Electric Vehicles: Renault-Nissan Alliance Hits Milestone of selling 350,000 Electric Vehicles and Maintains Position as Global EV Leader

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is ahead of everyone in terms of electric cars sold globally. They have announced that they have sold 350,000 electric vehicles since December 2010 when they first started selling the Nissan LEAF (pictured above). Now from that 350,000 vehicles,  It has now hit an important milestone as from January to August 2016, they've sold 100,000 EVs in total. Imagine that, 100,000 people bought EVs from either Renault or Nissan throughout the world. 

Opinion: Usually I see it as not a Car Problem but something else called the Owner Problem

Hello folks. I had to take a few days from writing as I believe I needed a short break away from writing stuff. I spent the long weekend doing everything else except sit at the computer. I think this is a good thing as it has refreshed me in some ways. And the fact that I think that there is more to life than just motoring per se. But I am back to tell you about what is actually happening to cars in Malaysia - the owner problem.

MALAYSIA AUTOSHOW 2016 organised by Malaysia Automotive Institute to be held from 10 to 13 November 2016 - EEV to be main focus

 

Another motor show is coming our way. The Malaysia Autoshow 2016 (formally known as the ASEAN Autoshow in 2015 will be held from 10 - 13 November 2016 at the MINES International Exhibition Convention Centre (MIECC). Car companies have lined up special deals only available at the show. These range from exclusive car deals and discounts offered only during these four days with attractive financial packages. And you can win a Kia Rio!

The Volvo S60 T6 is now accorded EEV status - Now 306hp costs RM238,888 instead of RM280,888!!!!!

The Energy Efficient Vehicle tax break status is a very good thing for us Malaysians. Recently we've heard the way the EEV status affects the pricing of premium European cars in ways that suddenly make them even more affordable than before. We've seen a few Volvo cars (which are locally assembled at one of the longest running assembly line in Malaysia) receiving the price reduction like the Volvo V40 T5 Drive-E, XC60 T5 & T6 and XC90 T8. Now the Volvo S60 T6 gets a price reduction. RM238,888 (OTR without insurance, making this car the fastest European sedan under RM250,000 that you can buy.

Honda Accord facelift launched in Malaysia - Enough tweaks to keep it fresh for awhile longer

After teasing the facelifted Honda Accord on their website, Honda Malaysia have launched the facelifted 9th Generation Honda Accord. Three variants like previously are offered. All have upgraded specs and some interior trim changes, which include redesigned front bumpers, 7 inch infotainment screen and the top of the line 2.0VTI-L and 2.4VTi-L get LED headlights to complement the LED Daytime Driving Lights.

INDUSTRY NEWS: PROTON RENEWS ITS AGREEMENTS WITH ITS WORKERS' UNIONS

PROTON Holdings Bhd has renewed its Collective Agreement with its workers' union members at a recent signing ceremony held at the PROTON Centre of Excellence here in Subang Jaya, Selangor. 

World’s First Genesis Studio Opens in Hanam, South Korea - Hyundai strengthens its new standalone luxury brand at home

 Hyundai is slowly making its Genesis luxury automotive brand into its own special standalone luxury brand. It will open its first dedicated "Genesis" brand space or studio as it is called, inside a newly built cultural complex called ‘Starfield’ in Hanam, 30km east of Seoul on September 9, 2016. 

SHELL ADVANCE Launches Limited Edition packs and the chance to win free Main Grandstand tickets to Shell Malaysia MotoGP 2016

Shell Advance has announced the introduction of specially designed limited edition packs for four variants of its Shell Advance motorcycle engine oils – Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology 10W-40 (1L) and 15W-50 (1L), Shell Advance AX7 10W-40 (1L) and Shell Advance AX5 Scooter 15W-40 (0.8L). Together with this, there is chance for 500 people to win Grandstand tickets for the upcoming 2016 Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

THE MITSUBISHI TRITON IS LAUNCHED WITH A NEW MIVEC VGT TURBODIESEL ENGINE

The new Mitsubishi (L200) Triton pickup truck which was launched in 2015 has more power now. There is a new 2.4liter aluminium block 4 cylinder MIVEC variable geometry turbo (VGT) engine powering it. It makes 181ps and a whopping 430Nm torque from the engine and you get to drive it with a 6 speed automatic transmission as well as a manual. Quite marvellous tech has gone into the engine. Which is why I am writing about it. Usually I am not so bothered about a variant launch instead of a totally new car launch.

Opinion: My actual thoughts on the newly launched Honda City X and Jazz X Malaysian specced limited editions

Since the launch of the current City in 2014, 87,000 units have been sold. The current Jazz, launched here in 2014 has sold 34,000 units to date. But the last few months have been a very tough period for vehicle sales here in Malaysia. So in order to drum up sales in a weak market, Honda has launched  the limited edition Honda City X and Jazz X sometime last week. Honda claims that the 'X' supposedly means X-clusivity, X-citement and X-cel. 

Truck News: UD Trucks delivers several Quester 8L to their new owners in Johor Bahru

 Since its introduction in May this year, the UD Quester 8L has been receiving tremendous response from new and existing customers. The UD Quester truck is the first real heavy-duty Japanese truck designed with heavy duty chassis,heavy duty cab and associated heavy features but they are coupled with the Japanese reliability of its fuel-efficient engines and also of its build quality. 

Commercial Vehicle, Truck & Bus News: BF Goodrich tyres introduces the BFGoodrich Route Control and BFGoodrich Cross Control tyres

BFGoodrich tyres, the well known American tyre brand has now introduced their commercial vehicle and truck tyres, the BFGoodrich Route Control and BFGoodrich Cross Control. The commercial vehicle tyres follow in the footsteps of the passenger vehicle tyres which was launched earlier this year.

TEST DRIVE: VOLVO SC60 T6 & T5 - These two are the SUVs for you to consider

XC60 T5

The Volvo XC60, launched in 2008, is a compact crossover SUV that has been selling extremely well globally since 2009. It is the first Volvo that brought out the styling philosophy you see in the current V40 and the S60/V60 cars. The newer XC90 SUV has moved the goalposts for premium to luxury SUVs slightly further afield but it is curious to see how the XC60 drives. I managed a few days in the XC60 T6 2.0 FWD and the T5 2.0 FWD, the two XC60 variants that are sold here in Malaysia.

Perodua and the 59th Merdeka Day celebrations

 Perodua celebrated the Merdeka day this year by having its own mini parade on the eve of Merdeka and by taking part in actual National Day celebration in Dataran Merdeka on 31st August 2016. The two-day celebration was began with a 22 car parade comprising of all 11 old and current models produced by Perodua at the manufacturer's headquarters in Sungai Choh, Rawang. Perodua then participated in the Merdeka Day parade with the two Perodua Bezza (their 11th model) seen above.

September is Ford Malaysia's ‘Truck Month’ - Deals await customers

Ford has announced that September 2016 is ‘Ford Truck Month’. They are offering special deals that make September the best time for Malaysians or anyone who can buy a car in Malaysia to become an owner of a new Ford Ranger pickup truck, which in my opinion is one of the best you can buy here in Malaysia. Especially since it now comes equipped with a reverse camera (even the 2.2XLT - prior to this only the 3.2 Wildtrak had the pleasure of such an option).

All-New Renault Koleos Launched - At showrooms mid-October, available at an Introductory price of RM172,800+

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), who are the authorised distributors of Renault cars in Malaysia have launched the all-new Renault Koleos SUV. This is Renault's new flagship SUV and it looks pretty good in the flesh...or metal to be exact. 

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is Official Distributor of Volkswagen Cars in Malaysia - Announces 5 year Manufacturer Warranty for all Volkswagen Cars

Volkswagen Group Malaysia have officially announced that the European automotive retail specialist Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) will become the official distributor of Volkswagen cars, under the new company name of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM). VPCM is managed by European automotive retail specialist, Porsche Holding Salzburg, is the largest and most successful automotive distributor in Europe. The Salzburg, Germany-based company was founded in 1947, and operates today in 26 markets in Western- and South-eastern Europe, China, and in Columbia and Chile in South America.

Analysis: Why the Automobile Association of Malaysia has hit rock bottom

The middle of August 2016 will go down in Malaysian Automotive history as a black spot. We have Suzuki closing its motorcycle assembly plant here in Malaysia and the Automobile Association of Malaysia's (AAM) operations crashing to a halt. Suzuki states that there is weak local demand for their small CKD products and AAM have not paid their employees over the past 4 months with a lot of their offices closed. These two are just a few changes happening to our Malaysian economy as a whole.

Perodua delivers its 10,000th Bezza, total bookings since launch is now at 25,000 units

 Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dr Zahari Husin (right) hands over the mock key to the lucky Pn Zetty Aswani Fazwin Mahrol Puthil (second from left) as a symbolic of 10,000th Bezza delivery.

It looks like the Perodua Bezza A segment sedan is a runaway success for Perodua. It has delivered its 10,000th Bezza to Puan Zetty Aswani Fazwin Mahrol Puthil, 28 of Shah Alam. The lady must have been surprised as Perodua held quite a grand event for the handover of her Bezza. It was even attended by Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh.

My Auto Fest 2016's “Buy a car, Win a car” contest winner drives home a Nissan Almera 1.5VL worth RM82,000

Today was a very wet and gloomy Tuesday morning for most parts of the Klang Valley. But over at the Edaran Tan Chong Nissan Showroom in Glenmarie it was all bright and happy as someone was handed over the key to a brand new Nissan Almera 1.5VL with a NISMO Aerokit. Mohd Shafiq Saipollah, who visited the My Auto Fest show to get the best deal on a pick–up truck got more than he bargained for when he emerged as the winner in the “Buy a Car, Win a Car” grand prize lucky draw.

Renault Koleos feature - Design, Powertrain and more

Here is a feature article about Renault's new Koleos SUV. It will be launched this September 2016. I have to say that this is reasonably priced for a European SUV and I am looking forward to viewing it personally as it has nice styling (it looks like one of those SUVs from those German carmakers from some angles). Well, I believe that if you want to spend money on a car, it has to look decently good and then drive decently well too.  The kit count is also good too. Which means you have a lot of toys inside.

Ford's survey says that 8 out of 10 Malaysians look for fuel efficiency in a new car and other stuff

What do Malaysians want in a new car? This was recently answered in a survey recently conducted by Ford where approximately 8 out of every 10 surveyed in Malaysia (or 83%) said that  fuel efficiency is more important when purchasing a new car. That is just one conclusion of a survey of more than 9,500 drivers in 11 markets across the Asia Pacific region conducted on behalf of Ford Motor Company in June 2016.

MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience (MPSE) will be back at Sepang International F1 Circuit this year!

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience (MPSE) will be back at the Sepang International F1 Circuit in Malaysia this year. It will deliver more than 25 days of motorsport related excitement and sheer driving pleasure through a slew of track activities in August and September 2016.

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.