Electric Vehicles / Bus News: Go Auto Enters Into Joint Venture With Mara Liner & Higer Bus Company to Develop, Manufacture and Use Electric Buses in Malaysia

Go Automobile Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (Go Automobile), which is part of the Go Auto automotive manufacturing and distributorship group of companies has entered into an arrangement with Mara Liner Sdn Bhd (MLSB) and Higer Bus Company Limited. The parties mentioned have established a strategic partnership to develop, manufacture and engineer the production of electric buses meant for Malaysia.

Industry News: ISUZU MALAYSIA gets a new CEO

Isuzu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (IMSB) recently appointed Koji Nakamura (above) as its new Chief Executive Officer. He replaces the outgoing CEO, Kenji Matsuoka who has held the position of CEO in IMSB since 2015. Nakamura has more than 25 years of experience with Isuzu. This includes holding various leading management role in Isuzu Asia Pacific. He has extensive knowledge and understanding in managing various different markets, especially in running large automotive markets such as India and Thailand.

Perodua Launches 5 Year Road Safety Campaign & Perodua Child Safety Seats

Perodua has launched a 5 year road safety campaign here in Malaysia. This campaign is aimed at improving the behavior of drivers starting with reminding drivers to practice good driving habits and also adhere to road traffic laws (which some Malaysians seem to choose not to). There will be four salient points of this new campaign. These are the use of seat belts, non-use of mobile devices whilst driving, the use of turn signals (which a lot seem to forget to use) and the use  of child safety seats (which should be used instead of the child sitting on the parent's lap sometimes).

All-New BMW HP4 Race, All-New BMW G 310 GS and the New BMW S 1000 XR have been launched at the recent Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) 2017.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia is BMW Group's motorcycle arm and it had decided to launch the All-New BMW HP4 Race, the All-New BMW G 310 GS and the New BMW S 1000 XR at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) 2017 which happened recently. BMW Motorrad had basically presented their latest motorcycles at the biggest motorcycle event in Malaysia.

Perodua 3rd Quarter 2017 Performance Report - Predicts It Is Still On Track Towards A 202,000 Sales Target For 2017

Perodua has recorded sales of 151,600 units for the first 9 months of 2017. This is actually up 0.5% of recorded sales for the same period in 2016. So whilst Perodua has reported that for the 3rd quarter of 2017 that its sales tapered off slightly (down 3% month on month), the Malaysian manufacturer states that it is still on track towards a fantastic sales figure of 202,000 for this year.

Motorsport & Industry News: Sepang International Circuit and TOC Automotive College Team Up to Promote & Develop Local Motorsport Talents

TOC Automotive College has announced that they will be collaborating with Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to develop SIC as the Motorsports Hub of Asia. This partnership will aim to nurture and grow our local motorsport talents and also engineers so that we have individuals which are competitive globally.

ExxonMobil announces first three winners of the Mobil Nationwide Consumer Promotion - Contest OnGoing Till 30th November 2017. You Too Can Win!

Now before we get to the news where three lucky people recently won a new Peugeot 208 PureTech each I'd like to announce that last month, ExxonMobil had launched its year-end Nationwide Consumer Promotion that enables Mobil customers to win the Peugeot mentioned as well as other prizes. From 1st September 2017 until 30th November 2017, those who purchased selected 4L or 5L bottles of Mobil 1 or Mobil Super 2000 product stand a chance of winning big! 

Video: Sunday with an Alfa Romeo 156 V6 & Some thoughts about Alfa Romeo

This is a short video about an Alfa Romeo 156 with a 3.0liter V6 engine inside of it. It belongs to a friend of mine and it looks superb inside and out. I think this could be the nicest 156 in the country at this moment.

Mobility: GRAB announces the 'Better 365' Campaign - Promoting the welfare of their Driver-Partners

Grab, Malaysia and Southeast Asia’s leading on-demand transportation and mobile payments platform, today announced ‘Better 365’, a campaign to promote the welfare of its driver-partners on four fronts: better support, increased earnings, better tools and a stronger community. 

UMW Toyota to Transfer Most of Their Outlets to Dealers from January 2018 - Concentrating Instead on Product Development, Marketing & Dealer Support

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the official distributors of Toyota vehicles here have made some changes to their dealership operations. From January 2018 onwards, a majority of the outlets operated by UMW Toyota themselves will be transferred to their existing Toyota dealers. 

Happenings: Ford’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) Programme reaches out to AIG Insurance Employees & the Public this time around

After offering its  Ford’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme to a few colleges over the past few months, Ford and its local distributor, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), recently offered safe driver training and road safety awareness programme to corporate partners and members of the public. Licensed drivers comprising employees from AIG Insurance as well as members of the general public participated in two half-day training sessions at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) quite recently. This is the tenth year that Ford is offering free training to licensed drivers of all ages.

Truck News: Gardenia Bakeries Truck Driver, Anuar bin Ahmad Wins the Malaysian Leg of the UD TRUCKS EXTRA MILE CHALLENGE 2017

Truck driver, Anuar Bin Ahmad from Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd has emerged as the Malaysian champion  in the Malaysian leg of the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge (UDEMC) and with that, he has qualified for the UDEMC Global Final 2017 which will be held in Japan in early November 2017. This is just around the corner actually. 

BMW M2 Coupe Launched in Malaysia - Prices Start at RM535,800

The new BMW M2 Coupe is now officially on sale in Malaysia. The most compact of all the BMW M cars is now in town and whilst it may be small, its price is still quite mega. It starts from RM535,800.00 on the road, without insurance. It is a M Coupe, and one which is fully imported too. 

Industry News: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles Team Up With Tekat Automotive College

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBMCV) recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tekat Automotive College which will firstly facilitate an eight-month training programme for selected Tekat Automotive College students. One of the ultimate goals of such a joint venture between the two entities is to eventually raise the level of skills training for youths in the Malaysia automotive workforce. This partnership follows a six-month discussion between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Tekat Automotive College. 

Industry News: Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) and Greentech Malaysia Signs MoU for Low Carbon Mobility Efforts

Recently, the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) and Greentech Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) where both parties will work together in order to  work towards having lower carbon mobility in Malaysia. The MoU was entered into during the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on 11th of October 2017.

Happenings: CYCLE & CARRIAGE'S LUCKY CUSTOMERS GET TO GO TO GERMANY AND VISIT THE MERCEDES-BENZ MUSEUM AND AMG FACTORY

Recently Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, the longest serving Mercedes-Benz dealership in Malaysia treated a group of new customers to a trip to Germany where they visited the International Motorshow Germany (IAA), the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the AMG factory to name a few. This trip was most likely a magical moment for them all. This was the Cycle & Carriage Malaysia Mercedes-Benz Grand Tour to Germany.

PETRONAS & LAZADA MALAYSIA ENTER INTO A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PETRONAS-LAZADA GREAT GIVEAWAYS!

PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) have teamed up with Lazada Malaysia. Lazada, being South East Asia's leading eCommerce platform (especially here in Malaysia) now allows PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad to have a stronger eCommerce or online presence than ever before. So to move things along, PDB will start offering discounts on the PETRONAS Fuel Gift Card which is also sold on Lazada alongside the givaway of two million Lazada discount vouchers. All of these is in conjunction with Lazada's Online Revolution campaign which will start this 11th November 2017.

Motorsport: PETRONAS and SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT Enter Into A Partnership To Further Advance Two-Wheeled Motorsport

PETRONAS and the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) have joined forces by entering into a partnership that will focus on the development of talented people and grooming them to compete at the forefront of motorcycle racing events globally. The three year partnership will now proceed with both the PETRONAS Talent Development Programme (TDP) and the SIC Talent Development Programme (SICTD) which will inculcate future talents that should arise out of grassroot racing like the Malaysian Cub Prix, Asia Road Racing Championship and Asia Talent Cup. 

Upcoming Events: 'BUCKLE UP, BABY! CAMPAIGN' - Rampai Puteri Medical Centre & MIROS campaign to promote the use of child safety seats on 1st November 2017

Rampai Puteri Medical Centre (RPMC), located in Setapak, KL is collaborating with Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) in an upcoming campaign to promote and provide technical expertise for the correct use of the child safety seat. The 'BUCKLE UP, BABY! CAMPAIGN' will be held on the 1st of November 2017 at the hospital and will continue for the whole month where a free baby seat will be given out. If you are free, head over there on that date!

Volvo Car Malaysia and Aurizn Team Up to Host Interior Design Challenge

That Scandinavian car company Volvo is now making waves in the interior decorating industry here in Malaysia. They've just announced that Volvo Car Malaysia are partnering with Aurizn, a new premium publishing house where they will be hosting an Interior Designing Challenge. Another partner is Bon Estates of which their latest high end project will be featured prominently.

Motorcycles: DUCATI SUPERSPORT & SUPERSPORT S Motorcycles are Launched in Malaysia - Prices Start at RM80,899++

Next Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for Ducati motorcycles in Malaysia, has launched the all-new Ducati SuperSport and SuperSport S for the Malaysian market. The SuperSport S version which comes with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, the Ducati Quick Shift up/down system and a rear seat cover: These are also available as accessories for the SuperSport if you want to slowly upgrade your SuperSport.

CONTEST: ONE (1) YEAR'S SUPPLY OF PETRONAS PRIMAX & PETRONAS SPRINTA with ULTRAFLEX TO BE GIVEN AWAY BY PETRONAS LUBRICANTS

PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia has launched its Pengejar Impian Facebook contest. The contest is set to run until the 8^th of December 2017. Pengejar Impian or Chasing a Dream in English is the latest campaign by PETRONAS. Through this campaign and contest, three Malaysians stand the chance to win a year’s supply of PETRONAS Sprinta with UltraFlex™ and PETRONAS Primax.

Second Generation Audi A7 Sportback is Launched - Sales start in February 2018 over in Europe

Audi has just launched the new A7 Sportback over in Europe. This is the second generation A7 and one which replaces the original which was first launched in 2010. Yes, it has been seven years since Audi released its 'four door coupe' so this is the new one.

Offers & Promotions: Volkswagen Sales Tour - 18th to 22nd at 1 Utama Shopping Centre

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is currently having a 5-day "Sedanza" sales promo and the Volkswagen Sales Tour, ongoing from the 18th to 22nd October  2017 at theGround Floor (High Street) of 1Utama Shopping Centre.

Offers & Promotions: KIA Power Deals On From Now Till 31st December 2017

The Kia 2017 Best Year-end Power Deals have started. There are lots of offers, rebates and other promotions available for a limited time only and valid at all NAZA KIA showrooms nationwide from now until 31 st December 2017.  While stocks last and with certain terms & conditions of course.

Happenings: The Lexus Cup 2017 - The Malaysian Team Wins Again

Lexus recently hosted the latest round of the Lexus Cup. This time, a group of Lexus owners from various countries in Asia Pacific played golf at Montgomerie Links, located in Da Nang, Vietnam. The Lexus Cup 2017 saw the Malaysian contingent come up on top again. This is the same team which won  the Malaysian chapter of the Lexus Golf Invitational 2017 which took place in earlier August.

BMW Group Malaysia Launches the Excellence Club Programme for BMW 7 Series Owners

The BMW Group here in Malaysia has introduced a new special and exclusive membership programme for owners of the BMW 7 Series. This new programme complements the BMW WhiteCard Program which most 7 Series customers are already applicable to. This lifestyle and loyalty programme redefines the ultimate premium ownership experience. Additional perks and benefits to the 7 Series owner.

Happenings: First Six Winners of the Myvi 12 Iconic Years Anniversary SMS and Win Contest Receive their prizes

Perodua surprised the first six winners of the Myvi 12 Iconic Years Anniversary SMS and Win Contest by going to their houses and awarding them with their prizes. It was quite a nice effort by Perodua as the winners were located throughout Malaysia. , were visited by Perodua representatives and were presented mock cheque. 

The winners are stated below:

Trucks: Driving the UD CRONER in our latest Vlog Post - VIDEO

Hello folks! Here is a video on the recent launch of the UD CRONER medium duty truck here in Malaysia. We covered the launch sometime in August and we now had the time to splice together some footage of the event as well as our test drive of it. 

Truck News: Isuzu Malaysia Donates an Isuzu ELF NPR 6 Wheeler Truck to the DRB-HICOM University

Isuzu Malaysia had recently contributed a single Isuzu ELF NPR 6-wheeler truck to the DRB-HICOM University, an institute of higher learning which is focued on automotive technology. Mikio Tsukui, Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, presented the medium duty truck to Prof. Dr. Abd Rahni bin Mat Piah, Dean of the Post Graduate Faculty, DRB-HICOM University. 

Shell Helix Launches the 'DRIVE ON' Brand Campaign and New Loyalty Programme SHARE

Shell Helix, the engine oil range that Shell Lubricants currently sells has a new brand campaign out right now. The new brand campaign is called ‘Drive On’  and is comes out in conjunction with an integrated loyalty programme called SHARE. 'Drive On' and SHARE  will let customers of Shell Helix claim rewards and benefits for the entire value chain – from distributors to workshop owners and mechanics and consumers.

Daihatsu to sponsor Badminton tournaments in Indonesia and Malaysia - the DAIHATSU Indonesia Master 2018 & PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2018

Daihatsu has been pretty quiet here in Malaysia ever since sister company Perodua have started producing cars based on Daihatsu cars. They are still here, but more in the light commercial vehicle sector with their Grand Max light trucks and other vehicles. But this has not stopped them from giving back to the communities where Daihatsu has set foot. So quite recently, Daihatsu had announced  its sponsorship on two Badminton World Federation (BWF) major tournaments, the DAIHATSU Indonesia Master 2018, and the PERODUA Malaysia Masters 2018 presented by Daihatsu.

Offers & Promotions: MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA Showroom Events In Conjunction With The Launch of The Outlander 2.0 SUV CKD - iPHONE 8 to be Won!

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced that the locally-assembled Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0 SUV will be officially launched tomorrow (Friday, 13 October 2017). In conjunction with the launch, Mitsubishi Motors authorised dealers will be having an exclusive showroom event at the following dates:

Happenings: Toyota Eco Youth Programme Marks its 17th Year - SMK Raja Perempuan, Ipoh Perak Comes Up Top

One of the more interesting 'give back to society' projects conducted by an automotive related company here in Malaysia is the Toyota Eco Youth competition. UMW Toyota Motor has organised Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) for the past 16 years with the aim of inculcating students in their teenage years on the importance of preserving the environment and putting in solutions that are environmentally sustainable. I found time to attend this year's award presentation ceremony and I have to say that it is a noble effort by UMW Toyota.

Volvo Car Malaysia Launches the Flagship S90 T8 Twin Engine Sedan - Will Also Be Exported from Malaysia to ASEAN region countries

Volvo Car Malaysia has officially introduced its flagship premium sedan, the new Volvo S90 T8 Twin EngineTwo. It comes with two different trim levels - the Inscription and Inscription Plus with prices starting from RM368,888 onwards (and with a slightly lower introductory price right now).

Upcoming Events: BMW Cars Are The Official Vehicles for the CIMB Classic 2017

BMW Group Malaysia will be the official car sponsors of the upcoming CIMB Classic 2017. This is the eight year running that the premium vehicle manufacturer are the vehicle sponsors for this golf tournament. The CIMB Classic 2017 this year will include nine Major champions, 10 Presidents Cup team members, 15 players from the top-50 of the Official World Golf Ranking and 18 winners from the recent PGA TOUR’s 2016-17 season. 

THE NEW TOYOTA INNOVA 2.0X, ADDITIONAL FORTUNER 2.4 VRZ VARIANTS AND UPGRADED HILUX ARE NOW ON SALE

The new variant of the Toyota Innova, two new Fortuner variants and upgraded Hilux range are now officially on sale after bookings were opened sometime last month. These vehicles should be on display at most of the Toyota showrooms around the nation. The new models are the Toyota Innova 2.0X, the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ 4x4, Toyota Fortuner 2.4 VRZ 4x2  and basically the whole Toyota Hilux range officially sold in Malaysia by UMW Toyota (UMWT) has been upgraded.

Offers & Promotions AXXESS and MyTayar.com Exclusive Deal - Enjoy 3% Discount When You Buy From MyTayar.com

MyTayar.com, an online tyre merchant is offering AXXESS Members an exclusive deal from now until the end of the year. From now until 31st December 2017, AXXESS Members can enjoy 3% discount off the grand total spent on MyTayar.com by using the Discount Code AXXESS. For every RM100 spent, MyTayar.com will award 1 AXXESSpoint! This promotion is not limited to the number of purchases, transactions or users. 

Contests & Promotions: SHELL MALAYSIA & BONUSLINK Rewards Customers With The 'Menang RM5,000 Hari-Hari' Contest

Shell Malaysia has a new contest which will run from 8 October 2017 to 7 January 2018. The "Menang RM5,000 Hari-Hari" is a joint promotion cum contest between Shell and BonusLink, the most well known loyalty card marketing company in the country. 

Offers & Promotions: Renault Fluence 'BIG DEAL' Campaign - 2017 model year Renault Fluence Dynamique variant from RM89,888

Renault's Malaysia distributors, TC Euro Cars are currently running a promotion for the Renault Fluence sedan. The promotion is applicable to selected units of the 2017 model year Renault Fluence Dynamique variant at a special price of RM89,888 (without leather seats) or RM93,888 (with leather seats). The normal retail price of the Fluence Dynamique is RM119,888. All prices stated are on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration. 

Electric Vehicles / Bus News: GO AUTO DEVELOPING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS WITH PARTNER, TO LAUNCH ELECTRIC BUSES END OF 2017 IN LINE WITH NAP

 

Go Auto, who currently assemble, distribute and sell Haval vehicles here in Malaysia as well as do contract assembly for a few brands have recently announced their plans for the near future. The company is basically geared up to be one of the major players in Malaysia's efforts to become a regional manufacturing hub for electric vehicles (EV) both in terms of components, parts and complete built up vehicles. The first in line are fully electric buses which are to be launched by the end of this year.

The PROTON IRIZ 1.6 Premium CVT is Carsifu's Best Compact Hatch at the Carsifu Editor's Choice Award 2017

The Proton Iriz has won the Carsifu Editor's Choice Award 2017. Carsifu is the automotive publishing division of the Star Media Group (to put it in simpler terms) and this time around they've decided that Proton's compact hatchback deserves this award. 

Tyres: Continental MaxContact MC6 Tyre Launched in Malaysia

Continental Tyre has launched the replacement of the very popular MaxContact MC5 tyre with the very logically named MaxContact MC6. According to Continental, the tyre is not just a successor of the MC5 but it is supposedly an even sportier tyre than before. The new MaxContact MC6 promises to deliver significant improvement in wet and dry handling, wet braking, and mileage performance. The MC6 rounds up the '6' series of tyres on sale here in Malaysia - the CC6, UC6, Sport Contact 6 and now the MC6.

MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA Launches the Locally Assembled E 350 e Plug-in Hybrid - AMG Line, Exclusive Line & an Edition 60 Limited Model

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now launched the locally assembled Mercedes-Benz E 350 e Plug-in Hybrid. This is part of MBM's sales and marketing strategy where the brand basically plays within the current Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) regulations which allows MBM to bring in very well specified cars and still price them competitively. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class assembled in the Mercedes-Benz Pekan Plant are the E 350 e AMG Line and Exclusive Line, as well as a limited to sixty units model, the E 350 e Edition 60 (celebrating Malaysia's 60 years of independence).

PERODUA Opens its Hybrid Sales Centre in Kuala Lumpur - Selling both New and Certified Pre-Owned Perodua Cars

Perodua is now officially in the pre-owned car business! The national compact car manufacturer has just opened its new 'hybrid' sales outlet which sells both new and certified pre-owned Perodua vehicles. The showroom is located along Jalan Pahang right smack in Kuala Lumpur and costed RM1.7 million to build.

PEUGEOT SEREMBAN Officially Opens Its Doors - Latest Peugeot Outlet to Reach Out to Customers in Negeri Sembilan

Peugeot via their official distributors, Nasim Sdn Bhd and their authorised dealer MN Otomobil Sdn Bhd has opened their latest outlet in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. The 10,000sq ft 3S facility is fully equipped to Peugeot CI (Corporate Identity) standards and was built at a cost of RM2 million. It was built to serve customers in Seremban and its surrounding areas.

Offers & Promotions: Toyota Offers Customers Chance to Win Up to RM1 Million Worth of Prizes Including 3 Toyota Camry Hybrid Cars

                                

The folks at UMW Toyota Motor are now offering you people out there a chance to win lots of stuff including three Toyota Camry Hybrid cars. The 'Toyota RM1,000,000 Bonanza' is now ongoing till 31st December 2017 where there will be lots of prizes up for grabs. So aside from buying a Toyota and getting attractive rebates (up to RM7,000 depending on model) one can win a lot of stuff too.

Offers & Promotions: Volkswagen Autofiesta this weekend - 7th and 8th October 2017 - Deals at All Volkswagen Dealerships Nationwide

To those interested in Volkswagen cars... Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is pleased to announce a promotion filled weekend of great deals and offers at all authorized dealers nationwide. The "Volkswagen Autofiesta" will take place on the 7th and 8th October of 2017 to celebrate amazing low interest rates deals on the Vento, Jetta and Passat. 

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has invested over RM1 Billion to date in Malaysia - Announcement of 3rd Quarter 2017 Performance Results, Mercedes-Benz EEV cars and other Details

We were at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) Pekan Plant for the company's 3rd Quarter 2017 performance report as well as be further informed on the developments of the company here in Malaysia and to tour the current assembly of Mercedes-Benz hybrid vehicles, namely the C350e and the E350e plug-in hybrids. During the briefing, MBM has announced that the company had already made an investment totalling MYR 1 billion here in Malaysia. 

Tyres: CONTINENTAL launches the MaxContact MC6 - Short Update

Update: 9th October 2017 - Head over here for the full review, a video on the wet braking test and press release details.
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Continental Tyre has just launched the MaxContact MC6 tyre here in Malaysia. It will be replacing the popular MaxContact MC5 and it is another installment in Continental's 6th generation tyre lineup. The tyre is designed and engineered with the Asia Pacific region in question and is actually locally produced in Malaysia (as well as in China for certain sizes and 20inches above over in Europe).