Upcoming Events: MotoNation 2017, a Lifestyle Auto Show and Carnival is happening in December 2017

There is a new automotive event planned for the end of this year. MotoNation 2017 will be held on  the 1st to the 3rd December 2017 at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). The organisers have claimed that this event is the first automotive lifestyle carnival in South East Asia of its kind. It would be the first that brings together B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) programs. In layman's terms, businesses get to network and everybody else gets to enjoy what's on display or showcased there.

TEST DRIVE: THE FACELIFTED FORD RANGER 3.2 WILDTRAK - A Characterful Engine Makes this a very special Pick-up

Pick-up trucks are getting more and more versatile these days. This is especially true when it comes to those double cab variants that allow you to carry four other passengers and a lot of cement bags at the same time whilst traversing rough terrain. This is because most come with a 4 wheel drive setup which allows you to go nearly everywhere. It is most useful for construction companies to small time contractors. The versatility of these pick-up trucks make them very popular as is their affordability here in Malaysia.

Commercial Vehicles: Shell Lubricants Malaysia officially launches the Shell Rimula Express workshop network

Shell Lubricants Malaysia has officially launched the Shell Rimula Express workshop network of branded commercial vehicle workshops nationwide. Selected commercial vehicle workshop owners will have the opportunity to collaborate with Shell where they will become part of the Shell Rimula Express network. 

Financing: BMW Group Malaysia Introduces New Full Circle Programme for the BMW X1 sDrive20i and the All-New BMW 530i M Sport for its Corporate Programme Partners.

BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the Full Circle Programme by BMW Credit Malaysia, a new and exclusive financing offering for its existing BMW Corporate Programme customers. The new financing program offers greater flexibility with a wide range of settlement options and ensures future-value peace of mind assurance for purchases of the BMW X1 sDrive20i and the All-New BMW 530i M sport by its existing corporate customers.

MOTORCYCLES: MODENAS' Revival Begins With The Launch of The Kriss MR2 & Also Plans for Strategic Partner Tie-Up

National motorcycle manufacturer Motosikal Dan Enjin Nasional (MODENAS), part of the DRB-HICOM group had launched the latest Modenas Kriss underbone (moped) motorcycle. The Kriss has been their most popular model over the years and they hope that with the introduction of the new MR2 model to the popular KRISS line-up, it will improve its current market share of the entry level underbone motorcycle segment from 8% to 10% by the end of 2017.

Hyundai Motor Wins Two Prestigious Red Dot Design Awards for the Hyundai Azera and the i30 & an Azera in Vietnam

I must say that Hyundai is on a roll when it comes to coming up with award winning designs. Hyundai Motor has recently received recognition for its evolving design philosophy, receiving prestigious Red Dot Awards for outstanding design for the fourth year in a row. Both the Hyundai Azera – badged as Grandeur in Korea – and i30 (Elantra Sport) were recognized by the internationally-renowned awards programme, in ‘Transportation Design’ within the ‘Product Design’ category.

New Volkswagen Tiguan launched in Malaysia - Two Variants, the Comfortline & Highline - Priced from RM148,990 onwards

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially launched its stylish new SUV, the all-new Tiguan. Locally assembled in Pekan, the all-new Tiguan is priced at RM­148,990 for the Comfortline and RM168,990 for the Highline. 

TEST DRIVE: 2017 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 1.4 TSI COMFORTLINE & HIGHLINE

The Malaysian C segment SUV market is a burgeoning market. Everyone is in it. Super tough market. Super, super tough. It's so tough we have the Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, Germans, the French and also most probably the Americans via Ford or Jeep. Speaking about Jeep, I don't even remember if they still have stock of their Jeep Whatsitsname compact SUV. Don't ask me. I just can't remember.

New Exhibit/Tour at the Land Rover Solihull Factory - 50 YEARS OF VELAR: THE STORY OF RANGE ROVER

 Land Rover launches a new visitor attraction at its Solihull home over in the UK. The new exhibit was created to celebrate 50 years of the world's most revered luxury SUV - the original Range Rover prototype which was actually codenamed 'Velar'. The tour takes visitors on a journey from the 1967 Velar prototype to the new Velar. The interactive exhibit showcases British design and engineering story behind the world’s greatest luxury SUV. 

Industry News: Continental’s tire plant in Alor Setar gets a new Plant Manager

The international tyre company Continental has announced the appointment of Carlos Bernabe as Plant Manager for its Passenger & Light Truck Tyres and Two Wheel Tyres manufacturing facility in Alor Setar, Malaysia. He joined the Continental Malaysia team in Alor Setar on January 1, 2017, succeeding Juergen Jacobs Dowling, who has been leading the plant for the past three years and is currently pursuing his career within Continental in South Africa.

I attended the International Automotive Aftermarket Conference by MAI and here are my thoughts about that as well as the industry as a whole

I was privileged to attend the second International Automotive Aftermarket Conference organised by the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) earlier today. “Spearheading Technology, Enhancing Automotive Aftermarket Industry” This one-day international conference attracted 100 participants, consisting of local and international industry stakeholders, academia, automotive recycling associations, and Government agencies. 

Truck News: Volvo Trucks grows its market share in Malaysia’s premium heavy-duty commercial vehicle segment

Volvo Malaysia announced today that it had recorded an increase of 4.8% in sales for its Volvo truck brand for financial year 2016, compared to the previous year. The growth was achieved through the sale of 370 units of trucks. This has led to the brand capturing 45% of the market share in the European heavy-duty prime mover segment in Malaysia, making it the top truck brand for the year.

Classic cars: Back when Hino made cars - the Hino Contessa 1300 Coupe

HINO is known in these parts as a reliable truck maker. It has been like that since the 1970s when the first set foot into Malaysia and slowly grew their brand into what it is today. Of course, it wasn't like that in the mid-1960s. The company made cars then.

Hyundai Motor Advances its ‘Future Mobility’ Vision at the 2017 Seoul Motor Show

Hyundai has revealed its latest hyper-connected car and autonomous driving technologies at the 2017 Seoul Motor Show which runs from today to the 9th of April 2017. The ‘Home to Car’ and ‘Car to Home’ services with Hyundai's self-developed ccSP platform introduced together with the FE Fuel Cell Concept car’s Asian debut (above) demonstrates Hyundai’s overall tech integration as well as eco-vehicle commitment. 

Happenings: BMW Group Malaysia Awards Best Performing Dealerships and Individuals in the Country at the BMW Dealer Awards Night 2016.

Yesterday I wrote about BMW Group Global rewarding their best dealers globally with Sime Darby's Auto Bavaria coming up as one of the finalists. Not too shabby eh? Anyway, now, BMW Group Malaysia held its annual BMW Dealer Awards Night, recognizing the best of its 39 strong dealer network in celebration of the premium automaker’s successful 2016 financial year. The accolades were handed out to the best performing dealers and individuals for their contribution in achieving steady business growth for the premium automaker’s BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands.

TRUCK NEWS: 300th FUSO Truck Delivered To Biforst Logistics & MoU entered for intent to purchase FUSO electric truck in the near future

Today was the official hand-over and delivery of the 300th FUSO truck to Biforst Logistics. This occasion marks as a historic milestone in the long-standing relationship and trust between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (which owns the FUSO brand) and Biforst Logistics.

Sime Darby Auto Bavaria is one of BMW Group's 36 Best Dealers in the World

BMW honoured its 36 best dealers worldwide during the Excellence in Sales awards ceremony in Munich. The awards were presented by the programme’s patron, Ian Robertson, BMW AG Management Board member for Sales and Brand BMW, Aftersales BMW Group. 2016 was a record year for BMW Group sales and these awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by the company’s dealers. 

Ford Donates Vehicles and Equipment to Montfort Boys Town

Ford Motor Company, together with its local partner Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), today named the Montfort Boys Town in Selangor as the latest recipient of its Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants Programme in Malaysia. 

BMW Group Malaysia Launches the All-new BMW 5 Series

The seventh generation BMW 5 Series has officially been launched in Malaysia. Internally codenamed the G30, this is BMW's take on how a premium business should be. At this moment only one, fully imported variant is available - the BMW 530i M Sport. The official retail price (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Program and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) is RM 398,800.

Truck News: New UD Trucks dealership opens in Kuantan

Tan Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE), the sole distributor of UD Trucks in Malaysia together with their official dealer, Edaran Setia Auto Sdn Bhd has officially opened its latest  UD Trucks dealership in Kuantan, Pahang. With over 25 years of experience in the commercial vehicle industry, Edaran Setia Auto aims to cover the East Coast region focusing on delivering the best sales experience to a wide range of industries that are ongoing on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

DRB-HICOM REAFFIRMS NEED TO BE DETAILED IN PROTON FSP SEARCH

"There have been news reports stating that we are left with only one bidder. I can confirm that all parties that submitted bids for PROTON are still in the running and DRB-HICOM is still evaluating these bids. We are going through the tail-end of this meticulous process, and we are looking forward to completing this search by the end of the first half of this year," said DRB-HICOM Berhad (DRB-HICOM) Group Managing Director, Dato' Sri Syed Faisal Albar. With this he basically reaffirmed the Group's statement last week that all bidders are still in the running to be selected as PROTON's FSP.

Offers: MINI Malaysia Introduces New Added Features and New Full Circle Programme for the MINI 3 Door and MINI 5 Door

MINI Malaysia today introduced the Full Circle Programme by MINI Financing This is the compact premium automaker’s newest financing program courtesy of BMW Credit Malaysia which offers enhanced flexibility and future value peace of mind assurance for the MINI 3 Door and MINI 5 Door. 

Spotted for Sale: Another God Car

FULL SPEC EDITION 1 GOD. I wonder if there is a second edition God around also.

I know the A45 is fast. You may think you are a driving God whilst driving one. 

Is is so hard to check before clicking ENTER for one's advertisement? 

Opinion: Thoughts on car prices & labour costs elsewhere and the soon to be replaced Honda CRV

I haven't had the time to really rave and rant in recent times. So today I think I should share more car related stuff with you folks out there as it's a sunday night as I type this and my mind is at ease. Well, maybe not so much at ease because tomorrow is the start of another week where a lot of things will be happening. 

Volvo launches the S90 and V90 in T5 And T6 R design variants in Malaysia

L to R - H.E Ambassador Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia and Mr Lennart Stegland, MD Volvo Car Malaysia

Friday, the 24th of March 2017 marked another milestone for Volvo here in Malaysia. The brand has now launched their newest flagship models, the Volvo S90 sedan and the Volvo V90 estate. Both, like the recently launched XC90 make up Volvo's renaissance and basically a comeback into the premium vehicle arena after some time lost in the Scandinavian wilderness. Well, according to Yours Truly that is. 

Driver's Education: Volkswagen “Polo P” Project Driver's Skills programme for new drivers - First one is currently ongoing at UTAR Sg Long

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today launched its inaugural “Polo P” project, dedicated to educating and empowering new licensed drivers with the skills and knowledge to stay safe on the roads. So now you can go from newbie licensed driver to Professional with the Volkswagen “Polo P” Project.

DRB-HICOM says that all Foreign Strategic Partner Bidders are still in the running - Move along folks, let's just wait till mid-2017.

There have been news recently that Geely, the China auto maker, who is purportedly in the running to become Proton's foreign strategic partner has dropped out of contention. Geely and the French PSA group have been seen as the fore-runners in this exercise and such a news is indeed worrying to some. 

HAPPENINGS: Naza Kia Malaysia provides Polis Di Raja Malaysia (PDRM) with a Kia Sorento

Naza Kia Malaysia has handed over a brand new Kia Sorento to our boys in blue. The Kia Sorento that was presented to the PDRM is a diesel variant is equipped with an R 2.2 CRDi engine which produces 200 PS and 441.3 Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. I suppose this MPV could be used in many ways by the PDRM actually.

Contest: EXPERIENCE THE DRIVE CONTEST’ BY PROTON

Now here is a chance for you to Win weekly RM500 petrol cards and monthly RM3,000 cash from Proton. They have recently launched the  “Experience the Drive Contest” to encourage Malaysians to test drive and experience their cars. The ‘Experience the Drive Contest’ (“the Contest”) had started on 1 March 2017 and the Contest will continue until the end of the year.

Naza Kia Launches The All New Grand Carnival

Naza Kia Malaysia has launched the current new generation Kia Carnival here in Malaysia. This new Carnival, now called the Kia Grand Carnival, marks a return of some sorts for Kia here. We missed a whole generation of the MPV here and now its back.

Grab (Car) and Tinder Partner to Give You a Chance to Meet Your Favourite Personalities

Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading technology company, is partnering with Tinder, the world's leading social app for meeting new people, to give you a special opportunity to meet your match! So it's a dating app coupled with a ride sharing app. What could possibly go wrong...

Ford Ranger WildTrak now on sale in limited-edition new Jet Black

You can now for a limited time buy the very fantastic to drive Ford Ranger WildTrack pick-up in Jet Black. You get class-leading safety features, including six airbags, and driver assistance technologies like Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control and Electronic Stability Control. 

A Special Volkswagen Offer by our JPJ...in some ways.

A once in a lifetime opportunity for Volkswagen enthusiasts has arrived courtesy of our Road Transport Department. As of the 21st of March, 2017, the RTD, or better known as Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ) has started the "VW" car registration series and customers who purchase a Volkswagen car in the next couple of days will be one of the lucky few to own a Volkswagen with a VW number plate. Customers who are interested should quickly visit their nearest authorized dealers to find out more or to place a booking before the "VW" series ends. 

UITM’S ECO-SPRINT EMERGED AS CHAMPIONS AT SHELL ECO-MARATHON ASIA 2017

Our engineering students HAVE THE POTENTIAL to achieve greatness. Team UiTM Eco-Sprint from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Malaysia brought home victory for the fourth consecutive time with a result of 359.4km/m3 in the Hydrogen category, at the recently held Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2017 competition in Singapore. Emerging as the runners up in the same category, University of Malaya’s Eco-Voyager earned Malaysia a sweet 1-2 victory by achieving an improved reading of 255.7km/m3 (compared to the team’s previous reading at the competition last year)!

MITSUBISHI OPENS ITS NEW 3S CENTRE IN BAYAN LEPAS, PENANG

EON Auto Mart Sdn Bhd, a member of the DRB-HICOM Group of companies, and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia today officially launched the new Mitsubishi 3S Centre in Bayan Lepas.  This is part of the company’s efforts to provide better customer experience for Mitsubishi’s owners in and around Bayan Lepas and the greater Penang region.

Our Cars/ Long Term Test: Continental MC5 on the C180 after 15,000km

This is a short piece since I am on vacation with the family. As you folks are aware, the Mercedes-Benz C180 W204 had been fitted with Continental MC5 aka MAX contact replacing the OE fitted Continental CSC5 tyres. Now since I have done around 15,000km on them it's time to review them.

Ford Continues its ‘Driving Skills for Life’ Programme with over 140 participants this time around

With the main aim to reduce road accidents in Malaysia, Ford and local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) organised another six sessions of their Driving Skills for Life programme, a flagship global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme offering free-of-charge, hands-on driver training. Over 140 licensed drivers participated in this programme. 

Roadshow News: “Vento Turbocharged Tour” to be held at 11 selected locations across the country

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be organizing the “Vento Turbocharged Tour” which will be held at 11 selected locations across the country starting with the 18th and 19th of March at AEON Bukit Tinggi, Klang. 

Porsche Centre Penang officially opens its doors - Porsche Cayman 718 unveiled

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, recently officially opened the new Porsche Centre Penang to cater for the Northern region. This brand new 3S Porsche Centre Penang is strategically located along Jalan Baru in Seberang Perai, Penang, and is easily accessible from Penang Island via the first bridge.

Happenings: Continental Tyre Malaysia supports Malaysian Classic Volkswagen Enthusiasts on their road trip to Germany

Ah. Old Volkswagens. They do bring out some pretty nostalgic feelings in everyone. Usually some people just use them on weekend drives around their neighbourhood. Old Beetles and original Kombi Transporter vans get used sparingly by their owners and kept in pristine condition. But not these bunch of valiant people led by Mr Stephen Pang. They are on their way to Germany using 4 classic Volkswagens - three Kombis and a Beetle. 

Naza Kia Malaysia Set to Launch All New Grand Carnival before the end of the 1st quarter, 2017

Naza Kia Malaysia, who are the authorised distributors of Kia here has just announced that they will launch the all-new Kia Carnival MPV before the end of March 2017. According to the company, the Carnival will be the vehicle pushing up the sales of Kia Malaysia for the year. They forecast an increase of up to 25% for this year. Quite high hopes on this MPV by the looks of it. 

Offer alert: Chevrolet Malaysia's Double Bonus deals - Rebates up to RM6,000 and more for a new Chevy Colorado

Naza Quest Sdn Bhd the sole importer and distributor for Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia is now offering the 'Double Bonus' sales promotion for the new Chevrolet Colorado. 

The new Porsche 911 GT3

I must say that everytime Porsche launches a new 911 GT3 I get very excited. The reason is because the Porsche 911 is in its purest form when it is a GT3. More so when it becomes a GT3 RS. However, the previous GT3 was not offered with the purest gearbox of all - the manual. Only a PDK box last time. This time, the new Porsche 911 GT3 gets all of its purity back as it is now offered with one again. 

Mofaz Exotic Car Brings The Mercedes-Benz Experience To Customers In The East Coast Region with the Mercedes-Benz Mofaz Kota Bahru & Kuala Terengganu 3S Autohauses

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia,  together with authorised dealer, Mofaz Exotic Car Sdn Bhd, has expanded its presence in order to serve its customers in the east coast region with the all-new Mercedes-Benz Mofaz Kota Bharu (above) and all-new Mercedes-Benz Mofaz Kuala Terengganu (below) Autohauses.

GO AUTO launches its new FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL and the official HAVAL CLUB

Go Auto, the official distributor for Haval vehicles in Malaysia, has unveiled a new fully synthetic engine oil that is engineered with green technology to give more protection and mileage for up to 15,000km between oil changes. The Go Auto Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40 SN, is also formulated to be more environmentally friendly as its friction modifiers and detergents ensure the engine is cleaner, thus lowering the carbon emissions.

7 Malaysian teams vie for top spots at Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2017 - We did very well in 2016, let's hope for more from our students this year!

120 Shell Eco-marathon student teams from Asia, the Middle East and Australia will be competing on the track in Singapore from March 16 – 19, 2017 in order to see who has designed and built the most energy efficient vehicle for the track. Their efforts will culminate in the Shell Eco-marathon Drivers’ World Championship Asia.

TEST DRIVE: THE PROTON PERDANA 2.4 - Does it feel better than the Perdana 2.0 and also a 1.5liter VTEC Turbo?

The car you see in the photos herein is the Proton Perdana 2.4. I remember saying in my initial road experience with the car last August that Perdana 2.0 variant gave away very little to this 2.4liter version. Aside from 400cc, a front strut bar in the engine bay, a front spoiler with side skirts, a slightly better infotainment system and a full leather interior, the Perdana 2.0 is essentially the same and would still get you from A to B quite comfortably. Of course, to put this theory of mine to rest I tried out the Perdana 2.4 for a while.

Sunday Lite: Yellow cars up in Genting

This pic was taken today by friend and occasional contributor to this blog, Mr Firdaus Asri.

Tractors: BMW Group subsidiary Designworks collaborates with John Deere on the Backhoe concept of the future

Let's get sidetracked a little. No cars, supercars or even normal commercial vehicles. BMW Group subsidiary Designworks has collaborated with tractor specialist, John Deere in designing the next generation of Backhoes. Backhoes are those multi-purpose tractors fitted with a loader-style shovel/bucket on the front and a backhoe on the back. Due to its (relatively) small size and versatility, backhoe loaders are very common in urban engineering and small construction projects (such as building a small house, fixing urban roads, etc.) as well as developing countries. And now Designworks gives us a concept for the future.

Truck News: 2016/2017 FUSO Diamond Contest prize winners announced!

 (left) Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles Vice President, Mr Albert Yee and a representative from authorised FUSO dealership, Kee Huat Auto Sdn Bhd, accepting the Mercedes-Benz C200 on behalf of 2016 FUSO Diamond Grand Prize winner, Puan Noraini Binti Abdul Haris.

Puan Noraini Binti Abdul Haris of I Aini Brilliance Enterprise walked away with a Mercedes-Benz C200 sedan in the recent prize giving ceremony of the 2016/2017 FUSO Diamond contest. The first-time FUSO brand customer, who unfortunately was not present at the ceremony, runs a logistics company with her husband took home the coveted Grand Prize of a Mercedes-Benz C200, an all-expenses paid trip to Japan and a visit to the FUSO Kawasaki Plant and Research & Development Center in, Japan, as well as service vouchers worth RM6,000.