Since global warming is getting worse, we should go green and clean in the automotive industry. Read the full news from Bernama below.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY URGED TO INVEST IN GREEN AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES

PETALING JAYA, Dec 14 (Bernama) — Green and clean technology is the way forward for the automotive industry, says Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin.

Calling for greater investments in developing these technologies for vehicles in the future, he said research and development should be intensified for the purpose.

“Perhaps Malaysian companies can collaborate with our universities on R&D and become leaders in developing green and clean technology for the automotive industry,” Muhyiddin said in his speech at the New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year Award 2009 Monday night.

In line with the government’s commitment to the “1Malaysia:People first, Performance Now” concept, Muhyiddin said the National Automotive Policy (NAP) has made way for further benefits for consumers in terms of road safety and environmental protection, offering safer, greener and technologically more advanced vehicles for consumers.

It also provides generous benefits for car companies and their supporting vendors who invest in the manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicles (EV) and the components, he pointed out.

Among the components that could enjoy the benefits include high-tech lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries for hybrid and electric vechicles, complex wire-harnesses for extended range electric vehicles, battery pack swap systems besides a host of new technologies that will spring up to support this alternative automotive technology, he said.

The automotive industry needs to be energised and revitalised, and it cannot continue to depend too long on government protection.

“The industry must focus on operations and its efficiency to reduce cost, increase productivity and sell through proactive and innovative marketing strategies.”

On the issue of imported used cars, he said: “While used cars serve a need, we note that importers have abused their permits by the under declaration of the value of imported used cars.”

This practice has cut the legs of the legitimate brand owners and this will be stopped from January 1 next year through the introduction of gazette price for imported used vehicles.

A roadmap on the enforcement of mandatory standards for automotive products will be also established, covering fuel consumption standards and fuel efficiency standards, he said.

This is important as there is a global concern for carbon reduction and sustainability, he said.

“The gradual introduction and enforcement of mandatory standards for automotive products will hopefully encourage, rather than deter, the new generation of car makers from China,” he said.

Some policies have been stremalined like the freezing of new manufacturing licenses for rebuilt trucks and abolishment of open APs (approved permits) by 2015 and franchise APs by 2020.

Meanwhile at the New Straits Times/Maybank Overall Car of the year 2009 Award, the new Peugeot 308 Turbo made its mark as the winner.

Its competitive price and build quality was the key factor in its win. Priced at RM113,888 OTR with insurance, the 308 Turbo is a complete knock down and consists of imported parts from France.

Two distinguished names in the motoring world were also selected for the “Automotive Man of the year 2009″ award.

They were Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng, executive director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (NISSAN) and Datuk Syed Abdull Hafiz, managing director of Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (PERODUA).

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