More Fuel-efficient Compact Cars TEAMCAR - The pace of Malaysians buying compact cars to cushion from the impact of higher fuel prices is set to accelerate further next year when Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) rolls out new model to replace both its economical Kancil and Kelisa offerings.

UMW Holdings Bhd group chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin recently disclosed that Perodua, the second national car maker, will roll out a modern and more fuel-efficient car to replace the 12 year-old Kancil and four year-old Kelisa. This act will certainly threaten Proton to retain as the market leader if they are not moving fast enough to recapture the market.

Perodua currently controls 32 percent of Malaysia's total industry volume (TIV) and 42 percent of the local passenger car market.

The first national car, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd (Proton), has a 22 percent share of the TIV and 32 percent of passenger car market.  ¶ 12:46 AM