The Used Car Market Is NOT Doing As Well As Everyone Thinks, Especially The Government

Is the used car market in Malaysia really doing as well as painted by the Minister of Transport? In a recent statement, Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong reiterated that despite the effects of the pandemic and resultant lockdowns, the Malaysian automotive
industry has largely been unaffecte
d
.

Dr. Wee said this citing strong numbers of online vehicle ownership transfers in 2020 and early 2021, which in some capacity was echoed by the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia (FMCCAM). However, did that statement really
paint the correct picture of what is happening on the ground
, we investigated further.

That report came during the early stages of the FMCO which has prolonged and shows no signs of improvement (or being lifted) leaving most used and recond car dealers in a tough predicament as stocks lay at a standstill, and mounting asset depreciation and fixed operational costs threaten their business continuity.

Add to that that most used vehicle dealers are not classified as SMEs (nor should they be) with assets and business interests that number in the RM millions annually, which invariably also require large operating costs for rental of premises, stock upkeep, and staff wages. The current FMCO, in contrast to the initial MCO 1.0 (which was comparatively short-lived) comes at a time when automotive businesses and the economy, in general, are in a slow recovery period, and buyer sentiment is not relatively high.

Though the latter half of 2020 and early stages of 2021 were promising, and surely a boon for the economy in the period, the weeks and months will likely reflect a very different picture given the prevailing circumstances. With knowledge of the above,
Carlist.my, as one of the foremost automotive trading portals
in Malaysia, sought to delve deeper and get feedback from the operators of many recond and used vehicle partners.

To gain better insight, we posted a standardized survey to many dealers, both large and small, over large geographic locations, including the northern, southern, and central regions of Peninsula Malaysia. We have generalised opinions where possible, but here’s what they had to say:

1. Total vehicles stuck in the showroom since FMCO started? What's the total value of inventory?

During the survey, we sampled used car dealers with existing stock ranging from 20 units to a dealer in Masai, Johor that had a portfolio of 400 vehicles at any one time. A large majority of dealers had between 80 and 100 units stuck in the showroom at this time. The corresponding inventory value range from RM1 million for approximately 30 cars to over RM12 million in existing stock. A large majority of dealers have an inventory value of RM5 million.

2. What's their monthly minimum turnover required to keep business afloat and staff paid?

Monthly running costs range from RM15k for dealers with smaller premises and limited staff to around RM150k per month for the largest dealers, which employ full-time sales and management staff, technicians and have considerable outlay for showroom upkeep and utility payments. Most dealers have approximately 8-10 full-time staff.

3. Used/ Recond cars being aging assets, how much money would they have lost from depreciation alone in June? and if we include July (2 months)?

Most used car dealers assume a 5 percent depreciation on inventory per month. In terms of dollars and cents, losses have been reported between RM15k/ month to RM1 million/ month for the largest dealers. The median depreciation losses amount between RM200k and RM300k across the 2 months of inactivity.

4. Have the company/ operators obtained governmental assistance from the PRIHATIN, PERMAI, or PEMULIH packages? Apart from Governmental aid, are they offered any support to keep afloat, such as rental waivers?

All but two of the responding dealers say they have not received any aid from the government’s packages. Of the two that answered yes, they were able to apply for government aid for their staff due to loss of income. All dealers continue to pay rent and utilities as usual.

5. The biggest challenges faced in 2020 and 2021?

The resounding message received is the inability to do business as usual, some lament that the ever-changing SOPs confuse customers as to whether they’re allowed to visit showrooms or not. Some dealers, especially in the Southern region have lost substantial business due to interstate travel restrictions which means they lose customers from neighbouring states such as Melaka.

Others have even said that the SST exemption period has had an effect in moving buyers to new cars, instead of used cars, however, this may be isolated incidents as the boom in new car sales was also marked by an increase in used car sales in 2020.

Some dealers also say that the reduced capacity of the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Puspakom due to the FMCO has also meant they cannot finalise deals as cars cannot complete mandatory inspections prior to the transfer of ownership. Some customers are also pulling back previously paid deposits the longer the deal is dragged on.

Most resoundingly, all dealers say 2021 is proving to be much tougher than 2020.

6. What are they hoping for the rest of 2021?

All dealers are hoping for an end of the FMCO and business to return to normality. A notable number of respondents also hope for JPJ and Puspakom services to be returned to normal to facilitate faster ownership transfers and reduced future backlogs.

Conclusion

In our earlier recent report on the subject (as did FMCCAM and the Transport Minister), we praised the efforts of used car dealers all over Malaysia for their diligence and perseverance in adapting to the changing business conditions in 2020. The used car business performed extremely well in 2020 and undoubtedly contributed greatly to the economic recovery in the latter half of 2020.

However, despite the strong momentum in the first five months of 2021, the FMCO has hampered what may have been a cohesive recovery in 2021. Therefore, the consensus and comments from the government don’t exactly reflect the actual reality on the ground, or at the least must be taken with a pinch of salt.

However, the inconvenient truth is that used and recond car dealers are just as hard hit as other sectors, and perhaps even in a tighter spot because their businesses values are tied to their inventory, which is just not going anywhere now.

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.

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.

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DBKL Bakal Guna Sistem Parkir Pintar – Tangani Masalah Kesukaran Parkir Di KL

Susah nak dapat
parkir
 di ibu kota? Nampak gayanya
DBKL
 bakal memperkenalkan sistem parkir
pintar
 yang lebih tersusun di parkir terbuka di sekitar
Kuala Lumpur
!

Ketika ini, DBKL sedang menjalankan kajian terhadap sistem tempat letak kereta pintar dan sistematik menerusi penggunaan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi (ICT) sebagai usaha menaik taraf kemudahan itu di sekitar ibu negara.

Menurut Timbalan Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, sistem baharu yang berteraskan teknologi digital itu bakal diaplikasikan di
60,000
 tempat letak kereta milik DBKL di sekitar Kuala Lumpur.

Selain itu, sistem ini juga diperlukan kerana pihak DBKL tidak mempunyai tenaga penguat kuasa yang mencukupi untuk meronda setiap
kawasan tempat letak kereta
 apabila pengguna meletakkan kenderaan lebih masa.

Oleh itu, sistem yang bakal diperkenalkan ini mampu untuk mengelakkan masalah kekurangan tempat letak kereta susulan pengguna menyalah guna dengan meletak kenderaan sudah tidak digunapakai.

Beliau berpendapat bahawa kesemua tempat letak kereta itu memerlukan teknologi yang seragam, teratur dan berpusat sekaligus menjimatkan masa pengguna terutama selain memudahkan mereka untuk membuat pembayaran.

Sistem tempat letak kereta sedia ada ketika ini perlu dilihat semula bagi memastikan pengguna lebih berhati-hati dalam meletakkan kenderaan, sekaligus mengatasi masalah kekurangan tempat letak kenderaan di KL.

Apabila sistem ini diperkenalkan kelak, Jalaluddin percaya sistem tersebut mampu mengatasi pelbagai masalah parkir selain memastikan tiada ketirisan pada hasil kutipan oleh DBKL.

Dalam pada itu, beliau turut menegaskan bahawa DBKL perlu lebih dinamik dan produktif dalam menguruskan isu perbandaran dengan memperkasakan penyampaian perkhidmatan terutamanya yang berteraskan teknologi digital.

Sejak Oktober 2020, DBKL telah melaksanakan kutipan bayaran tempat letak kereta bahu jalan di Kuala Lumpur melalui e-kupon atau aplikasi seperti EZ Smart Park, Wilayah Parking, Flexi Parking, Jom Parking serta
TNG eWallet
.

*Kredit foto: DBKL


Volkswagen Is, So Far, Edging Out Toyota To Be 2015's Top Automaker

If you’d poll random people with the question of which automaker they reckon sells to most number of cars, they’d probably say either
Volkswagen
 or
Toyota
. But at least for this year so far, Volkswagen takes top honours.
It’s not a landslide margin, but according to
CNN Money
, the Germans managed to just eek out an advantage over its Japanese rival, selling 5.04 million cars from January to June 2015 compared to 5.02 million sold by Toyota over the same period.
Softening conditions in markets such as China and Russia, along with mellowing market demand are challenging manufacturers to look at new ways to entice customers. Volkswagen and others are cautious about the outlook.
The Volkswagen Group, which also has the
Audi
 and
Porsche
 brands under its umbrella, among many others, had described their performance this year as “satisfactory”, given the challenging terrain.
In China, particularly, they saw a nearly four percent drop in sales during the first half 2015. North America, however, was a market where sales for the Group climb six percent.
It is possible that a contributing factor of Toyota’s dip in worldwide sales was due to the
massive recall of airbags
 manufactured by Takata. Indeed, many of the automaker’s vehicles were affected, as were
other Japanese manufacturers
.


BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Revealed: Limited To 100 Units For The U.S. Market

What you see before you is the new
BMW
 435i ZHP Coupe Edition that was recently introduced in highly limited numbers for the U.S. market. How limited? Try 100 examples only.
You may or may not be curious what the ZHP in the name stands for. Most commonly, BMWs would adopt the M badging instead. Well, the name refers to the ZHP Performance Package which was created by the BMW Individual division for the
E46

3 Series
 produced from 2003 to 2006.
The 435i ZHP Coupe Edition serves a tribute to this said package and rightfully comes with its own performance upgrades that sees changes made to the car’s chassis, aerodynamic, cabin and powertrain components.
Firstly, the powertrain benefits from a BMW M Performance Engine Kit along with a Performance Exhaust. The former sees the engine undergo a retuning of its software and introduces a new engine air intake system. We suspect the M Performance engine cover and rocker panel decals might add towards the power gain as well but BMW say are purely there for visual distinction.
A lighter exhaust system made of stainless-steel sheds 4kg of weight while reducing backpressure. BMW have also enhanced the exhaust “burble” sound during engine overruns to ensure an “optimized engine and exhaust system sound”. Lovely.
All this adds up to a 35hp gain bringing the final total up to 335hp. Depending on your transmission choice, you can either have 450Nm of torque if an automatic suits your fancy or 430Nm should you decide to change your own gears. The gains result in an on-road performance that is significantly better than the standard 435i with 0-100km/h time which is two seconds quicker than the normal car.
The 435i ZHP receives a Track Handling Package which comes with 18-inch Orbit Grey V-spoke wheels and M Sport Brakes – four piston fixed front and two piston fixed rear callipers. The handling pack also tags on Adaptive M Suspension with variable damper technology and Variable Sport Steering.
BMW also saw fit to install its M Performance Limited Slip Differential which utilises 3 clutch plates for a total of 30% lockup on acceleration and 9% lockup on deceleration providing power to the wheel that has the greatest amount of grip to gain better traction out of tight corners.
On the outside, aerodynamic enhancements from the M Performance Aerodynamics Package tags on a front splitter and spoiler made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). A rear diffuser and black kidney grilles complete the look. Add to this the M Sport Package comprising of the Aluminium Hexagon Trim with a black high-gloss accent and an M Sport steering wheel rounds off the looks.


Feri Malaysia (1986) – Satu-Satunya Perkhidmatan Feri Yang Menghubungkan Semenanjung Malaysia dan Borneo

Jika pergerakan rentas negeri dibenarkan ketika ini, pasti ramai rakyat Malaysia akan pulang ke kampung halaman masing-masing. Tidak kurang juga bagi warga Borneo yang menetap di Semenanjung atau sebaliknya yang ingin pulang ke kampung halaman mereka. Kalau sekarang, nak pergi ke Borneo dari Semenanjung hanya boleh menggunakan perkhidmatan
kapal terbang.
 Kalau dulu-dulu, ada perkhidmatan feri sekali!

Tak semua tahu tentang perkhidmatan Feri Malaysia ni, terutamanya generasi kini. Mana taknya, Feri Malaysia ialah jenama sebuah kapal penumpang yang pernah wujud di Malaysia pada era 1980-an. Nama rasmi kapal tersebut yang didaftarkan di Pelabuhan Klang, Selangor, ialah Cruise Muhibah.

Perkhidmatan yang ditawarkan oleh feri ini berbentuk persiaran, tapi juga boleh membawa penumpang serta kenderaan. Feri ini telah menghubungkan antara Semenanjung Malaysia dengan Sabah dan Sarawak melalui laluan air.

Cruise Muhibbah merupakan sebuah kapal penumpang yang dimiliki oleh kerajaan Malaysia setelah dibeli daripada Helsinki,
Finland
 dengan harga RM50 juta. Idea penciptaan Feri Malaysia ini hadir daripada Perdana Menteri Malaysia,
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad
 pada 1982. Beliau mahu mewujudkan satu khidmat pengangkutan alternatif bagi merapatkan hubungan antara penduduk Semenanjung dengan Sabah dan Sarawak. Keputusan itu dibuat setelah melihat kejayaan perkhidmatan feri di negeri-negeri Scandinavia antara Finland, Norway dan Denmark.

Sebelum projek ini bermula, Jabatan Perdana Menteri telah memilih syarikat perkapalan Perbadanan Nasional Shipping Line Berhad (PNSL) bagi menjalankan kajian terperinci tentang idea Feri Malaysia ini sebelum dilaksanakan. Pada Jun 1984, PNSL telah menubuhkan anak syarikatnya yang diberi nama Syarikat Feri Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. untuk melaksanakan projek tersebut. Seorang pakar dari Eropah juga telah dilantik sebagai Pengurus Besar dan penasihat projek tersebut.

Laporan lengkap tentang rancangan projek Feri Malaysia telah dikemukakan kepada mesyuarat kabinet pada 27 November 1984 bagi mendapatkan kelulusan daripada jemaah menteri. Setelah Jemaah Menteri Kabinet Malaysia meluluskan projek ini, maka sebuah feri telah dibeli dari Helsinki, Finland. Kerja-kerja membaikpulih serta menaiktaraf feri ini mengambil masa 2 tahun untuk disiapkan.

Setelah siap, feri ini belayar selama sebulan dari Finland sebelum tiba di Pelabuhan Klang pada 6 Ogos 1986. Sultan Pahang kemudian membuat pelancaran rasmi khidmat Feri Malaysia pada 31 Ogos 1986 di Pelabuhan Kuantan, Pahang.

Spesifikasi Feri Malaysia

Berat: 7,900 tan

Panjang: 134 meter

Jumlah dek: 7 buah

Muatan penumpang: 600 hingga 650 orang

Muatan kenderaan: 240 buah kereta atau 40 buah lori treler (40 kaki panjang)

Laluan perjalanan: Kuantan (Pahang) - Kuching (Sarawak) - Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)

Tempoh perjalanan: 2 hari (Kuantan ke Kota Kinabalu)

Kemudahan yang disediakan:

Restoran

Kafeteria

Kolam Renang

Bar

Disko

Bilik Mesyuarat

Kabin (tempat tidur, maksimum 4 orang dalam seunit)

Surau dan lain-lain

Aktiviti yang disediakan:

Untuk kanak-kanak (pertandingan melukis, sukaneka, pakaian beragam dan sebagainya)

Untuk bersukan (pertandingan tarik tali, pertandingan aerobik dan sebagainya)

Pelbagai aktiviti dalaman seperti menonton video, pertandingan catur/karom/dart/bingo, persembahan tarian kebudayaan (Zapin, Inang, Joget, Sumazau, Dusun dan lain-lain)

Ceramah agama khusus bagi orang Islam

Malangnya, pada 18 Oktober 1987, perkhidmatan Feri Malaysia mengalami
kebakaran
 pada ruang enjin utamanya. Ketika kejadian pada jam 2.45pm itu, lokasi feri ini berada kira-kira 5 kilometer dari Pulau Tioman, Pahang. Seramai 300 orang penumpang dan 40 buah kenderaan berada diatas feri ketika itu.

Walau bagaimanapun, kesemua penumpang dapat diselamatkan menggunakan dua buah kapal kargo untuk membawa penumpang ke Pelabuhan Kuantan pada hari yang sama. Feri Malaysia terdampar seketika di lautan Pahang setelah kebakaran dapat dipadamkan sepenuhnya. Menurut info yang dikeluarkan oleh akhbar NST, kebakaran tersebut berlaku kerana kapal yang dibeli dari Finland ini sudah lama dan berusia 16 tahun.

Akhirnya, perkhidmatan Feri Malaysia ini melabuhkan tirainya pada tahun 1989 kerana kos operasinya terlalu tinggi berbanding keuntungan yang diperolehi.

Pada pendapat anda, patutkah sistem pengangkutan berasaskan laluan air ini diteruskan sebagai pengangkutan alternatif untuk pengguna yang menggunakan laluan Laut China Selatan bagi menghubungkan Semenanjung dan Borneo?

Kalau lihat pada harga tiket kapal terbang pada musim perayaan, memang meroketlah harganya. Tapi sekiranya ada alternatif lain seperti Feri Malaysia, mungkin akan berlaku persaingan harga tiket yang sihat antara kapal terbang dan feri. Yang untung rakyat juga!

*Kredit semua foto Arkib Negara

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Auto News
.

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Carlist.my.

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.

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New Car
 website now.


2017 Peugeot 2008 Puretech Launched in Malaysia – 1.2 Turbo , RM110k

Nasim is on a product offensive this year, with 5 models to be brought to market over the next few months. The first two of these models are the
208 Puretech and the 2008 Puretech, both of which were launched today
. The new Puretech models represent a large powertrain upgrade over the previous 208 and 2008, as the turbocharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engines replace the older 1.6 direct injection engines.
Prices and Variants
The 2008 Puretech is locally assembled up north in Kedah, and it goes for RM 109,888, on the road, with insurance. Much like the 208 Puretech, the 2008 Puretech is made available in a singular specification. With the Puretech models also come a lot of changes- the 2008 Puretech has a redesigned front grille, new LED headlights and the ‘3 Claw’ LED tail lights.
On the inside, things are fairly similar; main features such as the heads-up instrument panel (not to be confused with a heads up display), the 7-inch touch screen (now with updated software), and the compact steering wheel make a return. There’s also a panoramic sunroof to add a sense of roominess.
Safety is also accounted for. There are 6 airbags, ESP, ABS, EBA, and EBD. Peugeot also likes to talk about its very high strength steel body structure, which helps with crash safety as well.
Engine and Transmission
The new Puretech engine is part of the global trend of downsizing and turbocharging for better fuel efficiency without compromise. The turbo 1.2-litre 3-pot engine makes a solid 112 PS and 205 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm. This is down by 10 PS at the top end but up by 45 Nm across the range when compared to the previous 1.6-litre powertrain.
The Puretech engine is paired with a new 6-speed automatic transmission from AISIN as well, with tiptronic overrides. The claimed fuel efficiency for this engine is 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres, which is a fair bit better than 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the outgoing engine.
Rivals
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to compact crossover vehicles, but the 2008 Puretech will be the second of the bunch to feature a force-inducted engine (the first being the
Renault Captur
).
The most popular choice as it stands is the
Honda HR-V
, although there are also options like the Ford EcoSport and the
Mazda CX-3
 for buyers to choose from.
Equipment
The 2008 Puretech comes fairly well equipped.  The 7-inch touch screen gets an update for 2017 with a slightly better operating system. It’s paired with the Arkamys 3D audio system that sports 6 speakers.
USB/Bluetooth
Dual zone climate control
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
Electronic Stablity Control (ESP)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR)
Panoramic Roof with blue mood LED lighting
Hill-Start Assist
ISOFIX
For all models launched from 2017 onwards, including the 208 and 2008 Puretech, Peugeot vehicles are covered by a 5-year / 120,000km manufacturer-backed warranty. To encourage early adopters, the first 100 customers are additionally offered a 3-year / 60,000km free service programme. These come on top of existing benefits that include 3 years 24hr Roadside Assistance, access to the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport, and Peugeot Privilege membership.


LA 2017: 2019 Infiniti QX50 With World's First Variable Compression Engine Unveiled

It has only been like a week since Infiniti unveiled the facelifted QX80 in Dubai, yet the brand has taken the wraps off another model at the Los Angeles Auto Show – the 2019 QX50 mid-size SUV.
Built on an all-new platform, the new QX50 is powered by the brand’s new 2.0-litre VC-Turbo four cylinder petrol engine which produces 268 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Paired to the engine is a CVT type gearbox, with front-wheel drive configuration as standard and AWD as an option.
The VC-Turbo engine also happens to be the first engine in the world to feature variable compression technology, which means that it can change its compression ratio on the fly, translating into smoother power delivery and better fuel economy.
According to Infiniti, the VC-Turbo engine is a compelling alternative to diesel, and challenges the notion that only hybrid and diesel powertrains can deliver high torque and efficiency.
Design wise, the new QX50 adapts the brand’s Powerful Elegance design language, featuring deep character lines that highlight the influence of human artistry in the design process.
Inside, the SUV features generous dose of leather and high quality materials, as well as silver metal and suede accents that complement the two-tone leather upholstery, making the cabin look very premium and also welcoming.
The QX50 also offers a package of technologies to enhance the driving experience such as the ProPILOT Assist technologies that react discreetly and autonomously to certain driving situations, supporting the driver with a range of "co-pilot" features.
Built in Mexico, the 2019 Infiniti QX50 will be arriving at showrooms around the world next year.


Cabinet Asks SPAD To Postpone Fare Hike But Cabbies Refuse To Recalibrate Meters

The revised taxi fare rates announce by SPAD last week was met with public dissatisfaction and the Cabinet has asked to postpone putting it into effect to distance it further away from the GST implementation.
Shortly after the new fares were put forth, public outcry was swift and unanimously against the move. In an unexpected turn, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said that the Cabinet came to decide that its implementation was not suitable given the current situation and had asked SPAD to hold off its enactment.
He continued by saying that the Cabinet did agree that the reasons for it are justifiable, but that its announcement was ill timed given its close proximity to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax on April 1. Such issues as the rise in costs, for maintenance and salaries, have to be addressed.
In a report by Bernama, “I think maybe we (Cabinet) is asking the matter to be postponed because the timing is not too suitable especially in light of the implementation of the GST. The burden of consumers may increase especially those staying in towns and using public transport and so on,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
The announced increases would range between 20% to 67% for taxis and 22.6% for express bus fares.
Some taxi drivers, however, have already taken the liberty to recalibrate their meters (which in itself incurs charges from Puspakom of approximately RM55) to reflect the newly tabled fare rates prior to the Cabinet’s order of postponement and do not wish to lower them back down.
It was reported that 5,000 taxis in the Klang Valley have undergone meter recalibration.


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia hits the 100,000 mark

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has had a relatively small operation when compared to their contemporary rivals, but they have always put in a tremendous amount of effort in order to push their products and build their brand. A little over 10 years since they first set up shop locally, they have finally hit the 100,000 units sold mark. Fittingly, the model to make the milestone was a Mitsubishi Triton Adventure- one of their better selling products since their shift towards offroad vehicles. A small celebration was held in East Malaysia, where owner Lee Ju Hin from Kuching took delivery of the car.
Through their 11 years of operation, MMM has expanded to a network of 54 showrooms and 52 service centres across Malaysia. While the ASX variants are produced locally, the brunt of their models are still imported directly from Thailand- but hopefully with some sustained growth, we could see more local production.


Perodua captures 36.3% market share despite slowing market

The introduction of GST had very different effects for various carmakers. Some managed to reorganize their supply chain and drop the prices of their products, while others suffered from marginal to noticeable increases in prices. On the whole, the total industry volume of production dropped as a result: in March 2016, TIV was down by 29% compared to March 2015.
Even with the overall drop in TIV, Perodua’s reduction in sales are less than the competition. This first quarter saw a decline of 17.4% in sales, down to 47,200 units from 57,200 units. On the after-sales side of things, Perodua has seen an improvement of 7%, now catering to 515,343 intakes over the first quarter. Parts and accessories revenue has risen to RM 65 million, or a 4% increase.
From a production standpoint, Perodua has cautiously reduced their plant output to 48,300 vehicles through this quarter, down from 60,100 vehicles in the first quarter of 2015. Part of this is due to leftover stock from the end of 2015 that had yet to be cleared, while the brunt of the rationale is following the decline in car purchasing.
And yet despite this slowing market, Perodua managed to export 1,600 Myvis and Alzas to Brunei, or 55.8% more than last year’s first quarter results. Perodua believes that they will still be able to hit their sales target of 216,000 by the end of 2016, optimistic that the market will regain momentum.


New All-Electric Mercedes-Benz EQC To Premiere Next Tuesday

Mercedes-Benz has just released an online teaser of their all-electric EQC SUV, with the full unveiling set for next Tuesday, September 4th in Stockholm, Sweden.
EQ (electric intelligence) is Mercedes-Benz’s new sub-brand that encompasses all future battery-electric cars as well as the associated products and services. The first product from the all-electric brand will be the said EQC SUV, followed by the
A-class-sized compact called the EQA
 later. In total, more than ten new electric passenger cars are scheduled to be launched by 2022.
Tail lamps of production EQC look similar to the design in the Concept EQ photo above
Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia brought over the one-and-only
Concept EQ for a quick demonstration and display purposes
. In the Concept EQ, the all-electric SUV similar in size to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is capable of going up to 500 kilometres on a single charge, with a 70 kWh lithium-ion battery from ACCUMOTIVE. Be that as it may, the Concept EQ is still capable of sprinting to 100 km/h from a standstill in under 5 seconds, with 700 Nm of torque and 402 hp on hand.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC has undergone hot-weather testing in Spain.
Mercedes-Benz has also announced that sales of the new EQC will only be starting in 2019.


Audi Malaysia To Launch At Least Four Models in 2017 - Q2, New A5, R8 V10,Facelifted A3, S and RS Models too

Audi Malaysia today announced that it will be launching at least four new models next year. Besides standard models, the brand also stated its intention to bring in more performance based R and RS models in 2017.
Speaking at the
Malaysian launch of the B9 A4
 earlier today, Rudi Venter, the Director of Marketing for Audi Malaysia said that the models which we can expect here include
the new R8 5.2 V10
, the Q2 crossover, the new A5, as well as the facelifted A3.
As for the S and RS models, no specific details were given but looking at the global scene, newly launched models like the TT RS and the S5, as well as the S4, which is the performance oriented version of the A4 which made its Malaysian debut today, are most likely to be included in the product portfolio in 2017.
With the introduction of the aforementioned models, Audi Malaysia will have a wider range of vehicles and more choices for potential customers, through which the brand aims to further strength its presence and position in the Malaysian market.
Another big news which came from the brand from Ingolstadt today is that it is looking at establishing CKD operations in Malaysia by the end of 2019.
It is said that Audi is looking at assembling four models locally at its parent company; Volkswagen Group Malaysia’s plant in Pekan Pahang.
That said, we can expect the next couple of years to be very busy for Audi Malaysia, and if all of the above materialize, the brand could finally catch up with the other two German brands and probably give them a good run for their money as well.
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Takata Airbag Crisis: Honda Malaysia Extends Replacement Campaign Till March 2017

Honda Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to completely replace defective Takata airbag modules are being extended until at least March 2017.
Effective 31 December 2017, the three Honda Service Central Hubs setup to specifically perform airbag replacement procedures will cease operation, with Honda personnel instead going to the customer to facilitate replacement of the defective airbags.
Mobile hubs will operate at three shopping malls in the central region, Johor Bahru, Kedah, and Penang every weekend until March 2017. In addition, a mobile caravan will be going round the nation to provide on-the-spot replacement of affected cars for seven days a week.
Separately, dedicated mobile teams will be visiting used car dealers and corporate owners to also perform on-the-spot replacements in the Central region.
All 84 Honda dealerships nationwide will also be mobilizing their personnel to
visit affected customers at their doorstep
 to drive home awareness and expedite replacement activities.
Replacement activities are also being performed at all Honda on-ground customer activities such as the
Honda Family Road Trip
 and
Honda Mobile Road Shows
.
Honda Malaysia continues to urge owners of Honda vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall to have their cars checked and airbags replaced immediately. Customers are advised to make appointments at any authorized Honda dealerships. Airbag replacement at the Mobile Hubs and
Honda Family Road Trip
 events do not require advance appointment.
As of 28 December 2017, Honda Malaysia has managed to complete 71% replacement of driver front airbag inflators for which the company has
100% stock availability
. For the front passenger airbag,
stock availability is currently at 70%
.
In its effort to maximise its reach to affected customers, Honda Malaysia will be working closely with
Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ)
 to approach current owners of affected Honda vehicles.
For further enquiry on the Takata airbag replacement programme, customers may contact Honda Malaysia through the company’s toll free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to
www.productrecall.honda.com.my
.


2017 Toyota Yaris Ativ Launched In Thailand – Entry-Level Four Door Saloon

Toyota Thailand has introduced the all-new Yaris Ativ B-Segment sedan, which will be sold as an entry level four-door saloon, going up against the likes of Honda Brio Amaze in the Thai-market. The Yaris Ativ will be sold alongside
updated Toyota Vios
 sedan, which is retained as a more premium offering within the range.
The Yaris Ativ is essentially the current-generation Vios with visual cues taken from the Yaris hatchback (new front and rear bumper, new tail light design) and therefore isn’t based on the company’s new ‘TNGA’ platform, which underpins new products such as the
Toyota CH-R
.
Conceived to capitalize on Thailand’s Eco-car tax privileges, the Yaris Ativ is powered by Toyota's 1.2-litre 3NR-FE four-cylinder engine that produces 86 PS at 6,000 rpm and 108 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is paired to a CVT automatic, which it shares with the Yaris hatchback. The Ativ's CVT unit is less complex than the one fitted in the Vios, which includes pseudo ‘manual’ mode with seven ratios. The Vios that we are familiar with, in comparison, is powered by the 1.5-litre 2NR-FE engine, which is rated at 108 PS and 140 Nm.
Five variants are on offer, starting from THB 469,000 (RM60,524) for the ‘J Eco’ variant, through to THB 619,000 (RM79,882) for the ‘S’ variant. As one progresses upwards in the range – the Ativ is offered with better infotainment system, auto air-con, LED DRLs and keyless entry. The ‘S’ variant adds a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, 6-speaker audio setup, auto lights and some aesthetic highlights.
Toyota Thailand hasn’t skimped on safety kit, as
evidenced earlier
, offering 7-airbags, Traction Control, VSC, and ABS with EBD across the range, which gives it tremendous value against the Vios, which is priced between THB 609,000 (RM78,591) and THB 789,000 (RM101,820), and offers a maximum of two airbags across the range.
On the inside, the Yaris Ativ also sports some changes on the interior, such as the seat fabrics which are offered in beige or black, and a different dashboard design. The Yaris Ativ's centre console integrates the infotainment screen, air-cond panel and climate control interface in the centre, versus the Vios’s design which separates the air-con controls.
Separately,
The Bangkok Post
 reports, that the Thai-market Vios may even be discontinued in the future, although it believes the Vios will still target buyers who want the more powerful engine. The report also adds that given the Yaris Ativ’s affordable pricing – it’s largely expected to become the best-selling sedan in Thailand.


Velocity Motor Show - The 4th Edition Kicks Off 4th March

Taking place this weekend, the 4th edition of Velocity Motor Show (VMS) will feature the finest show cars and bikes from major brands in Malaysia.

Kicking off the action-packed weekend on Friday and Saturday will be the VMS-MDCC Drift Challenge. If you like the smell of burnt rubber then this is where you want to be!

The largest air-suspension cars gathered in one place, plus on Sunday the biggest gathering of Harley-Davidson owners are only two of the highlights of the weekend at #VMS22.

Since its inaugural show in 2017, more than 1,000 cars and over 50,000 people have turned up to support VMS. #VMS22 was designed as a platform to bring together automotive business resources, solution providers, and machine enthusiasts’ for business and trade opportunities.

This year is special as this will also be the first time that VMS will incorporate #BikeTown, featuring the latest models from Harley-Davidson, Vespa, Aprilia, and Moto Guzzi.

#VMS22 promises to be a showcase of awesome, good-looking cars, a wide range of activities, extreme sports, entertainment, food, and plenty of prizes for lucky draws.

Toyo Tyre is the official sponsor and Tengku Djan, the Prince of Drift will make a guest appearance for the Drift Challenge as well as doubling up as a judge, being the Toyo Tyre Ambassador.

#VMS22 will take place at Bukit Jalil Stadium from 4th-6th March 2022. The entrance fee is RM15 per pax.


The 2022 Volvo V60 Recharge T8 Is HERE - From RM287,474

Volvo Car Malaysia has announced the arrival of the 2022 Volvo V60, a
wagon
, after a 5-year hiatus since the
Volvo V90
 was launched in Malaysia.

The V60 will come in one variant, the T8 PHEV. Sharing a similar powertrain to its sibling sedan, the
S60
, the V60 T8 PHEV will be equipped with the Drive-E petrol engine, which will include a turbocharger and a supercharger that produces an output of 320hp and 400Nm of torque. Added to that will be the combination of an electric motor, yielding a maximum output of 407hp and 640Nm of torque.

In electric mode, the 2022 Volvo V60 T8 PHEV can travel for up to 49km on one full charge.

“The addition of the Volvo V60 Recharge T8 as a
PHEV
 brings Volvo another step forward in our electrification strategy. We are one step closer to realising our aspirations in having a fully electric line up by 2030 as we move further into a more sustainable future,” expressed Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Priced from
RM287,474, the Volvo 2022 V60 T8 PHEV is available for viewing and booking at all authorised Volvo dealers nationwide. Alternatively, you may book a test drive through
www.volvocars.com/my
.


All-New BMW 7 Series (G11) Global Debut Is Closer Than You Think

Waited long on seeing this?
BMW
 has finally revealed a global debut date for its all-new
7 Series
 flagship limousine, codenamed G11.
You’ve seen the
spyshots
, we’ve shown you the
videos about its insane amount of new tech
, and finally, it’s coming out swinging this June 10
th
, says BMW in the above teaser image.
This is effectively BMW’s uppercut to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) which has been highly-acclaimed by many as the supreme limo of the segment.
In any case, as
previewed by the brand itself
, the all-new 7er is going to be massive, incorporating carbon fibre-reinforced plastic to its body, adopting all-new driverless tech (Remote Control Parking), an LCD screen key fob, a touchscreen display with gesture control, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Stay tuned for the full global debut of the all-new BMW 7 Series this June 10
th
, 2015, but in the meantime, here's the video that sparked the news:


See How Polite the Japanese PM’s Entourage is. Unlike, Well Nevermind

Different country leaders have different policies. While some do all in their power to do good to their people, many don’t try that hard.
To a certain extent, this can be judged by looking at how a President or Prime Minister’s entourage moves on the road. More often than not, when a leader travels, the outriders will make sure that you stop aside until the convoy passes through. Even if you have someone dying in your car, you can’t do much.
And then we have the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe. A video showing how his entourage politely merges into heavy traffic with his bodyguards hanging out of the window thanking other road users was going around the worldwide web recently, much to the surprise of many people around the world.
The convoy, which had nothing more than five cars, didn’t bother bringing traffic to a standstill, didn’t cause a crawl, and merged swiftly in seconds and moved on with life, unlike what we are used to seeing here – being asked to move abruptly, to stop, and sometimes even to give space to VIPs in the middle of a traffic jam.
Won’t it be nice if our VIPs and politicians were as courteous as the Japanese Prime Minister, on the road at least?


Ferrari Owned By Local Comedian Wrecked In Putrajaya Crash? [UPDATE]

Ouch! That certainly looks very, very painful. Images of a wrecked
Ferrari
 F430 in Putrajaya have begun making their way around
online
 news
portals
 and it is reportedly said that it belongs to local comedian Zizan Razak.
[UPDATE] New information has surfaced from
The Star
 and
Astro Awani
 that confirms the Ferrari pictured above does not belong to Zizan Razak. Sources from both news portals reported that the comedian had hit a road divider while driving a Ferrari during the shooting of the film "Angin Cinta" in Putrajaya on Tuesday. Thankfully, the 31 year old actor was unhurt and the Ferrari only received minor damage to its front. The actor has since posted an Instagram update stating that he was alright.
The hoax photo:
According to
Rotikaya
, traffic authorities in Putrajaya have confirmed the incident but as of now, no official report has been filed by the affected party. We sincerely hope no one got hurt in the incident. Further details of how the accident happened has yet to be revealed.
Here is Zizan Razak with his pride and joy from an earlier time:
(Image credit:
Melastik Langit
)
A shame to see another Italian beast meet its demise. Not too long ago, another F430 met with a
fiery end
 in Kuala Lumpur as well.
The Ferrari F430 is powered by a 4.3-litre V8 engine that produced 491 hp and 465 Nm torque. Production ran from 2004 to 2009.


VIDEO: New Audi A4 Shows Off Virtual Cockpit Tech In Action

Audi
 is bent on showing its new virtual cockpit technology to the world – it is pretty darn cool after all. This time it’s through a promo video featuring the all-new
Audi A4
 (B9).
The Audi Virtual Cockpit is something
we’ve seen before
 and incorporates the infotainment display, usually mounted to the centre of a car’s dashboard, and instrument cluster into one digital screen where the analogue gauges used to live.
The fully digital instrument cluster is completely oriented towards the driver. It combines the functions of a central MMI monitor and conventional instrument cluster in an exceptional LCD screen with 12.3 inches that has a resolution of 1440x540 pixels, which isn’t all that dense, but given how far the viewing distance is from the eyes (ie behind the steering wheel) it shouldn’t be a problem.
It’s an interesting idea, one that brings most of the benefits of a heads-up display without having a cumbersome visor to fiddle with. Humans have not perfected holographic technology yet, so this seems like the most viable automotive solution.
It will cost you, however, with it being an optional extra on the new Audi A4 that will set you back roughly RM2,300 to have it fitted. It is also available in other of Audi’s models such as the
R8
,
TT
, and
Q7
.
The Virtual Cockpit interface can display the usual vehicle information, real-time speedometer and tachometer, navigation, phone function, multimedia selection, and more. Powering all this is some advanced silicon wizardry thanks to Nvidia, a quad-core Tegra 30 chip from the Tegra 3 series keeps everything is displayed at a very steady 60 frames per second.


Fuel Price Update: 23 - 29 Nov - Prices Drop

The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, and Consumerism (KPDNKK) has announced fuel prices for the upcoming week from 23 to 29 November 2017, and there is good news. Prices have dropped after a few weeks of increase.
That being said, the fuel price for the next one week will be as follows:
Petrol RON 95 – RM2.30 (down 8 sen from RM2.38)
Petrol RON 97 – RM2.58 (down 8 sen from RM2.66)
Diesel – RM2.23 (down 2 sen from RM2.25)


All-New BMW X2 Launched in Malaysia, Priced From RM320,800

BMW Malaysia has now expanded its line-up of SUVs with the introduction of its first ever BMW X2. Billed as a coupe-ish derivative of its popular locally-assembled X1 (from RM 230,800 for the X1 sDrive 20i), the X2 sits above the X1 but since it's fully-imported from Germany, the X2 is priced higher than even a locally-assembled all-wheel drive X3 xDrive20i (from RM 296,800).
For Malaysia, only one variant is offered - the X2 sDrive20i - powered by a transverse 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 192 hp and 280 Nm, paired to a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Visually, the X2 gets LED headlights and LED front fog lights as standard, as are the BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow line, M Aerodynamics package, and M Sport Suspension. The latter lowers the vehicle by 10 mm.
Inside, a large 8.8-inch touch screen BMW Navigation Plus infotainment system takes centre stage with Bluetooth and USB connectivity,  while audio is played through its 6 speaker set up. Heads-up display, reverse camera, and Park Distance Control are also fitted as standard.
In terms of practicality, the X2 features the keyless Comfort Access System with a contactless opening power tailgate, which opens up to reveal a boot capacity of 470 litres. Cargo volume can be further expanded to 1,355 litres thanks to the 40-20-40 split folding rear seats.
Similar to other BMW models, the new X2 comes with BMW Connected, which includes Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Concierge Services, BMW Online and BMW Remote Services.
The all-new BMW X2 is available in a range of bright body colours, including Galvanic Gold Metallic, Misano Blue Metallic, and Sunset Orange Metallic, with a standard black interior with grey stitching. Those who opt for the Black Sapphire body colour can choose to have their interior finished in a shade of Magma Red with grey contrast stitching.
The retail price of the all-new BMW X2, on the road exclusive of insurance is from RM320,800.


Honda Uni-Cub β Quick Test Ride - Honda's Brilliant Answer To Walking

We are taking a break from our usual programming of cars and car-related stuff to give you this highly irrelevant review on something that most people think looks stupid, but we think is rather brilliant because we spent some time sitting on it and going round in pointless circles at the Tokyo Motor Show for
our own amusement
 science.
It is called the Honda Uni-Cub β and yes, the Honda in its name is the very same that is responsible for the NSX and the engine in Senna-Prost’s dominant McLaren MP4/4 Formula One race cars. Admittedly it does look like one of those egg pods from the Alien franchise, with little legs doubling up as foot rests, and frankly a little underwhelming when we are relating it to Honda with exciting phrases like VTEC and Type-R.
But this is Honda we are talking about, a company that is responsible for a whole lot of things that aren’t cars. You name it they probably have their name stamped on it. From motorcycles to airplanes, from lawn mowers to power boat engines, from compact power generators to hydrogen gas generators, describing them as anything other than a car maker is actually still technically correct.
The Uni-Cub β is just one of Honda’s many engineering curiosities, a side project that could only happen with Honda’s engineering-led culture and their pursuit in exploring various engineering avenues. In fact the Uni-Cub β is the third-iteration of Honda’s personal mobility device, which started with the dumbbell looking U3-X, and have been improved to be lighter and more intuitive to use.
Like its predecessors, the Uni-Cub β features a balance control technology that originates from their research into humanoid robots, the same sort of technology that keeps their amazing ASIMO robot walking upright.
In this case the technology is used not only to keep the machine upright on its single wheel, but also to read the users’ body movement to translate it into directional movement. Taking a seat on the Uni-Cub is simple enough, the soft cushion is comfy – perhaps the most comfy barstool in the world if I’m honest – whereas the internal motors keep the device upright and steady.
To activate the Uni-Cub you have to pull a small tab behind the cushion and the foot rests on its side would snap forward, where you would have to take a leap of faith in Honda’s engineering take your feet off the ground and leave your fate to engineers you probably haven’t even met, or even understand. I know that for a fact because the host at the Tokyo Motor Show, who was guiding me through its operation, only spoke Japanese.
That being said, it doesn’t take a language course for me to operate the Uni-Cub as it responds to my body movements. If I lean forward the wheel creeps slightly forward, and likewise if I tip myself backwards the Uni-Cub goes into reverse. Though my first few minutes on the Uni-Cub saw the little seat fidgeting about, but once I learnt to relax my body and trust that it won’t face plant me on the floor, moving about was as intuitive as, well walking. Scratch that, it is even easier than walking.
The Uni-Cub sensitive sensors would instantly translate any lean forward or backwards into the appropriate forward or reverse motion. If I tilt my shoulders the Uni-Cub’s omni-directional driving wheel system would glide along sideways in the corresponding direction, and if I turn my upper body the Uni-Cub would rotate to follow suit.
Most of the Uni-Cub’s movement is done by an ingenious Honda Omni Traction Drive System which features a huge single wheel that has smaller diameter wheels that turn horizontally across the width of the main large diameter wheel. This allows the Traction system to move forward, backwards as well as sideways, on a single wheel.
The smaller wheel mounted to its back however is there to allow the Uni-Cub to rotate when stationary, and provide a more natural cornering feel. Sure enough, soon after I took my seat I was running circles around the small demonstration ring they had prepared, traveling sideways, and turning around on a dime. Hovering gracefully and silently about like I’m seated on some sort of low-flying magic carpet. The feeling is equally surreal as it is fun.
Powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, Honda says that the Uni-Cub β has a 6km range, or able to run for 90 minutes at a sauntering pace of 4km/h, which is good enough for most applications that need you to constantly walk considerable distances in your work place, like in a hospital or warehouse.
But what does the Uni-Cub β have over one of those weird Segway like devices? Well for one it is far more intuitive, manoeuvrable, comfortable, and actually looks like a product of the future rather making you look like a complete tool. You don’t have to use your hands to operate it, so that means you are free to carry things or tweet about the Uni-Cub on the go, if that strikes your fancy. Furthermore dismounting the Uni-Cub is as simple as stretching out your legs, putting your feet on the ground, and standing up. The Uni-Cub will remain resolutely up right.
Sadly the Uni-Cub β isn’t available for the public as Honda says that they are still testing and refining it. If there is a commercial future for the Uni-Cub β it is to be found through a fee-based leasing programme for various businesses and organisations, but that is as far as Honda would go in the foreseeable future.
It is more than just a charming curiosity, the Uni-Cub β is just another example of Honda doing what they do best. Just as how they gave the world the Honda Super Cub, the most produced motor vehicle in history, and came up with the idea of stuffing a tiny suitcase-sized Motocompo motorcycle into the boot of their City city-car, Honda is more than just ingenious space utilisation in the Jazz or banzai performance in the Civic Type-R.
Since its founding by the eccentric and intrepid Soichiro Honda, the Big-H seems to be on a never ending quest to move us in more ways than one, improving our lives in areas that aren't even related to cars. And the Uni-Cub β is another ingenious development of that idea that deserves to be realised, because it is just
so damn fun
 briliant.


Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Launches the 2022 Hyundai Staria Premium, Priced at RM 358,888

Hyundai has been slowly
introducing
 its array of futuristic cars to Malaysia over the past year, and has just launched 2022 Hyundai Staria!

Price

The 2022 Hyundai Staria is priced at RM358,888. Only one variant is available for the Malaysian market, called the Staria Premium seven seater, which comes with a set of those lovely Nappa individual Premium Relaxation Seats in the middle row.

Engine

The 2022 Hyundai Staria is powered by the familiar CRDi 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder, VGT diesel engine as found on the Santa Fe. It is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, also just like the Santa Fe. The highest power generated from this engine is 176 hp at 3,800 rpm, which also has a maximum torque of 430 Nm at 1,500 to 2,500 rpm.

For those who are keen-eyed, you would have noticed that the Staria's performance figures are slightly lower than the Santa Fe's, and according to Hyundai, the engine has been detuned to provide the Staria with more of a relaxing manner compared's to the Santa Fe's brute force.

Safety

The 2022 Staria comes with six airbags and a host of Hyundai's latest SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)

Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)

Safe Exit Assist (SEA)

The SEA works when the occupant opens the door to exit the vehicle after a stop. If an approaching vehicle from the rear side is detected, the function provides a warning. The function also helps keep the rear door closed through the operation of the power sliding doors.

Exterior

The 2022 Staria has an exterior that looks futuristic, inspired by spaceships, according to Hyundai.

At the front, there is a trapezoidal grille flanked by two headlights. These headlights are unconventional as it houses eight LED cube looking things which are actually the MPV's lamps. The top two cubes are the indicators, and the ones below are responsible for illuminating the roads.

Just above the grille and headlights are these wraparound the front end day-time-running lights (DRL) which really does give the Staria this menacing look, especially when it's dark.

The appearance of the MPV has been given an elegant touch through the customisation of surface colours with shades of either tinted brass chrome or dark grey chrome, which you can choose when you buy the MPV (we'll get to it later on why you have the option to choose either colour trims). These chrome finishings are not only pinned to the front grille but also on the headlight frame, outer mirror covers, and car door handles.

There are futuristic-looking 18-inch alloy wheels at the four corners of the MPV that give the Staria a rugged yet elegant look, while at the rear, there are vertical combination tail lights compromised of again many little cubes, continuing the front end's cube theme.

If you purely look at the exterior of the 2022 Hyundai Staria, you will notice that this MPV has a big footprint on the road. Hyundai claims that their luxury MPV has the largest size among the cars in its class. The Staria has a length of 5,253 mm, a width of 1,997 mm, a height of 1,990 mm, and a ground clearance of 186 mm. In every way, the body of the 2022 Staria is more significant than the
Alphard
, staying true to its claims.

Interior

The futuristic and strong exterior design is matched with a luxurious interior, starting with its big panoramic windows.

The 2022 Staria has been designed with a low shoulder line to give the MPV big windows. The outside view is wide thanks to the combination of panoramic windows, and they're a lovely feature. However, one of the drawbacks of these big windows is that they are more significant than the body, which doesn't allow it to have the conventional tuck inside the body windows if you wish to get some fresh air.

Instead, the middle row windows are simple non-powered windows that you slide back if you want to get some fresh air, while the rear ones are pop-out ones like you would find in coupes. While we consider this a drawback, we understand why Hyundai insisted on these panoramic windows. It gives the passengers a fantastic view of the outside world, but most importantly, makes the cabin feel amazingly spacious.

One of the stars of the interior is the middle row's Premium Relaxation Seats. The seat features a couple of one-touch buttons that automatically recline the seat into a relaxed and comfortable position. One does the auto reclining, and the other one does the auto rewind to put it back into an upright position. In addition, the powered ottoman can be adjusted manually to get you in the best possible comfortable position.

Interestingly, when the seat is reclined, Hyundai claims that adult passengers sitting in the third row can still sit comfortably. All seats are laced with Nappa leather which is soft and durable.

The driver’s seat has a futuristic high-tech look with an advanced 10.25-inch front display screen, touch-based centre fascia and a button-type electronic shift lever. The digital cluster is located on top of the dashboard, providing an unobstructed view for the driver. Hyundai’s smart infotainment system that is equipped with a wide-angle camera also enables the driver and front passenger to view rear passengers in the back seat on display screen.

A 64-color ambient mood lamp provides a lush interior atmosphere. The harmonious direct and indirect lighting can selectively illuminate the cockpit, console, doors and cargo areas

Entertainment

The 2022 Staria comes with an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But the star of the entertainment system are its 12-speaker sound system made by BOSE, focused on pampering the ears of the driver and passengers in the cabin. Being typically BOSE, it doesn't just automatically alter the volume of the music as speed increases, but it also automatically alters the tone of the sound to provide the best audio clarity possible.

Colours

There are seven colours to choose from, including Creamy White, Graphite Gray Metallic, Moonlight Blue Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Shimmering Silver Metallic, Olivine Gray Metallic and Gala Brown Pearl.

Warranty

The Staria comes with a two-year/50,000 km warranty. If you want the five-year/300,000 km warranty plus three-year/50,000 km free service package, you will need to top up the price with another RM10k.

Caveat

The 2022 Hyundai Staria in Malaysia is only available on an order basis, which is why you can choose to have either the tinted bronze chrome or dark grey chrome trim we mentioned earlier. According to Hyundai Malaysia, it'll take at a minimum of three months for the car to arrive when everything is confirmed.

So if you want it, you've got to order it through Hyundai's official distributor in Malaysia, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM). You may also view the Staria at HSDM’s Ara Damansara showroom.


Renault Ups Its EV Efforts With Production Of ZOE's New Electric Motor In Cléon

Renault
 is strengthening its electric powertrain expertise through the design and manufacture of the motor that powers its all-electric ZOE compact hatch, a car we've seen in use through a
car-sharing programme
 in the Klang Valley, at its Cléon plant in France.
The new motor, the R 240, was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and from now on will be fabricated in a factory that has made a name for itself at Groupe Renault to churn out the Energy dCi (130, 140, 160) internal-combustion engine: Cléon.
The 100% electric and 100% Renault motor to be fitted on ZOE, with its motor-battery set, allows the car’s range to be extended by 30km up to 240km. This is the culmination of a 300 million Euro investment in 2011 and is an integral part of Renault’s electric motor and battery technology development strategy.
“We aim to become the leading powertrain plant for the (Renault-Nissan) Alliance,” says Mendi Ammad, Director of the Cléon plant.
The Cléon plant was chosen for the project for two main reasons: its production base as well as its engineering and operational teams already on site. Renault was able to reuse existing production resources and reconfigure it for new applications – over 50 percent of inspection systems and industrial development machines were already in place for the R 240 motor's production, thereby helping to limit nearly 40 percent of investments with no discernible compromise in quality.
In addition, the engineering and operational teams housed at Cléon are of the size and skill needed to absorb such a project smoothly. Renault says all the function experts are already on-site. A 6,000-hour training program was launched in 2012 in preparation for the R 240’s industrial development, including general classroom training on electric motors, technical machine training, and to educate cohesion between suppliers, operators, and maintenance staff.
The Cléon plant has been gathering expertise over the past two years to produce ZOE’s junction box. The electronic module’s assembly and production experience for the power electronic control (PEC) of the R 240 was harnessed by the team there. Given the highly manual PEC assembly process, its diminutive size, and the 180 components, the more adept the manufacturing staff is, the better.
For rotor and stator winding, common component know-how were taken from
Nissan
 who themselves have produced its own electric motor for the
Leaf
. There are also local companies based within 30km of Cléon that produces electric motors for other uses, and the plant benefits from their process expertise as well.
Renault also factored industrial diversity into the purchase of machinery for the plant, resulting in the assembly lines being able to produce engines with different dimensions for other Group vehicles and partners.
The company says that the initial production capacity for the R 240 motor stands at 50,000 units annually. In the longer term, however, the plant is configured to produce twice that volume.


Transport Ministry Reconsidering Cash-For-Clunkers Scheme

The transport ministry is currently reconsidering the cash-for-clunker scheme, according to Anthony Loke, the transport minister.
Loke told
The Edge
 that the ministry will need to weigh in several factors including the funding and implementation before re-introducing the cash-for-clunkers scheme, which ended in 2009.
For those unaware, the cash-for-clunkers scheme is a government-driven initiative to scrap old cars that currently ply our roads. The scheme aims to reduce the number of old cars on the road by offering car owners a cash voucher when they trade in their old cars, for new cars. The cash-for-clunkers scheme is aimed at cars that are more than 10 years old.
Earlier in April, the Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia urged the then-government to scrap older vehicles to stimulate growth in new car sales.
Additionally, the association is also trying to lobby for the introduction of the Vehicle End of Life policy, which requires vehicles more than 15 years to undergo mandatory annual check-ups before road tax renewal. Vehicles that failed to pass the inspection will need to be fixed until they can pass the inspection.
The Vehicle End of Life policy was originally scheduled to be introduced in 2014 by then transport minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, though the plan was canned after public outcry.
Apart from stimulating new car sales, some analyst also said that the cash-for-clunkers scheme can help improve vehicle users’ safety.
A couple of years back, Proton offered a cash rebate of RM5,000 via its Proton Xchange scheme, aimed at owners of vehicles more than 10 years old to exchange for a new Proton Saga, Exora, or Persona.


Govt Does Not Mind Foreign Owner For Proton; 15 Feb Deadline For Bids

The Government has no issues in letting a foreign partner assuming a controlling stake of Proton as the company is no longer under its direct ownership, but any interested parties will need to submit their bids by 15 February 2017, according to Bernama.
The local news agency was quoting second finance minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who also revealed that two local companies have expressed an interest to partner up with Proton as well, but with a stakeholding of less than 50 percent.
He also reiterated that the Government has no further intentions of taking up a stake in the carmaker but that it could give its views on the company from time to time.
Johari said that a foreign partner with new technologies and better cars would crucially help boost Proton beyond just relying on domestic consumption with an unsustainable production rate of just 200,000 to 300,000 units per annum.
“We are making cars only for Malaysia, and this is not sustainable with a population of only 31 million. We also have Perodua and other car assembly brands.
“I think it is all about volume, as well as quality and technology, alongside a good design. These are all the ingredients needed for a better car which people would buy,” he added.
Proton’s search for a
foreign strategic partner
 was one of several conditions imposed by the Government for the RM1.5 billion soft loan extended last April to help the company solve cash flow problems.
Recent reports
 have pointed at
Geely Automobile Holdings
 from China and the PSA Group from France as front-running bidders for Proton’s controlling stake.
Last week, Proton's current owners
DRB-Hicom announced
 that the various bidders have completed their due diligence studies on the company's books, but stopped short of confirming the identity of the bidding companies.


Thai Government Plans To Introduce B10 Biodiesel By End May

The Thai Energy Ministry plans to make available B10 biodiesel available at petrol stations as early as end-May 2019, reports
The Bangkok Post
.
B10 biodiesel – which contains diesel and 10 percent Palm Methyl Ester (PME) from crude palm oil – which means Thai motorists will soon have access to B7, B10, and B20 diesel fuels. The Ministry also plans to introduce incentives to encourage the usage of B10.
Minister Siri Jirapongphan added that 80 percent of vehicles sold in Thailand (from Japanese manufacturers) are compatible with B10, but the Ministry plans to hold talks first with PME producers, oil traders, and car manufacturers, to ensure the supplied PME will comply with
standards set by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association
.
European and American car manufacturers have largely said their vehicles are not compatibles with B10 biodiesel and are thus exempted from complying during the B10 pilot period.
With regards to B20 biodiesel, manufacturers such as Toyota and
Isuzu
 have announced are ready to manufacture vehicles with B20 compatibility, in line with the government’s efforts to tackle air pollution. The Thai government has said that it will offer excise tax discounts of between 0.5 to 2.0 percent for (depending on vehicle) that are either B20 and Euro 5 diesel compliant.
In Malaysia, since 1st February 2019, all regular Euro 2M grade diesel fuels are now B10 biodiesel. The higher grade Euro 5M diesel, however, will remain as B7.


Infiniti Will Cease European Presence In Early 2020

Infiniti, the premium vehicle arm of Nissan Motor, will terminate its business in Europe in early 2020.
The company in a statement said the move is part of a restructuring plan that will focus on its largest growth markets, specifically North America and China.
As part of the plan, Infiniti will electrify its product line-up from 2021 onward, discontinue diesel offerings, and focus its resources on its biggest opportunities.
The company will place more focus on its SUV line-up in North America, bring five new vehicles to China over the next five years, work to improve quality of sales and residual value, and realize more synergies with Nissan.
The compact made-in-UK Q30 model that was envisioned to capture more sales and increase brand presence in Europe will meet an even earlier demise, with Infiniti planning to cease production in a few months’ time.
Nissan has also earlier announced the cancellation of plans to build the next-generation Nissan X-Trail at the British facility.
Infiniti began its European operations just over a decade ago in 2008 with the opening of 30 outlets in major cities across the continent. News reports point that the brand only sold circa 60,000 vehicles to date.


All-New Toyota Vios Launched- From RM77,200

Toyota’s most important product for the brand as well as well for dealers, the Vios, has been formally introduced. First unveiled at KLIMS 2018, the pricing for the compact sedan remains as indicated during the motor show.
The popular compact sedan comes in three variants, all CVT-automatics, priced at:
Vios 1.5J: RM77,200
Vios 1.5E: RM81,200
Vios 1.5G: RM87,300
All prices are On-The-Road, without insurance, Peninsula Malaysia
The all-new Vios continues to feature the fuel-efficient 2NR-FE Dual VVTi engine paired with a CVT-type automatic. The powertrain was first introduced to Malaysia in 2016.
There are no changes to the output of the 1.5-litre engine, which continues to develop 107 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.
Toyota has, however, recalibrated the control systems of the powertrain for much improved low-speed acceleration and throttle response.
In the all-new Toyota Vios, the driver can also change the powertrain response through the drive mode selector- Eco, Sport or Normal modes.
Dimensionally, the all-new Vios maintains the same overall length, width, wheelbase, and height as the predecessor model. Much of the improvements have been done to create a quieter cabin and better riding comfort.
Toyota engineers have increased interior quietness by installing more sound insulation around the engine compartment. A sound insulator is mounted inside the engine cover while a 3-point engine mount system reduces vibration levels during idling.
Insulation around the cabin now covers a wider area to keep out external noises and expansion foam is inserted in cavities to suppress vibration noise. Sponges are also used in the seals for more effective sealing. The existing Acoustic Windshield and Front Side Vibration Control Glass are now extended to the Vios 1.5E as well.
These measures, together with a more rigid bodyshell, can be felt almost immediately as many of us have
experienced during the media test drive
. Click here to read more about how the new Vios impressed all.
The all-new Vios is built at the company’s
latest assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Klang, Selangor.
Standard equipment of the new Vios includes (J variant, priced from
 RM 77,200
):
Integrated LED DRLs
Auto on/off headlights with follow-me-home function
15-inch rims with 185/60 R15 tyres
Smart keyless entry and push start button
Automatic air-conditioning with digital display
Eco, Sport or Normal drive modes
7-speed manual-mode
Fabric upholstery
Two USB charging ports for rear passengers
Illuminated front and rear door sill decorative plates
7 airbags, including a driver knee airbag
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
For RM4,000 more, the mid-spec Vios E adds (priced from
RM 81,200)
:
LED tail lamps with light-guide
Front fog lamps
Acoustic glass front windshield
Auto-fold side mirrors with turn signals
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
6.8-inch touchscreen display audio with USB mirroring (4-speakers)
Audio switches on the steering wheel
60:40 split-folding rear seats
Panoramic View Monitor (PVM)
Digital Video Recorder (DVR) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
As for the range-topping Vios G, this variant is priced from
RM 87,300
 and adds this equipment:
Projector-type head lamps
16-inch rims with 195/50 R16 tyres
Rear disc brakes
Bright-chrome door handles
Front parking sensors
Leather upholstery
Optitron meters with 4.2-inch colour Multi-Information Display (MID)
Paddle shifters
Auto-dimming rear view mirror
Audio system with 6 speakers
Five colours will be made available, which includes Dark Blue Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Attitude Black, Silver Metallic, and Super White II.
Genuine accessories meanwhile are a 5-piece bodykit package priced at RM2,800, rear-facing driving video recorder (DVR) at RM350, and an infotainment upgrade for the J-variant priced at RM2,150.
ASEAN NCAP has awarded the all-new Vios with a
5-star safety rating
when the institute performed the assessment back in November 2017.
All new Toyota Vios comes with 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty, that is transferable to the next owner shall all terms and conditions be met.
Read more about
our experience on the all-new Toyota Vios 1.5G here.


Audi Launches All-New 2015 Q7 In Vietnam, Malaysian Launch Looming

Audi
 Vietnam has taken the wraps off the new all-new second generation 2015
Q7
 at this year’s Vietnam International Motor Show (VIMS). The new model comes with significant improvements over its predecessors, both inside and out.
We know the Malaysian launch of Audi’s newest flagship SUV is
just around the corner
. It was revealed to be next month in November, actually, and this recent introduction in a neighboring country only cements that time frame.
It will be sold in there for a starting price of 2.9 billion Vietnam Dong (roughly RM536k). That’s for the 2.0-litre TSFI model. The larger 3.0-litre TSFI engine goes for a higher price of 3.45 billion Vietnam Dong (roughly RM635k).
The 3.0-V6 litre engine has a host of improvements, offering up 333hp and imbuing the Q7 with a 0-100km/h time of just 6.3 seconds – very impressive considering just how large it is. Audi claims a fuel consumption figure of just 7.9-litres/100km and a 28 percent reduction in emissions (to 179 grams of CO2/km) compared to the previous generation Q7.
We suppose we can only wait until the all-new 2015 Q7 makes its Malaysian debut to bring you more solid information.


VIDEO: Violent Driver Turns Road Rage Into Full-Blown Assault On Motorcyclist

A man lays on the ground next to his own car, pinned by a motorcyclist wearing a helmet-cam. What do you think happened? Something that kind of defies logic, quite honestly.
Disclaimer:
 Now before you watch the video below, let us warn you there are some obscenities used during the incident. There are bleeps to cover most of them, however some language bombs were detonated.
Now what happened? We don’t quite know. From what we can gather from listening carefully to the footage, the driver in the white shirt was angry that the motorcyclist "went between" his car while driving – a practice very commonly seen in Malaysia too, referred to elsewhere as lane-splitting.
By the next traffic light, his had anger swelled enough for him to exit his
Honda

Accord
 and take a punch at the motorcyclist, even going so far as to shove a woman who was riding pillion at the time. Some rude words were exchanged and more even shoving followed.
Finally, the motorcyclist managed to push the driver onto the ground. A necessary move, given how violent he was getting. The driver managed to calm down after a while, it seemed. Before long, some of the other motorists approached the quarrelling pair.
Police arrived shortly after and are still investigating the matter, suspecting the driver was under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
A quick look at the motorcyclist’s Youtube account reveals that the driver broke his ankle during the takedown, an injury that prevented him from facing immediate jail time.
Moral of the story?
 Even if you feel wronged while out on the road, letting your emotions take the wheel and acting out rashly only inflates the problem unnecessarily. From what we saw in the video, there was no contact between the vehicles, and the driver’s reaction was totally out of proportion.
Even still, there’s no excuse good enough to physically assault anyone out on the road, or ever. Just stay calm and work it out like mature and civilised human beings.


Mitsubishi Hybrid LSD – Electronic Intelligence, Mechanical Reliability

Technology has brought the human race to frontiers never thought possible by our ancestors. The rapid growth and development in the field of computers and electronics has enabled previously difficult and complex operations to be fully automated, essentially taking the dirty work off our hands.
Inevitably, this has implications in the design and engineering of modern cars. Using a complex network of sensors, processors, and actuators, the automobiles of today have become intelligent machines. Through electronic intervention, your car is able to help you safely negotiate otherwise daunting obstacles.
Whilst there is no denying the benefits of electronic driving aids on the road, they can prove to be double-edged swords off the beaten track. Vehicles that go into hard core off-roading excursions require exceptional toughness; more than that, the severe pounding suffered by hard core off-roading vehicles mean that damage is inevitable.
A vehicle engineered for off-road usage must therefore be easy to fix and mend on the move, and may even be required to soldier on with damaged parts until spares can be found. As such, one relying heavily on electronics may not be the best solution in such a situation.
Yet, most manufacturers find purely mechanical arrangements to be restricted in the scope of their abilities and flexibility to work over a wide range of conditions. Without some sort of electronic control unit in place, it is challenging to conceive of a solution that reacts accordingly to changing conditions. Challenging that is, if you did not think hard enough like
Mitsubishi Motors
 did in conceiving its innovative Hybrid LSD (limited slip differential) that is used in the
Triton
 pick-up.
When driving through constantly changing road conditions, the
Triton
’s innovative Hybrid LSD system serves to maximize traction and torque on the wheel with most grip, thus effectively managing wheel slipping in low grip conditions.
Rather than an electronic control unit, the Hybrid LSD system utilizes cleverly arranged mechanical components consisting of a helical gear and viscous coupling to perform torque- and speed-sensing functions respectively. An internal clutch escape mechanism also prevents loss of torque if a wheel starts spinning.
Compared to regular LSDs that can only disengage locking after the vehicle stops, Mitsubishi’s Hybrid LSD system has a key functional difference whereby it is able to self-unlock on the move when road conditions return to normal.
This advantage means that the Hybrid LSD is able to effectively replicate the function of an electronic traction control system using a
robust and proven mechanical setup
. Also, because it does not rely on complicated electronic control units, Hybrid LSD is not susceptible to delay in responses resulting from electronic glitches – it is a system that kicks in instantaneously and reliably whenever you need it.


Transport Ministry Says Cash For Clunkers Scheme Won't Happen

The Transport Ministry has denied an earlier reports that the government was going to re-introduce the ‘cash-for-clunkers’ scheme, citing that it may have misinterpreted by some parties and that the the scheme was just a proposal to be studied.
“Since my remark have triggered public outcry, I have decided to call the study off and postpone it indefinitely because it seems like we’re not ready,” said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
On June 13, Loke reportedly said that the government could revive the cash-for-clunkers scheme to reduce the number of old vehicles on the road.
If implemented correctly, the cash-for-clunkers scheme is aimed at reducing the number of old cars, usually more than 10 years old, by offering the car owners with cash vouchers for them to trade in for new cars.
Elsewhere, Loke mentioned that the ministry is currently studying the possibility of implementing a deregistration certificate for registered but abandoned vehicles, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor where a lot of the vehicles are abandoned in housing areas.
At the moment, there are no existing regulations under JPJ to get rid of these abandoned vehicles. “Therefore, I have requested JPJ to come up with suggestions to implement a possible deregistration certificate mechanism,” Loke added.


BMW (G30) 5 Series Sedan and Touring Tuning Package By AC Schnitzer

The established BMW tuning company AC Schnitzer (ACS), like clockwork, has rolled out its version of the all-new
BMW G30 5 Series
, applicable for both sedan and touring models.
These upgraded versions come just five months after the debut of the all-new model generation and feature not just styling tweaks, but a bump in power and
driving performance
. It even comes with a 5-year warranty when ordered in Europe.
Under the hood, AC Schnitzer has optimised the engine mapping, bumping power in the 540i’s turbocharged, 3.0-litre inline-six from 340hp to 400hp, while the 530d turbo diesel ACS model develops 315hp, from the original 265hp. Similar tuning packages are being developed for the M550i, 530i and 520d models.
As for the exhaust system, all petrol-engine models will be offered with steel silencers, each with two chromed or black "Sport" tailpipes. Diesel models receive chromed or black "Quad Sport" tailpipes in right/left combination. ACS also supplies a sound module with a remote control to increase the engine roar within the cabin space.
AC Schnitzer’s suspension spring kit lowers the vehicle by around 25 mm at the front and around 20 mm at the rear compared to the standard vehicle, claimed to offer no drawbacks in terms of ride comfort of the standard car.
AC Schnitzer'aesthetic upgrades include a front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser rear roof spoiler and rear spoiler for the sedan model, the Touring also receives rear roof wing which provides both additional downforce and reduces drag – the styling kit works with BMW's M-Technik exterior pack for both body styles. A carbon racing rear wing will shortly also be available for the saloon.
On the inside, AC Schnitzer supplies the aluminium pedal set for vehicles with manual and automatic transmission, aluminium foot rest, velours foot mats and a suave looking "Black Line" cover for the BMW iDrive controller.
Customers naturally have a wide variety of wheel designs to choose from – the 'AC1' design (featured below), available in staggered and non-staggered versions, in 19- or 20-inch sizes, finished in BiColour or Anthracite colours, or 'Type VIII' alloys, available in similar sizes and finishes.


VIDEO: Perodua Kancil Drifts Out Of Lane And Is Smashed Head-On By Tanker Lorry

Driving should always be done with a sure head and focused mind, and never when distracted or under the influence. For the driver of this
Perodua

Kancil
, none of those attributes seemed to apply, causing a nasty accident.
We’ve got to warn you first, though, the impact is quite severe and the exact aftermath of the crash, and the condition of those involved, is not known. However and quite miraculously, the video’s description does say the driver escaped with only minor injuries.
Sebuah kereta dipandu seorang lelaki dilihat memandu secara merbahaya telah terlanggar sebuah tanker minyak..Pemandu cedera ringan, lori terbabas..Lokasi: Bagan Serai
Posted by
Siakap Keli
 on Sunday, September 27, 2015
The footage seen in the video was shot on a road at night in the vicinity of Bagan Serai in northern Perak. The Perodua Kancil’s driver was driving slowly but drifting dangerously left and right, in and out of the lane.
Later in the video, a Perodua
Alza
 is seen to overtake the car recording the footage and the Kancil ahead of it, flashing its lights to the latter before passing.
After that, what looks to be a tanker truck is seen coming the other way when the Kancil drifts a disastrous few feet out of its lane and right into the front oncoming lorry. The resulting collision is severe, jarring to watch, and underscored with the sounds of twisted metal and shattered glass.
Its not known what caused the Kancil's driver to behave on the road like that. Our guess is that he or she was likely under the influence of alcohol or something similar, evidenced by the patterned but disoriented swerving from side to side. If the driver was merely tired, the swerve would likely be more subtle and one-directional.
Please stay safe on the roads, people.


Bangkok 2017: Mitsubishi Triton Athlete Launched, Powertrain Unchanged

After teasing us with a short video, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand has launched the new Triton Athlete at the 2017 Bangkok International Motor Expo.
President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Thailand, Mr Morikazu Chokki said, “I’m proud to host the global unveiling of the new Triton Athlete in Thailand at Motor Expo 2017. The new Triton Athlete is the pickup truck that combines stylishly bold looks with performance and represents Mitsubishi Motors’ commitment to ‘Drive Your Ambition’ – Our focus on enabling drivers to continue exploring new frontier and conquer breathtaking terrains”.
The new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is only available as a Double Cab, available as 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. Body colours options include Diamond Black, Titanium Grey and White Pearl.
Unique to this model are these equipments – black honeycomb grille, front bumper garnish, black 17-inch alloy wheels plus black orange decals. No, the Triton Athlete does not get LED DRLs that stretches into the front bumper as the teaser implied.
Moving inside, the Triton Athlete gets orange black dual-tone leather seats with Athlete wording embroidered, orange stitching on the shift lever and centre console plus Trtion Athlete specific floor mats.
Powering the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is a 2.4-litre DI-D MIVEC Clean Diesel engine that does 181 hp and 430 Nm. A six-speed manual or five-speed auto is available.


BMW Malaysia Bumps X5 xDrive45e Spec For 2022

BMW Malaysia have bolstered their popular X5 in plug-in hybrid xDrive45e form for 2022 with some noteworthy upgrades, priced at RM457,498.

It’s literally been a week and 2 years ago that BMW Malaysia
first introduced the X5 xDrive45e
 that paired the G05-generation premium SAV with a petrol-electric powerplant we first saw when the
G11 (LCI) 7 Series in Malaysia
.

That said, its PHEV powertrain continues unchanged over the outgoing version, retaining the B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 petrol paired with an electric motor integrated into its ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. When combined it boasts a total output of 394PS and 600Nm - same as before, but a big lump of performance nonetheless, needing just 5.6 seconds to sprint from standstill to 100km/h.

Its lithium-ion battery also continues to maintain its maximum reserves of 24kWh, enabling up to 77km of pure electric driving without needing to spin up the combustion engine. BMW claims a 10-hour charge when connected to a conventional wall socket and just 50 minutes when attached to an AC charger, utilising its 3.7kW onboard converter.

There is a new set of Style 741M 21-inch alloys with a Y-spoke design that stands out as its most prominent cosmetic alteration, but look a little closer and you’ll also spot the inclusion of BMW’s Laserlight headlamps, obvious by its characteristic blue accent colours that complement other details such as the blue painted M sport brake callipers.

Standard headlining features, among others, remain such as its plush interior upholstered Vernasca leather, adaptive air suspension, ambient interior lighting, quad-zone climate control, 16-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo, panoramic sunroof, and combination BMW Live Cockpit Professional with twin 12.3-inch drivers display and infotainment touchscreen alongside dual companion 10.2-inch screens for the enjoyment of rear passengers.

BMW has also added rear-side airbags for a total of 8, giving a little extra peace of mind for second-row occupants. In addition to this, there’s Active Protection that monitors for imminent collisions or other emergency situations, wherein it pre-tensions the seatbelts and closes the windows and/or sunroof.

The usual assortment of active safety features are included as well courtesy of the equipped Driving Assistant package, furnishing the X5 xDrive45e with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Automatic High Beam, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and a 360-degree all-round view monitor system. Unfortunately, driver assist systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control continue to be a glaring omission.

By the way, its 2022 on-the-road sticker price of RM457,498 already factors in SST and includes BMW’s extended warranty of 5 years, making it around RM6,000 dearer than its debut form in mid-2020. As standard, like all new BMWs in Malaysia, the X5 xDrive45e for 2022 comes with a 2-year warranty.