Motoring-Malaysia

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Mindless Ramblings: The Honda BRV is like Kim Kardashian...it has a big behind.

I wrote about the preview of the upcoming Honda BRV at the Malaysia Autoshow 2016 recently but I think my current opinion about what I think about this 7 seater SUV warrants a separate article.

Happenings: Six Lucky MICHELIN Fans Receive Exclusive VIP hospitality and Get Behind-the-scenes Tour at MotoGP 2016

There is a backlog of events that I have to write about. So many things have been happening over the past month or so and I have only two hands and ten fingers (any more hands or fingers would be scary actually, but you get my point). Anyway....the recent 2016 Shell Malaysia MotoGP events had some interesting events that have actually allowed the regular Joe to take a peek into the happenings of motorsport and the automotive industry.

The recently concluded 2016 Shell Malaysia MotoGP™ was a memorable event. It was Ducati Corse rider Andrea Dovizioso’s first MotoGP™ win in seven years and since 2016 also marks 125 years in Malaysia for Shell, the company has decided to reach out to motorcycle-owning MotoGP™ fans who were at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) over the race weekend with the first-of-its-kind “Shell Advance Ride-Thru Service” for motorcycles below 250cc.

I was in Langkawi recently courtesy of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia. We were flown in to try out the better late than never all-new Volkswagen Passat B8. It replaces the Passat B7 which has soldiered on for at least a year and a half longer than what should have been. A mid-2015 launch in Malaysia.

PROTON IRIZ 1.3 LIMITED EDITION FROM THE PROTON 'DESIGN SERIES' & FUTURE UPDATES ON THE IRIZ

National car company Proton has unveiled the PROTON Design Series Iriz. The Limited Edition Iriz comes in 2 variants, the Iriz 1.3 standard CVT and the Iriz 1.3 Executive CVT with Honeycomb or The Stripe decals. The Honeycomb decals are found on the Graphite Grey and Cotton White coloured cars and the Stripe decals on the Fire Red and Atlantic Blue coloured cars. Only 2,000 units of the Limited Ed. Iriz will be available with prices starting from RM44,450 to RM49,130 for Peninsular Malaysia.

PETRONAS SYNTIUM SE engine oil launched exclusively for Proton cars

National car maker PROTON, in collaboration with our national petroleum company PETRONAS, has launched an exclusive range of engine oil for Proton cars. The PETRONAS Syntium SE range is now made available at all Proton authorised service centres.

A new passenger vehicle player is in town. BAIC International and local partner Amber Dual Sdn Bhd have unveiled two new cars at the 2016 Malaysia Autoshow. The BAIC EV200 – the first Malaysian Assembled / Manufactured Electric Vehicle for homologation and research purposes and production ready BAIC D20 - the first Right-Hand Drive variant of the BAIC D20 compact car which will be sold early 2017.

J.D. Power 2016 Malaysia Initial Quality Study (IQS) finds that Malaysian National Carmakers are improving in terms of overall quality

The latest J.D.Power findings are out folks. According to the people who are experts in statistics, the New-vehicle quality in Malaysia has improved by 18% from 2015. This year marks the largest improvement in the 14 year history of the study, with the gap between national and non-national brands the smallest it has ever been according to the J.D. Power 2016 Malaysia Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), released today.

Volkswagen has announced that they are now accepting pre-bookings for their flagship model, the all-new B8 Volkswagen Passat. It will have an estimated price range from RM160,000 to RM199,000.

This year's Malaysia Autoshow has started today and will continue till the 13th of November 2016 over at the Mines International Exhibition and Trade Centre in Seri Kembangan. The Malaysia Automotive Institute, a government body under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is the sole oorganiser of the autoshow and it is a showcase of the Malaysian automotive industry as well as the National Automotive Policy 2014, the automakers and other parts of the automotive industry. It is also a place to showcase and create awareness to help turn the country into a regional base for Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) production.

HYUNDAI Sime Darby Motors starts taking bookings for the soon to be launched Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid - Estimated price RM130k

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has begun accepting order for its new IONIQ Hybrid, which will be launched in Malaysia by the end of the year. The IONIQ will also be on display at the Malaysia Autoshow 2016 which will be held at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) from November 10 -13, 2016. Interested parties can also place their order at Hyundai’s booth.

THE AUDI KUALA LUMPUR SERVICE CENTRE IS NOW OPEN ON SUNDAYS

Euromobil Sdn Bhd, who operate the Audi Kuala Lumpur Service Centre at Jalan Chan Sow Lin has announced that the Service Centre is now open on Sundays, as part of the company’s effort to improve its after sales service. Sunday operations have begun since 18 September 2016.

Daihatsu Perodua Engine Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (DPEM) has officially opened its new RM500 million joint venture plant in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan. This new facility is the second significant investment made by Daihatsu after their transmission manufacturing facility, Akashi Kikai Industry (M) Sdn Bhd, in Senawang began operations in July 2015.

MOTORSPORT: ALEX YOONG wins big at the 2016 AUDI R8 LMS Cup

Former Formula 1 driver and fellow Malaysian Alex Yoong has captured his third consecutive championship in the Audi R8 LMS Cup. Mr Yoong, who drives for team Audi TEDA Racing secured the championship by just one point ahead of Alessio Picariello of the MGT Team by Absolute.

One of the challenges facing commercial fleet operators is the struggle to deal with cost pressures. The issue of lowering fleet costs stems from, among several factors, the instability of global prices of crude oil. With crude oil prices impacting world currencies, fleet operators are faced with keeping their expenses in check while managing their assets and inventories to ensure that supply meets demand.

It looks like the entry of the Isuzu Mu-X lifestyle SUV in the 2016 Borneo Safari International Offroad Challenge was a successful one as it won the 'Vehicle of the Year' award there. This year's Borneo Safari was deemed to be the toughest in 12 years with daily rainfall causing delays.

Sunday (Not So) Lite: My first ever oversteer wet-in-my-trousers moments

I got my driver's licence in 1990. I started out driving the driving school's Datsun 120y as well as practicing in my mum (and then hand-me-down) 1981 Honda Civic 1.3 3 door hatchback (paint the car above beige and that was it). The freedom to travel where I wanted to (within my weekly allowance) was fantastic. Of course, In my first few years of driving I was pretty gung ho about my supposed car control skills (I did not have any actually).

New Authorised Volkswagen Service center in Kota Kinabalu - Kota Bumi Sdn Bhd

An official Volkswagen service centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is now open for business. This service centre is operated by Kota Bumi Sdn Bhd and it is currently the only authorised service centre for Volkswagen in Sabah.

Ficosa opens a new factory for rear view mittors in Tennessee, USA - Some thoughts about production costs in high income nations

Ficosa, who are one of the major manufacturers of rear view mirrors in vehicles on earth have opened a new facility in America. With an investment of over 50 million dollars, the new plant is equipped with the sector’s latest technology, becoming the most advanced in Ficosa’s global portfolio. The Cookeville, Tennessee facility, which has a total surface area of 270,000 square feet, is dedicated to producing rear view systems for automotive manufacturers such as Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler and General Motors.

The Vespa scooter is an iconic piece of personal transport. It celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. Naza Premira, official distributor of Vespa in Malaysia is celebrating in a big way. Do read the press release below for the exact date and time of the Vespa Gathering at the Publika Shopping Gallery in Kuala Lumpur on saturday, 19th of November 2016.

This is slightly off topic than the usual automotive/motoring related posts. But there is some motoring history in some ways. The Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur has been around for a while now. 25 years this year. I was one of the first few people who frequented this establishment. In those days, as well as today, it was a place frequented by people who had association with fast vehicles - the superbikers and also the Harley Davidson riders from everywhere in the world.

Some pointers by Ford to new drivers out there...as well as a reminder to those of us who've been driving for a while too.

The following bits of information are courtesy of Ford Motor Company. The pointers below could help you in the daily grind.

Are you a new driver? Or know someone who is? Here’s a checklist you need to read

All smiles at the 2015/16 Malaysia PR Awards. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Corporate Communications Manager, Emily Lek (second from left), with the Centriq PR account team, (from left) Jeannette D’Netto, Jacqueline Arnold and Teri Wong.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s corporate public relations programme received the Bronze award in the Corporate Branding category at the 2015/16 Malaysia PR Awards held in Kuala Lumpur recently. The entry titled, ‘Going Beyond Boundaries’, was submitted by Centriq PR Sdn Bhd, who are Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s public relations consultancy.

In conjunction with Volkswagen’s 10th year anniversary in Malaysia, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched a “Volkswagen Anniversary Sale” campaign. The campaign runs from now till 31 December 2016.

A bit of industry news now folks. Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBSM) has appointed automotive financing industry veteran, Mike Ponnaz, as its new Managing Director effective 1 November 2016. He replaces Hilke Janssen, who had helmed MBSM over the past four years.

B8 series Volkswagen Passat pre-launch media drive - Launch set for 16th November with EEV status on prices

I am in Langkawi to try out the new B8 Volkswagen Passat. It is set to be launched here on the 16th of November. Prices have not been mentioned as yet but it will be given the EEV tax break which would make the 1.8 variants cheaper than the B7 Passat.

2017 Hyundai Azera aka Hyundai Grandeur photos released - Very European in execution and premium looking too

Sometimes it is actually better to wait awhile when it comes to typing out automotive related news. I recently received the press release on the all-new 2017 Hyundai Azera / Hyundai Grandeur which had a sketch teasing the upcoming model. It was the company throwing a hint or two. Luckily I didn't bite and here we now have proper images of the car.

Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd, which operates Volvo Trucks' official Sandakan dealership has recently upgraded to a new cutting-edge facility. The Sandakan dealership is Dai Lieng Machinery's third after its Volvo Trucks dealerships in Kota Kinabalu and Miri. Dai Lieng Machinery had invested RM7.9 million into this new facility which offers a full range of services and on-site facilities.

The Borneo Safari 2016 is officially underway and will be ongoing for about eight days or so (30th October - 6th November) in Sabah. This also marks the 10th year in a row that Isuzu Malaysia has sent a team to participate. This time around Isuzu Malaysia have prepared a 7-seater SUV to tackle the tropical rainforests of Borneo. The Isuzu Mu-X Monster makes its debut together with three other Isuzu D-Max pickup trucks.

NISSAN still sells a 1990 Nissan Sentra in Mexico - Zero Stars and recently tested against a new 5 Star Nissan Versa

I usually keep an eye out for cars that have been in production for decades but somehow, the Nissan Tsuru, aka the 1990 Nissan Sentra has eluded me until today. I saw it on Facebook that the Latin NCAP had crash tested the 2015 Nissan Tsuru against a 2016 Nissan Versa, aka the Nissan Sylphy (here in Malaysia - still think the name sounds like a sexually transmitted disease. Versa is so much nicer). The Tsuru died a terrible death. For a car (and the crash test dummy inside) that is.

This was spotted for sale recently. First time I am seeing an advert that is asking the buyer to continue the car loan. However there is a catch. There is a RM180,000 down payment and that RM7,000 monthly payment which would have to continue for another 3 and a half years. Continuing loan instalments for a Ferrari? How pathetic.

Being a student pays off in many ways these days. Recently, a student from UPM was suddenly given the keys to an All-New Proton Saga. Now, a student from The One Academy wins an Isuzu D-MAX Pickup Truck in the pecial Isuzu D-Max Decal Design Contest jointly organized by Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, The One Academy and Sime Kansai Paints Sdn Bhd.

Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd General Manager, Mr Suresh Kumar (second from left) handover the cheque to representative from Divine Life Society. Also in the picture is Ms Elina Baseri, General Manager Perodua Strategic Communications Div. (right)

The Kasih Sayang Welfare Home, which operates from a small house on a roadside near Perodua Headquarters, cares for 10 senior citizens and 13 children at the moment. Perodua and Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd had joined forces in order to give a home for children and senior citizens a makeover in preparation for the upcoming Deepavali celebration.

The Mercedes-AMG G63 is officially on sale in Malaysia. Woohoo!

The Original. According to Mercedes-Benz. Actually so original because this is the same goodness to gracious G-Wagen that was conceived in 1979. What is even more amazing is that the people at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has decided to officially offer the stomping Mercedes-AMG G63 in Malaysia. So we officially get the original in one of its most monstrous form. Hats off to the people at MBM.

Shell and Dorna Sports have announced an exciting four-year extension to the energy company’s title sponsorship of the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit (SIC). This news comes ahead of the latest instalment of the race in Kuala Lumpur, it reaffirms Shell’s commitment to top-level motorsport and the Asian region, having been title sponsor of the event in seven of the past eight seasons since 2009.

UPCOMING EVENTS: THE STOP THE CRASH ASEAN 2016 TO BE HELD AT SEPANG CIRCUIT, 30TH NOVEMBER 2016 & IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Stop the Crash Partnership, with the support from the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) will be organising: Stop the Crash ASEAN 2016 from 29 to 30 November 2016 at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

The organisers of the Malaysia Autoshow and the Bangkok International Motor Show have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). What this means is that the organisers of the Malaysia Autoshow, the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) and Aideah Communication Sdn Bhd, will be able to tap the vast resources and experience of the public listed company, Grand Prix International Public Company Lrd of Thailand (GPI), who have successfully organised 37 Bangkok Motor Show to date.

ISUZU D-MAX Pickup now face lifted and refreshed & the special edition ISUZU MU-X Type S unveiled

Isuzu launched a facelifted Isuzu D-MAX pickup truck yesterday evening. The Japanese company who specialises in pickup trucks, SUVs and commercial vehicles (they do this also) have made some exterior and interior changes to keep their pickup and SUV refreshed for the Malaysian market. This is about time as the D-MAX in its previous form was first launched in 2013. Three years is quite a long time in the ever evolving car industry.

Bosch launches all-new Clear Advantage Wiper - Flat Blade wiper and Bosch Rover roadshow in Peninsular Malaysia

Bosch Automotive Aftermarket recently announced the launch of its latest flat-blade wiper – the Bosch Clear Advantage. According to Bosch, this new flat-blade wiper provides superior performance for Asian cars even in extreme weather conditions. Up to 200,000 wipe cycles. Or a heck of a lot of wipes.

The Perodua Tweckbot team is back in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations this year. This time around, the Tweckbot team held its free 50-point vehicle inspection for its customers in Taiping, Perak. The Tweckbot programme, which was introduced in 2011, was a first for Perodua whereby it engages its customers via social media to offer free safety inspections at specified time, date and location.

This is a long time coming. This review of the all-new Proton Persona 1.6 Premium SE CVT and a few more car that desperately needed to be written. But due to a slew of new car launches and other events it has had to wait a fair bit. Anyway, the good people at Proton had managed to squeeze me into the Proton Persona media drive from the Proton Center of Excellence (COE) to Kuantan and back. Again, this was an opportunity to get proper highway and B-road (trunk road) experience on this newly launched B segment car.

Sunday Lite: SubaRUBBISH. Aka Proton Gen2.

You ain't fooling anyone, Proton Gen2.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

PROTON OFFERS A PRICE REBATE FOR THE PROTON IRIZ SPECIALLY FOR RIDE-SHARING DRIVERS

Good news! A rebate of RM4000 will be provided for individuals who purchase the Proton Iriz as part of their plans to become ride-sharing drivers, like those GrabCar and Uber type services. This is in line with what was announced in the recent 2017 budget tabled recently.

Leaked Pics of the Suzuki - Proton Ertiga Compact MPV

Funtastiko, that local spy photo website has struck again. This time they've found out that the closed Facebook page, Proton Ertiga Community has found some photographs of the upcoming joint venture MPV that Proton and Suzuki will be launching by the end of this year.

In some ways this is a surprise. Geely, that Chinese company which owns Volvo Car has now come up with another car brand that will go global. The brand is called LYNK & CO. I wonder if there are any other car companies that have the '& Co' and how are we going to call the car? Just 'Lynk' or do we need to call it 'LynkCo' or 'Lynk & Co'?

If you're interested in procuring a Subaru but need a little more incentive now's the time. Motor Image Malaysia, the authorised distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, will be selling limited show units including the Subaru Forester 2.0i-Premium,. These vehicles were previously used by international stunt driver Russ Swift during various Subaru roadshows. Motor Image Malaysia is offering these cars at a special promotional price commencing 21 October 2016.

Hyundai opens its fourth plant in China and launches a China only model - the Hyundai Verna Yuena

Hyundai Motor Company has opened its fourth manufacturing plant in China in the city of Cangzhou in north eastern China. The new plant, Beijing Hyundai Motor Company Cangzhou Branch, has an annual capacity of 300,000 units. Hyundai Motor Company aims to seize the initiative in China with its ‘New Plant, New Model and New Strategy’ approach.

Goodyear today launched its latest high performance tire, the Goodyear Wrangler TripleMax, in Malaysia. The tyre is meant for mid-size SUVs and is designed to deliver Superior Braking Performance, Shorter Wet Braking and Road Hazard Resistant features. The TripleMax basically offers a safer and fun driving experience even when one is with the family. Especially when one is with the family.

Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor and importer of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia, has launched the All-New Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck. Variants made available are the Colorado 2.5L Standard LT Manual, 2.5L LT Automatic, 2.5L Standard LTZ Automatic, the 2.8L Standard LTZ automatic and the range topping 2.8L High Country automatic. This marks a thorough revision of the current generation Colorado pickup truck. First launched globally in 2011, this latest revision features new exterior and interior design.

Tyre Launch & Test: MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4 is Launched -& we get to try it out!

Mr Pascal Nouvellon, MD Michelin Malaysia (middle) with Mr Putu yudha, Marketing Manager Michelin Malaysia (right) with Bibendum the Michelin Man at the launch (yes, that white tyre fella)

Michelin has launched the ultra high performance MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 here in Malaysia. The Pilot Sport series of tyres have been been one of the tyres that have been the choice of driving enthusiasts globally. This time, the new Pilot Sport 4 improves on its predecessor. It offers more innovation and technology that would increase every aspect of performance and safety for drivers seeking that ultimate drive.

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