TRUCKS: Short Drive: The Volvo Trucks FH 440 Prime Mover With Tanker Trailer - I drive one on a Racetrack in Thailand

The Kaeng Krachan Circuit on the outskirts of Hua Hin, Thailand is a wonderful place to be driving anything. It is about 3.2km in length and has tight turns and undulations. It has nicely cambered corners, dips and crests that one can play with whilst driving on it. 

Volvo Trucks let me drive one of their prime movers on this race track. I would have liked a nice hot hatch but beggars can't be choosers. So thank you so very, very much whilst we are at it. The Volvo Truck in question was the latest Volvo FH 440 Sleeper Cab. The 440 means 440hp and about 2200nm torque from a Volvo D13A 13,000cc in-line 6 cylinder turbocharged engine. It runs the power it makes through a Volvo I-shift automated transmission unit that has 12 forward speeds. There are a heck of a lot of power and drivetrain configurations for the Volvo FH, from the 13liter 400hp engine to a 16liter 610hp /2800nm  trucker's dream machine special coupled with either the I-shift automatic, a 12 speed and a 14speed manual transmissions to play around with. 

SISMA AUTO AND QATAR AIRWAYS REWARD CUSTOMER WITH 5-STAR TRIP TO THE UK

This is the second piece of news today that also deals with lucky people. Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia's authorised dealer SISMA Auto Sdn Bhd and Qatar Airways had teamed up during a recent campaign by SISMA Auto called the SISMA Auto 'UK VIP Experience'. The grand prize was two return business class tickets on Qatar Airways’ world’s best Business Class, 5-star accommodation for 4 days 3 nights, a Land Rover Experience Drive in Solihul and a private tour of Land Rover’s manufacturing facility.

The Grand Prize winner of the SISMA Auto ‘UK VIP Experience’ promotion was property developer Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ramasamy a/l Muthusamy, who was represented by his wife Puan Sri Indra Ghandi at a simple ceremony at SISMA Auto’s Kuala Lumpur City showroom at Menara Worldwide recently.

SHELL ADVANCE CONTEST GRAND PRIZE WINNERS GET A TRIP TO CHINA AND A TRACK DAY

 Shell Advance Brand Manager Desiree Cheng (L) and Shell Associate Consumer Brand Manager Jamie Lai with the five lucky Grand Prize winners in Zhuhai

Recently, five lucky Malaysians had won the grand prizes of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup promotional contest held on the 31st of May to 30th July 2015. The lucky five won an all-expense paid trip to Zhuhai, China to catch the fourth round of the 2015 Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup (SAATC) motorcycle racing championsion which was held recently. I suppose you can consider them the extra support or cheerleaders for the seven Malaysian riders competing in that round. 

A week after the Grand Prize winners had enjoyed their trip to China, Consolation prize winners were treated to a fun day out on the tracks at the Elite PLUS Speedway Go-Kart Track at Shah Alam.  They were given an opportunity to go on laps on the 150cc MiniGP bikes (which  look absolutely tiny on some of the prize winners) or go-karts, compliments of Shell Advance.  Some of the Malaysian riders taking part in the 2015 SAATC also came for a meet-and-greet session and to train at the track. 

 Contest winners getting ready to go onto the Elite Speedway track in 150cc Mini GP bikes

Scania Driver Competitions 2014/2015 Malaysia-Singapore - Champions crowned.

Yesterday, on the 1st of October 2015, a total of 16 finalists from the bus and truck category competed in what Scania believes to be the toughest practical finals that they have organised to date in the Scania Driver Competitions. Eight truck and eight bus drivers duked it out against each other in their respective categories in the Scania Driver Competitions 2014/2015 Malaysia-Singapore and as in any competition, there can be only one winner (for each category of course).

Mr. Saiful Nizam Abd Aziz of Bank Simpanan Nasional was the champion in the bus category whilst Mr. Abdul Aziz Amir of Shaziman Transport Sdn Bhd was crowned champion in the truck category. Each champion took home RM10,000 in cash, a championship trophy and a certificate of achievement. The companies they represented were awarded a RM5,000 worth Scania service voucher. 

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer - This is still it....

This, is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. Details of it has just been released for all to see. 

It is basically the same car we first saw in 2007. It is a facelift. In fact it is the first real facelift since the car first came out in 2007. The one they had a few years ago was some bits here and there with the same bumpers and stuff. This one you get a new front bumper with integrated DRLs (more than previously) on the outside and inside you get a very, very, very, very, oh you get my point slightly redesigned center console with an upgraded infotainment system. The rear of the car seems to have remained the same...bumper and all.

Hyundai Tucson and Sonata Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards

In one of the American automotive industry’s most rigorous tests of vehicle safety, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and 2016 Hyundai Sonata earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. This is the first time Tucson, which received a significant redesign for the 2016 model year, has received the highest honor from IIHS.

Spotted for Sale: 2010 Toyota Vios 1.5(m) Turbo - No joke

I don't really like writing about the Toyota Vios. It isn't because it is ugly like a Nissan Almera or a half baked effort like the Proton Iriz. It's just a car which is so darn common and every uncle, auntie, grandpa, grandma, fresh grad, college student, ah soh and soh hais actually drive it on a daily basis. Especially the soh hais. These are those that think that the Vios is an AE 86 and they tailgate, beam and overtake on the left like nobody's business.

Being typical Toyota, it attracts Malaysians who seem to think of resale value over anything else when they want to buy a car. And because of this a Toyota is always on top of their list. For anyone selling Toyotas, it is like setting on the auto-pilot. Everything is quite straightforward. But today this used Toyota Vios caught my eye over in mudah.my.

Volkswagen Roadshow over at One Utama and The Curve from October 1-4

The Volkswagen crew are hard at work pushing the brand over here in Malaysia. These dedicated bunch of people will be hitting the One Utama and The Curve shopping malls again this October 2015 with their range of Volkswagen vehicles. From 1 to 4 October, the German automotive brand will be at The Curve and One Utama from 10.00am to 10.00pm. 

Kenanga Investment Bank's KenTrade Trading Challenge II - Volkswagen as grand prize sponsor

I was over at the Curve yesterday where the KenTrade Trading Challenge II by Kenanga (“KenTrade Trading Challenge”)was officially launched.  This is Kenanga's effort to continuously create awareness and education on share trading and the market. So why am I at an Investment bank event? Well, a Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI is the grand prize for the challenge winner this time around. 

I managed to squeeze in a question to the people at Volkswagen at the event as regards the 'Dieselgate' issue over in the United States and the change of leadership arising out of this in Europe. They don't really have much to say as Volkswagen Malaysia sells mainly petrol powered vehicles and the issue is on its diesel powered vehicles. There is not much to be said except that whatever Volkswagen Group over in Europe says is what their stand is over here. It makes sense when the issue in question is pretty much irrelevant here. 

Volkswagen's Dieselgate also affects Audi - So much for 'Truth in Engineering'

The Volkswagen 'dieselgate' crisis has is not limited to just Volkswagen. Audi, who are part of the group has now admitted that 2.1million of their diesel cars use the same emissions decreasing software that lowers the NOx ratings when the cars detect that they are being tested for emissions. Out of the 2.1million cars, Audi claims that only 13,000 of the cars were sold in America and the rest were sold in Europe. This is really shitty news. You can read it in Reuters too if you think that we're just making things up.

This actually could be part of what Volkswagen had already admitted, i.e, that 11 million VW Group diesels are affected by the scandal (especially the Euro 5 EA189 turbodiesel engine). Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen and Audi use this engine and have confirmed that their cars are affected. All we can now see is the shares for these companies tank a little. However, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche have denied that they use such defeat tech on their engines. I suppose this is quite obvious as their production numbers are small, they adhere to a stricter set of rules and they don't use tiny four cylinder engines. But we never know.

The special Jaguar F-Type Project 7 will make an appearance at the Asia Klasika Motor Festival 2015

If you're into fast Jaguars keep this coming weekend (October 2nd-4th, 2015) free. The limited edition Jaguar F-Type Project 7 will make an appearance at the upcoming Asia Klasika Motor Festival 2015 at the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside. This also marks its first ever appearance in Malaysia.

2016 Mini Clubman - A Mini 5 Door Station Wagon in not so many words

The new Mini Clubman has recently been previewed and launched. I think this is a useful Mini Clubman or Mini Shooting Brake (or Wagon) compared to the earlier one which I was first familiar with - the one with the one rear door located at the right side of the car. It wasn't an issue if it were left-hand drive but if the car were in right-hand drive form, it would meant that the people at the rear would also step out into traffic unlike the the left hand driver cars' rear passengers would alight onto the sidewalk.  I didn't quite fancy it. Imagine your toddler exiting the car on that not very safe side of the road if you drive a right hand drive Clubman. This 2016 Clubman has fixed it all by offering proper doors at the rear. You got to thank the normal Mini 5 door for this.

TRUCK NEWS: Full Range of the UD Quester introduced to customers from ASEAN Countries

This bit of news pertaining to UD Trucks is for truckers based in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines rather than for Malaysia (or Singapore) directly - Japanese truck maker UD Trucks, which is wholly owned by Volvo Group, has introduced the full line of its UD Quester heavy-duty truck range for the ASEAN market (there would be something similar for Malaysian UD trucks shortly). 

To commemorate the release of all models in the range, some 780 customers from countries spanning Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines were invited to an exclusive test drive event. This was held from 22 to 26 September at the Kaeng Krachan Circuit, just off the Thai City of Hua Hin. A circuit that is now familiar to me.

Short Drive: The Jaguar XJL 2.0 Ti - If I somehow became CEO of a public listed company, this is what I'd want

I have been a little bit busy enjoying life with my family over this past week. If it's one thing for sure it is with family. So I have decided not to post anything over the past few days and just spend some quality time with them, as well as doing the other things that I like to do in life. I have mentioned before, it isn't just about motoring that interests me. I have pursuits in various other grown men stuff. But do note that it is all about quality of some sort.

I have a certain belief these days. The belief is simple that one should invest in a little quality most of the time in order to lead a fairly fabulous life. The simple motto one should follow is – Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. And so with quality, there is a price to pay for it. But sometimes, you can get a bit lucky as there are versions of quality that would not break the bank.

Volkswagen Malaysia's sales offers for the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and CC

If you plan on buying a Volkswagen Polo Sedan, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan or CC now's the time. September's promotion for the cars mentioned above includes Cash rebates start from RM9,000 and go up to RM25,000 for each of the respective models. There is also zero instalments for 12 months package. This applies to customers who purchase under the 7 year loan package. Terms and conditions apply obviously.

Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific FuelWatch Challenge 2015 - Mr Nor Rahmat (Malaysian Champion), Prifaria Sdn Bhd & the Malaysian Press Release

Ms. Marriott about to drive...and win the Asia Pacific FuelWatch Challenge 2015

The Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 was held in Hua Hin, Thailand from 15th to 18th September 2015. Following an inspiring performance, Ms. Louise Marriott from New Zealand was announced the most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road category. Ms. Marriott became the first female driver in the competition’s history to achieve a podium finish at the event.

INDUSTRY NEWS: METALEX 2015 - ASEAN's largest metal working exhibition Press Conference and Panel Discussion

(From L to R) Ms Sirirat Sungvichai, Project Manager, Reed Tradex Company, Dato’ Ir. Haji Noor Azmi Bin Jaafar, Executive Director, Dellyod Venture Berhad, Mr Somkiat Chupukcharoen, President, Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association, Mr John Lee, Chairman of International Business Committee, Federation of Malaysia Manufacturers, H.E Mr Damrong Kraikruan, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, Mr Ir A. K Woo, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer Council Member, Dr. Yeoh Oon Tean, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer. 


Today I attended a press conference held at the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers which saw the attendance of HE Mr. Damrong Kraikruan Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia. The purpose of the event was the promotion of METALEX 2015 which is to be held in Bangkok on the 18th to the 21st of November 2015. METALEX 2015 is  ASEAN’s largest Metal working exhibition is among the most prominent exhibition that offers updated technology and networking and sourcing opportunities. Coincidently, I had just returned from Thailand and I get to attend something to do with Thailand again. 

Volkswagen Group CEO shown the door due to US diesel emissions testing debacle

The Volkswagen diesel debacle in the US has hit Volkswagen group hard. Shares have dropped by a whole lot and the market value is now down by a third in just two trading days. And we thought the drop in the Ringgit was bad.

The story is simple. News broke that Volkswagen cheated in its diesel emissions tests in the United States where the pollution controls will only come into full swing when it detects the car is being tested for emissions. If one drives a Volkswagen model fitted with this software, chances are the car is actually between ten to forty times more polluting than when it is tested. Discrepancies relate to vehicles with Type EA 189 engines, involving some 11 million vehicles worldwide and there could be fines in the US hitting billions of US Dollars. In fact Volkswagen have set aside USD$7.27billion to cover any contingencies that may arise from this incident. And you thought RM2.6billion was bad.

MG3 Hatchback in Thailand

Today will be a short one. The now China owned MG brand cars are being sold in Thailand. According to the sales people it is hard to sell over there. The car in the photographs is the MG3 hatchback 1.5. It costs somewhere in the region of RM55,000+-. Quite good value and if you think about it, this is the about the same price as the Great Wall Haval M4 or a Perodua Myvi.

History made at the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 - A Motoring-Malaysia Report

I was over in Hua Hin, in Thailand to witness some history being made in the Asia Pacific trucking scene. The Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 saw Ms. Louise Marriott became the first female driver and New Zealander to be named Asia Pacific’s most fuel-efficient driver. This was the first time Volvo Trucks has included women participation, four women, representing the expanding number of female drivers within the Fuelwatch community and the industry-at-large. 

Volkswagen crowned world rally champions* for third time & some stuff about the Volkswagen Polo R WRC

I was a little bit busy travelling around Malaysia and Thailand to write over the past couple of weeks. Last week, Volkswagen made a successful title defence by wining the Manufacturers, Drivers and Co-drivers competitions in the FIA World Rally Championships with a one-two over at the Rally Australia.

The winner was Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) and the Volkswagen Polo R WRC were crowned world champions. This marks he third time in a row that Volkswagen have won all titles for the FIA WRC. The Drivers', Co-Drivers' and Manufacturers' competitions were settled in just three quarters of the way into the season – earlier than any manufacturer before them in the history of the World Rally Championship. Jari-Matti Latvala (the chap that drove me round a circuit in Setia Alam just a few weeks ago) /Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) finished runner-up and Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene fourth to complete a fantastic result for Volkswagen Down Under. They currently lie second and third overall with three rallies remaining.

Another reason Why the availability of Euro 5 diesel is good for Malaysians

Too tired to write something long today. Just finished dinner, fittung for a sports jacket, driving a Volvo FH Prime Mover, archery, paintball target practice and a ride on a ATV. Not necessarily in that order but you get my point.

Trucking: Volvo FH16 XL 610 at the Hilton in Hua Hin

We don't get many 610 stock from the factory horsepower here in Malaysia or even in Thailand. Usually Volvo Trucks run 400-520 hp.

Couple this figure with at least 2000nm of torque and it could pull the moon. This, is the Volvo FH16 XL.

Volkswagen and Kenanga Investment Bank promotes KenTrade Trading Challenge

The KenTrade Trading Challenge reaffirms Kenanga Investment Bank’s efforts to create awareness and educate Malaysians on share trading and the equity market. The challenge is endorsed by Bursa Malaysia and supported by Volkswagen Malaysia and Berjaya RadioShack Sdn. Bhd

Something from WWII still very relevant today

You'd think the rules of economy and efficiency have changed much over the years have you? No, not really. The automobile is still basically in its current state with the exception of having more electronics than the chap who did the first space flight in the 1950s.

 Tyres have gotten better but only slightly. From bias ply to full steel carbon fiber belted radials. But the same basic rules apply. Over fifty years ago as you can see from this British MoD poster.

TOC Automotive College's Car Maintenance 101 Course - A review

I was invited last Saturday by the good people over at TOC (The Otomotif College), Automotive College in Petaling Jaya to participate in their short course called Car Maintenance 101. Now this half day course is basically a beginner's guide towards how one can keep a car in good nick, make basic repairs, give basic driving tips and safety pointers to its participants.

Smart ForTwo becomes a Smart Limo with six wheels...Errr

So much for being a compact personal transport. Limouzine.de will be showcasing this limousine conversion for the Smart ForTwo. It is now the Smart MadeForSix. From less than 3 meters long it is now over 5.5meters in length. It has gull wing doors too. And somehow I think you would need more parking space than before when you go out in one of these. Of course, that problem is now the chauffeur's problem. 

Leaked photos of the 2016 USDM Honda Civic

Someone has leaked photos of the upcoming 2016 USDM model Honda Civic. USDM means United States Domestic Market. What we know is that the car is usually slightly different from global specced or JDM specced cars. Slightly different front and rear lights and bumpers too. 

Test Drive Review: Great Wall Haval M4 AMT (NOW Called the Haval H1) - The most affordable mini SUV in Malaysia now shifts gears by itself

I was recently invited over to Gurun, Kedah by Go Auto to take a look at their automobile assembly facility and to test drive the Great Wall Motors Haval M4 AMT which they distribute (Now called the HAVAL H1). If you folks remember, I managed to spend some time with a Manual transmission M4 in October of 2014 and came away pretty impressed with it.

What Euro 4 petrol and Euro 5 diesel grades really do for you aside from saving the planet

After some thought I will now discuss a little bit about what is really and truly good about the fact that Euro 5 diesel and Euro 4 petrol for RON97 is now on sale in Malaysia. By the way, the cleanest RON95 could very well be from BHPetrol or BHP, which is at the very least Euro 3. So what does this mean for us motor vehicle users actually? 

Sulphur is naturally present in crude oil and usually oil companies process the sulphur out of the oil during refinery process. The extent to which sulphur is removed during the refining process will is partly what makes it Euro 1,2,3,4,5,6 or whatever number compliant. Euro4 now means 50 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur instead 500ppm for Euro 2.

Trucking News: Top drivers in the region compete for first place at the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2

Volvo Trucks, a global leader in sustainable transport solutions, will hold its annual Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 Final from 16-17 September 2015 in Hua Hin, Thailand. The competition will see 17 top drivers from 10 countries in Asia Pacific region contend to be the region’s most fuel-efficient driver. b. The 2015 edition’s cohort of contenders includes four female drivers, and is a testament to the growing number of women within the Fuelwatch community.  The grand final will see country representatives of the Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge in the region compete against one another in terms of fuel-efficient driving as well as general vehicle handling, safety methods and overall productivity in on-road and off-road segments. Participants will hone their driving skills, industry knowledge and technological expertise through training sessions and all of this know how will culminate in the grand final on 17 September, where the most fuel-efficient driver will win an opportunity to be immersed in a personalised Volvo experience. Malaysia is represented by Mr Nor Rahmat Bin Abd Talib from Prifaria Sdn Bhd, of Prai (pictured below, the chap in the middle). He defeated 17 other semi-finalists and now represents the Malaysian challenge this time around. Good luck Mr. Nor Rahmat! PRESS RELEASE

[10 SEPTEMBER 2015, SINGAPORE] Volvo Trucks, a global leader in sustainable transport solutions, will hold its annual Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 Final from 16-17 September 2015 in the Thai city of Hua Hin. The competition will see 17 top drivers from 10 countries in Asia Pacific contend to be the region’s most fuel-efficient driver. The 2015 edition’s cohort of contenders includes four female drivers, and is a testament to the growing number of women within the Fuelwatch community.

Over the two days, participants will hone their driving skills, industry knowledge and technological expertise through training sessions. This will culminate in the grand final on 17 September, where the most fuel-efficient driver will win an opportunity to be immersed in a personalised Volvo experience.

Volvo Trucks is committed to championing fuel efficiency as a means to effect positive and tangible change, from individual drivers to customers, businesses, society at large and the natural environment. Since its inauguration in 2007 in South Korea, the Fuelwatch Challenge has offered more than 15,000 participants across the region an accessible platform to pick up fuel-efficient driving skills and best practices. The competition is recognised today as a standard bearer in fuel efficiency and driver competency.

Christophe Martin, President of Volvo Trucks in Asia Oceania, noted: “We are very excited to hold the 2015 edition of the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge. As one of our mainstay events, it continues to attract the very best in the industry. It is also great to see more and more female drivers demonstrating their skills to optimise fuel efficiency at the highest level, and to contest for the top prize.”

“Notwithstanding the competition, the Fuelwatch Challenge wholly reflects our commitment to champion fuel efficiency in the industry. At Volvo Trucks, we believe that enhanced technical capabilities of individual drivers can complement state-of-the-art engineering and technology to optimise fuel efficiency. Participants of the Fuelwatch Challenge return home as ambassadors of fuel efficient driving, and we look forward to supporting them beyond the competition to influence positive change in their home markets”, Mr. Martin added.

Finalists that will be competing in the 2015 Volvo Trucks APAC Fuelwatch Final:

On Road final Australia Mr. Scott Chandler China Mr. Jian Zong Ms. Jie Liu Indonesia Mr. Pepen Effendi Korea Mr. Kwangjong Yu Ms. Jaeyeon Kim Malaysia Mr. Nor Rahmat Abd.Talib New Zealand Mr. Phil Thomas Ms. Louise Marriott Singapore Mr. Jee Ben Soh Taiwan Mr. Tsu-Wen Cheng Thailand Mr. Suthep Pakkruk Ms. Rotsukhon Krokruam

Off Road final

India Mr. Ravi Poleboina Indonesia Mr. Johan Sampe Toding Korea Mr. Donghyuk Nam Singapore Mr. Thomas Sek

2016 Renault Megane revealed. Looks good. Can't wait for a RenaultSport version.

The 2016 Renault Megane has been revealed ahead of its official preview at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. It looks good. It is larger. The wheelbase is longer by 28mm and it is also wider as well as longer in body length too. Good news for us car enthusiasts is that the car is 25mm lower. Now why would that be good news then?

Made in China Super Slow Electric Car Called the Yogomo 330 - RM18,000+ ...Can't we get one of these too?

This is not a Kia Picanto. It is a Yogomo 330. This was highlighted by a friend of mine who travels to China often. We are all mostly aware that China's automobile manufacturers clone every other manufacturer's vehicles all of the time. Some are ridiculous copies, some have the front of one make and the rear of another. And then there are those like these - near copies, like the recent Landwind Range Rover Evoque clone. 

This one differs in one aspect. It is fully electric. It has a range of 160kilometers and get this, a maximum speed of 60kmh. Wow. Yes, 60kmh. Try driving that in Kuala Lumpur especially on the NKVE. But at least this looks like a proper car. Even the quad bike-like Renault Twizy can cross 80kmh. So this is purely an electric city car.

Spotted for Sale: 1990 Wine Red Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 - The original Godzilla

Welcome to another round of 'Spotted for Sale', where we troll the want-ads on mudah.my for something worthy of petrolheads to buy or dream of. This time its another classic. It's the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, the first of the all-wheel drive Skyline GT-R that all JDM lovers go weak in the knees for. A 1990 vintage, and recently brought into Malaysia from Japan. This is one among 6 or so R32 Skyline GT-R that are currently on sale in the Klang Valley ranging from RM118,000 to RM150,000. Oh, prices stated are not inclusive the 6% GST. Ho Ho Ho.