Sunday Lite: Not Fast, but a Legend....

The owner of this Proton Satria for sale has a nice title header - tak laju tapi legend - Satria Car, not fast but a legend.

It is a 1.3liter Satria by the way. The owner really holds this car in high regard. Tooooo high regard. ' Angkat bakul tekan lift sendiri ka?'

PROTON LAUNCHES THE PROTON IRIZ HATCHBACK IN INDONESIA

PT PROTON Edar Indonesia, the official distributors of Proton cars in Indonesia had recently  launched Proton Iriz hatchback at FX Sudirman Mall, Senayan. Two variants are made available to the Indonesian market, 1.3L MT Standard and 1.3L CVT Standard, priced at IDR175,250,000 an IDR185,283,000, respectively. The cars will sold in 7 colours, Cotton White, Midnight Black, Sterling Silver, Atlantic Blue, Graphite Grey, Citrus Green and Fire Red.

SHELL MALAYSIA LAUNCHES NEW ‘ANTI-AGEING’ OIL FOR HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLES

Shell Malaysia has just launched a specialised Shell Helix engine oil that can help ‘fight’ the effects of ageing in a car's engine. The new Shell Helix High Mileage 15W 50 synthetic technology multi-fuel engine oil is specially formulated for passenger cars (both petrol and diesel passenger vehicles - not commercial vehicles) with Flexi Molecule Technology to offer customised protection to engines, especially those with more than 100,000 km on the odometer. 

PROTON's Foreign Strategic Partner decision to be made by the first half of 2017

DRB-HICOM Berhad have confirmed again that will only conclude and announce their decision within the first half of this year. There have been tons of speculation on the matter and I had mentioned earlier that all of this is mere talk and even any 'expert' opinion will just be an opinion until the actual decision is released to the public. 

BHPetrol provides Electric/Plug-In Hybrid vehicle charging stations for FREE at the Sg Kayu Ara station, PJ & the Sg Besi Harmony station,

BHPetrol (Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd) recently marked its 11th year in the petroleum business by installing re-charging stations for Electric and Plug-In Hybrid vehicles at two of their stations - the BHPetrol station at Kg Sg Kayu Ara, Petaling Jaya and the one located at Sg Besi Harmony (after the toll plaza towards Seremban). This value added service by BHPetrol is a step by the company into developing a sustainable community and also a small step for the company into other renewal sources of energy.

CHEVROLET MALAYSIA INTRODUCES THE CHEVROLET COMPLETE CARE PROGRAMME

Yesterday, at a gathering of various media people at the Chevrolet S3 Centre in Puchong Naza Quest, the official importer and distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia, launched the Chevrolet Complete Care (CCC) aftersales programme. The Chevrolet Complete Care programme combines a Comprehensive Vehicle Manufacturer Warranty, with Complete Chevrolet Service, Fully Integrated Service Operating System, 24/7 Roadside Assistance and 24/7 Live Chat Customer Care Assistance for peace of mind, wherever a customer is located in Malaysia.

The services are laid down herewith (as well as in the news release right down below). It covers the following:

INDUSTRY NEWS: ISUZU MALAYSIA ANNOUNCES THAT 2016 WAS A RECORD YEAR FOR THEM

Isuzu Malaysia has announced that 2016 was a record year for them, where the brand is placed 6th in overall sales as the most popular vehicle brand in Malaysia. Isuzu also continued its domination of the Malaysian truck market, taking a commanding 38.9%.  The best selling Isuzu ELF light-duty truck tops the commercial vehicle charts for seventh consecutive years, and Isuzu Forward medium-duty truck for the third time.

BMW Group Malaysia is the Official Automotive Partner of the Le Tour de Langkawi Malaysia 2017.

This year it is BMW who are official automotive partners for the upcoming 2017 Le Tour de Langkawi cycling event. BMW Group Malaysia and Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) today announced the appointment of the premium automaker as the Official Automotive Partner of the Le Tour de Langkawi Malaysia competition for the year 2017. The premium automaker will support one of Asia’s premier cycling stage race with a fleet of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles. They will also be the  White Jersey Sponsor for the Best Asian Rider 

Happenings: EXCLUSIVE VISIT TO DUCATI TEAM GARAGE FOR SHELL ADVANCE GUESTS

Shell Advance recently invited 100 special guests for a unique experience ahead of the 2017 MotoGP™ season. The lucky group comprised of mechanics (who have helped make Shell Advance the leading motorcycle engine oil brand in Malaysia), members of the Desmo Owners Club Malaysia and selected media. In the main pic above, you can see Ducati press officer Julian Thomas taking a wefie with some of the lucky people.

TRUCK NEWS:Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Unveils its latest 3S Commercial Vehicle Centre in Klang

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBMCV) together with authorised dealer, Hap Seng Commercial Vehicle (HSCV) has officially opened its full-fledged 3S Commercial Vehicle Centre in Selangor’s Industrial Hub, Telok Gong, Klang. According to them, manufacturers and transporter companies will benefit from the full-fledged 3S Service Centre strategically located in Selangor’s Industrial Hub, Telok Gong, Klang.

Apollo Tyres offers an impressive one year UNCONDITIONAL Warranty for passenger car tyres in Malaysia

Mr. Shubhro Ghosh, Group Head - ASEAN, Middle East & Africa, Apollo Tyres believes the UCW offer will increase Malaysians’ confidence in Apollo

Starting from the 10th of February 2017 customers of Apollo Tyres here in Malaysia will be offered a one-year Unconditional Warranty (UCW) for their range of passenger car tyres. 

News: Caltex™ Havoline® and ONE Championship™ bring the fight back to Kuala Lumpur

Caltex wants you  to put the fight back in your engine, with Caltex Havoline. Throne of Tigers, will be held today, the 10th of February at the Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur. Ev Ting from Malaysia is expected once again to show his domination in the cage when he faces Kamal. Because of his impressive track record as a fighter, Ev was recently invited to represent Caltex as the brand ambassador for their premium engine oil brand, Havoline.

Aside from that you can also enter...

FROM SPECTATOR TO STRIKER : CHEVROLET INVITES FOOTBALL FANS TO BECOME ‘PROS’ FOR A DAY AT 2017 CHEVROLET FAN CUP

Announced in the middle of last month, Chevrolet will make fans “professional” footballers for a day through the 2017 Chevrolet Fan Cup, a global competition where winners will play at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium, the “Theatre of Dreams.”

Happenings: SMK Sultan Abdul Samad students rise to the challenge with Caltex™ Havoline® and ONE Championship™

On wednesday, the 8th of February 2017, a select group of secondary school students from SMK Sultan Abdul Samad in Petaling Jaya had a once in a lifetime chance to meet up with  two of the Mixed Martial Arts competitors from the ONE Championship series through a CSR community initiative spearheaded by Caltex Havoline. 

Someone said I did not give 'Constructive Criticism' on the Super Narrow & therefore quite ugly looking Chana Era CM8 MPV - I now try to give constructive advise

Photo:Paultan.org

Recently someone complained that I did not give any 'Constructive Criticism' about a car he, or she was searching on. The person stumbled on the blog searching about the CHANA ERA CM8 Mini MPV and then said this,

Statement by DRB-Hicom on PROTON Holding's Foreign Partner search - My opinions are included free of charge

DRB-Hicom, who are the owners of PROTON Holdings, the Malaysian car company has issued a statement (which is posted down below) in response to the latest round of media reports on the future of Proton and who is in the running to 'take over' or enter into a partnership with Proton. This depends on which angle the journalists are writing from. 

SHELL ADVANCE LAUNCHES FULL RANGE OF SCOOTER OILS WITH DUCATI CORSE RIDER ANDREA DOVIZIOSO AS SPECIAL GUEST & LAUNCHES EXPRESS OIL CHANGE AT SELECTED SHELL STATIONS

It has been a quiet weekend for Yours Truly. Didn't do much last friday except go to a Shell Advance launch for their newest range of scooter lubricants. Well, it still is Chinese New Year week you know. Anyway, the new products launched comprised of the fully synthetic Shell Advance 4T Ultra Scooter with PurePlus Technology 5W-40, synthetic technology Shell Advance 4T AX 7 Scooter 10W-40 and Shell Advance Scooter Gear Oil. 

Industry News: PROTON appoints a new CEO for Proton Edar

Proton has appointed the dapper looking chap in the photograph above as the new CEO of its sales and marketing arm, Proton Edar Sdn Bhd. Mr Abdul Rashid Musa replaces outgoing CEO Mr Rohime Shafie effective 1st of February 2017. Prior to this appointment, he was the Chief Technical Officer of PROTON where he held several portfolios, including being instrumental in the development of the four new models in 2016 (the Perdana, Persona, Saga and Ertiga). 

BMW 118i M Sport and BMW 330e M Sport variants launched in conjunction with BMW Group Malaysia CNY festivities

BMW Group Malaysia announced the introduction of two new M Sport models for the Malaysian market – the new BMW 118i M Sport and BMW 330e M Sport. The new cars are introduced in conjunction with the premium automaker’s CNY@BMW campaign that is currently ongoing at all its dealerships nationwide. 

Proton Persona and the Proton Saga launched in Brunei

Proton has launched the all-new Proton Persona and the all-new Proton Saga over in the Kingdom of Brunei. For those that did not do too well in geography or if you are just unaware, Brunei is located in the island of Borneo (hence the name) and nicely sandwiched between Sabah and Sarawak. Of course, if you're from Brunei, or did quite well for your Geography paper, you'd probably know that already. 

TEST DRIVE: VOLVO XC90 T8 - All Hail, the King of the North

The thing about a lot of people is that they have a preconception about nearly automotive brand out there. Take for example Volvo. A lot of people have that notion that a Volvo is one of those cars for family types. Some however think that a Volvo is those old square boxes like the 240 which are meant for hipster type folks out there. Then there are some who think that you should follow precisely what Volvo's previous slogan to the tee, which is 'Volvo, For Life' and just buy one Volvo and use it for the rest of their lives. But ever since Volvo recently gave their whole line-up a good shake, a Volvo is a stupendous vehicle to drive.

CHELSEA TRUCK COMPANY's take on the Mercedes-Benz G350 - A wide arched monsta

I sometimes wonder why not many wealthy Malaysians aren't running around in the G-Wagon. I mean, I know it is expensive, but it looks damn good. In that chunky super tough sort of way. There are also people buying Porsche Cayenne Turbos out there. Which they shouldn't.

The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) launches its Resource (and Training) Centre in Rawang

Minister of MITI, Dato Sri Mustapa Mohamed (middle) with Dato' Madani Sahari, CEO of MAI (left)

The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) had launched their Resource Centre (MAIRC) over in Bukit Beruntung, Rawang sometime last week. The centre, which was established in partnership with Perodua, Proton and vendors Suria Component SDN. BHD., SIPRO Plastics SDN. BHD. and PHN Industry SDN. BHD. The launching of MAI Resource Centre was officiated by YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, the Minister of International Trade and Industry, on the 24th of January 2017. MAIRC as the focal point for all MAI capacity building programmes.

TRUCK & BUS NEWS: SCANIA APPRENTICE PROGRAMME IN MALAYSIA DELIVERS RESULTS

Graduates and new apprentices together with IKBN at Scania Malaysia, coming together to start their respective journey towards success for both Scania customers and their personal development.

Another event that happened just prior to the Chinese New Year of the Rooster this year is graduation of twelve participants in Scania Malaysia's Apprentice Training Programme. Ever since 2014, this collaborative programme is aimed in bringing out a continuous flow of skilled people that will meet the demand within Scania as well as meeting the overall demand for skilled manpower in the country. 

PROTON RECEIVES ACCREDITATION AS A CENTRE FOR NATIONAL DUAL TRAINING SYSTEM (SLDN) FOR SKILLS TRAINING

Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali receiving the SLDN accreditation certificate from Dato’ Sri Richard Riot Jaem

Sometime before the Chinese New Year, Proton received accreditation by the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia as well as from the Department of Skills Development, Malaysia as a centre for the National Dual Training System programme conducted by the Government of Malaysia.

Hope the year of the Rooster brings us all prosperity, and a more grown up and disciplined society

photo: Pinterest

Happy New Year of the Rooster! I hope it brings you readers out there health and wealth. And also more disciplined and patient drivers in Malaysia - Use the signal indicators more! Follow the Road Signs! Do not lose your temper!. 

Now we shall be getting back to the business of putting articles up shortly.  Hey, it's the New Year. I need my celebration time too!

2017 Renault Sport Track Days: tackling Europe’s greatest tracks!

This is an interesting bit of news if you have the resources to do so and is already bored of the usual Renault Malaysia Track Day at Sepang.  Groupe Renault today announced the opening of online registrations for 2017 Renault Sport Track Days over in Europe. 

Automotive Industry Opinion: Porsche sold 5,589 cars in South East Asia last year - Malaysia is one of their key markets

Porsche sold about 5,589 Cars over in the South East Asian region in 2016. You may think that 5,000 cars is a small number but this is a premium luxury brand. Each car sold would cost an average of RM400,000 to 700,000 with or without high taxes. Multiply that by 5,000 and you see that is is a significant sum.

TRUCK NEWS: HINO MALAYSIA UPGRADES THEIR 300 SERIES LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.  has now upgraded their HINO 300 Series light commercial truck following their recent upgrades towards their bus chassis line-up. The new 300 Series of trucks now offer more power and better safety features. 

TRUCK NEWS: MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 2016 PERFORMANCE REPORT

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles, Vice President, Mr Albert Yee together with the Mercedes-Benz Actros and FUSO Canter.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) have announced that they sold 2,612 vehicles in 2016. Whilst this is a dip from the previous year (their Total Industry Volume dropped to 13%) it is still quite a respectable amount considering the stiff competition and an uncertain market situation.

Happenings: A man from Penang wins a Bezza for Perodua Test Drive and Win Contest

Last weekend was a happening one for Perodua and those that attended the compact car manufacturer's MYPerodua Nation Carnival held in Shah Alam. But also celebrating something at the event was Mr Law Soon Hee, who was chosen to be the winner of Perodua’s “Test Drive and Win” short message service (SMS) contest which ran from October to December last year.

Look for the BMW S 1000 XR motorcycle and win some BMW Motorrad merchandise by watching Resident Evil 6: The Final Chapter

Lookout for the BMW S 1000 XR and stand a chance to win BMW Motorrad merchandises by watching Resident Evil 6: The Final Chapter at cinemas nationwide.

BMW Motorrad, the Premium motorcycle maker introduces lucky draw contest for cinema-goers of post-apocalyptic blockbuster to win exclusive merchandises. 

Heck, I'd go just to see Ms Jovovich killing zombies! The stuff to be won is a big bonus.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars issues a statement following announcements by Rolls-Royce PLC

These days Rolls Royce Motor Cars is not part of Rolls Royce PLC. The car company is now owned by BMW Group. So recently when some stuff hit the fan regarding Rolls Royce PLC, the company that makes aeroplane jet engines, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have decided to issue the statement below so that there is no confusion between the two very separate business entities:

The 2017 Chevrolet Fan Cup - Manchester United Fans! Get a chance to head over to Old Trafford courtesy of Chevrolet

IF you are a football fan as well as a Chevrolet enthusiast do take note. Chevrolet has announced that it will make fans “professional” footballers for a day through the 2017 Chevrolet Fan Cup, a global competition where winners will play at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium, the “Theatre of Dreams.”

TEST DRIVE: THE PROTON ERTIGA EXECUTIVE PLUS A/T - The Ertiga Media Drive Experience to Kuala Selangor

A few weeks ago I went on the new Proton Ertiga media drive. This was the first time most of us motoring guys got to try Proton's all new compact MPV out on Malaysian roads. Prior to this most of us had a go with the Ertiga over at Proton's test track where we decided that it was a decent little people carrier that would get the job of transporting a family of five to six (occasionally seven) people comfortably in and around the country. The only thing that came to our mind at the time was how much Proton was going to price it.

THE HAVAL M4 IS NOW CALLED THE HAVAL H1

(Left to Right) Ahmad Azam Dato' Sulaiman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Go Auto & Dato' SM Azli Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin Kamil, Executive Director of Go Auto

The Haval M4 Compact Crossover SUV has been given a name change. The little EEV (energy efficient vehicle) certified SUV is now called the Haval H1. The only obvious changes to the car is that the H1 now has a differently styled chrome grille and the Haval logo is embedded on the steering wheel, car boot and seatbacks. It basically is the same car.

PERODUA SELLS ONE IN EVERY THREE CARS SOLD IN 2016 - PERODUA'S 2016 PERFORMANCE REPORT

I attended Perodua's 2016 performance review today and basically found out that it was a bumper year for them in many ways. Sales were up - 207,100 vehicles were sold in 2016. After sales service revenue was also up to RM682 million compared with RM600 million service revenue in 2015. These figures were achieved despite a sluggish automotive industry in 2016.

Happenings: RENAULT DRIVING EXPERIENCE EVENT is added to the most recent RENAULT TRACK DAY at Sepang

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, had once again organised the Renault Track Day for its customers recently. This time, instead of the faster Renaults having fun, i.e the likes of the Megane RS and the Clio RS owners going round Sepang very fast they added something called the  ‘Renault Driving Experience’ event for Renault owners (and prospective customers too).  

Celebrate Chinese New Year in 2017 with the New and Exclusive MINI Countryman JCW Design Edition

In celebration towards the arrival of the New Year of the Rooster, MINI Malaysia introduces the stylish new MINI Countryman JCW (John Cooper Works) Design Edition.The new limited edition MINI Countryman JCW gets a lot of JCW accessories placed into it. 190hp and 240Nm makes it decently fast at 0-100 in 7.8secs and a max speed of 212kmh. 

Volkswagen Batu Pahat 3S Centre officially opens

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and its dealer, SP Supreme Autohaus, today announced the launch of the new Volkswagen Batu Pahat 3S Centre. This is the only Volkswagen 3S Centre in northern Johor.

Product Review: Trying out the Bosch Clear Advantage flat blade wipers

Bosch Automotive Aftermarket launched its latest flat-blade wiper – the Bosch Clear Advantage here in Malaysia sometime at the end of last year. According to the folks at Bosch, this new flat-blade wiper provides superior performance for Asian cars even in extreme weather conditions. Up to 200,000 wipe cycles due to the specially formulated rubber compound used in the wiper blades. 

PROTON NOW OFFERS ENHANCED 'YES ALTITUDE 4G' PACKAGE TO ITS CUSTOMERS

Yesterday (Saturday the 15th of January), at the EON AutoFest 2017, Proton has entered into an arrangement with YTL Communications where the original 4G mobile hotspot plan is now upgraded to YES Altitude 4G LTE Smartphone Plan. The new Plan will provide customers with data usage of up to 16GB of 4G LTE per month for a period of 12 months from date of registration, effective from 14 January 2017 onwards.

Spotted for Sale: 'LIKE NEW' Proton Wira 1.5 (A)

Truth in marketing is a concept the person selling this 1997 Proton Wira 1.5 (a) has never heard of before. Check out the 'TIP TOP LIKE NEW' interior above. And the check out the 'Like New' paintwork below. Somehow I doubt the paintwork came from the factor in the state its currently in. This car is so 'new'.

FACELIFTED PERODUA AXIA DUE FOR LAUNCH SOON - NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING AND ON DISPLAY AT PERODUA SHOWROOMS

Perodua is keeping things fresh as usual with their vehicle line-up. The Malaysian compact car manufacturer have basically announced that the facelifted Perodua Axia is due to be launched very soon as it is now open for booking (and now available for viewing at Perodua showrooms- updated 17th January 2017). The facelifted Axia city car will feature a new engine and additional features to keep it very relevant in the A segment compact car market.

Mercedes-Benz Tops Malaysia and Global Premium Car Market for 2016 - 2016 Sales Performance Report

A lot of good news for premium car sales in Malaysia especially if you're the brand with the Three Pointed Star. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has announced that they have managed to hit record sales of 11,779 vehicles in 2016. This is a 9% increase than the previous year and a new milestone for them in Malaysia. Malaysia is also the best performing in terms of sales numbers in South East Asia for the brand.

PERODUA makes statement about a fake Facebook campaign giving out a free car

Statement by Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dato’ Dr. Zahari Husin on a Myvi campaign on Facebook

Perodua wishes to state that Perodua does not have any campaign to give away 15 new Perodua Myvi which was posted on a Facebook account name “Perodua Malaysia Company”. (Please refer to the screenshot as attached -Ed- this is a fake advert okay)

We are in no way associated with this Facebook account.

DRB-HICOM’s Autofest returns for the sixth edition this weekend! - 14th to 15th January 2017

Heads up people.  DRB-HICOM’s Autofest returns for the sixth time this weekend - 14th to the 15th of January 2017 at EON Complex in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The DRB-HICOM Autofest 2017 will showcase 10 brands under the group’s automotive portfolio, namely PROTON, Lotus, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, TATA and MODENAS. 

The new and improved 2017 Maserati Quattroporte is in town

The Quattroporte Gran Lusso

These days Bentleys, Mercedes-Benzes or Rolls Royces are pretty common on Malaysian roads. So if you want to stand out tastefully, without resorting to wrapping your Bentley with pink coloured wrapping vinyl, the newly restyled Maserati Quattroporte should be on your list. NAZA Italia, the official importer and distributor for Maserati in Malaysia, had recently introduced the improved 2017 Maserati Quattroporte in two trims - the GranLusso and GranSport.

Happenings: Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd continues its CSR efforts with contributions to two underprivileged houses

Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd together with the children from Jagaan Cahaya Kasih Bestari and Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Seribu Harapan at Volvo Malaysia's headquarters in Shah Alam. 

More CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) by Volvo Trucks Malaysia. The company had concluded 2016 with a treat to underprivileged children at their headquarters in Shah Alam. The company held a charity event on its compound with the presence of more than 150 children, guests and Volvo Trucks staff enjoying themselves to the fun activities specially organised by Volvo Trucks. Apart from this, Volvo Trucks also donated RM10,000 to Jagaan Cahaya Kasih Bestari and Pusat Jagaan Kanak-Kanak Seribu Harapan to assist them on their basic daily needs.