Second Cycle & Carriage Body & Paint Centre Gets Centre of Competence Status From Mercedes-Benz

Today’s cars have advanced construction techniques and engineering to not only make them more lasting but also provide better resistance against impact forces during accidents. The materials used are also a mixture of steel, aluminium as well as others like carbonfibre and even titanium. Therefore when it comes to repairs, no longer can the ‘milo tin’ method be used where sheets of scrap steel are just welded onto damaged body.

For this reason, carmakers like Mercedes-Benz have very specific repair techniques using sophisticated equipment to repair damaged vehicles. This ensures that they will be safe to use after repairs and continue to be reliable.

Of course, even the best equipment still requires human operation. Robots could be used but repairing a damaged car also requires human judgement because of the many variables, so fully automated repairs are something in the distant future.

The construction of a modern car like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses different types of materials, not just steel alone. For example, as the picture below shows, part of the structure being made of aluminium (in blue) to stiffen the rear end member for protection of the fuel tank.

Evaluated by Mercedes-Benz
To ensure that the humans who operate the equipment and carry out the repairs are competent and qualified, Mercedes-Benz trains the personnel and then conducts evaluations regularly. These evaluations are done by a Technical Specialist from Mercedes-Benz Global Service & Parts and the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Customer Services Team. It includes on-site technical training to ensure its personnel are well trained and meet the Mercedes-Benz standards in restoring a vehicle to its original specifications, from minor dents to severely damaged vehicles.

Thus apart from the investments necessary for a repair facility, a dealership must also ensure that its personnel are well trained and competent. To remain up to date with the latest automotive innovations and technologies, service personnel from authorised dealerships undergo regular up-skilling training at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy. This will become even more important with the new electrified models from the
Mercedes-EQ range
.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has a Training Academy in Glenmarie, Selangor which provides regular up-skilling training.

Only two Centres of Competence in Malaysia
In Malaysia, there are only two facilities which have the highest Mercedes-Benz accreditation status – Centre of Competence. The first is the Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves Body & Paint (B&P) Facility in Kuala Lumpur which has twice had a 100% score in the stringent Centre of Competence certification. Now, the Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie Body & Paint Centre at Glenmarie, Selangor, has also received similar accreditation from Mercedes-Benz AG.

The Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie Authorized Service Centre has a total built-up area of 86,600 sq ft containing a workshop, a body & paint centre, a tyre and rim boutique, as well as a vehicle showroom. The workshop is currently equipped to handle 21 vehicles for maintenance and service, and 15 vehicles for body and paint work at any one time.

“With the Centre of Competence accreditation comes equipment and technical know-how to perform complex restoration works including chassis realignment and aluminium structural welding, ensuring original parts are used and work is done by qualified technicians,” said Thomas Tok, CEO of  Cycle & Carriage Malaysia, which has been associated with the German brand since 1951.

“At Cycle & Carriage, we put our customer’s safety at the heart of everything we do, including repair and services, and we are proud to say that Cycle & Carriage Glenmarie has achieved the highest Mercedes-Benz accredited status to be able to provide the care and service customers expect from a premium luxury brand,” he said.

Mercedes-Benz to use Green Steel to achieve carbon dioxide neutrality


Kia introduce diesel variants of Sorento and Sportage GT

Kia has added oil burners to its current line-up with the introduction of the Sorento HS Turbo Diesel and the Sportage GT Turbo Diesel. These vehicles are powered by the 2.2 CRDi (Common Rail Direct Injection) (198bhp and 440 Nm of torque) and 2.0 AWD GT CRDi (185bhp and 400Nm of torque) engines respectively that are mated to a six-peed automatic transmission. Kia boasts close to 1,000km range on a single tank of diesel for both vehicles, which should be to the liking of those who travel long distances often.

“We are convinced with the advanced automotive technologies and upgraded top range features of these two new variants of the Kia Sorento and Sportage will provide customers even greater ownership value and satisfaction. The new award winning models are highly-developed with a premium level interior, an award-winning exterior design, riding comfort, excellent fuel economy with a more efficient choice of engines,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.

The Sorento features projector HID with adaptive light system headlamps and a prominant radiator grille with three-dimensional cubic mesh pattern and rolls on 19-inch rims. Inside, like most Kias, it has a premium feel thanks to the leather upholstery, clean centre stack layout and spacious interior. The vehicle also comes with an interactive infotainment system that features a 7-inch LCD screen, smart power tailgate, 10-way power assisted driver seat, seat variations for the 7-seats, Smart Parking Assist System, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), electronic parking brake and drive mode select system.

Expect a whole lot of safety kit because the Sorento HS Diesel comes with six airbags, vehicle stability management (VSM), electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brake system (ABS) and hill-start assist control (HAC).

The diesel Sportage GT on the other hand, is similar to the petrol version in terms of looks as it features the distinctive grille, DRLs, LED fog lamps and rolls on 19-inch allow chrome wheels. Inside, you get a infotainment system that features a 4.2-inch LCD screen that is hooked up to a 6 speaker sound system as well as driver and passenger power seats.

Safety features for Kia’s smaller mild off-roader include six airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability control (VSC) and hill-start assist control (HAC). Apart from that, its Dynamax AWD system increases the level of safety especially on wet roads by distributing power to front or rear axles depending on which needs it most.

As for body colours, the Sorento is offered in Imperial Bronze, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl and Silky Silver. The Sportage GT comes in Cherry Black, Mercury Blue, Fiery Red, Snow White Pearl and Mineral Silver.

Kia has made both the Sorento and Sportage GT diesel vehicles available to order nationwide with a price tag of RM191,888 and RM159,888 respectively. Both vehicles come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. If you are interested, visit the automaker’s website or your nearest showroom.


Daihatsu Gran Max Retains Position Of Bestseller In LCV Segment (Below 2 litres)

Daihatsu has had a long presence in the Malaysian market which goes back to the 1970s when it began marketing the Charade hatchback. It was especially strong in the compact car segment and also had popular 4×4 models. Although its involvement in the establishment of Perodua saw it giving up its passenger vehicle sales in Malaysia, it continued to be active in the light commercial vehicle sector.

Last year, its Gran Max remained as the country’s bestselling pick-up/panel van model in the light commercial vehicle segment (below 2 litres). A total of 1,190 vehicles was sold nationwide, a volume that Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (DMSB) was pleased to achieve as conditions were challenging due to the auto industry being affected by supply chain disruptions and economic slowdown.

The increase in sales also reflected the increased volume in the commercial vehicle segment in 2022, with a total of 78,885 units registered (25% higher than forecasted). This was attributed to increased demand as companies began to make vehicle purchases in anticipation of an economic rebound after 2 years of suppressed business activities.

The continued good response to the Gran Max was attributed to introduction of an
updated version
 in June 2022. This saw the inclusion of features such as power windows, a multimedia system, reverse camera and USB port for charging.

Additionally, DMSB and its authorised dealers around the country maintained a high standard of sales and aftersales support to customers, especially fleet owners.

On the aftersales side, the company has seen steady growth in its business with service activity steadily growing over the past 5 years. This is in spite of the lockdown periods of 2020 and 2021 when most commercial activities were stopped.

The increasing volume of Daihatsu service intakes was in tandem with steady overall sales in 2022, followed by consistent fleet sales support over the course of 3 years with a comprehensive service retention programmed for fleet customers.

“Keeping in mind that convenience and practicality are one of the strongest consideration aspects for commercial vehicle usage, Daihatsu Malaysia aims to deliver an overall driving experience in providing comfort, reliability, safety and above all convenience and practicality in every drive. For that, we believe the updated Gran Max receives positive reception, thus contributing to 2022 sales,” said Arman Mahadi, Managing Director of DMSB.

For 2023, DMSB will embark on its business transformation plan and dealer network expansion, with focus on areas such as northern, southern and east Malaysia. Its top priority is expanding and improving customer reach by building the ideal distribution network to reach new customers.

Daihatsu Gran Max Panel Van and Pick-up get additional features for 2022


Millennium Welt Introduces New BMW Motorrad Dealership in Seremban

Millennium Welt and BMW Motorrad Malaysia opened doors to its
first-ever
BMW Motorrad showroom in Seremban and the State of Negeri Sembilan recently.

Speaking at the opening ceremony,
Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt
 said,
“We at Millenium Welt have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with BMW and MINI over the years, representing the premium automaker here in Seremban as well as in Batu Pahat and in Kuantan. It was only natural for us to also grow with BMW in their two-wheeled division here in Seremban to offer to premium motorcycle enthusiasts here the opportunity to discover the BMW Motorrad brand.”

Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia
, meanwhile said,
“2017 was another record breaking year for BMW Motorrad in Malaysia. In addition to our successful sales performance, we also added five new premium motorcycles to our portfolio. In 2018, we will continue on this positive growth and it begins with the opening of the New Milennium BMW Motorrad dealership here in the State of Negeri Sembilan.”

Last year, the sales across the BMW Motorrad range increased by 13.2% across the globe last year, with a total of 164,153 units delivered worldwide. In Malaysia alone, 1,052 units of its motorcycles were delivered, charting a 5% increase in sales performance as compared to the previous year.

The new showroom can display up to 10 BMW Motorrad motorcycles and is located along
Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail in Seremban
. The facility is the 11
th
 BMW Motorrad dealership in the country.


Battista Anniversario – the world’s first luxury pure-electric hyper GT

Automobili Pininfarina aims to offer what it describes as ‘the ultimate expression of the world’s first luxury pure-electric hyper GT’. Known as the Battista Anniversario, it celebrates 90 years since Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina started the Pininfarina coachbuilder and design house.

Laying claim to being the most powerful sportscar ever to be designed and built in Italy, 5 Battista Anniversario cars (there will be another 150 Battista hypercars made) will be hand-crafted in Turin, where Pininfarina has established its design centre and headquarters. Each is priced from 2.6 million euros (about RM12.4 million) and will be delivered to customers by the end of this year. Of course, with Italy now having a crisis and lockdown, production will be affected.

“For 90 years, the Pininfarina name has been at the forefront of automotive design and performance, and the Battista perfectly encapsulates these values. This ultimate expression of Battista, the Anniversario, is the distillation of everything that the brand has stood for in the past and which we now strive for in the future, creating a new pinnacle of desirability for sustainable and luxurious electric cars,” said Michael Perschke, CEO of Automobili Pininfarina.

“My grandfather always had the vision that one day, there would be a stand-alone range of Pininfarina-branded cars. The Battista Anniversario, named in his honour to mark 90 years of the carrozzeria that he started, is a glorious way to link our past with the future of motoring,” added Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of Pininfarina SpA.

The Battista Anniversario delivers an added level of dynamic ability and a bespoke heritage-inspired anniversary livery. Each of the five cars is finished in a combination of three signature colours: Bianco Sestriere, the never-seen-before Grigio Antonelliano, and Automobili Pininfarina’s signature Iconica Blu.

The Battista Anniversario will have one of the most complex paint finishes in the world, with the process of creating akin to a great artist completing an Old Master painting. Skilled artisans will take several weeks to paint each car, building up the finish layer-by-layer and colour-by-colour – all by hand. The body is disassembled and reassembled three times so pinstripes in the three separate colours can be hand-painted directly onto the body.

The Battista Anniversario is also equipped with the ‘Furiosa’ package, comprising a revised carbonfibre front splitter, side blades and rear diffuser. Exclusively on the Anniversario, these parts are finished in a two-tone combination of exposed signature carbonfibre and carbonfibre tinted in Iconica Blu with pin stripes in Bianco Sestriere.

Besides the exclusive livery, a bespoke rear wing, rear aero fins and other bespoke details are unique to the Battista Anniversario. The aerodynamic enhancements enabled by the Furiosa exterior changes deliver increased downforce and greater stability at higher cornering speeds and a more dynamic balance to the car.

Four electric motors generating 1,900 bhp/2,300 Nm torque, apportioned to each wheel by the most advanced torque vectoring system, will take the car to a claimed top speed of 350 km/h. And faster than a current Formula 1 car in the sub-two second 0-100 km/h sprint, the Battista can also accelerate from 0 to 300 km/h in less than 12 seconds. This level of performance is unachievable today in any road-legal sportscar with an internal combustion engine.

“I have piloted the quickest road and race cars in the world and I’ve never driven anything as powerful as the Battista,” said Nick Heidfeld, Test and Development Driver at Automobili Pininfarina. “The Battista is faster than many race cars, but it is not a pure racing machine. Drivability in all situations is its primary focus. We will now concentrate our time testing and developing Battista to deliver a car that’s at the forefront of technological possibilities and innovation.”


Ferrari 488 Pista Spider Makes Its European Debut At Paris Motorshow Along With SP1 & SP2! [+Video]

After its world premiere at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, the new special series Ferrari 488 Pista Spider has made its European debut at the Paris Motor Show. The 50th drop-top model to be introduced by the Prancing Horse is also the most powerful series production spider in Ferrari history, with an unprecedented weight/power ratio of 1.92 kg/cv.

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider combines the finest race-developed technological solutions with the joy of
en plein air
 driving to deliver an exhilarating experience behind the wheel. The driver feels absolutely as one with the car in a symbiotic relationship that guarantees instantaneous responsiveness to commands and absolute control when executing even the most complex manoeuvres. This is hardly surprising as the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider benefits from the greatest technological transfer from the track of any road-legal open-top car.

The model’s engine, dynamics and aerodynamics are derived from two track cars: the   488 Challenge and the 488 GTE. The latter won the GT class of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2017, thus giving Ferrari a total of five GT Manufacturers’ titles since the championship’s inception in 2012. Furthermore, this model has very clearly benefited from the extensive development work done to produce the coupé version, the 488 Pista.

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider sports the most powerful V8 engine in Maranello history which was also named Best Engine for the third consecutive year at the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards. The 3902cc twin-turbo V8 unleashes 720 cv (50 cv more than the 488 Spider) with torque calibrated to deliver a feeling of constant, ever-increasing acceleration. The engine also won the special “Best of the Best” title as the top engine of all the winners of the last 20 years.

Its performance figures are the highest of any spider ever built by the Prancing Horse, including 0-100 km/h acceleration in 2.85 seconds and a lap time at Fiorano of just 1’21’’5. The 488 Pista Spider’s target client is a typical diehard Ferrarista who already owns other Ferrari spiders. These are drivers that want to feel all the power and speed the 488 Pista Spider is capable of yet also enjoy drop-top driving and the soundtrack of that unparalleled engine.

But the innovations are not confined merely to a boost in power output – they also extend to an overall reduction in weight and beyond. In fact, the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider delivers even better handling, making it one of the most enthralling models Ferrari has ever produced, thanks also to multiple innovations in various different areas.

Also at the Paris Motorshow…

The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 are the forerunners in a new concept, known as
‘Icona’
 (Icon), that taps into a leitmotif of the most evocative cars in the company’s history to create a new segment of special limited series cars for clients and collectors. The intention is to use a modern aesthetic to reinterpret a timeless style, with technologically advanced components and the highest performance possible through continuous innovation.

The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 are inspired by barchettas of the 1950s which were driven to victory in international motor sport not just by official works team drivers from the Scuderia, but also by a legion of gentlemen drivers who, in those years, frequently found themselves wheel to wheel with legendary professional drivers of the era.

The first ever Ferrari to be referred to as a barchetta was the open-top version of the 1948 166 MM. The name was coined by Giovanni Agnelli who, upon seeing the car for the first time at the Turin Motor Show that year, commented that it was less like a car and more like a barchetta, referring to the Italian for a small speed boat. The Touring-bodied 166 MM barchetta wrote Ferrari’s name firmly in the history books, winning first the Mille Miglia and then the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949. This model was followed by other extraordinarily successful Ferrari Sports cars, such as the 750 Monza and 860 Monza which were inspiration for the name of the new models.

Barchettas were similar to spiders in form (two seaters), but had no roof or weather equipment. Instead of a full windscreen, they were equipped with just a small screen (single or wrap-around) and a removable tonneau cover over the passenger side. The Monza SP1 and SP2 are similar in concept, although the main difference is that they can be ordered either as a single-seater or as a two-seater. The result is a car that seems sculpted by the wind. It is the purity of the styling elements that impresses – an aesthetic that is futuristic but, at the same time, a respectful yet un-nostalgic homage to the past.

Enzo Ferrari used to say that “If there is such a thing as a soul, engines have one”. This model’s soul is, as is true of all Ferraris, in its engine. The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 are equipped with the most powerful naturally-aspirated V12 ever produced by Ferrari. Thanks to specific areas of development, the power of the 812 Superfast’s 6.5 litre has been increased by 10 cv to 810 cv at 8500 rpm with a slight increase in torque to 719 Nm at 7000 rpm.

Just like on racing cars, extensive use of carbon-fibre has been made throughout the construction of the Monza SP1 and SP2 to make them light and responsive and to enhance their sporty, aggressive visual appeal. As these are completely en plein air sports cars with no windscreen, one of the biggest challenges was to create an aerodynamic solution that would ensure the driver enjoys the performance of the cars without being affected by issues caused by the barchetta configuration. The result was the patented “Virtual Wind Shield” which is integrated into the fairing ahead of the instrument panel and the steering wheel, providing exceptional driving comfort.

Ferrari @ Paris Motorshow Photo Gallery…

ENGINE

In terms of its characteristics and performance, the 488 Pista Spider’s engine sets the benchmark not just for new generation turbo engines but all engines, including naturally aspirated ones.  This is why it was voted “Engine of the Year” for three years running: 2016, 2017 and 2018. It is also the most powerful V8 ever sported by a road-going Ferrari in terms of both its overall and specific power outputs. It also delivers the highest power increase over the model it was developed from, the 488 Spider.


Mercedes-Benz AMG Hammer is a sleeper we need

AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s performance arm and is responsible for taking standard family oriented vehicles, upgrading their parts and making them faster, more agile and brake harder. It’s a formula that has spawned generations of AMG versions of standard Mercs.

The company was founded by a couple of ex-Mercedes-Benz engineers, and started out as a racing engine forge in 1967. The name AMG, is an abbreviation of the surnames of  both co-founders, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. And the G in the name, stands for Großaspach, which is Aufrecht’s home town.

Originally, AMG and Mercedes-Benz were two separate entities with the former functioning as an independent engineering firm that modified new Mercs with performance parts. It wasn’t until 1999 did Daimler-Benz AG, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, acquired AMG and turned it into it’s performance arm.

Visual dissimilarities between an AMG Mercedes-Benz and the car that is based are quite striking. Normally, the AMG one will feature more aggressive looks, side skirts, more prominent spoilers and larger yet lighter alloy wheels.

Despite the extensive changes, the vehicles still resemble their docile brethren, which is why many refer to AMG models as sleeper cars. These are vehicles that have the performance of sports cars but are still practical enough to function as a family oriented ones.

Overall, they will have a higher level of performance, handle better and incorporate more carbon-fibre in the construction of their body panels and interior. Basically, AMG cars are a direct rival to BMW’s M divsion, which is responsible for the M3, M4 and M5.

If you aren’t sold on the allure of an AMG version of a Mercedes-Benz like many car aficanados, take a look at the youtube video released by Petrolicious. It depicts the life and and experience of an owner of one of the best known AMG station wagons in existence, the 1987 Mercedes-Benz AMG Hammer Wagon.

Granted, it wasn’t the original car, but extensive work was put into the base one, which is exactly what AMG used to do back in the day, to create the ultimate sleeper Benz. Take a look at the video and let us know what you think.


Jaguar I-Pace Concept wins at North American Concept Vehicle Awards

Jaguar’s I-Pace Concept has been named Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2017  at the 16th North American Concept Vehicle Awards. Apart from that, it also bagged the award in the Production Preview Concept of the Year category.

Speaking of the accolade, Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design, said, “Our challenge was to design an electric vehicle that’s distinctively and unmistakably a Jaguar – and one which demonstrates that an electric vehicle can be visually dramatic as well as practical.”

He then added, “I think that the Jaguar I-Pace Concept has done exactly that, and is clearly at the forefront of the trend for more beautiful, more desirable electric vehicles. We’re very proud of it, and we’re delighted that the North American jurors have recognized us for succeeding in our mission.”

The award ceremony was held at the Concours d’Elegance of America, an upscale automotive event that plays host to a gathering of the elite as well as car shows and competitions. But the point of the North American Concept Vehicle Awards, is to give recognition to vehicles that will most likely shape the future of the automobile industry.

More than a dozen jurors were responsible for picking out the awards’ winners. They were involved in a selection process that included a total of 24 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this year’s motor shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto and New York.

See, the I-Pace concept is a precursor of the soon to be launched I-Pace road vehicle. It was meant to ready us for the road going all-electric version that is said to blend suave looks with with respectable performance and practicality.

It is slated for release sometime during the second half of 2018, which isn’t that far away. And unlike automakers like GM or Nissan, EV territory is considered uncharted waters for Jaguar. As such, there is a lot at stake with the I-Pace, because its success will determine how well Jaguar EVs of the future will be perceived by the general public.


Honda Jazz gains new red paint scheme

Third generation Honda Jazz now available in new red paint option with lightly updated features list as well.

Honda Malaysia
 announced this week that its popular Honda Jazz hatchback model is now available with a new paint scheme option for 2016. The third-generation hatchback can now be had in a new ‘Carnival Red’ paintjob, which now joins with the four existing options, bringing its total up to five options.

Unlike the ‘Dark Ruby Red Pearl’ paint scheme added for the Honda City sedan last year, the Jazz’s shade of red appears to be a little more vibrant and brighter in comparison.

Besides the new red paint scheme, Honda have also given the Jazz S-grade base model variant a light upgrade in its features list and a mild exterior enhancement for 2016 onwards. The Jazz S now sports a gloss black grille with chrome plating up front, followed by a chrome license plate garnish in its rear too. New on board are power-adjustable mirror replacing the previous version’s manual adjustment units as well.

Honda Malaysia states that the move to add a new paint option was its response towards the new group of young-aged first-time car buyers the Jazz has been attracting. Honda Malaysia’s CEO and MD Yoichiro Ueno further added,
“…We are confident it will be able to meet our young customers’ requirements. The vibrant and striking colour complements the versatile lifestyle of the young customers perfectly.”

Launched in 2014, the third generation Honda Jazz is powered using a 1.5-litre petrol i-VTEC four-cylinder heart that is paired with a CVT automatic transmission. The model is available across three variants starting with the S variant base model, followed by the mid-range E variant, with the premium-spec V variant capping off the range.

Prices for the Jazz has increased slightly for 2016 ranging from RM73,800* to RM89,400* (*On-the-road with insurance). More information is available in Honda Malaysia’s official website,
honda.com.my
.


60 Years of MINI, celebrated by these Malaysians’ love stories

The story of MINI has reach six decades and MINI Malaysia celebrates this momentous occasion with many ways like the launch of the
2019 MINI Cooper S Convertible
,
MINI 60 formation
, and now, three particular MINIacs and their stories of love.

There are stories collected from three different individuals who share one common thing; their absolute love for MINIs. Check out their stories on how a car played a major role in their lives, growing up here in the country.

Kelvin Kok

Malaysian tattoo artist and family man, Kelvin recounts the first time he was introduced to a MINI after hearing the then MINI tagline: Go with Your Gut. The very next day, he did exactly so! Three years on, the Kok family are proud owners of the MINI Clubman and a fully restored 1996 MINI Kensington.

Claiming his love for the engine’s powerful roar and the family he has found in the MINI owners’ community; Kelvin lastly relates MINI’s long-revelled heritage with the classic Mandarin saying: Never forget your roots.

Wan Muqarram Sidek (Mooq)

Standing in front of a classic Austin MINI pickup, Mooq recounts the great bonding moments spent with his late father restoring the custom-built car. Mooq’s father wanted his son’s first car to wear the iconic British Racing Green coat with a 1.3 single-point injection engine sitting in its core, running on 13-inch wide wheels and most importantly, sporting wooden grilles.

Living by his old man’s wise words, “a man of class is a man who takes care of classic cars”. Mooq named his pickup Papa Mooqs and thinks of him on every drive.

Lee Siew Hon

What is better than a fun, agile MINI at its best? A MINI with a dose of attitude. This is what Hon’s MINI GP represents to him. Instead of keeping his MINI parked at home, he believes that the car was built to be driven and he takes his MINI out as much as he can – up mountain roads on weekends and to work on weekdays.

Hon is not just in love with the performance in his one-of-a-kind MINI GP, he also loves the heritage of the MINI brand and the story behind it, making his relationship with his MINI, extra special – like all MINI love stories should be.

These are just some fine examples of how MINI has developed itself as the brand of the people for the past 60 years. With the MINI spirit now stronger than ever, there’s no denying that it is now a household name and it is going to stay that way for another 60 years and beyond.

If you have your very own MINI love story to share, you can tell your tale by tagging MINI Malaysia’s Facebook or Instagram page and by using the hastag
#MINILOVESTORIES
.

2019 MINI Cooper S Convertible launched – RM279,888


Lotus Evija Revealed! Facts & Figures + Video of the world’s most powerful series production road car

♦ The Evija (pronounced ‘E-vi-ya’) means ‘the first in existence’ or ‘the living one’. Each car will have a starting price of around £1.7 million (equivalent to about RM8.7 million in the UK). To book one, you need to pay a deposit of £250,000 (RM1.27 million).

♦ The first hypercar from Lotus and the company’s first model with an electrified powertrain. It is also the first completely new car to be launched since the 71-year old British company was acquired by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in June 2017.

♦ Only 130 cars will be built, beginning in 2020. The number pays tribute to the car’s project code, ‘Type 130’. Lotus road and race cars throughout the brand’s seven decades of success have been assigned a Type number, and the Evija is no exception.

♦ This is the first all-electric British hypercar and with a target power output of 2,000 ps (and maximum torque of 1,700 Nm), it lays claim to being the world’s most powerful series production road car. It has more power at each wheel than the total power of any other Lotus road car ever produced.

♦ Ultra-lightweight carbonfibre monocoque construction also makes it the world’s lightest production EV hypercar, at 1,680 kgs. This contributes to the claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of under 3 seconds and a top speed over 320 km/h.

♦ At the heart of the Evija is a 2,000 kW battery pack powering 4 electric motors. That means it’s 8 times more powerful than a Formula E race car and can generate enough electricity to boil water in more than 1,600 kettles. A fully charged battery pack is expected to last 400 kms but the range depends on driving style and conditions.

♦ Using existing charging technology – such as a 350 kW unit, which is currently the most powerful available – the Evija’s charge time will be 12 minutes to 80% and 18 mins to 100%.

♦ The Evija signals the start of a contemporary new design language for Lotus, which will evolve and reappear on future high-performance cars.


First unit of Morgan Plus 8 GTR completed

With an output of 375 bhp from its BMW-sourced 4.8-litre V8 (N62) engine, the Morgan Plus 8 GTR is the most powerful car in the company’s history. Only 9 cars will be built – all having customers waiting – and following the first unit which has been completed today, the rest will be finished by the first quarter of 2022.

Each customer has worked closely with Morgan’s design team to commission their own bespoke example. The 9 cars are built in varying configurations of transmission and drive side according to customer requirements, with 5 to be exported from the factory in England. Pricing has not been revealed although it is not expected to be more than £250,000 (about RM1.39 million).

The first Plus 8 GTR is finished in a striking Yas Marina Blue, similar to the original design sketches which pay homage to prominent nineties Plus 8 racing car ‘Big Blue’. The Plus 8 GTR explores design themes such as the high shoulder line, not seen on a traditional Morgan body for decades. Its 5-spoke centre-lock wheels are reminiscent of Morgan’s 1990s Plus 8 racing cars, framed perfectly by subtly re-sculpted wheel arches.

The ‘Big Blue’ racing car of the 1990s.

Further design elements include a revised rear end, front wings, and front splitter, all of which are hand crafted using aluminium. Fitment of a hard top with cockpit vent completes the race-inspired aesthetic.

The interior features new door cards to fit with the high door tops, bespoke GTR dials and the option of carbonfibre racing seats and harnesses. Unique graphics feature throughout and each GTR is fitted with a plaque denoting its number in the build sequence.

The Plus 8 GTR project has only been possible due to the recent availability of a number of Plus 8 rolling chassis. Performance upgrades include a new engine tune and cannon-style twin-exit sports exhausts. These enhancements improve throttle response and increase the power output over the previous production Plus 8.

One design inspiration was the Plus 8 race car that competed in the GT series throughout the late 1990s, more commonly known as ‘Big Blue’. This car served as the testbed for Morgan’s first bonded-aluminium chassis, which would go on to underpin the Aero 8 and ‘Aero-chassis’ Plus 8 models. It seemed fitting, following the more recent launch of Morgan’s CX-Generation bonded-aluminium platform, to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the car that pioneered Morgan’s use of aluminium structures.

“We are excited to release the first images of the Plus 8 GTR following the design sketches published earlier this year. The Plus 8 GTR represents an opportunity for Morgan to celebrate the V8 engine once again, something we did not expect to do since finishing the Plus 8 and Aero 8 models in 2018. Striking design, the finest craftsmanship, and an exhilarating sports car to drive, the Plus 8 GTR is the perfect swansong to the Morgan V8. We have been delighted to work alongside customers from around the world during the design and build process, and we look forward to sharing the final examples over the coming month,” said Steve Morris, Chairman & CEO of Morgan Motor Company.

The Plus 8 GTR is the second Morgan special project of the year, following the Plus Four CX-T. Whilst different in their function and appearance, both models demonstrate the flexibility of the Morgan brand and, as with every Morgan, each Plus 8 GTR is handcrafted using traditional coachbuilding techniques.

Morgan reveals Plus Four CX-T for off-road adventures


Fuel Price Updates For November 18 – November 24, 2021


Peugeot 2008 Special Edition Introduced For Malaysia

In 2022, the
Peugeot 2008
 made its debut in the Malaysian market with refreshed looks and updated features. This second-generation crossover SUV is currently priced at RM133,388.

To take it all up a notch now, Bermaz Auto has introduced a Special Edition 2008.

Although the SUV is available in four colors, this SE package comes exclusively with the Orange Fusion and Pearl White exterior colors only.

The package consists of:

Black front bumper garnish
Black rear bumper garnish
Black side bumper garnish (left & right)
Piano black rims
Vehicle decals
SE badges

The decals on the bonnet and sides of the vehicle give it a more sporty and fierce look, although we rather the decals be left out and not ruin the elegance of the vehicle.

There have been no changes under the hood as it remains the same as the Peugeot ‘Allure’ which features a 1.2, 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 130 hp at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm at 1,750 rpm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission which only sends power to the front wheels.

The new 2008 comes with a SE accessories package that costs RM2,900 and comes with a One-Year Peugeot Genuine Accessory Warranty based on the period of fitment at the time of the new vehicle purchase.

The SE production build model will begin in March, with vehicle delivery scheduled for the end of April.


Customers helped make the next-generation  Ford Ranger a great truck

To make a great pick-up truck, ask customers what they want. That was how designers of the next-generation Ford Ranger started their project. Max Tran, chief designer for the new Ranger, and his team spent hundreds of hours with customers around the world to see how they use their pick-up trucks on a daily basis.

More than 5,000 interviews were conducted and more than 1,800 pages of field notes were generated for reference, which helped development and guide both engineers and designers to build a truck with the features and capability customers wanted.

With these insights, plus the Ranger’s award-winning pick-up truck formula, they created the next-generation Ranger as an iconic, versatile and trusted pick-up truck customers can trust to tackle almost anything.

“Seeing owners use their trucks, whether for work, family or play, inspired some fantastic ideas that drove our design and development decisions,” said Tran. “One great example of that is the integrated box side-step. During our clinic sessions, we noticed that many customers had trouble reaching over the side of the truck into the bed; others were standing on the rear tyre or the bumper to gain access,” Tran said.

“So, we came up with the idea of a box step, behind the rear wheel,” he said. “We mocked one up, tested it with owners and the response was overwhelming. People told us that step would be reason enough to buy the Ford Ranger,” he revealed.

Exterior Design
The exterior design of the next-generation Ranger followed two important guiding principles: to bring it into the future and to make it
Built Ford Tough
. “Customers had clear ideas on what they liked and how they used their Rangers in their day-to-day lives,” Tran said. “We also needed to incorporate features customers wanted and valued to ensure it was welcoming and contemporary and as versatile as it was capable.”

Some of the designers looked to nature, some to architecture and some others to art for inspiration. “We didn’t hold back. We let our designers loose to really go for it,” Tran said. They also thought of the Ranger as the brother of the F-150, the best-selling truck in the world, and drew some styling elements from it.

“The Ranger has developed a strong following over the past 10 years, and we really leaned into the iconic design features that have made it such a beloved truck across the world but also push the design envelope,” said Tran.

The pick-up’s athletic look is intentional, with surface treatments executed to be strong and muscular. From the bold new grille with its C-clamp headlights, daytime running lights and strong horizontal upper grille bar, to the pronounced wheelarches, strong shoulder line and large sculpted Ranger logo on the tailgate, the next-generation Ranger conveys confidence and capability.

At the rear, the taillamps were designed in harmony with the graphics of the C-clamp headlight treatment. By extending the track and wheelbase by 50 mm (compared to the previous Ranger), the designers were able to push the front wheels out to the corners, enhancing its on-road stance.

Interior design
Inside, the next-generation Ranger not only features a stylish new and spacious cabin but the cockpit also has user-friendly technology. Soft-touch materials and appliques elevate the interior ambience with a premium feel while the new instrument panel adopts a coast-to-coast design that enhances the spacious feel.

Several design cues also are carried over from the exterior. The air vent vanes, for example, feature a similar design to those in the front grille, and several exterior surface treatments have been adapted for interior use.

The dashboard is dominated by a 10.1-inch or 12-inch high-resolution touchscreen (depending on version) solidly mounted into the centre section, complementing the digital instrument cluster. Customers expressed a preference  for the screen’s portrait orientation because it created enough space for navigation screens while also leaving room in the lower portion of the screen for other menus, like those for the climate and entertainment controls.

The designers also reimagined key aspects of the cabin. One example: how the door release handles could be better integrated into the ‘coast-to-coast’ dashboard design, making them easier to use. Again, customer feedback led to the door release handles being mounted lower, providing easier reach to window switches and the armrests. Rear occupants also get cooling outlets at the rear of the centre console.

The seats also have been redesigned, with new bolsters and foam inserts that are more inviting, stylish and comfortable. Versatility is key with the second-row seats now folding flat and boasting out-of-sight and secure under-seat storage. There is also an added storage area in the door pockets with space both in the front and back.

“The next-gen Ranger really redefines the role of the pickup as a trusted partner for work, family and play,” said Gary Boes, Enterprise Product Line Management director, Global Trucks. “With the help of all the rich insights from customers, we’ve created a Ranger we believe will inspire owners to do more of what they love to do, with features that encourage them to explore new horizons.”

Join the Debut Tour
The next-generation Ranger has been making a debut tour since its first public appearance last month. Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, is offering previews at a series of events around the country over 5 weekends. These include events in
Kuching on September 7 -1 1 at Vivacity Megamall
, and at the Suria Sabah Shopping Centre,
Kota Kinabalu on October 5 – 9.

Sign up here to get an exclusive invitation
 to a venue close to you. Or if you want more information about the next-generation Ranger, follow the Ford Malaysia
Facebook
,
Instagram
,
Twitter
 and
YouTube
 channel or visit
www.sdacford.com.my
.


Grand Prize winner of Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2019 receives Nissan X-Trail Hybrid

Mira Filzah (or Nur Amirah Filzah binti Badioezaman), the 26-year old Ipoh-born artiste, is now the owner of a brand new Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid worth RM 159,888. The vehicle was presented to her as the Grand Prize for Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2019 (ABPBH), which Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) was the official vehicle sponsor of.

The talented Mira Filzah, who garnered 6,320,463 votes in ABPBH from September 19 – 22, has acted in few popular dramas and films such as
Eksperimen Cinta, Cinta Si Wedding Planner, Meh Sandar Pada Aku, Pujaan Hati Kanda, Sweet Dreams, Rise: Ini Kalilah
 and
Sangkar.

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

“We are honoured to work along with Anugerah Bintang Popular 2019 Berita Harian as this contest recognizes Malaysian artistes’ hard work and dedication in growing the local entertainment industry. We are delighted to award the most popular artiste with Malaysia’s first locally-assembled Hybrid technology SUV, the new Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Hybrid,” said Christopher Tan, ETCM’s Sales and Marketing Director.

The hybrid technology enables the X-Trail to achieve best in class fuel economy of 16.1 kms/litre, It also comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility advanced safety technologies to protect the occupants and has been rated the maximum of 5 stars by ASEAN NCAP.

Check out the X-Trail Hybrid and other Nissan models at any Nissan showroom nationwide. To locate an ETCM Branch or Nissan dealership near yet, visit
www.nissan.com.my
.

2019 Nissan X-Trail Facelift revealed – More features, same price!


One Lane At Meru Tunnel To Be Temporarily Closed For 10 Days

Motorists travelling along the North-South Expressway between Kuala Kangsar and Ipoh are advised that the left lane at the Meru tunnel will be temporarily closed at night. This closure will be from tomorrow
(Tuesday, February 7) until Thursday February 16, 2023
 for pavement rehabilitation work.

The temporary closure will be activated in stages at the Meru tunnel between KM 260.30 and KM262.05 between 9 pm and 12 noon daily. During this period, the contra flow will be activated in a staggered procedure depending on the traffic situation to facilitate smoother traffic flow.

PLUS advises motorists who are heading south to plan their journey and they can do so with the PLUS app which will give them an idea of traffic conditions along their route. When passing through the affected area, they should adhere to traffic signs and follow any instructions given by PLUS personnel.

The latest traffic information can be obtained from calling the PLUSLine at
1-800-88-0000.

PLUS Aims To Cut Fatalities On Its Highways By 7% In 2023

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Volvo V60 Recharge T8 – economy of a PHEV, versatility of a SUV and comfort of a sedan

Before SUVs appeared, the stationwagon was the ideal multi-purpose vehicle to haul a lot of stuff. Sedan-like but stretched a bit to have a big boot space, it was as low as a sedan and just as comfortable. Volvo, which had been making stationwagons since 1953 when it introduced the
Duett
, became a leader in the stationwagon segment in the 1980s, especially in Europe where its models were popular.

The Duett had been conceived as a vehicle which could be used for work as well as for family use, so it was the original dual-purpose vehicle (a term which came into use in the early 1980s when the first 4x4s like the
Mitsubishi Pajero
 and
Isuzu Trooper
 were introduced). The success of the Duett encouraged the Swedish carmaker to continue making such cars and in the years that followed, it would always have a stationwagon variant of the prevailing model series. Malaysian motorists will remember the police using Volvo stationwagons in the 1970s and then the
850 stationwagon
 in the 1990s for highway patrol work.

And although in the 21
st
 century, it has been selling more SUVs than sedans and stationwagons, the company has assured stationwagon fans that it will continue to offer such models in future. These will be alternatives to the SUV and crossover ranges and will eventually be fully electric. They are currently designated as S and V models although these may change as the future models will have more aerodynamic forms. Volvo had originally wanted to designate its stationwagons as ‘F’ – for ‘Family’ – when it launched the
first V40
. However, Ferrari sent a note of protest and said that a ‘F40’ would mislead people into thinking of the sportscar made by the Italian carmaker which had the designation. So Volvo switched to ‘V’, which it said meant ‘Versatility’.

In the US market, which has been a huge consumer of Volvo stationwagons for decades, some of the models are no longer being sold (which led to the rumour of Volvo stopping stationwagons altogether). However, the company will still sell some versions of the current models and in Malaysia, the latest V60 Recharge T8 has just gone on sale with a price of RM287,474 for the Inscription version (the only one available).

This is an electrified PHEV model with a plug-in hybrid Drive-E powertrain. There is a turbocharger and supercharger which boost output to 320 bhp/400 Nm, to which is added the output of an electric motor that can generate up to 407 ps/640 Nm. A lot of power to all 4 wheels which provides effortless cruising even when the 519-litre boot is fully loaded.

As a PHEV, the V60 Recharge T8’s battery pack can be recharged from an external power source rather than just being recharged while on the move. The time for recharging varies depending on the type of charging used. If from a normal household power socket, each hour of charging can provide  7 to 14 kms but if using DC fast-charging 150 kW station, then in 10 minutes, the battery pack can ‘fill up’ for up to 100 kms of range at a 150 kW station.
Shell recently started operations of a DC fast-charging station
 at its station near Tangkak in Johor and will establish a network of 12 stations along the North-South Expressway.

With a fully charged battery pack, it can travel a claimed 49 kms on just electric power but in normal driving, the system will be continuously varying the use of the two power sources for optimum efficiency. Unlike a fully electric powertrain which will come to a standstill if the battery pack is empty, a PHEV like the V60 Recharge T8 will still be able to run using its petrol engine.

As for the design, the V60 Recharge T8 maintains the sleek form which has been around since the days when Peter Horbury, the company’s former design head, declared that ‘we kept the toys and threw out the box’ as he introduced the
C70 coupe
 in 1996. Thereafter, Volvo stationwagons no longer looked like boxes on wheels and had a streamlined profile that added elegance.

The interior too is what you would expect of a Volvo with their Scandinavian ambience and focus on functionality. These days, the emphasis is on
using sustainable materials
 and ensuring that the
cabin air is as clean as possible
. And although the environment is like that of a premium sedan, there is still the versatility of a SUV with rear seats that fold down and extend the length of the boot.

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

Geely Holding and Volvo Cars to form joint-venture company producing powertrains


2017 Honda NSX is the sensible supercar for the techie in all of us

The 2017 Honda NSX is a technological marvel. It’s the culmination of nearly 12 years of research and development from the Japanese manufacturer. In that time many prototypes and design were brought forth, altered then scrapped because they just weren’t practical or competitive enough to take the fight to the mainstream supercar makers.

Like the original NSX, Honda wanted to create a supercar that offered the same heart racing performance and handling as a Ferrari or Porsche but at a much lower price and was practical enough to function as a daily driver. And like any Honda, it would be able to take all kinds of abuse but never complain.

But what eventually made it onto showroom floors was something that was much better. Basically, it is a testament to the automaker’s thirst for innovation and its constant need to show European automakers that fast, good looking and reliable automobiles can be made through simpler manufacturing processes and at a considerably lower cost.

The car features a turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine that is mated to a dual clutch transmission. It’s considered an all-wheel-drive hybrid because the petrol powered engine is aided by one electric motor at the rear and two in front. As such, total power output for this particular car is rated at close to 600bhp. Thanks to the lightweight body construction (space frame design) and other weight saving features, the NSX can accomplish the 0-100km/h dash in just 2.9 seconds, which is right up there with its European rivals.

In the video shown here, Doug DeMuro, a well-known automotive journalist provides his take on why the Honda/Acura NSX is such an amazing machine that warrants the kind of asking price that’s alien to what we normally expect of Honda badged cars. Visit
Doug’s Youtube
 channel to view other videos of the same nature.


Updated Toyota Harrier Open For Booking, Priced From RM274,000

Authorised Toyota dealerships are now accepting bookings for an updated Toyota Harrier which will soon be launched in Malaysia by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT). The current generation has been
in the market since February 2021
 and now gets an improved look and feel.

The new Harrier, with a Dynamic Force 2-litre engine, will be available in Luxury and Special Edition versions and a choice of 5 exterior colours – Slate Grey Metallic, Precious Black, Steel Blonde Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic and Platinum White Pearl – with the Special Edition having an exclusive Metallic Red finish. The on-the-road price without insurance will be from RM274,000.

At this time, UMWT is only giving brief details about the model. Key improvements include a Panoramic View Monitor and updated Toyota Safety Sense system with features such as the Pre- Collision Brake detection, Lane Departure Alert and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Like other recent Toyota models, the Harrier is designed around Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) with the GA-K platform. TNGA’s versatility and flexibility allows it to be used for sedans like the Corolla and also SUVs like the RAV4 and Harrier, and even electrified models like the Prius. Besides creating a highly rigid body structure, the centre of gravity is also lower which enhances stability, handling, agility and ride comfort.

Buying from authorised dealers means that the vehicle comes with a factory-backed warranty (5 years) and more importantly, aftersales support. These are important to owners to ensure not only that their vehicle is maintained properly but also when there are technical updates or recalls involving the vehicle.

Healthy sales growth
Meanwhile, the company reports a healthy growth in sales volume with the end of the third quarter of 2022. Total sales for the month of September were 9,233 units, comprising 9,098 units of Toyota vehicles and 135 units of Lexus vehicles.

Cumulative sales for the first 9 months of the year reached 70,872 units (Toyota + Lexus), a substantial 54% increase over the same period in 2021 when only 46,118 units were delivered. However, it should be noted that last year saw lockdowns that forced business operations to be limited which had a severe impact.

“At UMW Toyota Motor, we are humbled by the positive support received from our customers and are even more committed to going the ‘Extra Mile’ to intensify production and ensure timely delivery to new car owners,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

For more information on the Harrier, visit
toyota.com.my
 or any authorised Toyota showroom. Bookings can also be done
online
.

2022 Toyota Eco Youth Programme Open For Registration


From Zero To RM2.2 Billion In 5-Years – MBSM Celebrates Its Half Decade Achievement!

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBSM) recently celebrated its 5th anniversary. Starting from ground-up to a portfolio of
RM2.2 billion
 in just five years and financing and insuring four out of every ten Mercedes-Benz cars sold; MBSM is raring to go in 2018.

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia celebrates five years of providing innovative financial solutions (from left) Daimler Financial Services AAP Regional Head SEA, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Mr Thomas Hungerland; Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Managing Director, Mr Mike Ponnaz; and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner, kicking off the celebration with a cake cutting ceremony.

“It’s been five fantastic years! We have so much to celebrate, and one of the reasons for our celebration is the long-term support of our esteemed media friends, who have, and continue, to play an essential role in our success,”
 said
Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, Managing Director, Mike Ponnaz
(above, middle).

MBSM was first established in 2012, entering the Malaysian market at an opportune time to support its sister company, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), with innovative automotive financing packages. At that time, MBM had registered a strong sales record of over 6,000 vehicles sold. In 2012 and 2013 MBSM focused on setting up the business, studying the needs of the market in order to begin catering to the aspirations of Mercedes-Benz customers.

After establishing its operations, MBSM progressed into building greater awareness of its role in the Mercedes-Benz customer journey throughout 2014 and 2015. This included retail and corporate customers in the passenger car category as well as customers from the Commercial Vehicles division. MBSM focused on empowering its customers by matching financing options with different financial flexibility needs.

Along the way, MBSM marked other accomplishments namely, its parent company, Daimler Financial Services AG (Daimler Financial Services) was ranked the top five World’s Best Multinational Workplaces in 2016.
 “Our employees are the foundation of our success and we are committed to cultivating a workplace environment that supports their growth and development and enables them to provide the very best service to our customers,”
 explained Ponnaz.

MBSM’s keen focus on supporting Mercedes-Benz customers led to its ability to identify the evolving needs and aspirations of customers. Over the last two years, MBSM launched cutting-edge solutions like
Agility Financing and Lease2Go
 that have redefined the process of owning and financing a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

“We have 16,000 active customers, and we recorded contracts worth over RM1billion in 2017 alone. We are very proud of the collective achievement of the team and look forward to growing in line with the remarkable sales achievements of over 12,000 Mercedes-Benz cars sold by MBM, and 2,469 Commercial Vehicles sold last year. Moving forward, 2018 will be a year of strengthening our portfolio and serving our customers better,”
 said Ponnaz.

Following five years of steady growth, MBSM took the time to personally thank us recently at a special celebration with the members of the Malaysian Automotive Media. Also present at the milestone celebration was Mr Thomas Hungerland, Daimler Financial Services AAP, Regional Head SEA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Dr Claus Weidner, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President & CEO.


4×4: Petron Fuels The Rainforest Challenge 2018!

Petron
 returned in 2018 to power one of the world’s
top ten toughest
 motor race off-road 4×4 events, the
Rainforest Challenge (RFC)
 Grand Finale in Malaysia, as the official fuel sponsor and engine oil partner. Petron fueled more than
150
 4×4 vehicles participated by
300
 hardcore off-road driving enthusiasts from
 30 nations
 to compete against the odds in Malaysia’s dense tropical rainforest from
24 November to 4th December 2018
.

“Petron is proud to be a partner of this super league of extreme 4×4 motor sports as its official fuel partner for the third year. The Rainforest Challenge has definitely brought out the best sporting spirit in everyone. This year, we introduced our engine oil Petron Rev-X Engine Oil to complement the Turbo Diesel Euro 5 in this legendary race for an even better performance and excellent engine cleaning action. This partnership underscores our products’ superiority, which have been proven to be the best fuel-lubes match even for the most adventurous off-road race as well as for your daily journeys,”
 said
Choong Kum Choy, Head of Retail Business of Petron Malaysia
 (below, 3rd from left).

“RFC is, indeed, proud to have Petron as our fuel and engine oil partner especially as we face tough conditions during the monsoon season. Drenched terrains demand toughest products to keep us going. The adage ‘When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going’ is very appropriately applied to Petron’s products in the Rainforest Challenge. This year, we faced the longest off-road sector under monsoon conditions but we are very confident that the fuel and engine oil from Petron enables us to finish the race,”
 said
Founder and Creator of Rainforest Challenge & RFC Global Series, Luis J.A. Wee
(above, 3rd from right).

Petron Turbo Diesel Euro 5
 is formulated to improve engine performance, ensure better fuel economy, and extend engine life. It has much lower Sulphur content, 10 parts per million and is 50 times cleaner than Euro 2M diesel, helping reduce exhaust emissions and withstand the extreme heat of today’s fuel injection systems. Petron Rev-X Engine Oil protects the engine with Dynamic Cleaning Technology (DC Tech) to keep the engine clean for improved wear protection and smoother operations.

RFC Malaysia, the pinnacle of 4×4 extreme off-road racing is the finale event from the RFC Global Series (RFCGS) which is a worldwide off-road racing circuit spanning 22 nations with 45 events. This year, the route will take participants from Kota Bahru, Tanah Merah, Kuala Krai and ending at Gua Musang. Stages of the race are named Predator, Terminator and Twilight Zone which include navigating the endless steep downhills and uphill, crossing narrow bridges, tropical swamps, steered around the brown-red mud pools and cutting across the mighty river at Bering.

The event was flagged off on 24 November at Dataran Redha, Kota Lama Kota Bharu, with local police cars escorting the racing convoy to Tumpat Pantai Sri Tujuh for their first overnight campsite. The participants refueled at the Petron service station in Belimbing, Tanah Merah before entering the challenge’ pit-stops at Air Naga, Gua Harimau and Bering.

Due to the long off-road section out of reach of any towns or villages, all race and support vehicles must carry enough fuel to last them from 27 November right up to closing day on 4 December. Teams entered the final stopover at Pos Gob pit stop – the deepest aborigines’ settlement in Kelantan that marks their 6
th
 campsite for the race. The off-roaders next preceded their journey for Kuala Betis and have their tanks refueled for the final time at Petron service station in Gua Musang.

For more information about RFC, please visit official Website:
www.rainforest-challenge.com
 or Instagram @rainforestchallenge @luisjawee.


2019 Mercedes-Benz B 200 Progressive Line & GLA 200 Style launched – From RM223,888

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled two new models to further diversify its latest-generation compact car offering here in Malaysia in the form of the new 2019 Mercedes-Benz B 200 Progressive Line and Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Style.

2019 Mercedes-Benz B 200 Progressive Line – RM239,888 (OTR without insurance)

Designed to be more dynamic and agile than ever, the all-new B 200 Progressive Line also comes with greater comfort and space for all of its occupants. With design updates carried over into a more chic package, this perfect family car with enough power to provide an exciting drive.

Powered by a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the new B 200 Progressive Line produces a cool 163hp and 250Nm of maximum torque. This allows it to hit 100km/h in just 8.2 seconds from a standstill. When it comes to this Mercedes-Benz, the combination of function and sportiness comes to mind.

Like the name goes, this beauty comes ready with Progressive Line exterior which further enhances its looks and feel. This can be easily seen via its radiator grille with silver-painted twin louvre and chrome insert, front apron with chrome insert, side sill panels and the 18-inch 5-twin spoke light-alloy wheels.

Moving towards the rear, the new B 200 is fitted with two-part lamps, reflectors integrated in the bumper and a distinctive black bumper bottom section with diffuser look and chrome trim strip. The presence of a large roof spoiler and side black spoilers not only offers a sportier façade but also improved aerodynamics.

Its interior comes with features like

ARTICO black leather upholstery with Comfort Seats

64-colour ambient lighting

Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system

Widescreen cockpit

Navigation display with Augmented Reality technology

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Style – RM223,888 (OTR without insurance)

If it’s something a bit different that you’re looking for, perhaps the latest GLA 200 Style might whet your appetite. This beauty comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 156hp and 250Nm of maximum torque. All of its power is handled via a 7G-DCT transmission package that helps to propel it from 0-100km/h in just 8.1 seconds.

Equipped with the Style Line exterior package, the GLA 200 Style further amplifies its premium SUV appeal with 18-inch 5-twin-spole alloy wheels, high-gloss chrome inserts, matt iridium silver radiator trim, and other chrome finished goodness. The inside is just as cool with ARTICO man-made leather and Macapá fabric feature an innovative pattern inspired by tyre tracks.

Other notable features include:

Apple® CarPlay® and Android Auto® smartphone integration

0-inch media display.

DYNAMIC SELECT switch

ATTENTION ASSIST safety and assistance package

Active Brake PRE-SAFE® system

Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC

LED High Performance headlamps

To know more, head over to
www.mercedes-benz.com.my
.

NZ Wheels opens a Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur


Sabah’s SMK Tamparuli is tops in 19th edition of Toyota Eco Youth programme

Since 2001, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMWT) and the Malaysian Ministry of Education have been jointly organizing the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Programme to educate Malaysian youth on the importance of conserving the environment and also inspire them to act responsibly towards the environment, ensuring a sustainable future.

The programme, one of UMWT’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility activities, aims to cultivate environmental awareness and instill good environmental habit in young Malaysians as they are the future caretaker of the environment.

“Our corporate social responsibility is to help educate and instill love and care for the environment in the nation’s youth.
”

Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor

In its 19th edition this year, TEY carries the theme ‘
Be the Superhero to Save the World
’. It incorporates elements from the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, a global initiative by Toyota Motor Corporation which aimed at going beyond zero environmental impact.

“Our business is not just confined to make ever better products that are safe and environmentally friendly. We also see it as our corporate social responsibility to help educate and instill love and care for the environment in the nation’s youth. One of the initiatives is the Toyota Eco Youth programme which have been running since 2001,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

This year, 12 secondary schools from around Malaysia participated in the programme which began in August this year. Students and teachers from the schools attended a 3-day ‘boot to learn Toyota’s 8-Step Problem-Solving Methodology. This is an approach practiced by UMWT employees to solve various types of problems, including those involving the environment.

Each school received a RM2,000 grant to kick off their project. Drawing on what they had learnt, they had to go through a market validation phase where their ideas – in the form of a product or service – were implemented and tested with the community of choice, impacting the beneficiaries.

In the final phase, each team made their final presentation and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges comprising representatives from UMWT, the Ministry of Education and myHarapan. After reviewing each presentation carefully, the best submissions by 4 schools were announced with SMK Tamparuli from Sabah picked as the Champion.

For their impressive efforts, they received prizes ranging from RM10, 000 for the Champion; RM7, 000 for second prize; RM5, 000 for third prize and RM3, 000 for the fourth prize. There was also a consolation prize of RM1, 000 as well as other prizes of RM500 each for the best video presentation and best-supporting teacher.

To date, UMWT has spent almost RM7 million on the TEY programme which has seen participation of 258 schools and 2,000 students. Commenting on the achievement of the TEY, Mr. Ravindran said it is clear that continuation of the programme can help in environment-related issues that affect not just today’s generation but also those in the future.

“We will certainly continue to run the TEY annually and as we gain feedback and experience each year, the programme will evolve accordingly so that it addresses appropriate issues,” he said.

Visit
www.toyota.com.my
 to read more about UMW Toyota Motor’s other CSR activities.

UMW Toyota Motor aligns CSR initiatives with Toyota’s ‘Start Your Impossible’ global campaign


First Volkswagen Tour of 2020 is at 1 Utama Shopping Centre

Want to know more about the Volkswagen range in Malaysia? There are 23 authorised dealerships around Malaysia where you can view the various models. Better still, because Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) believes that Volkswagen products are Better Experience than Explained, you should also go for a test-drive.

Until February 23, there’s also a 24
th
 location you can check out Volkswagen models if you’re in the Klang Valley. VPCM is having the first Volkswagen Tour of the year at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre. The display of vehicles is at the Ground Floor of the Centre Court in the old wing, from 10 am to 10 pm.

2020 Volkswagen Passat Elegance

Models that are on display are the iconic Beetle, Vento, Tiguan, Golf R-Line and GTI as well as the new Passat Elegance which was launched just last month. A benchmark within its class, the new Passat has an updated 2.0TSI petrol engine and is the first front-wheel drive Volkswagen model in Malaysia to come with a new 7-speed wet clutch dual-speed gearbox (DSG).

Test-drives are also available at the venue and if you are convinced that you want to buy a Volkswagen, you can place a booking there. Customers who make a booking at the event will receive an additional RM1,000 petrol cash voucher on top of existing rebates.

If you really can’t get to the event or any showroom, you can still find out more about Volkswagen vehicles, services and offers in Malaysia online at
www.volkswagen.com.my
.

REVIEW: 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Highline


Perodua sales volume increased by 6.4% despite challenging conditions in first quarter of 2022

In spite of the challenging conditions during the first quarter of 2022, some of which were carried over from the floods of December 2021, Perodua was able to steadily build up its volume again over the three months.

The Malaysian carmaker reports that it ended the quarter with 61,624 vehicles delivered to customers nationwide. This was an increase of 6.4% compared to the same period in 2021.

On a month-on-month comparison, 26,759 vehicles were delivered in March 2022, a 9.5% increase from the 24,433 units reported in March 2021. Its February sales volume was 17,421 units, almost the same as in January, with the two months being unusually low as the carmaker’s production was affected by parts supply issues.

Production data for March 2022 not available at time of publishing.

According to Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, the impact of COVID-19 and component supply issues are still present. However, the company has been able to work with its suppliers and dealers to lessen their impact.

“Our focus is now to expedite the vehicles delivery to our customers before the sales tax exemption deadline ends on June 30, 2022. That being said, Perodua also echoes the Malaysian Automotive Association’s request to further extend the sales tax exemption as factors such as the global semiconductor supply disruption and COVID-19 cases are still impacting the industry,” he added.

Dato’ Zainal said that the automotive industry, including its local ecosystem, thanks the government for the initiative (in the form of the sales tax exemption) as it was able to keep demand high and sustain the industry throughout the worst of the pandemic.

“Right now, the local automotive ecosystem is starting to recover and an extension in the sales tax exemption is what the industry needs for sustained growth during this recovery period,” he said.

New transmissions at a supplier’s factory in Negeri Sembilan ready for delivery to Perodua’s factory.

“Moving forward, we foresee the second quarter of 2022 to be the highlight for the automotive industry as brands will deliver as many vehicles as they can within that 3-month period. While semiconductor chip supply and COVID-19 would still influence production, we expect that production and registration will continue to improve,” said Dato’ Zainal

He added that the company does not foresee other factors such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to have a major impact on the company’s production moving forward. Based on these factors, Perodua is maintaining its 247,000 sales target for 2022.


Chevy Camaro ZL1 Was The Loudest Car At The 2023 Le Mans 24

As incredible as they are, Ferrari, Porsche, and Toyota can all step aside. The show-stopper for the Le Mans 24 was the NASCAR Garage56 #24 Chevy Camaro ZL1. Why? Because it was easily the loudest car there.

The Camaro isn’t dead yet. Well, the
four-cylinder
 is, but this muscle monster isn’t. It’s powered by an all-American V8. It’s not just any ordinary V8 though. This is a modified next-gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 race car with NASCAR influence, built by the folks at Chevy with Hendrick Motorsports, IMSA, Goodyear, and NASCAR.

The Camaro is based on the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, but the engine is a Hendrick Motorsports 5.8-litre pushrod V8 which pushes out 750 hp with a high redline and a totally NASCAR sound. It weighs around 1315 kg, which, while hefty for Le Mans, is light when compared to NASCAR spec. It also has a five-speed sequential gearbox.

But what was it doing at Le Mans? Well, this is the Garage 56 entry for 2023. Since 2012, Le Mans has invited a 56th team to “participate” in the classic endurance event, presenting new machines with a futuristic twist. Yes, “participate” and not compete. The Garage 56 car is technically in its own class and is therefore ineligible for a trophy. But that hasn’t stopped the Camaro’s drivers from bringing American V8 thunder to the French countryside.

Garage 56 was a collaboration between Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR, Chevrolet, IMSA and Goodyear. The project was announced 15 months ago at Sebring International Raceway.

Despite the fact that the Garage 56 Camaro isn’t eligible for the win, many spectators celebrated when it crossed the finish line. With the Camaro leaving dealerships at the end of this year, it was a fitting way to end the current generation’s eight-year career.


Cadillac InnerSpace concept reimagines the luxury experience of motoring in future

For those who have not followed the changes in Cadillac, the quintessential American automobile brand, their products are no longer the huge and heavy ‘aircraft carriers’ they once were. In fact, since the 1980s, the General Motors subsidiary has been ‘downsizing’ in response to energy concerns and the need to look for socially acceptable.

It now has to transform again for the electrified era and future personal mobility. With the vast resources of General Motors to draw on for development of entirely new electrically-powered models, Cadillac will soon be coming out with new cars that maintain its reputation of premium luxury travel.

Vision of personal autonomous future mobility

At CES 2022 this week, the company showed one vision of personal autonomous future mobility with the InnerSpace concept. This is a futuristic 2-passenger fully electric and autonomous luxury vehicle which is part of the brand’s Halo Concept Portfolio. This portfolio represents future possibilities with a range of personal autonomous options and advanced connected vehicle features. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance the passenger experience along with the increased personal time enabled by fully autonomous mobility, the InnerSpace grows the Halo Concept Portfolio.

“The vehicles of the Cadillac Halo Concept Portfolio are designed to provide effortless travel through extraordinary means,” said Bryan Nesbitt, GM Executive Director, Global Advanced Design and Global Architecture Studio. “They are visions for the next decade and beyond, showing the possibilities enabled by General Motors’ comprehensive approach to autonomous drive technology with the goal of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.”

Cadillac Halo Concept Portfolio

Cadillac introduced the first two Halo concepts last year at CES: the PersonalSpace, a single-seat, personal vertical take-off and landing concept designed to literally move its passenger above the din and congestion of ground traffic; and the SocialSpace, a roomy, autonomous vehicle for up to six, designed to help passengers relax and recharge.

Conceptually, the portfolio repurposes how passengers use their time while traveling, providing a space for solace and respite. Full autonomy relinquishes the responsibility of vehicle control while dramatic design and advanced technologies maintain the sensation of arriving in a Cadillac.

In fact, technologies such as biometric input and AI machine learning are harnessed and complement Cadillac’s luxury environment to support unique wellness experiences. Through software-defined features and advanced vehicle connectivity, the Concept Halo Portfolio could offer each passenger a truly personalized experience made possible by GM’s Ultifi software platform. The experiences showcased within the Halo Portfolio demonstrate the potential as both Ultifi and autonomous technology continue to evolve.

“Electrification and autonomous driving will fundamentally change the role of vehicles and the experiences customers have with them,” said Nesbitt. “We’re exploring where that will go with these innovative concepts, envisioning mobility as an ally of wellness, giving customers the ultimate luxury, more personal time rather than taking it.”

Reimagining the luxury experience

Early in Cadillac’s history, compact and personal Runabout models enabled customers to explore new and wider horizons. The new InnerSpace concept reimagines that as a vision, with a fully autonomous experience that allows the two occupants to focus on their journey rather than driving.

The vehicle’s fully autonomous capability means they can give more attention to the world around them. Inside too, they will have more personal and tailored experiences that add new dimensions to motoring. AI-driven biometric input and interfaces, accessible via a large, immersive and panoramic SMD LED display, will allow passengers to select from Augmented Reality Engagement, Entertainment and Wellness Recovery themes for their drive. Thanks to Ultifi, Cadillac engineers and authorized third parties will be able to innovate additional themes and features that can be added over the air.

With the Ultium Platform’s wireless battery management system, the battery modules are spread about the concept vehicle, which allowed designers to optimize the cabin for spaciousness and serenity. This design freedom also allowed for a low-profile floor, providing an extremely low, sports car-like seating position.

The InnerSpace design features expansive, panoramic glass on the roof and part of the body sides for almost unimpeded views. The roof opens with the doors for more comfortable entry and egress, and the seats also pivot outward when the doors are opened, enhancing the effect.

Even the tyres are designed to contribute to its solace. Specially developed by Goodyear for electrified vehicles, they feature SoundComfort technology designed to help mitigate soundwave resonance within the tyre for a quiet ride, while soybean oil and rice husk-based silica replaces petroleum-based oil as a key ingredient in their construction. And because autonomous driving takes away some of the driver’s connection with the road, Goodyear SightLine, Goodyear’s tyre intelligence technology, conveys important information about pressure, temperature, load and other performance factors.

2022 LYRIQ will be first model in Cadillac’s electric-only range moving forward


Isuzu Malaysia And Super Sunday Collaborate During 2022 KL Fashion Week

How times have changed. 40 years ago, when you thought of pick-up trucks, the image might be one of a vehicle carrying construction materials or workers, or a dirty truck struggling along a muddy trail in the jungle. Fashion would hardly come to mind, let alone be associated with it.

Today, the image of the pick-up truck has changed and while it still retains its workhorse role in the commercial sector, trucks are considered ‘lifestyle’ machine today. They are designed for daily use in cities and also for recreational activities during the weekend.

Epitomising the modern truck is the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain, the stylish truck introduced in Malaysia in April last year. The X-Terrain is the flagship of the D-MAX range and clearly focussed on style but without losing any muscular capability either.

To demonstrate how the D-MAX and fashion can go together, Isuzu Malaysia provided the model as the Official Ultimate Lifestyle Vehicle of 2022 KL Fashion Week. The annual event has the theme of ‘The Bigger, the Better’, which is certainly appropriate for the imposing D-MAX!

Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe (right) and Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo (left) with Bob, the founder of Super Sunday streetwear which the company collaborated with.

As the event’s Official Ultimate Lifestyle Vehicle, the D-MAX X-Terrain showcases a fresh dimension to its identity, one that hinges on its appeal as an urban vehicle and not one purely focused on its talents as a capable cargo-mover and dependable off-roader. Isuzu Malaysia also displayed the D-MAX at the Pavilion KL in Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur during KL Fashion Week.

During the event, Isuzu Malaysia also presented a segment at the fashion show to show Super Sunday, a local streetwear line. The brand was founded by Bob, a businessman who established a multi-level store for independent artists. From humble beginnings in 2007, the local brand has become popular among the young for its bold and bright streetwear. For the fashion show, Bob displayed some new creations inspired by the X-Terrain after he experienced it.

To know more about the D-MAX range and locate a showroom to test it, visit
pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my
.

Switching to the trucking lifestyle with the Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain


SpareXHub Now Has Genuine Nissan Parts In Its Inventory As Well

We always recommend genuine parts for your vehicle whenever replacements are needed. These are the best parts you can get as they are made for your specific vehicle and have the assurance of quality from the same company that made your vehicle.

If your vehicle is a recent model or up to 10 years old, the authorized service centre will usually still have genuine parts for it in stock. However, as newer models are introduced and parts for them also need to be stocked, stocks of the older ones will be reduced and eventually might not be available. Nevertheless, there are also parts stockists who may have them but be careful of imitations.

For those who own older Nissan models – from as far back as the mid-1980s – there is now a new source for genuine Nissan parts. This is SpareXHub, which we have written about before, an e-commerce platform that specializes in supplying genuine parts for many brands.

SpareXHub is now collaborating with Tan Chong & Sons Motor Company Sdn Bhd, the Nissan distributors since the late 1950s, to make available genuine Nissan parts online in support of owners of older Nissan models. Nissan is the first Japanese auto brand to use the platform of Malaysian-owned SpareXHub, joining brands from Europe and Korea.

The inventory includes parts for models such as the AD Resort, Bluebird, Cefiro, Frontier, Latio, Sentra, Skyline, Sunny, March, Sylphy, Teana, Terrano, Urvan, and Vanette. Parts for these models have been found to be in great demand after a trial program was conducted over the past 6 months.

Customers can also save money buying from SpareXHub as there is a tiered discount offered for purchases. The discount can be up to 80% less than the recommended retail prices for individual purchaser
s
, independent workshops and spare parts stockists.

SpareXHub can supply genuine Nissan parts for old models like the 2001 Sentra and 2008 Sylphy
,
and even the 1993 Bluebird Altima (below)

“Saving more than RM2,000 for a pair of Nissan Skyline headlights, for example, would be an extremely difficult deal to resist and that was precisely what some customers benefitted from. For SpareXHub, the business model is driven by the objective to pass on outstanding deals for genuine spare parts to car owners,” said SpareXHub co-founder Devindran Ramanathan.

Mr. Devindran said that besides serving Nissan owners in Malaysia, SpareXHub also ships worldwide, enabling Tan Chong to reach a far greater customer base. “This helps our partners to monetize outstanding and ageing inventory and to prevent obsolescence,” he explained.

Customers can collect themselves or have the parts shipped to them anywhere in the world.

Firmly believing that ‘Every Part Has A Car’ and currently into its fourth year in operations, SpareXHub is growing towards a virtual inventory of 500,000 genuine spare parts with a base of more than 100,000 and growing customers.

For more information or to make purchases, visit
www.sparexhub.com
.

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Day 1 Of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival/Vios Challenge Season 5

Although night racing has a different atmosphere with artificial lighting providing illumination of the track instead of sunshine, the action is no less intense. And with the Vios Challenge, the highlight of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) Festival, ending its fifth season this weekend, there is even more determined racing as drivers aim to collect valuable points in the last two races of the one-make series at the Sepang International Circuit.

The Vios Challenge, a series now well established in Malaysian motorsport, is the most lucrative motorsports event in the country, with more than a half a million ringgit in prize money offered. The overall champions of the Super Sporting and Sporting Classes will take home RM70,000 and RM50,000, respectively. So there’s a lot of incentive to do well!

The races use half of the Sepang International Circuit, referred to as the ‘North Track’. This will have a total distance of 2.706 kms. with 9 turns. Every car entered has to be prepared identically with the same performance levels (which are checked before and after each race). Therefore, it is all about driver skill, experience and strategy rather than just who has the more powerful car.

The races
In the second last round run last night, the fiercest action was seen in the Super Sporting Class for professional and veteran racers. Laser Motor Racing’s Eddie Lew took the chequered flag, followed by Axle Sports’ Hayden Haikal, while in third place was Lew’s team mate, Mark Darwin.

Lew had started the 20-lap race from pole position and gained an early lead of as much as 3.3 seconds ahead of Hayden. Behind the two, the battle for third was extremely intense with no less than 5 drivers trading places throughout the 20 laps.

“I got a really good start and I tried to drive very consistently to slowly pull away from the rest of the field,” said Lew. “This was my first night race experience in the Vios Challenge and I really enjoyed it. It was a lot cooler and there was more grip on the track. I really had fun!”

In the Sporting Class for amateur racers, Axle Sports’ Naquib Azlan had stayed up front after taking an early lead. Finishing second was S&D Tama Motorsports’ Tom Goh who seemed glued to the rear end of Naquib’s Vios and closing in to just 0.3 second as he crossed the finish line. In third place was privateer Mohd Shafiq Samsudin who drove impressively to prevent rival Bradley Benedict Anthony of Crestmax Motorsport from grabbing the podium spot.

23 Motors’ Abdul Miqail was the surprise of the night when he posted the fastest lap to start from pole position. But the 16-year-old didn’t sustain that quick pace and slow slipped back in the field.

“Coming into this race, I knew it was going to be a tough challenge, especially carrying a weight penalty of 55 kgs. The game plan was just to keep up with the faster cars from qualifying and with the championship at stake, I had to be mindful of my aggressiveness on the track. Tom and I had a great start and both of us managed to pull away from the rest of the field. We were, however, bumper to bumper right to the finish,” said Naquib.

Akio Takeyama (left), the former Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, also came from Japan specially to attend the final round. Mr. Takeyama was one of the key figures responsible for the creation of the successful TGR Festival and Vios Challenge series and he also participated in the races as a competitor in the Promotional Class.

In the Rookie Class for the second batch of 5 drivers who have received training in GAZOO Racing’s
Young Driver Development Program
, Nabil Azlan (brother of Naquib) continued his dominance to win the race ahead of Muhammad Hamdany and Muizzuddin Musyaffa who claimed second and third places, respectively.

“I had a good start and tried to manage a clean first few laps. We caught up with the Super Sporting Class drivers and that’s when things got a bit tricky. Muizzuddin was leading but he made a slight mistake and I took advantage of that. In the last 5 laps, I really had to manage my tyres to get to the end of the race,” said Nabil.

The popular Promotional Class, which has celebrities racing against each other, saw a 2-way fight between actors Zizan Razak and Shukri Yahaya from the start. The two drivers duelled throughout the race but 3 laps before the end of the 18-lap race, they collided. Damage to Shukri’s Vios forced him to retire.

Despite the damage to his car, Zizan was able to continue to complete the race as winner. 4.2 seconds behind was singer Nabila Razali, with presenter Nabil Ahmad in third place. As the Stewards determined that the collision had been caused by Zizan, he received a penalty time which demoted him to third place while giving Nabila the win and Nabil taking her place as runner-up.

“I just want to say ‘thank you’ to Toyota and to all my coaches, friends and fans. I’m quite proud of myself and this is a very memorable race for me,” said a delighted Nabila after she received the surprise news.

For Nabil, getting second place and the points that go with it put him back in contention to fight for the overall Promotional Class championship in the final round tonight. “This was my first night race in Sepang. I missed out last year’s night race as I was presenting at an event and this makes tonight’s race even more special and certainly a result to remember,” he said.

Big festival for finale
For this finale round, the festival aspect has been turned up and the entire rooftop area of the circuit’s main paddock building has been transformed into a festival ground. There are many activities for all the family and an opportunity to mingle with the celebrities who have a meet-and-greet session that has been a regular activity at every round.

Last night and tonight, there are also concerts with the crowd entertained by stage performances led by TGR racing celebrities Wany Hasrita and Nabila Razali, and a special 40-minute Rappers & Racers concert anchored by K-Clique.

Entry to the circuit to watch is free but if you cannot make it there, you can still watch the races and stage performances which will be streamed live on the
Toyota Malaysia
 and
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia
 Facebook pages.

The story behind TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and why it was created


2022 Mazda CX-8 range gets additional 2.5-litre turbocharged variant with AWD

The CX-8 joined the Mazda range offered by Bermaz Motor in 2019 and like the CX-5 below it and the CX-9 above, it found its own niche in the competitive SUV segment. With 3 rows, it provided the extra seating space which was required by some customers that the CX-5 could not offer. And being assembled locally at the Inokom plant in Kedah, it could be priced competitively.

Today, the updated CX-8 made its debut with the usual enhancements that products in the middle of their generation received. The overall design with KODO: Soul of Motion philosophy is retained but the front grille has been revised a bit to present a strong, mature and dignified presence. LED headlamps are also fitted and give a visual signature.

The 3-row cabin retains all the comfort and convenience features with the more premium features now becoming standard. These include the 7-inch instrument panel display, 6-way power seat for front passenger, handsfree power tailgate and auto-folding mirrors, along with additional USB ports for the passengers in the third row. There are also LED interior lamps as well as a wireless charger and wireless Apple Carplay which is accessible through the 8-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment display.

The CX-8 Mid and High variants get updated leather upholstery for the seats in black, while the 2.5L High Plus variants retain the Nappa leather in Deep Red. For added comfort, the front seats have an internal ventilation as well as heating functions.

Customers can choose from 5 variants, three of which have the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (192 ps/258 Nm) and one with a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine( ps/Nm). A powerful new engine is also offered in one variant and this is the turbocharged version of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 which produces 228 ps/420 Nm. All variants are paired with the efficient SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

The drivetrains are front-wheel drive but there is now a new variant with All-Wheel drive (AWD) as well and only this variant has the turbocharged engine. At the same time, the turbodiesel variant which used to have AWD is now 2WD. Mazda’s AWD system is advanced and intelligent to allocate power to specific wheels to improve stability and grip on slippery surfaces. However, all variants of the CX-8 also have G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) and this too controls and stabilises vehicle behaviour at high speed when cornering. GVC Plus uses braking force on the outside wheels to counteract undesirable vehicle movement.

Mazda’s i-Activsense integrated safety suite has been updated and drivers can now enjoy safer motoring with the newly added Adaptive Front-lighting System, High Beam Control, front and rear Smart Brake Support, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop/go (meaning the system operates down to standstill).

Colour choices for the 2022 CX-8 are Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black and Platinum Quartz and Polymetal Gray, the last two being new additions.

Mazda vehicles distributed by Bermaz Motor come with a 5-year manufacturer warranty or maximum of 100,000 kms after original registration. Additionally, owners get 5 years of free scheduled maintenance (except for the BT-50), inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants. Both Manufacturer Warranty and Free Maintenance have a coverage period of five years and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.

To know more about the new CX-8 range and other Mazda models, or to locate an authorised showroom in Malaysia, visit
www.mazda.com.my
.

How Bose has been developing premium sound for Mazdas over 30 years


Shell Diesel Euro 5 Now Available In E.Malaysia

Diesel vehicle owners in Sarawak take note! You can now get Shell FuelSave
Diesel Euro 5
 at stations in Bintulu and soon to be followed by other major cities in Sarawak namely Miri, Kuching, and Sibu.

Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Timur Sdn Bhd
 said,
 “We are proud to announce the availability of our Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 in Sarawak.
Here at Shell, our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are on a mission to make their life’s journeys better. Hence, we are bringing our best diesel fuel to Sarawak that will give our customers one less worry on the road and help them leave happier for their journey ahead.
This is also in line with our strategy of providing cleaner and innovative energy solutions, leveraging on our leadership in fuels technology.”

Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 is formulated with
DYNAFLEX
 Technology, with new dirt-busting molecules for a clean and efficient engine. The technology helps to clean and protect key fuel system components, such as fuel injectors, from build ups that may reduce engine’s performance. In addition, the new Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 contains less than 10 mg/kg of sulphur, making it suitable for modern diesel engines which requires low sulphur diesel fuel.

Motorists can now enjoy the benefits of the all new Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 at selected stations in Sarawak. For more information, please visit
www.shell.com.my/SarawakE5