Porsche begins vehicle assembly in Malaysia, the first time outside Germany

As reported in August last year
, Porsche will assemble its vehicles in Malaysia, the first time that the sportscar maker is carrying out such activity outside Germany. It has not built a new factory in Malaysia but is using the existing Inokom Corporation complex for its facility.

The official launch of the facility, which took place today, is an event of great significance and is the result of close collaboration with Sime Darby, which represents Porsche with its Sime Darby Auto Performance unit. It also owns the Inokom factory, located on a 200-acre site in Kulim, Kedah which began operations in 1997. The factory first assembled Renault and Hyundai vehicles and under Sime Darby ownership, products from BMW, MINI, Hyundai and Mazda are also assembled at the complex today.

The Inokom factory in Kulim, Kedah, is the first site outside Europe to manufacture Porsches.

Porsche Zuffenhausen, Germany

Porsche Leipzig, Germany.

“We are very honoured by Porsche’s continued trust in Sime Darby, as we deliver a product consistent with Porsche’s highest standards for quality, performance and driving experience. The facility, which is 100% staffed by highly skilled Malaysians, not only supports the growth of our businesses across the automotive value chain in Malaysia; but also creates a pipeline of jobs to empower the local community,” said Sime Darby Berhad Group CEO, Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson.

“The new assembly site in Malaysia meets specific market needs and operates alongside Porsche’s established network of production sites in Europe. In particular, it meets comprehensive quality standards set forth by Porsche when assembling Porsche sportscars,” said Albrecht Reimold, Member of the Executive Board for Production and Logistics at Porsche. “Additionally, the facility was built alongside our production philosophy: smart, lean and green.”

With this in mind, Porsche has designed its local assembly facility to meet high sustainability standards: on the roof, solar panels provide all the power needed for operations, while rainwater harvesting technologies ensure wastewater is kept to a minimum.

The Sime Darby local assembly facility has a team of highly skilled and 100% Malaysian talent, all of whom have received comprehensive training from Porsche. The assembly is further supported by a network of local suppliers and service providers in the area, empowering the future of the local community with job opportunities, upskilling prospects, and potential for further expansion.

Porsche will start with the Cayenne, a popular SUV model which is now in its third generation. The units assembled at Inokom will be for sale only in Malaysia although it is likely that the carmaker will be looking at exports later on. After all, with AFTA (the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement) allowing duty-free exchange of vehicles within ASEAN countries, it will be advantageous as prices can be more attractive and competitive. However, to qualify for this benefit, at least 40% of the vehicle’s content must be sourced from within ASEAN so that may require a bit more time to reach.

One of the first locally-assembled Cayennes undergoing final checks.

While it may seem that local assembly is simply a matter of picking a model and putting it into a box in disassembled form for assembly in another country, the process is actually more extensive. It has to be engineered for local assembly, taking into account the level of automation at the facility and capabilities of the workforce. In as far as being suitable for local conditions, that would already be done as Porsche has been selling the Cayenne locally since it was first introduced in the early 2000s.

For Porsche too, this is something new and the company probably has to create some new departments to handle the processes for assembly in Malaysia. Preparation of the completely knocked down (CKD) packs with all the parts is a specialised activity and something Porsche has never had to do before. Of course, it will probably be able to draw on the knowledge and experience from other members in the Volkswagen Group which have been assembling in other countries for decades.

The locally assembled model comes with an elevated and enhanced standard equipment range specified exclusively for the Malaysian market, with a specially curated Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur option package and a special Porsche Design timepiece available for further personalisation.

Another initiative by Porsche in Malaysia is helping to establish a recharging network for electric vehicles. Porsche Asia Pacific and Shell have collaborated to set up
high-performance charging (HPC) stations
 along the North-South Expressway. This is a first in Southeast Asia and Shell’s first cross-country EV infrastructure in the region, enabling EV owners to drive from Singapore up the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Penang and on to Thailand. Additionally, HPCs are already in place at authorized Porsche dealerships in the country.

For more information on Porsche products and services in Malaysia, visit
www.porsche.com.my
.

First High-Performance Charging Station of Shell and Porsche Asia Pacific collaboration opens in Johor


F1/Round 21: 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying Race

Race starts at 3 pm in Brazil/ 2 am (Monday) in Malaysia

The 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix (previously known as the Brazilian Grand Prix) has certainly been producing some firsts, starting with Kevin Magnussen giving the Haas F1 team its long awaited po9le position for the Sprint Qualifying Race. And then Mercedes-AMG’s George Russell getting his first ever pole position in the race, along with his team also getting its first pole position of the season.

The Sprint Qualifying race, introduced last year at Silverstone, is a 100-km F1 race which offers additional excitement for spectators and also a different challenge for the teams. Drivers will be flat out from start to finish, with no pit stops needed. The best effort will be necessary as the finishing order will determine the starting positions for the main F1 race, so there is a chance to improve on the position gained in Qualifying. There are also points for the top three finishers of the race.

The starting grid for the Sprint Qualifying Race at Interlagos was determined by the usual qualifying session in which Magnussen took pole position for the first time for himself as well as his team. Although the Danish driver held the lead in the first 2 laps, Max Verstappen got past him by the third lap pursued by Russell who had started in P3.

The Mercedes-AMG and Red Bull racing drivers duelled for the next 12 laps and on lap 15, he stayed in Verstappen’s slipstream all the way along the back straight to sweep past just before reaching Turn 4. It was reminiscent of the move made by his team mate, Lewis Hamilton, at the same track last year.

Once Russell got past, he held on to the lead to the finish line. Verstappen, however, came under attack by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. With the chance to get onto the front row instead of starting the main race far back due to a 5-place grid penalty for taking a new engine, Sainz charged forward and as contact occurred between the two cars in Turn 1, the front wing of the Red Bull car was damaged as it hit the rear tyre of the Ferrari.

The incident gave Hamilton the chance to slip past Verstappen but Sainz was able to stay ahead to end the race in second. However, with the grid penalty, the Ferrari driver is demoted and Hamilton moves up to second which has the Mercedes-AMG team on the front row.

However, when the race ended, the Stewards requested to meet 6 drivers due to incidents that occurred in the race. The drivers were Pierre Gasly, Lewis Hamilton, Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo and Zhou GuanYu. Gasly was alleged to have driven too slowly during his reconnaissance laps but got off with a warning while Alonso was penalized for colliding with his team mate. Hamilton was fortunate to be cleared of an issue on the starting grid while both Zhou and Ricciardo were also let off for the same issues of positioning in their starting boxes. The Stewards noted that the boxes at the Interlagos circuit were slightly smaller and may have been more difficult for the drivers to position their F1 cars precisely.

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was given 3 penalty points for driving in a dangerous manner which caused his team mate, Sebastian Vettel, off the track. The Canadian F1 driver had already picked up a 10-second penalty during the race.


Bookings for updated Toyota GR Supra now accepted by authorised dealers in Malaysia

The latest Toyota GR Supra imported by UMW Toyota Motor has refinements and upgrades as part of the second update for the sportscar following a
performance upgrade in July 2020
 (the model was launched in Malaysia in September 2019).

The updates are available in the 3-litre variant priced from
RM589,987
 (excluding insurance and with 50% sales tax exemption until December 31, 2021). Seven colour choices are available – White Metallic, Silver Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic,  Black Metallic, Prominence Red, Lightning Yellow and Matte Storme Grey Metallic.

The performance upgrade centered on the turbocharged inline-six engine which now delivers 388 ps (a 14% increase) with torque remains at 500 Nm but and 100% is available between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. The performance improvement comes from tuning as well as adding a new dual-branch exhaust manifold with 6 ports (instead of two), which improves heat  management. A new piston design also drops the engine’s compression ratio from 11:1 to  10.2:1.

With increased power output, the GR Supra (equipped with an 8-speed automatic  transmission) is claimed to be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, marginally quicker than the previous 4.3 seconds.

The extra measure of performance available can be enjoyed fully with the chassis being further tuned and the addition of a Performance Rod to increase lateral  rigidity and greater cornering stability.

Inside the improved GR Supra, there is now Apple CarPlay (wired) for easy connectivity with iOS devices. Management of many functions and features can be done via an 8.8-inch touchscreen with a touchpad. A GPS navigation system is included and for high-quality sound, the standard JBL HiFi Surround Sound System comes with 12 speakers optimally positioned around the cabin.

Safety is always a priority and even more important with high-performance models like the GR Supra. Toyota provides safety technologies in the GR Supra so that drivers can take the car safely to its high limits. These technologies include a variety of active systems which work  together to assist the driver when necessary.

“The design and engineering parameters of the GR Supra from the onset placed great importance on  performance, driving superiority and styling, elements that defined not only the heritage of the Supra  but also represent the very the foundation of GAZOO Racing (GR). Having said this, GR models are built to continually evolve, not only enhancing on these three key parameters, but to also incorporate  Connected Mobility and intelligent driving systems as these new advancements become available and can further enhance our customers’ overall driving and ownership experience,” said GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama.

The GR Supra is imported from Austria where it is manufactured for global sale. In Malaysia, it is available for booking from selected authorized dealers with Toyota GR Garage showrooms. To locate a dealer, visit
www.toyota.com.my
.

Power boost for latest Toyota GR Supra


BMW Premium Selection Fair happening 13-15 Sept 2019

BMW Group Malaysia will be hosting their largest pre-owned vehicle fair next weekend from 13-15 September 2019. Called the BMW Premium Selection Fair, the event will feature a fine selection of pre-owned vehicles from the X5, 3 Series, 7 Series, as well as MINI models and several BMW Motorrad premium motorcycles.

According to Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, “Be it owners of a brand-new or a pre-owned BMW and MINI vehicle, we are committed to delivering premium ownership experience to our customers, as they are at the heart of all that we do in BMW Group Malaysia. As the demand for BMW and MINI vehicles continue to climb, we look forward to continue delivering the Sheer Driving Pleasure that BMW is known for, as well as MINI’s trademark go-kart feeling, through our largest BMW Premium Selection fair of the year.”

Those who are looking for the best BMW deals in town, you can register in advance on the BMW Premium Selection official website starting today to be eligible for the complimentary one-year insurance. Once successfully registered, you’ll get a unique QR code which entitles you to the best offers at the event.

Other benefits of owning a vehicle from the BMW Premium Selection official website apart from the peace of mind are:

Minimum 12 months BMW Premium Selection Warranty or MINI Used Car Next Warranty

360-Degree Technical and Optical Checks, along with Approved Service History and Vehicle History

Eligibility for BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia financing solutions

BMW Roadside Assistance

https://www.bmwpremiumselection.com.my/images/360_Revised.mp4

Current owners of BMW and MINI vehicles who are looking to trade in their vehicles can also enjoy special benefits such as specialised appraisals, hassle-free transactions and a transparent used-car’s valuation from the comfort of their homes.

There are more than 500 units available on the BMW Premium Selection official website and test drives will be made available at the day of the event. For more information, head over to
www.bmwpremiumselection.com.my
.

All-electric BMW i3s now available – RM278,800


Nissan conducting research on racing drivers’ brains to enhance driving performance

In everyday driving, the brain has to be quick enough to analyse and get a driver to act correctly in any situation – millions of times on a journey. And that’s at a moderate speed too. For racing drivers, the demands are even greater as they travel at far higher speeds so they need quicker reactions and faster abilities to assess situations.

To help its Sebastien Buemi and Oliver Rowland, Nissan’s racing drivers in the all-electric Formula E series, the carmaker has developed an innovative program focused on brain function and anatomy research, training and development in the motorsport field.

Nissan Brain to Performance
, as the program is called, uses advanced brain imaging and analysis to determine the anatomical specifics of high performance, professional drivers. The program aims to develop bespoke, optimized training to enhance the brain functions and anatomy related to driving and racing.

“At Nissan, we dare to do what others don’t. With this groundbreaking program, we aim to understand our racing drivers’ brain functions like never before and push the boundaries of on-track performance in Formula E,” said Tommaso Volpe, Nissan’s Global Motorsports Director. “What if, through advanced brain function analysis and training, we could help make our drivers perform better? Every tenth of a second counts in Formula E, so we’re excited to see how our cutting-edge Nissan research team can enhance the drivers’ already high-performing brain functionality.”

Better connection between people and vehicles

The program will be coordinated by Dr. Lucian Gheorghe, a leader in the field of brain analysis and training, and a driving force behind Nissan’s forward-looking research on how to better build the connection between people and Nissan vehicles. The immediate priority of the program is to enhance the performance of Nissan’s Formula E racers.

“Our brains are incredibly powerful. Without us realizing it, they perform a multitude of critical functions every second we drive our cars. Our highly trained and experienced Nissan Formula E drivers perform these functions under intense pressure and at great speed as they constantly search for faster lap times. Our new Nissan Brain to Performance program seeks to understand what it is about their brains’ electrical activity that enables them to do what they do,” said Dr. Gheorghe.

“If we can, we’d like to help them further improve their performance through bespoke brain training. In the future, could our cutting-edge research help improve the driving skills of the average driver, and inform the development of our road-going EVs? We hope so,” he explained.

The first stage of the new program will involve detailed analysis and testing of the Formula E racers’ brain functions, compared against a control group of ‘average’, non- racing drivers. All drivers will perform a range of tasks on state-of-the-art driving simulators while their brain activity is monitored and recorded. Based on the results, a bespoke driver training program involving electrical brain stimulation will be developed with the aim of improving driver performance.

Key research areas

To understanding how a Nissan Formula E drivers’ brain functions and anatomy differ in comparison to average drivers, the program establishes a spectrum of driver brain activity first. Attempts will be made to see if, through the use of electrical brain stimulation, a professional driver’s brain be enhanced to improve on-track performance.

The longer-term goal is related to future Nissan EV product development, with a focus on achieving the highest level of driver excitement and focus. An increased understanding of bio-electricity will further enhance the driving experience and intuitive nature of future EV operation.

Nissan gets experts from the creators of Pac-Man to help develop better in-car sounds


Honda Malaysia prepares for the New Normal at dealerships

COVID-19 isn’t going to disappear from our lives so quickly. Like many other diseases, it may have diminished presence but it will still be around and still infect people. In fact, few known diseases have been completely eradicated, smallpox being one of them in 1980. Thanks to medical advances and vaccines, we are better protected against diseases, even if we may not be totally immune to them.

Medical experts now suggest that we prepare to ‘live with COVID-19’ and that means continuing with most of the precautions that we have been practicing over the past year. You should know them by now – temperature scanning, social distancing, frequent washing of hands, and using facemasks in crowded areas.

In the business world, companies will also have to adjust to the New Normal and Honda Malaysia is taking a proactive step with a campaign to provide customers and associates with added confidence and safety assurance at its authorized nationwide. The campaign, known as ‘
I’m Vaccinated
’ ensures that only those who have completed their vaccination doses will be allowed to be on duty at the dealerships.

The company and its dealers are committed to ensuring that all the associates are getting their vaccination in a timely manner. To date, 80% of dealer associates in the country have been fully vaccinated and by October 2021, all of them should be vaccinated.

“We are thankful that our car production has resumed operations and Honda dealerships can carry out sales and aftersales services to serve our customers. Under the “
I’m Vaccinated
” campaign which kicks off this month at all our dealerships nationwide, our dealer associates who are fully vaccinated and have passed 14 days from the date of their second dose will be provided with a badge and facemask that have a specially-designed
‘I Am Fully Vaccinated
’ logo for easy identification,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo

“We will not take the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) lightly and will continue to strictly follow all the necessary preventive and precautionary measures that we have been practicing since the emergence of COVID-19 in Malaysia,” she assured.

Dealership premises will be sanitised and disinfected on a routine and frequent basis.

“We believe this initiative can help to boost customer confidence during interactions with Honda dealer associates by showing that we are ready to meet and serve the customers in a safe environment as well as providing them peace of mind while being present at the dealerships. We also hope to encourage more people to get vaccinated, in addition to adhering to the SOPs at all times. Through this effort, it will not only protect themselves, but also to help the country to achieve its herd immunity as soon as possible,” Ms. Chujo added.

In addition to safeguarding the safety of the customers and Honda dealer associates, the company will continue to ensure that the sanitisation and disinfection of all premises are undertaken on a routine and frequent basis at all its dealerships.

In connection with the resumption of sales activities, Honda Malaysia has initiated the ‘Government Staff Program’, an exclusive programme for government employees (including those in government-linked companies) and their spouses. The program, which is on until
October 31, 2021
, offers special discounts worth up to RM1,000 on top of the monthly promotion for the 7-Seater BR-V model.

Government employees and those in GLCs can purchase a new BR-V with a special discount.

For all customers, there is also a ‘September Special Benefits’ promotion throughout this month in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration. This promotion offers rewards worth up to RM6,000 and, of course, there is still the exemption of sales tax until the end of the year as well.

To know more about Honda products and services or to locate an authorized Honda dealer in Malaysia, visit
www.honda.com.my
.

New Honda models to be launched in Malaysia before year-end

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected but may not show symptoms and can spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.


How to convert your Malaysian driving licence to a Singapore licence

With Singapore being just a short drive across the two connections over the Straits of Johor, Malaysians have long been driving into the republic for holidays or business purposes. Daily too, thousands of Malaysians enter Singapore to work as well. As in Malaysia, possession of a valid driving licence is necessary to drive a car around Singapore and it has been fortunate that the Malaysian driving licence has been accepted and Malaysian-registered vehicles can also be driven in for short periods.

For those who are staying there for much longer periods (more than a year), it is necessary to have a Singapore driving licence. To make things a bit more convenient, the Singapore authorities now allow applications for conversion of the Malaysian licence to a Singapore one to be done online. For now, it is a trial program which is aimed at reducing the waiting and processing times at the Traffic Police headquarters in Singapore.

As with the
Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)
 which has applied for online, the move is also in consideration of these times where physical interaction should be minimized to avoid spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus. By moving processes online, the time that people have to spend face to face can be reduced.

The online application is only the first step in the process, but it is useful to ensure that all conditions are met before actually going to the office. Thus the applicant’s time won’t be wasted, and the police also will not waste their time. If all conditions are satisfied, then the applicant will have to personally deliver copies of relevant documents and make payments. This will only be after a period of 10 days from submitting the application and a specific time and date will be provided.

If everything goes well, successful applicants should get their Singapore driving licence within 10 days. It is also possible to obtain a Digital Driving Licence for those who have a SingPass account. This is valid as a licence for inspection so you can start driving more quickly.

Incidentally, all applicants must also have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) which Malaysians can obtain from the JPJ. The IDP is valid for one year and can be used in almost all countries. Applicants must also sit for the Basic Theory Test (BTT) at any of the driving centres in Singapore

For further information, visit the
Singapore Police Force website
.

Latest information for those planning to drive to Singapore when the border reopens next month


Bookings accepted for Kia EV6 EV, priced from RM300,688

Since it was launched in March 2021, the Kia EV6 has impressed the automotive world and received a number of awards, including the 2022 European Car of the Year award. The first of the Korean carmaker’s next-generation battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the EV6 embodies Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification. As part of the Hyundai Motor Group, Kia is also very much into electrifying its range with the aim of achieving carbon-neutrality.

The EV6 has progressively made its appearance in many markets around the world and now it is also being offered in Malaysia, although only bookings are being taken for now. The model is distributed through Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd (DMSB), which
took over representation of Kia
 from the Naza Group in April 2021. A subsidiary of BAuto (Bermaz Auto), DMSB is the sole distributor while another company – Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd – has also been formed to manage the assembly of Kia vehicles locally and Kia Motors has majority share in this company.

Dedicated BEV platform

Priced from
RM300,668
 (
click here for the pricelist
)for the GT-line version, the EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated BEV produced with the all-new
Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)
 of the Hyundai Motor Group. By having a dedicated platform, it means that the architecture of the vehicle can be fully optimised for an electric powertrain. Earlier, carmakers developed BEVs using platforms that were still used for conventional combustion engines, resulting in less than optimum engineering when it came to a BEV.

The EV6 has all-wheel drive with two electric motors generating a total of 605 Nm, and a 77.4 kWh battery pack powering them. Claimed performance figures are 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h. The claimed range on a fully charged battery pack is 506 kms but just as with combustion engines, this figure depends on driving conditions and driving style.

In addition, the flexibility of its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system enables the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kWh of power and is capable of operating lifestyle electronic accessories, so the EV6 can serve as a mobile power station.

Digital Tiger Face

The tiger face which was created by Peter Schreyer in 2007 and became a brand signature is still present, but it is now described as a ‘Digital Tiger Face. A sleek, modern appearance of the daytime running lights and a sequential dynamic light pattern evokes the original ‘Tiger Nose Grille’, taking the brand into the era of electrification.

With the E-GMP, the designers have had new freedom to efficiently package the interior with innovative use of space. Though the exterior dimensions are compact, the generous 2900 mm wheelbase allows a cabin space similar to many mid-size SUVs.

High-tech interior

Being a vehicle that points towards the future, the EV6 is equipped with technological that enhance  safety, connectivity and infotainment. There’s a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as wireless smartphone charging. The curved infotainment screen has a simple form language which gives the interior an open feel.

The EV6, which has received the maximum score of 5 stars from Euro NCAP, comes with an extensive list of standard safety features and systems. These included advanced systems like High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist. In addition, there is also a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning,  and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning. Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control are also included for reducing driver load on long journeys.

Each new EV6 comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty (or first 150,000 kms). In addition, the battery pack warranty coverage is up to 7 years or maximum of 150,000 kms.

Kia Malaysia reveals 5-year plan with 61% of local production to be exported


Over 50% drop in sales as MCO brings car industry to a standstill


New Skoda Karoq is bigger and better equipped than before

Skoda will be introducing the new Karoq to the European market soon. The design has changed somewhat but its fairly larger than the vehicle it replaces. The compact SUV measures 4,382 mm in length, 1,841 mm wide, and 1,605 mm high.

The vehicle has a wheelbase of 2,638 mm or 2,630 mm for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version. Thanks to the increase in size, passengers now have 68 mm more legroom than before. When the back seats are fully upright, the luggage compartment offers 521 litres of space but that increases to 1,630 mm when the rear seats are folded down. If the need arises, the rear seats can be completely removed to offer more cargo space, turning the SUV into an MPV with a maximum capacity of 1,810 litres.

Inside, the vehicle gets a state of the art kit that include interfaces with capacitive touch displays, WLAN hotspot capabilities, optional LTE module, infotainment and navigation system as well as the CareConnect services. You can even pair your smartphone with the infotainment system by using the SmartLink+ platform which is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.

As far as safety is concerned, the Karoq comes equipped with a whole host of tech that include Parking Assistant, Lane Assist, Blind Spot Detect, Front Assist with predictive pedestrian protection and Emergency Assistant that help improve safety. When hitched to a trailer, the Karoq can tow a payload of up to 2 tonnes and with the new trailer assistant, the system helps guide drivers while maneuvering and when reversing slowly.

Though the exact contours of the vehicle have yet to be revealed, Skoda syas that it is fitted with full LED headlights with clear-lens optics (optional) , the interior features LED ambient lighting and decor strips on the doors. The dashboard lighting can be set to one of ten different colours depending on what your prefer.

As of now, Skoda is offering the vehicle with four engine choices, two petrol and two diesel ones. The capacities are 1.0, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0-litres with power ranging from 115bhp to 190bhp. All engine variants are turbo-charged direct injection units that feature start-stop technology and brake energy recovery. All of them can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox with the exception of the 2.0-litre diesel, which only comes with the latter.

When equipped with the higher trim variants, the Karoq offers driver profiles that can be adjusted to alter driving dynamics. These modes are Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual and Snow and when the Off-road mode is selected while the AWD system is active, Skoda says that the setup will be better prepared to handle tough terrain.


Tighter restrictions on Penang Bridge crossing, Jln Duta toll plaza also restricted

Five days have passed since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was introduced and the restrictions will continue to the last day of this month. The MCO aims to limit movements of the public, who are supposed to remain at home, in order to slow down if not stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the country.

While most people have been following the directive to stay home (but can go out to purchase essentials and for valid reasons), there are also many who ignore it. Fortunately, the police are tolerant and keep offering advice to persuade them to stay home rather than just arrest them since they are committing an offence.

It seems that there are many who still do not understand the seriousness of the situation and continue to travel for social reasons, so the police (now assisted by the army) are tightening things up. Besides more roadblocks, travel from Penang island to the mainland is not permitted unless there are valid reasons (buying vegetables is not accepted).

File picture of the Jalan Duta toll plaza.

It has also been learnt that the toll plazas at Jalan Duta and Damansara on the edge of Kuala Lumpur are closed to traffic going towards the North-South Expressway. Only those who have valid reasons and permits will be allowed to pass through; all others will be told to turn around and go home. The restriction is likely to be until March 31, 2020, the last day of the MCO.

Incidentally, if you are planning to use an ATM, you can only do so between 7 am and 10 pm during the period of the MCO. Outside of those hours, the ATMs will be offline. While online banking services will be available as usual, operations at banks may be limited.

“You should expect some disruption or delays in normal branch operations in line with the need to ensure effective crowd containment. Some branches may be closed and branches that are open will have limited counter services or reduced operating hours,” Bank Negara explained in its latest FAQ.


Allianz General adds more versatile hybrid trucks to its Allianz Road Rangers fleet

When Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad introduced its Allianz Road Rangers service in 2017, it was industry first. It has certainly been a much appreciated service by motorists (64,000 of them in 2021, according to the company). Besides having their own Allianz-branded tow trucks, the team also has a first-responder bike team to reach motorists faster. They can provide initial assistance and first aid, if needed.

Furthermore, the company provides complete support to its policyholders after their accident. They are assisted in making police reports, submitting claims and kept informed of the progress of their vehicle’s repairs if it has been sent to an approved workshop.

In September last year, the company also extended the
free roadside assistance
 to its policyholders who take comprehensive coverage for their motorcycles (below 250 cc).

“As an insurer, we should be there for our customers. It is as simple as that. While many others have shunned away from such a service simply for not being financially lucrative, sometimes, there is no harm in giving a little more. This is our way of saying thank you to our customers and letting them know that we are here for them in times of need,” said Allianz General’s CEO, Sean Wang.

Hybrid trucks can take 2 vehicles simultaneously

Recently, the company added 5 hybrid trucks to its Allianz Road Rangers fleet, bring the fleet total to 250 tow trucks. The tow trucks are of various types to suit different vehicles. The hybrid truck comes with the combined features of a flatbed carrier and a spectacle lift that can transport 2 accident vehicles simultaneously.

A flatbed carrier features a long hydraulic flatbed that inclines and allows vehicles to be driven or pulled onto the bed for towing, while a spectacle lift or wheel lift tow truck has a metal yoke that hooks up the drive wheels of the vehicle towed. Besides that, the hybrid trucks also carry mini and normal-sized wheel dollies. Furthermore, hybrid trucks can also tow modified or lowered vehicles or vehicles (particularly of continental makes) that may have broken air suspension systems.

The Allianz Road Ranger fleet includes motorcycles so initial assistance can be provided before the tow-truck arrives.

Service enhancement

“Since its launch in 2017, the Allianz Road Ranger accident assistance service has been key for our customers. In looking out for our customers, we continue to enhance the service or our fleet to ensure our service remains first-rate. With the addition of the innovative hybrid trucks, we can serve our customers better, more so should two vehicles insured under Allianz General be involved in an accident,” said Allianz General’s Chief of Claims, Damian Williams.

“With the hybrid trucks, our Allianz Road Rangers technicians are also better equipped to handle complicated towing jobs. So, if a flatbed is required and dispatched to the accident scene, but the parking brake is stuck, the technician can easily deploy wheel dollies and tow the vehicle using the yoke, all with no further delay in service,” added Mr. Williams.

MIB (not Men in Black) can provide compensation when you get hit by an uninsured vehicle


Mercedes-Benz launch A-Class Urban Hunting Activity Edition

It’s an A-Class that looks and feels a little more special than its siblings

Not content with the diversity of the current A-Class line up, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has has introduced a variant that is aimed at those wanting an A-200 with added visual to complement their urban lifestyle.

Limited to just 30 units, the A-Class Urban Hunting Activity Edition is equipped with a number of extras which includes 18-inch 10-spoke lightweight alloy rims which are black in colour. Matt black decals adorn the vehicles sides and to ensure that you don’t mistake the car for its siblings, a wing badge with the words Activity Edition slapped on and another such badge on the centre console.

The Night Package offers a few more special bits such as selected black accents to the wheels, exterior mirrors and the belt line trim strip. On the inside, the dasboard, door centre panels and sports seats are covered with Artico man-made leather which add to the premium look and feel that’s synonymous with the brand.

Other features like the contrasting top stitching and chrome accents are a little more subtle than the others. The instrument cluster with its tubed-shaped round dials feature a checkered flag look contrasting with the red needles.

Available in five different colours which are Cirrus White, Jupiter Red, Polar Silver, Elbaite Green and Cavansite Blue, the A-200 Urban Hunting Activity Edition is priced at RM205,888 on the road without insurance.

Those who find the pricing a bit steep, can rest a little easy because Merc’s Financing plans help reduce the montly payments. Opting fot the 3-year Agility Financing agreement, buyers should only expect to pay RM3,441 per month. Not only that, with this agreement, owners have the option of either returing the car, paying off the residual value amount or refinacing the residual value amount.

If this intrigues you, head on over to your nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership to know more.


Regas Premium Appointed Newest Authorised BMW Dealer In Sabah

BMW Group Malaysia has appointed Regas Premium Sabah as its newest dealer representative for the brands BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad in the state of Sabah.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia
 said,
“East Malaysia has long been a contributing market to our growth here and we are excited to have Regas Premium Sabah on board as our new dealer in Kota Kinabalu to continue growing our presence in the State of Sabah.”

Hoelzl (above, 2nd from left) added that the State of Sabah currently contributes over 500 vehicles to the premium segment in the country annually and has the potential to double over the next five years.
“Last year, we experienced an 18% growth in our deliveries in Sabah in comparison to 2016 which really demonstrates the potential in the state.”
added Hoelzl.

L-R: David Tay, Managing Director of Regas Premium Sabah; Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia; Matthew Tan, Dealer Principal of Regas Premium Sabah; and Michael Rainer, Finance Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

Matthew Tan, Dealer Principal of Regas Premium Sabah
(above, 2nd from right) meanwhile said,
“It has always been an ambition of ours to venture in the premium automotive industry in Sabah, and representing the brands of the BMW Group is definitely a dream start. With the great ambition and challenge ahead, we look to continue serving existing and new customers with BMW Group Malaysia to further reinforce the growth and presence of the brands in the state.”

Regas Premium Sabah Sdn Bhd is a joint venture between
TM Vision Auto Services Sdn Bhd
, a subsidiary of
Tan Brothers Machinery Company (TBMC)
 group of companies and Regas Premium Auto Sdn Bhd. Regas Premium Auto is the authorised dealer representative for the brands BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad in the state of Sarawak, and was also appointed as the authorised service dealership for
BMW i
 in 2016 in the state, and last year established the first-ever BMW i public charging facilities in East Malaysa at CityOne Megamall Kuching.

Regas Premium Sabah will be taking over FM Autohaus as BMW Group Malaysia’s new dealership in Kota Kinabalu and will operate in the existing 53,500 sq ft facility located in the prime area along Jalan Penampang, offering the full suite of Sales, Services, Spare Parts and Systems (4S) for the brands BMW and BMW Motorrad, as well as service facilities for the brands BMW i and MINI.

BMW Group Malaysia currently has a network of 20 BMW, 8 MINI, and 9 BMW Motorrad dealerships nationwide.
Regas Premium Sabah commences operation on 1
st
 July at Lot 17362, Mile 3, Lido, Jalan Penampang, 88300 Penampang.


Lamborghini Reveals Powertrain Details of LB744 High Performance Electrified Vehicle (w/VIDEO)

Lamborghini has always added something extra to its model descriptions – like
Super
 Sportscar and
Super
SUV – to emphasis their superlative qualities. And now, even with its new electrified model, it is using not just hybrid electric vehicle but High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV) to describe the hybrid super sportscar codenamed LB744.

The new model will have its global debut soon and it is an appropriate year to do so as the carmaker celebrates its 60
th
 anniversary. With the LB744, Lamborghini says it will establish a new benchmark in terms of performance and driving pleasure. Besides all-new architecture, the LB744 also has a new powertrain which will produce over 1,000 ps in total.

The car will also have an unprecedented transverse layout: the new naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 mid-mounted petrol engine working with 3 electric motors, one of which is integrated into the new dual-clutch 8-speed gearbox that is making its first appearance on a 12-cylinder Lamborghini. In what has been the transmission tunnel since the days of the Countach, there is a lithium-ion battery pack.

The unique architecture
This is not the first time Lamborghini has an electric motor working with a 12-cylinder engine and the first time was in 2019 with the
Sian
. It had a 25 kW electric motor to support the previous generation of the V12, storing the electrical energy in a supercapacitor.

The LB744, however, introduces an unprecedented hybrid architecture and a new generation of V12. The new L545 engine has a capacity of 6.5 litres and is the lightest and most powerful 12-cylinder engine ever made by Lamborghini. At 218 kgs, it is 17 kgs less than the unit in the Aventador. This allows the new engine to be rotated through 180 degrees compared to the Aventador layout.

The superquadro V12 puts out 825 ps at 9,250 rpm, thanks to the redesigned distribution system that supports a redline of 9,500 rpm. Specific power is 128 ps per litre, the highest output in the history of Lamborghini’s 12-cylinder engines, while maximum torque is 725 Nm at 6,750 rpm.

From the very beginning, Lamborghini cars made their presence known with a an unmistakable sound. For the new L545 engine, particular attention has been given to ‘tuning’ the ‘soundtrack’ to emphasize the tone of the engine, already melodious at low revs and then rising to a natural harmonious crescendo.

Electric 4-wheel drive
The LB744 will retain one of Lamborghini’s strongest traditions: 4-wheel drive. As well as the internal combustion engine that provides power to the rear wheels, a pair of electric motors power the front wheels, each motor for one front wheel. The third electric motor is positioned above the 8-speed gearbox that can supply power to the rear wheels, depending on the selected driving mode and the conditions.

The combined torque from the engine and electric motors offers performance levels that are unique even within the domain of super sportscars, with 725 Nm produced by the engine alone and 350 Nm from each of the front electric motors. Combined, the driver will have up to 1,1015 ps available.

The LB744’s lithium-ion battery pack in the central tunnel is 1550 mm long, 301 mm high, and 240 mm wide, containing pouch cells with an overall capacity of 3.8 kWh. When the charge drops down to zero, it can be recharged using both ordinary domestic AC power up to 7 kW, and completely recharges in just 30 minutes. It can also be recharged with regenerative braking from the front wheels or directly from the V12 engine in just 6 minutes.

Transmission developed in-house
The adoption of a new platform has delivered innovative technical decisions involving the gearbox: the nerve centre of the hybrid plug-in unit. To achieve its goals, Lamborghini has developed a new compact transmission unit that is able to meet the needs of such a potent electric power unit. The unit was developed and designed by Lamborghini entirely in-house, and after the LB744 it will go on to equip future models.

The development of the transmission was inspired by the desire to create a unit that provides everything needed for sporty driving such as fast gear shifts, while the inclusion of an eighth ratio helps optimize fuel consumption and drivability while cruising. A particular feature is the ‘continuous downshifting’, which drops down multiple gears under braking simply by holding down the left paddle.

Located above the gearbox, the third electric motor doubles as the starter motor and generator, as well as supplying energy to the front electric motors via the battery in the transmission tunnel. In full electric mode, it can also provide power to the rear wheels that, in addition to the e-motors driving the front wheels, allows zero-emission 4-wheel drive.

Reverse gear is provided by the two front electric motors; if extra momentum is needed, the rear electric motor can also kick in, which activates the rear axle and wheels. As a result, the new LB744 can drive all four wheels in only electric mode even when reversing in low grip conditions.

Lamborghini To Start Producing Huracan Sterrato

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Ford Ranger Sales Carnival starts now!

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the proud distributor of Ford here in Malaysia, has announced their latest sales campaign called the Ford Ranger Sales Carnival which will take its course from now until October 2019.

Great prizes like exclusive Ford merchandise awaits those who attend the carnival that’s going to be held in Peninsular Malaysia while getting to experience the famous Ford Ranger Raptor and Ranger WildTrak via educational games and exciting activities.

Visitors get to experience first-hand on what the Ford Ranger has to offer like its Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking, the first and only truck in its class to have such a feature. Attendees can also participate in the ‘One Finger Challenge’ where they can the Ranger’s Easy Lift Tailgate capability.

Want to witness what’s so special about the Ford Ranger Raptor? Grab a mirror panel and ‘hunt’ for its super capable FOX Racing Shox, the first and only race-bred suspension developed for a pickup truck and that comes as standard for the Ranger Raptor.

Customers who place their bookings for any Ford Ranger model during at the carnival will also stand a chance to win an athletic bike to match with their active and extreme lifestyles. New owners who purchase their Ranger WildTrak or Ranger Raptor from now until 30 September 2019 will also enjoy:

Free maintenance for two years & PETRONAS Gift Card worth RM1,000

RM3,000 rebate for Ranger WildTrak purchase

Dates and locations of the ‘Ford Ranger Weekend Sales Carnival’ are as follows:

SDAC will also be bringing the Ford Ranger Weekend Sales Carnival on tour to East Malaysia soon.  To know more, head over to
www.sdacford.com.my
.

SDAC-Ford’s way of celebrating Merdeka/Malaysia Day gives customers extra


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces E300 AMG Line To Lead The E-Class Charge

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class range has been refreshed with the addition of the
E 300 AMG Line
 to lead the range. This replaces the E 350e plug-in hybrid to join the E 200 Avantgarde, E 250 Avantgarde and E 250 Exclusive alongside the Mercedes-AMG E 43 and Mercedes-AMG E 63 S.

“We are pleased to announce the introduction of the all-new Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line to lead the E-Class range, the masterpiece of intelligence in the premium executive segment. As with all Mercedes-Benz E-Class limousines, the E 300 AMG Line is proudly locally-assembled and comes with an exceptional range of class-leading features for the discerning customer. This includes the superior comfort of the Nappa leather upholstery, the aural experience of the Burmester Surround Sound system, the intelligent
Multibeam LED headlights and the expressive infotainment interface of the double 12.3-inch widescreen displays. The Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line is the natural choice to top the elegant E-Class family, with sporty appeal from the tasteful visual enhancements of the AMG Line interior and exterior,”
 said
Mark
Raine, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
(above, left).

The new locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line is a masterpiece driven by excellence. It personifies sophistication and the muscular AMG bodystyling further enhances the sportiness and exclusivity of the vehicle. The interior embodies the synthesis of emotion and intelligence.The E 300 AMG Line is designed for the luxury performance enthusiast. Its four-cylinder petrol engine gives a total system output of 180 kW (245 hp) with a maximum torque of 370 Nm from 1200 to 4000rpm. With sports car-like performance figures to boast, the E 300 AMG Line accelerates from 0 – 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. Paired with the engine is its 9G-Tronic nine-speed torque converter automatic transmission with Direct Select shift paddles, which sends power to the rear wheels.

The AGILITY CONTROL suspension with passive selective damping system and lowering to ensure a well-balanced ride comfort on any road surface of the E 300 AMG Line offers agile driving pleasure on twisting roads as well as the highest level of ride comfort. Together with the DYNAMIC SELECT switch in the cockpit, it enables the driver to select from four modes: “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport” and “Sport +”. The additional “Individual” option allows drivers to configure their vehicle to suit their own preferences.

The E 300 AMG Line is equipped with enhanced MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, which open up new dimensions in headlamp technology. Each headlamp is equipped with 84 individually activated high-performance LEDs that makes it exceptionally bright and precise, and automatically illuminate the road surface with a previously unsurpassed, precision-controlled distribution of light – without dazzling other road users. The E 300 AMG Line comes with 20-inch Multi-spoke AMG alloy wheels.

The E 300 AMG Line is also equipped with COMAND Online, which leaves virtually nothing to be desired in terms of infotainment, navigation and communication. Information is shown on the 31.2 cm (12.3-inch) high-resolution media display. Its highlights, alongside the double display, include the touch-sensitive Touch Controls on the steering wheel and the new, intelligent graphic design of the Multifunction Telephony. It allows mobile phones to be charged and, at the same time, connected to the vehicle’s exterior aerial – with absolutely no need for cables or a telephone holder.

Burmester® surround sound system is available for superior listening pleasure. It drives 13 speakers with a 9-channel DSP amplifier and a total system power of 640 watts. All the speakers are additionally optimised for performance with the premium sound system. With Parking Pilot and its inclusion of a 360° camera, all-round vision is made possible by the reversing cameras and three other additional cameras. Observation of the areas to the side and directly in front of the vehicle is thus made possible during parking and manoeuvring. The information from Parking Pilot and the cameras is graphically presented in full HD on the vehicle’s Widescreen Cockpit.

E-Class Price (OTR w/o Insurance)

E200 Avantgarde Line RM 315,029.75

E250 Avantgarde Line RM 357,482.58

E 250 Exclusive Line RM 357,482.58

E300 AMG Line RM 388,888 (estimated)

For the ownership and care of the Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia offers the
AgilityPlus 360°
 finance package that comes with great value-added benefits for the Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line. Discover packages that lets you pay less and enjoy more of the ultimate convenience of combining financing, protection, service and insurance all in one.

*Terms and conditions apply.

*Price is with 0% GST, subject to change upon implementation of SST.

*Deliveries of the E 300 AMG Line will commence between mid- to late-third quarter of 2018.


Mitsubishi Triton sales surge to historic high in Malaysia

After the long period of inactivity due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) lockdowns for over 2 months, the auto industry is quickly revving up again. Customers are visiting showrooms and the backlog of orders is quickly being fulfilled. For Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), there has been a steady surge which led to a historic sales achievement in the month of September 2021.

During the first full month of business since the government permitted businesses to resume in mid-August, MMM delivered 1,521 units of its most popular model, the
Triton
. This volume also gave it the highest market share of 34% within the pick-up segment for September.

Brand among top 3 in non-national segment

In comparison to 2020, the volume of Triton sales increased by 5.1% within the first half of company’s Financial Year 2021 (April – September 2021), while the overall sales volume saw positive growth with a total of 6,907 vehicles delivered. This raised Mitsubishi Motors market share from 1.7% (April – September 2020) to 3.9% (April-September 2021), maintaining the brand’s position among the top 3 non-national brands in Malaysia.

XPANDER MPV bookings close to 13,000

Besides the Triton, the
XPANDER MPV
 has also been growing in popularity. It’s unfortunate that, like a number of the latest models, it was introduced during a period when the pandemic restricted movements. Now, as the situation eases, it is clear that the model has strong appeal as it is the best-selling non-national MPV with close to 13,000 bookings since launch in November 2020. To date, MMM has delivered 5,756 units of the model, assembled in Pahang, to new owners around the country.

The XPANDER is priced from RM92,263 in Peninsular Malaysia (without insurance). As it is assembled in Malaysia, it is given 100% exemption of sales tax until the end of 2021.

“After a few months of the challenging market situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the team at Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is working with our best efforts to improve production, delivery timing, and to recover from backlog orders fulfilment for the XPANDER and Triton. We would also like to thank our customers who have shown us support and have been patient with us. As the nation moves towards the endemic era and with the resumption of the automotive supply chain and showrooms opening, we are confident for optimistic sales numbers over the second half of our Financial Year,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Moors Malaysia.

Home Delivery Service soon

“In addition, we are continuously looking to improve and introduce new digital services. Soon, we will be announcing a Home Delivery Service for customers who have purchased a Mitsubishi vehicle to have their brand new car delivered to their doorstep. This is to ease customer’s convenience in shopping using
Mitsubishi Online Showroom
. We are also working very closely with our dealerships to ensure full SOPs are in compliance and only fully vaccinated staff are allowed to be on duty and serve customers,” he added.

To know more about Mitsubishi Motors models available in Malaysia and to locate a showroom for viewing and test-drives, visit
www.mitsubishu-motors.com.my
.

Mitsubishi Triton Athlete takes over as flagship of range from Adventure X


FEATURE: How the Ford Everest 4×4 Makes Any Adventure Possible

Traffic congestion. Pollution. Noise and overcrowding. City life can be tough, with one study finding that people in cities have a 20 percent higher risk of anxiety orders and 40 percent higher risk of mood disorders compared to people living in rural areas. To deal with the stress, people often seek solace in their smartphones and social media (or websites like this…erk! – Ed.), but it’s only making the problem worse by encouraging us to be less connected to each other and the world around us.

More city dwellers are discovering the mental health benefits of spending more time in nature. When you feel the stress of urban life weighing down on you, gather the family, disconnect from your phone and head into the mountains to get away and enjoy the
scientifically proven health benefits
 being in nature provides, including lower blood-pressure, improved vitality and mood, and restored attention capacity and mental fatigue.

Whether you are heading to the expansive subtropical rainforests of Australia, remote mountains in Northern Thailand or the picturesque waterfalls of Laos, you’ll need the right vehicle to get there. Consider the Ford Everest, a genuine SUV that gives you the freedom and capability to leave the stress of the city behind and go anywhere.

As you begin your journey, you can relax and shut out the world around you with Everest’s active noise cancellation technology and sound-absorbing materials. Say goodbye to the pressures of the city in the rearview mirror as you connect with your loved ones in the calm, quiet of the cabin instead of disappearing into your phone screen. With the city hours behind you and the roads getting rougher, you can use the Everest’s Terrain Management System to adjust its off-road settings. The system’s four settings – Normal, Snow/Gravel/Grass, Sand and Rock – give the vehicle the capability to conquer even the most inhospitable of terrain.

Besides the fresh air and stress-relieving benefits the mountains offer, being in nature also offers you the chance to challenge and set new limits for yourself, whether you’re hiking, climbing, canoeing or river rafting. With trunk space that can hold up to 2,010 liters of cargo, the Everest has more than enough space for all of your weekend equipment needs. Doing these activities with your family or friends is even better, as overcoming challenges together will help you bond and strengthen your relationships.

If you’re looking for something at a little slower pace, then take advantage of the Everest’s 800mm water wading capability and
225mm
 of ground clearance for a waterside fishing session while you sit on the tailgate with your bare feet dangling in the water.

After a weekend away from the city and your digital life, you’ll be refreshed and ready to tackle any challenge the next week may have in store for you. And while you may not be ready to get back to the rush of the city, you can relax and take solace that with your Everest, your next adventure is only a weekend away.


F1 (Round 2): Results and Highlights of the 2020 Formula 1 Pirelli Styrian Grand Prix

♦ Prior to the race starting, three drivers received penalties that changed their positions on the starting grid. Charles Leclerc for obstructing another driver, Lando Norris for overtaking under yellow flags and Antonio Giovinazzi for a gearbox change to his Alfa Romeo. Romain Grosjean had to start from the pit lane as his car was worked on while under
parc ferme
.

♦ If things weren’t bad enough for Leclerc, he collided with team mate Sebastian Vettel as the cars entered Turn 3 after leaving the starting line! Vettel’s Ferrari had rear wing damage and that was the end of his race but Leclerc was able to continue for 5 laps before also having to retire.

♦ Racing Point’s Sergio Perez started in 17th place on the grid and by the 49th lap, he had risen 12 places through the pack, an impressive performance with very fast lap times.

♦ A last lap push by Lando Norris got the McLaren driver past Perez and Stroll to grab 5th place.

♦ Four laps before the end, Valtteri Bottas finally got past Max Verstappen to give Mercedes-AMG a 1-2 finish, as Lewis Hamilton led the way.

♦ Charles Leclerc also got a warning from the FIA about breaching the rule regarding interactions with people outside the team’s ‘bubble’. The rules require all team members to not interact with outsiders but Leclerc was spotted with his friends in Monaco earlier in the week when he returned home after the first round. Understanding that these are new and unusual conditions, he has only received a warning but has been warned that breaking the rules again could have him (or any other member) barred from attending the race.

Unchallenged, Lewis Hamilton cruised to victory 14 seconds ahead of team mate Bottas.

BWT Racing Point driver, Sergio Perez put in very fast laps to move up the field from 17th on the starting grid.

A collision with teammate Charles Leclerc in Turn 3 of the very first lap forced Sebastian Vettel to retire as his Ferrari was damaged.

With both its cars finishing in the top 5, Red Bull Racing picked up its first points to catapult past Ferrari in the Constructors Championship.


Tips for driving during this rainy season and what you should do if your car is damaged by flooding

This time of the year usually sees a lot of rain as the northeast monsoon blows through Southeast Asia. It seems that the amount of rainfall has become greater, with recent data showing it to be the highest Malaysia has received. As a result, we see a lot of flooding, even on the west coast which used to be shielded by the Main Range of mountains.

For motorists who have to drive around in rainy conditions (better if you do not), here are some tips that can save your vehicle from any potential damage that could result in massive repair bills.

1. Avoid driving or parking in low-lying areas

Low areas or certain basement parking lots can get flooded during heavy downpours. Your vehicle may then become partly submerged and the water can cause heavy damage to your car, especially to the engine, electrical systems, and interior. So if you can do so, avoid such areas.

2. Avoid driving through tunnels

Do not follow roads into tunnels that lead underground. We don’t have many but there are still some here and there. The risk of being caught in a flash flood is higher when driving into an underground tunnel as you are approaching lower ground that rainwater is flowing to. The speed at which the water level can rise will be surprising and many motorists are often caught by it.

3. Maintain a steady slow speed

If you do attempt to drive through a flooded area, assess the situation or surroundings first. If the level is below half your vehicle’s tyre, make sure to wade through at slow speed by engaging low gear. This helps to create a small bow wave which will prevent the surrounding water flooding into the engine bay or flowing into the exhaust pipe. However, it is also important to not assume that a road you are familiar with is safe as you may not be able to see cracks or sinkholes that have opened up under the water.

4. Your safety is the utmost priority

If your car engine stops suddenly and you are stranded in the car, turn off the engine, gather your belongings and leave the car immediately. Do not try to start your car again as it will lead to more major damage. Quickly move yourself to higher ground or a safer area and stay there until help arrives. Your own safety is more important than the car.

5. Don’t start the car immediately after it has been submerged

If a car has been submerged up to the window level, water would most likely have seeped into the engine, transmission, and fuel delivery system. Don’t start the engine as you’ll just make the damage worse. Immediately seek professional advice after the flood water has subsided or tow your car to your trusted workshop or authorised service centre for your vehicle’s brand.

6. Disconnect your vehicle’s battery

Do not leave your vehicle in accessory mode with the electronics running when you are stuck in a flood. Turn off the engine, open the bonnet and disconnect the battery. Do so only if it is safe as there may also be strong water currents. When the vehicle can be recovered, have the battery examined by a mechanic who can test it to see if the battery is functioning properly.

Be sure the battery is checked by a professional before continuing to drive.

7. Does your vehicle have flood insurance?

Flood damage is not typically covered in motor vehicle comprehensive insurance policies. Therefore such damage will not be compensated by the insurance company. However, owners can add on coverage for flood damage for an extra fee. Many motorists often think that it is not worth spending that little bit of extra money as they may feel that being caught in a flood is unlikely. But you never know and with the change in weather patterns recently, it may be an option to include.

Don’t overlook brake fluid when servicing your vehicle!


Only electric power for Bentley vehicles by the end of this decade

After over 100 years, the automobile industry is undergoing a major change that will see a progressive diminishing of vehicles with only internal combustion engines, leading to hybrids and eventually only electric powertrains. The global players have already begun the process of making the transition, and Bentley Motors is one of those that has revealed plans which are outlined in its
Beyond100
 strategy.

Aiming to offer truly sustainable luxury, the carmaker will reinvent every aspect of its business to become an end-to-end carbon neutral organisation as it embarks on its second century. The target is driven by a transformation programme across Bentley’s entire operations and products. This includes switching its model range to offer exclusively plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2026, and full electric vehicles (EVs) only by 2030.

Bentley’s traditional powertrains with internal combustion engines will be phased out and replaced with hybrid and then all-electric powertrains by the end of this decade.

No more ICE by 2030

The announcement today highlights Bentley’s plans for another 100 years, evolving from the world’s largest producer of 12-cylinder petrol engines to having no internal combustion engines within a decade.

Bentley’s electrified future was actually previewed with the reveal of the
all-electric EXP 100 GT concept car
 (pictured below) in its centenary year. That concept featured a multitude of sustainable materials. These included 5,000-year-old copper-infused Riverwood, traditionally produced wool carpets and a leather-like textile upholstery made from a by-product of wine-making. Bentley will continue to use only sustainably sourced materials throughout its current, and next generation of cars.

Carbon-neutral production

The
Beyond100
 strategic plan will see, among other things, the change to a carbon-neutral luxury car factory. Last year, Bentley’s production facility in England became the first luxury automotive factory in the UK to be certified carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust. This followed two decades of implementing innovative solutions, including a water recycling system in the paint shop, local tree planting, installation of a 10,000 solar panel carport, taking the total number of on-site solar panels to 30,000, and a switch to renewable-only electricity sources.

The factory will continue to improve its environmental operations. By the end of 2025, the company intends to reduce its factory environmental impact by focusing on energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, wastewater, use of solvents in the paint process and becoming plastic neutral. This will result in a climate positive factory by 2030, actively reducing levels of carbon in the atmosphere, while in parallel the business invests in renewable energy and forestation projects.

Sustainable luxury mobility

Bentley will also redefine its business model which is built around its accelerated journey towards electrification. Having already committed that every model line will be offered with the option of a hybrid variant by 2023, with Bentley’s first pure electric model to be launched in 2025, Bentley is making a clear move towards zero emission mobility.

Achieving sustainable luxury mobility relies heavily on a sustainable business model, and Bentley’s aim is to become the world’s benchmark luxury car business, financially resilient and recession-proof. The challenging economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in Bentley undertaking its biggest change programme in a century.

This change programme was driving for consistent financial resilience through rapid productivity improvements across the business, and a fundamental restructure. The results from the comprehensive cost and investment structure has placed the business in a position to achieve a positive financial performance for the full year 2020, in spite of the extenuating external circumstances.

Bespoke continues with sustainability

As well as accelerating the product journey towards electrification,
Beyond100
 opens a new era for Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, which now has a three-portfolio structure comprising Mulliner Classic, Mulliner Collections and Mulliner Coachbuilt. The recently revealed
Bacalar
 signifies the start of this new age as the first member of the Mulliner Coachbuilt family and incorporates elements of the sustainable materials showcased in EXP 100 GT.

The company is committed to handcrafting cars in Crewe for the next 100 years, whilst also preparing for a digital future, and has confirmed it will be investing in two new Research and Development buildings, a vehicle test centre and a dedicated launch quality centre.

“Since 1919, Bentley has defined luxury grand touring. Being at the forefront of progress is part of our DNA – the original Bentley boys were pioneers and leaders. Now, as we look
Beyond100
, we will continue to lead by reinventing the company and becoming the world’s benchmark luxury car business,” said Adrian Hallmark, Chairman & CEO of Bentley Motors.

The Mulsanne chapter in Bentley history ends


Ferrari Malaysia Presents Its First Experiential Showroom  – The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience!

Naza Italia, official importer and distributor of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia, has officially launched a unique experiential pop-up showroom at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, located at the main entrance until
28th September
, is the first of its kind in Malaysia and part of a regional showcase that offers the public a taste of the Ferrari lifestyle.

“The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, an expansive open-air showroom that greets the eyes with the brand’s signature red hue, invites the public to explore the lavish world of the Prancing Horse. Ferrari is known to be a very exclusive brand, however on this occasion we are making it more accessible. Situated amongst other luxury brands at Pavilion KL, this experiential pop-up showroom really does offer customers insight into the lifestyle that complements Ferrari ownership,”
 said
Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd
.

The palatial pop-up showroom features two impressive V8 stallions from the brand’s current range – the Ferrari Portofino and the Ferrari GTC4Lusso T. This is the first time that the Portofino has been made available for public viewing in Malaysia since its official launch in May. The Ferrari Portofino takes its name from one of the most attractive villages on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria Region. The V8 GT is a stylish symbol of elegant daily living, combining luxury, versatility and on-board comfort in a berlinetta coupé that effortlessly converts to a drop-top. It is the most powerful convertible car that Ferrari has ever produced, boasting an ability to unleash a tremendous 600cv and sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

The GTC4Lusso T is the first four-seater in Prancing Horse history to sport a turbo-charged V8 engine, presenting a whole new Ferrari GT concept that’s aimed at owners seeking a car that is sporty, dynamic, and ideal for driving on a daily basis. The grand tourer is further refinement of the shooting brake coupé, reinterpreting the concept with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette. The car’s 3.9-litre V8 turbo engine has a maximum power output is 610 cv at 7,500 rpm.

The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience showroom, which will stand at the main entrance of
Pavilion KL until 28th September
, features a car display area, an exclusive lounge and reception space. In conjunction with the Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, Ferrari Malaysia is running a contest on Instagram from
22nd to 28th September
. Any member of the public with a valid Instagram account may enter the contest and all they have to do is follow the instructions provided on social media.

More exciting information about Ferrari Malaysia may be obtained from the official Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/ferrarimalaysia.nazaitalia
. Follow @ferrari.malaysia on Instagram for the latest updates and offerings of Ferrari and Naza Italia.


Volkswagen and Tarik Jeans Continue Collaboration for Tapir Conservation Efforts

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and local denim streetwear brand Tarik Jeans have launched the second instalment of an exclusively-designed capsule collection –
Modern Nostalgia Pt.2
. The collaboration,
which kicked-off earlier this year
, has the objective of raising funds and awareness for the endangered Malayan Tapir.

Similar to the first instalment,
Modern Nostalgia Pt.2
 is a limited-run capsule collection. While the first collection featured Volkswagen models combined with Tarik’s local vintage design elements, the more premium
Modern Nostalgia Pt.2
 draws its inspiration from the raw, rugged and hands-on workshop life.

Volkswagen racing heritage and spirit

The new designs shift gears to capture Volkswagen’s racing heritage and spirit whilst incorporating performance-themed colours that will appeal to motorheads and car enthusiasts.
Modern Nostalgia Pt. 2
 comprises a variety of high-quality apparels such as denim jackets that retail at RM259, work shirts at RM159 and t-shirts at RM79.

“VPCM is proud to be able to play a part in Malaysia to make a difference, and while the COVID-19 outbreak had unfortunately affected the timeline of the campaign, we remain committed to the project. Together with our friends at Tarik Jeans, I firmly believe in the success of this campaign, and I would like to urge fans of the Volkswagen and Tarik brands to make that purchase for a good cause,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.

He added that sustainability and conservation is a key pillar for Volkswagen, with the brand already investing heavily in reforestation projects around the world.

Merchandise from the complete collection can be purchased on Tarik Jeans’ website, Shopee and Zalora. 50% of all proceeds generated from the sales of this campaign will be donated to the Kenaboi Forest Reserve in Negeri Sembilan on World Tapir Day on April 27, 2021.

About the Malayan Tapir

The Malayan tapir is the only Asian species native to the island of Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand with a distinctive coat pattern. The tapir has a lifespan of up to 30 years, but agricultural developments and deforestation, being hunted for food and sport and illegal animal trafficking have resulted in an alarming decrease in their numbers. It is estimated that there are only less than 3,000 of them left.

Volkswagen and Tarik Jeans collaborate to save the Malayan Tapir


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia offers free/subsidised towing services to vehicle owners affected by floods

Although the
Mitsubishi Triton truck
,
XPANDER MPV
 and
Outlander SUV
 have more ground clearance and can cross flooded stretches of road without much problem, the recent floods in many parts of the country have been extremely severe. In many areas, the water level has been so high that vehicles have been almost fully submerged. There’s no way that any vehicle can escape from damage in such an extreme condition and for owners, there will be an expensive repair bill.

To help ease this unexpected expense (especially at a time when many are facing financial challenges), Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has a flood relief program for Mitsubishi owners in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Pahang who have suffered vehicle damage due to the floods.

Discounts on parts and labour

Under the program, Mitsubishi vehicle owners (who purchased their vehicles from authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealers) will be given a 30% discount on Mitsubishi genuine parts and a 50% discount on labour costs for all repair work done on flood-damaged vehicles at authorised Mitsubishi Motors service centres. This offer available
until January 20, 2022
.

Free or subsidised towing services

In addition, MMM will also support Mitsubishi owners by offering free towing services. All the owners need to do is to contact Mitsubishi Assist 24Hrs customer careline (MA24) at 1-800-88-2166 to request this service which will bring their vehicle to the nearest authorised Mitsubishi Motors service centre. In the event that they do not use MA24 and do not have insurance coverage for towing there vehicle to the nearest authorised service centre, they can still apply for rebates worth up to RM300. However, they are required to lodge a police report concerning the vehicle being caught n a flood.

“Our thoughts are with Malaysians impacted by the aftermath of the flash floods tragedy. All of our service staff and authorized dealers are ready to assist our Mitsubishi owners with their affected vehicles. We hope that this flood relief program will help ease the burden of our customers going through this difficult time,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

Although Mitsubishi vehicles have high ground clearance which enables them to cross flooded roads and rough terrain, the recent floods were severe and many vehicles were damaged by water reaching above the window level.

For further information on the flood relief program, call MMM’s Customer Careline at
1-800-18-8161
. To locate an authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealership, click here:
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/service-locator/
 .

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia improves functionality of MITSUBISHI CONNECT MY app


Telltale signs of odometer tampering

Tempering with a vehicle’s odometers is common practice among unscrupulous second hand car dealers. This is done to fool unwitting buyers into thinking that certain vehicles’ mileages are lower than expected. hpi, UK’s leading authority on vehicle checking services has come up with a few tips to help motorists spot signs of vehicle ‘clocking’.

In the UK, clocking is a term used to describe the act of tampering with a vehicle’s odometer for whatever reason. And lately, there has been an increase in such cases as scammers exploit loopholes in the law to fool buyers into coughing up more dough for a car that ‘hasn’t been driven much’.

Fortunately, there are telltale signs with vehicle clocking. And hpi has shared several of them to ensure that would-be buyers are better informed when looking for a new vehicle. Bear in mind, some of said advice may not be applicable to cars with digital odometers, which are just as easy to alter.

hpi has compiled the following hints and tips to help spot evidence of mileage falsification:

Check the service history – look at the mileage recorded at the time of the service

Contact the previous keeper – confirm what the vehicle’s mileage was at the time it was sold

Double check the odometer – scammers could wind back the mileage for a viewing then alter it again before collection

Trust your own judgement – is it 15 years old with only 32,000 km on the clock? Registered as a company car and done 20,000 km a year? Does anything about the vehicle history make you suspicious? Does everything add up?

Watch for signs of tampering and you could save yourself from a lot of trouble. Take whatever the dealer says with a pinch of salt. Finding one who is 100% honest isn’t easy these days. When in doubt, take your trusted mechanic with you for a thorough inspection of the car.


New dawn for Lotus as Vision80 plan progresses

Lotus Cars and Lotus Engineering, under the ownership of the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group since mid-2017 (although a Malaysian shareholder still has 49%), is changing gears to accelerate its business forward. Broadcasting a new dawn for the company via
Driving Tomorrow
, a global virtual conference, the British carmaker has revealed four new vehicle architectures, a technology roadmap, a fresh global retail identity and the name of an all-new car.

Its strategic direction was actually formulated with
Vision80
, launched in 2018 soon after the company’s 70th anniversary. Based on three key pillars – transforming the business, revolutionising the product range and delivering results every year –
Vision80
 commits Lotus to meet its transformational targets by the time of its 80th birthday in 2028.

2021 begins the fourth year of that plans and the transformation remains on track in spite of the challenging period during 2020. “This year is a pivotal one for Lotus, particularly with our sportscars; we reach the end of one era and begin another. The spirit and passion that gave the world the Elise, Exige and Evora will live on in the next generation of cars – cars like the all-new Lotus Emira,” said Matt Windle, MD of Lotus Cars.

Emira world debut on July 6

Lotus has confirmed more details of its all-new sportscar, to date known only by its codename ‘Type 131’. Firstly, its name is now confirmed to be Emira – pronounced ‘E-meer-a’, a word which features  in numerous ancient languages and often translates as ‘commander’ or ‘leader’.

The Emira will be unveiled on July 6 at the Lotus Advanced Performance Centre in England, adjacent to the factory where it will be made. Contrary to media speculation, the car will not be a hybrid. In contrast to almost every company talking about new cars with electrified powertrains, Lotus has confirmed that the Emira will be powered by a choice of internal combustion engines – the last time Lotus will launch a car with a combustion engine – with a new powertrain partnership. The additional powertrain option will be new to Lotus, highly efficient, use cutting-edge technology and be tuned to help deliver that distinctive Lotus experience.

With a distinctive new sports car design influenced by the Evija hypercar, the Emira marks the acceleration of the brand’s product-led offensive into a new era of contemporary design, highly efficient powertrains, and everyday usability coupled with explosive performance.

New Lotus architectures

The Emira is being built on one of four new Lotus architectures. Working collaboratively with colleagues in Europe and China, Lotus engineers have developed a dedicated family of structural platforms for the brand. Exclusive to Lotus within the Geely group but available to other companies through the Lotus Engineering consultancy, these four architectures will underpin the next generation of Lotus performance cars.

The first is the Sports Car Architecture, referred to internally as the Elemental architecture. This is the platform on which the Emira will be built. Flexible, lightweight and featuring the signature Lotus extruded aluminium technology, this sportscar platform is a massive step-change technically. Every dimension is different to previous generations of Lotus sportscars.

The second one is Hypercar Architecture, which the Evija will be the first car to use. Despite travel restrictions limiting testing opportunities around the world, progress on the hypercar has not stopped. Several thousand kilometres of engineering development and validation testing have already taken place in the UK. Lotus is also working with an advanced simulator company, allowing the Evija team to run endless simulations in the virtual world. This enhances confidence in passing project milestones with real-world development vehicles and creates programme efficiencies.

Evija owners will be the first Lotus customers to benefit from ‘what3words (W3W) technology’ available on the car. W3W divides the world into 3 metre x 3 metre squares and gives each a unique combination of three words: a W3W address. For example, ‘
hotspots.punters.race’
 is the W3W address for the entrance to Lotus HQ. The Lotus Emira will also benefit from this system, which is a far more accurate location system than the traditional postcode.

Premium Architecture is the third of the four architectures and is described as the first ever truly global automotive architecture from Lotus. This will complement the Evolution platform which will be the basis for an all-new range of lifestyle vehicles from the company. The architecture has been defined and designed in the UK, supported by collaborative work with teams in China, Sweden and Germany. It is ‘born British, raised globally’.

For the future is Electric Sportscar Architecture which will see a new vehicle platform coming from a collaborative effort between Lotus and Group Renault’s Alpine brand. The Lotus Engineering consultancy is leading development work on the new platform – known internally as ‘E-Sports’, from which will come new products for Lotus and Alpine.

“The E-Sports architecture will be flexible and modular, and will generate an exciting new sportscar for the Lotus brand, with contemporary styling, class-leading ride and handling, explosive performance and that unmistakable Lotus character – a pure dynamic experience that is ‘
For The Drivers
’. I have challenged our teams to target the same weight as our latest combustion engine sports cars,” Mr Windle said.

Core values driving the business forward

In 2021, there are three core values driving the business forward – Performance, Intelligent Technology and Sustainability. Thanks to
Vision80
 and the progress made since its launch, and the support of its shareholders, the long-term foundation and sustainability of the Lotus business is taking shape. The growth of Lotus is already sparking a new generation of Lotus cars, which will lead to an increase in vehicle sales worldwide.

Being part of the Geely group of companies gives Lotus access to a vast range of skills and expertise, something which it previously did not have. Hubs spread across the globe create the new Lotus map of the world, allowing the company to draw upon deep resources and skill bases as part of the Geely Group, in the same way its former owner, Proton.

Final Edition models of Lotus Elise and Exige to mark end of an era


New Subaru Forester 2.0 STI Performance Arrives in Malaysia

TC Subaru Sdn Bhd
, the exclusive distributor of
Subaru
 vehicles in Malaysia, has today launched a new variant of the Subaru Forester – the
Forester 2.0 STI Performance
, in Malaysia. Hailing from one of the most popular ranges of SUVs, the Forester 2.0 STI Performance now sports a new exterior and interior, promising rugged versatility and comfort at its best.

“The Forester 2.0 STI Performance is differentiated and enhanced through its bold front design, lending the vehicle a streamlined yet rugged new look. The high-performance SUV also comes with exclusive accessories, including the STI Front and Rear Under Spoilers, the STI Flexible Tower Bar, Front Grille, Cargo Step Panel, STI Brake Pads and STI Air Filter – all of which further refine the vehicle’s appearance and performance. Inside the Forester 2.0 STI Performance, enhancements include leather seats premium Carpet Mats, the STI Leather Shift Knob and the Side Sill Plate.”
 –
TC Subaru Malaysia.

The Forester 2.0 STI Performance incorporates the Subaru Four Core Technologies in every aspect, enhancing power, handling, comfort and safety for driver and passengers alike. The vehicle retains its signature engine from the Forester 2.0i-P variant, with its renowned
2.0-litre four-cylinder 16-Valve, FB20 Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine
, that produces a maximum power of
150PS
 at 6,200 rpm and peak torque of
198Nm
 at 4,200 rpm.

Safety has always been of great importance to Subaru and is prioritised in the Forester 2.0 STI Performance with well-known, reliable features such as X-MODE, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) as well as Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC). Additionally, the sporty SUV also contains seven airbags and other standard safety features, giving both driver and passengers all-round protection and peace of mind.

Prices of the Subaru Forester 2.0 STI Performance start from
RM135,288
 (OTR without insurance).
For more information about the Subaru Forester 2.0 STI Performance, please visit
www.subaru.asia/my
. Interested individuals can also visit Subaru showroom for further enquiries or test drives.


Proton In 2018: Part 12 – The One Tank Adventure Challenge!

The PROTON 1-Tank Adventure for the Central Region ended successfully on 18 July 2018 with a total of 36 participants in 18 cars covering a total distance of 640km on just one tank of fuel. Participants including media, celebrities, key opinion leaders, and public drove either a PROTON Saga 1.3 CVT, Persona 1.6 CVT or Iriz 1.3 CVT from PROTON Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam to Ipoh and back to Setia Gemilang Auto, Shah Alam on just one tank of fuel without any specific driving restrictions.

The Journey across 640km

The journey began on a highway where participants drove at a speed between 80km/h to 100km/h before driving 60km/h to 80km/h on alternative roads with traffic, road works, lorries and road conditions that were similar to daily driving conditions.

Participants went on a free and easy drive via Kuala Selangor, Teluk Intan, Bukit Gantang R&R, Weil Hotel, Kellie’s Castle before arriving at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) for their Dynamic Driving Experience. They even enjoyed famous local cuisine such as Mee Udang Galah, Mee Rebus Mastan Ghani, Nasi Vanggey and durians along the way.

In order to capture real time fuel consumption, participants are encouraged to drive freely with the air-conditioning, without removing any safety items (i.e. the spare tyre).

Central Region End with Successful Results

As a result, all cars achieved 640km in just 1 tank and the results were verified by scrutineers from the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF). The best achievements were from the Public category led by Saga 1.3 CVT at 3.57L/100km (average fuel consumption for Saga Group is 4.5L/100km), followed by Persona 1.6 CVT at 4.00L/100km (average fuel consumption for Persona Group is 5.09L/100km), and Iriz 1.3 CVT at 4.75L/100km (average fuel consumption for Iriz Group is 5.55L/100km).

The last activity before the finishing line was the Dynamic Driving Experience where participants got first-hand experience of the exhilarating ride and handling of PROTON vehicles as well as 5-Star ASEAN NCAP active safety features in the Persona and Iriz, such as the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

The 3 cars featured in the event were:

Saga: Safe, Stable, Spacious

Proton Saga is spacious and it comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (TC) system, giving it an outstanding driving experience (compared to its competitors in the same category, the driving performance ensures great driving experience, stability at high speed cornering; leading to better safety) and value for money with low maintenance cost which is an important consideration for the consumers.

Persona
：
Power, Practicality, Proven Safety

Persona has internationally recognized ASEAN NCAP 5 star ratings with its outstanding safety which includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), 6 airbags and body structure made with HPF technology. It offers spacious interior with a 510L boot space, and practicality with keyless entry and reverse camera. Competitively priced in its category, the Persona is equipped with 1.6VVT engine that ensuress powerful performance for great driving experience.

Iriz: Reinforced Safety, Responsive Driving, Refined Design

Iriz presents a tough and sturdy characteristic with its body structure made with HPF as well as other advanced technology equipment including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-hold Assist that is standard across all variants. In terms of performance, Iriz is equipped with 1.3L and 1.6L VVT engine, which has proven outstanding drivability through the Sepang 1000km race. Additionally, Iriz offers design that cater to youths with its distinctive two-tone colour body kit and black roof design that catches people’s attention. For interior, the steering, upholstery and carpet mat with fine tailoring technology and striking colour combination accentuate its sportiness. Now, it is equipped with a new meter display and multi-touch infotainment display system as well as glossy finish for its gear and dashboard that uplift the fine design in the interior.

Registration has closed for the next round at the Southern region, but recruitment for the Northern region round is still open. For details, terms and conditions, please visit PROTON official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ProtonCarsOfficial


JPJ stops all operations due to large crowds, PUSPAKOM also announces closure

Although the Movement Control Order (MCO) has provisions to allow the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to continue operating, the department has today announced that it will not be open for operations from March 20. The closure covers all JPJ offices nationwide and the date when operations will resume has not been announced at this time. The MCO, which came into effect yesterday, will last until March 31, 2020.

It is understood that the decision to close was prompted by the large number of people being at the JPJ counters to obtain the various services available. The gathering of people, especially large numbers, is what the MCO aims to prevent as a measure to slow down or stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Close proximity among people can lead to transmission of the disease, it has been found, apart from picking up the virus from surfaces such as tabletops, door handles, etc.

PUSPAKOM’s mobile inspection services will not be available until further notice.

PUSPAKOM, the vehicle inspection company, which is also allowed to operate during the period of the MCO, has also announced today that it will close all its branches and offices nationwide. Mobile services will also be suspended until further notice.

PUSPAKOM says that  vehicle owners who have made appointments for inspections will receive refunds. For information or assistance, call
1-800-88-6927
 or visit
www.puspakom.com.my
. Announcements will also be made on their pages at
Facebook
 and
Instagram
.

Service centres closed but assistance still available from some car companies


Sime Darby Auto ConneXion offers discounts and free perks to Ford owners

Ford owners who bring their vehicle to Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) from today
until  February 15, 2021
 can enjoy up to 20% savings and additional free perks. Announcing the Service Promotion, Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, encouraged owners to ensure their vehicle is in good health.

“As the country looks forward to a new year and the hope of coming out of the pandemic, a focus on better health will continue to be a top priority for many people. Likewise, we encourage all our Ford owners to ensure their vehicle health is also being taken care of going into the new year by taking advantage of these service deals,” he said.

Savings and free perks

When customers book a service during the promotion period, they can take advantage of savings up to 20% on vehicle maintenance on selected parts and engine oils. There’s also a 10% discount on labour fees for lubricant, brake and timing belt packages.

Although the CMCO and need to be more cautious will limit holiday travel this year, vehicles should still be checked periodically, especially if they are not used much. SDAC is offering a 27-point inspection by Ford-certified technicians to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top condition at no additional charge.

Customers who spend more than RM350 in a single receipt will receive an exclusive multipurpose bag (while stocks last).

Genuine Ford Parts used

When servicing at any of the 42 Ford authorised service centres nationwide, owners are always assured that only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are used. Genuine Ford Parts are made to the highest standards of quality, fit and finish and specifically designed for Ford vehicles.

Additionally, all Ford Genuine Parts (excluding wear and tear parts) purchased and installed are covered by a warranty for a period of 12 months or 20,000 kms, whichever occurs first.

Booking an appointment

SDAC recommends that owners make an appointment first as there is a need to observe crowd control and social distancing at the company’s premises. This can be done by
booking online
, calling an authorised Ford Service Centre (
click here
 for the contact details of operational service centres) or call the Customer Care Hotline at
1300 38 3181
.

All Ford service centres and showrooms are open, subject to CMCO conditions at their specific locations. Customers are advised that Standard Operating Procedures such as registration, temperature checks and sanitary measures will be observed in accordance with government requirements.

For more information on products and promotions, visit
www.sdacford.com.my
.

Click here for other news and articles about Ford and Sime Darby Auto ConneXion
.