CALTEX & X-MEN: APOCALYPSE Movie promotion and lucky draw from now till 12th June 2016

Chevron Malaysia Limited, which markets Caltex Lubricants in Malaysia -  Havoline® and Delo® have launched its very first partnership with Twentieth Century Fox the the upcoming X-Men: Apocalypse movie. This is another one of those Marvel superhero movies. Highly anticipated by fans and moviegoers. This new campaign is called THE POWER OF X WITH CALTEX. 

Ford's engineers create the worst road in the world...for a good reason

Last year in the U.K.,  the Royal Automobile Club, the RAC (like our Automobile Association of Malaysia -AAM) responded to more than 25,000 pothole-related breakdowns. According to statistics this was a nearly 25 per cent increase since 2014. Poor condition and lack of maintenance of European roads are said to contribute to at least one third of all accidents every year. 

Some thoughts on technology and progress, how some jobs may be extinct because of it and the need for Malaysia and Malaysians to realise

The flower in the pic can produce rubber...imagine what would happen to our rubber industry if the process is perfected.

We are all aware of the low price of petroleum these days. This was caused by oversupply due to the United States of America suddenly becoming a net exporter of oil, the Arabs kept their production quotas high and China's economy slowing down. Oil is undoubtedly cheap these days but the surprising thing is that aside from pump prices being low, everything else is still high. I don't really see a 4 liter pack of fully synthetic engine oil suddenly being below RM100. Of course this could be down to production costs that aren't petroleum based. Again, something still has to maintain the overheads of the petroleum companies. 

More details on the upcoming MY AUTO FEST 2016

I was at the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) office yesterday for a short press conference. I had earlier mentioned that MAA will be organising a sales and promotion oriented auto exhibition called "My Auto Fest" at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) from 20 - 22 May 2016. This was the official press conference describing the event for us to help publicise.

Ford Ranger Presents: Built Ford Tough - The First video of Four

The first of Ford's Ford Ranger Presents videos is out over at their Facebook page. You can view it here.

PRESS RELEASE

Ford Ranger Presents: Built Ford Tough

New Ranger Proves its Durability in Brutal Test of Truck Bed Strength

Spotted for Sale: 2002 Nissan Sentra with ONE CAREFUL LADY OWNER...

 Now here we have a 2002 Nissan Sentra for your viewing pleasure courtesy of mudah.my, the buy-sell website that I go to when I want to dream a little. According to the advert this Sentra belongs to a 'Careful Lady Owner'. Fuiyoh!!! Do you believe in Santa Claus, totally honest Politicians or truthful advertising? 

BFGoodrich Tyres are officially back in Malaysia with the Advantage T/A Drive, T/A SUV and All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres

L-R - Mr. Putu Swaditya Yudha, Marketing Director Michelin Indonesia & Mr. Chandan Thakur, Managing Director Michelin Malaysia

BFGoodrich tyres are officially re-entering the Malaysian tyre market courtesy of Michelin Malaysia, the distributors of the tyre here. The new line-up, consisting of the new on-road BF Goodrich Advantage T/A® Drive and T/A® SUV tyres and the new off-road BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A® KO2 tyres . BFGoodrich Advantage T/A® Drive and T/A® SUV tyres are available in Malaysia in popular sizes from 13 to 18 inches starting from March 2016. While the BFGoodrich All -Terrain T/A® KO2 tyre are already available since January 2016 in sizes 15 to 18 inches. 

AmGeneral Insurance launches AutoGen Club and Opal Auto Mart Partnership

Mr Derek Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, AmGeneral Insurance Berhad (left) and Mr David Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Opal Auto Mart Sdn Bhd exchanging the documents after signing ceremony.

Recently, AmGeneral Insurance launched their AutoGen Club as well as entering into an agreement with Opal Auto Mart. 

The newly launched AutoGen Club will provide insurance solutions for AmGeneral Insurance's partners/agency members/ car dealers (new, reconditioned and used) for their customers.There is the Fast Claims Services which will enable customers to obtain their claims speedily. Other benefits for club members include Reimbursement of Internet Fees, Agency Convention to coincide with the International Motor Show, specialized Continuing Professional Development training and Enhanced Benefit for Insured with an Opal Warranty among its many privileges.

TEST DRIVE: 2015/2016 Peugeot 508 THP - The taste of something French every once in a while is good for you.

I got to try the facelifted Peugeot 508 a while ago. I was a bit too busy running around with so many things to do and test drives that it is only now that I found some time to string a few words together for this write-up. The model I got to try was the 2015/2016 Peugeot 508 THP.

A Malaysian wins a MotoGP Championship Race!!!! Congratulations Khairul Idham

Photo Source: NST

I do not write about motor bikes usually but a congratulations is in order to Mr Khairul Idham for making the nation proud. This FIRST EVER Malaysian to win a MotoGP World Championship race! The Honda Team Asia rider came first ahead of Jorge Navarro of Spain - Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 and Brad Binder of South Africa - Team Red Bull KTM. 

I am very proud of this man and I think motorsports could be another avenue for international glory for all Malaysians. Do you not think so too?

A New Hyundai 2S Spares and Service centre opens in Malacca

Premium Autoworld Sdn Bhd, an authorised Hyundai dealer has opened Malacca’s first Hyundai 2S GDSI (Global Dealership Space Identity) outlet. The 2S here means service and parts. This is in line with the opening of the first Hyundai GDSI showroom outlet back in 2014 to offer customers in Malacca (Melaka) better sales and service experience. The GDSI centre is also the the fifth in Malaysia.

Renault Fluence 'We've Got You Covered' promotion - Worry free ownership and one year free instalment

Renault distributor for Malaysia, TC Euro Cars today announced a new sales campaign on the Renault Fluence sedan aimed at providing enhanced coverage for customers in this current climate of economic uncertainty.

A documentary on the Ford Ranger will debut sometime next week on YouTube

Ford will launch sometime next week an online documentary on the Ford Ranger. Built Ford Tough, is an online documentary series from Ford that captures a team of Ford engineers in the field, punishing the new Ranger in conditions that echo what customers may experience and more.

Win Amazing prizes by participating in the 2016 Shell Advance Power On Contest!

  

New contest for you motorcyclists out there. Shell Advance, the leading motorcycle engine oil brand in Malaysia, is offering its customers the opportunity to win some amazing prizes in the latest edition of its popular annual consumer contest.

ASEAN NCAP results for the newly launched (in India, Indonesia & Thailand) Honda BR-V

The Honda BR-V is something new. It is a small sized Honda SUV that is priced below the HR-V and was developed specially for Asian markets, namely India, Indonesia and Thailand. It is powered by a 1.5liter engine and shares its base platform with the tiny city car called the Honda Brio which is sold mainly in Thailand, Indonesia and India. We do not get the Brio or the Amaze sedan version. So we most probably may never get this mini SUV. Unless Honda Malaysia can make a case out of it. 

Hyundai IONIQ Wins A 2016 Red Dot Design Award for Outstanding Vehicle Design

The newly revealed Hyundai IONIQ  has been recognized for its outstanding design in the coveted Vehicle category, becoming the sixth Hyundai car to receive a Red Dot title in the last three years. The IONIQ is the world’s first eco-friendly car to offer a choice of three alternative-fuel powertrains (full electric, hybrids and plug in hybrids). 

Tun Dr Mahathir Resigns as Chairman of Proton as well as the Chairman of Group Lotus

Tun Dr. Mahathir pictured here with Dato Harith (who is also reported to be leaving as CEO of Proton)

PROTON Holdings Berhad has officially announced the resignation of Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Chairman of PROTON, effective immediately. Concurrently, Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun would also step down as Chairman of Group Lotus plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PROTON. 

Ramblings on a Wednesday night - Spare Parts aren't cheap these days...except for....

I may not be as good as a BMW, but my spare parts are damn cheap!

It's been a slightly slow week for me in the automotive scene. I had other things to do and not much had gotten my attention. So today I'd just like to share a little bit of my thoughts on spare parts for car.

The Chelsea Truck Company Black Hawk Wide Track by Kahn Design

A Jeep Wrangler with the volume pumped up to eleven is what this is. Not much to say about this Chelsea Truck Company Black Hawk Wide Track except that it is done to satisfy the whims and fancies of those who want something brutal looking done to the old, trusty Wrangler. I don't think this is all about looks as at least the Chelsea Truck Company uses off road capable tyres. Not just for on the road posing only.

If you're in the UK you cn buy this for a smidgen under £50,000. Actually a whole £1 less than £50,000 that is.

Spotted for Sale: Toyota Wish TRACK CAR - Fuiyoh!!!!! Yeah Right

Here we have something that has been advertised as a track car. Here in Malaysia if a car is stated as a 'track car' it usually means that the car is one of those hatchbacks, coupes or sedans that have been specially done up to go for racing at either Sepang or the Pasir Gudang circuits. When so advertised, they are usually not street legal and is made up of cars that have been deregistered due to heavy mods or cars from neighbouring countries that are declared as scrap but kept in one piece.

The Nissan GT-R you've never wanted - UPDATED with more pics 29 March 2016

My friend, car enthusiast and occasional poster in here, Firdaus Asri, had sent me this photograph of something trying to be a Nissan GT-R.

Sime Darby Auto Connexion offers Ford Ecosport, Ford Fiesta 1.5L Titanium sedan and Sport hatchback with attractive rebates

Ford Ecosport

Somehow car companies are giving a lot of rebates at this point of time. This time we see Ford distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) offering attractive cash rebates of up to RM6,000 and low monthly repayments for selected Fiesta and EcoSport  variants nationwide, from now through 30 April 2016. 

Nissan Indonesia sells the styling looking CrossOver called the Juke...we get a joke

Here is another article to get your minds thinking a little. Last time I wrote about Perodua/ Daihatsu not giving us what Indonesia gets. This time it is Nissan Malaysia. 

Now Nissan Indonesia's idea of what an urban crossover vehicle that is chic, cool, hip, modern, hipster, tumblr, uber, rad and phoar is so much more chic, cool, hip, modern, hipster, tumblr, uber, rad and phoar compared to what Nissan Malaysia has in store for us. Take a look at what is offered by Nissan Indonesia above, and what Nissan Malaysia is offering us below.

Happenings: Shell Helix teams up with Sin Leong Seng Motor to maintain welfare centre's vehicles in Kajang

Shell Lubricants, via the Shell Helix brand has teamed up with one of its distributors Sin Leong Seng Motor Sdn Bhd in helping Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Kajang Selangor (PKIK), an association which assists children and adults with learning disabilities.

Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI upgraded for Malaysia

Volkswagen Malaysia has announced the upgraded 2016 Golf with new and added features at a lower price for the Malaysian market. There will be two variants – the Golf Highline which will be priced at RM159,888* and the Golf Comfortline priced at RM 149,888* (prices do not include registration and insurance).

Truck News: The Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2016 is officially announced

As I've mentioned earlier,  Volvo Trucks' annual Fuelwatch Challenge is about to begin and now the official announcement from Volvo Trucks' Asia Pacific has been released. The 2016 Fuelwatch Challenge will again take place where Drivers across the region compete in their respective country editions of the Fuelwatch Challenge to be the top driver in their markets and a chance to contend for the prestigious title of the region’s most fuel-efficient driver at the global final in Sweden this time around.

News: MAA will organise the MY AUTO FEST from 20-22 May 2016 at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA)  will be organising a sales and promotion oriented auto exhibition called "My Auto Fest" at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) from 20 - 22 May. The purpose of the event was that many of MAA's car company members felt that they should organise sales-oriented and promotion event to encourage better auto sales leading up to the  Hari Raya festive  season.

Test Drive: Renault Captur TCe 120 EDC - Renault's is out to capture the compact crossover market

The Renault Captur that I tested here is a something we call a Compact Crossover or a B segment SUV. Like most small SUVs in this category, it is based on a B segment sized car. It is actually based on the fourth generation Renault Clio compact car which has been made slightly longer, wider and taller.  Here in Malaysia, there is one model in the Captur lineup, the Captur TCe 120 EDC.

Updates on reviews in the near future - Ford, Renault, Peugeot & Mercedes Benz

It has been a busy few weeks for Yours Truly. However, I would like to inform that there will be several test drive reviews that would be published in the near future. I will be writing about the following cars and the drive experience of each vehicle. It was a nice experience in each of the vehicles. 

Full Test Drives include:

Truck News: Scania Malaysia delivers two units of Scania P360 LA 4x2 MNA trucks to Circular Agency Sdn Bhd

From left to right, Ganesh Nallu Kumaran, Sales Executive at Scania 

Malaysia; Tom Kuiphuis, Pre Sales Director at Scania Southeast Asia; handing the trucks 

over to Dato' Lee Hau Hian, Managing Director of Batu Kawan Berhad and Mr. Tan Boon 

Chye, General Manager of Circular Agency Sdn. Bhd. & North-South Transport Sdn. Bhd.

CSW_3537 – Scania Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and Circular Agency Sdn. Bhd. at the truck 

handover ceremony.

Scania Malaysia recently delivered two units of Scania P360 LA 4x2 MNA trucks to Circular Agency Sdn Bhd (CA). The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Malay-Sino Chemical Industries Sdn Bhd, which is part of the Batu Kawan Berhad group. The keys to the Scania trucks were handed over by Pre-Sales Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Tom Kuiphuis to the Managing Director of Batu Kawan Berhad, Dato’ Lee Hau Hian. 

The Group B Rally Car that every one has overlooked at one time or another - The Citroen BX 4TC

Group B Rallying was the maddest and craziest the World Rally Championships had ever been. The Group B rallying lasted from around 1982 to 1986 where drivers got killed and spectators too. The cars were ridiculously overpowered. In those days, Group B cars had little restrictions on technology, design and the even the number of homologated cars that would have to be sold to the public was less (about 200 cars or so, usually manufacturers ended up making less but got away with it). Very low weight was allowed with high-tech materials permitted, and there were no restrictions on boost (unlike the group A cars that actually form the basis of WRC rallying to this day). This usually resulted in the power output of Group B specials hitting 500bhp in 1986, the final year of Group B. Every big manufacturer wanted in on it as it was interesting. Performance and power without limits. 

Truck News: 2015 Diamond FUSO Contest Finale winner wins a Mercedes Benz GLA200 & this year's contest has already started!!!!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia celebrates customer loyalty with 2015 Diamond FUSO Contest. Commercial Vehicles, Vice President, Albert Yee (left) presents the final grand prize, a Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, to Ng Fook Min from Huan Sin Cycle Motor Sdn Bhd receives the prize on behalf of Metfab Engineering Sdn Bhd.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd, authorised distributor of FUSO trucks in Malaysia, has announced the 2015 winner of its popular Diamond FUSO Contest. Last year, over 2,500 entries contested for a chance to win the grand prize worth RM236,888 - a Mercedes Benz GLA200 SUV.

Truck News: Volvo FuelWatch Challenge 2016 is about to begin!

Volvo Trucks' annual Fuelwatch Challenge is about to begin!

The Fuelwatch Challenge 2016 is a competition organized by Volvo Trucks annually for its customers (truck owners/operators) especially for their truck drivers. The competition is a platform to explore the drivers skill and impart information/knowledge to help achieve maximum truck performance with minimum fuel usage (very economical driving techniques). The competition also aims to foster safety awareness among the drivers both during his course of work and otherwise. This will help companies reduce wastage and to reduce truck operating costs wherever we can and also increase road safety awareness among those who use the highways and roads so much more than most of us.

Compact SUVs are usually based on compact hatchbacks. Are they worth the extra money?

Here is something to get you folks to start thinking a little.

Compact Crossover vehicles - These are B segment SUVs. Small, compact and usually based on a small B segment sedan or hatchback and made larger. Usually manufacturers widen the chassis a little, raise it a little, slap on some larger tyres and slot in a larger engine too. Sometimes, stretch the chassis a little. But it is essentially the same car underneath.

Volkswagen Malaysia's stock clearance for 2014/2015 models

Clearance going on at Volkswagen dealers nationwide.....

TRUCK NEWS: Volvo Trucks Malaysia have a promotion on their Imported Volvo Battery while stocks last

Volvo Trucks Malaysia are having a great promotion now (while stocks last) for their Imported Volvo Battery. The package consists of the following:

Proton Perdana launch is bound to be very soon - Brochure out at the website and a clearer pic by Yours Truly!!!

The 2016 Proton Perdana launch is imminent. The pre-launch Brochure is out on their website. And also in  here. And I have adjusted the image and made it clearer for you a little. So you can see how it really looks. But don't you worry. It will be launched very soon. 

So how do you think it looks? Not bad eh?

Spotted For Sale: 1964 Mercedes Benz 220S - Oh, the Horror!!!!

The first word that came to my mind when I saw this was...why? What we have here is an abomination of sorts. A classic collectible Mercedes Benz Fintail that has its heart transplanted to a twin turbo Japanese engine together with a cobbled up interior. Take a look at that transmission tunnel/center console. Taken straight from the donor Toyota car with some D.I.Y panels to put some gauges here and there. Even the doors have some funky mdf (aka plywood) board to hold some speakers.

Short Test Drive: 2016 Ford Focus 1.5 Ecoboost Titanium+

Yesterday I attended the launch of the new 2016 Ford Focus somewhere in Kota Damansara. This is now a heavily revised third generation Ford Focus before I say anything else. It was a surprisingly short event due to the fact that some of us were given the opportunity to take the car out for a spin in it. I was put into a full specced Ford Focus Titanium+ sedan with two other journalists and we were asked to head to four locations located throughout Klang Valley where we would be tested on stuff the new Focus has built into it. At the same time, we would actually take turns driving the car silly.

New Ford Focus launched in Malaysia - Filled to the brim with technology

Ford just launched the new Ford Focus here in Malaysia. This is essentially a facelift of the current Mk3 Focus but it features quite a number of major changes compared to the earlier car.  The changes include slimmer headlights, a new trapezoidal grille, more prominent character lines in the front fender and bumper making it similar to that of the Mondeo and keeping things in line with the current Ford design identity. But inside and underneath, Ford has really upgraded the Focus. This car has tons of new features and even a total engine and transmission change! Call it the Mk3.5 as it truly is a major facelift.

Short Test Drive: 2015 Proton Perdana 2.0 - I get to try out this Civil Service only model and more thoughts on the upcoming model

Lunch today was memorable. It was memorable because the food was good as was the company. I also managed to try out a 2015 Proton Perdana 2.0P. Most of you readers out there would know this second generation Proton Perdana as the badge engineered 8th generation Honda Accord and one that is exclusively used by the Malaysian Civil Service, Government officials including Ministers and senior management of DRB-Hicom and Proton. 

MOTORSPORTS: Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific 2016 starts off in Suzuka, Japan

Here are some stuff on the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific 2016. First race was last weekend over in Suzuka, Japan. The Ferrari Challenge is a one make challenge (Ferrari obviously) and you would see the latest mid-engined V8 Ferrari cars dueling it out. These days it is the 458 Italia and the 488GTB. 

Happy Birthday BMW - My short message & BMW's next 100 years

Yesterday BMW celebrated their 100th year in existence. Happy belated birthday BMW. Sorry I was busy driving running some errands in a Mercedes Benz. Sorry, couldn't help it.... But your cars and motorcycles are very nice to drive nonetheless.

New Contest from Proton - Have the longest single/family owned Proton and win the upcoming Proton SAGA!

New Contest from PROTON! Proton is now searching for the longest single owned or family owned Proton vehicle in immaculate condition and with high mileage. The Grand Prize is one of the soon to be launched all-new Proton Saga. There will be ten consolation prizes ranging from refurbishment worth RM1,000 to RM5,000 as well as the winners getting a chance to visit Proton's manufacturing facility. 

Daihatsu Indonesia gets to sell the Copen Coupe....Why don't we get it here?

I wrote in 2010 that I thought it would be good if Perodua rebadged the then Daihatsu Copen into a Perodua. It would be a breath of fresh air in Malaysia as there would be a very affordable coupe for us Malaysians to have a go with. Well, it has been 5 and a half years since and during that 5 over years Perodua has now become the number one selling car brand in Malaysia, dethroning Proton. And nothing has changed.

Spotted for Sale: 2005 Mitsubishi Colt Turbo - An alternative Junior Hot Hatch

This is a fairly interesting alternative for those interested in an affordable junior hot hatch. A 2005 Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart 1.5 MIVEC Turbo going for RM33,800. This was ridiculously expensive for a small car when it was new due to its fully imported nature. The base normally aspirated Colt 1.5 MIVEC already had a list price of around RM120K so this one is at least a good RM20K more when it was new. Even so, there were those that bought it. But I think most bought them after Mitsubishi Malaysia threw price rebates into the package. There were also some WALD badged imports - this was the time when some grey importers tried to be smart and CON-vinced the government to issue them tuning APs turning everything from a Toyota Wish , a Mitsubishi Colt or a Volkswagen Golf into a WALD branded car.

Mercedes Benz A-Class facelift launched - Four models launched, up from Three previously

Whilst members of the media attended the launch of the Mercedes Benz A-Class yesterday morning , I ended up viewing the cars later in the evening together with invited guests and customers for the launch party over at the newly opened Mercedes Benz Cycle & Carriage Bintang City Store at TREC, KL. I got home pretty late last night which is why you only saw an update of the cars on the Facebook page with the prices. Too busy mixing with people who were enjoying the live band, DJ music, food and drinks. The company was pretty good too.

TRUCK NEWS: TCIE hands over a UD QUESTER 8X4 Truck to Sun Tang Trading

Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE) sold a UD Quester to Sun Tang Trading in a key handover ceremony which took place in Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands based trading company has ordered one new unit of a UD Quester 8x4 rigid cargo to meet the growing demands of trading and transportation in the agricultural industry. 

Sportscar News: Kahn Design Vengeance

Kahn Design has revealed their coachbuilt or bespoke rebuild of an Aston Martin DB9 called the Vengeance over at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show recently. It harks back to the days where coachbuilders take a chassis of a car, then outfit and rebody it with whatever they or their clients fancy.