Better EV Than Flying Car

Sri Lanka would be one of the last countries you'd expect to produce a full electric vehicle. But yet, here it is and to be honest, I feel like giving them a standing-jumping-award winning ovation for it. It has a whopping 804hp, 760Nm of torque and can do the 0-100km/h run in 3.1 seconds. If that's not impressive, surely the 300km range is.

Manufactured by Vega Innovations, the first full-electric vehicle to come out of South Asia is more than just about building a super electric vehicle and selling it.

If you read between the lines, it's about developing the technology for super electric vehicles more so than selling one. By doing this, they future proof the company because through this EV vehicle, they can be one of the leading suppliers of electric vehicle components and technology.

I mean, who is going to really compete against Porsche, Tesla and all the other big shot companies that are building electric vehicles? So it's smart to produce one but in the process, learn and have the goal to make components for it.

This is clever but more importantly, good for a country's flag and economy. Not only will it create more jobs if companies depend on them for components, but it will also help fly the country's flag high. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's research on National Economic Value of Electric Vehicles, " the growth of electric vehicles could lead to an average net employment gain of over 100,000 jobs per year through 2040". This year alone, we have seen some evidence of this. General Motors plans to invest in an all-electric vehicle plant where they will produce products. They said through it 2,200 jobs would be created.

Think Giga Nevada, Tesla's battery factory near Reno, United States. Although its main aim is to supply lithium-ion batteries for Tesla vehicles, we're sure that Elon Musk had the idea that if Tesla vehicles as a brand ever failed, they can at least be one of the significant suppliers of EV batteries. Always one step ahead that man is.

These are the kind of active thinking that movers and shakers do. It shows that they are thinking of the current market and predicting what the future will bring.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same of Malaysia. Instead of trying to walk before we can run, we have a wild idea of jumping the gun and forgetting the electric vehicle altogether and investing in a 'flying car project' which to me sounds entirely fictitious.

It's downright frustrating because I believe we have the minds and tools to produce a tremendous electric vehicle, but seem to lack the visionaries to lead a project of this magnitude.

We do not have to depend on Proton or Perodua to produce one either, because just like Jay Leno, I believe that its accessible for boutique brands to produce electric vehicles these days. This was in accordance to when Jay was testing out Drako Motor's new electric car, the Drako GTE.

Drako did not design many parts of the vehicle, but instead, they just picked the best pieces from certain manufacturers like Brembo and Fisker Automotive. Jay said that he believed that more and more boutique EV brands would pop up as they mostly had to figure out the approach and software and can buy the rest from the best manufacturer of parts since there are fewer parts in full EV cars, its easy to do this.

Malaysia has a lot of potential, and if we don't get on the EV bandwagon, we're inevitably going to miss out on an opportunity to better the economy, productivity and create high-paying and smart-thinking jobs through the EV world. The door is open for us; we just need the will to walk through it.

It has been said that tomorrow's National Automotive Policy (NAP) will reward and incentivise manufacturers and players who make a push towards EV (Electric Vehicle) and EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicles) automobiles, so let's see whether this can help open the door wider.


Review: Ferrari 488 GTB – A Lexicon Of Driving Excellence

In the future, way in the future… say 25 years from now, cars will drive themselves. It’s futile to think that any other reality will prevail.
The business case is solid – with cars driving themselves and constantly being on the move, there is less of a need for parking spots in the city of tomorrow. This means that there's more space freed up for humans to live and work.  It’ll be safer: without an easily distracted Homosapien at the wheel, self-driving cars will obey every traffic light, every zebra crossing and perform hundreds, if not thousands of calculations before they even make a lane change.
It’ll be cheaper than having your own car. Autonomous cars (mostly electric powered) – churned out in the thousands – will be owned and maintained by mobility service providers, meaning the cost of maintenance will be shared by all who use the service. Plus, it’ll be more efficient, with interconnected vehicles planning and routing every trip throughout a city, congestion could be a thing of the past. Not that the passengers would care, they’d be catching up on the news, having a virtual date or conducting a meeting while on the move.
There will be little sentiment for this skill based, intuitive, and profound experience we call driving.
Like horses at the turn of the 20th century, driven cars will be confined to separate spaces or tracks, where they can do no harm to other road users, who may be busy enjoying a hot Latte on their way to work.
Cars like the
Toyota Camry
 and Audi A4 will cease to exist; no one would need them, or at least need to own them. I believe these are the cars that will soon evolve into the electrified,
autonomous
, and on-demand mode of transportation.
Even Porsche, a brand synonymous with driving nirvana, is pouring billions of dollars into self-driving technology – they have said that they will roll-out driving technologies “slowly” at first – such as driving aids that take over in traffic or when parking, you know, the boring stuff.
But, have you heard of the
Mark Webber function
? With this technology, the vehicle can drive autonomously on a racetrack like the Nürburgring – just like Webber would drive. Once a driver has mapped out his responses on a track, your car’s computer then teaches, or drives you. Or maybe you would like to “drive” like Walter Rohrl instead?
Driven cars, will be discussed or remembered in the same way we remember vinyl records – “yes, they’re cool, and I know a few places where you can still get them, but my iPhone just holds more songs”.
I digress…
But, even on the darkest of those inevitable, automated days, few cars will still be remembered – for the excitement they created when you saw one, or when you heard one blast by, and for fewer still, how driving one made you feel – the Ferrari 488 GTB will be one of them.
Specifications:
Price: RM1,07,000 before taxes and options.
Engine: 3.9-litre, V8, twin-turbocharged, petrol
Power: 670 PS @ 8,000rpm
Torque: 760 Nm @ 3,000rpm (7th gear)
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch automatic, paddle shifters, RWD
Weight: 1,475 kg (kerb weight with options)
Safety: 4-airbags, ABS, EBD, ISOFIX, F1-Trac Traction control, front and rear parking sensors, front and rear camera (as tested).
Origin: Fully imported from Maranello, Italy.
Overview
The Ferrari 488 GTB is the amalgamation of more than four-decades of Ferrari mid-engined V8 know-how, a heritage that started with the 308 GTB from 1975.
Successor to the Ferrari 458 Italia, the 488 GTB name pays homage to the classic Ferrari model designation with the 488 in its moniker indicating the engine's unitary displacement, while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta.
The 488 GTB also marks a new a new chapter for the company, in that it’s the first turbocharged mid-engined Ferrari since the legendary Ferrari F40.
Drawing from the company’s experience in GT racing and Formula 1, the 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 670 PS at 8,000 rpm, with a specific power output of 170 hp/litre. The engine outputs a maximum torque of 760 Nm in seventh gear.
Ferrari claims a throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds at 2000 rpm in third gear. Much of this is down to the boost pressure management, which takes into account the engaged gear and the driver’s throttle inputs, so a precise amount of turbo boost is deployed depending on driving conditions – increasing fuel efficiency and engine response.
To achieve those performance numbers and engine response, Ferrari employed a number innovations such as high-tumble intake ports, 200-bar direct fuel injection, an ion-sensing system which measures ionising currents to control ignition timing, ‘roller’ cam followers to reduce valvetrain friction and (twin-scroll) ball-bearing turbos with a titanium-aluminium alloy compressor wheel.
Consequently, the 488 GTB sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3 seconds flat and from 0-200 km/h in just 8.3 seconds. Top speed is rated at 330 km/h.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and Ferrari’s ‘e-Diff3’ electronic differential system.
Note though, there is now the harder, faster, and lighter
Ferrari 488 Pista
. A track-honed successor of Ferrari’s V8-engined special series such as the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, and 458 Speciale. The Pista weighs 90 kg less, has 50 more horsepower, and crucially borrows aerodynamic solutions straight from the Ferrari 488 GTE (FIA WEC racer) and Formula 1 car.
Design and Aero
Few car companies characterise elegance and aerodynamics like Ferrari do. Every aesthetic component, regardless of how small or large, must cheat the laws of physics by developing downforce, without adding aerodynamic drag.
Downforce is up 50 percent from the Ferrari 458, despite drag being reduced. The central Aero Pillar and front spoiler boost the efficiency of the radiator and aid downforce generation. The large signature air intake scallop, on the other hand, is a retrospective nod to the original 308 GTB.
Round the flanks, a large portion of the door is carved out to form a channel that feeds air towards the "Base Bleed" air intakes, divided into the upper and lower sections by a central flap – the upper half feeds the air intakes and is also manipulated to create downforce, the lower section feeds the intercoolers to cool the intake charge.
But, I somewhat miss the clean, flowing haunches of the Ferrari 458, which drew air from a stealthy intake duct hiding just behind the rear quarter glass.
The lion’s share of the visiual impact at the back comes from the rear diffuser, which has curved fences that optimise the expansion of air channeled under the car. It also features variable flap geometry controlled by a CPU that is integrated into the vehicle’s control systems.
The 488 also takes advantage of an aerodynamic underbody that incorporates vortex generators – specially designed aerodynamic appendages that accelerate the passing air, thereby reducing pressure and sucking the car down to the ground.
The net effect: the 488 GTB generates a whopping 325 kg of downforce at 250 km/h.
Driving Experience
It didn’t help that on the day of our test, heavy rain drenched most of K.L. and Selangor – not the best time to head out in a 670 PS, mid-engined Ferrari worth some 1.8-million ringgit, yes.
But given my recent experience in a
Ferrari California T
 – I was at least used to the unique controls of a Ferrari. The automatic transmission mode is marked by the “Auto” button and next to it, the “R” button for reverse – the rest is mostly a hands-on experience. Most of the car’s vital controls, including the wiper and turn indicators, are incorporated into the steering wheel. Oddly enough, the multimedia controls are on the right side of the steering wheel.
However, what you tend not to expect is the ease of driving the 488 in town. Once you get used to the rather wide extremities of the rear and get a sense of the clutch’s engagement points, it’s quite a straightforward affair.
The throttle travel allows for ample modulation, meaning you can access just enough power to depending on the driving conditions, and the suspension - even on bumpy P.J. roads, dare I say it – is beautifully supple and poised.
The steering is a bit on the heavy side in town, but it responds to every inch of steering input with clinical precision. The upside of the steering weightage is this raw, mechanical communication, and the steadiness it delivers at high speeds.
Exiting the city, the 488 settles into a comfortable cruise. Some of the bigger bumps (such as on highway expansion joints) can unsettle the suspension, but for the most part, it remains planted to a degree, largely unknown to a mere mortal such as me, prior to this.
Charging from the speed limit to say 190 km/h is dispensed within seconds, and rather effortlessly. Needless to say, the 488 will cruise all day at 180 km/h without breaking a sweat.
On an empty stretch of highway, I put the hammer down, and for the first time, get to experience the merits of all of that downforce generation. Between 200 and 250 km/h is where the magic really happens; the 488 squats to the ground and becomes a missile. The only limiting factor between this point and the 330 km/h top speed, quite frankly, is the amount of fortitude stored between your legs.
Off the highway, and onto the beautiful backroads of
Kuala Kubu Baru,
the tenacious mechanical grip and overall balance of the car comes into its own. The 488 darts from apex to apex – rotating around a point right at the centre of the cockpit, making it beautifully predictable and reassuring.
The engine’s boost map limits turbo pressure depending on engaged gear, means you can plant your foot hard to the floor coming out of corners, and let the suspension and chassis load up to deliver those massive G-forces. It is genuinely hard to upset the balance of 488, meaning it’s safer for less experienced drivers; it also meant, however, that I was nowhere near the limits of the car.
And the noise, whoa, the throaty, bass tune at low revs gives way to a pulsating roar once you rev past 5,000 rpm. It’s also at this point that the power comes full circle, obliterating straights and catapulting you from corner to corner.
Simply put, the 488 is a wicked fast car, and an adrenaline rush from start to end.
Conclusion
As with any Ferrari, customers are usually sold on the three key factors before they even step foot into a dealership – style, speed and status, the three Ss. Beyond that point, it’s simply picking the right colour.
And the Ferrari 488 delivers on all three accounts in fine fashion. Arguably, at around RM1.8-million, I suppose it has to.
In terms of rivals the 488 matches up against the raging V10 powered, 571 hp Huracan RWD (which I believe you can order through the local distributor), or take the same amount of money to Porsche and they’d give you the track-honed 911 GT3… which is rather excellent as well.
Where the 488 excels is in its ability to be civil and docile when it needs to be, not to mention, elegant and stylish at any speed, but yet, with a few pulls of the paddle shifter, transforms itself into a tarmac sucking, vociferous beast of a machine.
In any case, when the inevitable future comes, in all manner of its electrified mobility, rapid hashtags, and quick-fire Snapchat videos, the 488 will remind us of a simpler time when driving was a way of life. And cars: the stuff of dreams.


Peugeot 5008 Goes 7-Seater SUV, to be Unveiled at Paris 2016

There are exciting times head for Peugeot. Pictures and details of the new 5008 have broken cover, and it's certainly shaping up to be an interesting vehicle. The old MPV form has been shed in favour of an SUV body, built off of Peugeot's Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2). Due to be launched at the Paris Motorshow later this month and to go on sale by 2017, the 5008 is aimed squarely at the 7-seater SUV segment.
The 5008 is the last in the line of Peugeot's 5-SUVs-in-a-year offensive. Preceding it were the 2008, 3008, 3008 extended wheelbase (for the chinese market), and the 4008- all of which have become SUV-esque models in some form or another. The move towards SUVs instead of MPVs comes with the mindset that people carriers are an exclusively European concept, while the SUV is a model that is accepted the world over.
It's the inside that Peugeot is quick to promite, with their new i-Cockpit design that comes jam-packed with features. The design sports a compact steering wheel, an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen, and a spectacular 12.3-inch high-resolution digital head-up instrument panel. Much of the switchgear is finished in a satin chrome, with central placement to allow easy access to various functions.
Dimensionally, the 5008 has grown- but it sits at only 11 cm longer and wider than its predecessor. More pertinent is the staggering 2.84-metre long wheelbase, which offers great interior space. Rear passengers also get a solid 90 mm more knee room, which is invaluable for the long haul. The second row sports 3 individual independent seats, allowing for a great deal of flexibility in seating inclination and position, while the third row is composed of two folding seats (said to be optional in certain markets). In 5 seater configuration with the third row removed, the 5008 has a claimed 1060 litres of boot space.
While the exterior has changed a great deal, surprisingly the overall height remains the same at 1.64-metres tall- which gives the 5008 a long sporty profile. There is a lot of variation in appearance depending on the trim level selected, but top spec models get a huge panoramic sunroof and full-beam LED headlamps are just a few features to name. Chrome and black gloss trim pieces combine with a two tone scheme for a properly new design.
From a powertrain perspective, there are a wide range of options available: 4 petrol engines, from 1.2-litres to 1.6-litres in capacity, and 6 diesel engines based off either 1.6-litres or 2.0-litres of displacement. It is a little sad to note that Peugeot makes no mention of the actual off-roading capabilities of the car- essentially what the SUV was originally intended for- which means that the SUV has well and truly become an urban machine.


Tesla Rolls Out Its First Production Model 3

For once, it seems that Elon Musk has managed to meet a deadline he's set. The long-awaited Tesla Model 3 has finally had its first production unit roll off the assembly line, marking the beginning of deliveries for this "mass-market" electric car. Naturally Tesla fans are excited, given that the Model 3 has the potential to slingshot the company towards actually making a profit (Tesla has been operating at a loss for the last 15 years).
Despite meeting this major milestone, things aren't looking too good for Tesla. Reports from
Forbes
 and
Bloomberg
 show that these first 30 units or so of the Model 3 are being hand built, which speaks for Tesla's inability to mass produce the Model 3. Despite this, Elon Musk is confident that he will hit a Model 3 production volume of 20,000 units a month by the end of this year. It is a little worrying that Tesla has done little-to-no real world testing of the Model 3, but having their customer base function as a beta testing pool has been a fairly common procedure with Tesla.
While Tesla has seen a 53% increase in deliveries last quarter compared to 2016, their share price has taken a massive hit in the past week as well, falling roughly 20%. Some analysts believe that this is only a temporary setback for the company as their value has gone up by 40% through this year. Other major investors also regard the Model 3 to be the automotive equivalent of Apple's iPhone, marking a large shift in technology and standards for the automotive industry. Whether Elon Musk and the Model 3 can deliver on these promises remains to be seen.


Senarai Kawasan Hotspot Banjir Di KL Dan Selangor – NADMA

Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara (NADMA) telah mengenal pasti lapan daripada sembilan daerah di
Selangor serta beberapa kawasan di Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
 sebagai 'hotspot' atau lokasi tumpuan
banjir
.

Berdasarkan perkongsian di laman Facebooknya, NADMA memaklumkan lokasi tumpuan berkenaan ditentukan berdasarkan kekerapan banjir lebih tiga kali dari 2019 hingga 2022.

*Kredit foto: Utusan

Kawasan Hotspot Banjir Di Selangor

Menurut NADMA, Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (JPS) telah memaklumkan lapan daerah di Selangor yang terbabit adalah:

Klang

Taman Sentosa

Jalan Kebun

Kg. Bukit Naga

Bukit Kemuning

Taman Melawis @ Taman Teluk Pulai

Jalan Bakti

Kampung Delek

Taman Daya Meru

Taman Bukit Kemuning

Taman Rashna

Taman Sri Muda

Taman Intan

Jalan Tunku Kelana

Taman Meru Utama

Petaling

Kampung Budiman

Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru

Kampung Baru HICOM, Seksyen 26

Jalan S/K 9 / SK Sri Serdang

Seksyen 13, Petaling

Gombak

Taman Sri Selayang

Jalan B27 Jusco Rawang

Taman Rahmat Jaya

Kg. Sg. Kertas

Jalan 11C Selayang Baru

Jalan 21, 23 & 62 Selayang Baru

Jalan Laksamana 10 Selayang

India Settlement

Hulu Langat

Kampung Batu 10, Jalan Cheras

Kampung Sungai Serai

Kampung Sungai Sekamat

Kampung Sungai Michu

Sesapan Batu Rembau

Felcra Kg. Sg. Semungkis

Kg. Sg. Gahal (4)

Jalan Reko

Kg. Sungai Jernih

Sepang

Kg. Giching

Kg. Salak Tinggi

Kg. Chemperai

Kg. Sri Tanjung

Kg. Ampar Tenang / Kg. Lalang

Kg. Sg. Merab Jaya

Taman Delima, Dengkil

Kg. Orang Asli Sg. Melut (Seberang)

Kg. Desa Putra, Sg Merab

Kuala Langat

Taman Sri Jaromas, Jenjarom

Sabak Bernam

Jalan Sg. Panjang – Tanjung Malim (KM44-KM45)

Batu 23, Sungai Nibong

Kuala Selangor

Kg. Sri Sentosa

Kg. Parit Mahang

Kg. Rantau Panjang

Kampung Sri Aman

Hanya daerah Hulu Selangor sahaja yang tidak disenaraikan sebagai kawasan hotspot banjir. Walau bagaimanapun, semua kesembilan daerah di Selangor ini diletakkan sebagai kawasan berisiko banjir memandangkan semua daerah itu pernah dilanda banjir.

*Kredit foto: Selangor Kini

Kawasan Hotspot Banjir Di KL

PWTC

PPR Batu Muda

Jalan Ipoh

Kg Kasipillay

Jalan Kuching

Jalan Tun Razak (Wisma Bernama)

Jalan Pekeliling

Kg Puah

Jalan Kolam Air

Bulatan Dato Onn

Bulatan Pahang

Kg Chubadak

Pekan Salak Selatan

Chan Sow Lin

Jalan Pahang

Jalan Segambut

Segambut Bahagia

Jalan Pudu

Jalan Ampang

Jalan Raja Chulan

Jalan Tun Perak

Jalan Cheras

Razak Mansion

Jalan Pudu

Universiti Malaya

Masjid Jamek

Jalan Duta

Pantai Dalam

Jalan Dang Wangi

LRT Sungai Besi

Tol Kesas

Jalan Maarof

Jalan Kia Peng

LRT Bangsar

Jalan Travers

Kepong Baru

Orang ramai yang ingin mendapatkan senarai terperinci kawasan hotspot banjir mengikut negeri boleh merujuk
Facebook
 Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara serta Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan laman Instagram Majlis Keselamatan Negara.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia To Launch These Five Models In Malaysia Soon?

During
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s 1H2015 Performance Media Briefing
, we were told by Mark Raine, Vice President of Passenger Cars Sales and Marketing at MBM, that the company will introduce new models in Malaysia dubbed “
Mercedes-Benz
 Dream Cars” and presented this slide you see before you.
Although only one car was specifically highlighted at the event, the C 63 AMG, we did manage to capture this slide image you see above, which is believed to depict the
other coming models Raine told us about
 back at the
launch event of the AMG GT S Edition 1
.
To recap, what Raine told Carlist.my was that the remainder of the year for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia would see various "Dream" and "Sexy" models launched in the country, citing the recently-launched CLS 400 as an example. He also said that they weren't done with introducing other AMG models.
By power of deduction, we gathered that several key models remained possible, amongst them, the S-Class Coupe, and possible a few other CLS variants, such as the mighty CLS 63 AMG.
From this slide, it looks like there are more models than what we first imagined.
At the top of the slide is what looks like a Mercedes-AMG GT, the base model of the GT, non-inclusive of an Edition 1 kit either. Given that the AMG GT S we already have here retails at RM1.2mil, launching a non-S variant could simply make the model all the more affordable to Malaysians with the means.
Another five models are placed below the GT in the slide of coming "Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars", but are a little trickier to place, having been blurred to disguise their identities, but still tease us enough to guess. The only one confirmed and likely amongst them, as confirmed by Raine is the Mercedes-AMG C 63.
The next thing we see is an AMG Line variant, in red. The way the headlamps are shaped, the model does strike us as potentially a W212 E-Class. But already having about pretty much all the E-Class we need (E 200, E 250, E 300 and E 400 sedans), could this then be a coupé model instead? At long last, MBM would be officially introducing the model here, if our guesses were true.
The remaining models, well, your guesses are as good as ours, if we're brutally honest.


Daihatsu Set To Become Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Toyota

Toyota is expected to complete the takeover of its compact car specialist sister-company, Daihatsu via a share swap deal, reports Japan’s Nikkei Asian Review.
Toyota currently owns 51.19 percent of Daihatsu. Although majority owned by Toyota, Daihatsu is still listed independently on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. When Toyota completes the takeover exercise, Daihatsu is likely to be delisted.
After Toyota, the next largest shareholder in Daihatsu is The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd (Trust Account), which holds 1.71 percent, followed by several other Japanese investment funds and banks. Together with Toyota, they hold 62.01 percent of Daihatsu.
Nikkei’s report claims that Toyota is expected to acquire the remainder of Daihatsu’s shares held by other smaller companies by parcelling out treasury stocks, and that it intends to complete the exercise in as early as the first half of this year.
The Japanese business weekly’s report also explained that the objective behind Toyota’s rumoured move is for Toyota to lower its purchasing costs by standardizing parts that had previously been procured separately. It will also allow Toyota to be better positioned to avoid duplication in its product lineup, improving flexibility.
By converting Daihatsu into a wholly owned subsidiary, Toyota is expected to be leverage on Daihatsu’s expertise in low cost mini and compact cars beyond Indonesia (and Malaysia). Currently, Daihatsu’s only success overseas are limited to just Indonesia and Malaysia (via Perodua). It exited from China in 2010 following many years of dismal sales.
It also added that Daihatsu could potentially use Toyota's overseas sales network to market jointly developed cars, especially in China and other emerging markets where Toyota is not very strong in.
Toyota’s market share in China, India and Brazil is only around 5 percent.
Since 2011, Daihatsu has been producing cars for Toyota under consignment. The Daihatsu-developed
Toyota Avanza
 is one such example (also sold in Indonesia as the Daihatsu Xenia). Another is the Japanese-market only Toyota Passo, which is a rebadged Daihatsu Boon.
The move will certainly have an implication for consumers in Malaysia. Although the Malaysian government have often insisted that
Perodua
 is a Malaysian company, the financial numbers reported by Daihatsu’s annual report includes vehicles sold by Perodua.
What happens then when Daihatsu becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota? Would the perks enjoyed by Perodua, i.e. exemptions/higher rebates from paying excise duties, R&D grants enjoyed by Perodua, remain in place? Wouldn’t that make Malaysian tax payers footing a subsidy bill for Toyota’s operations in Malaysia?


Too Much Traffic Noise Believed To Reduce Your Life Span, Study Finds

After researchers compared noise level data against the ratio of hospital admissions and death, they found that living in - or long term exposed to - an area with high traffic noise can increase the risk of a stroke and decrease life expectancy.
AFP
 reports that the study, which was conducted from 2003 to 2010, was published in European Heart Journal based on information gathered by using the city London and its surrounding areas as a subject, focusing on districts within the M25 motorway that circles the capital.
The research team was led by Jaana Halonen of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and took into account factors such as smoking habits, socio-economic status and ethnicity.
The study found that out of the London’s 8.6 million inhabitants, 1.6 million are regularly exposed to daytime traffic noise levels above 55 decibels, according to AFP.
Their findings were that for places where noise exceeded 60 decibels, there were four percent more deaths in comparison with quieter areas – 55 decibels or below. People living in noisier neighbourhoods were also five percent more likely to be admitted to hospital with a stroke. That likelyhood nearly doubles to nine percent among the elderly.
Also linked to a five percent increase in stroke risk among the elderly was a noisier (55-60 decibel) environment at night.
These findings are in-line with that of The World Health Organization (WHO) that sets 55 decibels as the threshold for which health problems are likely to increase.
Other experts and external oberservers say that the increased health risk was apparent, however small. Examples of other research done in this field corroborate this most recent study’s findings, showing a link between persistently high noise levels to an increase in blood pressure and stress-related illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases.
"Public-health policies must pay more attention to this emerging evidence," told Francesco Cappuccio, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Warwick, to Britain's Science Media Centre.


Apple's Future Electric Car Could Be Based On A BMW i3

Silicon Valley’s recent fascination with the automotive industry has been most associated with Apple and their alleged foray into the self-driving and/or electrified car. Details have been all forms of scarce, but a recent report involving
BMW
 and their i3 puts some meat on those bones.
Following reports earlier this year that Apple has been
hiring a string of auto industry experts
, and even being sued for employee poaching, there seems to be a lot of smoke with little visible fire. It’s unclear what Apple hopes to bring to the table to differentiate themselves, but very smart people working on the problem, making Apple's presence in this space impossible to rule out.
However, over the last week or so, it was reported by German publication
Manager Magazin
 that the tech giant has their eyes turned to BMW.
Tim Cook and some other key executives were reported to have
visited BMW’s Leipzig plant
 to have a look at the i3’s production line. The i3 electric car seems to be a compelling platform that Apple could use as a base for their possibly forthcoming vehicle. A more passive reading could suggest that Apple merely wanted to have an innocent look.
Perhaps talks for a technology exchange? Perhaps to take inspiration from the i3’s unique carbon fibre construction that’s also
highly recyclable
 – something Apple strives for in their own products.
The magazine also spoke of similar negotiations taking place between Apple and BMW in the autumn of 2014, although nothing came out of it. This time, however, both companies have reached a deep agreement of cooperation, so it says.
If true, this could be the first step in Apple making real headway in their electric car endeavour as well as BMW gaining a high-powered partner. Indeed, the pair did have an amiable business relationship: BMW was one of the first cars to support music playback from the iPod.
Anything that would have required Apple CEO Tim Cook to see through in person must have been very important. Certainly, a possible platform to which they can build their first car warrants that personal touch.
If Apple’s future EV is speculated to be similar to the i3. Expect it to be aimed at the urban commuter that requires a small car and is willing to trade a larger interior and long range for ease of manoeuvrability and compactness.


Geely Recalls Over 120,000 Vehicles

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation
 has issued a total of 16
recalls
 involving 14 car companies and 42 car models - with Geely recalling over 120,000 vehicles.

Posted by one of China's media outlets,
The Paper
, this figure is a worrying one considering the fact that around 230,000 units were recalled in May and June. July's figure was significantly higher and it involved a number of major brands due to several issues.

Geely recalls over 120,000 vehicles

Geely
 posted the largest portion of vehicles getting recalled last month in China with over 120,000 vehicles involving the Emgrand GS, Emgrand GL, and 2019 Boyue.

The highest? The 2019
Geely Boyue
 (the 'original'
Proton X70
) model produced from 22 December 2019 to 29 June 2021 - 94,087 units in total. The reason? Lack of a prompt function reading "The engine compartment cover is not closed."

In other words, owners will have trouble determining whether the bonnet is fully closed and secured, which can pose a potential safety hazard while driving. The solution? Geely will install an engine cover signal switch and wire harness to remedy the situation.

Over 112,000 'new energy' vehicles affected

30% of the total volume of cars recalled in July involved a total of 112,421 units from different brands and a variety of issues. This includes vehicles from
Ford
,
BYD
,
Kia
, and even
Maserati
.

More than 50,000 units alone came from BYD regarding an issue that has been attended to since April - the risk of water ingress within the vehicles' power battery packs (which may cause a high-voltage system arcing or shortage). BYD is offering a free battery pack replacement if there are any identified issues related to the recall.

BMW and Maserati also got?

Some of
BMW's 5 Series
 and
7 Series
 PHEV models were included in the recall due to a faulty brush holder at the rear of the starter, which may lead to overheating and in extreme cases, may even catch fire. Complementary replacement of the rear starter brush holder is offered to remedy the situation.

Other notable recall issues involved the For Mustang Mach-E's powertrain and battery control software modules, Audi's turbocharger issues and fuel level sensor, and Maserati's fixing bolts of 48V batteries for its light hybrid models.


Why Buy When You Can Just Lease A Brand New Mercedes-Benz?

Many of us aspire to own a Mercedes-Benz at one point of our lives, but they can be rather costly to buy and own. So, rather than having to endure the hassle of bank loans and bleed through depreciation, it might not be a bad idea to just lease one.
The newly-introduced Lease2Go scheme by Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia gives customers a more affordable avenue to drive home a brand new Mercedes-Benz as well as the means to subsequently upgrade to a newer model with ease.
With the new financing solution, customers can customize their lease package by choosing a preferred lease tenure that's between one to four years and anticipated mileage (20,000, 25,000 or 30,000 km) annually.
Lease2Go also includes all costs, including insurance premium and road tax into a fixed monthly lease. Vehicle maintenance isn't covered at the time being, though we understand that the company will offer that before the year ends. Typical maintenance interval for Mercedes-Benz vehicles are 12,000 km.
“Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia is constantly developing new ways to translate our customers’ needs into relevant and innovative financing solutions. ‘Lease2Go’ is another perfect example of innovative and flexible solutions we offer customers in Malaysia. When you think of ‘Lease2Go’, think simplicity. We are removing all the unnecessary ownership commitments to give our customers peace of mind, and make it as easy as ever to enjoy driving and upgrading their Mercedes-Benz cars,” explained MBSM Managing Director, Mike Ponnaz.
Customers who pick Lease2Go can start their financing tenure with a two month refundable security deposit and a one month lease rental upfront. After this, customers only need to pay for the duration the car is used based on the agreed lease tenure.
At the end of the lease period, customers can to return the car (subject to fair wear and tear conditions and kilometre restrictions) and have the option of upgrading to another Mercedes-Benz via the same scheme. Tyre and rim coverage is also included in the Lease2Go package, limited to four tyres and four rims per year. On top of that, customers are also backed by a 24/7 roadside assistance service.


2022 Perodua Myvi Receives 14,600 Bookings!

Perodua has informed us as of 2 December 2021, 14,600 orders of the new
2022 Perodua Myvi
 have been accumulated.

The New King or The New
2022 Perodua Myvi
 is picking up where its predecessor left off with a staggering 14,600 units booked since its launch on 18 November 2021.

“November was slightly slower in terms of registration for the Myvi as there was a delivery gap for that model as we waited for the latest variant to launch. In fact, of the 14,600 units booked, 7,189 orders were converted from the previous variants,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad explained.

With this positive market sentiment and acceptance of the
2022 Perodua Myvi
, Perodua is aiming for its highest ever monthly registration in its history with at least 30,000 units registered as it targets to end 2021 with over 200,000 units sold.

Perodua registered 167,250 units between January and November 2021, which is a reduction of 14.2% compared with 194,980 units registered in the same period last year. October 2021 did however see Perodua breaking their monthly sales record with 27,858 units registered.

On 2022’s outlook, Dato’ Zainal said that Perodua is targeting at least 240,000 units which is a 40,000 unit or a 20% increase from the expected 200,000 units registered this year.

Will the
new King
 spur them on to this target? Or maybe the rumored
Perodua Ativa Hybrid
 will?

What are our initial impressions of the 2022 Perodua Myvi?


Audi Prologue Allroad Concept Revealed Ahead Of Shanghai Auto Show

After revealing the Prologue concept at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto show and the Prologue Avant wagon at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Audi has got into the habit of showing us beautiful concept vehicles cut from that same Prologue cloth that foreshadows the company future design direction.
 And now we have this, the Prologue Allroad concept.
Audi
’s Prologue series were a big hit, both internally and to audiences, proving they have not forgotten their art of making gorgeous everyday luxury cars. Set for an official unveiling at the 2015 Shanghai Motor Show, the Allroad is the Prologue’s evolution into, as you might’ve guessed, a more rugged crossover version. It measures 16.8-feet from end to end but, crucially, rides around three inches higher than the
Prologue Avant
 concept.
The hybrid powertrain that powered the Prologue Coupe concept returns here, a 4.0-litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 that is paired to an electric motor that sends an borderline-excessive 738 hp and 900 Nm of torque to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. All that grunt can propel the Prologue Allroad concept to 100 km/h from a standstill in a mere 3.5 seconds. What’s more impressive is that Audi claims that all this performance does not mean a compromise in fuel efficiency as they claim it can achieve 98 miles per gallon or 2.4 liters per 100 kilometers. I suppose you can have your cake and eat it. Oh, and Audi is featuring an inductive charging system on this car that it says will make it to production vehicles. All the driver has to do is park the car over a special pad that would be placed where the car is kept overnight (such as a home garage) to charge the batteries up.
The Allroad sits on 22-inch wheels which must be something special to provide real comfort while going off road, but to cope with those situations, the car rides on adaptive air suspension and can be steered through all four wheels.
The interior on the Allroad is as impressive as it has been on all Audi Prologue vehicles, with plenty of pixels to display every bit of important information that you might ever need. The signature OLED display infotainment unit stretches the width of the dashboard, with additional screens for each rear passenger. The interior colours and materials are meant to calm its occupants above all else, with a mixture of beige, brown, and dark blue.
The Audi of the future wants to be at the forefront of vehicle design and technology and we’re curious to see how the cues seen here will translate into Audi’s subsequent models, namely the
A6
 Allroad. Meanwhile, please enjoy our gallery below of the Prologue Allroad concept.


YOU’RE INVITED: Mazda Anshin Pre-Owned Car Centre Officially Opens 7th Feb, 2015

Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd, the franchise holder and importer of
Mazda
 vehicles in Malaysia, has just announced that it will soon be holding a launch event for its Mazda Anshin Pre-Owned Car Centre, and you’ve been invited.

Located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam (full address below), the opening ceremony will take place this coming Saturday (7
th
 February, 2015), from 11am to 5pm, where light refreshments will also be served.

The main highlight of the event is of course the opportunity to now purchase a nearly brand-new Mazda vehicle from “Privileged Prices” that start from as low as RM55,000 – we assume this could be for the previous-gen
Mazda 2
 model.

The rest of the details are available in the brochure listed below, so we’ll see you there!


MINI Connect Gets Overhauled, Focuses On Enhancing The Essentials

MINI
,
BMW
’s compact vehicle arm, is after five years launching a major new direction for its MINI Connected app system. The relaunch is a in alignment with the brand’s recent focus on the essentials.
Available for download in mid-August of 2015, the pared-down and simpler approach to MINI’s connectivity features will concentrate on driving-related functions. That new app landscape is dominated by MINI Streetwise, with auxiliary functions such as Online Search, Status, Sports Instruments and Force Meter, and Calendar also available.
While the other features are rather self-explanatory,
let’s delve into what MINI Streetwise is
, which is an ambitious plan to use the smartphone to enhance the in-car experience. It lets users display the best route on their mobile device before the journey has even begun.
With the use of personal driving data with the user’s past journeys, fuel consumption and journey duration, Streetwise can predict the preferred route and have that information inputted into the in-car navigation upon entering the vehicle.
If several drives to the same destination have already been recorded, MINI Streetwise will calculate the user’s personal best route as the recommended option. Clicking on the destination pin calls up the estimated time of arrival together with alternative routes, including data such as distance, journey duration and estimations on fuel economy.
Once the smartphone has been connected to the car, the information can also be displayed within the main display page within the Centre Instrument, always showing clear recommendations to get to a desired destination.
With
Online Search and Calendar
, drivers can quickly look up destinations based on addresses, points of interest, or landmarks. From there the location information can be quickly transferred to the MINI navigation system for route planning. Alternatively, Online Search can also place phone calls via information obtained through the search (such as to make a restaurant reservation) via the connected smartphone.
Calendar allows the connected vehicle to pull calendar and to-do list information from the smartphone to display the information together with other details such as attendees, location, and relevant phone numbers.
With
Sports Instruments and Force Meter,
the driver can directly call up information to the MINI’s Centre Instrument panel to display performance-related data such as rev speed, torque, engine temperature, and current output. In addition, the Force Meter function, visualises all accelerating forces while on the move.
The
Status, Apps and Profile
tab allows the driver to access the most relevant vehicle data very quickly and easily. Status will reveal the vehicle’s current location, fuel level, estimated range, and info on previously recorded journeys. Under Apps, users are provided with a summary of all the applications currently installed in the vehicle via MINI Connected. The Profile function allows users to enter their name and from there call up personal driving statistics such as total distance driven, driving time and average fuel consumption as well as average journey distance.


2016 All-New Toyota Innova Crysta Launched In Thailand

The second generation all-new Toyota Innova is now available in Thailand. To reflect the 2016 all-new Innova’s significantly more luxurious interior, Toyota Motor Thailand has decided to add the ‘Crysta’ moniker to the Innova’s name. The same name has also been adopted in India, but not in Indonesia, where the Thai-market Innova is imported from.
As before, the all-new Innova shares the same ladder chassis IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform with the
Hilux
 and
Fortuner
.
Thailand has also elected to add a 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine option to the Innova’s model range, and curiously, the diesel models are the ones with the highest specifications while the base model uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine.
Both the 2.8-litre turbodiesel and 2.0-litre petrol are new engines. The former is a 1GD-FTV four-cylinder 16-valve unit with variable nozzle turbo and intercooler. It produces 174 PS at 3,400 rpm and 360 Nm between 1,200 – 3,400 rpm. Drive is transferred to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.0-litre 1TR-FE petrol has been updated with Dual VVT-i valvetrain to coax out 139 PS at 5,600 rpm and 183 Nm at 4,000 rpm, transferred to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.
The main highlight for the second generation Innova is its interior. Like the all-new Hilux and Fortuner that it is derived from, the Innova has made significant leaps from the outgoing model in terms of interior refinement and safety features.
As in the Hilux and Fortuner, the all-new Innova’s dashboard and instrument panel looks very sophisticated and even features some rather convincing faux leather stitching. In Thailand, the top of the Innova range 2.8V model features two Captain seats for the second row, making it a six-seater. It’s also fitted with LED projector headlamps. Other variants retain the regular seven-seater seating configuration and multi-reflector headlamps.
Toyota has also added quite a number of features that you would normally only see in chauffeur-driven cars. The front passenger seat has a release latch that allows rear passengers to push it forward. There’s also foldable tray tables.
The roof lining is illuminated by a set of very Alphard-like ambient lighting, while the rear air-conditioning blower even features digital control.
There’s even a soft-closing function for the tailgate! Not quite what you would normally expect from this class of vehicles.
Electronic stability and traction control (VSC and TRC), ABS and hill-start assist are available as standard - at least in Thailand – as are three airbags (driver, driver’s knee, front passenger). The top-two variants (2.8V and 2.8G) get seven airbags.
Prices in Thailand start from 1.13 million Baht for the 2.0E petrol manual, 1.2 million Baht for the 2.8G diesel automatic, and 1.36 million Baht for the 2.8V diesel automatic.
The all-new Toyota Innova is only expected to be launched in Malaysia in 2017, but it is quite unlikely that Malaysia will adopt the same specifications as Thailand, where the flagship variants are diesel-powered.
Looking at the recently launched Malaysian-market Hilux and Fortuner, there is no doubt that the Malaysian-market second generation Innova will have similarly high levels of specifications but we are quite certain that the flagship variants will continue to use petrol engines.
Images courtesy of our sister-site in Thailand,
AutoSpinn.com
.


Jaguar I-PACE launched in Malaysia - 400PS/696NM, 470KM range, from RM460K

After what felt like a very long time since there were rumours that the Jaguar I-PACE would grace our roads, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has finally launched the Jaguar I-PACE, their first fully electric premium sport utility vehicle (SUV) for the Malaysian market.

The Jaguar I-PACE, which seamlessly integrates sustainability and practicality with its contemporary design has won more than 80 awards globally, including
‘World Car of the Year’, ‘World Car Design of the Year’ and ‘World Green Car’.

Two variants, the LE and HSE

The Jaguar EV comes in two variants, the LE and HSE, with prices starting at RM460,800 for the LE and RM498,800 for the HSE. The main differences between the variant are distinguished by air suspension, Meridien sound system and sports seats for the HSE version.

Powertrain same for all

The rest is pretty much the same, including its powertrain, which features two Jaguar-designed electric motors at each axle, which gives the hatchback-looking SUV 400PS and 696Nm of torque.

Its aluminium construction and a low centre of gravity offer an unrivalled balance of all-wheel drive performance, according to Jaguar, but we're pretty certain it has the highest level of refinement, luxury and agility, judging by past Jaguars.

The Jaguar I-PACE sets itself apart in its segment, with its ability to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and a 400m sprint in 12.4 seconds, as well as having a wading depth rating of 500mm.

Battery and charging speed

Equipped with a 90kWh battery, the I-PACE has a certified Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) range of up to 470km. The battery is positioned in the centre of the vehicle, as low as possible, with a seal between the housing and the underfloor.

Customers can enjoy fast charging when connected to an 11kW wall box, as it can achieve 53km of WLTP range per hour, and a full charge from empty-to-full which only takes 8.6 hours, making it ideal for overnight charging at home.

Interior features

Jaguar I-PACE features the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, which employs an innovative combination of touchscreens, capacitive sensors, and tactile physical controls, making it easy to use.

The standard 10" and optional 5.5" dual high-definition Touchscreens allow users to view information while also interacting with additional features, increasing flexibility and efficiency.

Despite being a mid-sized SUV, the I-PACE’s cab forward design and electric powertrain provide interior space comparable to large SUVs.

There is 890mm of legroom in the back, and a useful 10.5-litre central storage compartment due to the lack of a transmission tunnel.

Tablet and laptop storage is available beneath the rear seats, and the rear luggage compartment has a capacity of 656 litres - and 1,453 litres with the seats folded flat.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia is also giving free RM1,000 credit in the DC GoToU app for every booking received during the launch period until 28 May 2023. This allows users to reserve a charging station, as well as the guarantee of it being switched on.

Reservations for the Jaguar EV can be made at Jaguar showrooms in Ara Damansara or Penang.


Over 100 Years Of Pick-up Trucks – The Backbone of Civilizations

Anthropologists, the intelligent folks who study human civilization, categorise each era according to the tools used by people of that era. The Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Age of Antiquities, Middle Ages, Industrial Age, Information Age - each period of our civilizational history is marked by a tool of overriding importance.
If the Industrial Age was about steam engines, and later the internal combustion engine, then the Information Age is about this thing called the Internet.
In the same way humanity’s 200,000 plus years of history can be summarised into several distinct eras, so too is the history of man’s mobility with motor vehicles.
While the annals of motoring history are often populated with anecdotes of passenger cars because of their more glamourous appeal, the truth is that many of the oldest car companies build their foundations upon pick-up trucks before producing more sophisticated passenger cars.
Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Isuzu, Toyota – some of the oldest car companies in the world, all began their work with trucks.
The reason is simple: in an era where transportation of essential goods relied on horses and steam-engine trains, a flatbed motorised truck was almost heaven-sent as it liberated farmers from the clutches of opportunistic middlemen.
So it was only natural that the most enthusiastic people towards this ‘devil’s carriage’ – as cars are often referred to by people of that era, fearful of progress and what this unusual contraption represents – are actually farmers rather than the urban folks.
In 1896, ten years after Karl Benz invented the Benz Patent-Motorwagen – the world’s first internal combustion engine car, Gottileb Daimler invented the world’s first truck – simply referred as by its inventor as the Daimler Motorised Goods Vehicle (above).
The Daimler truck was first exported to London, followed by Paris, New York, St. Petersburg, and would later establish the role for trucks in developing a nation’s economy for decades to come.
The 1908 Ford Model T was first introduced in America. It was sold as a rolling chassis, allowing the owner to fit any type of body from any builder that he desires. Many of these early Model Ts ended up being used as a truck.
By 1924, Ford began producing something vaguely similar to our modern-day pick-up truck, with a factory-fitted body and a cargo deck in the rear – the Ford Model TT. As it was based on a regular Model T, it can be said that the Model TT (below) was a precursor to a modern-day pick-up truck.
The Model TT was a farmer’s workhorse, transported goods across America and was the backbone of America’s rapid economic growth in the early 20
th
 century. Agriculture, postal services, manufacturing, all relied on the pick-up truck.
Across the Pacific, it was a similar story. Isuzu, the oldest car company in Japan, started out making a British Wolseley A-9 passenger car in 1922 but the first Isuzu vehicle was a truck – a TX40 in 1938 (below).
It was a similar story with Toyota, who despite first producing the Model AA, it was the G1 truck that was the first Toyota to be produced in meaningful numbers.
The reasons behind it was simple. Japan was still a poor country and not many people could afford a passenger car. Trucks were desperately needed to support the country’s growing economy.
Megacities And The Birth Of A Modern Day Compact Pick-up Truck
After World War 2, major economies around the world were busy rebuilding themselves. People were also migrating to cities at an unprecedented rate. The term ‘urbanisation’ was coined.
In 1950, there was only one city with a population of over 10 million – New York City. Within the next decade, Tokyo joined the list – which would later be expanded to 3 by 1975, and 10 by 1990.
It was also within this early period of urbanization that Isuzu produced its first light truck – the Isuzu Wasp – which was introduced in 1963.
An increasing number of families were leaving their farms in the countryside to find better paying jobs in the city. Many settled down to small businesses serving the increasingly large group of urbanites.
This group of entrepreneurs didn’t need a large truck. Instead, they needed a compact truck to support their businesses. Large enough to carry goods, but still compact enough to navigate a typical city street, and more importantly - you don't need a special driving license to drive them.
With economic growth came a greater demand for raw materials and more construction work. Trucks were no longer workhorses for small and medium retail businesses, and workmen alike, but also the transport tool of choice for those who were directly involved in building a megacity, literally.
This necessitated the introduction of four-wheel drives. Up until this point, pick-up trucks were mostly variants of a passenger car, running the same rear-wheel drive transmission from a regular car of that time.
Isuzu At The Heart Of A New Generation Of The Pick-Up Truck
The second generation of Isuzu’s light pick-up trucks, the Isuzu Faster (above), was one such example. Launched in 1972 with a 4x4 variant following in 1978, it set the template for today’s robust go-anywhere 4x4 Isuzu pick-up trucks.
The Faster was replaced by the Pup in 1981 (below).
Up until this point, pick-up trucks were mostly single-cab vehicles, marketed to tradesmen and workmen. It wasn’t a vehicle that you would expect anyone to turn up at the country club with.
When the Invader (below) came in 1987, it was offered in a variety of body styles – single-cab, double-cab and in some countries, an extended cab that offers a bit more utility space behind the driver.
The Invader was the first Isuzu pick-up truck to sell in large numbers in Malaysia. It’s outstanding durability and performance quickly found favour among hardcore 4x4 enthusiasts in Sabah and Sarawak.
Assembled by the now-defunct Kinabalu Motor Assemblers, the Invader, and its successor the Rodeo became synonymous with the East Malaysian motoring landscape.
While the previous generation's Pup, Faster and Wasp models were used purely for work, the newer generation double-cab Invader and Rodeo models attracted attracted a new group of customers - 4x4 enthusiasts who are using their pick-up trucks for recreation, with many of them participating in the annual Trans-Borneo Challenge.
It also helped that the Invader’s cabin was now more car-like than ever before. Gone were the vinyl seats with no headrests: a very common setup in early pick-up trucks.
The steering rack was now lower and more car-like, and the handbrake lever is now mounted next to the driver’s seat rather than under the dashboard, which in earlier pick-up trucks, the driver had to reach down to pull.
A New Era For Isuzu Malaysia, With The All-New D-MAX
When the Pekan-assembled D-MAX was launched in Malaysia in 2005, it heralded a new era for the Isuzu brand, now under Isuzu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a newly formed joint venture with DRB-Hicom.
The predecessors of the D-MAX were developed mostly as a working tool, and as such the priorities for durability, toughness and low running costs takes a much higher precedence than comfort and safety.
While this was acceptable in the past, the new group of customers following behind the trail forged by the first group of early adopters - those hardcore adventurers - simply wouldn’t accept it.
This second group of adopters were inspired by the tall tales of hardcore adventurers with their Isuzus but are at the same time, not prepared to torture themselves to live out their Indiana Jones fantasies.
The first generation D-MAX for example, can be specified with an automatic transmission – a first for an Isuzu pick-up.
In terms of safety, it matches many contemporary passenger cars. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and dual front airbags were introduced.
The clunky shifter to operate the 4x4 transfer case has now been replaced by a neat button-operated system that switches between 4x4 Hi, 4x4 Lo and 4x2 Hi modes on-the-fly, at speeds of up to 100 km/h. In the past, drivers had to stop to the car, get down to manually turn the front wheel hubs to engage or disengage 4x4.
The facelift model launched in 2007 upped the list of convenience features by adding backlit instrument panels, while performance is improved even further by a new 3.0-litre i-TEQ Super Commonrail engine quickly became synonymous with class-leading fuel efficiency.
The dashboard now had better aesthetics appeal, with contrasting colour materials, more user-friendly rotary control knobs, and higher quality sound system.
As pick-up trucks are exempted from excise duties, they are competitively priced against many popular B-segment sedans. Lured by the added utility and go-anywhere capability, many traded their sedans for a pick-up truck, giving rise to the so-called ‘urban truck culture.’
When the second generation D-MAX came in 2013, it upped the ante by offering electronic stability control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) – features that are not even available on many passenger cars of the same price band.
Its best-in-class aerodynamic efficiency was even verified at a wind tunnel used to develop Japan’s ‘Shinkansen’ bullet trains!
Higher-end models even feature leather upholstery, high-end infotainment system, and even a reverse camera.

While its early predecessors had a compromised ride quality to accommodate a higher cargo loading capacity, advances in Isuzu’s technical know-how now allows the all-new D-Max’s to haul up to 3 ton while still maintaining a supple ride.
The current range of D-MAX models, including the stylish D-MAX X-Series, The D-MAX Artic, the
D-MAX Diablo
, are the latest in the evolution of pick-up trucks. While their stylish designs and well thought out cabin looks to the future, beneath every Isuzu lays the same
DNA of unparalleled durability that pays homage to Isuzu’s roots
 in the rough and tumble world of workhorses and adventure vehicles.


Honda Malaysia Targets 80k Car Sales In 2022, Focus On Advanced Tech

Based on the forecasted Total Industry Volume of 600,000 units, Honda Malaysia announced yesterday that their 2022 sales target has now been set to 80,000 cars.

That’s approximately a 50% increase over their 2021 sales numbers with last year totalling 53,031 units. Their bullish outlook is fuelled by the momentum from their newest car launches such as the
11th-generation Civic
, the all-new City sedan and
City Hatchback to replace the Jazz
.

Unsurprisingly, their best-selling models this past year were the City sedan which was launched early in the year to account for 36% of total sales followed by the HR-V (21%) and CR-V (14%).

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Madoka Chujo said, “We started 2022 on the back of the strong momentum gained from the launch of the All-New City Hatchback in December 2021. This model raised the benchmark in the B-hatchback segment, offering advanced technology namely e:HEV, Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT,”

“This excellent start to the year continued with the launch of the All-New Civic last month. We set a new benchmark for the C-segment by offering VTEC Turbocharged and Honda SENSING as standard features for all variants. The model’s exceptional interior and exterior further complemented the All-New Civic’s overall package, making it stand apart in the C-segment," Ms. Chujo continued.

In 2022, Honda also plans to double down on its suite of advanced powertrain and connectivity tech by expanding
on its e:HEV variants
 by increasing its emphasis on communicating the fuel economy and performance benefits of its unique hybrid drive system, as well as their
Honda SENSING active safety suite
 and Honda CONNECT vehicle telematics service.

The after-sales was also mentioned as a key area of focus for the automaker, giving more options to customers such as making appointments via the HondaTouch application and expanding their on-site mobile vehicle servicing facility.


Now Is The Best Time To Buy A Nissan – Fantastic RM1 Promo

What can you get with RM1 these days? It’s not even enough to pay for a cup of limau ais, or even buy a piece of roti canai.
But we are not joking when we say that Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is offering an incredible  “RM1 Promotion” for accessories when you purchase selected Nissan models and this will be the last month they’re giving away 2 million Air Asia BIG Points up for grab! Furthermore, to ease your burden in owning a vehicle, ETCM is offering attractive rebates and 0% Easy Down Payment Scheme.
The Nissan Almera is currently on offer with a savings of up to RM7,500, and for only RM1, customers can purchase either a HD Driving Video Recorder, a NISMO Aerokit or a 6.5-inch Multimedia Navigator.
Unlike other after-market Driving Video Recorders, the ones offered by Edaran Tan Chong Motor is specially designed to fit on all Nissan vehicles’ rear view mirror. It features a 150° wide  angle camera with high-quality 1,296 pixel HD videos, and a built-in gravity sensor that automate recording when emergency braking happens and when unavoidable collision occurs. The same sensor is used to trigger auto recording when strong impact or vibration detected on the vehicle even when it is parked. The DVR comes with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to configure, stream and download videos with the TCAT DVR Smartphone application (available in Apple App Store and Google Play).
Additionally, the seven-seater Nissan Grand Livina is now on offer with up to RM6,500 savings, and young families will be happy to know that the Grand Livina can be upgraded to a Premium Package now for just RM1.
For those looking for something  tougher, the Nissan Navara is on offer with up to RM6,000 savings on its listed price and customers who purchase either the SE- or V-variant models can choose to upgrade their Navara to  the Luxury Package accessories by paying just RM1. The package consists of aluminium sport pedals, stainless steel kick plate, door visors, door handle garnish and combination leather seats.
The RM1 promotion is also extended to the 8-inch display Multimedia Navigator with the purchase of the Teana or X-Trail 2.5L. Customers who purchase the X-Trail 2.0L will be entitled to add on leather seats for as low as RM1. Both the X-Trail variants is on offer with a savings of up to RM5,500 while the offer for Teana is up to RM10,000 savings.
To sum it all, it is not only the best time, but it is also worth it when it comes to safety being the priority in purchasing a Nissan. This is seen with the Nissan X-Trail and Navara achieving 5-Star safety rating in the ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) as well as the Grand Prix Award for the Nissan Teana.
The promotions will run until 31-December 2016. For more information, visit
www.nissan.com.my
. To book a test drive at your preferred location, sign up
here
.


Peugeot Gets A New Old Logo After Over A Decade

One can't help but feel that Peugeot's new logo looks awfully Singaporean.

It's hard to believe, but
Peugeot's
 history spans over two centuries. Granted, there were no cars in the 1800s - but like many great automakers, Peugeot's roots were in manufacturing more ordinary items. They started out with steel saws and hand tools from 1810, moving on to coffee grinders in the 1840s, pepper grinders in the 1870s, and bicycles in the 1880s. Through that time, Peugeot saw two logos - both with lions featuring prominently.

Come the 1900s,
Peugeot
 had gotten into automaking and had split with their bicycle-manufacturing arm, known as Cycles Peugeot. Over the next 70 or so years, Peugeot grew and developed their automotive expertise - and saw nine different logos representing the brand. Following their takeover of Citroen and Chrysler Europe, they made yet another badge change.

It is this badge, one of the 1970s, that has borne the lion motif most fans of the brand are familiar with. The simplified, two-dimensional design grew larger in relation to the name, until it became the main focus of the badge in 2010. For the last 45 years, we've seen pretty much the same logo in slightly varying forms.

2021 brings
a big change for Peugeot
, with a logo that is completely revamped following their merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, resulting in the company known as
Stellantis
. The identity and corporate image has also become sharper and sleeker, featuring predominantly dark tones. What's more interesting is that the design of their newest logo actually harks back to those used in the 1960s, with the shield and side-profile of the lion.

Many netizens have made comparisons to Singapore's Merlion as an inspiration for the logo, but realistically it's more a throwback to their roots - something popular among automakers in this day and age as we march towards autonomy and electrification. This new badge will first be shown on the new 308 hatchback, and will be rolled out across dealerships globally by 2023.

With Peugeot under a new
distributor
 here in Malaysia, we're looking forward to a trio of new models that is likely to be
launched here locally
 this year.


Tips For Driving Through Flooded Roads

Over the past few days, there has been a spate of flash floods within the Klang Valley, leaving many car owners stranded on the road.
Here are a few tips on how to deal with flash floods.
1. Avoid Driving Through One!
The general rule of thumb is to avoid risking a drive through a flood in the first place. If possible, turn back or wait for the flood water to recede. Mobile apps like Waze are a good way to check the traffic conditions ahead, allowing other drivers to report on if or not a flood or anything else is causing any issue.
You should only attempt to drive across a flooded stretch only if you are absolutely sure of the depth of the water, and only if it is standing water. Just one foot of fast flowing water is enough to push a small car away. Attempting to drive across fast flowing water could result in having your vehicle washed away by the strong current, which could possibly result in a fatal accident.
2. Gauging The Depth
Do not attempt to drive over flood water that is higher than the bottom of your vehicle’s body. This is to avoid water splashes from being sucked in by your vehicle’s air intakes, as well damaging other parts of your vehicle. The exterior parts of your vehicle are made to withstand water. The insides are not.
Before deciding to drive across a flood, stop your vehicle and take note of the kerbs on either sides of the road. If you can still see them, then it is generally safe to drive across the road. If you can’t see it, exercise extra caution as the water level may be too high, plus there is always the danger of washed off or damaged sections of the road hidden by the water.
If you are absolutely certain that the path is safe enough to be crossed by your vehicle, aim your vehicle towards the ‘crown’ or the highest point of the road, as the water level will be the shallowest there. Depending on the way the road is constructed, this is generally either at the centre or the right side of the road. Of course, this only applies to right-hand drive countries like ours, where roads are designed to channel rainwater away from the centre to the gutters at the left. However note that there can be certain stretches, especially in hilly areas, where water may actually gather more on the right side than on the left.
3. Driving Across Standing Water
As mentioned earlier, never attempt to drive across fast flowing water. Never follow behind another vehicle when driving over a flooded stretch. This is to avoid your own vehicle from getting stranded if the vehicle in front stalls.
Once you are certain that the standing water ahead is still safe enough for your vehicle to drive across, aim for the shallowest point and gently ease your vehicle towards the water at speeds no faster than walking pace, about 3 km/h. Higher speeds may cause water splashes that may get sucked in by your engine’s air intakes.
Shift to a low gear, or ‘L’ or other similar function modes in your transmission.
Once your front wheels are over the water’s edge, gently accelerate to increase your speed slightly, at around 6 km/h. Accelerate just enough to create a bow wave in front of your vehicle. This bow wave will create a depression in the water level in front of your vehicle, allowing you to continue driving across the stretch safely. Try to keep a constant speed so this bow wave is not disrupted.
Never take your foot off the accelerator. Maintaining a constant pressure is important in keeping water out of your vehicle’s exhaust. Easing pressure off the accelerator pedal will result in a drop in exhaust pressure, which could then result in flood water being sucked in from the exhaust and into your engine.
After successfully crossing a flooded section, continue driving slowly while gently tapping on your brakes to dry them, as well to check their function.
The video below is made in the context of off-road driving, but the bow wave and low but constant speed principle still applies for urban flash floods.
4. Get Flood Insurance Coverage
Lastly, ensure that your car’s insurance protects your vehicle against flood damage. For a RM120,000, 1.8-litre C-segment family sedan, flood insurance adds about RM500 to the total motor insurance cost, but that’s only a very small price to pay when compared to the potential cost of repairing a flood-damaged car.
Remember that today’s cars are far more sophisticated, employing multiple electronic control units inside its safety, infotainment and convenience features. Repairing a flood damaged modern car can easily set you back tens of thousands of Ringgit.


All-New Peugeot 408 e-THP Launched, Prices Start RM143,888

Peugeot’s answer to the C-Segment takes on a new chapter with the introduction of the all-new Peugeot 408 e-THP. Traditionally the non-mainstream option against more established rival such as the
Honda Civic
, Toyota Altis and even Korean offerings such as the Hyundai Elantra – the Peugeot 408 did however offer continental twist on proceedings.
Now, in its second generation, the 408 now rests on the firm’s Efficient Modular Platform (EMP) 2 architecture that brings along with it crucial weight reductions and an assimilation towards the new Peugeot corporate profile. Perhaps now looking more like a sedan version of the 308 or a shrunken down silhouette of the
Peugeot 508
.
The THP part of the name stands for a Turbo High Pressure engine aid while the ‘e’ that precedes it refers to a start/stop system. The crucial stats of the Peugeot 408 e-THP read as follows:
Price: RM143,888
1598cc, 4-cylinder, 16V, twin-scroll turbocharged 167ps @ 6000rpm and 245Nm between 1400rpm and 4000rpm
Six-speed AT6 auto transmission with sequential shift.
Pseudo-McPherson front suspension, deformable cross-member rear setup.
Ventilated discs front, solid discs rear.
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4750mm/1820mm/1488mm
Wheelbase: 2730mm
The safety suite includes six-airbags, reinforced safety structure, Anti-Lock Braking System and Peugeot’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP). A Blind Spot info system is also included as standard.  Peugeot claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.2-seconds to a top speed of 215kph. Economy numbers stand at 6.5l/100km.
Only one variant is available is available at the outset which throws the kitchen sink worth of options such as Smart Park Assist II, Intelligent Keyless entry and go, Electric Parking Brake and parking sensors front and rear. Take note however, the Peugeot 408 e-THP does without the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Dynamic Cruise Control offered on the Peugeot 308 THP.
The Peugeot 408 e-THP is available in five different colours with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty (3-year manufacturer + 2-year extended).


PROTON Bakal Kembali Ke Pasaran Indonesia Dan Thailand

Industri automotif di negara ini sedang terkesan dengan penutupan pusat jualan ekoran penguatkuasaan ketat
Lockdown 3.0
. Penutupan tersebut semestinya akan mempengaruhi jumlah jualan keseluruhan industri dalam tempoh beberapa bulan.

Meskipun
jualan domestik PROTON
 agak sedikit suram ketika ini, namun bahagian jualan antarabangsa PROTON terus mendunia setelah mencatatkan jualan eksport tertinggi dalam tempoh 98 bulan pada bulan Mei lalu. Pada bulan lalu, pasaran eksport PROTON telah berjaya menjual sebanyak 669 unit kenderaan sekaligus mencatat hasil yang terbaik sejak Mac 2013.

Sepanjang bulan Mei lalu, jumlah jualan eksport PROTON adalah sebanyak 174% daripada sasaran yang ditetapkan berbanding tempoh yang sama tahun lalu. Jika nak dibandingkan dengan jualan eksport keseluruhan tahun 2020, jumlah ini hanya kurang 6% sahaja berbanding jualan keseluruhan tahun lalu.

Pasaran eksport PROTON meningkat kerana berlaku peningkatan dalam permintaan model PROTON di pasaran luar seperti pasaran
Pakistan
,
Mesir
 dan
Brunei
. Meskipun Pakistan merupakan pasaran baru bagi PROTON, tetapi untuk tempoh 5 bulan pertama bagi tahun 2021, ia muncul sebagai pasaran eksport terbaik untuk syarikat ini.

Menurut Pengarah Jualan Antarabangsa PROTON, Steven Xu, meskipun terdapat kekangan antarabangsa dan peningkatan kos penghantaran akibat COVID-19, PROTON telah berjaya melepasi sasaran yang diletakkan dan hampir-hampir menggandakan jumlah jualan berbanding apa yang disasarkan.

Dengan pertumbuhan jualan secara domestik yang meningkat, pemasangan model PROTON di pasaran eksport juga penting bagi memastikan syarikat itu mampu mencapai sasaran jangka masa panjang. Berikutan permulaan pemasangan tempatan bagi model Proton Saga di Kenya, rakan kongsi PROTON di Pakistan, Al-Haj Automotive turut akan memulakan operasi pemasangan
Proton Saga
 pada akhir bulan Julai atau awal bulan Ogos di kilang baharu mereka di Karachi. Selain Proton Saga,
Proton X70
turut akan menerima pemasangan di sana kelak.

Meskipun jualan eksport PROTON menunjukkan peningkatan, kunci utama untuk mencapai sasaran jangka masa panjang adalah mengekalkan pertumbuhan di pasaran ASEAN bagi memberi saingan kepada pengilang tempatan dan antarabangsa. Oleh kerana pasaran ASEAN Proton hanya terhad kepada Brunei sahaja ketika ini, Proton telah merancang untuk kembali kepada dua pasaran terbesar di rantau ini iaitu
Thailand
 dan
Indonesia
, dalam masa terdekat.

Untuk PROTON mendapat tempat ke 3 jualan tertinggi di pasaran ASEAN, syarikat terbabit perlu berada di pasaran besar seperti Thailand dan Indonesia secara meluas. Sebagai pasaran terbesar di rantau ini, kedua-dua negara terbabit memberikan potensi kepada penambahan jumlah jualan, meskipun saingan juga amat tinggi di pasaran tersebut.

Steven turut mendedahkan bahawa matlamat PROTON dalam masa terdekat adalah untuk kembali ke pasaran Thailand pada tahun 2022 kelak. Bagi pasaran Indonesia, ia masih belum didedahkan. Buat masa ini, pihak PROTON sedang berusaha dalam mencari rakan kongsi di kedua-dua negara berkenaan bagi membina satu rangkaian bagi memastikan satu model perniagaan berdaya maju dapat dicapai.

Meskipun dunia sedang dilanda
kekurangan cip semikonduktor
 dan Proton yang sedang mengalami
masalah dalam menyediakan alatganti
bagi barisan SUV popular mereka, namun Proton tetap optimis dengan sasaran yang ditetapkan. Persoalannya, dengan peningkatan pasaran eksport Proton di pasaran luar, adakah ia berpotensi untuk menambah tempoh menunggu di pasaran domestik bagi pelanggan yang sudah pun membuat tempahan tetapi masih belum menerima kenderaan setelah berbulan-bulan?

Sebenarnya, untuk model
X50
, PROTON telah mengeluarkan kenyataan bahawa mereka sedang bertungkus-lumus untuk menyiapkan lebih 40 ribu tempahan yang diterima. Sekiranya anda masih menunggu Proton X50 anda, diharapkan bersabar kerana Proton kini
fokus untuk menyelesaikan segala tempahan tertunggak di pasaran domestik
 bagi mengutamakan penghantarannya kepada pembeli di negara ini terlebih dahulu.


Audi Australia Launches Official Dash Cams; Coming To Malaysia Sept 2017

Dash cams have become increasingly important car accessories, but they remain largely aftermarket items at present. Many new cars come with them now as standard or optional add-ons, but they are still mostly detachable items placed there by the dealership.
Audi now moves the game on with the release its own OEM dash cam, dubbed the Universal Traffic Recorder, as part of its official line of genuine accessories. The devices have quietly debuted in the Australian market, according to
CarAdvice.com.au
.
Buyers can choose to either fit a single front-facing camera or have two cameras covering front- and rear-facing directions. The devices can be fitted in all current Audi models as well as being retrofitted to selected models dating as far back as 2013.
The cameras feature three operating modes – Standard, Event, and Parking, each fine-tuned for various driving and parking situations. Users can interface with the device using a specially-designed Audi UTR App available on both iPhone and Android devices. Functions on the app include live viewing, video gallery, and car finder function.
CarAdvice
 reports that the device’s internals consist of a full HD camera, radar, GPS, and G-shock sensor. The G-shock sensor detects sudden decelerations, which it registers as potential collisions, and triggers ‘Event’ operating mode, which write-protects the video segment currently recorded.

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In ‘Standard’ operating mode, which activates when the engine starts, the device records videos onto an ejectable 8Gb SD card. Once the SD card’s memory is full, the device then over-writes the oldest unprotected data.
The device switches over to ‘Parking’ mode when the engine is turned off. In this mode, recordings are made whenever motion triggers its in-built radar.
In Australia, the devices have a recommended retail price of AU$745.00 for the single-facing forward camera and AU$845.00 for front- and rear-facing camera set. The price includes full wiring set, adhesives, operating instructions, cable ties, and foam grommets.
Carlist.my
 has confirmed with Audi Malaysia that the Universal Traffic Recorder will be offered in Malaysia and Singapore from September 2017 onwards as part of the company’s Audi Genuine Accessory (AGA) offerings.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Registers Record Sales In 2014

Mercedes-Benz
 Malaysia (MBM) achieved a record year in 2014 by registering a 17% year-on-year increase in sales with 9,419 units. Consistent sales of over 900 units monthly and the introduction of new models contributed to this result.
Main models, namely the C-, E- and
S-Class
 comprised the majority of vehicle sales with 4,575 units, an 11% increase compared to 2013. The newly introduced flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class posted impressive sales of 635 units, a 388% increase compared to the year before. Recently, MBM introduced the
E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid
 in Malaysia but it is not included in the 2014 sales figures.
Other newly launched vehicles were the
GLA
 and
CLA
, contributing 2,322 units to sales growth, a near 100% increase from the previous year New Generation Compact Car (NGCC) family. Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles also registered a sale of 199 units and FUSO, above 2,000 units.
Another highlight for
MBM
 is the continued support for the nation to become an energy-efficient vehicle (EEV) hub with a RM15 million investment in their Pekan production plant where the
S 400 L Hybrid
 is assembled, receiving full duty exemptions.


Honda Teases Upcoming Sedan Model For 2018

On top of introducing the new Honda Odyssey at their annual media gathering, Honda also shared their plans for 2018 with the media.
One of the slides that was presented mentioned their new models for 2018, with one of the new models being the new Odyssey.
The other model was only displayed as a silhouette of a sedan form, possibly hinting that Honda Malaysia is looking to introduce the all-new Honda Accord this year.
To recap, the all-new Honda Accord is based on the same platform as the Honda Civic and Honda CR-V, available with three engine choices - a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine or a hybrid with a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine.
Read more:
All-New 2018 Honda Accord Announced, First Ever Turbocharged Model


Nissan and Infiniti Announce Malaysia’s Best Vehicle Warranty – 7 Years, Unlimited Mileage

Edaran Tan Chong Motor and Inspired Motor have jointly announced that starting this year, new Nissan and Infiniti vehicles sold in Malaysia will be covered by a 7-year/unlimited mileage warranty, making it the longest warranty provided by any car company here.
The announcement is made in conjunction with the Tan Chong Group’s 60
th
 anniversary.
Mr Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM commented, “This year, we celebrate Tan Chong Group’s 60th Anniversary. With heartfelt gratitude and appreciation, we are proud to introduce Malaysia’s best vehicle warranty. It is Nissan’s Global Quality that gives Tan Chong Group the confidence to offer our customers a complete peace of mind, lower maintenance cost and improve resale value.”
The warranty coverage applies to all Nissan models except Navara pickup, which is capped at 5 years or 150,000km whereas for commercial usage vehicles, the coverage falls back to the previous 3 years or 100,000km warranty. The 7-year warranty is fully undertaken by Tan Chong Group, and transferable to subsequent owners within the coverage period.
The first 5 years coverage is identical to manufacturer’s 3 years warranty, while 6th and 7th year warrants engine, transmission, and selected parts coverage.
An extended warranty program for existing owners will soon be announced and offered.
In conjunction with Chinese New Year, ETCM will be giving away Hitachi premium home appliances worth RM108,888 to January and February lucky winners. The campaign is a unique collaboration between ETCM and Hitachi Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., which gives an opportunity for customers to win these appliances when they purchase and register a Nissan vehicle during the promotional period.
During the campaign, ETCM is also offering attractive rebates and savings up to RM6,500 for selected Nissan models, as well as the continuation of 0%  Easy Down Payment Scheme and RM1 Promotion.


Audi Malaysia introduces new assurance package (2 years free + 3 years paid)

Audi Malaysia
 has just announced the Audi Assurance Package (AAP) to its customers, aiming to provide better after sales experience and customer satisfaction. It was announced along with new on-the-road prices for the entire range of Audi models.

Starting from 1st January 2023, customers purchasing a new Audi will be able to opt-in for a package that extends the standard 2 year manufacturer warranty by 3 years, together with 3 years of free maintenance. To clarify, customers upon opting in for the AAP will enjoy a total of 5 years manufacturer warranty, 3 years maintenance and 5 years roadside assistance. Prices for this package range from RM8,000 to RM24,000, depending on the model. Audi owners can choose to take advantage of this offer either prior to or at the time of purchase.

The package, offered by
PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM)
, is designed to give customers peace of mind when purchasing a new Audi. PHSAM,Malaysia’s official Audi distributor, is dedicated to providing superior Audi ownership experience and furthering the growth of the Audi brand in the country.

Erik Winter, Managing Director PHSAM, stated that exceptional ownership experience begins with the purchase. The AAP will provide more value and flexibility to owners.

“Beyond this, our Audi Centres are also ready to support owners with improved aftersales offerings and the right package to suit their lifestyle demands, and to ensure their vehicles remain protected for the journeys they are making. This initiative adds to our series of customer care programmes to make Audi the choice of those seeking drive experiences that are a class above the rest,” he added.

More information on the assurance package can be found on Audi Malaysia’s website.


BMW Group Malaysia Sets New Record For Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Deliveries

For the first four months of this year, BMW Group Malaysia has set new delivery records for their plug-in hybrid vehicles. Currently, 52.7% of BMW Group Malaysia's vehicle deliveries this year are plug-in hybrid vehicles. This falls in line with the 41.7% growth that BMW Group's electrified vehicle sales have seen over the same period last year, with a total figure of 36,692 units globally. Even with this strong start, BMW Group is pushing for a global sales figure of 140,000 electrified vehicles for this year.
As for local performance, BMW Group Malaysia launched two new plug-in hybrid vehicles earlier in the year; this came in the form of the
530e Sport
 in January, and the
MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid
 as the other. These additions come hand in hand with BMW Group Malaysia's expansion of accessibility to charging stations, making the plug-in hybrid experience all the more effective and using these cars to their fullest potential.
With performance as strong as this, you can expect BMW Group Malaysia to continue adding to their portfolio of electrified vehicles, especially as they already have the largest portfolio of plug-in hybrid vehicle variants in the industry. Plug-in hybrid cars, coupled with favourable EEV incentives make for good buying propositions at highly competitive prices.


Volkswagen Unveils Golf GTE Sport, A Svelte 395hp Hybrid Hot Hatch Concept From The Future

The Wörthersee festival in Austria is always where we get to glimpse what comes about when Volkswagen lets their imagination and love for high performance concepts roam free. This year is no different, and the Golf GTE Sport Concept is how Volkswagen goes about blending power, beauty and electric drive into a fast hatchback.
Aside from being rather pretty with its very slow slung body, futuristic squinty front end, trick multi-tier C-pillars, and butterfly doors (those won’t stop being cool, ever), the
Volkswagen

Golf
 GTE Sport Concept packs a lot of go-faster tech as well.
It uses a three-motor drive system consisting of a WRC-derived 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 294hp that is aided by two electric motors located on each axle developing 114hp each. Working together, they produce a combined output of 395hp and 670Nm of torque.
That’s a lot of poke for the lightweight hatch and its predominantly carbon fibre body, and as a result it needs just 4.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h from standstill and is capable of a 280 km/h top speed when set in its most powerful “GTE mode”. All that performance doesn’t come with a fuel consumption concession, however, courtesy of its electric drive system, and in the NEDC cycle for plug-in hybrids, the GTE Sport Concept consumes a mere 2.0L/100km. Volkswagen say it bridges the gap between road cars and racing sports cars. It certainly makes a case for itself there.
Inside, the angles that are dressed on the cabin could possibly peel potatoes. It’s all very driver-centric and that angularity is meant to convey a sense of aggression and masculinity about the driving experience, as does the five-point harnesses. The GTE Sport Concept is strictly a two-seater – no rear seats and an elbow-level divider runs down the middle.
From the driver’s perspective, you’ll immediately notice the three-level digital gauge cluster that’s clearly taken inspiration from modern fighter jets and a futuristic steering wheel rounds off a very futuristic interior, and indeed, a futuristic Golf.