Business

Tuesday August 4, 2009

100 units of Prius targeted to be sold by year-end


PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd expects to sell 100 units of Prius by year-end and another 300 units next year.

Its president Kuah Kock Heng said the company would accept bookings from Aug 7.

He said the Prius had proven that hybrid technology was viable, durable and one of the best ways to preserve the environment while, at the same time, maximising natural resources.

“As a result, hybrid technology is now a mainstream option being adopted by carmakers,” he told reporters at a preview of the Prius yesterday.

Kuch Kock Heng with the newly launched Toyota Prius

On why it took so long for the company to bring in the Prius, Kuah said manufacturing costs for hybrid cars were higher.

“With the previous duty structure, it was not viable to bring in the car,” he said.

He said the 50% excise duty exemption on new completely-built-up hybrid cars last year made it possible to bring them in.

However, he said, the exemption was up to December 2010 only.

Kuah appealed to the Government to continue with the tax waiver and provide additional incentives for hybrid cars to make it viable to sell in Malaysia.

On Toyota’s move to launch the new Camry 2.5-litre engine capacity in Thailand soon, Kuah said it would not be viable for the Malaysian market as the 50% tax waiver was only for cars below two-litre engine capacity.       

Meanwhile, Kuah said UMW Toyota had prepared its centres in Subang, Penang, Johor Baru, Cheras and soon in Ipoh to service the Prius.

The all-new third-generation Prius, first launched in the US and recently in Japan and Australia, has received tremendous response.

In Japan, in spite of the soft economic conditions, it has become the top seller with more than 31,000 units sold and more than 200,000 units booked.

The Prius is priced at RM175,000 in Peninsular Malaysia, inclusive of insurance for private registration. – Bernama

 
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