Proton CEO's Swansong?

The wait is over. Proton has officially introduced its latest addition to the fold with the arrival of the Prevé. The car was launched an hour ago by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, at the Mines Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Seri Kembangan.

It’s a huge car for the company, as its managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin stated at the launch. “The Prevé is a very important milestone for Proton in many ways. It represents a new and higher level of standard for Proton cars in all aspects encompassing safety, performance, comfort, build quality, technology, overall design and convenience,” he said.

“More significantly, it reflects on Proton’s maturity, technical knowledge and technological capability as a car manufacturer and to evolve from a domestic and regional player into a global car company,” he added.

As mentioned in our preview article about the car, the Prevé is available in three variant forms at point of launch, with two engine permutations and three transmissions – the list is led by the 1.6 CVT Premium, in turbocharged CamPro CFE form, followed by the 1.6 Executive CVT and 1.6 Executive five-speed manual, which both feature the normally-aspirated CamPro IAFM+ mill.

Both CVT-equipped variants feature a Punch CVT drivetrain – the High-line CFE variant gets the seven-speed VT3, dubbed the ProTronic, while the Medium-line spec’d IAFM+ runs with the six-speed VT2. The VT3 transmission is a derivative of the VT2 – both share the same package, but the VT3 is capable of higher maximum input torques (215 Nm as opposed to the VT2‘s 186 Nm).

Speaking of output, the CFE – which features a low-pressure turbocharger – is good for 138 hp at 5,000 rpm and 205 Nm between 2,000 – 4,000 rpm, and performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 9.6 seconds and a maximum top speed of 190 km/h. As for fuel consumption, the CFE manages 6.6 litres per 100 km, based on a combined cycle.

As for the IAFM+, the mill equips the two M-Line versions of the car, and output numbers for this one are 107 hp at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm at 4,000 rpm. As for performance specs, the CVT version has a 170 km/h top speed and a 12.5 second 0-100 km/h time, while the manual does 180 km/h tops and does the century sprint in 12.0 seconds.

Consumption-wise, Proton states that the IAFM+ offers 5.8 litres per 100 km for the CVT version, while the five-speed manual manages 6.2 litres per 100 km, both sets on a combined cycle measurement.

	P3-21A	Waja	Persona
Length	4,543mm	4,470mm	4,477mm
Width	1,785mm	1,740mm	1,725mm
Height	1,524mm	1,420mm	1,438mm
Wheelbase	2,650mm	2,600mm	2,600mm
Front Track	1,542m	1,475mm	1,475mm
Rear Track	1,542mm	1,470mm	1,470mm
Luggage	506L	408L	430L
Kerb Weight	1,340kg	1,235kg	1,245kg

Dimensions-wise, the Prevé measures in at 4,543 mm long, 1,786 mm wide and 1,524 mm tall, and has a 2,650 mm wheelbase. Both the front and rear track is identical at 1,542 mm each, and the car has a ground clearance of 155 mm, and all the numbers are universal across the Prevé model range.

As mentioned in an earlier story about its dimensions, the Prevé is larger than its two predecessors, the Waja and the Persona – here’s a recap of the comparative figures. The earlier figures were accurate, with only a single mm difference in the width (earlier reported as 1,785 mm) as well as with the boot capacity of 508 litres (earlier, 506 litres) being the only items needing revision.

	P3-21A	Inspira	Altis	2012 Civic	Jetta	Forte	2012 Elantra
Length	4,543	4,570	4,540	4,525	4,644	4,530	4,530
Width	1,785	1,760	1,760	1,755	1,778	1,775	1,775
Height	1,524	1,490	1,465	1,435	1,482	1,460	1,445
Wheelbase	2,650	2,635	2,600	2,670	2,651	2,650	2,700
Luggage	506		475	464	510	495	485
Weight	1,340	1,335	1,315	1,295	1,417	1,359	1,269

Elsewhere, a recap too in comparing the Prevé with other C-segment sedans, including its own Mitsubishi-derived stablemate, the Proton Inspira, as the table below shows. The comparison is based on models with the biggest engines and specs (and thus the heaviest). The only thing missing from the table is the boot space capacity of the Inspira – it’s not the same as the Lancer, since the boot floor is raised to fit a full-sized spare.

Meanwhile, in terms of kerb weight, the 1.6 Premium CFE tips the scales at 1,340 kg, while the 1.6 Executive CVT is 1,325 kg and the Executive manual is the lightest of the trio, at 1,305 kg. The car comes with a 50 litre capacity fuel tank.

Suspension type is a MacPherson front and multilink rear, and all three variants wear 10-spoke 16-inch alloys, with GT Radial Champiro 205/55 series tyres, and features ventilated front /solid rear disc brakes. Water-resistant fabric seats feature across the range, as does hydraulic power steering – the choice for the latter was explained in our preview story.

Kit-wise, the Prevé comes with front and rear fog lamps, follow-me-home lights, driver’s seat height adjustment, vehicle immobiliser, projector headlamps with LED position lamps as well as ABS with EBD and dual SRS airbags as standard across the entire model range.

The top-of-the-range CFE gets brake assist and traction control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Isofix seat mountings as well as two side airbags on top of that found as standard fare. It also gets tinted window film as part of the kit.

As expected, the CFE also comes loaded with the bells and whistles in terms of features and functions, with a push-start ignition, cruise control, auto headlamps, auto wipers, auto climate air-conditioning, a rear spoiler and a CD/MP3 player with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity and integrated touchscreen GPS navigation unit.

There’s also a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto fold side mirrors and steering-mounted paddle shifters. Both the Executive variants don’t get leather for the steering wheel, but all three variants feature steering audio controls. Likewise, the CD/MP3 player on the two Executive versions come with Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, but the GPS navigation is an external (portable) unit.

The vehicle is also equipped with a Smart Information Display system (SID) that displays information such as average fuel consumption, distance to empty, battery health and faulty bulb indicator, gear shift lock indicator, home lamp indicator and vehicle intrusion warning, among others. And also on is on the move WiFi – the Prevé comes YES 4G-enabled.

Six colours are available across the range for the Prevé, and these are Blue Lagoon, Fire Red, Genetic Silver, Solid White, Tranquility Black and a new shade called Elegant Brown. Ah, yes, prices are as follows (on-the-road, inclusive of insurance):

• The Prevé 1.6 Premium CFE: RM72,990 (metallic) and RM72,540 (solid)
• The Prevé 1.6 Premium IAFM+: RM62,990 (metallic) and RM62,540 (solid)
• The Prevé 1.6 MT Executive: RM59,990 (metallic) and RM59,540 (solid)

A first for Proton – the Prevé comes with a full five-year or 150,000 km warranty (whichever comes first).Price range is between  RM60-73000..

H00 U ....number plates..

 Reports emerged earlier this week saying that vehicle owners will be allowed to bid for personalised vehicle registration numbers (NPP) from 2013. Cars, bikes, lorries and buses are eligible, but not taxis. There’s clearly a demand for such things, so it makes sense for JPJ to increase their revenue.

“The NPP is one of the new initiatives by the JPJ to members of the public. We will be able to introduce it once our computer system is upgraded and new security features are incorporated,” said JPJ director-general Datuk Solah Mat Hassan. JPJ was allocated RM282 million to upgrade its system as part of the Government Transformation Programme.

Solah explained that the bidding exercise will be divided into two categories, namely exclusive and non-exclusive. A non-exclusive NPP can belong to more than one individual while an exclusive one is the property of one person. The non-exclusive NPPs will be cheaper and offered via a tender exercise. For exclusive NPPs, JPJ will determine the cost to the bidder.

“The bidder will then have the right for the NPP from numbers 1 to 9999,” he said, adding that the JPJ had yet to finalise the cost for the NPPs. Also not yet finalised is the the number of characters that would be allowed for such registration plates.

Current vehicle owners can bid too, but they will need to buy a new vehicle to place their existing number on. Finally, our cars can wear their names with pride. In my dreams, I have a cili padi called Megan. What’s yours?

CEO Proton Stays

Here"s a follow-up to our previous breaking news, here’s the official statement from Proton that just came in:

“We refer to the news report in The Edge Financial Daily dated April 10, 2012 on the resignation of Proton’s group managing director, Datuk Seri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir. Proton is not aware of the source of this speculation. Datuk Seri Syed Zainal is still holding the position of the group managing director of Proton, and his services are still required in the company.

The post-acquisition exercise is still proceeding smoothly and upon the completion of the same, Proton is expected to have a strong synergy of current and new management team members that will provide Proton with the necessary impetus to lead the company in its aspiration to become a globally successful automotive player.”

Read the statement closely and you’ll see that Proton is not denying nor confirming the speculation of the resignation. As far as Proton is concerned, Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin is still in the driving seat.

However, according to The Malaysian Insider, Syed Zainal has indeed resigned and will remain in Proton until the middle of the year, when he will have completed his notice period. This means that Syed Zainal will be present to launch the Prevé, Proton’s global car that was conceived under his watch.

The report adds that the person being lined up to fill DSZ’s position is DRB-Hicom COO Datuk Lukman Ibrahim who, like Syed Zainal, once held a top managerial position in Perodua. What is undeniable is the fact that the post-acquisition exercise is still on-going and there are more changes to be expected once the dust settles.

Strategy Implementation

In life , more so in business, we deploy chosen strategies to give the desired results...However, focus sing on corporate issues,instead of taking the Western approach towards strategy implementation which tends to address topics such as organizational behavior,management selection and development ,management information system and communication,the unorthodox approach shows implementation from the point of deception,secrecy,flexibility,speed and timing,and usage of direct and indirect methods.
Each of these areas is necessary if an organization were to realize the goals for which strategies are developed in the first place to enable it to cope in the increasingly competitive arena of the greater business.
Deception, which is commonly used to throw off the competitors reel and usually takes the form of the holding out of baits,such as when one lures the customer to where one wants him to spend the money.Businessmen,have through various sales gimmicks,organized things like clearance sales,free gifts,contests,loss leaders,waiving entrance fees,all in all, to divert business away from their competitors in this manner.Other methods of deception include fakery,ie when one is seen to be humble,weak,or even stupid,but in reality he is not,and the create of illusions ,in order to become unpredictable in the eyes of judging others,one must also watch out for deception by others since two can play the same game!
Secrecy in business is necessary to ensure that no one knows ones plan unless it suit ones purpose to let them know...One should however not become obsessed with secrecy to the extent of regarding even petty issues as secret and thus impairing one's delegation would entail divulging information to those who had been so delegated.As professionals, we must be able to judge what is confidential and to what degree so as to determine who could have access to the information.
Flexibility is needed to prevent the enemy from easily predicting ones move.Flexibility will also enable one to effectively apply the marketing concept which simply means finding out what the customer needs and then working on satisfying such needs a profit.While a strategy can be viewed as a coherent direction whereby to further the marketing function,it should still be subject to review and change if found to be unworkable.The ability to change is becoming more and more vital to success.
Speed and timing also necessary because common sense tells us a longer battle at market place carries no benefits!It is then important to provide for a quick kill and victory....The same goes for deciding on the strategy we have to adopt as well as its subsequent implementation.Delays or hesitancy will only allow our competitors to get wise to our strategy.Such knowledge will also enable them to make preparations to counter our proposed move...
Generals in battlefields have recognized both direct and indirect methods used in waging war!Though the interchangeable deployment of these methods one can always keep the enemy in doubt as to one;s real intention and at the same time enabling one to ensure victory...This is in line with the 'contingency' approach..and the earlier call for flexibility. In short, one must provide for situations where the enemy does not respond as anticipated.Hence either method must be capable of replacing the other at any time.In making formal approaches,businessmen often resort to indirect methods,such as making gestures,appropriate or in appropriate ones, for the purpose of obligating some third party in some way that he will be willing to exert his influence on my behalf.Inappropriate gestures include bribery,corruption,while more allowable ones take in the form of harnessing support from influential friends,doing favours for persons we are dealing with,doing something for his kids,helping him make his work easier,making him get all the deserving promotions,others as we can as we are in a better bargaining position.

As the application is endless,it is essential that one approaches the need to use both direct and indirect methods in their interchangeable forms of success.One must not be confined to only one particular course of action and instead should identify various options and use them according to the needs of the situation.Salam.

How Big Boys Think and Play:Excellence In Management!

Human Resource Management

1.What is the attitude of top management towards the human side of enterprise..has enough attention

been given to portray its fundamental role in the managerial philosophies of the organization..

2.Are the policies covering people associated with the organization clear and equitable..do they give

the organization the competitive edge over other employers in terms of wages,promotiom,training,

benefits ..etc..

3.What is the organizational climate like?..does it reflect harmony,openness and productivity or

conflict , apathy, and counter productivity?What is the over all relationship between individuals

and the organization?

4. Is there a morale problem at any level of the organization..does this lead to conflict,counter 

productivity such as absenteeism,accidents,industrial action or labour turnover..

5.Does the informal organization support or counter the efforts of the formal organization..is the management sensitive to the entire spectrum of human behaviour and has it shown wisdom in dealing with these aspects of life..

Operations and Production Management 

1. Is the Management in these areas in line with over all organizational objective and strategy..

2.How does operating and production costs given in the financial statements compare with sales.both as 

absolutes and percentages...What is the key  cost element,such as labour or materials..Has attention been

given to their control ..if rising ,is this due to cost increases or cost squeeze..has any cost control programmes providing up to date standards been used..

3.Are there any adequate quality control procedures..How is this reflected in the firms' reputation as regards the industry 's standards and environmental conditions..

4.What inventory levels such as wip and fg are you keeping..Is inventory rising beyond expectations and why..

5.How effective have the firms production control and scheduling as well as their communication lines been..

Do the production personnel get timely relevant accurate information which are vital to production from quality control,cost control,sales and other groups..

6.In the area of logistics,how are the purchasing and materials handling organized and run in terms of relationship and communication with production..what is the situation regarding cost and effectiveness in this area..

7.Are plant facilities and resources adequate and in good condition as compared with competition..is the equipment designed for single purpose or multi purpose and flexible wages..is the plant highly automated or labour intensive..what are the latest development in technology..how will this affect future plans...

Research and Development

1. Is RnD accorded a strategic role in the organization..If so has the organizations commitment to RnD been effective...Is RnD a major and essential spending in the industry..

2.Is the nature of product emphasizing on continual advancement in products as consumer advancement in products as consumer or competition demands..

3.Is the organization concentrating its RnD effort on selected products only,or is such effort enjoyed by all products ..to what extent can the organization afford to devote to the RnD effort..In case a breakthrough

is achieved,what would the playoff be like...How realistic would be the opportunity be in terms of risk and return...

4.Are resources set for the RnD effort adequate and effectively utilized...Has RnD communicated effectively with Marketing and Production...Does the Organization enjoy a stream of new products and improvements.. 

Marketing..

1.Does the marketing function reflect organizational objective and strategy..

2.What are the product market shares like and how would each of the products relate to the product cycle life stages..(matrix of cash cows,stars,question marks and dogs)

3.What are the organizations key elements of competitive strategy..low price,high quality,prompt delivery,service,long term warranty..

4.What are the organizations distribution channels and how do they operate....Are they effective or are there new developments in consumer demand or distribution to warrant consideration of whether to change or shift emphasis...

5.Has adequate studies been made of sales volume and price relationships..is the firm going on exclusive selling margin or mass marketing for large volume with low price margin...is the pricing policy intended to skim the cream or penetrate the market for more of the market share..

6.Is market research being utilized...If so,does it effect the determination of what products should be offered and to whom or whwt products to be dropped...

7.Is marketing policy in line with competition,consumer taste and need,technological change,other social and environmental issues..how does marketing communicate and relate such issues with production and RnD?

Accounting and Finance

1.Does the accounting and finance functions comply with the organizations financial plan..are the financial plans of sub units consistent with those of overall organization..

2.Going by appropriate ratios , percentage analysis,how does the organization stand in the analysis of its financial performance and status,,,are the results favourable compared to industry's ..if not what are corrective measures needed...

3.What types of reports are prepared and which managers have access..are these reports timely,relevant accurate...have they been well utilized by managers in controlling and planning their activities...

4.Are computers used to support the accounting and finance functions..if so,does it provide useful and timely information or does it produce tons pf paper print outs that are no value to management...

5.What priority has top management accord the planning and controlling of corporate exercises such as preparation of the annual budget,,,are the people in the organization contributing or are they just ignoring /procrastinating their efforts...Happy Working!...Salam...

The Organization

Having mustered knowledge of oneself,one must still know one's internal environment before one is ready to tackle one's competitors.The ability to achieve internal harmony,ie gaining absolute control over one's immediate operating environment where the people factor is most prominent is said to be a major contributing factor to Japan 's economic success.
This article  thus looks at the internal organization which is synonymous with internal environment by taking both the western and japans views of organizations.From these views,it is found that basically, organization is all about the people within it,ie..the employees and how they are organized via their creation of structures ,operating systems and procedures ,etc.The formal organization whose purpose and task are embodied in the organization structure clarifies the roles and relationship of each level of hierarchy.The informal organization,on the other hand,emerges from the shared activities,aspirations,and sentiments of other group members as they interact with one another in the social setting created by the forma; organization.Like the formal organization,the informal one also has its hierarchy,leaders,and objectives.It also exerts social control over its members and create its own communication channel called the grapevine which can result in negative consequences for the formal organization,thus warranting management effort to monitor the activities of the informal organization members.Managers tasks should therefore include identifying key informal leaders and cultivating them to further organizational objectives rather than being in opposition.

Coalitions which are alliances of persons within an organization ,thus representing a form of management which cut across formal organizational lines are shown to effect organizational activities  such as strategy determination in an organization whose CEO is weak.In the same way,coalition may be necessary of a strategy for the new incoming CEO who fills key incumbent positions with his followers to ensure access to information and support. In forming coalitions,it is important to thoroughly know the persons whom we are allying with. Salam.

Fact or Fiction..its a sharper read!..

Pada suatu hari, seorang gadis yang terpengaruh dengan cara hidup masyarakat Barat menaiki sebuah bas mini untuk menuju ke destinasi di wilayah Iskandariah. Malangnya walaupun tinggal di bumi yang terkenal dengan tradisi keislaman, pakaian gadis tersebut sangat menjolok mata.Bajunya agak nipis dan seksi hampir terlihat segala yang patut disembunyikan bagi seorang perempuan daripada pandangan lelaki ajnabi atau mahramnya.

Gadis itu dalam lingkungan 20 tahun. Di dalam bas itu, ada seorang tua yang dipenuhi uban menegurnya: “Wahai pemudi! Alangkah baiknya jika kamu berpakaian yang baik, yang sesuai dengan ketimuran dan adat serta agama Islam kamu, itu lebih baik daripada kamu berpakaian begini yang pastinya menjadi mangsa pandangan liar kaum lelaki…. ” nasihat orang tua itu.

Namun, nasihat yang sangat bertetapan dengan tuntutan agama itu dijawab oleh gadis itu dengan jawapan yang mengejek: “Siapalah kamu hai orang tua? Adakah kamu cuba nak ingatkan aku supaya menutup aurat sepenuhnya sedangkan bapa kandungku sendiri tidak pernah menasihatiku?Apakah kamu mahu aku berpakaian menutup aurat sedangkan aku masih mahu bebas menayangkan tubuh badan ku di khalayak ramai?Apakah di tangan kamu ada anak kunci syurga? Atau adakah kamu memiliki sejenis kuasa yang menentukan aku bakal berada di syurga atau neraka?”

Setelah menghamburkan kata-kata yang sangat menghiris perasaan orang tua itu, gadis itu tertawa mengejek panjang. Tidak cukup setakat itu, si gadis lantas cuba memberikan telefon bimbitnya kepada orang tua tadi sambil melafazkan kata-kata yang lebih dahsyat. ” Jika ISLAM itu BENAR, tempatkan bilikku di Neraka, Ambil handphone ku ini dan hubungilah Allah serta tolong tempahkan sebuah bilik di neraka jahanam untukku,” katanya lagi lantas ketawa berdekah-dekah tanpa mengetahui bahawa dia sedang mempertikaikan hukum Allah dengan begitu biadab.

Orang tua tersebut sangat terkejut mendengar jawapan daripada si gadis manis. Sayang sekali, wajahnya yang ayu tidak sama dengan perilakunya yang buruk. Penumpang-penumpang yang lain turut terdiam malah ada yang menggelengkan kepala kebingungan. Semua yang di dalam bas tidak menghiraukan gadis muda yang tidak menghormati hukum-hakam agama itu dan mereka tidak mahu menasihatinya kerana khuatir dia akan akan menghina agama dengan lebih teruk lagi.

Sepuluh minit kemudian bas pun tiba di perhentian. Gadis seksi bermulut celupar tersebut tertidur di muka pintu bas. Puas pemandu bas termasuk para penumpang yang lain mengejutkannya tapi gadis tersebut tidak sedarkan diri. Tiba tiba orang tua tadi memeriksa nadi si gadis. Sedetik kemudian dia menggeleng-gelengkan kepalanya. Gadis itu telah kembali menemui Tuhannya dalam keadaan yang tidak disangka. Para penumpang menjadi cemas dengan berita yang menggemparkan itu. Dalam suasana kelam kabut itu, tiba tiba tubuh gadis itu terjatuh ke pinggir jalan. Orang ramai segera berkejar untuk menyelamatkan jenazah tersebut. Tapi sekali lagi mereka terkejut. Sesuatu yang aneh menimpa jenazah yang terbujur kaku di jalan raya. Mayatnya menjadi hitam seolah-olah dibakar api. Dua tiga orang yang cuba mengangkat mayat tersebut juga kehairanan kerana tangan mereka terasa panas dan hampir melecur sebaik saja menyentuh tubuh si mayat. Akhirnya mereka memanggil pihak keselamatan menguruskan mayat itu.

Begitulah kisah ngeri lagi menyayat hati yang menimpa gadis malang tersebut. Apakah hasratnya menempah sebuah bilik di neraka dimakbulkan Allah? Na’uzubillah, sesungguhnya Allah itu Maha Berkuasa di atas segala sesuatu. Sangat baik kita jadikan iktibar dan pelajaran dengan kisah benar ini sebagai Muslim sejati. Jangan sesekali kita mempertikaikan hukum Allah mahupun sunnah RasulNya s.a.w. dengan mempersendakan atau mengejek. Kata kata seperti ajaran Islam tidak sesuai lagi dengan arus kemodenan dunia hari ini atau sembahyang tidak akan buat kita jadi kaya dan seumpamanya adalah kata-kata yang sangat biadab dan menghina Allah, pencipta seluruh alam.

Ingatlah teman, kita boleh melupakan kematian, tetapi kematian tetap akan terjadi kepada kita. Hanya masanya saja yang akan menentukan bila kita akan kembali ke alam barzakh. Janganlah menjadi orang yang bodoh, siapakah orang yang bodoh itu? Mereka itulah orang yang ingin melawan Tuhan Rabbul ‘alamin. Apabila anda enggan melaksanakan suruhan Tuhan bererti anda ingin melawan arahan Tuhan.

Sewaktu di sekolah anda tertakluk dengan undang-undang sekolah, dalam pekerjaan anda tertakluk dengan undang-undang yang dilakar oleh majikan anda, di dalam negeri anda tertakluk di bawah undang-undang negara anda. Begitu taksub sekali anda terhadap undang-undang itu sehingga terlalu prihatin takut kalau melanggar undang-undang tersebut . Apabila anda berpijak di bumi ini, anda juga tertakluk dengan undang-undang yang telah di gubal oleh yang pemilik yang menjadikan bumi ini.

Setiap Sultan ada taman larangannya, begitu juga Allah s.w.t. taman laranganNya adalah perkara-perkara yang telah diharamkan bagi hamba-hambaNya di muka bumi ini. Sama samalah kita memohon agar Allah sentiasa memberi kita petunjuk di atas jalan yang benar dan agar Dia memberikan kekuatan agar kita sentiasa dapat menjaga lidah kita, amin.Kisah ini dikongsikan dan diceritakan bersama oleh sahabat saya sendiri yang berasal di Malaysia dan kini berada di perantauan sana. – Edisikini

 — w