Happenings: Short film 'Hawa' Tan Ce Ding Wins the BMW Shorties 2016 Grand Prize

 The cast and crew of ‘Hawa’ with Mr Sashi Ambi (Left), Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia, and Mr Han Sang Yun (Right).

I attended the BMW Shorties 2016 awards ceremony last Monday. BMW Group Malaysia has named ‘Hawa’, a short film by Tan Ce Ding as the Grand Prize Winner of BMW Shorties 2016. The 10th Edition of the BMW Shorties this year received 115 films, its highest number of entries and shortlisted 12 finalists for contention in the competition this year.

TRUCK & BUS NEWS: Hino Total Support Customer Centre (HTSCC) to Get Upgrade.

Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HMSM) have recently announced that they will be  upgrading their Hino Total Support Customer Centre (HTSCC) in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan - (which is their first centre outside of Japan). They are going to invest more than RM8million on the project that focuses on customer development on safety driving skills and knowledge. 

Happenings: SHELL RIMULA GLOBAL PROMOTION WINNERS HAVE TONS OF FUN IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Eight lucky Malaysian Grand Prize winners of the Shell Rimula Global Promotion had a thrilling time in Cape Town, South Africa, where they had the opportunity to participate in a driving challenge, go on a safari tour and take in the sights of the beautiful coastal city. 

HAPPENINGS: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia hosts its 2016 'Christmas in a Shoebox' CSR initiative

Christmas is around the corner and it is a time when people, and companies, give back to society. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM) had recently made an effort to give 57 children from Angels Children’s Home, Rumah Sayangan and Pertubuhan Rahoma Darul Fakir Malaysia a more memorable holiday season under its annual ‘Christmas In A Shoebox’ initiative. MBM President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner, was drafted as 'Santa' this year. Since he is already a 'Claus' he is aptly suited for the job at hand. 

PEUGEOT MALAYSIA PLANS FOR 2017 WITH 5 NEW MODELS

I am slowly catching up on news bits happening in and around Malaysia over the past week or so. I have been away on holiday and things still happen. Of course it does. The world doesn't revolve around me you know. And sometime last week, at a media event by Nasim Sdn Bhd, official distributors of Peugeot in Malaysia an announcement was made that 5 new models will be making its debut in the country - the 208 PureTech (above), 2008 SUV PureTech (below) , All-New 3008 SUV, Traveller and All-New 5008 SUV.

Year End Renault Captur and Renault Fluence Promos

For those interested in a Renault, there is currently a year-end promotion on the Renault Captur crossover and Fluence sedan valid till 31st December 2016. The Renault Captur is priced at RM117,200, whilst the Renault Fluence is priced at RM119,888. Both prices stated are OTR inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and with private registration only.

Perodua Bezza wins three awards at the Malaysia Car of the Year 2016

The Perodua Bezza compact sedan won three awards at the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) Malaysia Car of the Year 2016 awards recently. It won the Car of the Year 2016 award for the Entry Level category for the Bezza 1.3 Advanced, People’s Choice 2016 for the Bezza 1.3 Advanced and the Most Significant Design Achievement for the Perodua Bezza (overall design).

PROTON wins two awards at the MAI Malaysia Car of the Year 2016

PROTON had received 2 awards at the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) Malaysia Car of the Year 2016 held at The Saujana Hotel, Subang recently for its new and refined Saga and the all-new Persona. The Proton Saga won the Value for Money Car award whilst the Proton Persona won the Most Improved Model in Fuel Efficiency.

UPDATE: It's December and I am taking things easy...

Yup. It's December folks and this is the reason you only see bits of news pieces here and nothing much about me driving this or bitching about that or writing some stuff about a car I like or don't like. I am taking things easy this month as it's the holiday season here. There is also a family vacation coming up and I would also like to remind you readers out there that I do have a life aside from motoring, automobiles and driving.

Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) today kicked off the Ford Charity Drive for Joy campaign.

Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) today kicked off the Ford Charity Drive for Joy campaign.

2017 Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S Now on Sale in Malaysia

The 2017 Ghibli

The 2017 Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S is now available in Malaysia, two short months after their official debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The 2017 Ghibli and Ghibli S are available starting from RM 618,800.00 and RM 708,800.00 respectively, including a 3 years/60,000km service package. The price includes local duties and taxes.

Happenings: PERODUA Eco-Challenge returns for 2017

The Perodua Eco Challenge 2017 (PEC 2017), will be one of Perodua’s main Corporate Responsibility programmes when it returns next year. This time, the event will have invitations to institutions of higher learning to propose the best innovative components which might be incorporated in its future models.

MINI Malaysia Takes Charge with New Fitness Adventure Campaign staring the MINI Countryman as well as year end sales offers

MINI Malaysia today introduced the MINI Takes Charge fitness campaign, where four trainers from four gyms have designed fitness routines fitting to the distinctiveness of the MINI Countryman. Like the Adventurer, the four dynamic workout routines are a combination of power, speed, control, strength and adrenaline. Boy, as a certified car person, I just got tired just by looking at all of these trainers doing all the stuff in the video below. And in the photos.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia announces new joint Managing Director

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today announced the appointment of Mr. Erik Winter (above) as its new Managing Director, with immediate effect. Mr. Winter replaces outgoing Managing Director Mr. Alin Tapalaga, who is returning to Europe due to health reasons - and will oversee the Company’s Brand and Human Resource operations.

3M Malaysia Launches 3M™ Diamond Grade™ (DG3) Reflective Markings in Compliance with the new rulings by the JPJ

3M is most well known for those Post It sticky notes thingy. But they also do lots of automotive related stuff too. One of them is something called Conspicuity Marking or Reflective Stickers as we simpletons call it. 3M has launched the 3M™ Diamond Grade™ (DG3) Conspicuity Marking earlier today, in line with the recent announcement made by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) that lorry marking reflective stickers are now mandatory on all commercial vehicles.

GO AUTO signs agreement with FUKUTA ELECTRIC to develop Electric Vehicles & its supply chain in Malaysia

The chaps from Go Auto Manufacturing were recently in Taiwan where they signed a technical agreement. with Fukuta Electric & Machinery Company Ltd. Taiwan (Fukuta) recently to develop the ecosystem for electric vehicles (EV). The agreement is in line with the Malaysian Government's initiative to make Malaysia as a hub for manufacturers and EV components in the ASEAN market.

Ford Ranger awarded ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards for Best Adult Occupant Protection for Pick-Up Category

The popular Ford Ranger pick-up truck has recently been awarded the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award 2016 for ‘Best Adult Occupant Protection for Pick-Up Category’. Ford Ranger achieved the highest 5-star safety rating in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) among all pickup trucks being tested by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP) earlier this year with the strongest evaluation score in the segment of 15.45/16 points.

Truck & Bus News: SCANIA MARCOPOLO premium coaches delivered to Siang Malam Travel Express Sdn Bhd

Siang Malam Travel Express Sdn Bhd was the first bus operator in the country to purchase the new Scania Marcopolo premium coach. They have liked the new coach so much that they have taken delivery of another two units. Unlike most of the coaches or buses you see here which are built by external coachbuilders, the Marcopolo is a complete coach built and delivered by Scania.

Toyota Innova 2nd generation launched in Malaysia

UMW Toyota just launched the second generation Toyota Innova here in Malaysia. My first thoughts were:

1. It's not so ugly anymore...and..

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia addresses customer concerns – “What happens after the 5-year warranty?”

I think this must come as some comforting news for all Volkswagen car owners here in Malaysia. Well, those with Volkswagen cars produced till December 2013 whose 5 year (3+2) warranty had just expired - something like the Golf TSI above. The company really wants to win back the hearts of its customers and this is an unprecedented move by such an established manufacturer.

Truck & Bus News: Sin-Pen Travel Sdn Bhd takes delivery of Scania Buses for their newly launched Premium Class Coach Service

One of country's most established travel and tour companies, the Penang based Sin-Pen Travel Sdn Bhd, has taken delivery of some Scania buses.  The first set of Scania buses Sin-Pen have decided to operate are two single deck 31-seaters that are built on the Scania K360IB4x2 chassis with 360 bhp Euro 3, 6-cylinder engines and fully automated Opticruise gearbox.

Caltex launches the "Caltex Power Diesel TM with Techron ® D" Euro 5 diesel

Good News! Caltex have launched its Euro 5 compliant diesel fuel here in Malaysia! Caltex Power Diesel TM (Euro 5) with Techron ® D is a new ultra-premium diesel product that is cleaner and provides more power and more reliability with every fill. It should be available in all Caltex stations as I type.

Happenings: The 3rd HINO MALAYSIA TOTAL SUPPORT CHALLENGE CONTEST - LU & SONS ENGINEERING SDN BHD WINS AGAIN!

The 3rd  HINO Total Support Challenge Contest was held over last weekend and it basically is a platform for HINO dealers to improve their HINO experience with their customers in the areas of Sales, Service and Spare Parts.  

Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd produces 250,000 vehicle since operations started in August 2014

This is a milestone for Perodua, the Malaysian compact car manufacturer. Their 'advanced manufacturing arm' Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB) which assembles their newer (EEV) approved cars like the Axia and the Bezza has produced its 250,000th vehicle recently. Quite an achievement as the facility started operations in August 2014. It also shows the response that the Malaysian people have for the new A-segment compacts that Perodua have decided to offer. 

Happenings: The Malaysian round of the 9th Volvo World Golf Challenge

The annual Volvo World Golf Challenge was back for its 9th consecutive year here in Malaysia.  A total of 111 golf enthusiasts participated in this Volvo Group (here under Volvo Trucks Malaysia) event where they stood a chance to drive home a Volvo Car Malaysia sponsored Volvo XC90 in the Hole-in-One category.

Bosch motorcycle systems honoured with Safety Technology Award by ASEAN NCAP Awards 2016

Bosch was honoured with “Safety Technology Award: Innovative Motorcycle Technology for Safer Riding” by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) at their ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix awards 2016 gala dinner. This award recognizes Bosch’s continuous effort in innovating safer riding with two-wheeler technologies such as the motorcycle antilock braking system (ABS), motorcycle stability control (MSC), and side view assist.

SISMA AUTO expands JAGUAR LAND ROVER up North with a brand new showroom in Penang Island

SISMA Auto (Utara) Sdn Bhd  has been officially appointed by Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd as the exclusive dealer for the Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR)  automotive brands in the Northern region and they have now officially opened a brand new showroom at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah on Penang island to cater to the growing market in the north of Peninsular Malaysia.

Ford and SDAC Celebrate Year-end and the upcoming Rooster Chinese New Year with Amazing Deals

To encourage safe driving during the festive season, Ford and its local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) are celebrating the year-end holidays with exciting after sales packages and complimentary services on select Ford models, available nationwide from today until January 31, 2017. The reason that the year end promo continues till the end of January is so that customers who are celebrating the upcoming Chinese Year of the Rooster can also take advantage of it. Yup, its the year end and everyone is giving out something juicy.

AUTO BAVARIA Celebrates an Early Christmas 2016 with offers and a donation drive.

Auto Bavaria, Malaysia’s longest serving and largest authorised dealership for the BMW brand is celebrating Christmas early this year with special year end offers and in support of three charity homes across the country. . This weekend, Friday 2nd & Sunday 4th December 2016, the premium dealership group is offering great deals and offers on BMW vehicles at the AUTO BAVARIA CHRISTMAS 2016.

The New Peugeot 208 PureTech and 2008 SUV PureTech previewed in Penang from 1st to 4th December 2016

Peugeot Let Your Body Drive (LYBD) Roadshow in Queensbay Mall, Penang will be on from today, the 1st of  December 2016 to the 4th of December 2016. Peugeot enthusiasts and the public alike will be able to get a preview of the soon-to- be-launched Peugeot 208 PureTech and Peugot 2008 SUV PureTech for the first time in Malaysia at the roadshow. 

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) officially opens its newly upgraded Asbenz Motors Sungai Petani Autohaus

Another Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Malaysia has been upgraded. This time it is up north in Sungai Petani. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd and authorised dealer Asbenz Motors Sdn Bhd recently unveiled the newly upgraded Mercedes-Benz Asbenz Motors Sungai Petani Autohaus (Asbenz Sg Petani Autohaus).  

Happenings: Special recognition for Shell Malaysia S.H.E.W. trade partners

Shell Malaysia recently announced that the company continues its lubricants market leadership in Malaysia in 2015 with a 27% market share. This is according to Kline & Company’s Global Lubricants Industry: Market Analysis and Assessment 2016 report, which was published recently.

BMW Safety 360° program for the year 2016 continues with My Playpen.

Start 'em young they say. Which is why BMW Group Malaysia had recently organized yet another BMW Safety 360° program at My Playpen. The program, which took place for a six month period, was conducted in collaboration with selected Kindergartens and Montessori centres throughout Klang Valley to raise awareness and call to action for more responsible on-the-road and in-car safety practices for children, adults and families.

The Hyundai IONIQ HEV is awarded the EURO NCAP 5 STARS

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor had just launched the all-new Hyundai IONIQ hybrid compact car yesterday and recently, EURO NCAP had tested it and have awarded the car with the overall maximum 5 star safety rating! 

SHORT TEST DRIVE: THE JAGUAR F-PACE 3.0 Supercharged R-Sport - The noise, I love the noise it makes

I must say that this compact luxury SUV is a surprise. The thing about the F-PACE is that it sits on a special to Jaguar-only platform. It uses the same platform as the new Jaguar XE and C-X17 Concept SUV. When it first came out I thought Jaguar Land Rover was going to take the Range Rover Evoque chassis, slap on a Jaguar nose and change the plumbing so that the car sounds like a growly Jag instead of a subdued Landie or Range. But no. I was wrong.

Jaguar F-PACE launched in Malaysia - Link to the short test drive of the F-PACE 3.0 R-Sport inside

The All-New Jaguar F-PACE has been launched. It is a performance SUV from Jaguar with unrivalled dynamics, matched with everyday usability all in a compact luxury SUV package (think Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC in terms of usable size folks - it is not a large X5 or GLE sized SUV). 

PROTON BAGS 3 AWARDS AT THE ASEAN NCAP GRAND PRIX AWARD 2016

Proton has also won a slew of awards at yesterday's ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award 2016 which were held in conjunction with ASEAN NCAP'S 5th anniversary and the STOP THE CRASH ASEAN 2016 event held at Sepang International Circuit over the past two days. 

The 3 awards were:

The Perodua Bezza receives Best Occupant Protection for child and adult award by ASEAN NCAP

The ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards has just concluded earlier tonight. This is the first time the ASEAN NCAP awards for the most safest vehicle and related categories of the year are announced in conjunction with their two day STOP THE CRASH event at Sepang International Circuit (which continues tomorrow). One happy winner is Perodua.

The STOP THE CRASH event by ASEAN NCAP on Road Safety equipment and tech - Proton, Toyota, Subaru, Volvo and most Importantly, BOSCH with their Motorcycle ABS

I spent this tuesday morning at the Sepang International Circuit at the Stop The Crash Event organised by  ASEAN NCAP and also MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research). This was the first ever event conducted by ASEAN NCAP on road safety awareness but from a technology point of view. Vehicles with the latest in road safety technology were brought out and the safety features were demonstrated to the guest who attended the event, which by the way is also carried out tomorrow (the 30th of November 2016) for those who have pre-registered.

The HYUNDAI IONIQ HEV is launched in Malaysia - Priced to go from RM103,390.27!

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has launched the Hyndai IONIQ Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) in Malaysia. The 'driving device' will be sold in two specifications - the IONIQ HEV and the IONIQ HEV Plus. The prices offered are surprising as their previous press release stated the car to be around the RM130,000 price range. Now at its launch, they've surprised us as the IONIQ HEV comes in at RM103,390.27 OTR with insurance and RM114,165.87 for the IONIQ HEV Plus.

GOODYEAR’S EAGLE-360 CHOSEN AS ONE THE 26 BEST INVENTIONS OF 2016 BY TIME MAGAZINE

Time Magazine has chosen the Goodyear Eagle-360 concept tyre (tire in American English) as one of TIME Magazine's “Best Inventions of the Year 2016.” Of course it is. This tyre is as round as a ball. It isn't a doughnut. It is a sphere. So it definitely is unique and could re-invent the wheel (by not having a wheel in the first place). Wow.

Truck News: UD Trucks’ Extra Mile Challenge 2016 - The Malaysian Team wins first prize!!!

Congratulations is in order. A UD Trucks team from Malaysia took part in this year's ‘UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge 2016’ and came out tops in the competition. The UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge took place in UD Experience Centre at the company's headquarters in Ageo, Japan.

Scooter & Industry News: MODENAS Launches 3 scooters - The Modenas Karisma 125, Elegance 250i & KYMCO 250i Downtown

I had nothing better to do last friday afternoon. It was after lunch and I had no appointments as it was friday. No one does appointments on friday after lunch these days (unless your boss is cruel or you are a cruel boss). So anyway, I had an invite from the people at DRB-Hicom to attend the launch of two new scooter models from MODENAS (their motorcycle division basically) - the all-new Karisma 125 and Elegan 250i as well as the launch of the KYMCO 250i Downtown. The Kymco scooter is actually a new model from Modenas' latest principal KYMCO, who make and sell scooters in many parts of the world, and is a market leader in its home-country, Taiwan.

Happenings: Ford / Sime Darby Auto Connexion's Third Annual 'World Cup' Challenge skills competition for sales consultants

The Ford and local partner Sime Darby Auto Connexion's 2016 World Cup Challenge reflects Ford’s investment in developing the skills of their sales consultants through intensive trainings as well as provides a platform for our sales consultants to sharpen their skills and knowledge in order to deliver competent sales experience to their customers

Haval Malaysia offers very generous incentives on the Haval M4 Crossover

If you are interested in buying something that is very different but in the price bracket of the usual Perodua and Proton range of vehicles there is that compact crossover from Haval Malaysia to consider. Now, Haval have announced a slew of incentives including a fantastically long 7 year unlimited mileage warranty. It would make sense as these days a lot of Malaysians take car loans of up to 9 years.

Happenings: BMW Group Malaysia Reveals Finalists for BMW Shorties 2016 - 12 from a record total of 115 entries.

7 of the 12 finalists with BMW's Mr Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia (left) & Nadira Llana (2nd from left)

BMW Group Malaysia has announced the finalists of the BMW Shorties 2016 short film making competition. 12 finalists’ short films are up to contend for the People’s Choice Award which opens for public voting from the 30 th November to 7 th December, 2016 on www.bmwshorties.com.my.

PROTON launches the Ertiga compact MPV

The Proton Ertiga has been launched. Proton Ertiga is a compact sized MPV and it is the first model introduced through Proton’s collaboration with Suzuki.  It comes in 2 variants – the Executive (manual [MT] and automatic [AT]); and Executive Plus (AT) transmissions respectively with prices starting from RM58,800 up to RM64,800 for Peninsular Malaysia.

Young Aces Technical College (YATC) for automotive courses officially opens its doors

The Young Aces Technical College (YATC) officially launched its vocational learning centre last friday, the 18th of November 2016. The launch was graced by Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Syarif Temenggong Perlis, Dato’ Seri Diraja Syed Amir Abidin Jamalullail (brother to the Raja of Perlis) and his wife, Yang Mulia Che Puan Temenggong Perlis, Datin Seri Diraja Farinawati Datuk Mohd Din. The launch was also attended by Leona Chin, celebrity female drifter and motorsport athlete as well as YATC partners from Mintye Industries Berhad, JPK Malaysia and SkillsMalaysia.

The 2017 Hyundai Grand Starex Royale is launched in Malaysia

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors has launched the latest facelifted Hyundai Grand Starex Royale in Malaysia. The new 2017 Model Year Grand Starex Royale gets some exterior updates starting a new massive looking front chrome grille and bumper. 

BMW Dealer Tian Siang Premium Auto is the official automotive partner for the new Design Village Mall in Batu Kawan - BMW Roadshow on 25th-27th November 2016

Tian Siang Premium Auto, the authorised representative for the BMW brand in the Butterworth and Prai in Penang is the Official Premium Automotive Partner for the Opening Ceremony of the new Design Village Mall in Batu Kawan, Penang. The premium automotive dealership will be shuttling Dignitaries and VIPs in a Fleet of BMW 7 Series, BMW X4, BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and BMW 1 Series vehicle during its opening day.