DK Leather Seats Sdn Bhd enters Business-to-Consumer market

Demand for automotive leather seats has increased substantially since the 1960s with the rapid growth of the automotive industry. Once found only in the most expensive models, leather upholstery is now available as standard or as an option in all price ranges of cars.

With this trend taking place, DK Leather Seats Sdn Bhd (DKLS) has risen to the challenge of differentiating themselves by venturing into the Business to Consumer (B2C) market under their domestic retail arm brand, DK Schweizer. DKLS has always placed particular emphasis on quality, affordability and style as their signature for the product range that adds value to customers lifestyle. DKLS aims to provide bespoke services to end-users who wish to have their very own personalised and customised leather seat for their vehicle.

Global presence in leather upholstery business

Being a prominent leather upholstery manufacturer with a global presence for leather seat production since 1997, DKLS manufactures, distributes and installs automotive leather seat covers for the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and Replacement Equipment Manufacturer (REM) market segments with multiple international marques.

Staffed with talented master craftmanship and leather from tanneries in Italy and South America, the DKLS factory is also equipped with the latest technology and automation, ensuring high production and efficiency to meet the demand of customers whilst minimizing wastage and keeping its carbon footprint small.

Pioneering innovation and creativity

Director of DK Leather Seats Sdn Bhd, Lesley Koek, said: “We strive to become a pioneer in combining innovative and creative car leather seat designs for the masses which embodies the latest technology, quality and styling that is value for money “.

DKLS has their own in-house research and development team that continuously works diligently towards developing materials and customisable templates for the latest car models, both domestic and foreign, with now over 10,000 seat patterns and car models in their database.

“Ultimately, we want our customers to experience the feeling of luxury and comfort at a reasonable price, regardless of the vehicle their own. These are first-of-its-kind product offerings in the region to meet individual expectations who desires to have an enjoyable driving experience. Also, customers would not need to worry about the leather fittings as we have an in-house test centre that ensures all materials and fittings are put through vigorous and meticulous Quality Control testing for durability and reliability are not being compromised,“ Mr. Koek said.

Tested and certified by TUV Rheinland Group

He added that, besides the company’s unwavering attention to detail, dedicated computerised airbag sewing machines for leather seat covers with airbags are used to ensure the finish products are tested and certified by Germany’s TUV Rheinland Group in compliance with airbag installation standards.

With the introduction of DKLS expansion into the B2C market, DKLS is set to be a game-changer and trendsetter for car seat personalisation and customisation whilst delivering quality, durability and value for money products for customers enjoyment at a premium level of comfort.


Nissan LEAF beats fire and wind in 1-kilometre challenge (w/VIDEO)

In a first-of-its-kind driving contest, Nissan pitched its LEAF – the world’s first mass-market fully-electric vehicle (EV) – against the speed of nature’s powerful elements – fire and wind. The idea of having the challenge was to change the perception that electric vehicles are not dynamic or exciting.

On an enclosed area at Samroiyod Beach along the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, Nissan set up a one kilometre long course. A pyrotechnician’s ‘fire-line’ and a champion kite surfer raced against the LEAF to cross the finish line in the shortest time.

The Nissan LEAF, with its ability to go from standing still to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, raced ahead of its elemental rivals. The quick performance of the EV was made possible by its e-Powertrain. Power from the powerful electric motor goes straight to the wheels to give instant and strong acceleration. Additionally, the LEAF was able to beat both fire and wind in this race due to its light weight.

“Without doubt, electric vehicles are the most environmentally responsible cars of the future. And with this challenge, we aim to show that the Nissan LEAF is simply amazing, not only because of zero-emission, but also being a cool car with mind-blowing acceleration and driving dynamics that can handle any challenge,” said Nirmal Nair, Vice President Marketing, Nissan Asia & Oceania.

The latest Nissan LEAF is available in Malaysia from Edaran Tan Chong Motor. Visit
www.nissan.com.my
 to know more and locate a showroom.

FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Nissan Leaf – “Simply Electrifying”


Renault AIR4 concept for travelling on highways in the sky (w/VIDEO)

The Renault 4 may not be of great significance to Malaysians but it is nevertheless a very special model to Renault and was popular in Europe. Though it was marketed as a stationwagon, it was really the world’s first hatchback. Over 8 million units were produced between 1961 and 1992.

The carmaker has been having various events to celebrate the models 60th anniversary this year and besides the
SUITE N°4 concept
 shown earlier, it has also created a futuristic showcar as a reinterpretation of the iconic model.

A ‘blue jeans’ car

The original Renault 4 was a simple, efficient and versatile vehicle – a ‘blue jeans’ car, as the former head of Renault Group, Pierre Dreyfus, used to describe it. It was versatile, conveying families, helping businesses and even providing transport for the French police and postal service. And of course, it enabled several generations of young motorists to start motoring. Its values and qualities convinced TheArsenale, a design hub, to collaborate with Renault to reimagine a 4L.

The original 4L, an iconic model which was probably the first hatchback in the world when it was launched in 1961.

For highways in the air

The AIR4, as it is called, is designed to drive along the unmarked highways above our heads. This  unprecedented approach is a symbol of independence and freedom, born out of the realisation that traffic is compounding; lives are grinding to a halt, and the world above us is unhampered. Thus, the AIR4 claims the air as the new road of the future.

Design-wise, the reinterpretation of the retro icon is far removed from the modern car design language. The vehicle, entirely made of carbonfibre, maintains the same lines and contained mass of the original 4L, but with new dynamic capabilities. The rigidity has been completely revised to include new concepts such as thrust or lift, which required hours of calculations and tests.

Drawing on generative design techniques using artificial intelligence, TheArsenale’s engineers were able to test terabytes of data to improve and fine-tune the designers’ ideas, even before starting the first real-world trials (yes, it actually does fly).

Propulsion by propellers

To move around, the AIR4 does not use wheels. Instead, it features 4 two-blade propellers, one at each corner of the vehicle, like a drone. The chassis sits in the middle of the rota frame, and the driver can access and take a seat in the utilitarian cabin of the vehicle by lifting the reimagined Renault 4 shell, which is hinged at the front.

Power comes from by 22,000 mAh lithium polymer batteries that generate a total power of 90,000 mAh. The vehicle can travel horizontally at up to 26 metres a second or 94 km/h. It can climb at an angle of up to 70° and reach an altitude of 700 metres. The take-off speed is 14 metres/second (50 km/h) and landing velocity is 3 metres/second (11 km/h).

This vehicle is the first product from TheArsenale’s ROAD TO AIR division, which envisions the future transport network to be in the sky. The AIR4 is the brainchild of Patrice Meignan, CEO and Founder of TheArsenale, who sought to create a new kind of vehicle that provokes emotion, establishes brand identity and offers pleasure.

On public display

The AIR4 will be on public display at the Atelier Renault in the vibrant centre of Paris. Next year, it will be shown in Miami (perhaps at the first ever F1 race there in May) and then New York, before a pit stop in Macau.

“After a year-long of celebration we wanted to create something unconventional to close up the 60th anniversary of 4L,” said Arnaud Belloni, Renault Brand Global Marketing Director. “This collaboration with TheArsenale was a natural fit. The flying showcar AIR4 is something unseen yet and a wink to how this icon could look like in another 60 years.”

2021 Renault 5 Prototype


Gentari Sets Up 350 kWh Super Charger For EVs In X Park Sunway Serene, Selangor

Gentari Sdn Bhd
, a subsidiary of PETRONAS which offers clean energy solutions, has set up Southeast Asia’s first 350kW charging station for electric vehicles (EVs). The high-speed charger is one of the stations at the EV Charging Hub located at X Park Sunway Serene in the Sungai Way Free Trade Industrial Zone, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

The facility has been set up in partnership with EV Connection Sdn Bhd (EVC) and besides the 350 kW super charger – the fastest public charger in Southeast Asia – there are also two DC fast chargers (180 kW), and five AC chargers (22 kW and 7 kW).

The higher power supply of the 350 kW charger means that the battery packs in EVs can be recharged in a shorter time. However, the vehicle’s electric system must also be compatible (not all are) and for those that are not, there are the other chargers available.

The fees will be based on kilowatt-hour drawn instead of the more common practice of time connected to the charging station. This would be a fairer approach as the amount paid is for the actual amount of electricity drawn, just like purchasing liquid fuel.

For the 350 kW charger, the rate is RM1.20 per kWh while for the DC fast charger, it will be RM1 per kWh, and 55 sen per kWh for the AC chargers.

X Park is also the first EV charging hub in Malaysia to be licensed by the Energy Commission (EC), which ensures the safety of the  structure and operations of such facilities with the aim of improving  confidence in Malaysia’s EV charging ecosystem.

Gentari and EVC will also open another charging hub at the Bangi Golf Resort in Selangor soon. With this new hub, Gentari is focused on offering a mix of hubs in quick-moving high-traffic areas such as X Park as well as leisure destinations such as Bangi Golf Club, to seamlessly blend EV charging with other routine activities.

Since its introduction in June this year, Gentari has set up 117 charging points at 20 locations around the country. It has also set up 133 charging points in India. The company aims to capture 10% market share (circa 25,000 charging points based on current estimates) across key markets in Asia Pacific by 2030. In the mid-term, Gentari aims to install 9,000 public charging points by 2026, with an anchored presence in Malaysia and India.

“Gentari’s new high-speed charging hub at X Park Sunway Serene is expected to contribute significantly towards supporting a viable EV ecosystem by improving range confidence for EV drivers with a focus on the urban charging experience. As the first charging system to be licensed by EC, we are pleased to support efforts to standardise and govern Malaysia’s emerging green mobility sector, towards boosting consumer confidence. Gentari is also pleased to be the first to offer an equitable pricing mechanism based on kilowatt-hour, demonstrating our team’s customer-centric mindset and pace to act,” said Shah Yang Razalli, Gentari’s Chief Green Mobility Officer.

Lee Yuen How, Managing Director of EVC, added: “We hope that the provision of a diverse range of affordable and accessible fast-charging infrastructure at X Park, Bangi Golf Resort and future licensed installations nationwide will help spur the EV adoption rate among Malaysians. This location in Sungai Way is well-positioned to serve residential and business EV users around Petaling Jaya who are looking for reliable and convenient charging facilities with a shorter charge time.”

GENTARI To Provide Clean, Green New Energy Mobility Solutions

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Kia introduces new corporate logo as part of bold transformation move

Kia is starting the new decade with a change in its corporate logo, a move to signify the Korean carmaker’s bold transformation. The introduction of the new logo represents the 76-year old company’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.

The logo is a symbol of Kia’s new brand purpose and the values it promises to offer customers through future products and services, and the experiences these enable. “Kia’s new logo represents the company’s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President & CEO. “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”

The new logo has been designed to resemble a handwritten signature. The rhythmical, unbroken line is said to convey the company’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers.

https://www.piston.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/New-Kia-Logo-2020-1.mp4

The new logo was unveiled during a record-breaking pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea. The event saw 303 pyrodrones launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized artistic display, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. This set a new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously’.

Its global brand slogan is also changed to ‘
Movement that inspires
’. With this change, there will also be a new brand strategy but it will only be revealed on January 15. To be through the digital ‘New Kia Brand Showcase’ event on Kia YouTube channel, the global audience will also get to understand the brand purpose and philosophy, as well as application to Kia’s future product line-up.

The launch of the new logo follows the announcement of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ long-term business strategy in 2020. Under Plan S, Kia, among other objectives, has the ambition to take a leading position in the global car market. This is focused on popularizing electric vehicles and introducing a broad range of mobility services, tailored to meet the needs and tastes of individuals and local markets.

Kia aims to achieve leadership position in EVs

Kia aims to achieve leadership position in EVs


Baby Driver: A must watch movie for car fans!

It’s very rare that true driver enthusiast movies actually do grace the silver screen. Movies like Bullitt, Vanishing Point and Gone in 60 Seconds (1974) were the select few where great emphasis was placed on realism when it came to the plot, cars and the driving physics. Their story lines may not have been nail-biting or edge of your seat stuff, but the action scenes, the screeching tyres, realistic collisions and spectacular explosions made them some of the all time best car movies.

These days thanks to CGI and over the top Hollywood gimmicks, most car movies lack the appeal of those from yesteryear. But every now and then, a true gem comes along worthy of being called “noteworthy” and one such movie is Baby Driver.

Slated for release towards the end of 2017, Baby Driver’s cast features some big time hollywood actors including Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx. The movie’s main protagonist is a young getaway driver, named Baby played by Ansel Elgort, who you may also know as the guy from the movie The Fault In Our Stars. Baby is part of a crew headed by Kevin Spacey, that go on carefully planned heists in the city.

Baby, despite his rather boyish demeanor, is a skilled driver of a Subaru Impreza WRX who is quite adept at handling high-speed getaways albeit the WRX’s driving dynamics did lend him a helping hand. Based on the trailer, and like a number of such movies, baby decides that after several missions, he no longer wants to be involved with this line of work. However, that is easier said than done as the team view him as a very valuable asset. Well, we aren’t going to ruin it for you, so take a look at the trailer and you be the judge.

But we think that the action sequences depicted in the trailer are pretty amazing and should make for one awesome movie when it is eventually released.


New BMW M2 Is The Official MotoGP Safety Car

From the 24th to 26th March, the Grande Prémio de Portugal at Portimão will mark the anniversary season for BMW M – celebrating the 25th season as the Official Car of MotoGP™,
a close partnership that BMW M has with MotoGP™
 rights holder Dorna Sports that dates back to 1999.

This season, we will see the all new M2 MotoGP™ make its debut. According to BMW, the safety car is based on the new BMW M2 which made its world premiere in October 2022.

As a safety car, it has to be fast to be at the scene of any incident that occurs. This beast with its compact dimensions and the 460 hp TwinPower turbo in-line 6-cylinder engine, is the perfect basis for a BMW M safety car.

This car also includes various safety car elements for its deployment on MotoGP™ racetracks. These elements include:

A roll bar
RECARO seats
6-point racing harness
A fire extinguisher
Safety car roof bar and the matching front light.

M Performance parts, such as exhaust system, chassis, carbon wing mirror covers, diffusor, and rear wing have also been installed.

The safety car fleet of 2023 also includes many other BMW M safety, medical and official cars, as well as BMW M 1000 RR safety bikes.

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports said, “We are delighted to be joining BMW M in celebrating the 25th anniversary season of our partnership in 2023. In BMW M we have had a strong partner at our side for a quarter of a century; a partner with whom we have enjoyed superb collaboration in many different areas. We are very proud of this longstanding partnership that is never at a standstill, it gives plenty of fresh momentum each year. With the most innovative technologies, BMW M is taking care of safety in our sport for the 25th year now, and is a firm fixture in the MotoGP paddock with a wide range of
activities. Here’s to a fantastic anniversary season in 2023!”

“2023 is our 25th season as Official Car of MotoGP – a long-standing, close partnership
like this is special in international racing,” said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M
GmbH.

“We would like to thank Dorna Sports for the great trust they have placed in us for  a quarter of a century now. Since 1999 we have been striving to incorporate our values such as innovation, technology, emotion, and passion into our partnership with Dorna Sports as well. Our new BMW M2 MotoGP safety car is just one example of this. With it we are continuing our tradition of putting the latest BMW M high-performance automobiles at the service of MotoGP safety. Be it the safety car fleet, the BMW M Award, or our many other activities in the top level of motorcycle racing – we are proud that Fascination M has
become an important part of the MotoGP,” he added.

According to Moto GP, the event will include rider autograph sessions, rider Q&As on stage, live music from world-renowned artists, the Hero Walk, stunt shows, expos, tonnes of merchandise stores, bike stands and more! There really is something for everyone to love when attending a Grand Prix that isn’t just the racing.


More Sprint Races In 2023 Formula 1 Calendar

In 2021, Formula 1 gained Sprint races as an additional activity during a race weekend. As the name suggests, it is a quick race and just 100 kms long, and is run on Saturdays. At rounds with a Sprint, the schedule is altered where Free Practice (FP) 1 is run on Friday morning, with Qualifying in the afternoon. This determines the starting order for the Sprint which is held the next day, after FP2.

The Sprint races have been received well by both the drivers as well as spectators who get additional racing action to watch on Saturday. For the drivers, there are also points to collect for the top three finishers and more importantly, the finishing order of the Sprint determines the position on the starting grid on Sunday. So there is the possibility of getting a better spot for the main race.

Now entering its third year, the Sprint format has become part of the season’s calendar. In the first year, it was tested at Silverstone, Monza and Interlagos; last year, three rounds – at Imola, the Red Bull Ring and Interlagos – included Sprints. For 2023, there will be double the numbe and they will be run at Baku (Azerbaijan), Red Bull Ring (Austria), Spa (Belgium), Losail (Qatar) Austin (USA) and Interlagos (Brazil).

When there is a Sprint included, the proceedings get a bit tighter and flexibility is less. Right from the time the cars begin Qualifying, they are under
parc ferme,
which means that the cars must not have anything changed. Unlike races without a Sprint when there is more time to work on the cars, there is only the hour during FP1 to do so.

However, there are some areas that can still be worked on. For example, parts that have been damaged or worn out can be replaced and the front wing flap can be adjusted. The electronic set-up can be adjusted and the engineers are also allowed to adjust the differential and brake settings.

While there is a different tyre allocation and a different way to use them, after the Sprint is over, each car will have the normal allocation of 7 sets of tyres supplied by Pirelli. How each team makes use of their tyre allocation in FP1, Qualifying and FP2 will be tactical decisions made based on what happens on the track.

The Sprint is a flat-out 100-km race from start to finish, over a period of 30 minutes and there are no pit stops. It is thus an intense race though drivers still keep in mind not to take risks that could worsen their starting position or worse, cause serious damage. In the first two years, extra points were only given for the first three finishers but this year, perhaps to encourage more competition, there are points down to 8
th
 place.

While spectators have generally liked the Sprint races, opinions are split among the drivers, Last year’s World Champion Max Verstappen doesn’t like it but Lewis Hamilton does, although his team boss doesn’t. Overtaking, being an important element in racing excitement, has to be adequate to inspire the drivers to compete and not be resigned to being part of a procession.

The Baku street circuit in Azerbaijan is one of the new venues for Sprint races in 2023.

The choices of tracks for Sprint races this year are based on the experience of the previous two years, with a view of providing more overtaking opportunities. Hopefully, the drivers will find the races more challenging and give the spectators a bit more drama to be excited about this year.


BIKES: PETRON Powers Blaze RON100 “Fuel Happy” Media Roadtrip 2018! [+Video]

“Are you nuts?”
 (
lu gila ka?
) Spoken colloquially with a hint of Chinese accent and coming from your mechanic, whose knowledge of your bike far surpasses that of your own, one would probably think long and hard about embarking on a 400+km roadtrip, with a bike older than 80% of you reading this…

But that was the plan. You see, having procured this
1983 Suzuki Katana 750

almost a year ago, I’d not had a proper
‘shakedown’
 ride on it, ever since the ‘must-do’ restoration was completed, and the invite for the
Petron “Fuel Happy” Media Ride 2018
 seemed like the best time to do it. Or was it…

The plan was for bike media to use their
own
 machines to experience the attributes of Petron’s
Blaze

RON100
 fuel, for a journey from KL to Penang and back again. And the said machines had to be 500cc and above. I guess this time my trusty Sym200
“Scootourer”
 would be staying home…

Before we get to the ride itself, we need to clear the air about
RON
. What’s RON? RON is actually an acronym that stands for
R
esearch
O
ctane
N
umber, and represents the fuel’s ‘knock-resistance’, or premature ignition / detonation. This happens when fuel in the combustion chamber explodes after compression, but before the spark-plug can properly ignite it. And this can result in engine damage. The higher the RON number, the more adept it is at eliminating this pre-detonation, and in the long run, preserve your engine longer.

Petron Blaze RON100
, which meets
EURO 4M
 standards, utilizes a
“TriAction Advantage”
 formula comprising an Organic combustion-enhancer for a cleaner and better burn with no pre-detonation, a Fully-synthetic detergent additive that cleans and stops deposits from forming for increased engine protection, and a Friction-modifier which reduces the friction between engine parts. So long story short, is RON100 worth using? Yes. Can it be used in any car or bike? Yes. Or rather I was about to find out about the latter anyway…

The Suzuki Katana 750 from the early 80’s predates every gizmo and gadget you currently own. It even predates the Internet and Emails for God’s sake. Mobile phones, not even Smartphones, didn’t even exist yet when this bike first appeared. Its Hans Muth design seems to have endured over the years, and even three decades on, it still looks contemporary set against a backdrop of newer and more technologically advanced motorcycles.

I did have my reservations though to be honest. This was after all a rather long ride, on a ‘grandfather’ of a bike. Let me clarify that; in the biking world where anything over a decade is considered old, this bike was
ancient
 among the rest.

So there we were, about 16 of us, all on large capacity bikes, ready to hit the highway after a full-tank of RON100, graciously supplied by our hosts Petron Marketing. Having only been using RON95 for the
Kat
, I was curious to see what benefits I could feel from switching to RON100; and no the petrol-tank didn’t need to be drained before filling-up with RON100.

It was only after the second fill-up that I managed to feel some discernible difference in the way the old bike was performing, I guess by this point about 200km from the flag-off, every remaining drop of the previous RON95 had burned through the system, leaving only Blaze RON100 in the tank.

It was during this time that I distinctly felt the throttle response to be much quicker than before, as well as roll-on acceleration. I decided against testing if the top-speed had increased significantly, for lets face it, you’d don’t enter a geriatric into a 100m sprint with Usain Bolt.

One thing I was certain of though, was that the engine was (and still is) running a lot smoother, and the bike seemed more eager to rev. I’m really going to have to try RON100 in my Sym200 scooter, because at a mere 171.2cc, any advantage in any fuel going through that tiny engine will be felt instantly.

In conclusion, over the span of two days and a few hundred kilometres, I think it’s safe to say that we were all collectively impressed with Petron’s
Blaze RON100
 fuel. All the bikes made it, there wasn’t a single issue with any of them, and I’m extremely happy to say, that included the old Suzuki Katana too.

Photo by Hezeri Samsuri

For a closer look at some of the bikes that attended this ride, have a look at this video from our friend Hezeri Samsuri at

Careta.my
:

Kami dalam perjalanan ke Pulau Pinang untuk menguji bahan api Petron Blaze RON100 dan minyak pelincir sintetik Petron. Pelbagai jenis motosikal ditunggang oleh rakan rakan media kami. Meriah!!!!

Posted by
Careta
 on 22hb Januari 2018

Acknowledgements:

Many thanks to the Petron Marketing team (above) for organising this ride, and for giving us the opportunity to sample first-hand the benefits of RON100! – Chris Wee.

NB: In case you didn’t know, Petron also produces engine oils for bikes in different grades, and to learn about them in more detail, click the links below: (photos of the oils are in the gallery below)

Rider 4T Fully Synthetic

Rider 4T MonoGrade

Rider 4T Multigrade

RIDER 4T Premium Multi-Grade

For more information about Petron products, log on to
www.petron.com.my
.

Petron “Fuel Happy” Blaze RON100 Media Ride Photo Gallery…

The FULL Details from Petron…

PETRON BLAZE 100 POWERS FUEL HAPPY ROAD TRIP FOR 2-WHEELERS

Petron held a Media Test Ride road trip exclusively for motor bikers to allow them to experience the high-performance benefits of Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4M.

Selected media on board 15 motorcycles of their own, in different brands and models participated in the Media Test Ride as part of a two-day road trip fueled by Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4M. The team traveled across more than 300 kilometers of PLUS North-South Expressway from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, maneuvering through long and hilly stretches of the expressway. The road trip was flagged off by Mr. Danny Chen, Marketing Manager at Petron MRR2 Selayang, while En. Mohd Shaibi Ahmad Hijazi, Retail Sales Manager served as the event’s spokesperson.

“The road trip gave us the opportunity to show the high-performance benefits of our Petron Blaze Euro 4M on two-wheelers. The results affirmed its superior capability and efficiency, giving motorcycle and motorbike riders a smoother and better drive, as well as greater value for money. We are pleased to note that our participants thoroughly enjoyed their ride and had a Fuel Happy experience,” said Pn Faridah Ali, Head of Retail Business.

The journey kicked off at Petron MRR2 Selayang station before turning towards PLUS Expressway going to Penang. The group had a stopover at Tapah PLUS R&R before refueling with Blaze 100 at Petron Station Bercham in Perak. The ride continued on PLUS Expressway moving towards Taiping where they exited for lunch. Petron Jalan Hussein Onn (Sg Dua) served as the next refueling station before reaching Penang Island via Penang Bridge.

Now on its fourth year, Fuel Happy Road Trip is especially organized for members of the media to give them the chance to experience the benefits of Petron’s world-class fuels, as well as its trademark personalized customer service. In testing the fuel performance, participants take on highways and cross-country drives to some of the country’s best places.  They can also enjoy the benefits of Petron Miles card for redemption of fuel and Treats items.

“Since launching Blaze 100 in January 2016, we have been receiving positive feedback from customers. Its unique Tri-Action Advantage guarantees more power, better engine protection, and better mileage, while low sulfur content making it environment-friendly. Blaze 100 proves our commitment in delivering innovative products and services for our valued customers,” continued Pn Faridah.

From 7 pilot stations, Petron Blaze 100 is now available at 71 stations nationwide and soon in more stations to meet growing market demand.

About Petron Malaysia:
Petron Malaysia is a leading company in Malaysia’s downstream oil market. Its 88,000 barrel-per-day Port Dickson Refinery produces a wide variety of world-class fuels which is distributed through 8 terminals strategically located across the country. Through more than 580 stations nationwide, it retails premium fuels namely Blaze 100 Euro 4M, Blaze 97 Euro 4M, Blaze 95, Turbo Diesel Euro 5 and Diesel Max. Petron is committed to its vision to be the leading provider of total customer solutions in the oil sector and allied businesses.


New Proton Regional Parts Centre Opened in Kuching for East Malaysian Region

Aftersales support is an important part of customer satisfaction and that means ensuring that required parts for maintenance or repair are readily available at service centres. With the growing number of owners in Sarawak, Proton has set up a new Regional Parts Centre (RPC) in the state capital of Kuching to ensure that the service centres can get parts quickly.

The new 28,000 sq. ft RPC has over 3 times the storage capacity of the facility in use before. It will distribute parts not only to outlets in Sarawak but also Sabah, which also has a large Proton vehicle population.

Aside from its increased space and capability to handle the direct shipment of parts, the new RPC will also be able to store up to 6 containers, enabling it to receive multiple orders concurrently. It will also be able to handle increased throughput, reducing the time it takes to process and deliver orders to outlets.

Reducing waiting time
“The new Proton RPC in Kuching is designed to cater to the needs of our dealers and their customers in East Malaysia and reduce the waiting time for parts in a region where logistics can be challenging. It will have the ability to hold up to 3 months of stock and can even receive direct shipments of parts from overseas vendors,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton.

With the new RPC, supply of parts can be faster to spare parts outlets as well as service centres, reducing waiting time for completion of repair work on vehicles.

“We expect to see a reduction in waiting time for accident repairs to be completed. In addition to the 3 months of stocks held at the RPC, our dealers are also required to have 3 months maintenance parts stock. This is an example of Proton’s efforts to continuously improve aftersales service to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We understand many may be wary, but I would like to reassure both current and future owners, parts are available for your new Proton,” Encik Roslan said.

SUV models boost sales
Proton’s sales in East Malaysia have improved steadily since 2019, following the launch of the X70 and X50 SUV models. Total sales in the region increased by 120% from 2018 to 2021, and with healthy booking numbers in 2022, the company is expecting a further 20% growth in year-on-year sales. From January to October this year, Proton delivered 115,366 vehicles, an increase of 33.6% compared to the same period in 2021.

Proton X70 and X50 have the highest SUV volumes in the country.

Besides the SUVs, the other new models have also helped boost Proton’s sales volume in East Malaysia. “For East Malaysia, the Proton Saga remains as our most popular model, followed by the Proton X50. Last year, we sold 8,692 units of the Saga and 2,934 units of the X50; based on the current booking trend, we forecast sales to exceed 10,000 and 4,200 units, respectively,” said Encik Roslan.

Proton’s 10-Month Volume For 2022 Has Passed Total 2021 Volume

Click here
 for other videos at The Piston Show.


MForce Bike Holdings Releases New Bike Pricing With SST – Benelli, Keeway, SYM, SM Sport & Brixton Now Cheaper Across The Board!

Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd
 distributors of
Benelli, Keeway, SYM, SMSports
and
 Brixton
 has announced its post-SST prices.
“A special thanks to the government, as SST is exempted for motorcycles that are below 250cc hence it will directly benefit all of our small cc motorcycle models and also the end user.”
 said Mforce, who recently launched the new Benelli VZ125i, which you can read about
here
.

Prices for its range of bikes are indeed much more affordable than the selling price with GST, consumers can still enjoy the low prices even after SST is implemented. Refer the following table below for the latest price list effective
1
st
  September 2018
 onwards:

New sales price with SST

Make:  SYM

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

RM

RM

RM

E-Bonus 110 (E3)

RM3,994.08

RM3,768.00

-RM226.08

Sport Bonus 110SR (M)

RM4,789.08

RM4,518.00

-RM271.08

Sport Bonus 115SR

RM4,693.68

RM4,428.00

-RM265.68

Sport Rider 125i

RM5,874.73

RM5,542.20

-RM332.53

Sport Rider 125i SE

RM6,045.50

RM5,703.30

-RM342.20

Sport Rider 125i (N1)

RM5,874.73

RM5,542.20

-RM332.53

E-SR110

RM4,006.80

RM3,780.00

-RM226.80

Jet Power 125

RM5,013.80

RM4,730.00

-RM283.80

Jet Power 125 SE

RM5,138.88

RM4,848.00

-RM290.88

VTS200 LE

RM11,766.00

RM11,100.00

-RM666.00

Cruisym 250i

RM20,021.28

RM18,888.00

-RM1,133.28

Cruisym 250i SE

RM20,339.28

RM19,188.00

-RM1,151.28

VF3i

RM8,467.28

RM7,988.00

-RM479.28

VF3i SE

RM8,785.28

RM8,288.00

-RM497.28

JET14 125i

RM7,301.28

RM6,888.00

-RM413.28

Make: Benelli

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

RM

RM

RM

TNT25

RM13,769.40

RM12,990.00

-RM779.40

TNT135i STD

RM8,575.40

RM8,090.00

-RM485.40

TNT135i LE

RM10,587.28

RM9,988.00

-RM599.28

RFS150i STD

RM7,566.28

RM7,138.00

-RM428.28

RFS150i SE

RM7,831.28

RM7,388.00

-RM443.28

 Make: SM Sport

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

RM

RM

RM

SM SPORT 110R

RM4,121.28

RM3,888.00

-RM233.28

 Make: Keeway

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

RM

RM

RM

RKV200G

RM8,054.94

RM7,599.00

-RM455.94

Café Racer152

RM6,519.00

RM6,150.00

-RM369.00

K-Light 202

RM9,103.28

RM8,588.00

-RM515.28

Patagonian Eagle250

RM9,951.28

RM9,388.00

-RM563.28

 Make: Brixton

Model

Sales Price With GST

Sales Price with SST

Differences

RM

RM

RM

Classic 150i (BX150)

RM9,527.28

RM8,988.00

-RM539.28

Scrambler 150i (BX150X)

RM9,845.28

RM9,288.00

-RM557.28

Café Racer 150i (BX150R)

RM10,163.28

RM9,588.00

-RM575.28

Note: Sales price exclude road tax & insurance.

Price list shown is effective from 01 September 2018


Volvo to stop producing non-hybrid cars by 2019

Volvo has announced that from 2019 and onwards, all cars that it produces will have some form of electrification. This means that in two years time, Volvo will only be producing vehicles with hybrid or fully-electric propulsion systems.

This move confirms Volvo Cars’ commitment to minimizing its environmental impact on our planet and making the cities of the future, cleaner. Volvo Cars is focused on reducing the carbon emissions of both its products as well as its operations. It also aims to have manufacturing operations that have no detrimental effect to the climate situation, by 2025.

The company has also said that between 2019 and 2021, it would have produced five fully electric cars, three of which will be from Volvo and two from Polestar, which is currently the automaker’s performance arm. This confirms the earlier reported news that parent company, Geely, intends on turning Polestar into a separate brand that focuses on electrified global high-performance cars.

These five vehicles will be produced along with a range of petrol and diesel plug-in-hybrid and mild-hybrid 48-volt ones. And if it does manage to pull it off, it will make Volvo one of the first automakers to offer some form of electrification in its entire product portfolio.

This announcement signals an end to non-hybrid petrol and diesel powered Volvo vehicles, which is a significant and drastic shift in the current mindset. If Volvo does manage to keep its word, this could spur more automakers to join the bandwagon and push for a higher production volume of electrified vehicles.

That said, until there is a proper infrastructure in place around the world, it will take quite a while before electric vehicles win over the hearts and minds of people, globally. And as such, Volvo is taking a huge gamble by taking such a move, in such a short timeframe. If it doesn’t pay off for the Swedish marque, the automaker could find itself in a very tough situation.


Nissan develops an EV ambulance for use in Tokyo

An electrically-powered ambulance would be ideal as it not only generates zero toxic emissions but also runs quietly and smoothly. However, due to the size needed to comfortably accommodate patients or injured people, it has to be quite big and as electric powertrains have become more powerful, it is now possible to have an EV ambulance.

It’s not surprising that Nissan, with its leadership in EVs, has developed an EV ambulance. The project is the result of a strong collaboration between Nissan, the Tokyo Fire Department and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which has led to the Nissan NV400 Zero Emission (EV) Ambulance.

The introduction of the first EV ambulance in the Tokyo Fire Department fleet is part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s ‘Zero Emission Tokyo’ initiative.

“Nissan strongly believes in sustainable mobility and strives to contribute to a world with zero emissions and zero fatalities,” said Ashwani Gupta, Representative Executive Officer and Chief Operation Officer at Nissan. “This project is another great example of our efforts to enhance accessibility of eco-friendly vehicles to local communities.”

The Nissan EV Ambulance is equipped with an electric stretcher that enables ease of operations for ambulance staff. Thanks to its EV 55 kW/220 Nm powertrain, the noise and vibration levels in the vehicle are significantly lower in comparison with a traditional petrol engine-powered vehicle, helping reduce negative impact on patients as well as on staff handling sensitive equipment.

Two lithium-ion battery packs support its EV capabilities (33 kWh with an additional battery (8 kWh) allowing longer use of electrical equipment and the air-conditioning system. The ambulance can also turn into a mobile source of electrical power in case of a power outage or natural disaster.

The EV Ambulance is adapted from Nissan’s NV400 light commercial vehicle.

The Nissan EV Ambulance, which can carry up to 7 persons (including crew), is a cost-efficient solution from a cost-of-charging and maintenance point of view. It is based on the company’s NV400 model sold in various markets.

The 5.548-metre long bodywork was customised by Autoworks Kyoto to be compliant with Japanese regulations and designed to meet customer needs. Additionally, Nissan called on by Gruau, a major European emergency vehicle bodywork company, to assist in its development.

The NV400 EV Ambulance is a continuation of Nissan’s electrification of its light commercial vehicle models. In some European markets, Nissan also offers an electrically-powered van – the e-NV200 – for last-mile deliveries. Its quietness and emission-free operation is appreciated in urban areas.

The e-NV200 electrically-powered van available in Europe.

The Nissan NV200 is available in Malaysia as a light commercial vehicle. To know more, visit
www.nissan.com.my
.


McLaren Sabre – developed by customers for themselves

People who can afford to buy a McLaren will often want to have a degree of personalisation, especially in place like Beverly Hills where neighbours might also own McLarens. So what the dealer there did was to offer 15 customers not only an exclusive version specially commissioned from McLaren Special Operations (MSO) but also invite them to participate in the development process.

Known as the McLaren Sabre, the hypercar is designed and homologated exclusively for the US market, stretching design, engineering and aerodynamic conventions to new limits. It has the most powerful non-hybrid McLaren twin-turbo V8 engine to date, generating 824 bhp/800 Nm. With a claimed maximum speed capability of 350 km/h, it is the fastest-ever two-seater McLaren.

Only 15 units produced

The Sabre by MSO is the co-creation of its customers and McLaren Special Operations designers and engineers. There are just 15 examples, each personalized and featuring ideas and innovations that global homologation would not necessarily permit. The first customers have received their cars this week, just in time for Christmas.

The Bespoke Commission customer experience includes a close working relationship with the MSO development team of designers, engineers and test drivers to ensure that the finished car would exactly match their desired and personalized concept.

Extensive level of access

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have been involved with a number of very special cars and I’ve never seen a manufacturer give clients the level of access that McLaren Special Operations has provided for the Sabre,” said Parris Mullins, Motorsport Director for a racing team. “Everything from visiting the ‘skunkworks’ style design studio in the UK to flying out the actual development test mule for clients to get behind the wheel of and drive at a private track –these just aren’t things you typically get access to.”

The build process culminated with a highly exclusive and secret track day for customers. Each owner was allowed to drive a development car multiple times throughout the day, while being coached from the right seat. After returning from the drive, owners met in a private room to give direct feedback via video chat to the design and engineering team back in England.

Exclusive McLaren Senna XP cars pay tribute to one of the greatest F1 drivers


Another 49 employees at Proton Shah Alam factory found to be infected with COVID-19

Following an
earlier report
 of one employee at the Proton complex being found to have tested positive for COVID-19 on October 14, the carmaker has now found that there are another 49 others who are also infected at the Shah Alam, Selangor, facility. All the affected personnel are from the Engineering Division at the facility.

Beside notifying the authorities, Proton has requested all non-essential personnel who work within  the facility to work from home as a precautionary measure. The company has been adhering  to official protocols and SOPs and will continue its efforts with more stringent actions to ensure prevention of further spread.

Proton head office and Centre of Service Excellence/Showroom in Shah Alam, Selangor

Hourly disinfection procedure at COSE

Contact tracing is ongoing and a COVID-19 team is monitoring the situation very closely. In a statement issued this evening, Proton reassures all its customers that it will continue to strictly follow all  guidelines and procedures as it has been doing from the start of the pandemic. The Centre of Service  Excellence (COSE) and showroom are disinfected hourly and all customer-facing personnel follow a rigorous  procedure.

“Proton is working with the authorities who have guided the company through the process and are satisfied with the actions taken thus far. The safety of all Proton staff, customers and Malaysians is of  the utmost importance to the company and will be its main priority,” the statement said.

Proton employee tested positive for COVID-19


UMW Toyota Motor starts 2022 with almost double the sales volume compared to January 2021

Toyota, which last year reclaimed its position as the No. 1 non-national brand after 6 years, started 2022 on a strong note with a total sales volume of 7,528 units (including Lexus models). This was a 96% increase compared to the 3.845 units that were reported in the same month last year.

The
Vios
 remained as UMW Toyota Motor’s bestselling model, accounting for 28% of the total sales volume, while the
Hilux
 accounted for 38% of sales and has been the country’s bestselling pick-up truck for 15 years.

Strong sales helped by promotions

The strong sales numbers have been helped by ongoing promotions such as the ‘
Stay Ahead’
 campaign which gives buyers savings up to RM4,500. The promotion offers the Vios at monthly  instalments from RM540 with 100% sales tax savings of RM2,216. For the sportier
Yaris hatchback
, customers can own one with H-P loans that have instalments from RM493, plus additional RM2,192 in sales tax savings.

The bestselling Toyota models in Malaysia are the Vios (above) and Hilux (below), with the latter being the bestselling truck in the country for 15 years.

“We are thankful for the government’s decision to extend the Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption incentives for passenger vehicles until June 30, 2022. This has greatly helped automotive players like us to recover from the impact of the pandemic during the last two years. We also encourage Toyota fans to take advantage of the extended tax exemption to purchase their dream car, coupled with the value-for-money deals UMW Toyota Motor is offering such as the ongoing ‘Stay Ahead’ sales campaign to enjoy the best savings during this period,” said Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Locally-assembled Toyota hybrid electric vehicles

In support of Toyota’s global agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as similar objectives by the Malaysian government, UMW Toyota Motor will assemble models with hybrid electric vehicle technology. This has started with the Corolla Cross Hybrid which was launched last month which is seeing growing demand

According to Mr. Ravindran, since it was made available for booking in October last year, the Corolla Cross Hybrid has met with positive response, accounting for more than 40% of the total sales of the Corolla Cross crossover SUV. “This shows that Malaysians are in support of environmental sustainability and are taking their first step towards going green through hybrid electric vehicles. We urge our customers to place their bookings early in order to avoid missing out on the SST exemption for better savings,” he added.

While the Corolla Cross Hybrid (above), priced from RM136,550 (without insurance), has the typical high quality and durability that has made the Toyota brand so popular worldwide, UMW Toyota Motor also offers a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. More importantly, for the owner’s peace of mind, the hybrid battery pack has a separate which covers replacement of the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit if defective during the first 8 years of ownership (with no limit on mileage). Customers can also extend this warranty by 2 years at the time of purchase.

Being a good Corporate Citizen

In addition to the positive sales results, January also saw the company doing its part at a good corporate citizen to help Malaysians affected by the floods. Partnered with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor through its
‘Back On Your Feet’
 programme, the company contributed RM10,000 to Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Lui for the school’s repairs of its flood-damaged premises. The company also donated essential home appliances to the affected community in Sungai Lui such as rice cookers, kettles and gas stoves.

Employees of UMW Toyota Motor went to flooded areas to assist in clean-up work and also brought essential items donated by the company.

“UMW Toyota Motor endeavours to propel society forward by empowering people beyond the road. We are glad to have been given the opportunity to partner with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor to give back to the community we operate in and help them get back on their feet during these trying times,” Mr. Ravindran said.

Besides initiating a
Toyota Flood Assist Program
 as an immediate response to help flood victims in December, a flood ‘Command Centre’ was also established at the UMW Toyota Motor headquarters in Shah Alam, Selangor, as part of its
broadened initiatives
. This will also function as a soup kitchen and relief distribution centre for victims in the event of a similar phenomenon in the future. Additionally, up to 100 parking spaces in the compound will be allocated in such situations for flood victims to park their vehicles safely.

For more information on Toyota products and services in Malaysia, visit
www.toyota.com.my
.

First impressions of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (video)


New 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe officially on sale – From RM169,888

The all-new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (the same one that was previewed during the Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow 2019) is officially available starting today and there will be four different variants available for those who are interested.

The fourth-generation Santa Fe is priced from RM169,888 to RM211,888 with two main different engine options which are the Theta II 2.4 MPI Petrol and the R 2.2 CRDi Diesel. Both engine options come with two different variants which are Executive and Premium.

According to Mr. Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM), Since the preview in November last year, we’ve received good responses and a substantial amount of bookings. Pricing of the Santa Fe has been released and our popular SUV has gone on sale just recently.”

Those who prefer the 2.4-litre petrol option should know that it comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that produces 170hp and 225Nm of maximum torque. Opt for the 2.2-litre diesel and you’ll get 191hp and 440Nm maximum torque plus Hyundai’s latest eight-speed automatic transmission.

There’s a RM20,000 difference between the Executive and Premium variants where those who opt for the latter will be getting a few extra features which are:

Rear Occupant Alert

Blind-Spot Collision Warning

Rear Cross traffic Collision Warning

Bi-function LED Projection

Dynamic Bending Light

8-way power seat (passenger) & 10-way power seat (driver)

7-inch Supervision TFT LCD

Floating-typed 7-inch Display

Power Tailgate

19-inch wheels

A bunch of safety features have been injected into the latest-generation Santa Fe which most of us will find very attractive and this list goes as follows:

6 airbags

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)

Hillstart Assist Control (HAC)

Downhill Brake Control (DBC)

Antilock Braking System (ABS)

Brake Assist System (BAS)

Traction Control System (TCS)

Those who are interested should be quick about it since the prices listed are the introductory prices which will only last until the end of June 2019. The all-new Santa Ge comes with 50,000km free service with 3 years’ validity and a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty. Head over to
www.hyundai.com.my
 for more details.


Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Hosts First Ford Inner Circle Event

To car companies, customers are the most important people for their business and every effort is made to ensure that they have a great ownership experience. Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has various activities that enhance that experience and recently, the company hosted the first-ever Ford Inner Circle event in Malaysia.

The Ford Inner Circle event brought together customers of the
Next-Generation Ford Ranger
 customers at the flagship Ford showroom in Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara, Selangor. Being a festive month, it had a Christmas theme for Ranger owners and their families.

Besides the food, fun and drink, expert instructors were also on hand at a familiarisation workshop to give owners a deeper understanding of their Ranger. Some may already have been truck owners but the latest Ranger comes with many new features, especially impressive high-tech features, which may be new to many.

SDAC-led initiative
A first-of-its-kind by an automotive brand, Ford Inner Circle is an SDAC-led initiative created exclusively for the Malaysian market. It aims to provide a community-based platform where Ford owners can gather with family, friends and other like-minded individuals. They will also enjoy various benefits, including exclusive invitations to functions and other events.

“We are grateful to all our loyal customers for their ongoing trust, which inspired us to initiate the Ford Inner Circle. Our desire is to serve them better and deliver next-level customer experiences. All our Next-Generation Ranger, Raptor and
Everest
 customers are automatically included in this circle and will receive exclusive benefits in addition to deep-dive instructional sessions on their next-gen vehicles,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

“More importantly, customers will have access to scheduled familiarisation sessions at a Ford showroom nationwide. These sessions are designed to help them master the high-tech equipment and smart features available so they can maximise the full capability and versatility of their next-generation Ford vehicles,:” he added.

Ford Ranger Getaway
s
As part of the Ford Inner Circle, Next-Generation Ford Ranger and
Ranger Raptor
 customers will receive a privilege card, which entitles them to a 30% discount on their first Ford Ranger Getaway. An industry-first and also exclusive to Malaysia, the
Ford Ranger Getaways program
 was created to provide a richer and more immersive experience of what it means to ‘
Live the Ranger Life
’ through a series of handpicked local drive and adventure experiences.

Some of the Ford Ranger Getaways packages.

Open to all Ranger and Raptor owners, Ford Ranger Getaways covers a multitude of interest categories to cater to customers from all walks of life who desire short local adventures, be it on their own, with family and friends or with other like-minded people.

Each getaway has been thoughtfully curated to showcase the diversity of the Ranger lifestyle – from fun city outings and outdoor or off-road excursions to foodie trails and even being a pilot for a day by flying a plane over Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). These escapades are on open schedules that can be booked and enjoyed by customers with their Rangers or Raptors at their own leisure.

There are also scheduled one-of-a-kind
off-roading training experiences
 in M4TREC in Semenyih, Selangor. Owners will be able to test the full potential of their Rangers and Ranger Raptors. During such sessions, they will discover the full capabilities of their vehicles and how they are ‘Built Ford Tough’.

Since it was launched early this year, SDAC has added 5 new getaways, including a Tabin Wildlife Safari Adventure and 3 island retreats. The current list on the SDAC-Ford website shows available getaways for January to June 2023. Interested owners are advised to reserve early as slots for each getaway are on a first-come, first-served basis. Bookings can be done online at
SDAC-Ford’s e-commerce platform
.

To know more about the latest Ranger and Ranger Raptor, visit
www.sdacford.com.my
 where you can also locate a showroom to test-drive one.

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Has Money-Saving Festive Promotion For Ford Owners

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Proton And Affin Bank Launch Affiliate Credit Card

Proton today disclosed a strategic partnership with Affin bank through the introduction of an affiliate credit card/-i aimed for Proton owners. When Proton clients use the Affin Avance Proton Affiliate Credit Card/-i to make purchases at approved locations, they receive special privileges and rewards.

The list of privileges enjoyed by cardholders includes:

Lifetime annual fee waiver.
3X AFFIN Rewards points for dining, online/e-commerce, and transactions at Proton outlets. – 1X AFFIN Rewards points for other retail transactions.
Hassle-free Overdraft/Cash line application.
0% Easy Instalment Plan for up to 24 months – 0% Interest/ Profit Rate for purchase at Proton outlets  including servicing.

Additionally, a customer who had financed their car through Affin bank’s hire purchase option also received a mock key for a Proton
X90
, the newest model in the Proton lineup.

According to Proton, the affiliate card will reward customers for servicing their vehicles or buying Proton’s goods by providing a variety of advantages and privileges. This new card will be automatically provided to any Proton purchaser who finances their purchase with Affin Bank. Proton invites all current owners to additionally apply for it to take advantage of its exclusive benefits.


Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Are They All the Same?

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 to know more about promotions at BHPetromart.

Just as Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) assesses the safety performance of new models sold in Europe, Green NCAP evaluates the environmental performance of new vehicles. Periodically, it compiles a list of models and recently release information on 25 new models. These include, for the first time, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

The results of three models – the Kia Niro, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Prius – show that not all plug-in hybrids offer the same environmental benefits. The Hyundai NEXO – a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) – demonstrates the promise of this developing technology. The vehicles on the latest list  include the fully electric Volkswagen ID.3 and 19 combustion engine cars, of which two – the Skoda Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI and VW Golf 1.5 TSI – stand out from the rest.

Hyundai NEXO FCV

Nothing beats pure electric vehicles

When it comes to environmental cleanliness, pure electric vehicles outshine the competition – which shouldn’t really be surprising. With rising consumer interest, more and more traditional carmakers are getting serious about electric vehicles and have comprehensive electrification programs for the coming years.

Volkswagen’s first standalone electric car, the ID.3, reinforces this message, joining the Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) previously tested by Green NCAP with a maximum 5-star rating. The NEXO, a hydrogen fuel-cell car, also achieved 5 stars, as it proved to be just as clean as a BEV and very nearly as energy efficient.

Layout of fuel-cell electric vehicle (2015 Toyota Mirai)

Huge potential in fuel cell technology but…

Using a fuel-cell to convert hydrogen into electricity, the NEXO emits only water at the tailpipe and can offer a driving range unmatched by any available pure electric vehicle at this time. Refilling of the hydrogen tank is also as quick and easy as a refuelling a car with petrol or diesel. The NEXO result clearly shows the huge potential of the technology, but fuel-cell cars can only grow in numbers when consumers see sufficient hydrogen fuelling stations around their country.

PHEV technology is currently much favoured by manufacturers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with new emissions legislation. Marketed as offering ‘the best of both worlds’ – battery-powered cleanliness when it is needed with the driving range of a combustion-engined car – Green NCAP’s tests revealed that, even when optimally charged, not all PHEVs are the same.

Toyota Prius PHEV

Toyota’s Prius impressed most with a 4-star rating that beats all but pure electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars. The Niro followed closely with 3½ stars, but the Outlander only achieved 2 stars, less than some of the latest Euro6-compliant petrol or diesel cars.

“People want independent, transparent information about the environmental impact of cars. These PHEV results show why that is so important. Consumers could be forgiven for thinking that, by buying a car labelled ‘PHEV’ and keeping it charged all the time, they will be doing their bit for the environment, but these results show that this is not necessarily the case,” said Euro NCAP Chairman, Niels Jacobsen.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

“The Outlander shows that a big, heavy vehicle with a limited driving range is unlikely to offer any benefit over a conventional car. On the other hand, Toyota, with its long experience of hybrid technology, has done a terrific job and the Prius, properly used, can offer clean, efficient transport. It depends on the implementation and hybridisation strategy but what is true of all PHEVs is that they need to be charged regularly and driven as much as possible on battery power if they are to fulfil their potential,” noted Jacobsen.

Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI

Some non-electrified cars still very clean

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid further underlines Toyota’s expertise in the field of electrification with a respectable 3½ star rating. But it is matched by two conventionally-engined cars – the diesel-powered Skoda Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI and the petrol-fuelled VW Golf 1.5 TSI. These are the best results achieved so far by non-electrified cars.

“Euro6 legislation has made a real difference. For the first time, we’re seeing cars perform in real- world driving the way they promise on the test bench and we should congratulate car manufacturers and emissions engineers for the huge strides they have made in the last few years,” Jacobsen observed.

For FCEVs to grow in numbers, consumers will have to see a sizable network of hydrogen refuelling stations n their country.

“The future looks like it belongs to electric cars of one sort or another but, for now, consumers face a bewildering choice. Green NCAP is here to help them make informed decisions so that we can all contribute now to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” he said.

About Green NCAP

Green NCAP is an independent initiative which promotes the development of cars which are clean, energy efficient and not harmful to the environment. Emissions of several pollutant gases are regulated by legislation in the EU. All cars sold in Europe must pass type-approval tests to demonstrate that their emissions of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, unburnt hydrocarbons and particulate matter do not exceed certain critical values. However, regulation offers no reward to manufacturers who go beyond the minimum standards of approval testing.

Green NCAP rewards manufacturers whose vehicles go beyond the minimum legislative requirements and offer excellent real-world performance. The organisation uses a broad range of tests to address the flaws in approval tests and, through consumer information, rewards those manufacturers whose vehicles go beyond the minimum requirements and offer excellent, robust, real-world performance. Regulatory testing is a good starting point, and Green NCAP’s tests are an addition and complementary to the legislative requirements.

First look at the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain being developed by BMW and Toyota


Thieves Target Catalytic Converters Of Toyota Cars

According to recent reports, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of catalytic converter thefts and the most targeted automaker is Toyota.

Well, first of all, what is a catalytic converter? The catalytic converter is part of the car’s emissions control system. It cleans up the exhaust gases before they are expelled from the car through the exhaust pipe. Its internal elements react with the gases, breaking them down into less harmful substances and water vapour. All cars sold in Europe since 1993 have had to be fitted with catalytic converters by law.

Second, why are they a target for thieves? Clearly, the police are best placed to offer advice on the motives behind this crime, but we understand that the value of the catalytic converter for recycling is the main attraction to thieves, because they contain precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium.

Selangor police head Datuk Hussein Omar Khan reported that a recent spate of arrests of cat converter thieves began with a report made by a Toyota Estima owner on June 12. The owner reports that he had left the MPV at the MRT Serdang parking lot in the morning and returned to it at night where he noticed the catalytic converter was missing.

Following that, the police made their first arrest on June 18 in the Tropicana Gardens Mall in PJ, and the first suspect, a 34-year-old Malaysian, helped them make their second arrest, which was a 43-year-old Malaysian, in KL. Along with the tools required to carry out the thefts, like saws and jacks, police also recovered 46 catalytic converters worth a combined RM35,000 during the arrests.

The first suspect is a worker at an auto parts store in Subang as an assistant, and the second is a collection agent for exhaust components in KL. The two only steal catalytic converters from Toyota vehicles, and their method of choice is to target cars sitting in unattended LRT/MRT parking lots. The products are taken by the first suspect, who then passes them to the second suspect, who sells the stolen goods to foreign purchasers who are interested in the catalytic converter’s platinum, palladium, and rhodium.

According to Hussein, the first suspect has been stealing catalytic converters since early June since there is an international market for the products. Each catalytic converter is worth between RM500 and RM2,500, according to the authorities. The police claim that with these arrests, they have put an end to 15 theft cases involving catalytic converters in the Klang Valley.

The two suspects will face charges under Section 379A(1) of the Penal Code, and if proven guilty, they could get a sentence of up to seven years in prison, a fine, and/or both.

What is Toyota doing to stop its cars from being targeted?

Well, Toyota UK said in May 2021 that it would covertly mark more than 100,000 catalytic converters to deter theft. By collaborating with the police and Smartwater (a risk management firm), catalytic converters can be marked with an unnoticeable but traceable marking. This enables the police to link a stolen catalytic converter to a specific crime and pursue the organised gangs who are responsible. All people handling the gadgets along the criminal supply chain, from theft to final destruction and recycling, are likewise put at greater risk.

However, there are alternative techniques to potentially stop your car from becoming a victim of theft, even if it is impossible to totally stop theft. If you’re going out, try to park in well-lit, busy areas whenever you can, and think about adding a catalytic converter anti-theft device or a vibration-triggered vehicle alarm. More so if you happen to own a Prius, which is right at the top of the target list for catalytic converter theft in the United States since its converter contains more precious metals.


PLUS To Activate SmartLanes This Weekend For Extra Highway Capacity

During the major festive seasons, traffic volumes on the highways increase tremendously as millions of vehicles travel around the country. On other days of the year, traffic flow is generally smooth (unless there’s an accident or roadworks) and motorists can travel safely and speedily between destinations.

This weekend, PLUS Malaysia anticipates another wave of high traffic volume on its highways from Saturday till Monday (April 29 to May 1) as it is the end of the school holidays and there is also a national holiday (Labour Day) on Monday.

In view of this greater volume of traffic, the SmartLane concept will be activated along certain sections of the North-South Expressway. When activated, vehicles are permitted to use the Emergency Lane for specified periods so that there is additional lane capacity to ease the congestion.

Signs identity SmartLane sections
Motorists can identify areas with SmartLanes from the special signages as well as the presence of traffic controllers stationed at the designated locations. Information on activation can also be found on the PLUS social media pages.

“Once the SmartLane is activated, highway users will be allowed to temporarily enter and utilise the emergency lane at selected areas and will be redirected back to the normal lanes to continue their journey. However, they must not use the road shoulder/emergency lane at other locations where no SmartLane is activated,” said PLUS Chief Operating Officer, Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi.

PLUS first tried out the
SmartLane concept in October 2019
 on a 6-km section of the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) as a way to reduce the congestion between Setia Alam and Shah Alam during the morning rush hours.

The stretch of the NKVE from the Setia Alam exit to the Shah Alam exit where the Smartlane is used when necessary.

“Based on PLUS’ record, 302,000 vehicles ply the NKVE daily, where 22% of them enter the highway simultaneously during the morning rush hour. However, with the implementation of the SmartLane, we expect to reduce the Setia Alam-Shah Alam peak hour crawl by 30% to 40%, barring any incidents such as accidents and vehicle breakdowns.  Nevertheless, we have tow trucks on standby to address these incident,” Datuk Zakaria said at the time the SmartLane was introduced.

Activated in 5 sections
Throughout the Hari Raya festive period this year, the SmartLane has been regularly activated at two stretches, namely the Port Dickson Interchange to Seremban Interchange between KM260.0 and KM263.1 (Northbound), and the Senai Utara Interchange to Kulai Interchange between KM19.0 and KM27.0 (Northbound).

Apart from these two locations, PLUS has identified other locations for SmartLane activation at the Gua Tempurung – Gopeng stretch between KM306.7 and KM297.0 (Northbound), Slim River – Sungkai between KM367.3 and KM354.1 (Northbound) and Rawang – Sungai Buaya between KM439.9 and KM435.5 (Northbound).

The implementation of the SmartLane at the two stretches in the southern region has received positive feedback from highway users as it has helped in reducing congestion. SmartLane activation can only be implemented upon approval by the police, based on the traffic conditions.

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If in doubt, do not travel on the emergency lane as it is an offence. And on certain days during the festive period, the summons cannot be settled with a compound fine and you have to go to court. While you are unlikely to end up in prison, the process of attending court can be troublesome, especially if the court is in a different state from where you stay.

PLUS And TNB Collaborate To Add More DC Fast-Chargers For EV Users Along N-S Expressway


150 Units Of Renault Captur Compact CrossOver Allocated For GoCar, Fleet Now At 450 Vehicles!

TCEC, the sole franchise holder for
Renault
 vehicles in Malaysia, today announced that it will be providing
150 units
 of the stylish and versatile
Renault Captur
 compact crossover to GoCar, Malaysia’s leading on-demand car-sharing platform, bringing the total fleet to
450 GoCars
 on the road. The collaboration was announced at a handover ceremony at TCEC’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya during which the first 50 units of Renault Captur were delivered to GoCar. The remaining 100 units will be fulfilled in subsequent months.

(From left) Sicard Guillaume, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific, Renault, Dato’ Rosie Tan, Group CEO of Tan Chong Motor Holdings, Kuan Kim Luen, CEO of TC Euro Cars, Nicholas Tan, President of GoCar, Alan Cheah, CEO of GoCar Malaysia, Quincy Govin, Head of ASEAN Operation, Renault

The Renault Captur is Europe’s best-selling crossover in its segment. Its vibrant exterior styling, powerful turbocharged engine, excellent fuel efficiency, excellent safety rating and affordable maintenance package all combine to make it a good addition to the GoCar fleet.
“The fashionable yet sporty Renault Captur is an excellent choice for GoCar members. Its stylish exterior with vibrant two-toned colours adds a distinct French flair to our fleet while its impressive equipment and features deliver enjoyable driving performance in addition to offering comprehensive safety features,”
 said
Alan Cheah, CEO, GoCar Mobility Sdn Bhd.

Through the GoCar sharing service, the Renault Captur is offered with a rate of
RM18.90
 per hour,
RM189
 daily,
RM1,323
 weekly or
RM5,670
 for a month. To access the service, simply download the GoCar mobile application and register as a member. Upon verification, members can easily make bookings as well as lock, unlock and start the Captur via the GoCar mobile app. Extensions for reservations can also easily be managed via the app.

“Renault Captur is the perfect embodiment of 120 years of Renault know-how and technical expertise including breakthroughs like turbocharging and excellent efficiency. Through this collaboration with GoCar, we hope to offer more opportunities for Malaysians to experience a crossover model that has been Europe’s segment leader for many years,”
 said
Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd
.

Powered by Renault’s turbocharged TCe 120 engine that is mated to a six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission, the EEV-certified Captur is capable of delivering the performance and acceleration of a normally-aspirated 1.8L engine, with excellent fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

In conjunction with the Renault Captur joining its fleet, GoCar is offering Malaysians the opportunity to #TakeCaptur for a road trip between now until
31 December 2018
. Valid for new members only, the promotion offers RM30 off the Captur, with a minimum booking of 10 hours, through the special promo code ‘
GOCARCAPTUR
’.


Volkswagen ID. R sets new record on Tianmen Mountain

Volkswagen I.D. R

The
680hp all-electric Volkswagen ID. R
 has set the very first record of the “China Challenge” on Tianmen Mountain earlier this week. With a time of 7:38.585, Romain Dumas conquered all 99 corners of 10.9km “Big Gate Road” and we’re guessing that this record is going to stay there at the top for quite some time.

According to Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, “A new record on a truly spectacular road – Volkswagen and the ID.R have once again shown what the electromobility of the future is already capable of today. Not only has it proven that electric cars like the ID.R can break established records and set new benchmarks, but the ID.R also shows how emotive and exciting the mobility of the future is.”

As for Romain Dumas, the driver that has set all the records for the Volkswagen ID. R, “I will certainly remember this record run on Tianmen Mountain for ever as my most spectacular outing. I am proud to have set a record with the electric Volkswagen ID.R in China.”

“The little information and testing we had beforehand made it a huge challenge. The road is incredibly narrow and winding, but the drive was unbelievable fun with the electric power of the ID.R. The huge torque was a big advantage on the short straights, while the aerodynamics provided additional traction in the fast sections.”

Five things we like about the Volkswagen Passat


Acura to race electrified ARX-06 prototype in 2023 IMSA series

Acura, Honda’s premium and performance brand mainly sold in North America, has had a long presence in endurance racing with prototype models. Next year, at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, it will debut an all-new electrified racing car, the ARX-06, the sixth generation of a successful line of Acura endurance racing prototypes.

The ARX-06 has custom bodywork and aerodynamics based around an all-new ORECA LMDh chassis. The chassis carries an electrified hybrid power unit with an equally new, bespoke twin-turbocharged 2.4-litre V6 engine designed, developed and manufactured by Honda Performance Development (HPD), the racing arm for Acura Motorsports in North America.

Smallest combustion engine
With its 2.4-litre displacement, the AR24e power unit is the smallest displacement internal combustion engine conceived by HPD for endurance racing. It still meets the performance target of 500 kW as measured at the rear axle by torque meters. It features a 90-degree V-angle to reduce its centre of gravity and polar moment of inertia, and can run on sustainable low-carbon fuel.

The hybrid powerplant includes an IMSA-specified electric Bosch Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and Williams Advanced Engineering battery pack. The MGU is contained in a common transmission casing and gearbox internals provided by Xtrac.

“We’ve taken the challenge presented by this new rule package from IMSA, and developed what we believe is a very competitive solution,” said Pierre Descamps, who led HPD’s powertrain design team for the ARX-06. “We’ve gone in a new direction for HPD in the design of the ICE. It is still a V6, which of course for Honda is well-known, but we have incorporated several new elements which we believe will make best use of the electric MGU and battery pack. Our new engine will rev to the maximum 10,000 rpm set by the rules, so it also makes a wonderful sound!”

Both IMSA in North America and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) rules require manufacturers to use one of four approved prototype chassis, fitted with IMSA-homologated, manufacturer-designed and branded bodywork and engines.

Continued partnership with ORECA
In the case of the ARX-06, HPD and Acura have elected to continue their successful relationship with ORECA. Since moving into chassis design and construction in 2007, ORECA has produced a series of winning sports prototypes, including the Acura ARX-05.

HPD’s Vehicle Performance Group worked closely with the ORECA design team and engineers to simulate chassis layout geometries and lap time optimization studies. They also ‘coded’ the new car into HPD’s static and dynamic Driver in the Loop simulators to begin development of the car’s vehicle dynamics and vehicle dynamic control systems.

Critical to the projects was a clean sheet hybrid powertrain control system, brake-by-wire and vehicle dynamics control system – all written in-house at HPD. This control system architecture was implemented on a Formula 1-spec ECU hardware platform. HPD also utilizes its custom, in-house developed ultra-high speed data-logging system.

Styling by Acura Design Studio
The exterior styling of the ARX-06 was led by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, in conjunction with ORECA, which is also one of the chassis suppliers approved for prototype competition in both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the WEC.

Driver and team input was also sought throughout the design process. One effective change was a revision to the placement of the rearview mirrors. This is a seemingly minor adjustment but actually has a large effect on vehicle aerodynamics. Using VR headsets, the drivers were able to sit in the car virtually and recommend a much lower placement for the side mirrors, improving both the aero efficiency of the ARX-06 and visibility for the drivers.

Acura will continue its partnerships with the successful Wayne Taylor Racing and Meyer Shank Racing teams to campaign a pair of ARX-06 entries in the GTP category of the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

A new Acura Integra returns after 21 years


Uniquely camouflaged BMWs to cruise streets of Kuala Lumpur

Over the next few weeks, you may come across BMW vehicles with uniquely designed artwork on their exteriors moving around the streets of Kuala Lumpur. The ‘camouflage’ is artwork designed by local businesses, volunteer groups and NGOs Komuniti Tukang Jahit, Changgih Designs, INKAA, and Kanoe who have been driving dynamic initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia.

“COVID-19 challenges many of us to be out of our elements, but we at BMW also saw many individuals and businesses who have pivoted to thrive in such challenging times. We are inspired by them. Collaborating with emerging local businesses, we want to highlight their individual dynamic independent spirit, their sheer determination and resilience – all of which have allowed them to rise above the adversity and challenges ahead of us,” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia.

Komuniti Tukang Jahit
 is a social enterprise that empowers the B40 women community consisting of single women, single mothers, the OKU group, and stay-at- home mothers. They provide certified upskill training and job opportunities for home-based tailors to earn a sustainable income through sewing orders.

Changgih Designs
 was founded by Joanna Moss and Bethany Dawson, two new, passionate mothers from Sabah who wanted to create crafts for their children. They were then inspired to help mothers from villages with vocational training and job opportunities. Today, the social enterprise blends the heritage of Borneo with contemporary fashion in a collection of hand-stitched handbags, wallets, scarves, accessories, masks, and wearable art made by artisans in villages across Sabah.

INKAA
 is a collaborative effort with grassroots organisations and artisans in Malaysia. They create beautiful products, while promoting more understanding and communication between individuals and the people they work with. It is a brand that honours artisans and preserves heritage. INKAA sources traditional batik textiles hand-made by three artisans in Terengganu, creating unique fabric designs where no two pieces are the same.

Kanoe
 is a homegrown brand that sets out to promote better living throughout their design and production process, ensuring that everyone involved from the beginning to the end of the process benefits from it. Kanoe’s garments are made from natural fibre and are designed in-house. The business also works with local businesses, artisans, and communities in need to promote handmade work, a healthy working environment, and fair wage.

Look out for the BMW vehicles with the unique designs around KL and stay tuned to BMW Malaysia’s Facebook or Instagram to win exclusively designed BMW merchandise.

A new way to find out more about ‘The Boss’ with BMW Malaysia’s AR Experience


F1: Preview & Provisional Starting Grid of 2022 Miami Grand Prix

Race starts at 3:30 pm in Miami on Sunday/3:30 am on Monday in Malaysia

In its quest to grow interest in America, Formula 1 has been actively looking for new venues to hold races. It has been helped by the Netflix series,
Drive to Survive
, which has been giving audiences worldwide a behind-the-scenes look at the sport so Americans are more familiar with the championship. There have been F1 races before and Miami will be the 11th location in the USA. The other circuits have been at Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and the Circuit of the Americas (Texas).

While the Indianapolis 500 was a part of the World Drivers’ Championship between 1950 and 1960, the first F1 race in America was in Florida in 1959 at Sebring. Miami has never had F1 races before, it has had Grand Prix (not F1) racing in 1983 and 1984. They were not really successful and promoters went back to putting their money into more locally-flavoured motorsports like the IMSA and NASCAR series which the American audience could identify with. But with Formula 1 now having American ownership, there is strong support to push F1 to higher levels.

This year, the city gets a F1 race and although the original idea was to have the track near the water (like Monaco), that has not been possible and a specially-constructed 5.4-km track has been constructed around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The new complex is known as the Miami International Autodrome and just a couple of months ago, residents were trying to stop the race as they felt the noise would be too great. However, they lost the court case and so the event can go ahead.

Miami will present a new challenge for all the drivers and teams as the circuit is brand new. There is no data from previous races to refer to, so that will be an equalizer. There are 19 corners, most of them low and high-speed corners but not very many in the mid-range. There are also several long straights and three DRS zones. The contrasting demands of the high and low speed ends, and the two long straights should pose a set-up dilemma.

“We are basically going blind into the race, and I think most people are in the same boat as us. For qualifying, we had more of an idea but things can change very quickly with the weather around here. There isn’t much grip off the racing line on this track and it feels very gravely out there too. It is a shame because I think racing will be hard due to that. Saying that, I think it is going to be an interesting race because all of us don’t know exactly where we are!” said Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez.

Because this is a brand new track, the surface is also fresh and to ensure that there is good grip for the tyres, the composition has a high amount of limestone (not normally found on other circuits). The drivers have noticed its unusual characteristic and it seems to be doing its job so far with no on complaining.

“The brand new surface is likely to lead to a high degree of track evolution, especially at the start of the weekend, with the Porsche Challenge and W Series as support events. The weather could be unpredictable, with ambient temperatures of around 20 degrees and quite a high risk of rain and wind on the Florida coast at this time of year,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director.

“The track has some similarities to Jeddah, although there are some parts that are slower and more technical than in Saudi Arabia (especially the section from Turns 11 to 16). The rest is a very quick layout, running anti-clockwise, which puts the emphasis on the tyres on the right-hand side of the car. We’re expecting the usual rapid track evolution and a smooth surface with the new asphalt, but the track has been jet-washed at high pressure, which means that it should offer quite good grip from the beginning,” Isola explained.

“Because it’s a fast track the cars are likely to run a low to medium downforce set-up, which could lead to a bit of sliding in the high-speed corners on the hard compounds in particular. For any new track our choice tends to be on the conservative side, so it will be interest to confront the simulations with real data,” he said.

Without past data, Pirelli has had to rely on simulation data to come up with the tyre nominations. It has chosen three tyres in the middle of the range: P Zero White hard is the C2, P Zero Yellow medium is the C3, and P Zero Red soft is the C4. This combination is the most commonly-used one all year, and also the most versatile.

The fact there are three long straights each with DRS zones and each leading into slow corners, means there are good overtaking opportunities. Turn 11 and Turn 17 will likely be the key places to watch out for. But the track is also quite narrow in some places, compared to permanent tracks. While this does make it harder to race side-by-side, it may prove important in terms of strategy and the opportunity to make places because cars and debris will be harder to clear. The likelihood of a Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car is high.

“Expectations can be very different to reality and wheel-to-wheel racing isn’t something we can simulate in our pre-race preparations, so we’ll have to wait and see how things progress over the race weekend,” said Mercedes-AMG’s Toto Wolff.

The BWT Alpine F1 Team was missing one driver – Esteban Ocon – during Qualifying as he had a bad crash in FP3 and the car was too damaged to be repaired in time. However, he will start the race from the pitlane.

The cornering speed and gears that will be used by the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Team drivers.

Like Pirelli, the Brembo people who supply brake systems also don’t have any data to work with. According to Brembo technicians, the Miami circuit will have a medium level of difficulty for brakes. Although there are 19 turns, the drivers only have to really use the brakes in 4 places around the track. However, 3 of those 4 braking moments are extremely demanding: in those sections, the drops in speed exceed 200 km/h, the braking distance 115 metres and the braking time is just 2.4 seconds.

will.i.am to reveal one-off Mercedes-AMG sportscar at Miami F1 Grand Prix this weekend


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia & Hap Seng Star Open 11th Autohaus In Setia Alam!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd
 (MBM) together with authorised dealer partner Hap Seng Star (HSS), today unveiled its
11
th

Autohaus, the
Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus
 (HSS Setia Alam). Complementing the German marque’s eclectic product offerings, the Autohaus launch reflects the brand’s continued drive for holistic automotive excellence, bringing the
Best Products
,
Best Service
 and
Best Customer Experience
 to its ever-growing customer fan base.

“It gives us great pleasure to celebrate yet another significant milestone with our authorised dealer partner, Hap Seng Star, the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus. Driven by our customer centric strategy, we continue to expand our customer touchpoints for an unrivalled Mercedes-Benz experience, keeping the Malaysian market, our customers and fans in mind,”
 said
 Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner
(above, right).

With the addition of HSS Setia Alam, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia maintains its leading position as the largest retail network in the premium segment with 35 authorised dealerships from nine dealer groups. The result of a successful partnership between principal and authorised dealer, HSS Setia Alam, with a RM2.8 million investment, is part of the on-going RM294 million total investment by Hap Seng Star to enhance customer touchpoints nationwide. Strategically located in Setia Alam, the Autohaus extends the Mercedes-Benz brand reach to an ever-growing customer and fan base in the vicinity of Setia Alam, Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, Tanjung Karang and Sekinchan.  HSS Setia Alam is a brand new full-fledged 3S centre managed by 39 certified personnel well-versed in sales and after-sales.

With eight work bays installed and manned by Daimler AG certified professionals, the Autohaus is capable of servicing up to 500 vehicles a month.
Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad Group Chief Operating Officer and Hap Seng Star Chief Executive, Mr Harald Behrend
 (below, left), said,
“Throughout our nearly 50 years of collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we have been dedicated and passionate in providing exceptional service and best customer experience to our valued customers. Today we remain as dedicated and passionate as we first started. Our strong commitment continues with this new investment in Setia Alam.”
An interim facility, HSS Setia Alam embraces the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) design concept and occupies a built-up area of 10,730sq ft.  Equipped with state-of-the art facilities, the complete range of Mercedes-Benz special tools and
Service Differentiation
, every Mercedes-Benz fan and customer can expect a seamless experience in sales, financial services and aftersales, guided by certified professionals.

Able to accommodate six showroom vehicles, the dynamic, convenient and attractive facility also offers fans and customers an up-close and personal experience with all their favourite Mercedes-Benz cars. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus also houses a Star Lounge, taking customers’ comfort into consideration, and ultimately, delivering a holistic experience to each and every one who walks into the Autohaus.

The launch of HSS Setia Alam, brings the total of Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Autohauses to 11 locations across the nation, reflecting a strong and thriving partnership.  Hap Seng Star’s other locations in Peninsular Malaysia include
HSS Kuala Lumpur, HSS Kinrara, HSS Balakong, HSS Jalan Ipoh, HSS Bukit Tinggi Klang, HSS Puchong South, and HSS Iskandar Johor. HSS Kota Kinabalu, HSS Kuching
and
 HSS Miri
 are located in East Malaysia. HSS Setia Alam is located at
Lot 5, Jalan Setia Murni U13/AH, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
. For more information, please visit
www.hapseng.mercedes-benz.com.my

or call
+603-3359 5585.


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Donates Triton To National Cancer Society Of Malaysia

The
National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM)
 recently received a Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). The donation by MMM, part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice, will help in providing NCSM’s services to rural communities around Malaysia.

NCSM, a non-profit organization (NGO) established in 1966, will use it to provide an extensive range of cancer services and support to people affected by cancer. With the Triton’s off-road capabilities, it will be able to travel further into the countryside to reach rural communities that have little or no access to cancer screening facilities.

With the Triton, NCSM personnel will be able to travel more easily in the countryside to reach rural communities to provide cancer screening services

and support to people affected by cancer.

“Mitsubishi Motors supports NCSM’s noble efforts in carrying out their mission to raise public awareness on cancer prevention, screening, and early detection. In line with our CSR vision ‘Inspiring Lives Today for a Greater Future’, we know that success isn’t solely measured by the vehicles we put on the road, but also by the lives we enrich along the way. As part of a responsible Malaysian society, we are pleased to fulfil our CSR by utilizing the innovative strength of our 4x4s for the greater improvement of society,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of MMM.

“Over the years, the award-winning Triton pick-up truck has passed many endurance tests and has been put through the harshest road conditions. We hope that the Triton will gain NCSM access to many places and assist as many people as possible,” he added.

Financed entirely by voluntary contributions from the public, NCSM provides holistic cancer support to patients and caregivers in understanding and dealing with cancer in various phases. Its facilities and services include a Cancer and Health Screening Clinic, Nuclear Medicine Centre, Resource and Wellness Centre, the Adults’ Home of Hope, and Children’s Home of Hope.

Backed by its philosophy to ‘Educate, Care and Support’, NCSM aims to decrease the incidence of cancer, and also to increase the accessibility of cancer services in Malaysia by providing advanced facilities in screening and diagnosis. To know more about the NCSM’s activities, visit
cancer.org.my
.

One of the six variants of the latest Triton.

The Triton donated by MMM is one of six variants available, all imported from the Mitsubishi Motors factory in Thailand. Prices (without insurance) range from RM81,390 to RM146,600. To know more about the Triton or to locate a showroom for a test-drive, visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia helps improve quality of life for Orang Asli