KUALA LUMPUR: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua), the largest national carmaker has denied news reports claiming that service costs for its Bezzas are 32 per cent higher than that of equivalent models produced by other carmakers, including Proton Persona.
In a statement issued yesterday, Perodua said the news reports that made such claims were “inaccurate and misleading”.
”The inaccuracy in cost difference is due to a comparison made not on an apple-to-apple basis.
“The Proton Persona’s service costs were calculated as scheduled in its service booklet or owner’s manual whilst for the Perodua Bezza, the calculation was based on preventive maintenance costs, (which are optional) instead of scheduled costs as recommended in the service booklet.”
Perodua added that the Perodua Bezza’s total maintenance cost difference at the five-year mark was only RM44 or 1.4 per cent.
“The difference is attributed to the premium cost of 0W-20 grade for lubricant used in the Bezza instead of the 10W-30 for the Proton Persona.
“In addition, the Perodua Bezza uses iridium spark plugs for maximum fuel efficiency and a smoother engine performance,” it said.
Perodua said Bezza owners paid RM239.55 less than Persona owners on maintenance at the end of the third year.
“We would like to advise the public to verify content and not take them at face value,” it said.