CHELSEA TRUCK COMPANY's take on the Mercedes-Benz G350 - A wide arched monsta

I sometimes wonder why not many wealthy Malaysians aren't running around in the G-Wagon. I mean, I know it is expensive, but it looks damn good. In that chunky super tough sort of way. There are also people buying Porsche Cayenne Turbos out there. Which they shouldn't.

The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) launches its Resource (and Training) Centre in Rawang

Minister of MITI, Dato Sri Mustapa Mohamed (middle) with Dato' Madani Sahari, CEO of MAI (left)

The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) had launched their Resource Centre (MAIRC) over in Bukit Beruntung, Rawang sometime last week. The centre, which was established in partnership with Perodua, Proton and vendors Suria Component SDN. BHD., SIPRO Plastics SDN. BHD. and PHN Industry SDN. BHD. The launching of MAI Resource Centre was officiated by YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, the Minister of International Trade and Industry, on the 24th of January 2017. MAIRC as the focal point for all MAI capacity building programmes.

TRUCK & BUS NEWS: SCANIA APPRENTICE PROGRAMME IN MALAYSIA DELIVERS RESULTS

Graduates and new apprentices together with IKBN at Scania Malaysia, coming together to start their respective journey towards success for both Scania customers and their personal development.

Another event that happened just prior to the Chinese New Year of the Rooster this year is graduation of twelve participants in Scania Malaysia's Apprentice Training Programme. Ever since 2014, this collaborative programme is aimed in bringing out a continuous flow of skilled people that will meet the demand within Scania as well as meeting the overall demand for skilled manpower in the country. 

PROTON RECEIVES ACCREDITATION AS A CENTRE FOR NATIONAL DUAL TRAINING SYSTEM (SLDN) FOR SKILLS TRAINING

Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali receiving the SLDN accreditation certificate from Dato’ Sri Richard Riot Jaem

Sometime before the Chinese New Year, Proton received accreditation by the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia as well as from the Department of Skills Development, Malaysia as a centre for the National Dual Training System programme conducted by the Government of Malaysia.

Hope the year of the Rooster brings us all prosperity, and a more grown up and disciplined society

photo: Pinterest

Happy New Year of the Rooster! I hope it brings you readers out there health and wealth. And also more disciplined and patient drivers in Malaysia - Use the signal indicators more! Follow the Road Signs! Do not lose your temper!. 

Now we shall be getting back to the business of putting articles up shortly.  Hey, it's the New Year. I need my celebration time too!

2017 Renault Sport Track Days: tackling Europe’s greatest tracks!

This is an interesting bit of news if you have the resources to do so and is already bored of the usual Renault Malaysia Track Day at Sepang.  Groupe Renault today announced the opening of online registrations for 2017 Renault Sport Track Days over in Europe. 

Automotive Industry Opinion: Porsche sold 5,589 cars in South East Asia last year - Malaysia is one of their key markets

Porsche sold about 5,589 Cars over in the South East Asian region in 2016. You may think that 5,000 cars is a small number but this is a premium luxury brand. Each car sold would cost an average of RM400,000 to 700,000 with or without high taxes. Multiply that by 5,000 and you see that is is a significant sum.

TRUCK NEWS: HINO MALAYSIA UPGRADES THEIR 300 SERIES LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.  has now upgraded their HINO 300 Series light commercial truck following their recent upgrades towards their bus chassis line-up. The new 300 Series of trucks now offer more power and better safety features. 

TRUCK NEWS: MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 2016 PERFORMANCE REPORT

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles, Vice President, Mr Albert Yee together with the Mercedes-Benz Actros and FUSO Canter.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) have announced that they sold 2,612 vehicles in 2016. Whilst this is a dip from the previous year (their Total Industry Volume dropped to 13%) it is still quite a respectable amount considering the stiff competition and an uncertain market situation.

Happenings: A man from Penang wins a Bezza for Perodua Test Drive and Win Contest

Last weekend was a happening one for Perodua and those that attended the compact car manufacturer's MYPerodua Nation Carnival held in Shah Alam. But also celebrating something at the event was Mr Law Soon Hee, who was chosen to be the winner of Perodua’s “Test Drive and Win” short message service (SMS) contest which ran from October to December last year.

Look for the BMW S 1000 XR motorcycle and win some BMW Motorrad merchandise by watching Resident Evil 6: The Final Chapter

Lookout for the BMW S 1000 XR and stand a chance to win BMW Motorrad merchandises by watching Resident Evil 6: The Final Chapter at cinemas nationwide.

BMW Motorrad, the Premium motorcycle maker introduces lucky draw contest for cinema-goers of post-apocalyptic blockbuster to win exclusive merchandises. 

Heck, I'd go just to see Ms Jovovich killing zombies! The stuff to be won is a big bonus.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars issues a statement following announcements by Rolls-Royce PLC

These days Rolls Royce Motor Cars is not part of Rolls Royce PLC. The car company is now owned by BMW Group. So recently when some stuff hit the fan regarding Rolls Royce PLC, the company that makes aeroplane jet engines, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have decided to issue the statement below so that there is no confusion between the two very separate business entities:

The 2017 Chevrolet Fan Cup - Manchester United Fans! Get a chance to head over to Old Trafford courtesy of Chevrolet

IF you are a football fan as well as a Chevrolet enthusiast do take note. Chevrolet has announced that it will make fans “professional” footballers for a day through the 2017 Chevrolet Fan Cup, a global competition where winners will play at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium, the “Theatre of Dreams.”

TEST DRIVE: THE PROTON ERTIGA EXECUTIVE PLUS A/T - The Ertiga Media Drive Experience to Kuala Selangor

A few weeks ago I went on the new Proton Ertiga media drive. This was the first time most of us motoring guys got to try Proton's all new compact MPV out on Malaysian roads. Prior to this most of us had a go with the Ertiga over at Proton's test track where we decided that it was a decent little people carrier that would get the job of transporting a family of five to six (occasionally seven) people comfortably in and around the country. The only thing that came to our mind at the time was how much Proton was going to price it.

THE HAVAL M4 IS NOW CALLED THE HAVAL H1

(Left to Right) Ahmad Azam Dato' Sulaiman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Go Auto & Dato' SM Azli Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin Kamil, Executive Director of Go Auto

The Haval M4 Compact Crossover SUV has been given a name change. The little EEV (energy efficient vehicle) certified SUV is now called the Haval H1. The only obvious changes to the car is that the H1 now has a differently styled chrome grille and the Haval logo is embedded on the steering wheel, car boot and seatbacks. It basically is the same car.

PERODUA SELLS ONE IN EVERY THREE CARS SOLD IN 2016 - PERODUA'S 2016 PERFORMANCE REPORT

I attended Perodua's 2016 performance review today and basically found out that it was a bumper year for them in many ways. Sales were up - 207,100 vehicles were sold in 2016. After sales service revenue was also up to RM682 million compared with RM600 million service revenue in 2015. These figures were achieved despite a sluggish automotive industry in 2016.

Happenings: RENAULT DRIVING EXPERIENCE EVENT is added to the most recent RENAULT TRACK DAY at Sepang

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, had once again organised the Renault Track Day for its customers recently. This time, instead of the faster Renaults having fun, i.e the likes of the Megane RS and the Clio RS owners going round Sepang very fast they added something called the  ‘Renault Driving Experience’ event for Renault owners (and prospective customers too).  

Celebrate Chinese New Year in 2017 with the New and Exclusive MINI Countryman JCW Design Edition

In celebration towards the arrival of the New Year of the Rooster, MINI Malaysia introduces the stylish new MINI Countryman JCW (John Cooper Works) Design Edition.The new limited edition MINI Countryman JCW gets a lot of JCW accessories placed into it. 190hp and 240Nm makes it decently fast at 0-100 in 7.8secs and a max speed of 212kmh. 

Volkswagen Batu Pahat 3S Centre officially opens

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and its dealer, SP Supreme Autohaus, today announced the launch of the new Volkswagen Batu Pahat 3S Centre. This is the only Volkswagen 3S Centre in northern Johor.

Product Review: Trying out the Bosch Clear Advantage flat blade wipers

Bosch Automotive Aftermarket launched its latest flat-blade wiper – the Bosch Clear Advantage here in Malaysia sometime at the end of last year. According to the folks at Bosch, this new flat-blade wiper provides superior performance for Asian cars even in extreme weather conditions. Up to 200,000 wipe cycles due to the specially formulated rubber compound used in the wiper blades. 

PROTON NOW OFFERS ENHANCED 'YES ALTITUDE 4G' PACKAGE TO ITS CUSTOMERS

Yesterday (Saturday the 15th of January), at the EON AutoFest 2017, Proton has entered into an arrangement with YTL Communications where the original 4G mobile hotspot plan is now upgraded to YES Altitude 4G LTE Smartphone Plan. The new Plan will provide customers with data usage of up to 16GB of 4G LTE per month for a period of 12 months from date of registration, effective from 14 January 2017 onwards.

Spotted for Sale: 'LIKE NEW' Proton Wira 1.5 (A)

Truth in marketing is a concept the person selling this 1997 Proton Wira 1.5 (a) has never heard of before. Check out the 'TIP TOP LIKE NEW' interior above. And the check out the 'Like New' paintwork below. Somehow I doubt the paintwork came from the factor in the state its currently in. This car is so 'new'.

FACELIFTED PERODUA AXIA DUE FOR LAUNCH SOON - NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING AND ON DISPLAY AT PERODUA SHOWROOMS

Perodua is keeping things fresh as usual with their vehicle line-up. The Malaysian compact car manufacturer have basically announced that the facelifted Perodua Axia is due to be launched very soon as it is now open for booking (and now available for viewing at Perodua showrooms- updated 17th January 2017). The facelifted Axia city car will feature a new engine and additional features to keep it very relevant in the A segment compact car market.

Mercedes-Benz Tops Malaysia and Global Premium Car Market for 2016 - 2016 Sales Performance Report

A lot of good news for premium car sales in Malaysia especially if you're the brand with the Three Pointed Star. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has announced that they have managed to hit record sales of 11,779 vehicles in 2016. This is a 9% increase than the previous year and a new milestone for them in Malaysia. Malaysia is also the best performing in terms of sales numbers in South East Asia for the brand.

PERODUA makes statement about a fake Facebook campaign giving out a free car

Statement by Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dato’ Dr. Zahari Husin on a Myvi campaign on Facebook

Perodua wishes to state that Perodua does not have any campaign to give away 15 new Perodua Myvi which was posted on a Facebook account name “Perodua Malaysia Company”. (Please refer to the screenshot as attached -Ed- this is a fake advert okay)

We are in no way associated with this Facebook account.

DRB-HICOM’s Autofest returns for the sixth edition this weekend! - 14th to 15th January 2017

Heads up people.  DRB-HICOM’s Autofest returns for the sixth time this weekend - 14th to the 15th of January 2017 at EON Complex in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The DRB-HICOM Autofest 2017 will showcase 10 brands under the group’s automotive portfolio, namely PROTON, Lotus, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, TATA and MODENAS. 

The new and improved 2017 Maserati Quattroporte is in town

The Quattroporte Gran Lusso

These days Bentleys, Mercedes-Benzes or Rolls Royces are pretty common on Malaysian roads. So if you want to stand out tastefully, without resorting to wrapping your Bentley with pink coloured wrapping vinyl, the newly restyled Maserati Quattroporte should be on your list. NAZA Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, had recently introduced the improved 2017 Maserati Quattroporte in two trims - the GranLusso and GranSport.

Happenings: Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd continues its CSR efforts with contributions to two underprivileged houses

Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd together with the children from Jagaan Cahaya Kasih Bestari and Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Seribu Harapan at Volvo Malaysia's headquarters in Shah Alam. 

More CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) by Volvo Trucks Malaysia. The company had concluded 2016 with a treat to underprivileged children at their headquarters in Shah Alam. The company held a charity event on its compound with the presence of more than 150 children, guests and Volvo Trucks staff enjoying themselves to the fun activities specially organised by Volvo Trucks. Apart from this, Volvo Trucks also donated RM10,000 to Jagaan Cahaya Kasih Bestari and Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Seribu Harapan to assist them on their basic daily needs. 

BMW Group Malaysia achieves highest ever growth for 2016

 Mr. Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia

BMW Group Malaysia delivered a total of 10,906 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles in the country last year, charting a 16% growth increase compared to the same period in 2015 (9,368). In other words, a fabulous year for the premium brand. 

PEUGEOT 208 PURETECH AND 2008 SUV PURETECH ARE LAUNCHED - NEW ENGINES AND GEARBOX MAKE THEM A LOT BETTER THAN BEFORE

Automobiles Peugeot via their Malaysian official distributor have launched two improved models here in Malaysia - the New Peugeot 208 Puretech and New Peugeot 2008 SUV Puretech. 

Industry News: CHEVROLET MALAYSIA TO EXPAND DEALERSHIP NATIONWIDE IN 2017

With the recent successful launch of The All-New Colorado still intact freshly in most minds, Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor and importer of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia is looking to expand its business network throughout the regions in Malaysia.

3 'ANG' POWer PACKED DEALS & CNY DRIVE SAFE SERVICE CAMPAIGN

In conjunction with Chinese New Year festive season, Naza Quest , official distributor of Chevrolet in Malaysia is offering 3 ‘ANG POWer Packed Deals’ that includes 3 Years/60,000km* free parts and labour service for the first 100 registered customers. Existing Chevy owners also enjoy a RM3,000* loyalty reward for every registration of the All-New Colorado. Truck lovers are not to be left out as well, a RM3,000* bonus is offered to 4x4 pickup truck owners of any brand for every successful purchase of the All-New Colorado. 

Happenings: Naza Merdeka Auto Fair 2016 Spend and Win Contest Grand Prize Presentation

Naza World had presented the winners of the Merdeka Auto Fair 2016 Spend and Win Contest with their prizes during the Ducati Red Weekend celebrations last weekend at the Ducati Kuala Lumpur showroom located at the Naza Automall in Petaling Jaya.

Perodua's Biggest Carnival is coming! A Perodua Axia is up for grabs!

MYPerodua Nation is going to happen soon. This is Perodua's first and biggest carnival, at the Aeon Mall Shah Alam (outdoor carpark). The event is scheduled to happen from the 20th to 22nd January 2017 and visitors stand a chance to win an Axia in lucky draw plus other attractive prizes.

Honda Malaysia launches the Honda BR-V and some thoughts of it against its competitors - Alza, Avanza, Ertiga, Sienta

Honda Malaysia launched the Honda BR-V earlier today. It is priced from RM85,800 (OTR w Insurance) for the 1.5L E and RM90.013.33 for the 1.5L V high specced variant. 

HINO MALAYSIA LAUNCHES BUS SERIES WITH IMPROVED FEATURES

Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd introduced their upgraded range of bus series chassis at the end of 2016. The bus series launched were the RN8JSNA, RK8JSKA and RM1ESKU. Hino Malaysia have basically upgraded their bus range. The new bus series focuses on safety, adds a bit of extra power and torque on some models and added comfort improvement features like an improved air suspension. The new Hino bus series were also introduced in Malaysia in compliance to United Nations Regulation (UNR) imposed by the JPJ (Jabatan Pengakutan Jalan) Malaysia.

Ford’s ‘Driving Skills for Life’ Programme Expands to Students in the North of Peninsular Malaysia

Ford and Sime Darby Auto Connexion had recently continued the global Ford initiative Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme here in Malaysia. They had hosted workshops for students (DSFL is aimed at educating students on proper driving techniques) in Penang at the Han Chiang College.

Volkswagen announces latest Trade-In Program for buyers of the new Jetta and Passat in Malaysia

A new and exclusive trade-in promotion has been announced by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). From now until 31st March 2017, Volkswagen owners will be able to trade in their current Volkswagen vehicles and receive a better than usual trade-in offer for their current car.

AmBank Credit Cardholder wins “Caltex: Fill, Swipe & Win” Grand Prize of RM50,000

Someone had a surprise quite recently courtesy of Caltex. A RM50,000 richer surprise. Hairunazuan Bin Nordin from Taman Pagoh Jaya, Johor was the Grand Prize winner of the “Caltex: Fill, Swipe & Win” Campaign. Mr. Hairunazuan, who has been an AmBank credit cardholder since 2014 was presented with the mock cheque for RM50,000 at the prize presentation ceremony held on the 28th of December 2016 at the Caltex Petrol Station in Batu 6, Jalan Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

CHEVROLET OPENS NEW 3S SHOWROOM IN KLANG - CITY MEDAL SDN BHD

City Medal Sdn Bhd together with NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd, the sole and authorised distributor of Chevrolet in Malaysia, has opened a new 3S centre in Klang. Located long Jalan Kapar, Klang, the new 3S centre covers a total built-up area of 44,000 square feet. 

HAPPENINGS - Ford and Sime Darby Auto Connexion's Ford Charity Drive For Joy Campaign gives a ray of light to Yayasan Sunbeams Home for Christmas 2016

Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (right) presenting the Ford Charity Drive donation to Yayasan Sunbeams Home event coordinator, Yaw Sook Ngan.

It was a joyous holiday season during the year end Christmas holidays. Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) extended its goodwill this festive season to the Yayasan Sunbeams Home through its Ford Charity Drive for Joy campaign with a cash donation of RM2,500. 

MaxxOil Malaysia launches its mobile app - Maxx 'N Go

MaxxOil Malaysia, who we last heard in April of 2016 when they launched their NanoPLUS range of high performance engine oil  is now introducing another new product/service called "Maxx 'N Go".

Volvo and KidZania Kuala Lumpur Cultivate the Importance of Road Safety Through Role-Playing

This is a great piece of news. KidZania Kuala Lumpur recently announced its partnership with Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Volvo Car Malaysia) and Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks Malaysia). 

PROTON IRIZ AWARDED THE BUDGET CAR OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE 2016 ASEAN CAR OF THE YEAR

I have been taking my sweet time in perusing through news bits during the end of 2016. It's now 2017 and I have finally managed to get into gear. Slightly. Here we have news that the Proton Iriz has been named the Budget Car of the Year at the 2016 ASEAN CAR OF THE YEAR awards (organised by the Malaysia Automotive Institute). Congratulations, PROTON.

Volkswagen Ushers in the Year of the Rooster with the Biggest Angpow of the Year

Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia (VPCM) is welcoming the year of the rooster with its ‘Biggest Angpow of the Year’ Chinese New Year campaign. From now till 15 February 2017, customers who purchase a Volkswagen will stand a chance to win an ‘angpow’ packet of RM66,888, worth the entire value of a Volkswagen Vento Trendline. A really big Angpow!