The 40L tank will gonna drain out faster on the 1.6 version.

40L actual...meter is only 30L
and not necessary gonna drain faster...if might drain slower
cuz now it's not underpower anymore...no more sacrificing pickup for aircon
and now it has more sufficient power to pull the saga
thus save oil.. theoretically.

Talks and Discussion Between Volkswagen and Proton Progressing Well

In the news: Volkswagen, Europe's largest automaker and producer of the popular brand of VW clutch parts including various VW clutch disc--- has released some statements saying that its partnership with Malaysia's Proton Holdings Bhd is already at its "fairly advanced" stage . The automaker also added that the ongoing talks between them and Proton are part of the company's plan of expanding its market in Southeast Asia. According to Kevin Rose, Volkswagen's head of international sales in an interview, "Both parties clearly know what they would want from such an agreement." He also said that the company will try to "work within" the Malaysian government's set deadline which will end on March 31, 2007.

Still in connection to its sales expansion program, Volkswagen has also added production plants in two of the fastest growing economies in the world---India and China. The main objective of VW is to boost its sales of its Passat and Jetta models in these two countries. It should be noted that Proton has again reported last month its biggest quarterly loss for the last eight years and has been continuously losing market share to its other overseas rivals including Toyota Motor Corporation. It also needs some new technology and designs to become competitive.

Ang Kok Heng, who manages about $114 million at Philip Capital Management in Kuala Lumpur, "There are a lot of things Proton needs to learn in order to be competitive and having a partner will help it catch up with the bigger boys."

Despite the losses that Proton obtains it was still able to obtain an increase in shares which rose to 1.5 percent to 6.6 ringgit and traded at 6.55 ringgit at 11:54 am in Kuala Lumpur valuing the company at 3.6 billion ringgit or $1 billion USD. The stock has fallen by 0.8 percent for this while Malaysia's benchmark stock index has increased by 7.4 percent.

Proton is not actually the first Malaysian automaker that has entered into a partnership with a foreign carmaker, the Shah Alam which is a Malaysian-based automaker have been in partnership with Mitsubishi unfortunately the joint venture only lasted up to 2004.

Another reported foreign automaker the PSA Peugeot Citroen which has been in talks with Proton has announced last week that it is no longer interested in pursuing further talks with Proton on the other hand the world's largest automaker General Motors said that it is still discussing the possibility of a partnership with Proton.

Volkswagen in Controlling Production

The Wolfsburg-based automaker said that it has been controlling its local production since it believes that it is a vital strategy to succeed in emerging markets such as Malaysia, China and India. According to Rose at a recent interview in Singapore, "For us as a brand, it's important that we can always say made by VW, or built by VW. Even in China, where for legal reasons we are a minority partner, we still have a great control over the production, assembly, design of our products, and that's incredibly important for us."

Talks between Volkswagen and Proton have collapsed in January last year after some disagreement on issues particularly in terms who will control the company. It is no secret that Malaysia's government controls Proton through a 43 percent stake held by its investment unit Khazanah Nasional Bhd. The Proton was founded by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad who also stressed the need of the company for a foreign partner to survive.

Volkswagen: Proton's Chosen One

Chong Lee Len, an analyst at Hwang-DBS Vickers Research Sdn. in Kuala Lumpur and who rates the Proton stock "fully valued" said that comments from Volkswagen is indicative that the automaker is seeking 51 percent of Proton's total manufacturing business. She also said that Volkswagen is "definitely the chosen one for the stake by the investment community". She added that it would cost Volkswagen about 900 million ringgit to control Proton's manufacturing unit.

Another analyst this time from CIMB Investment Bank said "Volkswagen will use Proton as a manufacturing hub for the region. The deal will help Volkswagen expand its sales in Malaysia, the largest passenger cars market in Southeast Asia. It's positive news for Proton." But of course unless Volkswagen and Proton confirms a partnership then all we'll be having are mere speculations.

Proton's Inspira Is Not a Rebadged, It's OEM Collaboration!

There are quite a number of angry Malaysians when Proton introduces their newest family member, the Proton Inspira. Many say that Proton has taken 2 steps backward and Proton didn't learn anything from their 25 years of prestige history. To clear things up and clarify the matters, the Group Managing Director of Proton Holdings Berhad, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir came forward and gave his comments.

He said that Proton did not take baldly the whole designs of the Lancer, but Proton did bring in their own values onto the car. He also added that the word 'rebadging' is not the suitable term to be used, but instead 'OEM collaboration' is more proper and best describes the situation. According to him, 'rebadging' is when the current logo is replaced with a new one and this is currently being done by a number of global OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) worldwide, and there's nothing wrong with it.
The Proton Inspira's technology and handling have been given the golden touch from Proton which it will have better and superior performance and capability. If you ask anyone that have test drove the Proton Inspira and his cousin Mitsubishi Lancer on which have the better handling, you might be surprise with most of their answers.

For me, I don't mind if it's really a rebadging, seriously! As long as Proton can provide with good, reliable, affordable and cheaper car, why not? It will offer Malaysians to have their own executive car at the best price. As to date, Proton already received 1,100 bookings for their inspirational Inspira and this shows there are a lot of Malaysians that agree with me.

New Proton Saga blm

This is hot. The most awaited Brand New Proton BLM real photo unveiled. This photo is calssified as spyshot, the man who took this photo really brave enough. The new proton is believed to have 1.3 campro engine with a price less than Rm35,000.
With a nice shape and of course brand new design, I think this model will get a good sales here in Malaysia and will give competitor model such as viva, sutera or even myvi a tough challenge.

What do you think ?

Facts you need to know how to have fuel saving method for Saga BLM

Fuel Saving Method for Saga BLM

PROTON has organised a challenge driving a proton. New Saga BLM from Glenmarie to Gopeng which covered a total 200km one way on 2008. Surprisingly, they have a winner who achieved 44.7191 KM/L which is only RM0.04 (RM1.80/litre petrol) , four cents per kilometer!!! Extremely low fuel consumption for a car and it is similar to using a motorbike. That is for manual new saga blm 1.3 engine. For the auto transmission, they already proved that it can reach 27.4KM/Litre which is still better than a Perodua Kancil Fuel consumption. How far is the truth? And below we share some info from Proton on the Saga Stretch your miles Economy Drive 2008.

CAR MAINTENANCE

• Engine:

• Engine to be in good condition and tuned up

• Spark plugs must be in good condition.

• Regularly serviced, as per recommended intervals.

• Dirty air cleaners restrict air flow into your engine.

• Wheel Alignment & Tyre Pressure

• Wheels must be properly aligned

• Tyre pressures must be correct. Under-inflated tyres will result in poor fuel consumption.

• Wider tyres use more fuel.

DRIVING ECONOMICALLY

• Minimise engine idling

• A running engine in a stationary car gets zero kilometres per litre.

• Do not place foot on clutch (MT)

• Be gentle with your right foot

• Accelerate gently. Excess fuel pumped into the cylinders gets blown out through the exhaust.

• Keep the engine revolutions low; find the ‘sweet spot’ in your engine. (usually around 2,000 rpm)

• Try to keep RPM below 2,000 rpm.

• Minimise ‘lugging’ (rpm too low)

• Anticipation

• Anticipate traffic situations, lift off when approaching traffic lights – minimise your braking.

• Get to 4th gear ASAP (AT)

• Driving too slow will cause transmission downshift.

• MT – Get to 5th gear ASAP

• Driving too slow causes ‘lugging’