Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Isuzu Malaysia Marks The Launch of The Newly Launched Isuzu GIGA Cement Mixer Truck With a Handover Ceremony to Hamzah Ibir Sdn Bhd


Isuzu Malaysia marked the local launch of their new Isuzu GIGA cement mixer truck recently with a small ceremony over on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The commercial vehicle manufacturer delivered two units of the newly launched Isuzu GIGA FXZ360 (Cement Mixer Truck), to Hamzah Ibir Sdn Bhd, a Terengganu-based construction company. The two specialised trucks were procured from Isuzu Malaysia authorised dealers Dynamic Motors Sdn Bhd, located in Kuantan, Pahang.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Upcoming Event: You are Invited to the Renault Weekend Party at the Flagship Renault Showroom, Petaling Jaya - 3 & 4 March 2018

In conjunction with Chinese New Year (which now seems to be like Hari Raya Puasa where it is celebrated for a whole month - or close to a month),  the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia, TC Euro Cars (TCEC), is organising a party at the flagship Renault showroom in Petaling Jaya over the weekend of 3-4 March 2018. This month long celebration seems like the right thing to do!

Naza Corporation Holdings and Groupe PSA Enter Into A JV Agreement - PSA Officially Enters Into Vehicle Production in ASEAN



Naza Corporation Holdings and Groupe PSA (better known as the people who manufacture Peugeot and Citroen) yesterday announced the signing of a share sale agreement and a joint venture agreement between them. The JV officially establishes future shared operations of the Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant in Gurun, Kedah. This makes the plant the first manufacturing hub in ASEAN for Groupe PSA. 

Monday, February 26, 2018

NZ Wheels Officially Opens the Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus After a RM6 Million Revamp


NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus has been upgraded. The Mercedes-Benz outlet in Klang is now a full fledged 3S centre based on Mercedes-Benz's latest Corporate Identity and it is in line with the premium brand's current approach to ensure a fabulous customer experience in all aspects. The new RM6 million centre will also place a strong emphasis on aftersales as it also features the first standalone Mercedes-Benz Proven Exclusivity centre for pre-owned Mercedes-Benz cars. 

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Test Drive: 2017-2018 Hyundai Elantra Executive 2.0 - First Review of 2018!!!


The honour of being the first written review in Motoring Malaysia falls to...the 2017/2018 Malaysian variant of the Hyundai Elantra Executive 2.0 sedan. These days, in the age where video reviews are picking up the need for a written review is still there. Of course, sometimes, when we only have two hands, multiple car launches, events, holidays and more distractions (like Yours Truly trying to make more talking head videos) have taken its toll - I got my hands on the car about the same time as the Hyundai Elantra Sport review which I did on YouTube!!! 

Saturday, February 24, 2018

According to a Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Survey, Only One Percent of Women Drivers Can Troubleshoot Car Breakdowns Without Assistance - Especially Battery Failure

I have been informed that by the people at Bosch Automotive Aftermarket that they recently conducted a survey which reveals that only one percent of women indicated that they are able to troubleshoot their vehicles when they experience a breakdown. When it comes to the opposite sex,  48 48 percent of men can troubleshoot their vehicle problems. Even for simple things like car battery failure. This is somehow not surprising. Nor is it a sexist remark. Why? because it was concluded after the results of a survey and not plucked out of thin air. 

Friday, February 23, 2018

Shell Launches The FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 in Sarawak - Bintulu Gets It First Followed by Miri, Kuching & Sibu Next

Shell Malaysia has announced that Diesel vehicle owners in Sarawak will finally be getting Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5. It will be made available in stages in major cities in Sarawak and for now it is available at stations in Bintulu. Shell stations in Miri, Kuching, and Sibu will also be providing this better quality diesel in due course.

BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion at KLCC - Featuring the BMW Concept 8 Series (with short Video) - On till 7th March 2018


BMW Malaysia had opened the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion in Malaysia. This is the premium brand's new expression and brand presence show space which you can experienced how luxury is perceived by BMW. The BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion is like a luxurious roadshow cum pop-up store which is ongoing from Thursday, 22nd February 2018 to Wednesday, 7th March 2018. There it will showcase new brand presence and fascination for its luxury segment vehicles for the very first time in Malaysia. It will also display for the first time in South East Asia the BMW Concept 8 series. Yes, we are the first in the region to view what the upcoming flagship BMW 8 series will look like.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Short Video On The 2017/2018 Malaysia Spec Haval H2 SUV

This is a short video on the 2017/2018 Haval H2. Just a short teaser of something we shot on the fly whilst assisting Malaysian motoring legend Y.S. Khong in his review of the car. 

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Announces Field Fix Campaign For Some 2014 to 2016 Lancer, Outlander and ASX - Owners Should Bring Their Cars In For Part Replacement


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, has announced that owners of the Mitsubishi Lancer and Outlander, imported from Japan and the locally-assembled ASX which were made during specific periods from 2014 to 2016 come in and get their engine control relay of their vehicles replaced. According to MMM, the affected cars number around 5,000 units.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

The New Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 Will Be Launched Soon - March, Maybe, From The Looks Of It!!!

It looks like Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is going to launch the new, facelifted 2018 Volkswagen Golf Mk. 7.5 here soon. Their website already has an inquiry form which you can fill up and then you can stand a chance to be the first few who will get to 'discover the new Golf family'.

Scania At The Sweden-South East Asia Business Summit 2018 - A Sustainable Transportation Mindset is a Key Driver for Future Growth.

The Sweden-Southeast Asia Business Summit (SSEABS) was recently held in Kuala Lumpur on the 6th and 7th of February 2018. It was jointly hosted by various Swedish parties based in Malaysia ranging from the Embassy of Sweden, Business Swede and the Malaysian Swedish Business Association (MASBA). There was participation from Swedish companies from various industries, ranging from service, retail and manufacturing that are present in Southeast Asia. We attended the summit on the second day as we were invited by Scania as well as the two other Swedish automakers, Volvo Group and Volvo Car.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Industry News: BMW Group Malaysia Gets A New Managing Director & CEO - Harald Hoelzl Takes Over From Han Sang Yun From March 1st 2018 Onwards


BMW Group Malaysia will have a new person at its helm. Mr. Harald Hoelzl has been tasked by BMW Group AG to take over from current Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Han Sang Yun from March 1st, 2018. As for Mr. Han, he will now take on the role as the new President of BMW Group Korea. 

Contest: Join The ' Safe with MICHELIN' Social Media Campaign This Chinese New Year And Win Air Asia E-Vouchers + Other Prizes

MICHELIN is inviting you Malaysian out there to participate in a social media campaign this Chinese New Year 2018 as part of their "Safe with MICHELIN" campaign. The campaign encourages motorists to maintain safety as top priority as they head back to their hometowns this festive season and while doing so you can win some Air-Asia E-vouchers and other prizes totaling RM7,000.00. #SafeWithMICHELIN.

Hino Motors Sales Malaysia Sells 300 Units of HINO 300 Series Trucks to GD Express, Certifies 4 of GD Express' Trucks with 1 Million KM Mileage & Announces They Are No.1 in Various Commercial Vehicle Sales Categories for 2017!!!


Hino has started 2018 with a bang. Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia), or just Hino, together with their customer, courier company GD Express Sdn Bhd (GDEX) held a small ceremony earlier today where they announced interesting news for those that are following the commercial vehicle sector. First is the sale of 300 units of their HINO 300 series trucks to GDEX, then announcing their No.1 status in the 2017 vehicle sales category for Light Commercial Vehicle, Medium to Heavy Commercial Vehicle and the bus category. Finally, they presented Certificates to GDEX recognising the reliability of four units of GDEX Hino trucks that have 1 million km mileage without the need for any engine overhaul.

PROTON Replies To The Comments By PEKEMA - More Thoughts & Opinion On It

PROTON, has decided to respond to the recent issue brought up by the people at PEKMA, short for the Bumiputera car dealers association. The group basically wants PROTON to go back to what it was before whereby PROTON need not ask their dealers to upgrade their sales centres from 1S to 3S/4S, to maintain whatever sales margins given, keep super extended credit terms like before and also not allow PROTON to ask vendors to cut their prices. Of course, even I think that this isn't the way to go. 

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Commercial Vehicles/Trucks: Isuzu Tops 2017 Commercial Vehicle Sales In Malaysia


Isuzu Malaysia had announced that they have managed to maintain their market position as the number one selling commercial vehicle brand here in Malaysia. Isuzu have held the spot for four consecutive years now and this time around, they have managed to capture 13% of the market share in the pick-up truck segment and they have also recorded a 20% increase in sales of their after-sales parts. This shows a new trend for customers to keep servicing at authorised dealership rather than going elsewhere.

BMW Malaysia collaborates with Fashion Designer Khoon Hooi for Chinese New Year 2018



BMW Malaysia has announced its collaboration with Khoon Hooi, a well known Malaysian fashion designer, in conjunction with Chinese New Year 2018. The collaboration aims to usher in the Year of the Dog and it is inspired by the craftsmanship and aesthetics of Khoon Hooi’s latest cheongsam collection. CNY@BMW, the BMW Malaysia theme this Chinese New Year, welcomes health, prosperity and good fortune as well as exciting events, promotions and offers at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide.

Opinion: Proton Sells 4,783 Units in January 2018. Good, but not Great - And the Ignorant Folks at PEKEMA Do Not Want Change....How Unwise.


PROTON has reported that it had sold or registered 4,783 units in January 2018. This is a forecasted increase in the total market share for Proton. The company basically sold 1.1 cars out of 10 cars here in Malaysia for the month of January and it is actually up from the month of December, 2017. Proton also mentioned that the Proton Saga, Persona and Exora made up 80% of their total sales. The bread and butter as well as full sized MPV was the choice of customers.

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Bridgestone ECOPIA EP150 Tyre is The Original Equipment Tyre For The All-New 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3

Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, the people who market and sell Bridgestone Tyres here in Malaysia are extremely pleased to announce that the Bridgestone ECOPIA EP150 tyre is the tyre fitted to the 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3liter variant. The Ecopia tyre is a tyre that has been engineered by the people at Bridgestone to be for the cost conscious and eco-conscious driver in mind. It can save the whales and at the same time, save some money too. 

Friday, February 09, 2018

Mitsubishi Motors and Dealer Esperance Motors Opens Their Newest 3S Centre in Sungai Buloh


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) together with their latest dealer, Esperance Motors, have opened a new 3S centre in Sungai Buloh.  The brand new 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare parts) will now enable Mitsubishi customers from the surrounding area to have an official outlet close to them thereby increasing customer access points for a better brand experience.

The Ford Ranger Raptor Was Unveiled in Thailand - Let's Hope This Rugged Beast Comes Here Real Soon!

The Raptor moniker has been used successfully by Ford for its flagship in the large F150 series of pick-up trucks. The name that is used for the most powerful F150 now makes it way to the Ford Ranger as Ford has launched the first ever Ford Ranger Raptor. The new off-road, performance pick-up truck was recently unveiled over in Thailand and everyone is talking about it. Because of that, we are talking about it too.

Thursday, February 08, 2018

The New Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177) Is Unveiled - More Grown Up with More Technology

The W177 series Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been launched. The baby Benz looks like it has grown up a little, both outside and inside. This time it seems Mercedes-Benz has stuffed it full of cutting edge technology like its bigger brothers. It also looks more luxurious and unique inside whilst the outside takes on a cleaner look to it.

Wednesday, February 07, 2018

UMW Toyota Launches Another Avanza Variant - The Toyota Avanza 1.5X



There will be a new variant of the affordable Toyota Avanza MPV here in Malaysia. Some of my friends call it the 'Babe Repeller'. This is very true as it is actually transport for mummy, daddy and children or for transporting people around affordably. Babe Magnet it ain't so UMW Toyota, the official Toyota people here in Malaysia have come up with a variant called the Toyota Avanza 1.5X. The 'X'-tra this Avanza gets is that it now gets more crossover-like treatment like its Innova X big brother.

Tuesday, February 06, 2018

What Car? Publication Names the Hyundai IONIQ as Best Hybrid at the 2018 What Car? Awards


Some Hyundai news. The Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid was recently named as the UK’s ‘Best Hybrid’, while the high-performance Hyundai  i30 N was adjudged as the ‘Best Hot Hatch for £20,000- £30,000’ at the 2018 What Car? Awards. Judged by members of the What Car? road-test and editorial team, the IONIQ Hybrid was chosen for its cost, equipment and drivability and the all-round performance capability of the i30N made it the best hot hatch at the price mentioned above. So Hyundai Sime Darby Motors, we already got the very nice to drive IONIQ, it's time to bring in this hot hatch into Malaysia...

Perodua Conquers 40% of The Total Market Share For The Month of January 2018 - Also Officially Delivers The 18,000th New Myvi To Its Owner


We are now just heading into February of 2018 and Perodua are already making waves.  Based on their internal sales estimation, the Malaysian compact car maker sold 17,693 units for the month of January 2018. This makes it to be Perodua's highest-ever monthly market share of about 40% of the total industry volume (TIV) of 43,930 units. Malaysians are embracing the brand, especially the newly launched Perodua Myvi wholeheartedly.

MINI Malaysia Comes Out With The MINI Urbanite and The MINI Amplified Limited Editions In Conjunction With The Upcoming Chinese New Year Festivities

Okay folks, MINI Malaysia recently announced that they are offering limited edition MINI hatchbacks called the MINI Urbanite and the MINI Amplified. This is in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year which is the Year of the Dog this time around. Woof, woof!! The MINI Urbanite is based on the MINI Cooper 5 door while the MINI Amplified is based on the MINI Cooper S 3 Door variant. Woof!!! Again. 

MyMotor Preview of Their Parallel Imported Toyota C-HR 1.2 Turbo - Now on YouTube Video


This is a short video recording about the MyMotor presentation on their parallel imported Toyota C-HR 1.2 Turbo - the news report is here. It has been on YouTube for a few days already. We've been so busy with lotsa stuff so we may take some time updating our various online media platforms. So subscribe to our YouTube channel folks!!!

Motoring Malaysia is Now On Instagram @motoringmalaysia - Do Follow Our Pursuits Over There, On FaceBook & On YouTube


This is a short update to inform you folks out there that we are finally on INSTAGRAM as @motoringmalaysia. We shall be posting lots of photos here and hope that you will join us over there also. Give us some Follows.

Monday, February 05, 2018

Bentley Kuala Lumpur Previews The All-New Third Generation Bentley Continental GT For The First Time In Malaysia

Last Friday marked the Malaysian preview of the all-new Bentley Continental GT. This is the third generation of the Continental GT and it ups the game even more than before. This Grand Tourer is now even more luxurious, even more sporting and a statement of modern technological luxury. This new Continental GT is estimated to be priced at RM1.9million before all the taxes and options are included. It may cost up to RM4 million with the 'correct' options. Of course, if you do walk in and ask how much....

Sunday, February 04, 2018

VW Club Malaysia Wins Goodyear Malaysia's Battle of The Clubs

Recently, Goodyear Malaysia concluded the six-month Battle of The Clubs series by naming the VW Club Malaysia The Best Car Club 2017 at the Final Show Down event. The six month long Battle of the Clubs (BOTC) started in June 2017 and VW Club Malaysia managed to come up tops after competing in all the back to back team challenges against seven other local car clubs. The club won RM5,000 worth of club funding, a trophy and exclusive Goodyear merchandise.

SISMA Auto Opens its Volvo Authorised Service Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam - Promos in Conjunction With Opening and CNY Too!


Volvo Car Malaysia's newest dealer, SISMA Auto has announced that its brand new Volvo Authorised Service Centre is now open. The service centre located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, is designed to offer the unique Volvo Retail Experience to customers, and now complements SISMA Auto's new showroom in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

BMW Malaysia To Preview The BMW Concept 8 Series At BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion On The 22nd of February



After their earlier announcement on their upcoming luxury experience event here, BMW Group Malaysia will present the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion for the very first time in Malaysia. This one of a kind fascination programme will also preview the BMW Concept 8 Series luxury coupe for the very first time in South East Asia. So come the 22nd of February, 2018, lucky Malaysians will be the first to see it outside of Europe.

Thursday, February 01, 2018

Jaguar Land Rover's Ingenium Petrol Power Engine Gains Recognition As One Of The 10 Best Engines For 2018 By WardsAuto

One of Jaguar Land Rover’s newest engine, the 250PS 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine has been recognised as one of the 10 Best Engines for 2018 by WardsAuto, the people that keep track of the automotive industry. The Ingenium engine technology was first introduced in 2015 with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with petrol engine variants entering production in April 2017.

UMW Toyota Announces Airbag Sensor Replacement Service Campaign For Toyota Corolla Altis, Lexus NX and Lexus RX Models

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the official distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, has announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to inspect and if required, replace the airbag sensor of certain units of the Toyota Corolla Altis, Lexus NX and Lexus RX (above) models which are in Malaysia. This affects cars manufactured bewteen June 2015 to January 2016 distributed and sold by UMW Toyota and Lexus Malaysia. If you are an owner, do take note of the details herein.

Porsche Asia Pacific Delivers 5,390 Cars In 2017 - An Increase of Nearly THREE Times Compared to 2016!


Porsche have done extremely well in the Porsche Asia Pacific region in 2017. The sports car company delivered three times the number of cars in 2017 compared to the previous year. 5,390 Porsche cars reached customers last year with Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam as its largest and strongest markets for 2017.

Michelin is Offering Air Asia E-Vouchers From Now Till 2nd March 2018 - The Travel Home With Michelin Promotion!

This year Michelin Malaysia is pretty generous, folks! In conjunction with this year's Chinese New Year celebrations Michelin is offering an Air Asia e-voucher worth RM88 together with an exclusive Michelin luggage tag to customers who purchase four Michelin tyres at any of their dealer outlets throughout Malaysia.