Review: Honda Odyssey - The Standout MPV That's Forgotten

Seven-seater MPVs are the norm for growing and larger families. When one wants to buy a "luxury MPV", the first model which comes to most people's minds is probably the Toyota Vellfire/ Alphard duo.

But what if the Vellphards are too common, too typical, and make you look like a sheep that is
part of a large flock?
 Well, there are obviously other choices, but they too have become a little too familiar. So what are you left with?

Well, if you want a luxurious MPV that's relatively high-tech, reliable, sophisticated, comfortable and full of safety gear without making you look like the Joneses, then the Honda Odyssey will answer your calling.

Introduced to the Malaysian market in 2018, the Honda Odyssey has become somewhat of a forgotten player. Why? Well, we know why but we'll get into that later because we want to mainly talk about why this luxury Asian seven-seater with its generous amount of technology and features is
one of the best
 MPVs you can buy.

Overview

The Odyssey, currently available from Honda Malaysia (albeit through special order just like the Type R), is an updated fifth-generation Odyssey,
introduced in February 2018
. Apart from cosmetic updates, the most significant addition to the Odyssey was Honda Sensing, their take on advanced driving assistance systems.

At the time, the updated Odyssey was only the third model in Honda Malaysia's portfolio to get Honda Sensing after the CR-V and the Accord. The Honda Sensing gave the Odyssey, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS).

Powering the Odyssey is Honda's Earth Dreams 2.4-litre DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine producing 175 PS and 225 Nm, paired to a CVT-type automatic gearbox.

The Odyssey is only offered in one trim level - the 2.4L EXV, which was priced at RM258,896 (OTR without insurance) at the time of its debut.

The exterior is still current despite its 2018 debut...

As with most cars that have just been recently released, LED lighting is a must, and we're glad to report that the Odyssey is up to date in this department as it comes with LED projector headlights, front LED fog lamps, LED taillights and LED rear fog lights.

When you couple this with the Odyssey's stylish front bumpers, chromed-out front grille, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, as well as Auto Retractable Door Mirrors, we can safely say the Odyssey does not feel dated.

Interior space and practicality is the Odyssey's main appeal

Despite being one of the smaller models in the luxury MPV segment, the Odyssey is surprisingly generous with space and practicality inside - a testament once again to Honda's brilliant packaging.

Like in a much bigger MPV, one can walk from the second to the third row between the seats. Yes, you do have to crouch down a little bit to do this, but who can really stand up straight while doing this in any MPV?.

The second-row captain seats, which are the main highlight of the Odyssey, also come with retractable leg rests and window blinds. Plus, these seats can also be moved sideways to widen the "walkway" between them.

Unlike the plush ones in the Alphard or Elgrand, the third row in the Odyssey doesn't really feel luxurious, but the saving grace was that there is ample legroom thanks to the moveable second-row seats. It was actually surprising to see how much legroom third-row passengers had, considering the Odysseys size.

One thing that was a disappointment, however, was the amount of charging access available onboard - while the Odyssey did have two USB ports, an HDMI port, and a 12-volt socket in the front, all the second and third-row passengers got was one USB slot and two 12V sockets in the third row, which was rather inadequate.

The way it drives and its safety gear is also another major appeal of the Odyssey

After spending a few days with the Odyssey, where we were caught up in a massive eight-hour traffic jam and had to use a lot of back roads to get to our northern destination, we found it to be an absolute delight to drive.

The engine was very smooth and quiet and only became audible when we had to push it really hard. The CVT was also a delightful surprise, as it felt refined and was pretty much inaudible. There was still a little bit of body roll, but nothing that would bother a regular MPV driver. All in all, however, the Odyssey felt agile and had a very comfortable ride even on crooked back roads, which are less smoother than highways.

Besides all of the above, what sets the Odyssey apart from most MPVs in the game and puts it in a league of its own, is the safety features it is equipped with.

The six airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, HSA, and VSA aside, the Odyssey comes with Smart Parking Assist System, which allows the MPV to basically park itself. The Cross Traffic Monitor system, which alerts the driver when a vehicle is approaching while it is getting out of a parking spot, is also helpful. The multi-angle rearview camera, Blind Spot Information, and the Honda Sensing package just make the Odyssey a world-class MPV in the safety department.

Conclusion

From a personal standpoint, I actually find the Odyssey to be one of the best MPVs I have driven in recent times. It just has everything from a comfortable ride to just the right amount of comfort for its passengers.

It drives nice too and has an unpretentious reputation, making you feel classy and not 'assy' like how some MPVS do. Its Honda Sensing package makes you feel safe, and its up-to-date LED lighting system makes you feel like you own something from 2021.

We guess the biggest problem with the Odyssey is its official price, which makes people turn to a certain MPV from the grey import market. But if you can get past that, then the Odyssey is a gem, one that will give you smiles per miles plus make you feel special. Unlike other MPVs that are a
bit too common
, the Odyssey is a breath of fresh air.

Honda Odyssey Specifications:

Engine: 2.4-litre in-line four-cylinder, petrol

Transmission:  CVT with 7 virtual ratios

Max Power: 175 PS at 6,200 RPM

Max Torque: 225 Nm at 4,000 RPM

Price: RM258,896 OTR without insurance, including SST

Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, HSA, VSA, Honda Sensing, Parking Assist

Origin: Made in Japan


ABPBH 2019 Winner Mira Filzah Rewarded With Grand Prize Nissan X-Trail Hybrid

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the official vehicle sponsor for Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2019 (ABPBH), has presented the competition’s winner Mira Filzah (or Nur Amirah Filzah Binti Badioezaman) with her new
Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid
.

The 26-year old Ipoh born artiste, Mira Filzah was announced the winner of ABPBH 19 on 22 September 2019 where she garnered 6,320,463 votes. Mira Filzah acted in a few popular dramas and films such as Eksperimen Cinta, Cinta Si Wedding Planner, Meh Sandar Pada Aku, Pujaan Hati Kanda, Sweet Dreams, Rise: Ini Kalilah, and Sangkar.

Established in 1987, ABPBH is an annual event organized by Berita Harian to bestow awards to the most popular Malaysian singers, actors and celebrities in the Malaysian entertainment industry based on popular votes by readers of Berita Harian and Berita Minggu.

It is one of the most prestigious people’s choice awards in Malaysia’s entertainment industry.

Mira Filzah drives home the recently launched Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid worth RM159,888, replete with Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced safety technologies, garnering it a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.

For the best deals on Nissan vehicles, click
here
.


iCarData: The Best Time To Buy/Sell A (F10) BMW 528i M Sport LCI

It’s hard to believe, that in two years’ time – the BMW 5 Series nameplate will turn 50 years old. One of BMW’s most storied nameplates has spanned seven-generations since its introduction in 1972 – and cemented a reputation of style, technology, and driving performance known the world over.

Much like its closest rival, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class - the 5 Series is a
brand-shaping model
 that has come to represent the high-watermark of BMW in all its iterations and quite literally defined the premium executive segment that we know today.

However, despite its iconic status, it had humble beginnings with the E12-generation in the early 70s, at first simply as a capable alternative to the original rich man's car, the Mercedes-Benz.

All that changed when the E28-generation 5 Series came along; modern design, refined and powerful six-cylinder engines, rear-wheel drive (technically this was a given at the time), and a lively chassis meant that BMW was no longer playing catchup, it was showing Mercedes how to get it done.

In the generations that followed the E28, the E34, E39 paved the way to the character of the 5 Series - a family mans chariot with a taste for the corners. And in each of their respective generations, the powerful M5 models would create a heritage alongside; of being a giant-killer dressed in a three-piece suit.

The E39 was replaced with the E60 which despite its divisive design would open the 5 Series up to an entirely new genre of younger buyers, and would go on to become one of the most successful iterations of the model. The (F10) sixth-generation 5 Series replaced the E60 in 2010.

Overview

In our last iCarData report, we looked at the
W212 E-Class (E250
), in this report, we will look at its contemporary rival, the (F10) BMW 5 Series, which replaced the E60 here in 2010, and served in the local BMW range until the end of 2016.

The pre-facelift model was introduced here in 2010 – initially offered here in two variants, the N52-powered 523i and range-topping 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged 535i which delivered 306bhp and 400Nm of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF.

The
520d turbodiesel
 variant would follow in 2011 making it the most affordable 5 Series at the time with a price tag of just above RM330k. In 2012, BMW Malaysia introduced the 520i and 528i, both crucially sporting the latest generation N20 four-cylinder turbocharged engine which replaced the older six-cylinder naturally-aspirated engines.

The facelift (LCI) model rolled out in 2013 sporting an updated design, and updated convenience features which were highlighted by LED headlamps and foglamps, and the ‘Enhanced Black Panel’ full-LCD instrument cluster which would display different graphics depending on the selected drive mode.

The 528i model was supplied as standard with the M Sport bodykit which further dressed up the F10’s looks with an aggressive bodykit, 18-inch alloy wheels, and on the inside, an M Sport steering wheel, paddle shifters, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The prices for the facelifted (F10 LCI) models ranged from RM369k for the 520i LCI up to RM420k for the 528i M Sport LCI.

For this report, we will be looking at the (F10 LCI) 528i M Sport in particular. Having fully matured through its lifespan ending in 2016 – it offers us an opportunity to track the value retention and resale price of this iconic executive sedan in the years since its launch.

We track these values using the resources of iCarData.

Using our in-house developed
iCarData
, we can collate data from literally thousands of used vehicle advertisements listed on Carlist.my, pinpoint our search down to the model and observe market trends and demand over the entire lifespan of the vehicle.

These algorithm-based data take the guesswork out of vehicle depreciation and help customers make better-informed purchase decisions.

Technical specifications of 2013 (F10 LCI) 528i M Sport

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged, inline-four, Petrol

Power: 245 hp @ 5,000 rpm

Torque: 350 Nm @ 1,250 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Safety: Six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Stability Control

Origin: Locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah

Price: RM419,800 – Oct 2013 launch (OTR without insurance)

We have taken into account the following to keep our numbers accurate and representative.

Vehicle variant: 2013 (F10 LCI) BMW 528i M Sport, delivered between Oct and Dec 2013.

Depreciation is calculated using the original list price.

Depreciation percentage does not take into account special/seasonal offers or rebates on the original selling price.

Depreciation for other variants may differ, in particular, the 2017-onwards 528i M Sport models which received substantial price discounts (amounting to approximately RM40k) prior to the
G30 successor
 being launched– thereby dropping its selling price to RM379k.

Based on iCarData, here's the summarized data for depreciation:

And the graphical analysis below:

Blue line: Average selling price (RM) by year

Grey line: Cumulative depreciation (RM) by year

Orange line: Retained value percentage by yea
r

Conclusion

When compared against its contemporary rival - its easy to understand the ebb and flow of how these premium sedans depreciate. The Merc tends to hold value better in the first few years, whereas the BMW, tends to depreciate faster in the first few years, before stabilising in the latter years.

Also despite their roughly similar prices, with the W212 E250 starting out at RM410k and the F10 LCI around RM9k more (both launched in 2013), they somewhat return to similar price ranges after 7 years of service - in both cases, units are advertised between RM110k-115k in 2020.

With what we now know, we can somewhat dispel certain notions that Mercedes-Benz vehicles hold substantially more value than BMWs as they age. The data would point out, despite the intrinsic value of the vehicle, resale prices are also affected by demand, desirability, financing options and prevailing market trends.

The F10 528i, in this case, sees two distinct events in its depreciation - the first in the first-year, which sees a price drop of approximately 20 percent, which is notably high, but this is an expensive car to buy new.

The second drop comes in 2017, this dive in value amounting to around 12 percent could be predominantly caused by BMW Malaysia offering substantial discounts (of around RM40k) for end of production models in that year, prior to the launch of the G30-generation successor.

As is typically seen, substantial new car discounts regardless of the brand will always have a net negative effect on used vehicle prices - in many cases, amounting to the exact amount of the new car discounts, sometimes even more. In all other years, the F10 5 Series depreciates roughly 10 percent or less, which is organic for a car in its segment.

With that said, like the E-Class we can safely infer that if owners of (F10) 5 Series hope to retain more than half of their initial investment, they should choose to sell their vehicles just as they pass the four-year mark.

If owners don't mind offsetting their losses, they can choose to keep their cars for the tenure of their warranty, and still hope to retain over 40 percent if they choose to upgrade in the fifth- or sixth-year.

Inversely, the best time for a prospective buyer to pick up their very own F10 5 Series would be just after the fifth-year of the car's lifespan, as used prices start to stabilise in the subsequent years.

At five- or six-years-old, the F10 5 Series would still qualify for decent financing packages, and you won't become have to worry about too much depreciation to follow. Of course, buyers are advised to do their homework and get a thorough inspection done prior to purchase, of course, aftermarket warranties to secure your purchase is also highly advised.

For some great deals on the (F10) BMW 5 Series, click
here
.

If you're looking to sell your (F10) BMW 5 Series, we have two solutions for you too. List in on carlist.my or better still use
Carlist Bid
 where we remove all the hassle of selling your car for you as you get searching for your next upgrade.

Which make/ model would you like us to research next? Let us know in the comments.


Updated 2020 Ford Ranger XLT Plus Launched – RM129,888, Four Times Free Service

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia has announced the introduction of the new 2020 Ford Ranger XLT Plus, featuring a few upgrades over
the current model
.

The Ranger XLT Plus facelift now comes with enhanced features similar to the Ranger WildTrak and
Raptor
 – new high-performance Bi-LED headlamps, new body-coloured bumper design finished with a silver bumper lip, as well as a new chrome grille that is exclusive to the Ranger XLT Plus.

Powering the Ranger XLT Plus is a 2.0L Single-Turbo engine that is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission capable of delivering 180PS of power and 420Nm of torque.

Standard features include keyless entry with push-start-button, Easy Lift Tailgate, an eight-inch touchscreen display, SYNC multimedia system with reversing camera, electronic shift-on-the-fly 4x4, rain-sensing wipers, and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) among other goodies.

The truck also comes with two airbags, Limited Slip Differential, Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist, Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), ISOFIX child seat mounts, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Rollover Mitigation, Trailer Sway Control, Adaptive Load Control and Ford MyKey.

Priced at RM129,888 (on-the-road, without insurance), the 2020 Ford Ranger XLT Plus comes in five colour options (Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Lightning Blue, Meteor Grey and Absolute Black), as well as a full manufacturer’s warranty of three years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first.

Separately, SDAC also introduced a new promotion offering four (4) free vehicle service and cash rebate options for selected Ranger vehicles until 31 December 2020.

Aimed at offering customers more savings and a lower cost of ownership, customers who purchase selected Ford Ranger Raptor, WildTrak and XLT Plus variants will have the option of four (4) free vehicle service that is equivalent to a two-year free maintenance or up to 40,000km, whichever comes first or a RM2,000 cash rebate.

As for the Ranger XL and Ranger XLT, customers can also enjoy up to RM7,000 cash rebate for
selected variants
.


Heavy Traffic Expected On KL-Karak Highway This Raya Haji Weekend

Hari Raya Haji is taking place this weekend and you can pretty much expect heavy traffic on all major highways, including the
KL-Karak Highway
.

It's also going to be a long weekend for most folks to enjoy a nice break from 8 to 11 July 2022, which is another reason why folks are expecting this major exodus and
road congestion
 out of the Klang Valley and into roads like the KL-Karak Highway as well as the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1).

How many vehicles are expected this weekend?

A total of 1.6 million vehicles are expected to travel across the KL-Karak Highway over the long weekend, and over 700,000 more on LPT1. As most of you may already know, the Hari Raya Haji celebration is a major one for Muslims around the globe apart from Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Highway concessionaire, Anih Berhad, has already issued a travel time advisory to ensure that everyone can travel comfortably and safely during this festive weekend. It's going to be a vital piece of info considering that the average weekend vehicle numbers from the start of 2022 were 161,000 and 65,000 vehicles on the respective highways.

On a more personal note, do ensure that your vehicles are in good condition before hitting the road, make sure that your
Touch n' Go
 balance is sufficient, get enough rest, and stock up on snacks. Travel safe and have a blessed Hari Raya Haji, folks!


Dyson Is In Talks To Make Electric Cars In Singapore

Talk about a curve ball. From the guys who brought you futuristic looking stand fans and incredibly effective vacuum cleaners and hairdryers comes the proposition to build electric cars that would be able to take on Tesla - and they'd be made in Singapore.
According to a Bloomberg report
, Dyson has been considering Singapore as a production site for a proposed electric car - one that has yet to see a single working prototype - as it would better position them to enter Asian markets (Read: China).
The factory is to be completed by 2020, which is no mean feat because we're already almost at the end of 2018. The first model is slated for roll out by 2021, which is also pretty insane in terms of deadline considering most manufacturers struggle to get the development process down to under two years, not including all the testing and safety assessments involved. If Dyson really does have a car in the works, they've played it extremely close to the vest.
Beyond the obvious benefits of entering the Asian market from Singapore, there doesn't really seem to be much rationale. Labour in Singapore can be expensive and the nation itself sees very poor car sales (intentionally, however), and the last automobile production site in Singapore was Ford, which closed down in the 1980s.
The problem with Dyson openly taking on Tesla and other contemporary manufacturers is that they're riding waves of success from their products that became instant hits - and the automotive landscape isn't necessarily like that. Cars are much larger value propositions than household items, and the thought process and rationale for purchase is vastly different.
More important than that is the sheer difficulty in producing a functioning car, which Tesla is finding out now after facing months and months of production and logistics issues. Whether Dyson is cleverer than Tesla remains to be seen, but hopefully they've got the right people within their 400-strong automotive team.


More Power From The Supra As Limited Edition Horizon Blue Edition Announced

Toyota is trying their best to position the Supra as far away from its twin the BMW Z4, and the result of this is a limited edition called the Toyota Supra RZ Horizon Blue

Made for the Japanese market, the RZ is basically a Japanese version of the Supra A91 Edition which will be made for the American market next year. The most significant difference for these Supras compared to the mass market version is its power output.

The original new Supra comes with 335hp but these limited edition ones will come with 47 extra ponies, bringing it up to 382hp. The difference in torque is less exciting though with the original coming in at 495Nm and the limited edition with 499Nm. It can now do 0-60 in 3.9 secs compared to the 4.1 secs set by its standard edition brother. The power bump still doesn't make the Supra as powerful as the BMW Z4 M40i, but short only by 3hp.

To make the car handle even better, Toyota has equipped the RZ with a front brace. They have also revised the suspension for more smiles during the bendy bits on the road.

The blue colour from the exterior follows into the interior, as the stitching of the seat, steering wheel, and dashboard are now all blue. Only 100 units of this precious RZs will be made, and the order books will only open up in October.

This Supra sure takes away the blues!


New 2015 Lexus ES Launched In Malaysia – From RM259k

Nearly a month after Lexus Malaysia started opening its order books for the new Lexus ES, Lexus Malaysia has officially launched its latest entry-model, with a starting price of RM259,200 (without insurance).
As before, there are three variants offered here with prices as listed below:
ES 250 Premium – RM259,200
ES 250 Luxury – RM278,600
ES 300h – RM355,100
On average, prices have increased by about RM2,000 from the previous model.
What’s New?
Like all recent Lexus models, the updated ES wears a bolder looking rendition of Lexus signature ‘spindle grille.’ The signature LED daytime running lights are now arranged in an ‘arrow-head’ pattern.
Behind, the tail lamps now feature L-shaped light pattern.
The list of safety features has been expanded to include Hill-start Assist (standard for all variants), Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The latter two are only available in the ES 250 Luxury and ES 300h.
Inside, the interior has been updated with a new genuine leather and woodgrain steering wheel, the latter now has horizontal dividing lines and revised steering wheel-mounted buttons layout.
The Remote Touch Interface control for the 8-inch infotainment display has also been improved for better user-friendliness with the inclusion of an ‘Enter’ button.
The previous piano-black interior trim has now been replaced with Birdseye Maple wood, standard for all variants.
Cabin noise has also been lowered with the adoption of Acoustic Glass for all variants, as are the additional sound insulation materials behind the dashboard.
Ride and handling has been improved further, borrowing recent know-how acquired from developing more
performance-oriented new IS
. To match the increased body rigidity, damper settings for the front and rear have also been revised.
Other highlights include 10 airbags, rear armrest control panel to control the air-conditioning, plus a driver’s seat with adjustable cushion length.
What Does It Compete Against?
The ES is positioned in an ideal sweet spot with no direct competitors that are able to match its unique combination of an affordable entry-price and interior space that easily matches luxury sedans from two classes above it.
In terms of price, the front-wheel drive 2.5-litre four cylinder ES 250 models undercuts the 2.0-litre turbocharged rear-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz C 200 (RM269,888) while at the same time offering cabin space that’s comparable to the previous generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The Lexus ES’s 2,820mm wheelbase is comparable to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s 2,874mm.
Why Should I Pay So Much For A Glorified Toyota Camry?
While previous generations Lexus ES models were built on the same platform as a Camry, the current generation ES’s chassis is unrelated to the Camry. Instead, it is based on the much larger US-market Avalon sedan.
The 2.5-litre 2AR-FE Dual VVT-I engine is shared with the previous Camry 2.5V, which has since been superseded by the Camry Hybrid. While the previous Camry’s 2.5-litre 2AR-FE came from either Thailand or Australia, the ES’s engine of the same code is manufactured in Japan.
For many owners who have been pampered by the peace-of-mind ownership experience and the interior space of a Japanese D-segment sedan like Camry, the idea of moving up to a Lexus ES instead of following the conventional path towards the significantly smaller Mercedes-Benz C-Class is rather appealing.
The brand snobs might scoff at a Lexus but for these many of these middle-aged owners who are upgrading from a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry, the combination of the Lexus ownership experience and an interior space that’s not a step-down from their current car more than makes up for it.
The fact that the ES is Lexus’s most important model in Asia says it all. According to Lexus Malaysia, Lexus is currently the third best-selling premium brand in Malaysia, behind Mercedes-Benz and BMW, but ahead of Audi.


Looking For A Used Car? Make Sure You Visit The Drive: Hot Deals Carnival This Weekend

The year-end period is a good time for those who are planning to purchase a car as many special promotions and cash rebates will be available for potential customers.
And if you happen to be someone looking for a used car, we have better news for you - the biggest pre-owned car carnival in Klang Valley – the ‘Drive: Hot Deals Carnival’ - will be taking place in Setia Alam, so don’t miss it.
All set to be held in the outdoor area of Car Park B, Setia City Convention Centre this weekend (25 – 26 November 2017), the event will bring together more than 40 dealers in one place, who will be offering more than 300 vehicles to choose from.
Both used and recond cars will be available, so regardless of whether you are a budget-conscious buyer looking for something like a Toyota Vios or Honda City, or someone who is looking for a premium vehicle like even a Range Rover, there will be something for everyone.
With discounts up to RM30,000, you will find plenty of irresistible offers from our panel of Carlist.my Trusted Dealers. In addition to the discounts, there will also be special interest rates as low as 1.88% over the two days, thanks to Public Bank, which is the official financing partner of the event.
Entrance is free, but if you are interested in checking the event out, get yourself registered
here
.
Also, if you 'Like' Carlist.my's Facebook page and share the 'Hot Deals Carnival' poster on your timeline now, you stand a chance to go on a taxi ride in either a Tesla Model S or a Bentley Continental GT Black Speed Edition over the weekend. Just remember to set your post as Public.
A total of six winners will be announced through Carlist.my Facebook on the 24 November 2017. So, hurry up and start sharing now.


Hap Seng Star Balakong Wins Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Inaugural Dealer Of The Year

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently held its inaugural Dealer of The Year awards aimed at recognising the best and brightest among its 33 dedicated dealerships nationwide, recognising excellence in five key performance measurements during 2017.
Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said, “As the leading premium automotive brand in Malaysia, we have been setting the benchmark in defining automotive excellence - especially in crafting a unique and unrivalled customer experience.  To this end, we are continuously enhancing customer touchpoints, and currently offer the largest network coverage in the premium segment.”
A total of six awards were presented for best performance in various customer-focused categories.
The most coveted award, the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dealer of the Year 2017, was presented to Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd Balakong dealership – achieving the overall highest scores in all aspects of sales, after-sales, customer satisfaction index, customer loyalty index, business excellence and financial services.
“We are honoured and pleased to receive the inaugural Dealer of the Year award from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Our Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Balakong Autohaus is truly deserving of this accolade, having committed to delivering exceptional standards in all aspects of the business. Hap Seng Star is, and has always been, dedicated to putting the customer at the centre of our activities and we commend our colleagues at Hap Seng Star Balakong for their combined efforts in achieving this award,” said Chief Operating Officer of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad and Chief Executive of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad Automotive Division, Harald Behrend.
The winners of the five categories are as follows:
Best Performance in Sales – Asbenz Motors Shd Bhd
Best Performance in After-Sales – Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd Johor Bahru
Best Performance in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Customer Loyalty Index (CLI) – Cycle & Carriage Bintang Northern Sdn Bhd (Juru and Bukit Tengah)
Best Performance in Business Excellence – Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd Kinrara
Best Performance in Financial Services – Hap Seng Stad Sdn Bhd Jalan Ipoh
“With these awards, we recognise the commitment, dedication and passion of our dealer partners to support our promise of delivering the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience. On behalf of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, I congratulate all our dealer partners for their commitment in living up to the three-pointed star’s
The Best or Nothing
 motto. And a special congratulations to all award recipients on their remarkable achievements in 2017
,
” concluded Dr Weidner.
To date, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has 33 dedicated dealerships nationwide, the largest premium automotive dealer network in the country.


LEGO Commemorates the Ford GT's Le Man Victories

LEGO has really been doing a solid for their relatively niche (but growing) car enthusiast market. From Volkswagen camper vans to Porsche 911 GT3 RSs, they've continued to produce some truly exciting models- both to build and to display. Their latest release is one that commemorates Ford's victory at Le Mans this year with their all-new Ford GT.
But along with this, LEGO also includes Ford's original victory back in 1966, exactly 50 years ago, with the predecessor to the Ford GT no less. This historic victory was important to Ford as they triumphed over Ferrari at the time, and it was a clean sweep of all three podium positions.
The models will be part of the LEGO Speed Champions range, which are smaller and simpler than complex Technic kits and the like. They are designed to appeal to a younger age group, complete with LEGO minifigures for the racing drivers and a trophy with a podium to complete the scene. LEGO and Ford both hope it will help to inspire racing drivers, engineers, and designers of the future.


M-erry Christmas M-alaysia - BMW M To Bring The Noise At Pavillion Bukit Jalil

The most powerful alphabet in the world, M will take to the streets heading to Pavillion Bukit Jalil this 18th December.

BMW Malaysia is getting in the mood with a gathering of over 100 BMW M vehicles this festive season. A fleet of M cars will be coming from across the nation to assemble and thrill at the newly opened Pavilion Bukit Jalil on Saturday, 18th December 2021.

This event will also be a prelude to the 50th anniversary of BMW M that was established in May 1972.

It all began with BMW's first racing project, the BMW 3.0 CSL - a homologation special that was built to race in the European Touring Car Championship.

Fast-forward to 2021, BMW M is one of the most revered nameplates in motorsports.

As part of this celebration, children from Rumah Charis will also be present to take part in the merriment of the season.

"Car communities are not just about sharing the same passion, friendships or bonds. This Christmas, in the spirit of giving, members of M Owners Malaysia will be delivering Christmas presents to the children of Rumah Charis and Tender Hearts as part of our community project" said Andrew Lim, Event Liaison.

Details of the event:

Date: 18th December 2021, Saturday

Time: 10:00AM to 3:00PM

Venue: Piazza of Pavilion Bukit Jalil

Come join the Chasing Christmas BMW M Owners Drive and stare at all the M vehicles on display!


GM To Launch Lova RV For China In November 2015

SAIC-GM, the Chinese joint venture arm of General Motors announced today that it will be launching a new Lova RV model in China in the fourth quarter of this year.
GM did not say much else about the Lova RV, other than it will be based on an all-new utility vehicle platform, and also adding that the body “…has been stretched to increase space for passengers and their belongings.”
The single photo released by SAIC-GM hints to a compact MPV-like vehicle.
The model appears to be developed by SAIC-GM, and as such, will likely to remain as a China-only product.


Lamborghini announces plans for fully electric Urus SUV by 2030

Lamborghini is taking its bestselling
Urus Super SUV
 to the next level – the electric level!

CEO Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed that a fully electric Lamborghini Urus is on the horizon and set to hit the road by the end of this decade. This is not just a new chapter for Lamborghini, but a whole new book in the world of luxury electric vehicles.

With a budget of $1.8 billion over the next four years, the high-performance sports brand is revving up its efforts to electrify its popular models. The iconic Urus is getting a major upgrade, with plans to transform it into a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) by 2024.

And that's just the beginning! Lamborghini is gearing up to launch its first fully electric vehicle in 2028 – a stunning "2+2, two-door car with more ground clearance" that is sure to turn heads. And the electric Urus model is set to hit the market in 2029.

Picture credit: electrek.co

Lamborghini is paving the way for a new era of sustainable luxury, where performance and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand.

Lamborghini CEO claimed that 2022 would be the last year we would see a new solely gas-powered Lambo released. Winkelmann added that the their first two electric vehicles will help lower overall emissions by 80%.

Until the Italian carmaker releases their first two BEVs at the end of the decade, its current lineup will be “hybridize”. Starting with an Aventador HEV in 2023, then a Huracan PHEV and Urus PHEV due in 2024.


Renault Malaysia Launches E-Store

It must be a very confusing time for sales and marketing staff who grew up in the golden age of bricks and mortar retail. These days quite nearly everything can be bought online – from food to gadgets and even services – and it only makes sense that eventually you could buy an entire car online.

Various companies have dabbled with the idea as they partnered up with e-commerce websites like Lazada for special promotions, but TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has gone ahead and brought an entire Renault E-Store to Malaysian consumers.

Yes, this would make them the first in Malaysia – and consumers have a choice of either buying a car or subscribing to a car on the Renault Malaysia website. Renault Malaysia knows that the process of buying a car can be a tedious one, from arranging test drives to physically having to be there for various processes – and they’re doing away with all of it with this website.

It’s an entire end-to-end solution, as customers can select the Renault model and colour of their choice, make the booking fee payment, submit necessary documents, submit trade-in valuation details, provide bank loan preferences, view the status of their new vehicle, and even indicate preference of vehicle collection from either a Renault Showroom or delivered to the location of their choice (for an additional fee) – and all without ever having to leave the house.

If you’re still the kind of person that needs to test drive a vehicle, you can arrange for that too via the website as well. Specific to the Renault Captur is a three-hour pressure free test drive without an accompanying sales person thanks to TCEC’s partnership with GoCar.

The Renault E-Store is now live at
www.renault.com.my


Gentari Is Petronas’ Big Bet To Dominate Hydrogen Energy

Previously known as Petronas Gas & New Energy and
newly rebranded as Gentari
, the division of Malaysia’s favourite oil and gas company is making big moves to ensure that it stays at the forefront of an emerging hydrogen economy.

Now a consumer-facing clean energy solutions provider, Gentari Sdn Bhd struck first blood when they started installing 60kW
DC fast charging stations
 around the KLCC area, their home territory, with plans to erect some 25,000 EV charging point all over Asia.

Gentari to spearhead Petronas' green mobility solutions

Additionally, it will also be offering green mobility solutions across Asia Pacific countries such as electric e-hailing vehicles, last-mile transportations services, and electric motorcycles/scooters, as confirmed by chairman Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz.

Last week they also signed a total of 12 memorandums of understanding (MOU) with various hydrogen industry players across the world, presumably to cast a wide net in terms of potential partnerships that will give them a foothold in different regions.

A more detailed and binding partnership with South Korean conglomerate SK Group is also rumoured to be inked soon (specifically with affiliates SK Materials Inc., SK Ecoplant Co. and SK Signet Inc.) following another MOU.

The collaboration will be engaged primarily in the production of advanced materials, construction and recycling, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Let’s also not forget that the country is also home to the Hyundai Motor Group, which has been
a longtime proponent of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEV)
.

Gentari signs 12 MOUs with various hydrogen industry players

During the brand’s official launch event, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said: "In increasing the use of hydrogen, I am confident that Gentari will be able to identify and develop a hydrogen economic cluster in Malaysia, further making our country a competitive hydrogen export hub in the region.”

Using hydrogen as a fuel source isn’t a new concept and plenty of other players in this new tech space have made strides in their own right. Though potentially world-changing if hydrogen can be made on a mass scale and cheaply, the industry is still lacking that key breakthrough. For now, making hydrogen consumes more usable energy than it produces.

This is why these companies have turned to renewables such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy to generate hydrogen, though in admittedly small quantities. Despite it being the most abundant element in the universe, it is usually part of a molecule, and separating that atomic bond is where things get expensive.

That said, Petronas Group CEO said during last week’s event that Gentari had already achieved a global capacity peak of 1.1 gigawatt in renewable energy, either in operation or under development. The majority of this is through Amplus Solar, a subsidiary in India.

The firm has also set a target to become a low carbon hydrogen producer with a yearly yield of up to 1.2 mtpa (million metric tonnes per annum) of hydrogen through various large projects and partnerships mostly based near Petronas strongholds in Kerteh, Terengganu, and Bintulu, Sarawak.


Volkswagen Rolls Out 30 Millionth Passat - World's Most Successful Mid-Range Model

Volkswagen’s Emden plant in Germany has just reached a new milestone by rolling out Volkswagen's 30 millionth Passat. The company says this new record makes the Passat the most successful model in its segment, selling more than any other mid-range model globally.
Funny but true, the Volkswagen Passat actually outsells the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord globally. The reason it doesn't appear as that to most of us is because most of the Passat's sales is contributed by China, in the same way North America contributes most of Camry and Accord's sales.
The B2 generation Passat (Santana) was one of the first mass-produced cars in China. It's the Chinese equivalent to what the Beetle, or even Corolla is to the rest of the world.
The 30,000,000th Passat is the new Passat GTE plug-in hybrid, which will go on sale in Europe in May.
Volkswagen introduced the first Passat on 14th May 1973, produced by the Wolfsburg plant under the motto “The beginning of a new VW era”. The model heralded a completely new family of vehicles, moving away from air-cooled engines to water-cooled ones, adopting modern front-wheel drive and unitary steel chassis.
Positioned as a mid-range model, the Passat was the successor to the VW 1600 (Type 3 with air-cooled rear engines and rear-wheel drive). Fast forward 46 years, the Passat has even outdone the legendary Beetle, which sold 21.5 million units.
After the Golf (35 million units) and the Beetle, the Passat is Volkswagen's top-three best selling vehicles of all time.

Closer to home, the Volkswagen Passat is assembled locally at the DRB-Hicom plant in Pekan, Pahang, and is offered in two variants:
Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline – RM176,690
Passat 2.0 TSI Highline – RM195,390
The Pekan plant is just one of 10 plants worldwide that makes the Passat for over 100 markets.


Just RM88k For A Brand New 7-Seater SUV?! Meet The DFSK Glory 580

The Dongfeng Motor might not a name you’re familiar with, but in 2020 you’re sure to have heard about where this Chinese carmaker is headquartered: Wuhan. But enough about that....

The state-owned corporation has only recently crossed the 50 year milestone and has managed to become a formidable player in their home market’s booming automotive industry, taking the opportunity expanding outward to nearby countries. Seems they’ve taken an interest in Malaysia, too.

DFSK is an acronym for Donfeng Sokon, the latter half of which is the moniker by which the company’s cars are known to Indonesians. And for the first time here, they’re introducing their first passenger car available on our shores: the Glory 580.

This 7-seater SUV (because it’s always an SUV) arrives fully assembled from Java but will only cost RM88,000 without insurance. Like a lot of cars coming with origins in the People’s Republic, including Proton to a degree, value is the DFSK’s trump card.

You can definitely get 7-seats on wheels for less, but the Glory 580 is presenting itself as quite the fully stocked SUV. It might not be the last word in beautiful or bold design, but on the other hand it definitely is styled to be unassuming and/or nondescript.

It looks fine, to be sure, but for a little under RM90k, you also get a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces a respectable 150PS and 220Nm, mated to a CVT that drives the front wheels.

While the Indonesians do get a little more by way of engine options and different trim levels, the sole variant sold here is akin to the more upper tier Luxury spec there. To live up to that, the Glory 580 is given two-tone 17-inch wheels, combination headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights.

Meanwhile, the interior is complemented by dual-tone leather seats that are six-way adjustable for the driver, keyless entry and push start, dual zone climate control, as well as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with GPS navigation, though it appears that the Malaysian-spec version will miss out on the sunroof.

In terms of safety, the Glory 580 does indeed omit the more advanced active safety features but does cover the basics with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ISOFIX mounting points, a reversing camera, and four airbags as standard. All pretty decent for the price.

Just like the Indonesian market, Malaysian units will be offered in four exterior colours: Elegant White, Glorious Metallic Red, Champagne Silver (?), and Phantom Black, though the interior colour palette isn’t altered by the exterior paint choice.

It’s hard to say how well the public here will receive the new SUV, but being a country that always loves a good deal, we’re sure the Glory 580, and its distributors Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Malaysia, will definitely find a good few new customers.

The SUV space is particularly bursting at the seams with competition, and though this DFSK is undercutting its rivals on price, there is still something to be said for the unique charms of the
Honda CR-V
,
Nissan X-Trail
,
Mazda CX-5
, and even the
Proton X70
.

An attractive price tag isn’t a cheat code and Malaysians have also been equally shrewd with their purchasing choices for newcomer brands, otherwise we’d see plenty more Havals and Borgwards on our roads. Nonetheless, we look forward to putting the Glory 580 through its paces as soon as we get the chance.

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.

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Carlist.my.

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Range Rover Celebrates 50 Years with Walk Down Memory Lane

In an effort to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Range Rover, Land Rover has opened a new interactive exhibit at its thriving Solihull manufacturing plant called ‘The Range Rover Story’.
Those who pay the new attraction will be able to learn how the brand’s history with Solihull goes back to 1967 when the first secret prototype was conceived, codenamed Velar.
The new exhibit will take visitors on a time-travelling voyage from its inception in the mid-1960s, through to the introduction of the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque. The exhibition culminates in an exciting unveil of the new Range Rover Velar, celebrating British design and engineering integrity.
Roger Crathorne, who is also known as ‘Mr Land Rover’ due to his 50 years of service and dedication to the brand, has been heavily involved in the creation of the exhibition.
“The exhibit tells the incredible story of the Range Rover, from the original Velar prototype through to today’s new model. At the time I began my career in 1967 as a Technical Assistant on the Velar Team, the intention was never to build a luxury vehicle. Over the 50 years since, the Range Rover has come a long way. We wanted to develop a more comfortable on-road Land Rover that would combine the comfort of the Rover with the Land Rover 4x4 capability to support a growing leisure market.”
Nigel Blenkinsop, Operations Director at Solihull, said: “We are hugely proud to build the Range Rover Velar at Solihull, the birthplace of both the Land Rover and Range Rover. Here, we have invested over £2bn in recent years to enable us to triple production. Our business is now Britain’s number one car manufacturer.”
The opening of the Range Rover exhibition coincides with the opening of Velar manufacturing tours at Solihull. Velar is the third new model in a year to be launched at the plant, following the Jaguar F-Pace and new Discovery. Velar is produced in one of the largest aluminium body shops in the world and is beautifully finished in a versatile trim hall; capable of producing three different SUVs – all built to customers’ unique specifications.
The Solihull plant has contributed to the company doubling its sales and headcount in the past five years. This has supported the UK’s revival in manufacturing, boosting the British economy where the automotive company provides 240,000 jobs in the supply chain.


Meet Some Of The Most Influential Women In The Automotive Industry

March 8 marks International Women’s Day 2015 with the theme
Make It Happen
, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women. As a car site, we at Carlist.my are taking a look back at the women who have contributed some of the most significant and important contributions to the automotive indsutry.
Stephanie Kwolek
In 1946, Kwolek started working at DuPont as a chemist with the aim of discovering polymers that can be used in the production of tyres. During those times, the anticipation of an oil shortage prompted the need for a strong and lightweight tyre.
Through various experimentation and usage of techniques, one of the world’s most recognisable materials came into existence in 1965. That material was called Kevlar.
With its high tensile strength and relatively low weight, the material was first used commercially in the early 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tyres. Another more notable application of the material is in bulletproof vests, responsible for saving thousands of lives, and in various sporting equipment to provide just the edge needed to win over the opposition.
The automotive industry has benefitted from Kevlar as well. In modern vehicles such as the
Toyota
 Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the fuel tanks that store the hydrogen are made out of Kevlar to prevent leakage in the event of an accident. Formula 1 teams also employ Kevlar fuel tanks due to its lightweight, high strength nature as well.
Additionally, Kevlar utilised as clutch linings have resulted in less frequent service or replacements as compared to standard clutch linings.
The
application of Kevlar in the automotive industry
 is vast and for that, we have Stephanie Kwolek to thank.
Mary Anderson
We take this invention for granted but the windshield wiper came about due to the good observation and problem solving skills of Mary Anderson during a visit to New York City during the winter of 1903.
Whilst on board a trolley car, she noticed that the motorman drove with the front window open because he had trouble ensuring the windshield was clear of falling sleet (ice pellets) which obstructed his vision.
Upon returning back to Alabama, Mary came up with an idea for a hand-operated device to keep the windshield clear. Working with a designer and a local company, she managed to produce a working model of her invention which she proceeded to patent in 1903 for the very first windshield wiper.
Her device had a lever inside the vehicle that controlled a rubber blade on the outside of the windshield. The lever was used to operate a spring-loaded arm to move back and forth across the windshield and a counterweight ensured contact between the wiper and the window.
Of course the invention was made better with electric motors and rain sensors but without Mary Anderson’s ingenuity, driving in the rain, especially in our country, would be much more hazardous.
Bertha Benz
As the wife to the inventor of the world’s first automobile, Karl Benz, you may wonder what Bertha Benz had contributed to the automotive world. Well, she is the world’s first test driver.
In 1886, Karl Benz applied for a patent for his motor car but as brilliant as the inventor was, his business judgement was a little lacking. His wife however, saw the potential and significance of her husband’s invention, encouraging him that his motor car would be a success.
During that time, there was no definitive proof that the motor car was reliable and could undertake a long distance journey. This didn’t hinder Bertha Benz because she took it upon herself to go on a long test drive with her husband’s invention just to prove that his motor car was very much capable of doing just that.
Starting the city of Mannheim, Bertha would travel 180 kilometres to her place of birth, Pforzheim. And so, at the beginning of August, when the school vacation period began, she shared her plans with both of her sons. They sneaked the car out of the factory and quietly pushed the vehicle out of the workshop until it was a good distance away from their home before beginning the grand journey.
Before she left, Bertha Benz left a note on the kitchen table for her husband, telling him that she was making the trip back to Pforzheim – without a single mention of the “test drive” she was taking. Karl Benz later found out that his invention was missing and that his family weren’t travelling by train as he thought earlier.
The journey was filled with obstacles for Bertha and her children because as the first motor car, many features have not been created for it yet, including a large fuel tank (or even proper fuel for), an efficient engine cooling system, or even a proper brakes for that matter. Any mechanical problems encountered would have to be fixed by Bertha Benz herself using her own ingenuity like using a hat pin to clean a blocked fuel line.
Karl Benz eagerly waited news from his long-distance travellers via telegram as well as their return to Mannheim several days later. Upon completing the first long-distance journey in automotive history, Bertha Benz proved to her husband and defied those who doubted the future of the automobile. The rest as they say, is history.
Michèle Mouton
Rally racing was the domain of Mouton. In 1972, while pursuing law in college, her friend, Jean Taibi asked for her assistance in preparing for the 1972 Tour de Corse rally and although she was inexperienced, she managed to acquire the basics of rally navigation and became Taibi’s co-driver at the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally and several other races during the 1973 World Rally Championship (WRC) season.
The risks associated with motorsports was a concern to Mouton’s father. He decided to make a deal with her: He would purchase an Alpine-Renault A110 for her to race with and if she could prove herself in one year, she can continue racing but if she couldn’t, she had to move on to something else instead.
And prove herself she did. During her trial year, she managed to complete her first international rally at the Tour de Corse and also won both the French Ladies Championship and French GT Class Championship. In 1981, she signed with Audi Sport and a year later, guided the famous Audi Quattro to help the manufacturer win its first manufacturer’s title.
1985 saw Michèle dominate the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb by winning not just the event but also setting a record time in the process with her Audi Quattro.
After the WRC banned the infamous and highly dangerous Group B class of cars from rallying, Mouton decided to call it a day.
Clärenore Stinnes
Entering the world of motor racing at the age of 24, Clara Eleonore Stinnes was touted as one of the most successful German race car drivers in Europe by 1927. Her greatest achievement however was accomplished with her Swedish cinematographer, Carl-Axel Söderström, as they were the first people to make the trip around the world by car.
The car chosen was an Adler Standard 6 and with only a freight truck full of spare parts and supplies, the group began its epic journey on 25 May 1927. After two years and one month, and covering a distance of 47,000 km, Clärenore completed her journey around the globe in a car.
The journey brought her from Germany through to Balkans, Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, Moscow, Siberia, and Peking. After a transit via ferry, the group continued on to Japan, Hawaii, South America, Vancouver, New York, Washington D.C., Le Havre, and finally ended their round-the-world expedition by arriving in Berlin on 24 June 1929.


PlasticRoad Lasts Longer Than Traditional Road Surfaces, Saves The Earth In The Process

You’ve heard of
rubberised roads
 but now, a Dutch company –
KWS Infra
 has come up with a more environmentally friendly method of road construction which uses recycled plastic as its building material and they’re calling it PlasticRoad.

Consisting of 100% recycled material from discarded plastic items like empty water bottles, PlasticRoad is capable of lasting three times longer than traditional road surfaces with the ability to withstand temperatures between -40°C and 80°C.

Not only that, each section is pre-fabricated before being installed on-site, reducing construction times to just a few weeks, rather than months. PlasticRoad also pairs up to the infrastructure with a solid surface on top and a hollow section for pipes, cables, and drainage to run through it.

The Guardian
 reported that KWS Infra is still evaluating how the surface handles slippery conditions (rain, snow) and how sections of the road are repaired or replaced when needed, especially with the pipes and cable sandwiched into the street.

However, PlasticRoad is still in its research and development stage and it will be at least three years away from being ready for production but if it means less waste is left idling in landfills, that’s a good thing for nature.


PDRM Nabs 32 Public Transport Vehicles Without Permit, Road Tax In Operation

PDRM was reported to have conducted a special two-day operation over late last week at Genting Sempah, resulting in a total of 32 public transport vehicles being caught and seized for operating without permits and/or road tax.
Bukit Aman operations officer, DSP Bakri Zainal Abidin said the vehicles that were seized in the operation mostly included buses and taxis that were ferrying passengers to and from Genting Highlands.
"The operation involved personnel from the police, Road Transport Department, Land Public Transport Commission, Department of Environment, Puspakom and the National Anti-drug Agency," Bakri told reporters.
"A total of 385 summonses were issued for various offences, with four arrests for offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act, while two people were detained under the Immigration Act," he said.
The operation concluded with over 3,000 vehicles checked over the two-day period. However, as was said, the focus was on public transportation.


2023 Honda HR-V prices in Malaysia see RM1,100 Increase

Amidst the fluctuating economy and the impact on the Ringgit, the prices of the 2023 Honda HR-V in Malaysia have witnessed a slight increase.

Each variant now commands an additional RM 1,100, subtly altering the price landscape, as per published prices on Honda Malaysia's website.

According to the official website of Honda Malaysia, as of 5th July 2023, here are the exciting new prices for the HR-V range:

HR-V 1.5 S: RM 115,900

HR-V 1.5 E: RM 130,900

HR-V 1.5 V: RM 135,900

HR-V 1.5 RS e:HEV: RM 141,900
.

These on-the-road prices (excluding insurance) apply to the standard exterior colours, while opting for the Platinum White Pearl hue will incur an additional RM 600 surcharge, applicable across all variants.

While the pricing has experienced a subtle adjustment, it's important to note that no notable mechanical or feature updates have been introduced to the model. The three powertrains retain their existing configuration—the naturally aspirated S variant, the turbocharged E and V variants, and the hybrid RS variant—while the interior equipment remains unchanged.


How To Claim Your AP As A Malaysian?

Did you know that if you've worked or studied abroad for more than one year, you are eligible for an
Approved Permit (AP)
 from the government of Malaysia?

What is AP?

APs
 are import licenses that are used to export vehicles back to Malaysia. They can be obtained from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) by filling and completing Form JK 69 (Pindaan) 9/84 before exporting the vehicle back to our shores.

Who is eligible for an AP?

Before thinking that you have the right to an AP, it's best to check out the bullet points down below to ascertain if you are entitled to one.

The vehicle must be registered in the name of the person returning and be owned for at least nine months.

Insurance on the vehicle for at least nine months must be in the name of the person returning home.

The owner/ driver must have a valid Full Driver's Licence during the ownership period of the vehicle (a Provisional Licence holder will not be allowed to take a car back to Malaysia).

Driver must have lived/ studied abroad for at least one year and will be returning home permanently.

How do you apply for an AP?

The AP application form can be purchased from Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad, Kuala Lumpur, or any of its branches in Malaysia. If you're abroad, you may visit their website, www.pnb2u.com

Your application must be accompanied by original or certified copies of :

Your Passport

Car registration documentation

Insurance certificate

If studying, university offer letter or working, an employer's letter which shows the period of employment outside Malaysia must be furnished.

The application must be made by the applicant only. MITI will not accept applications made by agents.

What about tax and duties?

Relevant import duties and excise taxes will be imposed according to Malaysia's current schedule. If you don't have the resources to pay for them, it's pointless to ship your car back to Malaysia as your car will be stuck in Port Klang indefinitely. With this in mind, it's best to know how much they are.

However, since the import duty and excise tax are updated from time to time, it is best to contact Malaysia's customs department for further information about Import Duty. Visit www.customs.gov.my or contact the Royal Malaysian Customs Department at +603 7806 7200/ 7806 7599 (Call Centre).

 What's next after applying for an AP?

Well, it's of course the mission of how to import a car into Malaysia using your AP. Stay tuned as we'll bring you a follow-up piece on how to import your car into Malaysia.


Audi Budgets EUR 40 Billion For The Next Phase Of Mobility

Audi plans to advance their expenditure in electric mobility, digitalization, and autonomous driving to the tune of almost EUR 14 billion for the next 5 years. Together with investments in property, plant and equipment as well as research and development expenditure, the total projected expenditure balloons to a whopping EUR 40 billion.
Taking 2017 as a comparison, the total expenditure for research and development was only EUR 3.809 billion, with 28% or EUR 1.06 billion focused on the technologies-of-the-future such as those listed above. Revenue from sales of 1.87 million vehicles was EUR 60.128 billion during last year.
“This planning round bears a clear signature: We are taking a very systematic approach to electric mobility and will be much more focused in future. We are consistently prioritizing our resources for future-oriented products and services that are highly attractive and relevant to the market,” says Bram Schot, temporary Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG.
“With models such as the
 recently presented Audi e-
tron
 GT concept
, we want to electrify people again for Audi and at the same time be an agile and very efficient company,” Schot added.
Starting with the
Audi e-
tron
, the brand’s first all-electric SUV, the company will launch numerous electric cars in the coming years. By 2025, Audi will offer approximately 20 electrified models, about half of which will have all-electric drive systems with 12 models being Q-models (SUV). At the same time, Audi is pushing forward with the digitalization of its automobiles and plants, and is expanding its business model with new digital services such as “functions on demand”.
The company also expects sales of fully-electric cars to contribute about one-third of sales or 800,000 units in 2025.
Audi will also be working with Porsche to develop the PPE or Premium Platform Electric for large electric vehicles, while smaller, more mass-market vehicles will use
the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB)
 that is being developed with Volkswagen.
To support the aggressive plan for the future, Audi is also planning to reduce complexity, utilize synergies, and discontinue activities that are no longer relevant to customers through the Audi Transformation Plan. The plan has also put in place a direction for the company to generate positive earnings of more than EUR 1 billion this year.


Geneva 2019: Mercedes-Benz Concept EQV Is An Electrified Future V-Class

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its first purely battery-electric people mover called the Concept EQV ahead of its Geneva debut.
The concept features a compact electric drivetrain (eATS) on the front axle with an output of 201 hp. The electric motor, the transmission with fixed transmission ratios, the cooling system and the power electronics form a compact and integral unit.
Energy is supplied by a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery which allows for a maximum range of 400 km and a top speed of 160km/h. The battery is installed in the vehicle's underfloor, allowing the entire interior space to be available without restriction.
Chargeable at home using a Mercedes- Benz wallbox or a regular household plug socket, there is also a rapid charging function where the battery can be charged with enough energy for a range of around 100 km, in just 15 minutes.
On the exterior, the Concept EQV is painted in high-tech silver, with key features like a radiator grille with chrome inserts and an LED band, large air inlets, broad chrome inserts positioned towards the outer edges, LED headlamps, as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels.
Taking centre-stage in the cabin is the Technoid cockpit, where the focus is on intuitive operation. MBUX infotainment system, as expected, comes as standard.
In keeping with the EQ brand design, the leather look of the dashboard in "Midnight Blue" is amplified by the trend color rose gold, which is reminiscent of copper wires.
And then, there are the colored styling elements of the frame components, black Nappa leather seats, blue Nappa leather-clad armrests with rose gold topstitching, and dark-blue elements on the seat backrests.
Speaking of seats, the Concept EQV can either be had with six individual “VIP” seats, a more family friendly 7-seater, or with a maximum of eight seats.
Having said that, Mercedes-Benz Vans announced that it plans to release a series-production vehicle based on the Concept EQV later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
This is in line with the brand’s mission to electrify its entire portfolio by the year 2022, which means that electrified variants will be offered in every segment.


VIDEO: Bentley Bentayga Shows Us Its Off-Roading Cred

Bentley
 has extensively teased its new SUV, the Bentayga, over the course of the last few months. Most recently, the
Volkswagen
-owned luxury automaker released a video that shows us that it’s not all luxury without ruggedness.
In the video below, we see the Bentayga tackle some rough terrain in the more mountainous region of Northern Spain, demonstrating its all-wheel drive capability; rather handy when its millionaire owner fancies a camping trip or simply gets tired of the road.
Granted, it’s not in the most extreme of off-road conditions that we see this Bentayga negotiate, but it is far from a leaf and puddle-covered back road. There are rocks, ditches and some steep gradient changes.
We don’t see the car fully uncovered, which is a shame, and its cladding and camouflage is quite similar in quantity and placement from when we saw it in the
Bentayga’s winter testing video
. We suppose we’ll have to wait until closer to its 2016 launch to judge the final exterior appearance and
interior
.
That being said, even with the wraps on it, we do get a clear look at the car and can just about imagine what the finished product will look like, especially given the sunny weather and great outdoor lighting.


Toyota Vios Hybrid With e:Smart System In The Pipeline - Taking The Fight To The Honda City RS e:HEV?

Sources have claimed that Toyota is in the midst of making a hybrid Vios and Avanza.

According to Autoindustriya.com, Toyota is getting ready for an assault mission in countries where its hybrids haven't caught on. The weapons they will be using to lead the hybrid charge are not in the form of its higher and upper-class models, but instead, the humble
Vios
 and
Avanza
.

According to the Philippine-based automotive portal, their sources have confirmed that Toyota intends to produce a Toyota Avanza and Vios with the e:Smart Hybrid technology in them.

For those of you not in the know about the e:Smart Hybrid technology, it's basically an assist-type hybrid system, unlike the conventional ones found on the Toyota Altis, Corolla Cross, or Prius.

According to the Filipino website, the e:Smart Hybrid system will have many similarities with Honda's IMA hybrid system (like in the
Honda CR-Z
), giving the vehicle an electric-driven boost instead of taking over the propulsion.

Soon to debut in the Daihatsu Rocky (
which has been spotted in Malaysia
), the e:Smart Hybrid system in the plucky little SUV is paired to a WA-VE 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 86 PS and 105 Nm of torque. Total performance figures for the combination (codenamed WA-VEX) are still unknown, but we will probably find out soon as the Daihatsu Rocky hybrid launch should be taking place this November.

It has been suggested that a Vios with a combination of its 1.5-litre ICE engine and an e:Smart Hybrid system should take the fight to Honda, and give its
City RS e:HEV
 with its 253 Nm of torque a run for its money.

Whether that is true remains to be seen, but the whole e:Smart move is a pretty smart one by Toyota if they wish to look for a cost-effective way to introduce electrification to customers where EV infrastructure and legislation aren't so fluid - hey, that means us right?

Hybrid versions of the Vios and Avanza would align with
Toyota Malaysia's hybrid aspirations
, which should be kicking off with the CKD Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Autoindustriya also received information that Toyota is working on hybrid drive systems for the Fortuner, Hilux, and Innova, but it may take some time as the current semiconductor crisis is affecting its development.


No-camo 2023 Nissan Almera facelift spotted in Thailand

The 2
023 Nissan Almera facelift
 has been spotted in Thailand yet again.

This time around, it's a lot clearer than the previous public encounter earlier this year but with all of its camouflage removed. With the second sighting going viral on social media, it wouldn't be long before it is launched officially in the country, and perhaps, in Malaysia soon after?

With no camo in sight, we can see that the new 2023 Nissan Almera facelift now comes with a much sportier facade, particularly up front. The new Nissan V-Motion corporate face and grille can be seen in a clearer picture (despite the photo angle).

*Image credit: Nattanon Sinlavat

From this, we can confirm that the Almera spotted in Thailand will most likely share the same front hexagonal-styled grille with horizontal slats as the model's North American version, the Nissan Versa. Quite an outstanding look, if we say so ourselves.

In terms of firepower, the 2023 Nissan Almera facelift will most likely maintain the current 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine that churns out 100PS and 152Nm of torque. There is, however, the possibility of the Almera running the same hybrid powertrain as the Nissan Kicks e-Power.

If that happens to be true, you'll be looking at a Nissan Almera that can kick things up a notch with its bigger 1.2-litre engine that's mated to the Nissan e-Power electric motor that produces 136PS and 280Nm of torque (129PS & 260Nm in Singapore). Stay tuned for more updates, folks.


2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Thai Ad Takes A Jab At Volkswagen

Honda Thailand’s new advertisement for the much vaunted Honda Civic hatchback may have just taken a subtle jab at Volkswagen, or more specifically, their ageing
Scirocco
 model.
Honda’s ad starts off in a thinly lit car park, to the backdrop of dramatic music. As the driver begins to drive off – the lights of another car in the background come to life, in typical pursuit fashion.
The two cars make their way onto a road, where we get a good look at the car giving chase – unmistakably, it’s a black Volkswagen Scirocco with its badges deleted.

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 The Civic driver puts the car through a few “evasive” maneuvers before coming to a sudden halt at a railway crossing, just before a train flashes by, this triggers the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) safety feature. The video ends with the Scirocco driver reversing his car a few yards behind.
The Thai-assembled Civic hatchback was
launched recently
, priced at THB 1,169 million (RM148k). Honda Thailand’s message is perhaps to highlight the lifestyle elements of the new Civic hatchback. The combination of style, performance and practicality is presumably a quantum even a premium product like the Scirocco can’t muster… or follow.
Given Volkswagen’s limited presence in Thailand, it will be interesting to see if this little ad ruffles feathers in the German giant’s marketing arm.


VIDEO: High Speed Justice - Abu Dhabi Police Film Supercar Chase Scene With Ferrari 458, McLaren 12C, and Nissan GT-R

Over the past year alone, we think the police departments of the United Arab Emirates has effectively proven that it has one of the most enviable garages; one that has a routine flow of
supercars
 and
white-hot exotica
. "The very thing you need to apprehend cash-rich criminals at high speed", I’m sure they would say. Also, its undeniably just plenty of fun.
To flex their muscles and demonstrate how effective they are at nabbing crooks in their own supercars, the Abu Dhabi police have taken it upon themselves to film a Hollywood-style cops and robbers action scene set to the backdrop of the UAE's wide and expansive desert highways and the soundtrack of many angry cylinders. We can’t say disagree with their methods, although it does make us plain jealous at times.
The suspect being chased in the video – which is really more of a short film at nearly six and a half minutes – is speeding along in a blue
McLaren

12C
 and gets tagged by police helicopters and what looks to be
AES camera tech
 from the future. Heading off the highway into town and thinking he can ditch the tail by switching to a
Ferrari

458 Italia
 (of course), he is again quickly spotted by the fuzz.
Abu Dhabi’s finest then summon up their
Nissan

GT-R
 which speeds past their standard
Ford
 Taurus patrol cars and gives the Ferrari a good run. The cops have already set up a road block up ahead, so the GT-R didn’t really have to catch up to the suspect. The roadblock does feature tactical units in full garb with carbine rifles. While menacing, surely it’s a little overkill just to nab one unarmed guy in a flashy car wearing a baseball cap.
Still. It's fun to watch. And for the Abu Dhabi police, definitely fun to film. Some cops have all the luck.


MITI Lists Out Steps To Improve Incentive Approvals, Lower Car Prices

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has updated members of the media regarding the lengthy approval process on EEV incentive for locally assembled vehicles.
The matter was earlier highlighted by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) in which its
 president mentioned that many approvals are yet to be confirmed
, delaying the launch and ultimately cash flow of car companies.
In the news report by
The Sun daily
, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming said the Automotive Business Development Council (ABDC) will take about two days to process and make recommendations to the Finance Ministry (MoF) on the incentive applications by carmakers under the Industrial Linkage Programme (ILP), and about a week for customised incentives.
The ILP, introduced since 2006, is an incentive programme to encourage more localization of components and parts when assembling a passenger vehicle. Franchise holders enjoy excise duty reduction as a result of their localization activities.
Common items that are localized include wire harness, cooling system, alloy wheel, tyres, interior plastic trimmings, bumpers, windshield glass, windows, rubber linings, and suspension components.
Ong said the present process flow and client charter of ABDC will be strengthened and shared with the industry to ensure timeliness and transparency of the process in evaluating incentive applications.
Pricelist for BMW products in Malaysia include the savings that buyers are enjoying thanks to the government incentives
“MITI will enhance the client charter so that there will be greater transparency and understanding of the deliverables that MITI will have with MAA in terms of the time frame of processing these applications within the context of ABDC and continue the engagement with stakeholders in this process,“ Dr Ong told the members of the media yesterday.
ABDC meetings will be held twice a month, double the frequency did previously, and a schedule of the meetings will be circulated to the industry to reduce the turnaround time.
Meanwhile,
MARii (formerly known as MAI)
, will review the Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) process on the ILP as the MAA has raised the need for more transparency on the details. The CBA process is done when customized incentives (higher than ILP standards) are requested due to the larger investments by franchise holders, such as exports programmes by
BMW Group Malaysia
,
Mazda
, and
Volvo
.
“It’s a win-win situation for everyone. MAA members, OEMs can sell more cars; consumers benefit from lower car prices and MOF collect more in excise duty as a whole because of increased volume. This is something that we want to work towards for all the car models,” said Dr Ong.
Main image: Photo from
Facebook
 page of YB Dr Ong Kian Ming


Is Mazda Bringing The Rotary Engine Back For Real? The Patents Are Filed

A new development has surfaced regarding the
will-they-won’t-they
 of Mazda’s speculated resurrection of the rotary engine. The US Patent & Trademark Office has just received two patent applications from Mazda Motor Corporation, both related to new innovations for rotary engines.
One patent features the
rotary engine serving as a range-extending generator for an electric vehicle
 whilst the other is for the
auto start/stop function for a direct-injected rotary engine
. It is not explicitly stated if the two patents are for the same engine, although there is no reason to assume they are not.
This development ties in with earlier reports quoting a senior Mazda official that the company is planning to develop a new
rotary engine for use in a range-extender EV by 2019
.
Images attached with the patent application show the rough diagram of a front-wheel driven vehicle with a front-mounted motor but its range-extending generator, fuel tank, and battery placed at the rear.

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We
tested an early prototype
 operating such a configuration on the body of a previous-generation Mazda 2 in 2013. It was an effective demonstration on the rotary engine’s suitability for range-extender duty on account of its compact sizing.
Traditional concerns on the rotary engine’s notoriously poor economy and emissions also do not apply in this instance, as the motor will be locked to operate at a fixed engine speed (around 4,000 to 5,000rpm) with its fuel usage optimized to the best possible degree.
Mazda’s idea of using a rotary engine to serve as an electric vehicle’s range extender is unusual and intriguing in equal measure, but there’s no guarantee that even with a patent application that the final product will make it to production.
Don't even hold your breath for a
new generation rotary sports car
 just yet.
Source:

Autoblog


MOT Bans Micro E-Vehicles On Public Roads - Saman RM300

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has decided to stick with a ban on micromobility solutions like e-scooters because they pose a danger to the users and other road users.

Just a week after announcing that they are
looking into implementing a rule
 regarding the use of e-scooters on public roads, including the
implementation of licenses for them
, Malaysia's Ministry of Transport (MOT) has announced that they have decided to just stick with the outright ban of e-scooters on public roads.

E-scooters are dangerous!

According to their Facebook page, the Ministry would like to inform the public that certain micromobility vehicles are prohibited on the road through the gazetting of the Road Traffic Rules (prohibition of the use of certain micromobility vehicles) 2021,
which came into force on Dec 17, 2021.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong said, "micromobility vehicles such as mopeds, personal mobility devices (PMD) and personal mobility aids (PMA) are not allowed to be used on public roads."

His justification was that the use of micromobility vehicles on the road could pose a danger to the users and other road users.

The specific types of micromobility vehicles that are prohibited from being used on the road are:

Moped - one, two or three-wheeled electric vehicle with a maximum speed of 50km/h.

Personal Mobility Devices & Personal Mobility Aids - Human-powered vehicles or machines that use motors with a maximum speed of 25km/h.

Those who fail to comply with the rules will be fined RM300 for the first offence, a maximum of RM1,000 for the subsequent offence, or jailed for three months.

However, according to the
New Straits Times
, "Ka Siong said the use of the three categories of micromobility vehicles was allowed in areas where there was no mixture of traffic flows involving various vehicles."

So where can you ride an e-scooter?

"The use of micromobility vehicles on the road will be considered if the local authorities provide infrastructure and facilities that support the safe use of the vehicles".

Ka Siong also told Bernama that bicycles, trishaws, and electric bicycles were allowed, subject to compliance with the regulations set under the Road Transport Act 1987 and Road Traffic Rules 1959.

"For electric bicycles, only those that meet Malaysia Standard MS2514: Electric Bicycles Specifications can be used on the road".

Not looking deeper into the feasibility of micromobility vehicles is a typical move by authorities who cannot find a happy medium or solution.

One step forward and two steps back

Picture credit: Fat Daddy

While some rotten apples have given micromobility a bad name, many people who use public transport actually depend on micromobility vehicles as a last-mile solution. In fact, here at Carlist.my, we have a colleague who uses his e-scooter to get from his house to the LRT station and vice-versa. This ban has him scratching his head now, he admitted that depending on enforcement this might deter him from using public transportation to commute to work.

Is there not a way to better manage, monitor and regulate these micromobility options other than to outright ban them? In a country like ours that suffers from horrific traffic jams, should we not be working towards removing more vehicles from the road? Isn't banning micromobility vehicles like the ones mentioned counterproductive towards our goals of becoming a more climate neutral country? In typical Malaysian fashion, it's one step forward and two steps backward.


Mother's Day Gift Ideas For Moms Who Love To Drive

Perfect mother's day gift ideas for the Moms who love to drive.

Not all mothers are into flowers and chocolates, as some are more into practical things such as functional accessories for their car/s. So perhaps for those who love something a bit more fun and useful for their beloved ride, maybe these items down below could be the perfect gift for a Mom on Mother's Day.

Sun Shade

If your Mom loves her car as much as she loves you, she will probably want to protect the vehicle's interior from harmful sun rays as they can make things such as the dashboard dry and brittle.

An excellent way to protect the dashboard is with a retractable or foldable sunshade, and the best thing about them is, you can probably pick this up from most convenience stores and they're relatively inexpensive especially for those of us on a budget.

Cupholder Expander

If your Mom loves takeaway coffee, then at some point, she would have come across a weird-sized takeaway cup that just won't fit correctly into a cupholder.

Well, be her hero and buy her a car cup holder expander, and all her coffee cup nightmares will go away. The best thing is, these cupholders are largely available on e-commerce platforms such as Shopee.

New Car Mats

It's amazing how a set of new car mats can transform the look and smell of a new car. If your Mom's car is old and its car mats look like they have had better days, why not get her a new set of modern car mats such as the ones from Trapo, as they are anti-slip, custom-fitted and anti-bacterial.

Trapo practically has a set of mats for every car, so it won't be hard to find one for your Mom. You can buy Trapo mats from Trapo's official website or typical online stores.

A Good Dash Cam

A good way of protecting your Mom on the road is to install a good
dashcam
 in her car. Give your Mom some added peace of mind this Mother's Day by setting up a little dashcam in her vehicle. With this by her side, she won't have to worry about issues like insurance fraud, hit-and-runs, or confrontations with angry motorists.

The Thinkware F800 Pro dash cam would be an excellent choice for your Mom as it's got 1080 full HD resolution which means you will have clear and detailed recordings of everything.

It also has an enhancement sensor that helps with footage from a low-light environment.

Smartphone Car Mount

Most Moms these days have phones with many features that allow them to be turned into a sat nav or speakerphone for taking calls in the car.

While these features are good, some Moms might still be stuck in the past and tend to place their phones in unsecured locations somewhere in the cockpit of the car.

Get her a
car phone mount
 as it is designed to hold her device in the optimum position for safe viewing of the screen while driving. They often attach to your air conditioning vent or have a rubber suction pad for attaching to the windscreen.

When purchasing a car phone holder, don't just go for the cheapest option as these can often be flimsy and insecure, which could damage your phone. A unit such as Belkin's universal car phone mount would be a good choice for your Mom as the extendable arms firmly cradle your phone, while the mount adheres securely to your windshield or dashboard.

Plus, with the ability to tilt and rotate the cradle, it's easy to find the perfect viewing angle for navigation.

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Pay For Your Petron Fuel Using WeChat Pay

WeChat Pay and Petron have announced a collaboration allows motorists to pay for fuel using their WeChat Pay Malaysia e-Wallet at close to 200 Petron stations, and gradually nationwide.
This is the first-of-its-kind e-Wallet payment method for fuel in Malaysia, in line with Petron’s commitment to promoting ease of transaction for its customers.
WeChat Pay is one of the most widely used payment methods in China and is gaining popularity in Malaysia. The e-Wallet only requires users to flash their phone at the counter, allowing for cardless or cashless transactions. WeChat Pay is an electronic money issuer approved by Bank Negara Malaysia.
WeChat Pay is available on Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems. All WeChat users who register an account with a Malaysian mobile number or Malaysian IP address can use the service without any additional charges.
To use the WeChat Pay (Malaysia) services, a user must first bind their debit card (Mastercard or Visa) issued by a bank in Malaysia to their respective account. A user can top up his/her wallet balance using his/her debit card. Each account can be bound to one or more debit cards, but each debit card can only be bound to one WeChat account.
Bringing together this collaboration between Petron and WeChat Pay Malaysia is Revenue Monster – a payment solutions provider and appointed merchant acquirer in Malaysia to facilitate transactions.


PEMERKASA+ Brings Extended New Car SST Exemption, 3 Month Moratorium

On the eve of the two week ‘total lockdown’ starting June 1st, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announce announced a new RM40 billion relief package as well as an RM5 billion direct fiscal stimulus under the name PEMERKASA+.

The majority of this is to be used to strengthen the public healthcare system, ensure the continuity of businesses, and to support public welfare, according to his hour-long speech detailing the ways funds endowed to PEMERKASA+ will be channelled.

If your mouth was frothing at the mention of a new moratorium period, know that this isn’t as widespread or all-encompassing as the one we saw in 2020
that lasted for 6 months
.

Though all borrowers are allowed to apply through their respective banks, the 2021 moratorium will be carried out using a
targeted approach
 and will be granted only to those within the B40 income classification, eligible SMEs not allowed to operate during the MCO, and those who have recently lost their jobs.

For eligible recipients, an automatic loan moratorium will be in effect for 3 months or a 6 month period with a 50% repayment reduction, both starting from June 2021. This will, according to the Prime Minister, provide financial relief to over 5 million Malaysians totalling approximately RM30 billion.

Next, the PERMERKASA+ packages will also include an initiative to extend the sales tax exemption for passenger vehicles to December 31st, 2021. Prior to last night’s announcement, the ‘SST discount’ period, which was initiated on June 15th 2020 under the PENJANA stimulus plan, was originally scheduled to end on December 31st 2020 but was extended by a further 6 months to
June 30th of this year
.

The terms of the SST exemption remain unchanged, however, which means that fully imported vehicles (CBU) will enjoy a 50% cut while locally-assembled (CKD) cars will be given a full 100% waiver.

As you might expect, the resulting lowered new vehicle prices did indeed spur demand in the automotive industry, which was especially synergistic as the past 12 months has been witness to 2 highly anticipated and popular new models from local carmakers Proton and Perodua.

Though it will certainly reduce the burden of a new vehicle purchase and help sustain demand, it’s less certain if 2020’s strong industry volume can be beaten. April 2021, for example, has seen a 12.3% decline in new vehicle sales over the previous month, though that could likely be attributed to restrictions imposed by Movement Control Order as well as the
global chip shortage
.


BMW Confirms Formula E Championship Entry in 2018

Initially revealed as a goal in 2016 as part of the realignment of the motorsport strategy within the BMW Group, the company has announced that it will join the FIA Formula E Championship as an official manufacturer in Season 5 (2018/19).
The cars, equipped with a completely newly-developed BMW drivetrain, will be run by the Andretti Formula E team as BMW’s works entry in the series.
According to BMW, the main driving force behind the new BMW i Motorsport is the development of innovative technology in the field of electromobility, in which the company has established a leading role over the past ten years.
The company added that the implementation of the new motor racing strategy also includes the expansion of classic activities at BMW M Motorsport.
“Through our involvement in Formula E, we are addressing the development towards sustainable and emission-free mobility in the automobile industry and are also making a contribution to the brand’s progression to BMW iNEXT,” said Klaus Fröhlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.
Besides BMW, other manufacturers that will participate in next year’s FIA Formula E Championship are Audi (ABT Formel E), Mahindra, Renault, Jaguar Land Rover, Next EV, Penske Autosport and also Venturi.


Now You Can Be Like A Dato’ - Offering the very best Toyota Vellfires, Alphards from TC Autohub

There are few cars as recognisable as Toyota’s iconic duo - the Vellfire and Alphard - that they are almost synonymous with the luxury MPV segment.

These Japanese imported models are known for their sublime ride comfort and mile-munching highway cruises, especially so with their now-famed expansive and very plush second row ‘captain seats’ that are so commonly emulated.

Finding a prime example of this super high-grade ultra-low mileage Alphard or Vellfire 2.5 model, however, can be a little tricky, especially when they are no longer officially available from the authorised distributor.

All is not lost though if you are looking for any one of these genre-defining Toyota MPVs with the highest grade and the lowest mileage available.

TC Autohub is the latest automotive portal that lets you select from an extensive inventory of Alphards and Vellfires, along with individual mileage, specifications and features from the comfort of your home. Best of all, you can arrange for a viewing appointment the next day.

Working with exclusive partner Karrus Private Garage, TC Autohub sources only the finest examples of Alphards and Vellfires from Japan for their consideration.

Each vehicle will need to have an auction house grading of 4.5 and above in order to be shortlisted, ensuring that you get the very best units that Japan has to offer.

TC Autohub will soon be extending their product portfolio to offer Certified Pre-owned Subaru vehicles that come complete with extended warranty as well as an extensive range of used cars across their vast network of dealers nationwide.

TC Autohub is part of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE) listed Tan Chong International (TCIL) group of companies. With Tan Chong international group wide coverage across 10 countries in Asia, including Japan, TC Autohub is able to tap into the group’s collective resources to provide partners and customers the utmost support and assurance in terms of quality control right from the source to pre-delivery.

Visit
www.tcautohub.com/my
 for the very best recon vehicles available today.


RUMOUR: Next Suzuki Swift To Get 1.0-Litre Turbo Engine?

Suzuki has a new engine that the company wants to slot into its cars for sale in international markets. Coined as Boosterjet, these new small capacity engines will power the upcoming premium hatch, the YRA, and the next generation of Swift as well.
According to
Autocar India
, the next
Suzuki

Swift
 will be offered with a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining performance. In fact, this new 3-cylinder turbo unit could also mean a bump in horsepower and a definite boost in torque for the Swift, taking
Ford
’s successful implementation of their 1.0L Ecoboost engine into the
Fiesta
 as an example of how this could play out. Being the automaker’s most popular model, the Swift would make the perfect platform for Suzuki to show off their latest technologies.
A bit of background first, we first saw the Suzuki’s 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine when the company brought its
iK-2 concept
 hatch (pictured above) – precursor to the YRA – to the
2015 Geneva Motor Show
, stats about the new direct injection power plant has been scarce, although the engine family also includes a larger 1.4-litre unit which will likely see deployment in the Chinese market, among possible others.