URBAN MALAYSIANS PLAN TO USE EXISTING CARS OR MOTOCYCLES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 (Bernama) -- An estimated 56 percent of Malaysians
living in the Klang Valley around here, northern cities of Penang and Ipoh, and
southern city of Johor Baharu plan to use their existing cars or motocycles this
year without buying a new replacement, according to Synovate Motoresearch.

The company, part of global market research firm Synovate, said close to
half indicated that they do not mind paying more for a used pre-approved or
certified car if it came with a warranty from a manufacturer or authorised
dealer.

The company surveyed more than 13,500 people across 18 markets about vehicle
ownership, intentions to buy in the next year and attitudes towards cars,
traffic, public transport and "green" versus "dream" cars.

Ajay Bangia of Synovate Motoresearch Malaysia said in the statement today
that given the current uncertainties, it was hardly surprising that urban
Malaysians are opting to hold on to their existing vehicles.

However, Synovate Motoresearch discovered a greater sense of openness
towards the second-hand or used car market.

In that sense, he said auto manufacturers and authorised dealers should not
dismiss the opportunity to capitalise on pushing used pre-approved and certified
passenger vehicles to this consumer segment.

The survey also found that only eight percent of Malaysians would use public
transportation, walk or cycle more while 41 percent were too lazy to walk, cycle
or use any form of public transportation.
-- BERNAMA