FORD GO FURTHER ROADSHOW at the 1 UTAMA shopping centre this weekend - 27-2nd May 2016

This is just to inform you that there is a 'Ford Go Further Roadshow' at 1 Utama shopping mall in Petaling Jaya this weekend.

PRESS RELEASE

Ford to Showcase Vehicle Lineup at ‘Ford Go Further

Roadshow’ at 1Utama

RENAULT ZOE FULL-ELECTRIC VEHICLE NOW OFFICIALLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN MALAYSIA

Limited units of the fully electric powered Renault ZOE are available for sale in Malaysia to the public. The ZOE is available at RM145,888, on-the-road inclusive of GST without insurance for private individual registration in Peninsular Malaysia in Glacier White colour. Prior to this the car was made available for agencies to try out alternative modes of transport - like the chaps from GreenTech Malaysia for example (see the photo below - the ZOE at an event in Cyberjaya).

Students from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM / UIAM) participate in Ford's Driving Skills for Life Programme

The Ford Motor Company (Fomoco) continued its efforts to raise road safety awareness in Malaysia through its global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme.  After sessions with the German Malaysian Institute, Taylor’s University and Malaysian Multimedia University, the company recently hosting workshops for students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).

MAXX OIL NanoPLUS range of engine oils is launched

MAXX Oil, an brand of engine lubricant oil which is formulated and made in the USA is distributed by Shift Performance Asia (M). Today the company has just launched the brand new Maxx Oil engine oil range called the MaxxOil NanoPLUS. 

The MINI brand celebrates 15 years

On 26 April 2001, the first new MINI came off the production line at the steeped-in-tradition manufacturing site in Oxford. Since the relaunch of the British brand, more than 2.5 million vehicles have been manufactured at this location. 

Short Test Drive: 2016 Jaguar XF Prestige 2.0liter

I tried out the all new Jaguar XF Prestige 2.0 at the Malaysian launch of the XF here in Subang Jaya. This is one of two models available here in Malaysia. The XF Prestige gets 17-inch Lightweight 15-spoke wheels, perforated leather seats, metal tread plates with Jaguar script and multi-function soft-grain leather steering wheel. The other being the XF R-Sport gets a sport suspension, 18” Helix 10-spoke wheels and R-Sport bodykit, R-Sport branded multi-function soft-grain leather steering wheel and R-Sport branded metal tread plates. However, the test units were all Prestige models with different options including larger wheels and tyres. I drove one with fatter 20inch wheels. The one on the left. In that nice Italian Racing Red.

All-New Jaguar XF launched in Malaysia - Two Variants at the moment and priced from RM450,000

White XF R-Sport

The All-new Jaguar XF, which sits between the recently launched XE and the top-of-the-range XJ, was launched earlier today. What it does is that it renews Jaguar's challenge in the mid-sized luxury car segment. 

For the Malaysian market, the fully imported All-new XF is available in two variants -- the XF Prestige and XF R-Sport. They are priced from RM450,000 for the Prestige and from RM460,000 for the R-Sport. Prices include GST but exclude registration, road tax and insurance. 

Spotted for Sale: 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV 2.0 - A real beauty if you ask me

Now this is a unique car that has been Spotted for Sale over at mudah.my. It is an Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV 2.0 from 1980 that has been rebuilt from the ground up by the looks of it. It has a baremetal respray of the body, an overhauled engine, new alloy wheels and tyres and a proper suspension upgrade.

TEST DRIVE: Renault Clio GT Line - A baby Clio RS?

The Renault Clio GT Line is the third car in the current Renault Clio line-up. The first that was launched was the Clio RS and the second was the Renault Captur, which to some extant is a Clio crossover vehicle with a different name. The Clio GT Line is the smallest sized conventional powered Renault you can buy in Malaysia (but not the cheapest), bar the electric Twizy and Zoe models of course.

Shell unveils a City Car concept by Gordon Murray

 Shell had recently unveiled a city car concept which could use very little energy expenditure in terms of road transport. This Shell Concept Car is a rethink of the T.25 City Car concept that Gordon Murray envisioned sometime in 2010. If you aren't aware, Mr Murray was instrumental in the design of the McLaren F1.

Mitsubishi Motors is...how shall I say this.... in deep shit at the moment

Mitsubishi eK Wagon - A Kei Car involved in the emissions scandal. Eeeeeek!!!!!! Help!!!!

This was taken from the BBC.com website. I like websites like the BBC over something like Berita Harian or Utusan Malaysia for news of this sort as the source is usually credible (Just a cheap potshot there for the heck of it). 

Mitsubishi is in deep deep trouble. Two articles from here and here are posted below with my comments following:

RENAULT CAPTURE ROADSHOWS - Featuring 3D Interactive art and the Renault Captur

There is a Renault roadshow happening right now over at Setia City Mall. It began yesterday, the 21st of April and will run to this Sunday, 24th of April 2016. There is an interactive 'Capture Life in 3D' experience showcase in this series of roadshows, which will proceed to Sutera Mall in Johor Bahru, Gurney Paragon in Georgetown and Sunway Pyramid in Petaling Jaya.

Someone is driving a hundred year old Ford Model T around the world!!!!!

Holy French Fries! Someone is actually driving  round the world in a 100 year old Ford Model T. This is the famous Model T which made cars a mass produced item. Henry Ford perfected the assembly line with this car and a hundred years later, in the age of sat nav, air conditioning, adjustable suspension, someone is trying to drive it around the world in something so ancient. 

New 3S Center for Volksagen in Semenyih launched, news on the recent sales promo as well as new models

I was over in Semenyih to witness the launch of the VOLKSWAGEN Semenyih 3S Centre. The launch was officiated by Volkswagen Malaysian and the centre operators, HICOM Auto Sdn Bhd and it is huge - it spans a total of 34,030 sqft, the Volkswagen Semenyih 3S Centre showroom is able to fit 8 car displays and a customer lounge, while the service centre has a total of 11 service bays manned by 12 experienced and trained aftersales staff.  HICOM Auto Sdn Bhd has invested RM10.7million towards the overall build up, purchase of Volkswagen approved equipment, aftersales, training and staff acquisition – this 3S centre will be able to cater to the southern Klang Valley and customers from Semenyih, Kajang, Balakong, Putrajaya and Nilai.

Shell Lubricants launches its latest flagship Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil - Shell Rimula R6 LM & details on the new Rimula Contest too!

Today Shell Lubricants launched its newly enhanced heavy duty diesel engine oil (HDDEO) with a completely new range of products which comes in newly redesigned packaging. This sets the stage for the newly improved flagship HDDEO - the new fully synthetic Shell Rimula R6 LM 10W-40 which now features Shell's Dynamic Protection Plus Technology.

My Auto Fest 2016 - IF you place a booking for a car at the auto fest, you could win a car!

The organisers of My Auto Fest 2016 that will be held on 20th May to 22nd May 2016 at the MINES INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE have announced that if you buy a car at the auto show, you may stand a chance to win a car. 

Cik Nazira of Proton Edar picks out the ballot number. This is how they will pick the winner you know.

MILITARY VEHICLES: DEFTECH showcases its latest projects - GEMPITA AV8 8X8, LIPANBARA HMAV 4X4, HICOM HANDALAN II & MORE

 Lt. Kol (K) Dato' Amril showing us the newly named LIPANBARA armoured 4x4

I was at the Defence Services ASIA 2016 Exhibition (DSA2016) earlier today. The exhibition was nothing new to me as I had been frequenting it over the past decade or so for work. But today I was invited by the nice people at DRB-HICOM so that I get to participate in the sit down session with the Group CEO of DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd aka DEFTECH, Lt. Kol. (K) Dato' Amril Samsudin, to see what they've been doing in terms of military transportation and combat vehicles as well as their other stuff. Quite different from the norm eh? Well, variety is the spice of life.

AUTOFEST KUALA LUMPUR 2016 to be held from the 13th to the 15th of May 2016 at the MATRADE Centre KL

Here is another Auto Show which will hit Kuala Lumpur in the month of May 2016. The AUTOFEST Kuala Lumpur 2016 will be held from the 13th to the 15th May 2016 (from 10am to 9pm). It will offer great prices, savings and attractive offers on wide variety of reconditioned, brand new, pre-owned cars and bikes gracing the show floor as well as showcase of new launches, accessories and other automotive related products at discounted prices.

Land Rover Defender Rover Team to tour the Peninsular showcasing the icon for one final time

Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM) is embarking on a special roadshow to celebrate the Land Rover Defender as part of a tribute to the iconic 4X4 vehicle.  The Land Rover Defender Rover Team’s roadshow will visit more than 14 selected locations including malls, business districts, popular cafes and other popular hangouts in the Klang Valley and Penang from April 23 till May 1, 2016. 

SHORT TEST DRIVE: MERCEDES BENZ W205 C-CLASS C300 AMG LINE & C180 AVANTGARDE and a bit on the W204 in comparison to the W205

 C300 AMG Line

There are times when I would start and say that the article will be a short one. It sometimes becomes long winded and therefore long as heck. It happens as I end up having so many things to say about a car. This article is supposed to be a short drive article, but since it includes thoughts on two variants and two generations of car. It will be pretty long actually and it is about the Mercedes Benz W205 C-Class. The C300 and the C180 variants as well as a comparison with the W204 model that preceded it (in terms of ride and handling).

THIS IS THE END...... The Land Rover Defender The End Edition by Chelsea Truck Company

This is a tribute by Khan Design's Chelsea Truck Company for the iconic Land Rover Defender. It is aptly named THE END EDITION. There will be 25 of it built to commemorate the last Land Rover Defender to be built. That rolled of the Land Rover factory sometime last January by the way.

TRUCK NEWS: Volvo Trucks Malaysia offering brake and clutch parts with labour at attractive prices

Volvo Trucks Malaysia is introducing the Volvo Genuine Brake and Clutch campaign for a limited time only. Attractive prices on selected brake and clutch components plus labor are now available for your choosing. 

Ford sells 650 vehicles in March 2016

Ford had announced a few days ago that its March 2016 retail sales in Malaysia that grew 24 percent from the previous month to 650 units.

The performance was driven by growing demand for the tough Ranger pickup, with March sales increasing 19 percent from the previous month of 513 units. Initial customer deliveries of the  new Focus also kicked off in March.

Facelifted Subaru Forester launched with two CKD 2.0i variants and a CBU turbocharged 2.0XT

The new facelifted Subaru Forester is now available in Malaysia. There are three options. Two Completely Knocked Down (CKD) variants – the Forester 2.0i priced at RM 144,948 and Forester 2.0i-P at RM 154,488,. The third variant is the fully imported completely built up (CBU) turbocharged 2.0XT from Japan. That is priced at RM 211,729. 

Industry News: Mercedes Benz Malaysia achieves best first quarter sales ever for Malaysia

“With our brand heritage, we will continue to build on our strong foundation to ensure success in the future,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner (right) at the company’s 1Q2016 results briefing.  Also present was Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Passenger Cars, Mr Mark Raine (left)

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recorded a total of 2,658 units in Q1 of 2016. This is a 41% growth compared to Q1 of 2015, and it the Best 1st Quarter in the premium marque’s history. The three-pointed star achieves a new milestone recording a market share of 2.3% (YTD March 2016), marking a 0.5% increase compared to full year 2015. This makes Mercedes-Benz is No. 1 in the premium luxury car segment.

TEST DRIVE: 2016 Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBoost Sport+ Hatchback (Automatic)

Alright folks, remember that I wrote in the facelifted Ford Focus Titanium+ sedan test drive that I wanted to take a Focus up Genting Highlands? Well, I managed to do just that actually. I however did that not in the Titanium+ but I managed to do that in the facelifted Sport+ hatchback. Even better yes?

MUV - Bringing online auction to the used vehicle industry in Malaysia

Since its inception in July 2013, MUV Marketplace Sdn Bhd (MUV) has sold more than RM260 million worth of used vehicles, ran 50 auctions for more than 11,000 vehicles with a hit rate of 75%. MUV currently has three hubs across Malaysia, namely in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor that are capable of housing more than 2,000 vehicles and seating 350 buyers altogether. 

F10 BMW 5 Series has sold over two million units worldwide. Why? It looks better than the previous one by a mile

BMW has just informed us that, the current BMW 5 Series (the F10) sets new benchmarks in the premium business segment with over two million of them sold throughout the world. Compared with the previous generation, sales of the current BMW 5 Series have even risen by more than 42 percent.

Motorsport: 2017 Volkswagen Polo R WRC drawing shown

Some juicy WRC bits here. The upcoming 2017 Volkswagen Polo R WRC will generate about 380 hp or 60 hp more than the current car (318 hp). It will be lighter by about 25kg, wider by 50mm, and with more aerodynamic. New regulations allow such additions to the current, 2016 car seen pictured below. Well, technically it should look like the car below, but slightly wider.

Spotted for Sale: 2006 Nissan Sentra 1.6 (M) - One Level Higher than Auntie Owned

Now this is taking things a level higher. Instead of advertised as 'One Lady Owner', we now get "2006 Nissan Sentra 1.6 (M)GRANDMA OWNER"

I have to believe this is really owned by someone's grandmother because:

A MEMORY FROM MY PAST ABOUT THE AE86

I finished my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia or the Malaysian O-Level equivalent in 1989. I did what most teenagers would do then. Kept my hair long, went out with friends, played some sports and did all sorts of stuff. I also played a lot of badminton as a friend's house. 

News: Proton Edar gets a new CEO

This is a straightforward piece of news. Mr Rohime Shafie is now the new Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar (the sales arm of Proton Cars) replacing Mr Norzahid Mohd Zahudi who had tendered his resignation. 

Let's see what comes next now that the change of management has taken place. 

Motorsports: BMW in the hunt for another successful DTM campaign for 2016

2015 saw BMW Motorsport win the seventh of a possible twelve titles in its fourth year since returning to the DTM in 2012. Given the fantastic performances and success enjoyed in 2015, there was no reason to change the drivers and teams for the new season. BMW Teams RMG, MTEK, RBM and Schnitzer will once again fly the flag for BMW in 2016. Back at the wheel of the eight BMW M4 DTMs will be Bruno Spengler, Marco Wittmann, António Félix da Costa, Timo Glock, Augusto Farfus, Tom Blomqvist, Maxime Martin and Martin Tomczyk

PROTON gets a RM1.5 Billion soft loan from the government and they say thank you

Here is the latest official press release from PROTON. This first made by the newly appointed CEO, Dato' Ahmad Fuaad Kenali. This is regarding the Government of Malaysia's approving a RM1.5billion soft loan to pay their vendors and suppliers (with the usual terms and conditions obviously). 

However, it is a good thing that would uplift the spirits of the group. I believe Proton is very necessary as it is the only company in the South East Asian region that has the research and development capability to build a car from scratch and comply with all the safety regulations globally. Perodua still cannot do so. I should know as I have met people within the industry and they tell me so. 

TRUCK NEWS: Volvo Trucks' Asia Pacific VISTA Competition sets a record for the number of participants

VISTA (Volvo International Service Training Award) is the largest competition for workshop personnel in the world. It first started in 1957 as a competition for Volvo's mechanics in Sweden and has since become a popular international event for Volvo technicians globally. The aim of VISTA is to develop and improve employees' knowledge and skills and improve customer service whilst rewarding the participants. The competition is open to all workshop employees within the Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses global service network. VISTA 2015-2016 has been the biggest ever, with more than 18,500 participants worldwide.

CALTEX & X-MEN: APOCALYPSE Movie promotion and lucky draw from now till 12th June 2016

Chevron Malaysia Limited, which markets Caltex Lubricants in Malaysia -  Havoline® and Delo® have launched its very first partnership with Twentieth Century Fox the the upcoming X-Men: Apocalypse movie. This is another one of those Marvel superhero movies. Highly anticipated by fans and moviegoers. This new campaign is called THE POWER OF X WITH CALTEX. 

Ford's engineers create the worst road in the world...for a good reason

Last year in the U.K.,  the Royal Automobile Club, the RAC (like our Automobile Association of Malaysia -AAM) responded to more than 25,000 pothole-related breakdowns. According to statistics this was a nearly 25 per cent increase since 2014. Poor condition and lack of maintenance of European roads are said to contribute to at least one third of all accidents every year. 

Some thoughts on technology and progress, how some jobs may be extinct because of it and the need for Malaysia and Malaysians to realise

The flower in the pic can produce rubber...imagine what would happen to our rubber industry if the process is perfected.

We are all aware of the low price of petroleum these days. This was caused by oversupply due to the United States of America suddenly becoming a net exporter of oil, the Arabs kept their production quotas high and China's economy slowing down. Oil is undoubtedly cheap these days but the surprising thing is that aside from pump prices being low, everything else is still high. I don't really see a 4 liter pack of fully synthetic engine oil suddenly being below RM100. Of course this could be down to production costs that aren't petroleum based. Again, something still has to maintain the overheads of the petroleum companies. 

More details on the upcoming MY AUTO FEST 2016

I was at the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) office yesterday for a short press conference. I had earlier mentioned that MAA will be organising a sales and promotion oriented auto exhibition called "My Auto Fest" at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) from 20 - 22 May 2016. This was the official press conference describing the event for us to help publicise.

Ford Ranger Presents: Built Ford Tough - The First video of Four

The first of Ford's Ford Ranger Presents videos is out over at their Facebook page. You can view it here.

PRESS RELEASE

Ford Ranger Presents: Built Ford Tough

New Ranger Proves its Durability in Brutal Test of Truck Bed Strength

Spotted for Sale: 2002 Nissan Sentra with ONE CAREFUL LADY OWNER...

 Now here we have a 2002 Nissan Sentra for your viewing pleasure courtesy of mudah.my, the buy-sell website that I go to when I want to dream a little. According to the advert this Sentra belongs to a 'Careful Lady Owner'. Fuiyoh!!! Do you believe in Santa Claus, totally honest Politicians or truthful advertising? 

BFGoodrich Tyres are officially back in Malaysia with the Advantage T/A Drive, T/A SUV and All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres

L-R - Mr. Putu Swaditya Yudha, Marketing Director Michelin Indonesia & Mr. Chandan Thakur, Managing Director Michelin Malaysia

BFGoodrich tyres are officially re-entering the Malaysian tyre market courtesy of Michelin Malaysia, the distributors of the tyre here. The new line-up, consisting of the new on-road BF Goodrich Advantage T/A® Drive and T/A® SUV tyres and the new off-road BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A® KO2 tyres . BFGoodrich Advantage T/A® Drive and T/A® SUV tyres are available in Malaysia in popular sizes from 13 to 18 inches starting from March 2016. While the BFGoodrich All -Terrain T/A® KO2 tyre are already available since January 2016 in sizes 15 to 18 inches. 

AmGeneral Insurance launches AutoGen Club and Opal Auto Mart Partnership

Mr Derek Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, AmGeneral Insurance Berhad (left) and Mr David Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Opal Auto Mart Sdn Bhd exchanging the documents after signing ceremony.

Recently, AmGeneral Insurance launched their AutoGen Club as well as entering into an agreement with Opal Auto Mart. 

The newly launched AutoGen Club will provide insurance solutions for AmGeneral Insurance's partners/agency members/ car dealers (new, reconditioned and used) for their customers.There is the Fast Claims Services which will enable customers to obtain their claims speedily. Other benefits for club members include Reimbursement of Internet Fees, Agency Convention to coincide with the International Motor Show, specialized Continuing Professional Development training and Enhanced Benefit for Insured with an Opal Warranty among its many privileges.

TEST DRIVE: 2015/2016 Peugeot 508 THP - The taste of something French every once in a while is good for you.

I got to try the facelifted Peugeot 508 a while ago. I was a bit too busy running around with so many things to do and test drives that it is only now that I found some time to string a few words together for this write-up. The model I got to try was the 2015/2016 Peugeot 508 THP.

A Malaysian wins a MotoGP Championship Race!!!! Congratulations Khairul Idham

Photo Source: NST

I do not write about motor bikes usually but a congratulations is in order to Mr Khairul Idham for making the nation proud. This FIRST EVER Malaysian to win a MotoGP World Championship race! The Honda Team Asia rider came first ahead of Jorge Navarro of Spain - Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 and Brad Binder of South Africa - Team Red Bull KTM. 

I am very proud of this man and I think motorsports could be another avenue for international glory for all Malaysians. Do you not think so too?

A New Hyundai 2S Spares and Service centre opens in Malacca

Premium Autoworld Sdn Bhd, an authorised Hyundai dealer has opened Malacca’s first Hyundai 2S GDSI (Global Dealership Space Identity) outlet. The 2S here means service and parts. This is in line with the opening of the first Hyundai GDSI showroom outlet back in 2014 to offer customers in Malacca (Melaka) better sales and service experience. The GDSI centre is also the the fifth in Malaysia.

Renault Fluence 'We've Got You Covered' promotion - Worry free ownership and one year free instalment

Renault distributor for Malaysia, TC Euro Cars today announced a new sales campaign on the Renault Fluence sedan aimed at providing enhanced coverage for customers in this current climate of economic uncertainty.

A documentary on the Ford Ranger will debut sometime next week on YouTube

Ford will launch sometime next week an online documentary on the Ford Ranger. Built Ford Tough, is an online documentary series from Ford that captures a team of Ford engineers in the field, punishing the new Ranger in conditions that echo what customers may experience and more.

Win Amazing prizes by participating in the 2016 Shell Advance Power On Contest!

  

New contest for you motorcyclists out there. Shell Advance, the leading motorcycle engine oil brand in Malaysia, is offering its customers the opportunity to win some amazing prizes in the latest edition of its popular annual consumer contest.

ASEAN NCAP results for the newly launched (in India, Indonesia & Thailand) Honda BR-V

The Honda BR-V is something new. It is a small sized Honda SUV that is priced below the HR-V and was developed specially for Asian markets, namely India, Indonesia and Thailand. It is powered by a 1.5liter engine and shares its base platform with the tiny city car called the Honda Brio which is sold mainly in Thailand, Indonesia and India. We do not get the Brio or the Amaze sedan version. So we most probably may never get this mini SUV. Unless Honda Malaysia can make a case out of it.