The first-ever Perodua Digital Showroom is well on its way after Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), Arus Jaya Automotive Sdn. Bhd. and Perodua announced their strategic collaboration for the development of Smart Sales and Service yesterday in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. (more…)
Car companies are in business to be successful and give returns to their shareholders, but they do not forget their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) too. With their financial resources, they can help communities in various ways and that’s one of the ongoing initiatives of Perodua.
“As a People First company and a caring brand, Perodua is always looking for long-term and sustainable ways we can help and contribute to the people,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Recently, representatives of the carmaker revisited Selayang Hospital to contribute medical equipment and distribute goodies to patients and staff of the paediatric ward. Perodua last visited the hospital, located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. in February, when it contributed 3 pulse oximeters (oxygen measurement devices) and 6 portable screens, as well as distributed money packets and gift bags to patients and staff.
“This is our small way of thanking the Selayang Hospital paediatric ward staff for their dedication and efforts in caring for the children, and for all the child patients here, we hope we can make their days a little brighter and their smiles a little wider,” Dato’ Zainal said.
Additional equipment
This time, Perodua contributed to the ward another pulse oximeter and 3 more portable screens, as well as distributed money packets and gift bags containing stationery to around 100 child patients.
The children’s play area was also given a new look after volunteers from Perodua cleaned the area, painted the cabinets, replaced the wallpaper and ceiling, installed a smart TV and new flooring as well as bought some new books and toys.
The refurbished play area features graphics with safety and environmental themes – topics which Perodua is passionate about. It plans to educate the child patients about safety and the environment through various activities in the coming years.
More activities planned
“Our efforts do not stop here – we have lots of activities planned for the children in the coming years, including story-telling, movie screenings, puzzle games and origami. We are also looking at doing a book donation drive to populate the play area’s library,” Dato’ Zainal said.
Visit www.perodua.com.my to know more about the products and services available.
The 2019 Seylan Colombo Motor Show in Sri Lanka saw the debut of the Perodua Axia STYLE variant where local Perodua distributor, Unimo Enterprises, are already collecting bookings. Deliveries are expected to begin in the early stages of 2020.
For its debut in the country, the Perodua Axia STYLE is priced at Rs 3.895 million, which is around the RM89,000 mark. That’s a world of difference compared to our local prices standing at RM38,890 (OTR without insurance). (more…)
Perhaps you may not have realised it but many years after a model has ceased to be produced, genuine parts from the manufacturer are still available from its own service centres or authorised parts stockists. Some may be surplus stock but there will also be many parts that continue to be made after production of the model (or generation) had stopped. This ensures that subsequent owners of the model can still get genuine parts which are made to the same high quality standards as when the model was still in production.
It’s a sort of ‘unwritten’ industry practice that parts for a model will continue to be available from the manufacturer for at least 10 years after the end of production. For a market leader like Perodua, which has been producing cars since 1994 and put over 3.7 million vehicles on Malaysian roads, there’s a major responsibility to ensure that the parts remain available. This is especially so in Malaysia where there is still no ‘end-of-life’ policy so cars tend to be used for a long time.
One-third of parts demand for old models
Currently, a third of the demand for Perodua parts is for past models such as the first-generation Myvi, Viva, Kelisa and even the Kancil. Besides making the parts at its own factory complex, Perodua has also assigned some parts to Industrial Quality Management (IQM) Sdn Bhd, its supplier since 2002. IQM currently supplies metal stamping, body assembly parts and brake tube components to Perodua. It also began making Viva parts when production of the model ended in 2014 and last year. it began making parts for the second-generation Myvi on a dedicated new line.
Today, Perodua announced that it is centralising parts production for its past models with the launch of a new press stamping machine at its facility within IQM’s factory located in Tanjung Malim, Perak. The move is one of Perodua’s many initiatives with its suppliers to help expand their business and capabilities, bringing them one step closer to becoming global automotive suppliers.
Freeing up space and simplifying operations
At the same time, this frees up much-needed space in Perodua’s complex, simplifies the entire operation, reduces lead time and cost, and makes it easier to monitor under one roof. Perodua also assists IQM in terms of skill transfer and training where past model parts production is concerned.
A RM7 million investment on the machine, including its transportation and installation, was made by Perodua entirely. The 1,600-metric tonne hydraulic press stamping machine will produce body parts such as bonnets, side outer panels, rear quarter panels, fenders, doors and roofs for past Perodua models. The dies required to make the past model parts have also been moved to IQM.
Supporting owners of past models
“Perodua’s decision to centralise past model parts production at IQM is 4-pronged. One, we want to continue supporting owners of our past models with quality, quick and affordable parts through our Body & Paint business, because as long as you own a Perodua vehicle – old or new – we will always be there for you,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
“Two, we are committed to empowering all 135 of our Malaysian suppliers, not just by buying from them but helping to develop them via skill and technology transfers. Three, it represents our commitment to the nation and its economy by helping to boost the competitiveness of the Malaysian automotive eco-system,” he added. “Finally, it represents our commitment to ourselves. To keep improving our quality and efficiency so that Perodua can be a better and leaner company moving forward,”
With all its current models having over 90% of parts purchased locally, Perodua is naturally the biggest buyer of automotive components in the country. It has spent RM4.5 billion on parts so far this year out of a planned RM5.4 billion for the whole of 2019.
Visit www.perodua.com.my to locate a service centre where you can purchase Perodua Genuine Parts.
The Badminton Talent Development Programme (BTDP), a collaborative effort between the Malaysian Education Ministry (MOE) and Perodua, has reached the pinnacle of its second year with 14 young national champions. The National Finals, which took place at Arena Badminton Perak in Ipoh from October 17 – 20, saw 224 finalists from all over Malaysia fiercely compete in 11 categories over 4 days for national glory.
“Jointly launched by Perodua and MOE in February 2018, the BTDP is a 5-year nationwide human capital development programme that aims to find and cultivate future Malaysian badminton talent amongst primary schoolchildren, in the hope that they can play for our country one day,” said Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Additional categories
As in the first year, the 2019 programme kicked off in March with 140 coaches training 2,800 primary schoolchildren at 70 identified badminton development centres nationwide. However, where there were only 8 categories last year involving 9- to 11-year olds, this year introduced 12-year olds – made up of last year’s 11-year olds – in 3 additional categories: boys’ singles, girls’ singles and for the first time, mixed doubles. The student athletes progressed through competitions at centre and state/federal territory levels to get to the National Finals.
“The great thing about the BTDP is that it doesn’t just focus on the student athletes’ capabilities on court. During training, we also try to instil in them values such as respect, discipline, determination, sportsmanship, punctuality, humility and cleanliness of self as well as surroundings. Most of all, we encourage them to live a balanced lifestyle of sports, studies and family in equal measure. We believe it’s best to start young,” Dato’ Zainal said.
“Some of these children don’t come from well-to-do families and had never even touched a badminton racquet before this. As a proudly Malaysian, People First company, Perodua is very happy to be working with the MOE to potentially change the lives of these children,” he added.
“They have been given the chance to represent their schools, states and soon, our country – like we did last year, we hope to fly our young champions to Tokyo early next year to go up against their counterparts from Japan and Indonesia at the 3 Countries Junior Badminton Competition, hosted and organised by Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan.
Government support for Malaysian carmakers has not been confined to providing various forms of funding and incentives as the government, being the country’s largest fleet owner, has also purchased thousands of vehicles from Perodua and Proton over the years.
First government agency to use Aruz
The most recent example was the purchase of 55 units of the Perodua Aruz by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP). This is the first fleet deal for the 7-seater SUV and KPDNHEP is also the first government agency to purchase the Aruz.
“We thank KPDNHEP very much for choosing the Perodua Aruz and in doing so, supporting the Malaysian automotive supply eco-system, as over 90% of the Aruz’s components are locally sourced. The same is true of all our current models,” Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Explaining how the Aruz would be beneficial to the operations of the ministry’s enforcement officers, Dato’ Zainal said: “We understand KPDNHEP’s enforcement officers often take long road journeys in the course of duty. The Perodua Aruz is durable, dependable, spacious, practical, easy to drive and due to its many seating configurations, very versatile. Not forgetting conveniences such as the built-in toll card reader, integrated dash cam, HDMI, Smart Link, Bluetooth and navigation.”
Safe and fuel-efficient
The occupants will also be well protected with the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0, 6 airbags and Vehicle Stability Control, which have contributed to the Aruz being rated the maximum of 5 stars by ASEAN NCAP.
“It is also an Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) with a best-in-class rated fuel efficiency of 15.6 kms/litre, contributing to low running costs,” he said, adding that over 23,000 units have already been delivered out of over 33,000 bookings received to date since its launch in January.
To locate a showroom to view or test-drive the Aruz, visit www.perodua.com.my.
When Perodua started making cars over 25 years ago, its mission was to offer Malaysians low-priced personal transportation, besides helping in the development of the domestic auto industry. Learning from its technical partner, Daihatsu Motor, and then slowly building up its own in-house capabilities, it has done well and ascended to being the No.1 carmaker in the country.
The products which Perodua has been selling are at the entry-level end of the motor vehicle spectrum. In other countries, entry-level models are the cheapest and come with a minimum of equipment and features. Their cost is kept as low as possible so they can be sold cheaply. Some manufacturers may make little or nothing on such models but hope that once they have drawn new customers to own and experience their brand, they will be able to retain these customers in the years to follow.
Malaysian consumers expect a lot
The situation in Malaysia is somewhat different, perhaps because consumers regard the prices of cars as being too high – and this has been the perception for a long time. The tax structure is largely the reason but the government has always found it hard to lower taxes on new vehicles as the revenue is significant. To give it up means that another source of revenue must be found and that’s difficult in these times. The only way has been to provide incentives to those companies that assemble locally and make investments, enabling them to offset their production costs and set lower retail prices.
Even then, Perodua still has a big challenge because its customers expect even entry-level cars to have features and equipment that the more expensive models have. Fortunately, the carmaker has reached a very high volume today and has economies of scale to moderate production costs and give more to its customers than would be the case in other countries.
Which brings us to the 2019 Perodua Axia range launched today. The smallest model in Perodua’s range, the Axia has been in the market since September 2014 and with over 400,000 units on the road, it is the bestselling model in its class. In 2017, an updated model was launched and helped to maintain interest to keep sales high.
https://www.facebook.com/piston.my/videos/782562768843640/
The ideal first car
Like the Kancil and Viva earlier, the Axia has been popular among younger customers which is not surprising, of course. It is ideal as a first car for many just starting to work. At the same time, there is also a segment of buyers who want a simple, economical small car just for daily transportation. The Axia also serves such people well and in fact, Perodua’s Chairman, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, says that he enjoys driving his Axia more than the Lexus that the company provides.
“For over a quarter of a century, Perodua has mobilised Malaysia with quality compact vehicles that offer practicality, dependability, ease to drive and low overall ownership costs. For these reasons and more, the Kancil and Viva were popular choices for an entire generation of Malaysians buying their first cars,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
“The 2019 Perodua Axia carries on that spirit while offering Malaysians much more in an entry-level model than ever thought possible. It offers major advances in safety and style never seen before in this segment and yet retains its affordability,” he added.
Enhanced safety (in top variant)
The range-topping AV variant (pictured above) now has Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0, which is one generation ahead of the one that was introduced in the current Myvi. ASA 2.0 has extended capability and comprises Pedestrian Detection (up to 50 km/h), Pre-Collision Warning (up to 100 km/h), Pre-Collision Braking (up to 80 km/h), Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control functions to mitigate collisions. The video shown below refers to the Aruz SUV but the A.S.A. 2.0 system is identical in functions and capabilities.
Also, all variants from GXtra and above come with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control, and all variants except the cheapest Axia E have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution as standard. ISOFIX is standard across the range for those who have to install childseats, while SE and AV variants get solar and security window film.
The Axia STYLE
The big news for the 2019 range is the addition of the STYLE variant. At a glance, this looks like a different model but it is just like the other Axia variants except that the designers have given it a bolder appearance. The looks have been inspired by the current popularity of crossover vehicles which are more rugged-looking. To achieve such a look, there are different front and rear bumpers with a skid plate being made a visual element, all-round body cladding, clear-lens tail lamps, roof mouldings, and a rear spoiler. The slightly raised body is the result of installing 15-inch alloy wheels. A new variant-exclusive Sunrise Orange body colour completes the trendy crossover-inspired look.
“The new Perodua Axia STYLE embodies the desire to be different; to unleash the fun and active side that exists in all of us. It is upbeat and trendy and, at the same time, retains all the hallmark Axia qualities of practicality, spaciousness, clever design and ease to drive,” Dato’ Zainal explained.
The STYLE variant is partly an experiment by Perodua to gauge consumer reaction to more ‘adventurous’ styling ideas. The problem is often that such variants might not stay in fashion for too long as tastes change. In the past, Perodua had some success with the two-tone Kelisa and that might be something to consider for the Axia STYLE too. In any case, for those who want additional personalization, there are already new GearUp accessories specially designed for the 2019 model.
The Axia is powered by a proven 1KR-VE engine with a 998 cc displacement, 12 valves and Variable Valve Timing. Power output is 68 ps/90 Nm and with a 4-speed electronic automatic transmission (4E-AT), the claimed fuel consumption is 21.6 kms/litre (20.8 kms/litre for the STYLE variant). The Axia E with a 5-speed manual transmission can go up to 22.5 kms/litre, it is claimed. This variant is popular with driving schools, we’re told.
The new Axia range can be viewed at Perodua showroom’s nationwide from today. Over 5,000 people have already booked one so if you already like what you see, don’t waste time and place your order quickly. You can find the locations of authorised Perodua dealers at www.perodua.com.my.
Perodua today announced that it has decided to postpone the 2019 MYPerodua Nation carnival until further notice. The decision was made due to the worsening haze situation nationwide.
The third edition of the popular carnival was to take place this weekend (September 20 – 22) at the Setia City Oval Lawn in Setia Alam, Selangor, and Perodua was looking forward to it having the biggest attendance ever.
“The Air Pollutant Index (API) in the vicinity has been reported to be in excess of 200, which is very unhealthy. Perodua cannot, and will not, put the health and well-being of its valued customers, visitors and staff on duty at risk,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
“We apologise whole-heartedly for the inconvenience and disappointment caused by the postponement of MYPerodua Nation. We are studying all possible alternatives and will revert on the event’s status in due course,” he added.
For updates on the situation, the public can check Perodua’s Facebook page or call 1-800-88-6600.
The nation’s premier Perodua event – MYPerodua Nation – will be on from September 20 – 22 at the Setia City Oval Lawn in Setia Alam, Selangor, and Malaysia’s No. 1 carmaker expects some 25,000 people to attend – the biggest ever for the event.
“Following successful events in Shah Alam in 2017 and Sungai Petani in 2018, MYPerodua Nation 2019 promises an exciting and fun-filled weekend for all like never before,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Special deals for new cars and accessories
“With attractive offers on new vehicles, including special deals for e-hailing operators, students and graduates, plus aftersales offers on selected GearUp bodykits and packages, lubricants, parts and accessories, there simply isn’t a better time or place to be or become a Perodua customer than at MYPerodua Nation 2019!” he added. Perodua’s financial and insurance partners will also be there to facilitate the purchase process for the vehicles.
For customers’ benefit, Perodua’s entire value chain will be there, including Perodua Total Protect Plus, Perodua Pre-Owned Vehicles, GearUp accessories and merchandise, parts, Perodua Genuine Oil and the UFirst loyalty programme – all in one place.
Getting closer to customers
“MYPerodua Nation gives us an opportunity to get closer to our customers, learn more about their ever-changing needs and wants, and find out how we can best satisfy them. We are looking forward to doing a lot of on-ground engagement with the public over the 3-day event,” Dato’ Zainal said.
Visitors can also make service appointments, inspect their vehicles with Tweckbot, test-drive the latest models, experience Advanced Safety Assist (ASA), take a trip through Perodua’s 26-year history at the Perodua Journey booth, and take part in fun competitions. Kids – who could one day also be Perodua’s customers – can enjoy the bungee trampoline, clay model colouring, virtual reality racing and drift tricycle activities.
There will also be a variety of performances and special appearances by renowned artistes such as Bunkface, Aman RA, Naim Daniel and more.
“As a People First company that has put Malaysia on wheels for over a quarter of a century, Perodua owes much of its success to the Malaysian public. MYPerodua Nation therefore is as much a celebration of the Malaysian people as it is of Perodua. We dedicate it to all of you. See you there!” said Dato’ Zainal.
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Visit www.perodua.com.my for information on the company’s products and services
We often take pride in being a developed country with modern facilities and infrastructure. Yet when it comes to keeping our environment clean, it can be often seen that we are lacking. Apart from indiscriminate dumping of rubbish by the roadsides and in the jungles, we also see occupants of motor vehicles thinking nothing of throwing their rubbish out of the window onto the road.
To help discourage littering from vehicles, Perodua is working together with a Malaysian government agency to educate the public on maintaining a cleaner environment, starting with the nation’s roads. The Malaysian carmaker will collaborate with the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) – an agency under the purview of the Housing and Local Government Ministry – on the latter’s 1:0 ‘One Vehicle, Zero Litter’ campaign
Mini-bins for motorists
To start of the campaign, volunteers from Perodua and SWCorp recently gave away 500 in-vehicle mini-bins to motorists and motorcyclists at a petrol station next to the Jalan Duta toll plaza on the PLUS Highway. The mini-bins were presented with a message reminding them to bring their litter home instead of throwing it out of their vehicles.
The volunteers also held up colourful placards displaying anti-littering messages, while prominently-placed banners and buntings duly caught the attentions of motorists exiting the toll plaza.
“Perodua shares the government’s vision for a cleaner and greener Malaysia. We believe a combination of education and enforcement will have a lasting impact on our society,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad. “It is Perodua’s hope that as Malaysia enters her 62nd year of independence, we can all play our part in showing the maturity of our mindsets and allowing cleanliness to be part of our lives.”
Reduce, reuse and recycle
“We hope Malaysians can reduce, reuse and recycle their waste as far as possible. We all have to start somewhere. After our own homes, the car is the next place we spend the most time in, and if we can keep our cars clean, the rest of our lives will follow,” he added.
Within Perodua’s headquarters and manufacturing campus in Sungai Choh are its Laman Hijau recreational common and its 1,500-square metre ECO Garden, both of which incorporate many sustainable elements. Solar panels and rainwater-harvesting systems also feature on many of its campus buildings.
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