The Star Business: Saturday March 19, 2011

European carmakers zoom in

By EUGENE MAHALINGAM
eugenicz@thestar.com.my

LAST year saw several foreign players, especially top European marques, choosing Malaysia as their base to tap the Asean market.

They include Peugeot, which had tied up with the Naza Group to make Malaysia its Asean hub and DRB-HICOM Bhd signing a collaboration and licence agreement with Volkswagen AG to manufacture Volkswagen cars at the former's production plant in Pekan, Pahang.

Industry observers reckon that European brands will also see a surge in sales over the next two years, especially with rising affluence and more affordable vehicles being introduced into the market.
And with the need for liberalisation of the local automotive industry becoming ever more pressing, European makes could be at the forefront to benefit the most.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM)

Roland Folger says all auto players will benefit from liberalisation.

 

President and chief executive officer Roland S. Folger says that in tandem with the rapid pace of globalisation, initiatives to liberalise the local automotive sector will elevate Malaysia's position as a serious player in the regional and global automotive sector.

He adds that this would also create a more conducive business environment for foreign automotive manufacturers to target Malaysia as a base for direct investments and a catalyst to the industry's continued development.

“Although MBM will benefit from this, so will all the other auto players. More importantly, Malaysia will benefit as the knock-on effect would be a significant increase in terms of bilateral transfers of technology, expertise and human capital development.”

Folger says that to be able to reach a fully liberalised status, a country must have a very sound legal system in place to protect its liberalisation policies.

He says legislation from governing authorities and agencies such as the International Trade and Industry Ministry and Malaysian Industrial Development Authority have to be stringently enforced to prevent “rogue” countries contravening such policies by using Malaysia as their dumping ground for old and unwanted technologies and products.

“Malaysia, for instance, is a strong advocate of the anti-dumping policy so we are already off to a good start.
MBM sold a total of 6,970 vehicles in 2010, exceeding the company's best performance to date of 6,146 units in 2008.

BMW Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Geoffrey Briscoe says BMW will be able to price premium cars at more competitive prices.

 

Managing director Geoffrey Briscoe says liberalisation of the Malaysian automotive industry is likely to leave BMW Malaysia with the option of pricing its premium offerings at more competitive prices, thereby opening up a larger market segment to vehicles from the BMW group, including MINI and Motorrad.
“While we are already providing the full complement of BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles and services here in Malaysia, this levelling of the playing field will undoubtedly enhance our delivery time in introducing more vehicles, technology and innovations.”

Briscoe however feels that the liberalisation process (in Malaysia) should not be rushed or undertaken without the proper measures in place to ensure that the local automotive industry can sustain the new dynamics and increased competition that (liberalisation) would bring.

“Perhaps undertaking this process in piecemeal stages, over a period of five years would be a better method of implementation, ensuring all parties across the board are prepared for the change.”

BMW Malaysia chalked up record sales of 4,509 vehicles in 2010, which comprised 4,006 BMW vehicles, 222 MINIs and 281 Motorrads compared with 3,990 vehicles nationwide in the previous year.

Automobiles Peugeot (France)

Lionel Faugeres says Malaysia is a very important regional market for Peugeot.

 

Lionel Faugeres, Peugeot's general director for Asean and Pacific countries, views Malaysian as a very important market in the region.

“It is one of the largest passenger and commercial car markets in Asean and till today, over 80% of our sales in the region comes from Malaysia.

Peugeot's relationship with the Naza Group began in 2002 when the latter became an importer and dealer of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia.
This partnership subsequently led to the 206 Bestari project in 2006 which culminated in the 206 Bestari becoming one of the best selling continental models in the market.

“In 2008, we appointed Nasim as the official distributor for Peugeot in Malaysia. Nasim's track record in the Malaysian automotive industry and Naza Automotive Manufacturing's RM500mil plant in Gurun were key factors in our decision to strengthen our partnership with the Naza Group,” says Faugeres.

“In Naza's factory, we now assemble the new 207 Sedan, 308, 407 and 3008. We are currently working hard to prepare future launches,” he says.
Should the automotive industry in Malaysia be liberalised, Faugeres says Peugeot would like to see the introduction of the Euro 5 diesel as soon as possible.

“Peugeot has a wide range of vehicles that are powered by diesel engines but we have been unable to bring these vehicles here. Diesel vehicles offer more torque, less consumption and emit less carbon dioxide. As such, it is quite obvious that there are a lot of benefits in introducing Euro 5 diesel.”

Nasim Sdn Bhd, a member of the Naza group of companies and the official distributor for Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, registered 3,000 Peugeot units in 2010 but had about 800 undelivered orders due to unavailability of certain units.

END OF ARTICLE... SOURCE...

 

Wagon Appreciation Pt 6: Mercedes Benz

In this blog entry, I'll be covering 2 lovely wagons both under the same marque. They are no other than:

1) Mercedes C-class Wagon (W204),

2) Mercedes NEW E-class wagon (W212).

There's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words... Here are the pictures accompanied by Specifications. Enjoy:

1) Mercedes C-class Wagon (W204)

EXTERIOR:

INTERIOR:

SPECIFICATIONS:

Mercedes C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantgarde

Engine

Cylinders: 4, in line
Valves per cylinder: 4
Capacity: 1796 cc
Bore x stroke: 82.0 x 85.0 mm
Compression: 9.3:1

Max power: 135 kW (184 hp) @ 5250 rpm
Max torque: 270 Nm @ 1800 rpm
Fuel system: multipoint injection
Engine type: dohc
Turbo: yes, with intercooler

Performance and Economy

Top speed: 225 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.4 s
Urban consumption: 10.3L/100km
Urban comsumption kms: (9.7km/L)
Extra-urban consumption: 5.9L/100km
Extra-urban consumption kms: (16.9km/L)
Average comsumption: 7.5L/100km
Average comsumption kms: (13.3km/L)
CO2 Emmision: 175 g/km

CHASSIS

Drive: rear
Front suspension: Independent, McPherson, Coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front brakes: ventilated discs
Rear brakes: discs
Tire: 205/55R16
Turning circle: 10,8 m

EXTERIOR SIZES

Length: 4596 mm
Width: 1770 mm
Height: 1459 mm
Weelbase: 2760 mm
Front track: 1541 mm
Rear track: 1544 mm

Others:
Luggage space: 485-1600L

WEIGHTS

Empty mass: 1465 kg
Maximum permisible mass: 2105 kg

SAFETY:

ABS: Yes
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD): Yes
Brake assistant: Yes
Driver airbag: Yes
Pessenger airbag: Yes
Side airbags: Yes (front)
Head curtain airbags: Yes (front & rear)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Yes
Traction control: Yes

END OF SPECIFICATIONS...

2) Mercedes NEW W212 E-class Wagon

EXTERIOR:

Design: new Mercedes hallmarks combined with E-Class styling features

The new E-Class Estate immediately makes an athletic and practical, but also effortlessly superior and safe impression. Its distinctive design character is based on the new Mercedes style, which had its debut in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and is now also represented in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The side view reveals many new elements, leaving no doubt about the identity of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. The B- and C-pillars appear to merge into the background thanks to glossy, black trim panels, making the entire side window area look like a single entity. This leads to a taut arch leading from the filigree A-pillar to the dramatic roof line and the downward-tapering D-pillar, all resting on the athletic shoulder line of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. The intriguing design of the door sill panels, which are visually understated in the centre but feature a prominent light-catching contour towards the wheel arches, accentuates the dramatic overall effect of the side aspect. This is additionally emphasised by the muscular, sweeping line on the rear side panel in front of the rear wheel.

When shaping the rear end, the Mercedes designers took care to give expression to the high practicality of the new model. They did this by emphasising horizontal lines, for example the band formed by the tail lights and the chromed tailgate handle. The new LED tail lights are based on a two-piece design, and create a visual continuation of the side wall into the tailgate. Both by day and night, their distinctive design is a major recognition factor for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate. This is the largest estate car in the premium segment, and it makes no secret of the fact.

Practicality: top marks for load capacity and ease of operation

One particularly special feature of the load compartment management system is the option of opening the standard-fit EASY-PACK tailgate automatically by using the ignition key or pressing the handle if the car needs to be loaded from behind. The innovative "quickfold" system enables the rear seat backrests to be folded down from the load compartment. Neither the head restraints nor the rear-seat cushions need to be adjusted beforehand in order to be able to do this. The two backrest sections are unlocked and folded down by a cable pull, creating a level loading surface. As another useful feature, either the left or right backrest sections, or both together, can be folded down. This enables the rear seat unit to be used by passengers even when long and bulky items are being carried. The backrest sections can also be unlocked and folded down from the side.

With a load capacity of up to 1950 litres, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate sets the standard in its class. It is not only in the load compartment that the generous dimensions of the preceding model have been improved even further in many respects. Two examples in the interior illustrate this: the elbow width in the rear has been increased by 50 millimetres to 1505 millimetres. Rear headroom with the large tilting/sliding sunroof installed has also improved by 50 millimetres to 1010 millimetres, and is almost as generous as in versions with no sunroof (1012 mm).

An exemplary load management system is specified as standard. For example, the automatically opening and closing EASY-PACK tailgate with automatic raising of the load compartment cover, or the EASY-PACK folding load compartment floor. The latter considerably increases the usable height of the load compartment. It can be folded up and secured in various positions. Standard equipment also includes the EASY-PACK load compartment cover with a load securing net. When extended, the load compartment cover can be hooked into electrically powered carriers on the D-pillars.

Safety: nine airbags as standard, plus innovative driver assistance systems

Mercedes-Benz has consolidated its leadership in safety even further with the new E-Class. Around one dozen new or modified driver assistance systems help to prevent road accidents or at least reduce the severity of the impact. These include the standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and the optional PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is able to initiate partial and full emergency braking autonomously. For the first time, PRE-SAFE® is also able to use only the information received from the short-range sensors in the front bumper to tension the front seat belts at the last moment before an accident recognised as unavoidable, thereby reducing the loads exerted on the driver and front passenger during the crash.

With nine airbags fitted as standard, four belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class offers an even more extensive package of safety equipment than its predecessor. The airbags, include two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A-pillar to the C-pillar during a side impact. Pelvisbags for the front occupants are also included for the first time.
Sidebags for the rear seat passengers can also be installed as optional extras.

Suspension: automatic self-levelling at the rear as standard

Outstanding comfort on long journeys in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is ensured by the newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension, which features the adaptive damping system as standard. The likewise standard self-levelling rear suspension sees to it that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate always remains at the same level, even when fully laden. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate's suspension setup has also been adapted to suit the modified body geometry, with slightly stiffer shock absorber settings and torsion bar stabilisers, making the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate just as agile as the Saloon without having to make compromises in terms of road roar and tyre vibration characteristics.

Engines: considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions

The fuel consumption and emissions of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate have been considerably reduced by new engines and numerous optimisation measures (aerodynamics, weight, energy management, reduced resistances). One prime example is the E 250 CDI with an output of 150 kW and a peak torque of 500 Nm, whose fuel consumption is only 5.7 litres per 100 km, with CO2 emissions of 150 g per km.

The engine line-up available for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate at launch comprises five units developing between 125 kW/170 hp and 285 kW/388 hp. All of the engines available at launch, the accompanying transmissions installed as standard and the basic prices at a glance:

* Diesel
o E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 125 kW/170 hp, 5.7-5.8 l per 100 km, CO2 150-153 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from € 44,803.50
o E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 5.7-5.8 l/100 km, CO2 150-153 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from € 47,719
o E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 7.0-7.3 l/100 km, CO2 185-192 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 54,204.50
* Petrol

o E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 3498 cc, 215 kW/292 hp, 8.6-8.9 l/100 km, CO2 200-208 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 55,156.50
o E 500: V8, 5461 cc, 285 kW/388 hp, 11.1-11.2 l/100 km, CO2 258-260 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 70,150.50

The following additional models are available from the first quarter of 2010 onwards:

* Diesel

- E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cc, 100 kW/136 hp, 5.7 l/100 km, CO2 150 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from € 41,947.50
- E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 7.6-7.7 l/100 km, CO2 200-203 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 56,941.50
* Petrol
- E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 135 kW/183 hp, 7.7 l/100 km, CO2 179 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from € 42,721
- E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 8.0-8.2 l/100 km, CO2 185-191 g/km, 5-speed automatic transmission, from € 47,719
- E 350 4MATIC: V6, 3498 cc, 200 kW/272 hp, 10.2-10.3 l/100 km, CO2 238-241 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from € 56,941.50


INTERIOR:

Specifications:

Mercedes E 250 CGI w212 BlueEFFICIENCY Estate Avantgarde

General

Doors number: 5-doors
Carbody type: wagon
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
FUEL: Petrol

Engine

Cylinders: 4, in line
Valves per cylinder: 4
Capacity: 1796 cc
Bore x stroke: 82.0 x 85.0 mm
Compression: 9.3:1

Max power: 150 kW (204 hp) @ 5500 rpm
Max torque: 310 Nm @ 2000 rpm
Fuel system: multipoint injection
Engine type: dohc
Turbo: yes, with intercooler

Performance & Economy

Top speed: 230 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.4 s
Urban consumption: 10.6 l/100km
Urban comsumption kms: 9.4km/L
Extra-urban consumption: 6.4 l/100km
Extra-urban consumption kms: 15.6km/L
Average comsumption: 8.0 l/100km
Average comsumption kms: 12.5km/L
CO2 Emmision: 185 g/km

OTHERS:

Front brakes: ventilated discs
Rear brakes: discs
Tire: 245/45R17
Turning circle: 11.2 m


EXTERIOR SIZES

Length: 4895 mm
Width: 1854 mm
Height: 1512 mm
Weelbase: 2874 mm
Front track: 1585 mm
Rear track: 1604 mm
Luggage space: 695-1950L
Fuel tank: 59L

WEIGHTS

Empty mass: 1635 kg
Maximum permisible mass: 2310 kg

SECURITY

ABS: Yes
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD): Yes
Brake assistant: Yes
Driver airbag: Yes
Pessenger airbag: Yes
Side airbags: Yes (front)
Head curtain airbags: Yes (front and rear)
Driver's Knee Airbag
Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Yes
Traction control: Yes

END OF SPECIFICATIONS.

The reason I created this blog entry is to Show DaimlerChryslerMalaysia what they missed out.  The above 2 specifications are suggested by me to bring in/assemble for Malaysian Markets.  They are C200CGI Wagon  and E250CGI Wagon.  Both were 1796cc hence Lowish Road tax and Import/Excise Duties => Competitive pricing. 

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.