DRB-HICOM and Geely Holding Appoint New Board of Directors for PROTON Related Companies and a New CEO - Dr. Li Chunrong

This is a very important bit of news regarding national car manufacturer PROTON. DRB-HICOM Berhad (DRB-HICOM) and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) have confirmed the new board structures, part of the executive team for PROTON Holdings Berhad and its related companies (PROTON Group) earlier today. This looks like the the second round after the initial announcement that Geely would be purchasing a 49% stake in Proton Holdings Berhad. 

Mercedes-Benz E 63 S 4MATIC+ is now available in Malaysia - Price for this Monster Start from RM998,888 ONLY

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled the latest and greatest E63 AMG in conujunction with Mercedes-AMG's 50th anniversary and also at a historic moment in Malaysian motorsport, the last Formula 1 GP race at the Sepang International Circuit for the moment. We never know what the future holds but what we do know is that this Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC+ is the most powerful production E-Class for now.

Spotted For Sale: 1990 Honda NSX 3.0 (A)

Last year many private car importers brought in the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R into Malaysia. All of these were brought in because they were now older than 25 years old and the import permit required fell under the classic car status. The classic car status import permits are actually easier to get approval with the only issue being the age of the car and the limited, more niche market it has compared to brand new cars. So now another one of these 25 year old classics have 'flooded' our shores - the Honda NSX - like this one from 1990.

Leona Chin is now Brand Ambassador for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has a new brand ambassador. Leona Chin is one of the few members of the fairer sex who has made it in an overwhelmingly male-dominated profession. Leona has proven herself and broken many stereotypes by conquering the motorsports industry especially in the drifting scene as well as circuit racing. 

Roadshows: MINI 'The Nation' Roadshow is Happening Throughout Malaysia - New MINI Cooper S 5 Door with MINI JCW Pro Boost Kit Unveiled

MINI is currently having their 'The Nation' Roadshow which will visit various shopping malls throughout Malaysia from now until 3rd December 2017 (the first one was at Paradigm Mall over the past weekend). You can get to experience some history and culture as well as the modernity of Malaysia as a country whilst celebrating everything good about the MINI marque. Visitors to the roadshow will be offered special gifts, test drives, purchase deals, finance packages and rebates too with a Malaysia Day special MINI cars in the Malaysian Flag 'Jalur Gemilang' colours.

Mercedes-Benz Opens the Hap Seng Star Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Iskandar, Johor

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia together with authorised dealer Hap Seng Star has unveiled Hap Seng Star’s first Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Johor. The RM5 million fully fledged 3S centre is located in the Iskandar region of Johor.

Motorcycles: Harley-Davidson Announces End of Dealership Arrangement with Naza Prestige Bikes & Will Search for New Dealer Partners

This is a little surprise announcement by Harley-Davidson Asia. They have just announced that there will be a change in the dealership and distributorship situation here in Malaysia where there are currently searching for a new authorised dealer for this country following the end of the current dealership agreement with Naza Prestige Bikes Sdn Bhd.

Motorsport: Formula 4 SEA races at the final Formula 1 race held in Sepang this coming weekend.

The 2017 Petronas Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Sepang International circuit is just around the corner. This is the final F1 race that will be held at Sepang and it is to be remembered. It also features support races, one of which is the FIA Formula 4 South East Asia Championship. 

Test Drive Video & Photos: 2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SPORT 1.6 T-GDi Driven

This is our video review of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6 T-GDi. This is a 1.6liter turbocharged 4 door sedan that kicks out over 200ps and 264Nm to the front wheels (via a 6 speed DCT transmission). Quite a unique drive in some ways. Extremely funky seat colour.

Contest: MOBIL Nationwide Consumer Promotion - Win one of Nine Peugeot 208 Puretech Hatchbacks!!!

This could be something to try for. All you have to do is purchase selected 4 or 5 liter bottles of Mobil 1 or Mobil Super 2000 engine oil and you may be driving home, or anywhere else you want to in a brand new Peugeot 208 Puretech. In fact, nine (9) people will be able to win a Peugeot 208 each!

Offers & Promotions: Three Units of the Renault Zoe on Offer by TC Euro Cars in Conjunction with Zero Emissions Day

TC Euro Cars, the official distributor for Renault cars in Malaysia, is offering a special promotion exclusively for only three units of the Renault ZOE full-electric vehicle in conjunction with Zero Emissions Day (there is a day for everything these days - mother's day, father's day, friendship day, friendzone day, hug a bear day...). The promotion offers a RM18,000 rebate on each of the three Renault ZOE on offer and free ChargEV membership for three years. 

Locally Assembled BMW 530i M Sport Now Available - Priced from RM388,800

BMW Group Malaysia have launched the locally assembled version of the new G30 BMW 530i M Sport. It now costs RM 388, 800.00  (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Program and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) which is RM10,000 less than the fully imported variant we had earlier.

Renault Koleos Gets A 5 Star Euro NCAP Rating

The new Renault Koleos has been awarded a 5 Star Euro NCAP rating. In case any of you were wondering why it has taken so long for this announcement to come out it is because this new Koleos has only just been launched over in Europe. We got this car much earlier, September 2016 to be precise. Somehow Renault launched it much earlier here and this is a pretty good feeling to have as this is one of the rare occasions where we get a car before those in Europe do. 

FORD RANGER XL STANDARD Launched - A Very Affordable Ranger Pick-up Now Available

Ford and their Malaysian distributors, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) have launched a stripped down, back to basics Ford Ranger pick-up truck. Dubbed the Ford Ranger XL Standard, this is the new base model here in Malaysia. At RM83,588 on the road in Peninsular Malaysia and RM89,388 in East Malaysia, it makes the ever popular Ranger even more affordable to the masses.

Upcoming Lifestyle Event: Audi Quattro Cup 2017 - Golfing for a Good Cause

The Malaysian chapter of the Audi quattro Cup Golf Tournament will be returning for the seventh time this year. It will be bigger, better and for a good cause at the Mines Resort & Golf Club. Yes, hitting the ball and walking over an 18 hole golf course for charity is a good thing. It will also allow Audi owners, invited guests and golfers mingle whilst doing some good.

TEST DRIVE(s): The 2017 Hyundai Tucson 2.0 CRDi Diesel & Hyundai Tucson 1.6 GDi Turbo Petrol

Things are looking pretty interesting when it comes to Korean car manufacturer Hyundai here in Malaysia. They’ve been keeping themselves busy over the past few months with some interesting car launches. Hyudai Sime Darby Motors, the official distributors of the brand had just launched the new Elantra and also added two more variants of the Hyundai Tucson. This time I got to try both of the newly launched Tucsons – the Tucson 2.0 CRDi Diesel and the Tucson 1.6 GDi TurboPetrol. (Note -The photos below are of a silver 2.0 Diesel and a Black 1.6 Turbo petrol)

Offers & Promotions: Renault Captur - '5inCaptur' Aftersales Package for CKD Cars & A RM5,000 Rebate If You Buy One from Now till 31st October 2017

The authorised distributor of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has announced a new ‘5inCaptur’ aftersales package for the locally-assembled (CKD) Renault Captur urban crossover. Furthermore, there is now

 a further RM5,000 rebate if anyone purchases a Captur during the promotional campaign period. This is ongoing and ends on 31 October 2017.

UMW Toyota Are Taking Bookings For New Variants of the Toyota Fortuner (2.4 VRZ 4X4/4X2), the Upgraded Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Innova 2.0X

UMW Toyota are trying to keep things fresh over here as they've opened the order books for new variants of the Toyota Fortuner - the 2.4 VRZ 4x4 & 2.4 VRZ 4X2, the upgraded Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Innova 2.0X. 

Updates on the Proton-Geely Deal - Proton WIll Be Getting a New CEO Soon

DRB-HICOM, who currently own and manage Proton has announced the departure of Proton Holdings Bhd CEO Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali effective 30 September 2017. Fuaad was appointed as CEO of PHB on 1 April 2016, after assuming the position of Chief Operating Officer/Senior Group Director of DRB-HICOM in 2013. This is following the announcement of Proton's search for a foreign strategic partner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

Happenings: Shell Technovation 2017 Conference - Sharing Shell's Technical Know-How with Valued Trade Partners & Industrial Customers

This is another one of those behind the scenes events that happen all the time. Not the fancy car launches but other events that actually tell another part of the picture in the Malaysian automotive landscape. We cover everything there is to do in the automotive industry for that well rounded look at things. So here, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd held their second annual technology conference for its industrial customers. More than 200 trade partners attended this year's Shell Technovation 2017 Conference.

HAPPENINGS: Caltex concludes its True Power from Within’ Promotion with the announcement of the grand prize winners which each win a Vespa Scooter

Chevron Malaysia Limited, which markets the Caltex brand here in Malaysia has concluded its ‘True Power from Within’ Promotion. The promotion, which kicked off in May this year was held in conjunction with the 10th Anniversary of the popular blockbuster movie, Transformers with the latest release being Transformers: The Last Knight. This conclusion comes with the announcement of the grand prize of a Vespa Scooter awarded to each of the 12 winners. 

HAVAL H2 is now available in CKD form - Prices start at RM98,950++

The Haval H2 is now locally assembled and is now priced from RM98,950 for the H2 Comfort Auto and from RM101,950 for the Premium Auto (inclusive of road tax and insurance). It also features a new alloy wheel design as well as an additional colour - the Haval Blue.

Truck News: Isuzu Malaysia delivers 12 units of Isuzu ELF NPR 6-Wheeler Crew Cab Light Duty Trucks to Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Recently, Isuzu Malaysia handed over 12 units of Isuzu ELF trucks to the country's electricity provider, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in Pekan, Pahang.  This handover ceremony was the latest round of deliveries from a RM31 million deal for a total of 200 Isuzu trucks to TNB. The remaining units expected to be supplied to TNB by end 2017. The 2-year fleet deal consist of the Isuzu ELF NPR 6-Wheeler Crew Cab, which have been customised to suit TNB’s requirements.

Truck News: Scania Malaysia Receives Award for Excellence for Safety & Sustainability by the MDCC and the Asia Pacific CSR Council

Scania Malaysia has been given an award for Excellence in Commercial Trucking Safety by the Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) and the Asia Pacific CSR Council at the recent Sustainable Urban Transport Malaysia Awards 2017. The Awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the Sustainable Urban Transport Summit 2017 held here in Kuala Lumpur. 

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Launches The Locally Assembled Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L - Intro Price of RM139,988 until 31st December 2017

The Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0L is now officially on sale in Malaysia at an introductory price of RM139,988 until the end of 2017. This car is locally assembled over at the Tan Chong Motors Assemblies plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur and will be sold beside the larger engined Outlander 2.4L. This adds another model into Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia's lineup and also allows a more reasonable entry price to those that are interested in buying the Outlander but not interested in paying the higher price of the 2.4.

Offers & Promotions: Volkswagen Jetta Comfortline can be bought with low interest rates - 0.88%, 1.28% & 1.68% for 5, 7 or 9 year HP loans respectively

The Volkswagen Jetta Comfortline can now be had at a new interest rate from as low as 0.88% per annum. This promotion starts from the 12th of September 2017 until 31st December 2017. The Jetta promotion follows the Vento 1.6L and the Passat promos where the cars can be had with interest from as low as 0.28% and 0.88% respectively.

NASIM SDN BHD Launches the All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV - Priced from RM142,888 Onwards

The all-new Peugeot 3008 SUV has been officially launched in Malaysia. First unveiled over in Europe in 2016, the new 3008 SUV now comes in two variants for our market - The Active variant is priced at RM142,888 while the Allure variant is offered at RM155,888 in Peninsular Malaysia only (on-the- road price without insurance). 

The VOLVO S90 T8 TWIN ENGINE INSCRIPTION is now available for booking - Introductory Price of RM348,888!

Good News! Volvo Car Malaysia has just announced that the top of the range Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription will be on sale soon and their dealers are now taking bookings. The S90 T8 will come with an extremely enticing RM348,888 (OTR without insurance but with other taxes) introductory price. The full specced S90 comes in relatively cheaper than the S90 T6 variants which were launched earlier due to its locally assembled as well as EEV tax break status given to it. It makes an interesting, alternative to the regular premium cars on sale today.

Renault Unveils the All-New Renault Megane R.S - 280hp, 390Nm, 6 speed manual or DCT, FWD with all-wheel steering!

This is really interesting news! Renault has launched the all-new Megane R.S at the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show. This comes after quite a while after the launch of the regular Megane models and variants and the R.S is eagerly awaited by many enthusiasts around the world. Especially those who like hot hatches as this is one of the hottest around.

Mohd Saipol Wins A Perodua Axia - Grand Prize Winner of the Perodua Service and Win Contest

Today I attended the prize giving ceremony for the winners of the recent Perodua Service and Win Contest at Perodua Sentral in Petaling Jaya. The lucky winners won smartphones, a holiday trip, TVs and the best of them all, won a brand new specially decorated Perodua Axia. All they had to do was go service their car at an authorised Perodua service center to win!

Motorsport: The 2017, PETRONAS Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix will have Six Formula 4 SEA support races - A lot more excitement in this final F1 race in Malaysia

There will be six Formula 4 South East Asia at the upcoming 2017 Petronas Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix. It would be quite a unique event as this will be the last time that Sepang will be hosting a Formula 1 race. F4 SEA is actually one of the stepping stones for budding race drivers, who will step into them from karting usually. So this time, one interesting support race is going to be made up of a whole lot of F4 races on the 1st of October, 2017.

The Land Rover Experience 2017 Malaysian Qualification Rounds - 8th to the 10th September 2017 at Desa Parkcity - Head over to view and maybe try out for Peru, South America

I was at the opening of the Malaysian qualification round of the Land Rover Experience Tour 2017 to Peru, South America. It was quite an interesting little event that showcases the capabilities of the Land Rover vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) had provided the Range Rover Evoque and the Land Rover Discovery Sport to use in the try outs as well as go through man made mobile terrains that simulate off-road terrain.

Offers, Promotions & Road Safety Tips: Renault Malaysia offers Brake Service Campaign for Renault Cars & Shares Tips on Brakes

Renault via their official distributors here in Malaysia are offering a Brake Service Campaign for Renault customers. The programme offers customers 20 percent discounts on selected brake parts (pads, shoes and discs) and a 10 percent reduction on labour charges on the related brake servicing job. Meanwhile, RENCARE customers will enjoy an additional 10 percent off labour costs for the relevant brake repairs and service.

Truck News: VISTA 2017 -18 - The Global Competition For Technicians of Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses Is Now Open For Registration

The registration for the world´s largest (after sales) service market competition, VISTA* is now open. The VISTA 2017 - 18 is expected to receive participation from over 18,000 technicians, from Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses global dealer network.  One key purpose of VISTA is that it aims to attract and maintain skilled technicians through teamwork and competence development. Competing against each other and a chance to further oneself as well as the chance to compete against others at a world finals would be a very good way on how technicians can gauge their accomplishments.

Video: We Present the 2017 Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT Test Review

Hello folks. Here is our latest video. This time it is on the enhanced Proton Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT. Shot on location in and around Lumut, Sri Manjung, Sitiawan and Teluk Anson (actually Teluk Intan), Perak...and also in Shah Alam. 

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia appoints new dealer Auto Commerz Sdn Bhd & launches the Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus in Setapak, KL

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM) has announced an additional authorised dealer partner, Auto Commerz Sdn Bhd, at the launch of the interim Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus located in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. Auto Commerz, is a company that is part of the Swire Group and together with MBM will be investing over RM10 million over the next two years for the building of a more permanent Mercedes-Benz Auto Commerz Autohaus which will be located in the same vicinity as the interim one.

Roadshows: New Dates for the Preview of the Upcoming Toyota C-HR - In One Utama on 6-10 September and AEON Tebrau on 12-17 September

The roadshow that UMW Toyota are currently doing promoting the upcoming all-new Toyota C-HR compact SUV has been receiving good response from the public. This was according to the public's reaction when it was displayed at various venues including Toyota Showrooms, shopping centres and also at the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival at Batu Kawan Stadium, Penang thoughout the month of August. As such, they are continuing with the preview of the C-HR.

Quick Ride partners Uber and Proton to provide cars for ride sharing to Malaysians - Targeted to those that are currently unemployed

Quick Ride Sdn Bhd has partnered with ride sharing company Uber and national car manufacturer Proton in providing car sharing/riding solutions through its daily leasing plan and In-Car-Advertising. Leveraging modern technology, Quick Ride Sdn Bhd will be offering a WIFI enabled environment, Interactive Media and Geo Tracking system in all the Proton cars that they will offer to interested Malaysians to want to try out being Uber drivers.

Mitsubishi Introduces the Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT GL - Catch it at Mitsubishi Roadshows in Megamall, KL & Aeon Tebrau City, Johor Bahru

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has launched a new Mitsubishi Triton pick-up truck variant - the Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT GL. It is priced at RM103,800.00 (Peninsular Malaysia GST inclusive but without insurance) and is supposed to cater for those who are looking for an affordable pick-up truck to use.

Motorcycles: Triumph Launches 3 Variants of the Street Triple Here in Malaysia

The official importer and distributor for Triumph motorcycles here, Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd has launched three new Street Triple motorcycles. Very apt. Three different Triples.