ENJOY INSTANT CASH DISCOUNTS WITH SHELL HELIX MOTOR OILS THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Hello folks. I apologise for not posting anything over the past few days. I've been a tad lethargic this Fasting month. Anyways, Shell is offering all Malaysian car lovers the opportunity to enjoy the superior cleansing features of its Shell Helix range of synthetic motor oils for cars. Shell Helix’s consumer promotion is offering instant cash rebates, inclusive of GST.

Drivers will enjoy a RM30 discount with every purchase of Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology fully synthetic motor oil, and RM20 discount for Shell Helix HX 7 synthetic technology motor oil. The special cash discount promotion is valid until the end of July 2015. Drivers can enjoy the promotion at participating Shell petrol stations, workshops and spare part shops nationwide whilst stocks last.

Limited Edition Hyundai Elantra FL 1.6 Sport launched

Hyundai Sime Darby has decided to come up with a 999 unit limited run 1.6 Sport Edition of the recently facelifted Hyundai Elantra for Malaysia. They've taken the base Elantra FL 1.6 Elegance and added some make-up - a full bodykit, twin tail pipes, stickers and an upgraded infotainment system with a 6.2inch screen inside (instead of the normal audio system). It will be available in two colours - Creamy White and Phantom Black that would also come with the sticker/decal design that incorporates a barcode and a serial number that runs from 001 to 999 representing each model. 

News: 2016 SHELL ADVANCE ASIA TALENT CUP REGISTRATION OPENS ON JULY 1

Not really into motorcycles, but I've decided to run this piece in order to help out Shell in finding new talents for the upcoming 2016 Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup. 

2016 SHELL ADVANCE ASIA TALENT CUP REGISTRATION OPENS ON JULY 1
Opportunity for talented young riders to enter competitive road racing

Modern Classic Driven: 1992 Mercedes Benz 300SL-24

The 1970s and 1980s were a period where automobile development reached a certain peak. It was when manufacturers perfected the basic monocoque chassis based on the technology at that point of time. It was a pinnacle of sorts as we see manufacturers keeping the same model chassis for decades instead of the current practice of a new platform every five to seven years like most do today. We had cars like the Lancia Delta, born in 1979 and carrying on until 1995.

We had various generations of Volkswagen Golf Mk1 and Mk2 going on sale for over ten years concurrently in the 1980s and we had those Mercedes Benz cars like the W124 E-Class, the W126 S-class, the R107 SL-class and the R129 SL-class that came after the R107. These cars were deemed by their makers to be able to be in production for over a decade in terms of chassis design and only with changes to engines and equipment (to keep up with the times and electronic technology basically). It was a period of some stability in terms of automotive technology and it showed in the cars at the time.

News: you get to test drive Volkswagen cars at Jakel Mall every weekend of Ramadhan

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 26 – In conjunction with the upcoming Aidilfitri, Volkswagen Malaysia is offering test drives to visitors of Jakel Mall every weekend of Ramadhan. So, if you are visiting the mall, remember to drop by and experience any of the Volkswagen models such as the Polo, Polo Sedan, Jetta and Golf R. 

Truck News: Volvo Trucks releases five new features for rough terrain

Volvo Trucks releases five new features for rough terrain

Volvo Trucks continues to improve productivity within construction by releasing another five new features, including Volvo Dynamic Steering for dual front axles and increased front axle loads. This further highlights Volvo Trucks’ special attention to the construction segment. 

Volvo Dynamic Steering reduces vibration and filters out bumps penetrating from the 

road surface to the steering wheel. Steering becomes smoother and lighter, making 

things easier for the driver and reducing the risk of work-related injuries to the neck, 

shoulders and back.

TRUCK & BUS NEWS: SCANIA SOUTHEAST ASIA APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR

Press release

MARIE SJÖDIN ENSTRÖM APPOINTED AS THE NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SCANIA SOUTHEAST ASIA

Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, 1 July – Scania CV AB has appointed the experienced Marie Sjödin Enström as the new Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY BY DOING SIMPLE CHECKS ON YOUR CAR - BROUGHT TO YOU BY HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES

Before starting on that trip to ‘balik kampung’ or even to the nearby supermarket, you can save 

yourself hefty repair bills or inconvenient breakdowns by doing routine and simple checks on your 

car’s health status. 

Car maintenance tips

Can you remember when you last sent your car for a scheduled service? Not many people can.

Whilst regular servicing of your car is important, there are also some simple checks that you can do to

ensure your car is in good condition before you hit the road:

All New A4 - really? Comparo Photos

2008 A4 B8

2016 A4 B9

All-new B9 Audi A4 previewed

The all-new 2016 Audi A4 has been previewed. The fifth generation A4 B9 series looks like a major facelifted B8 model rather than look like something totally new in every aspect. I suppose this is a major way of telling people that if isn't broke, Audi is not going to fix it.

Spotted for Sale: 1997 Audi A6 - Is the salesman trying to sell the car or what?????

This ad for a 1997 Audi A6 is really hillarious. 

Seller Says

 

News: Volkswagen Malaysia has just kicked their roadshow at malls in the Klang Valley

Hello folks. Volkswagen Malaysia has just kicked off their roadshow at malls in the Klang Valley in order for the public to get in touch with the brand.  

Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the recently launched limited edition Volkswagen Beetle Bug and other models too.

The All New Alfa Romeo Giulia...and the falling Ringgit

Alfa Romeo has just launched the Giulia. It looks like a cross between something German and a  Lexus RC-F matched to a wonderful looking slant eyed front end. The German I am mentioning is the BMW 3 Series as if you took a look at the C pillar/rear doors, that BMW-ish Hoffmeister kink is there. I think it does look all angry and all. Like how an Alfa should be. But I think it could look a little more adventurous than what it is today.

News: SHELL ADVANCE ORGANISES HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO HELP MALAYSIAN ASIA TALENT CUP RIDERS

Start 'em young they say......

PRESS RELEASE
SHELL ADVANCE ORGANISES HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO HELP MALAYSIAN ASIA TALENT CUP RIDERS

Kuala Lumpur, June 25, 2015  – As part of a holistic approach to help the young Malaysian riders taking part in the 2015 Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup (“SAATC”), Shell Advance recently organised a special 3-day 2-night Rider Development Programme at Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort.

News: Hari Raya With Chevrolet Sales and Balik Kampung Service Campaign

Chevrolet Malaysia is offering a range of packages for selected models during this Hari Raya period. Take for example the 7 seater Chevrolet Malibu 1.8l you see pictured above. 0% downpayment, free insurance and road tax (for the first year), a cash rebate, a free petrol voucher and a free shopping voucher. This Chevy Malibu is something different from the usual crop of MPVs yes? This is the Sales campaing that is ongoing till the 31st of July 2015.

Race Tech: BMW Z4 GT3 for Alessandro Zanardi, Timo Glock, Bruno Spengler, 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps – Technical modifications in detail:

Brilliant and innovative. This is what the people over at BMW Motorsport are. Some of you may be aware that BMW Motorsport's works driver (and two time CART Champion)  Alessandro (Alex) Zanardi is a double leg amputee A crash in 2001 resulted in the amputation of his legs. He returned to racing less than two years after the accident to wide acclaim. Mainly in the WTCC or world touring car racing. But endurance racing is a whole different ball game. He has to share the cockpit of the BMW Z4 GT3 with ex-F1 driver Timo Glock and Bruno Spengler for the official test of the car for the 24 hours Spa Francorchamps race.

Volvo Malaysia calls all Volvo aftermarket professionals to participate in VISTA World Championship 2015-2016

Volvo Trucks Malaysia yesterday kicked off its largest global competition for aftermarket personnel, the Volvo International Service Training Award (VISTA) in the presence of its employees at its headquarters in Shah Alam.

VEHICLE SAFETY: VOLKSWAGEN MALAYSIA CONTRIBUTES 200 CHILD CAR SEATS FOR TRAINING

Volkswagen Malaysia is collaborating with the Association of Registered Childcare Providers Malaysia (PPBM) to raise awareness on child passenger safety. Launched December last year, the campaign aims to educate approximately 28,000 parents on the importance of using proper child car seats.

PRESS RELEASE
VOLKSWAGEN MALAYSIA CONTRIBUTES 200 CHILD CAR SEATS FOR TRAINING

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 JUNE 2015 – Volkswagen is collaborating with the Association of Registered Childcare Providers Malaysia (PPBM) to raise awareness on child passenger safety. Launched December last year, the campaign aims to educate approximately 28,000 parents on the importance of using proper child car seats.

OVER 400 PARTICIPANTS TURN UP AT THE SCANIA DRIVER COMPETITION TO TEST THEIR TRUCK DRIVING SKILLS

An unexpected number of people turned up at the Scania Driver Competition–MIBTC Edition (SDC-ME) that was held in conjunction with the recent Malaysia International Bus, Truck and Components Expo 2015. 

Sunday Car Porn: The Lancia Delta Integrale and all of its scoops, vents and grilles.

Six Constructor's Championships, four Driver's Championships. This is what the Lancia Delta HF Integrale Group A Rally car had achieved in the late 1980s and the early 1990s. That six title record still stands to this day.  It was unbeatable even against much newer cars like the then new ST185 Toyota Celica (1989-1993), the Sierra RS Cosworth (1990-1993)and the Ford Escort Cosworth (1992-1996). When you state the fact that the Delta Integrale actually first appeared in 1979 it is why the Delta HF will forever hold a place in my heart as one of the giants of fast road and rally cars. 

The Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.2 SD4 Ground Effect Edition by Project Kahn

The 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport has not been launched in Malaysia as yet but I think that the small SUV will be popular with people here. Supposedly due here at the end of 2015,  It is the entry level lifestyle Land Rover (not including the rugged Defender) and promotes practicality over style unlike the Range Rover Evoque which is vice versa. Both are entry level but different. The Disco Sport has more space at the rear too compared to the 5 door Evoque. Again, practicality over style.

TEST DRIVE: 2015 Ford Mondeo 2.0L GTDi EcoBoost - A great drive underneath layers of refinement

I have been swamped with things recently. Aside from trying to get a business venture off the ground, the usual work related activities and the usual family matters there have been an onslaught of automotive related events over the past few weeks here in and around the Klang Valley.  A heck of a lot of automotive related companies has decided to make sure their product is launched, made aware of or previewed before the fasting month of Ramadan. 

News: MY E.G launches automotive portal for buying and selling cars

It seems that My E.G, the e-Government services provider has launched an automotive portal www.mymotor.my which offers an integrated online solution towards vehicle ownership. According to MyMotor, one can search their classified, ask for a quote on a vehicle and buy it using MyMotor.  I suppose this is possible because they do offer JPJ services like road tax and insurance renewals (as an example). So technically one could buy a car through this website without even viewing the actual vehicle. You shouldn't. But you could.

For this Ramadhan or fasting month, the first 50 cars successfully purchased through MyMotor will receive RM3,000 cashback subject to approved vehicle financing. Promotion is valid until the end of Ramadhan or for the first 50 cars sold, whichever comes first.

TRIPDA promotes carpooling this college and university semester break

Tripda is an online carpooling platform that connects drivers and passengers heading the same way. They are encouraging students to carpool when they return home anywhere between 19th June to July 5th, 2015 for their college and university semester break. College and university semester breaks are among the travel peak seasons in Malaysia apart from the school holidays and festive seasons, with more than 1 million students returning home for their break or taking road trips around Malaysia as well as abroad (- this explains the slightly expensive airfare prices for this coming weekend when I last checked). 

Don't you just like using file photos? Everyone looks sooooo happy.....but yes! Carpool....save your money in order to get that nice car later on...

All-new Hyundai Genesis achieves global sales targets sooner than anticipated

Slightly intriguing news, this is. Hyundai's all-new Genesis premium sedan has been making waves. This second generation Hyundai Genesis has achieved its sales target 10 months sooner than the previous model and 100,000 of it has been sold since its launch in November 2013, which is just 18 months ago. 

The car was recent launched here in Malaysia in just a few weeks ago and is therefore a new player in the field of luxury cars sold in Malaysia. It has to be quite good as there has been some brand acceptance, especially in the American midsized luxury sedan category (midsized in America is actually quite big here - the Genesis is sized in between a BMW 5 series and the larger 7 Series).

Sisma auto officially opens its new Jaguar Land Rover 3S Centre in Glenmarie

Today is the day before the start of the Fasting month and the last of a slew of events that automotive manufacturers have decided to do before things actually slow down a fair bit (with the exception of some binge eating and drinking of water when it comes to breaking fast). Over the past month or so I have attended numerous launches of vehicles, products and did a few tests. In fact, there have been so many launches until I have a few articles and test drive reviews in the back burner. 

NAZA Italia launches the New Ferrari 488 GTB in Malaysia

L to R - Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman & Group CEO of NAZA World Group of Companies, Mr. Dieter Knechtel, Managing Director of Ferrari Far East,   Mr. Simon Inglefield, Head of Sales ASEAN, Ferrari Far East,  Mr. David Hector Ratnaike, Senior Vice President 2 of 4-Wheels Division, NAZA World Group of Companies

The Ferrari 488 GTB was launched to the media earlier today. The Malaysian launch actually comes just a few months after the international launch at the recent Geneva Motor Show. It actually goes to show that Malaysia is actually an important market for the Prancing Horse.

Proton and Suzuki signed a MoU - What do you think the new JV model could be based on? I think its a.......

DRB-Hicom, Proton Holdings Bhd and Suzuki Motor Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding which may pave the way for the production of motor vehicles, whether by means of a collaboration, rebadging or the usage of engine and transmission drivetrains between Proton and Suzuki.

Suzy Celerio...THIS...could be the JV car I think...

As this is only an MoU, it is not actually a binding contractual agreement. MoUs are just something companies like to enter into as it makes its wishes to collaborate with one another seem stronger. But any actual Joint Venture would be more detailed and involve proper and detailed contractual agreements. Even Tun Dr Mahathir, Chairman of Proton, had stated that details of the agreement had not been worked out as yet. It will most likely involve compact and small cars from Suzuki that are currently not sold in Malaysia. The Proton plant in Tanjung Malim will be utilised for manufacturing or assembling the JV vehicles and the earliest model could be launched sometime 2016.