarta Selatan, Rabu (10/2).

Peluncuran Exora President dan Neo versi facelift itu akan dilakukan di ajang Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2010 pada Juli mendatang. Sementara Gen-2 facelift akan diluncurkan akhir Maret atau awal April. PT PEI juga optimistis penjualan pada 2010 ini bakal meningkat seiring dengan kondisi perekonomian nasional yang bertumbuh pada kisaran 5-5,5 persen. “Untuk tahun ini target penjualan kami 4.000 unit, untuk semua line up Proton,” ujar Fransisco.

Presiden Direktur PT PEI Ricky HK To pun mengungkapkan rasa optimisnya akan penjualan Proton di Indonesia. “Penjualan kami tumbuh 100 persen, dari 1.100 unit pada 2008 menjadi 2.200 unit pada 2009. Sehingga tahun ini, kami yakin penjualan akan semakin membaik mengingat Indonesia juga memiliki potensi untuk menjadi pasar otomotif terbesar di kawasan (Asia Tenggara),” kata Ricky.

Genjot Penjualan 2010, Proton Siapkan Tiga Model Facelift

Distributor utama mobil merek Proton, PT Proton Edar Indonesia akan meluncurkan tiga model versi facelift sepanjang 2010 ini. Ketiganya adalah, Gen-2, Neo, serta Exora President.

Gen-2 dan Neo tak hanya mendapat sentuhan perubahan pada sektor eksteriornya saja tetapi juga interiornya. "Sedangkan Exora selain ada perubahan minor di eksterior juga akan ada perubahan fittur di interior. Misalnya, jok yang akan dibalut hingga perangkat hiburan audio video dengan desain baru," Fransisco Sirait, Sales Training and Development Head PT PEI, di sela acara Media Gathering Proton di Jakarta Selatan, Rabu (10/2).

Seiring dengan penambahan fitur baru dan perubahan tampilan itu, banderol harga Exora versi facelift itu juga dikerek, menjadi Rp 300 juta. Meski tampil penuh dengan aura kemewahan, namun harga tetap bersaing karena komponen penunjang untuk penmabahan fitur dan perubahan itu berasal dari mitra lokal Proton di Indonesia. "Sehingga harga tetap bersaing meski tampil dengan kemewahan," aku Fransisco.

Peluncuran Exora President dan Neo versi facelift itu akan dilakukan di ajang Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2010 pada Juli mendatang. Sementara Gen-2 facelift akan diluncurkan akhir Maret atau awal April.

PT PEI juga optimistis penjualan pada 2010 ini bakal meningkat seiring dengan kondisi perekonomian nasional yang bertumbuh pada kisaran 5-5,5 persen. "Untuk tahun ini target penjualan kami 4000 unit, untuk semua line up Proton," tandas Fransisco.

Ricky HK To, Presiden Direktur PT PEI menegaskan pernyataan Fransisco. Bahkan, pria ramah ini menyebut, optimisme itu juga dilandasai kenyataan selama 2009 lalu kinerja penjualan PT PEI juga tercatat gemilang.

"Bahkan penjualan kami tumbuh 100 persen, dari 1.100 unit pada 2008 menjadi 2.200 unit pada 2009. Sehingga tahun ini, kami yakin penjualan akan semakin membaik mengingat Indonesia juga memiliki potensi untuk menjadi pasar otomotif terbesar di kawasan (Asia Tenggara)," tuturnya.

Malaysian luxury car manufacturer BUFORI Motor Car Company (BMCC)

Malaysian luxury car manufacturer BUFORI Motor Car Company (BMCC) is extending its model range and will soon be launching a new generation of modern sportscars.

The BUFORI CS, which stands for “Compact Sports”, is a purist and powerful 2 door coupé. Unlike previous generations of BUFORI motorcars, the BUFORI CS is intentionally modern-styled. Powered by a 2.0L turbo-charged engine, the sportscar will feature a lightweight composite body and offer the typical BUFORI craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality. The BUFORI CS is expected to be launched in Malaysia at the beginning of 2010 and more details will be revealed towards the end of the year.

The BUFORI CS is fully designed and developed by BMCC in Malaysia. It was recently decided that BUFORI wanted to have a race version of the car, in order to prove the vehicles capabilities and performance under extreme conditions and directly apply proven racing technology to the on going development of the road car.

This lead to the creation of the newly established BMS (BUFORI MOTOR SPORTS), which is the motorsport division of BUFORI. Through the collaboration with AXLE MOTORSPORT, a company dealing in high-tech motor racing development, BMS and AXLE MOTORSPORT jointly developed the BUFORI BMS R1 using a team of Formula One engineers, employing only the highest quality components and materials.

The BMS AXLE RACING team will take part in the upcoming 56th Macau Grand Prix (weekend of 19th November 2009) with the BUFORI BMS R1, the race edition of the all new BUFORI CS.

“After two years of hard work in designing and developing our new sports car, the BUFORI CS, we are very proud that a racing version of our car has been developed and will have its first public appearance at such a prestigious event as the Macau Grand Prix. We could not have wished for a better occasion. Our intention is to transfer the racing technology to the road version of the BUFORI CS and bring in all the qualities for which BUFORI is renowned” says Felix Haller, General Manager Marketing & Operations of BMCC.

“BMS AXLE have followed a very tight working schedule, in under 10 weeks, to create this race car, and we are looking forward to being a part of this racing event and making history with BUFORI, the first Malaysian sportscar to run at the Macau GT Cup” says Joe Lim, the BMS Team Principal and Managing Director of Bufori Sales & Marketing (BSM), the global Distributor of Bufori vehicles. “This race marks the beginning of a new era for BUFORI. With the BUFORI CS, the company is expanding its portfolio to purist, modern styled sports cars, with the usual uncompromised BUFORI quality.” he adds.

BUFORI is the first Malaysian manufacturer to participate at the Macau GT Grand Prix. The Guia Circuit of Macau is a street circuit with a combination of fast straights and tight corners. It is recognised as one of the most challenging and demanding circuits in the world.

Soal Mobil Hybrid, RI Ketinggalan dari Malaysia

Bila pemerintah Indonesia meramalkan mobil-mobil Hybrid baru akan berseliweran di jalanan pada tahun 2020, justru pemerintah Malaysia baru-baru ini mengeluarkan kebijakan terkait dengan eksistensi mobil hybrid di negeri jiran tersebut.

Pemerintah Malaysia akan memberikan potongan pajak bagi produsen otomotif yang mengembangkan mobil hybrid ataupun listrik, agar industri otomotif Malaysia lebih kompetitif bila mengacu pada keberhasilan Thailand.

"Memang Thailand telah mengembangkan otomotifnya dengan lebih baik, tapi mereka terlambat dalam mengembangkan mobil hybrid," ujar Menteri Perdagangan dan Industri Malaysia Mustapa Mohamad, seperti dilansir The New York Times, Senin (2/11/2009).

Di bawah peraturan baru, produsen asing diizinkan untuk memiliki 100 persen produksi pembuatan mobil hybrid dan listrik.

Thailand, yang memikat produsen mobil asing seperti Toyota, Honda, General Motors dan Ford Motor untuk membangun pabrik-pabrik di zona industri sebelah timur Bangkok, kini menjadi negara eksportir ketiga di Asia setelah Jepang dan Korea Selatan.

Asosiasi Otomotif Malaysia, yang menaungi produsen mobil domestik, memuji langkah pemerintah untuk memberikan insentif bagi produsen otomotif untuk mengembangkan mobil hybrid dan listrik.

"Ini adalah langkah yang benar, dan kita dapat bergerak maju untuk berusaha mengejar ketinggalan dengan Thailand," kata presiden asosiasi tersebut, Aishah Ahmad.

Analis di Kuala Lumpur mengatakan, kebijakan baru Malaysia ini mungkin akan menarik produsen mobil Eropa seperti Volkswagen, Peugeot dan Volvo, bahwa di bawah aturan baru ini, mereka akan mampu menghasilkan mobil hybrid dan listrik.

1Malaysia F1 Team plans HQ at Sepang

Although the 1Malaysia F1 Team would initially be based near Lotus’ hometown of Norfolk, there are plans to relocate to the Sepang International Circuit sometime in the future. Apparently the SIC has allocated between 8,000 to 12,000 hectres (er, this must be a misquote by MSM journos) of land for the F1 team’s headquarters. The site will be at the parking area before the tunnel to enter the podium building.

According to SIC CEO Razlan Razali, the HQ will be fully equipped with manufacturing and development facilities including a wind-tunnel and costs could be in the millions or even billions.

However he reiterated that these are just plans for now and it’s all only in preliminary stages. After the Raya holidays, the parties involved will sit together and have a discussion. He added that the team’s race machines could be ready in the matter of months, thanks to Lotus and other contractors and suppliers such as Cosworth, FondTech and Xtrac, who will supply the engine, aerodynamics and transmission respectively. They are not building from scratch.

Medan Lebih Familiar dengan Proton

Kedekatannya secara geografis dengan Pulau Pinang, membuat Medan ternyata lebih familiar dengan merek Proton. Bahkan di Sumatera Utara ini, permintaan untuk mobil-mobil Proton cukup tinggi.

"Di Medan tiap dealer itu bisa dapat pesanan hampir 100 unit untuk semua tipe Proton," ungkap President Director PT Proton Edar Indonesia (PEI) Ricky HK Too di sela perkenalan Proton Exora di Hotel Darmawangsa, Jakarta, Rabu (15/7/2009).

Kondisi ini, kata dia mungkin disebabkan Medan yang dekat dengan Pulau Pinang. "Jadi merek Proton di sana sudah familiar sama seperti di Malaysia," katanya.

Walau demikian, dia berharap, kesuksesan di Medan tersebut juga bisa terjadi di kota-kota lain khususnya Jakarta.

'Made in Indonesia' Komodo buses to hit the street

Malaysian-controlled automaker PT Asian Auto International (AAI) launched its locally manufactured "Komodo" buses Tuesday, named after the remote island in East Nusa Tenggara and its reptile inhabitants.

Industry Minister Fahmi Idris said the bus was expected to pioneer the nation's automotive industry utilizing local experts and supporting products to create a multiplier effect.

Fahmi, of the Golkar Party, was optimistic the country could become a full manufacturing base with designs and engineering to match those of the global automotive market.

"The amount and proportion of locally made vehicle components have continuously increased over the past few years," he said.

Local components used in Komodo buses now account for 50 percent of the total, Fahmi said.

"I hope the AAI will increase the proportion of local components from 50 to 85 percent in the near future," he added.

According to the Transportation Ministry, an estimated 3.4 million buses took to the road in 2006, with a yearly growth rate of 44.4 percent.

AAI marketing director Ruddy Soesilo said his company would produce 13 articulated buses fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG) for PT Eka Sari Lorena.

Lorena won the Jakarta administration public bidding to procure the buses for the Jakarta Bus Rapid Transit System, known locally as the Busway.

The Komodo buses will serve the system's Corridor 5, linking Kampung Melayu in East Jakarta with Ancol in North Jakarta.

At 110 centimeters high and 18 meters long, the bus can carry 155 passengers, seating 41 of them, and comes with a 1,100-cc engine, Ruddy said.

Given its lower cost, the bus is expected to outpace its competitors on the market.

"European-made buses with 1,100-cc engines are sold for Rp 7 billion (US$744,680) each. But the Komodo only costs Rp 4 billion," he added.

Besides producing Komodo for Lorena, AAI is also eyeing the ASEAN market, Ruddy said.

"We are now producing three to four buses a month. We plan to increase our output to 100 buses a year, or eight buses per month, with additional investments amounting to $150 million," he added.

"We plan to sell 50 CNG-fueled articulated buses on the ASEAN market, starting with Malaysia, by 2009," he said, adding the company could supply 198 buses once the Busway's Corridors 8, 9 and 10 commence operations.

According to the Malaysian stock exchange, AAI is 51-percent owned by Malaysia's Delloyd Corporation Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of publicly listed Delloyd Ventures Berhard. The remaining 49 percent is shared by Malaysian-based Go Gas Engineering Sdn Bhd and local businessmen Dalani Imelda, Dian Permata, Haris Mulyadi and Subakti Budiman.

AAI was established in May 2007 to manufacture and assemble buses.

In December of the same year, the company was awarded an order from the Jakarta administration for its Rp 40.5 million supply of Komodos.

Of the estimated 1.4 million new buses to hit Indonesia's roads, AAI stands to capture at least 1 percent of the market share over the next 5 to 10 years, Delloyd said in its report to the exchange.

AAI's 12-meter and 9-meter bus chassis are still in development. By 2009, additional revenue is expected to be earned from the sale of the buses, according to Delloyd.

Zagross khoro company: Kiat Malaysia Taklukkan Pasar Mobil Iran

Zagross khoro company was estabished by private sector in Borujerd located in Lorestan province in 1996 . This company in cooperation with Proton of Malaysia put it's first outomobile on The market by The name of Proton -Wira , That is originally Lancer Mitsubishi , on september 2000. This Outomobile is exported to sixty countries all over The world and has in a wide range of demand after Malaysia on The greatest consumer of Proton is Enbland .

History of Zagrosskhodro

Zagrosskhodro industries company came to The earth in 1996.And put it's first product ,Proton-WIRA on The market with exaulted ambition and in cessnatly efforts in 2001 . This company is The biggest private uint of outomotive in The country and is capabel of producing 50000 outomobile in a year . The erea of company is 2500000 square meter That The development and investment plan of new lines for producing 150000 Automobile , is on The hand of cheek .

Borujerd Zagrosskhodro industries company is located in 22 Kilometer of Malayer road. The company consists of seven phases , now one phase from The sevenvis under exploitation . of course The secand phase is on The verge of copletion . and it will be ready for exploitation until several next monthe .


Although many years don't pass from The establishment of The company , with Proton company protection which is an international company and it is in conformity with universal criteria , This company can expect a promising fatuer by supporting youth power and specialists .

Proton Exora to Meet Indonesian Market by July 2009

Proton has been said to get their new Proton Exora to the Indonesian market which was estimated to be by July 2009. The time was slightly perfect since together with the yearly Jakarta Motor Show.

With the present of Proton Exora, the MPV market surely get enough competition with a whole lot variants to choose. According to the Division Head National Sales Proton Edar Indonesia, Fransisco Sirait, the one which showed in Malaysia will be not so different comparable to the one which will be for Indonesian market. For some detail, they will get Proton Exora with suitable condition for both geographic and Indonesia market.

The New Perodua MPV Coming ahead with Pictures and Based Model

The Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has releasing the statement of releasing the new MPV model after the launching of Perodua Nautica on 9 May 2008. The Manager, Datuk Hafiz states that the new car will be MPV or SUV categoru but since they’d launched Perodua Natica, MPV will exactly be the next upcoming model and will be releasing this year of 2009.

Proton Announces Plans to Expand with Australia's Lowest Priced Car

Proton Cars has announced a revitalised assault on the Australian car market and has signalled it will launch Australia's lowest priced sedan, which it believes will be the perfect answer to the current financial climate.

In early 2010 Proton will launch Australia's lowest price sedan and is redoubling its efforts to rebuild and refresh its dealer network across the country.

The company has severed ties with almost half its existing dealers and is now recruiting new high calibre dealers to broaden the reach and service levels for Proton customers.

Proton Waja Limousine

Not to be confused with the Proton Chancellor, this is a true limousine version that is alot more elongated than the former. Form the look of the back, it shares the same exhaust tips as the 1.8 version.

LDV files for administration

Birmingham based van maker LDV applied for administration. 800 jobs at its Birmingham factory and another 1,200 in various dealerships are at stake.

However, the interesting news is that Malaysian investor Westar is said to be in advanced talks to take control of the company. If that happens, it will become the second British automobile company to be taken over by the Malaysians. The first was Lotus which was taken over by Proton in 1996.