Sunday Lite: The Austin 152 aka Morris Commercial J4 Van - I used to go to Kindergarten in one.

One of the sad things about commercial vehicles especially passenger vans is that they end up becoming extinct faster than any passenger cars that are on sale. Most do not stop to think what has happened to any of them long after they've been scrapped or destroyed or re-exported out of the country. These days we have a lot of Japanese passenger vans plying our roads as well as some Chinese ones too. Favoured brands include the Toyota HiAce, the Westar LDVs, the Ford Transits and some funny Chinese ones like the LingLong or the JoyLong. No. I am not making this up.

Happenings: Shell Malaysia's 2016 Charity Drive Raises RM 735,000 for Underprivileged Children

Shell has raised a total of RM 735,000 for underprivileged children during its recent Raya Charity Campaign 2016. After being able to do so, the company has now visited its beneficiaries at Persatuan Dyslexia Malaysia (PDM) for a cheque presentation. The children of PDM (who suffer from are amongst the many children nationwide who will benefit from development programmes, supported by the funds raised.

BMW 330e Plug-in Hybrid launched - Let's just throw some figures and comparison into the picture for the fun of it.....

Photo: Autoworld.com.my

Today BMW launched the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid. It costs RM248,000 less insurance. It is cheaper than something with a 330i badge because it gets the EEV tax incentives. So you save over a hundred thousand ringgit if you buy one. 

Spotted for Sale: Rosak Spec - The best specification Toyota Camry in...the WORLD

Yup. We've heard sellers putting up notices of the car - 'Full Spec' 'Premium Spec' Luxury Spec' but never have I heard anyone selling a car as 'ROSAK SPEC'. Rosak means 'not working'. So now's the chance for someone to buy a Toyota Camry 2.0 (a) that isn't running for RM18,990. His life would be complete after this buying this.

Volvo Car Malaysia and Federal Auto officially open their new Showroom in Menara MBMR, Kuala Lumpur

Today, Volvo Car Malaysia and Federal Auto Holdings Berhad launched their new Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) showroom in Menara MBMR which is located close to the original showroom located beside the Federal Highway. This brand spanking new centre replaces the iconic original Federal Auto Volvo showroom which would be sorely missed. But this is actually part of what I believe to be the Volvo revival here (the first was the stupendous XC90 T8) and this is the shape of Volvo showrooms to come here in Malaysia.

Happenings: A batch of 17 students graduate from the Perodua Youth Training Programme (PYTP)

 President & CEO, YBhg Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh hands over a certificate of Best Student Award to Mohammad Khairul Anwar Jusob witnessed by Puan Mariam Ibrahim, Senior General Manager, Perodua Human Capital Division and Mr Suresh Kumar, Senior General Manager Perodua Finance & Account Department.

Compact car manufacturer Perodua’s longest running Corporate Responsibility (CSR) Programme, the Perodua Youth Training Programme (PYTP),  recently saw its 25th Convocation with 17 graduates receiving the Malaysia Skill Certificate Grade II. With this certificate, the graduates are recognised as assistant mechanics by the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources. It has given them skills and a chance to move ahead in life

New 14 seater Ford Transit Window Van Launched in Malaysia

Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has launched the new Transit window van in Malaysia. The Transit, is an iconic model for Ford. It is a range of light commercial vehicles produced by Ford since 1965. Sold primarily as a cargo van, the Transit is also built as a passenger van, minibus, cutaway van chassis, and as a pickup truck. 

TEST DRIVE: Ford Focus 1.5L Ecoboost Trend - Is the entry level Focus good enough?

The C-segment car. This used to be the go-to segment of car that most people bought. It is a mid-sized compact car so they say. Engine size usually between 1.6liters to about 2.0liters. This is where cars like the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and the Toyota Corolla sit and these cars were the ones that everyone drove. I somehow think that the C-segment is a perfect balance when it comes to size, space utilisation, refinement and performance for the regular Joe. I still do. But these days, with prices of the cars in this category going higher, nudging into the larger full sized D segment cars and the growing popularity of the smaller more affordable B segment cars like the Honda City as well as the growing SUV and MPV market, the C-segment car has somehow been a little lost.

Volvo Trucks at the inaugural LaFarge Malaysia Berhad Truck Driving Competition - "Know Your Blind Spots" and "Stop, Look & Wave" initiatives

 A Volvo Trucks Malaysia representative teaching the children to wave to the truck driver for his attention, to tell him to be mindful of their presence

Volvo Trucks is continuously reinforcing their long-term commitment to national road safety by promoting their "Know Your Blind Spots" and "S top, Look & Wave" initiatives with the aim of creating awareness for Malaysians as well as truck drivers on ways to keep safe when driving or when facing large trucks on the road. Volvo Trucks recently showcased these initiatives to participants and spectators at the inaugural Lafarge Malaysia Berhad's Truck Driving Competition (which is part of their 12th Drivers Safety Day).

Industry news: All-New Proton Persona receives ASEAN NCAP 5-Star Rating for all variants

The all-new Proton Persona has been given a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating. In a gesture of confidence in Proton, ASEAN NCAP has stated that since the Persona is the sedan version of Iriz, with comparable occupant protection to the Iriz, they are extending the rating of Proton Iriz to the Persona. High confidence in the car indeed. 

All-New Proton Persona Officially Launched

Proton launched the all-new Proton Persona to an eagerly awaiting bunch of people earlier today. One of them was Yours Truly. The event was attended by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, The Honourable Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed. This is the second generation Persona and replaces the first one which had been on sale since 2007.

HAPPENINGS: THE MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA SKILLS COMPETITION 2016 FINALS

Saturday, 20th of August 2016 was a gathering of the crème de la crème of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s after-sales personnel from dealer networks nationwide. It was the grand finals of the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Skills Competition 2016. The fun filled event was held at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.  30 finalists went head-to-head in the battle of skills for the RM99,500 cash prize and ultimate bragging rights as the best technical team in Malaysia.

News: Volkswagen Malaysia is Official Partner for Upcoming Malaysian made ‘KL Wangan’ movie

Volkswagen Malaysia and Centro Pictures recently signed a partnership agreement that sees Volkswagen becoming an official sponsor of Centro Pictures’ upcoming street racing movie, ‘KL Wangan’. The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at Volkswagen Gombak last week. This is actually something historical for the Malaysian film industry. It is a milestone that marks the first time an international car marquee is supporting a local film production here in Malaysia, the collaboration represents a unique way for Volkswagen to showcase the performance, reliability and distinct design of its products.

Happenings: Isuzu MU-X owners go fishing in celebration of the SUVs 1st Anniversary in Malaysia

The Isuzu Mu-X SUV recently celebrated its first anniversary of its launch in Malaysia and in honour of the occasion, Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd decided to do something slightly different - they organised a fishing fest for the MU-X owners and other guests. The fishing fest and contest was held at a fishing pond in Pulau Indah, Port Klang and everyone had fun by the looks of it. 

FORD Targets Self Driving Vehicles for Ride Sharing in 2021 as it invests a whole lot in the tech and people required.

A week ago Ford, over in the USA had announced its intent to have a high-volume, fully autonomous SAE level 4-capable vehicle in commercial operation in 2021 in a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service. This could mean that your taxi, UBER, GRAB car or those with the same description would actually pick you up and send you somewhere without any one driving the vehicle. 

Happenings: The 3rd NATIONAL GD EXPRESS ROAD SAFETY CHAMPIONSHIP 2016

14th of August 2016 was a memorable day for the people of GD Express Sdn Bhd. This well known courier company held their 3rd National Road Safety Championship 2016 for their drivers and dispatch riders. This competition was held in conjunction with GD Exspress' Health & Safety Month and was held at the GD Exspress premises at Jalan Tandang, Petaling Jaya. The event was also attended by officials from MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research), JKJR (Road Safety Department) PRDM (Royal Malaysian Police) – Traffic Police from the District HQ of Petaling Jaya, PETROSAINS (PETRONAS' subsidiary of their science centre) and the JPJ (Road Transport Department).

Honda Malaysia Airbag Recall Update August 2016

This is the latest update that Honda Malaysian has given on the Takata Airbag fiasco. You can now change your airbag(s) of affected Honda vehicles as the parts have arrived. Now read the article below and fix your appointments ASAP. 

PROTON CARS TO BE GIVEN AS REWARD FOR MALAYSIAN 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES MEDAL WINNERS

The Olympic Games are considered the world's foremost sports competition with thousands of athletes from more than 200 countries participating at a time. The Olympic Games are held every four years, with the Summer and Winter Games alternating by occurring every four years but two years apart. Now if anyone wins a medal any event in the Olympics, it is a big deal. A very big deal and DRB-HICOM and its automotive subsidiary, PROTON has decided to present their cars as appreciation to medal winners at this year's Summer Olympics currently held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

TRUCK NEWS: Heng Seng Company takes delivery of new Scania Truck for its business in Kelantan

Scania Malaysia recently handed over a Scania G460LA6x2MNA to Heng Seng & Company Sdn Bhd. The new truck, one of two G460s ordered, is meant to take on the MyGaz exclusive distributorship for the state of Kelantan. The keys to the Scania G460 truck with Opticruise gearbox was handed to Edward Tan Hoe Een, Managing Director of Heng Seng by Tuan Haji Idros Puteh, Sales Director of Scania Southeast Asia at Scania (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Kota Bharu Branch. at a small handover ceremony.

Limited Edition Renault Fluence Formula Edition is unveiled

Renault via its Malaysian franchise holder TC Euro Cars (TCEC) have unveiled a limited run edition of the Renault Fluence. This Renault Fluence Formula Edition, as it is called, is offered in conjunction with Renault's return to Formula One this year as a full works team as well as it being a lead-up to the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix which is just around the corner. 

Toyota Sienta launched in Malaysia - Priced from RM92,900

The all-new Toyota Sienta 7-seater compact MPV has been officially launched in Malaysia. This compact MPV sits in between the Toyota Avanza and Toyota Innova and is imported from Indonesia (so it comes with ASEAN tax break incentives). The Sienta comes in 2 variants – 1.5G and 1.5V, priced at RM 92,900 and RM 99,900 (on the road with insurance).

TEST DRIVE: The new Proton Perdana 2.0L over Highways and B-Roads - We take it to the limit

The Proton Perdana.  It is the first of at least four new models that are part Proton's current turnaround plan and sometimes, the first will give you some impression on what's going to happen next. So Proton decided to take a few of us automotive writers and put us in some Proton Perdana to drive to Port Dickson for lunch, then to Melaka for the night and back the next day. I chose the Perdana 2.0L - WC 3820X to be the car I would drive.

TRUCK NEWS: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Hosts Truck Drivers’ League Competition and 2016 Skills Competition Commercial Vehicles

As part of promoting safe and responsible driving amongst commercial drivers in Malaysia, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles recently organised the long-awaited Truck Drivers’ League competition. Back by popular demand, the bi-annual Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles Truck Drivers’ League provides a valuable platform for Mercedes-Benz ACTROS drivers to hone their driving skills whilst challenging each other in this event.

Honda unveils the new tenth generation Honda Civic Hatchback - It looks nicer than the sedan that was just launched here

Honda has revealed to us the new tenth generation Honda Civic Hatchback. The car, that is current being built at Honda's Swindon factory in the UK is also meant for export to the United States of America. Funny thing eh? Honda is now built in the UK for sale in Europe and now the USA. Did you know that Honda Japan has not sold a normal Civic ever since they stopped production of the eight generation Civic?

NAZA Italia previews the all-new Maserati Levante luxury SUV

L to R-  Mr. Suraish Kumar,  Head of After-Sales, NAZA Italia Sdn. Bhd, Mr. Zakaria Ismail, Advisor, NAZA World Group of Companies & Mr. Farid Sulaiman, Vice President of NAZA Italia Sdn Bhd.

NAZA Italia, official importers and distributors of Maserati in Malaysia previewed the all-new Maserati Levante SUV recently. This is the first SUV for Maserati and it, like other Maserati prior to this, gets its name from the name of a regional breeze or wind - Bora, Ghibli, Syamal and others. 

THE 'RENAULT FLUENCE IT'S A BIG DEAL' CAMPAIGN - Buy selected Renault Fluence at a steal!

Renault cars in Malaysia, today announced the ‘Renault Fluence It’s a Big Deal’ campaign. Through this new sales campaign, you can buy a display unit or selected pre-registered Renault Fluence at RM79,888 (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration). This is B segment price for a larger C segment car! More car for you for less money.

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT now available in diesel

Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has introduced the diesel variant of the Land Rover Discovery Sport premium compact SUV.) The new 5+2 seater Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.2L SD4 Diesel is powered by a proven 2.2-litre, 190PS and 420Nm turbodiesel engine mated to an advanced nine-speed automatic transmission. It looks the same as the petrol version and has the same levels of equipment. 

Four Malaysians in two Land Rover Defenders will strike off to India via the old World War II road through Imphal, Myanmar

 What was just a dream has now become reality for a bunch of Land Rover enthusiasts from the Land Rover Owners Club of Malaysia (LROM). Four Malaysians in two Land Rover Defenders will embark on a historic 46-day overland journey to India via the old World War II Myanmar-India corridor through Tamu – Imphal – Dimapur.

UPDATED (16 August - press release & feature list) : All-New Proton Persona is now officially available for booking!

As I mentioned in a previous article, the all-new Proton Persona is now available for booking at all authorised dealers at an indicative price of RM47,000 to RM61,000 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM49,000 to RM63,000 in Sabah & Sarawak. With 3 years Free Service (Parts & Labour, T&C applies) for bookings made by 30th September 2016!

Sunday Lite: Rare cars I remember spotting when I was a young lad in Taiping - A Citroen, Saab, Rover & a Borgward

The clocktower in Taiping. I used to go for tuition classes in the building behind the clocktower back in the day. 

Taiping was a quaint little town where I grew up. It was a place where everything was peaceful and most of us teenagers would cycle from one end of town to the other. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, these was a time where change was happening. Taiping may have been a small town then (slightly larger these days) but prior to this, from 1876 to 1937 it was Perak's state capital. This was also a time when tin mining was booming around the town.

INDUSTRY NEWS: PERODUA should have delivered 6,000 BEZZA Sedans by now from a record 19,000 orders

Down below is the press release from Perodua. The company have target 6,000 deliveries of the new Perodua Bezza sedan by today, the 12th of August 2016. This is part of the 19,000 orders the company has received to date. The breakdown of deliveries are 42% for the Perodua Bezza 1.3L Advance Version, 43% for the Perodua Bezza 1.3L Premium X and 15% for the Perodua Bezza 1.0L variants.

Volvo Car Malaysia announces EEV status for selected models - XC60 & V40 models are now more affordable!

XC60 T5

Good News! Volvo Car Malaysia, the already jovial and happy chaps who sell well designed Swedish cars are now happy to announce that selected models equipped with their latest, and currently very efficient Drive-E powertrains has been accorded EEV (energy efficient vehicle) status. With that, three Drive-E models sold in Malaysia will now enjoy better tax break incentives from the Malaysian government. This means that they are cheaper to procure. Yup.

TRUCK NEWS: DRIVE A SCANIA TRUCK AND WIN PRIZES THIS WEEKEND AT THE JOHOR BUS, TRUCK AND COMPONENT EXPO 2016 (JBTC)

Curious on how to drive a truck? Now you can cross this off your bucket list. If you are in and around Johor Bahru this weekend as anyone with a valid driver’s license will have the opportunity to drive a truck and test their skills this weekend at the Scania Driver Competition – JBTC Edition (SDC–JBTC Edition) that will be held during the Johor Bus, Truck and Component Expo 2016

Short Test Drive: I've DRIVEN the All-New PROTON PERSONA 1.6 - Manual & Auto Tested. UPDATED with new pics

The all-new Proton Persona will be launched on the 23rd of August 2016. For now it will come in three variants - the 1.6 manual, 1.6 automatic and the 1.6 premium. The order books for the Persona will be opened sometime next week but Proton have not revealed its pricing for the car as yet. According to them, the car will be priced competitively. 

Spotted For Sale: 1989 Daihatsu Mira Walk-Through Van - Not a Kei Car, but a Kei Van.

This is an interesting find - A L70 series Daihatsu Mira 660cc Walk-Through van from 1989. This grey import has come in via the classic car AP (Approval Permit) for cars older than 25 years of age. This is the L70 version and not the later L200 (the version that Perodua made into the Kancil) because of the L200 was first launched in 1990 and it had more flush fitting headlights as well as a slightly rounded bumper. But this isn't something to discuss about. This was a Kei car that became a Kei van.

PROTON have started teasing the all-new B segment sized Proton PERSONA

Proton has now officially teased us with one (1) picture of the all-new Proton Persona which will be launched soon. The car, will effectively replace the current Persona but it is supposedly slightly smaller than the one which has been around for....err...a very long time (about 9 years or so to this date). The main difference between the new Persona and the new one is the size.

News: Vehicle Auction on 14th August 2016 - Bid for your car, truck, van, generator set here.

There will be an auction scheduled on Sunday, 14th of August 2016 over at Fleet Management Solution Sdn Bhd's premises in Shah Alam. This could be the place to head over to  if you're interested in bidding / buying some ex-company cars, 4x4s, vans for your up and coming pasar malam business or a truck or two. 

Truck & Bus News: SCANIA DRIVER COMPETITION SOUTHEAST ASIA 2016-2017 is officially on - Applications are Open Now

The 2016-2017 Scania Driver Competition has started. The SDC Southeast Asia 2016-2017 (SDC-SEA) as it is officially called is now bigger.  it will, for the first time, welcome participants throughout South East Asia (which is why it is now called SDC-SEA). There will be drivers from Myanmar and the Philippines added to the list of competitors which would include 10 drivers from Malaysia, 6 from Singapore, 2 from Philippines and 2 from Myanmar in the finals. It should be more interesting after this!

Volkswagen Malaysia Merdeka Sales Promotion Campaign and Malaysia-wide Open House

Volkswagen Malaysia has announced today that in the spirit of unity and national harmony, Volkswagen Malaysia will be and is celebrating the month of August with special Merdeka promotions.

Century Battery have launched their battery warranty service centre and have a SMS Contest going on right now

Century Motolite Battery Sdn Bhd or Century Battery have been in the vehicle battery business for as long as I can remember. For over 50 years they have been selling batteries throughout Malaysia. Their current crop of batteries include the maintenance free Century Ultramax, Century SDFC (for continental makes of cars), Century Marathoner (which they improved in May 2016), Hybrid and also the Century LM low maintenance battery. They even have a battery assist service for the greater Klang Valley area if any motorist requires an immediate battery change (for the agreed price of course). Anyway, Century Battery have just announced that they are the first company in Malaysia to have a battery warranty service centre. 

Test Drive: 2016 Volvo S60 T6 - A stealthy executive express that gives you old school thrills in a new package

Sometime ago I attended the Malaysian launch of the 2016 Volvo S60 T6. It is not exactly an all-new car as it is still the one that was launched way back in 2010 but this is the one where Volvo, in 2015, started added their newest engines and transmissions based on their Drive-E technology as well as doing some style tweaks and adding more driver conveniences. Now what is interesting about this new car is that it is sold in Malaysia in front wheel drive form and has an output of 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque. I had a brief spin in one and it felt so alive. Really alive as it tyre-chirped, torquesteered, tramlined its way down the road. Like what an a powerful, old school front wheel drive sports sedan would do. Like what its forefather, the Volvo 850 T5R would have done in its day. 

MotorSport: FITRA ERI TAKES THIRD VICTORY IN MALAYSIA CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Now aside from the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific there was a whole lot of other racing going on at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) last weekend. All of the races were part of the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) which includes the Asian Le Mans series and also the name bearer - the Malaysia Championship Series,  Touring Production Championship & the lower output Malaysian Touring Car Championship. So this time, Round 2 of the MCS race for the Touring Production Championship at SIC was won by  Indonesian driver Fitra Eri of Team Sakura Tedco Racing, His third victory of this season.

Truck News: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Launches Its First Full-Fledged 3S Commercial Vehicle Centre in East Coast

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) recently launched its very first full-fledged 3S Commercial Vehicle Centre in Kuantan, Pahang with its authorised dealer, Hap Seng Commercial Vehicle Sdn Bhd.

Truck News: Volvo Trucks Malaysia 2016 Fuelwatch Challenge Malaysia - Zulkifli bin Saad crowned the 2016 fuelsaving King

The Fuelwatch Challenge 2016 by Volvo Trucks has been won by Zulkifli bin Saad. Zulkifli, who hails from Penang. This is the 7th year the very popular annual Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge has been held in Malaysia and this year, Volvo Trucks have made some changes to the competition by adding expert mentors in the form of part winners and also by adding the Volvo DynaFleet Management system to be used to monitor driver and truck performance.

The All-New and pretty good looking Renault Koleos SUV will be launched in September with order books already open

The all-new Renault Koleos will be launched soon and from what I can tell from the pictures it is quite a handsome looking SUV. From the details given, the Koleos, which is Renault's flagship SUV, will be officially launched in September but TC Euro Cars, franchise holder of Renault cars here have also announced that you can place an order for one starting today. 

MyProton Mobile Application launched by PROTON - Available for Android and Apple Smartphones

 

More convenience for Proton customers. Proton have launched a mobile application that makes it easy for customers do do the a lot of stuff just from their SmartPhone. 

Motorsport: Results of Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific 2016 Round Four Race 1 & Race 2 at the Sepang International Circuit

Last weekend saw the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific Round 4 races at Sepang International Circuit. A total of 31 Drivers from 13 countries participated in the races. All were driving the same car, the Ferrari 458 Challenge EVO on a circuit where the ambient temperature reached over 51 degrees Celsius. Tough, challenging and fun. Even for those  of us watching from the sidelines.

MotorSport: At the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific 2016 Race at Sepang - Race 2 on Sunday....

I was fortunate to be invited to attend the second race of the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific 2016 at the Sepang International Circuit earlier today (Sunday). This was a two race calendar event which is part of the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific series. It was held in conjunction with the Malaysia Championship Series Round 2 held over the weekend. 

Upcoming Test Drive Articles - Proton Perdana B-road/Highway bash, Volvo XC60 T6 & T5, Volvo S60 T6, Ford Focus & S-Max

So many cars to write so little time. I mean I have to write in between having teh tarik, coffee, running errands, going to meetings, events and also the time when I am busy doing nothing. The doing nothing part is nice if you know what I mean. Anyway, I am going to write reviews about these cars pictured below:

Classic Cars: Elvis Presley's BMW 507 gets a stupendous restoration after being 'missing' for over 50 years

Elvis Presley's old BMW 507 roadster now looks stunning after a sympathetic rebuild to its authentic or as close to original condition consisting of many original parts by BMW Group Classic. You guys out there know who's Elvis Presley right???