2017 KIA OPTIMA RECEIVES TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS RATING FROM THE AMERICAN INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY (IIHS)

Now over in America, the land of burgers, french fries and Donald Trump, the 2017 Kia Optima, has earned the highest designation possible – Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) – from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for vehicles built after March 2017 when equipped with optional front crash prevention and LED headlights with High Beam Assist. This is also the equipment specified in the Malaysian version of the recently launched Kia Optima GT, the only variant of the all-new Optima sold here at the moment.

Truck News: Volvo Trucks Shows Off its Prototype Self-steering VM Series Truck Which is Set to Increase Brazil’s Sugar-cane Harvest

Volvo Trucks have recently announced that they are in the midst of testing their newest Self-steering Truck systems. According to Volvo, the truck and its autonomous steering system can become a significant productivity booster for Brazilian sugar-cane growers. The truck, which travels alongside a harvester machine is used to transport newly harvested sugar-cane from the field. With the automated systems on, it can be as close as automatically possible in steering itself with great precision through the fields in order to avoid damaging the young plants that will form the following year’s crop. 

Limited Edition Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Launched - When the regular Turbo S isn't special enough...

There is a new limited edition Porsche 911 Turbo S for sale called the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series. It is most likely to be fully sold out by the time it officially reaches any showroom anywhere. It has been officially launched today (8th June 2017) and aside from the fact that since it is an 'S' series 911, which means it is super fast, it will also be 'hand' finished at the  new Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur at the headquarters in Zuffenhausen. 

BRIDGESTONE launches the ECOPIA EP300 - Their latest eco-tyre features improved fuel efficiency, superior wet grip and extended wear life

 Bridgestone Tyres have launched their latest eco series of tyres for the compact to mid-sized passenger cars. Called the ECOPIA EP300 Tyre, it is positioned as next generation eco-tyre that offers low rolling resistance and superior wet grip performance while delivering an extended wear life. Bridgestone claims that compared to previous ECOPIA generation (EP200), EP300 offers even further savings by traveling up to an additional up to 11.2 km per full tank.

MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA TOGETHER WITH HAP SENG UNVEILS THE HAP SENG KUCHING AUTOHAUS - THE FIRST INTEGRATED ONE STOP CENTRE IN EAST MALAYSIA

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM) together with authorised dealer partner Hap Seng, today unveiled its first integrated one-stop 3S centre, Hap Seng Kuching Autohaus, in East Malaysia. The Hap Seng Kuching Autohaus is unique in its outlook. It features two dedicated reception lounges, one for customers of Mercedes-Benz Cars and another for Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Commercial Vehicles.

OFFERS & PROMOTIONS: FESTIVE OFFERS CONTINUE WITH PROTON THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF JUNE

PROTON cars are continuing their ongoing offers and promotions for this Hari Raya Festive Season. This means the whole current line-up - the Proton Saga, Iriz, Persona, Ertiga, Exora, Preve, Suprima S, and Perdana can still be purchased at an affordable price and with a whole lot of value added benefits. 

What offers do you get? 

Offers & Promotions: Ladies, Win a Chance to 'Balik Kampung' For FREE this Hari Raya

Bosch Automotive Aftermarket (AA), that long time manufacturer / supplier of things such as wipers, brake fluids, brake pads spark plugs and a whole lot more stuff will be collaborating with Riding Pink to give away 10 free rides home this Raya season to 10 lucky female Malaysians celebrating Hari Raya. A helping hand indeed!

TURBOCHARGED HYUNDAI TUCSON MODEL LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA - MORE BANG FOR YOUR RINGGIT WITH THIS VARIANT

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has, without much fanfare rolled-out a new variant of their good looking compact SUV, the Hyundai Tucson. This time, they've added some extra spice to the line-up with a turbocharged model - The Hyundai Tucson 1.6L Turbo GDI (T-GDI) Petrol Engine variant packed with new convenient features.

TOYOTA GAZOO RACING (TGR) VIOS CHALLENGE ATTRACTS MORE COMPETITORS WITH 10 MORE CARS ADDED TO THE SERIES

UMW Toyota Motor has just announced that the inaugural Vios Challenge will now see an expanded field of 40 cars take to the starting grid when the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival kicks off the series in Penang this August. When the series was first launched, a field of 30 cars were announced and all were immediately assigned. So due to the numerous requests by interested parties, 10 more cars have been allowed in the one make series following consultation with stakeholders, which include TRD. More cars means more racing. Good news indeed.

PERODUA BEZZA 1.0L NOW EXPORTED TO SRI LANKA - Priced at 3.69m Sri Lankan Rupees

The Perodua Bezza 1.0L (Automatic) has been launched in Sri Lanka. The launch, which was organised by Perodua's official distributor Unimo Enterprises Ltd was attended by Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh and also graced by the presence of The Malaysia High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah.

TEST DRIVE: 2017 HYUNDAI IONIQ HEV Plus - Torque, Economy, Refinement and More For Under RM115,000

Before I start with the details of the Hyundai Ioniq, let me do the obligatory introductory ramble..... In the early 1990s, somewhere around the time when I first started driving the average 1.6liter family sedan made somewhere in the region of 110-125hp and about 145-150nm worth of torque. It was a period where everyone threw in multi-valve cylinder heads on to their engines and the first proper use of multi-point fuel injection. It was all actually quite good for the compact, lightweight, pre-safety feature family sedan which had seat belts and gosh, side-impact beams at the very most. Even airbags were optional or non-existent. 

ExxonMobil and Michelin Enter Strategic Partnership in Malaysia - MOBIL 1 lubricants officially sold at TYREPLUS outlets

It was just a week and a bit more ago that we heard that Mobil 1 lubricants will be sold in Michelin's franchised service outlets, TYREPLUS, which recently had a rebranding exercise here in Malaysia. Now, ExxonMobil, owners of the Mobil brand together with Michelin have officially confirmed this sales partnership. 

Driverless Trucks: Automated road freight will save costs, reduce emissions, make roads safer. But the impact on driver jobs requires a managed transition, says study

Governments must consider ways to manage the transition to driverless trucks in order to avoid potential social disruption from job losses, says a new report published by the International Transport Forum (ITF) with three partner organisations. The report was released during the ITF 2017 summit held recently in Leipzig, Germany. Key elements include the fact that Self-driving trucks will help save costs, lower emissions and make roads safer. But these benefits also come at a price.

Offers & Promotions: Audi Malaysia Open Haus Promotion Begins

Audi Malaysia has started its Hari Raya sales campaign featuring great deals through the Audi Progressive Plan, as well as a special Audi Service Clinic for older vehicles and a thematic video celebrating brotherhood entitled “NakIkutBolehTak?” 

New MINI Countryman achieves 5-star rating in Euro NCAP crash test

The new MINI Countryman recently achieved the top 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. This testing procedure had established that the largest model in the history of MINI provides an outstanding level of protection for the driver and all passenger seats in every situation. Well, at least its a super safe, Maxi MINI. There is such a thing with the MINI Countryman I think.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Reaffirms EEV Commitment by Training Bomba on High Voltage Vehicle Emergencies & Signs MoU with Malaysia Automotive Institute for closer working ties

Today, a total of 40 Bomba or Malaysian Fire Department personnel underwent a full day of training which covered both technical and hands-on experience to safely deal with hybrid and electric vehicles in the event of an emergency at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy in Puchong, Selangor. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), represented by MAI CEO, Dato’ Madani Sahari.

REFINED AND IMPROVED PROTON IRIZ OFFICIALLY RELEASED

PROTON has officially launched the refined Proton Iriz.  The refined model, which was earlier displayed for bookings at the DRB-HICOM Autofest on 19 May 2017, is now available in all PROTON showrooms nationwide. It now features improvements that PROTON had incorporated in the 'sedan version' of the Iriz, the Proton Persona when it was launched in August 2016. Now the company has incorporated all of the aspects of the improved chassis into the Iriz. About time too!

Ford and Sime Darby Auto officially opens the Upgraded SNS Kembara Utama Showroom & Service Centre in Ipoh

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), Ford Motor Company’s exclusive distribution partner in Malaysia, today announced the opening of its newly upgraded Ford dealer showroom and service centre operated by SNS Kembara Utama Sdn Bhd (SNS Kembara) in Ipoh, Perak. This newly improved showroom is designed with Ford’s global Brand@Retail standards, including three additional service bays with vehicle hoists to better serve Ford customers.

Offers & Promotions: MINI Glenmarie showroom activities and charity run this weekend - 2nd June to 4th June 2017

Over the weekend from Friday, 2nd June to Sunday, 4th June, Auto Bavaria MINI will open its doors to observe the holy month of Ramadan with a ‘Buka Puasa’, a sundown test drive, and a fundraising effort for Rumah Amal Cahaya Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (RACTAR).

PERODUA AND GRAB ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE EXTRA SERVICES FOR GRAB DRIVERS USING PERODUA VEHICLES

Perodua and Grab Malaysia recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide value added services ranging from special price packages to competitive hire purchase rates for GrabCar drivers using or wanting to use Perodua vehicles.

ALL-NEW HYUNDAI ELANTRA NOW OPEN FOR HARI RAYA BOOKING - Official Launch sometime at the end of June

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has opened its order books for the long awaited, all-new sixth generation Hyundai Elantra ahead of the launch, which is scheduled sometime in June this year. Prices starts at RM120,000 onwards.

Peugeot 208 Pledge Car in Conjunction with the KL 2017 Games is currently visiting Fit Malaysia locations

The Fit Malaysia programme, which is set to tour the country in conjunction with the KL 2017 has moved up a notch in terms of publicity and prestige with the addition of the newly launched Peugeot 208 pledge car as well as other Peugeots which will be used as the official transport in the upcoming games.

Truck & Bus: Scania at the MCVE 2017 - Scania on the Future of transportation, Driver Education for Konsortium E-Mutiara Bhd, 15 meter long buses & trying out a G series truck in the SCANIA driver's MCVE competition

During the Malaysian Commercial Vehicle Expo 2017, Scania Malaysia presented to the media a report on the future of transportation and what Scania is doing in Malaysia, the region and also as a whole. It was quite a relaxed session between Marie Sjödin Enström - MD of Scania SEA and a few of us. During the session she briefed us on how Scania is already gearing up for a future Malaysia that they foresee to be sustainable, smart, safe, fuel efficient, digitally connected and unmanned. Of course, this is more in relation to the future of the transport and logistics industry rather than for passenger cars. 

Young Aces Technical College to Offer Basic Car Maintenance Course - We attended the first one to see how is it conducted

Since it first opened its doors in January 2016, the Young Aces Technical College has been actively pursuing and accepting enrolment of students. Whilst new in the market of automotive technical training, the college, through its trained teaching staff aims to develop highly skilled and professional specialists who are well rounded and are ready to serve Malaysia as well as the region’s growing automotive industry. 

Offers & Promotions: Volkswagen Malaysia’s Festive Season Deal Just Got Better for New Cars and For After Sales Customers Too

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is pleased to announce an exclusive array of Raya deals and offers, in time for the upcoming festivities. Topping off the list is a 5-year free maintenance offer for any variant of the Vento and Passat family purchased between now till 31 st of July 2017, above the current promotional ‘duit raya’ rebates.

Truck & Bus News: SHELL SHARED INSIGHTS ON TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE EXPO

Recently, Shell Lubricants Malaysia shared valuable insights on how to achieve lower cost per kilometre with fleet owners at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) 2017 which was held on 18th May – 20th May 2017, at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) in Kuala Lumpur.

TEST DRIVE: The 2017 PROTON IRIZ 1.3 & 1.6 CVT Refinement Variants Gets Driven - Some Improvements Make the Iriz a Whole Lot Better

The Proton Iriz has been around for a few years already. When it first came out in 2014 I wasn’t too impressed with its drive. It was a dreary experience. It wasn’t that the car was ugly or anything. It was actually quite nice to look at and fresh at the time. It still is fresh to look at amidst a sea of Perodua Myvis. The main problem was the way it felt when you drove it.

TYREPLUS Rebrands Itself - Aims to Serve More Consumers to Deliver Better Road Safety in Malaysia

The Michelin deployed franchise network, TYREPLUS, has recently announced that they are in the midst of rebranding their entire network in Malaysia within the next four years. The brand, which was first introduced to this country in November 2009 is reputed to be the largest independent tyre and car maintenance network with over 50 outlets and it it still expanding. 

Perodua receives “The BrandLaureate Best Brands Award Most Favourite Brand Automotive Sedan/Compact Cars 2016/2017”

Perodua recently received the “The BrandLaureate Best Brands Award Most Favourite Brand Automotive Sedan/Compact Cars 2016/2017” by the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation (APBF) on 22 May 2017. The compact car manufacturer was the only automotive manufacturer awarded by the APBF this time around. 

Roadshows: Ducati Malaysia starts its nationwide roadshow this weekend

There is currently a Ducati motorcycles roadshow happening this weekend at One Utama Shopping Centre followed by another one in Johor Bahru, Penang and in Kota Bahru in July 2017. The roadshow will also hold a special preview of the new 2017 Multistrada 950, ahead of its official release as well as the latest Ducati Monster, the 797.

Renault shows off the still camouflaged all-new Megane R.S - to be offered in manual and dual clutch forms

 

The New Mégane R.S. makes first public appearance in drive around Monaco’s famous grand prix racetrack by Renault F1 pilot Nico Hülkenberg. However, it is still in its camouflaged form so you cannot actually see how its actual overall styling looks like. It's still like a girl wearing a thin cloth veil over her face. 

EDITOR'S OPINION: The DRB-Hicom-Geely deal has been formalised - PROTON's Saga Continues as well as Lotus Cars too

Yes. PROTON's saga continues (pun intended) with the announcement that Geely will become its strategic partner. The super large China based vehicle manufacturer has become PROTON's savior. Most of you are aware and almost everyone I know has been talking about it. Almost everyone because my immediate family members don't really seem to care much. Well, you can't expect my mum, wife and thirteen year old kid become automotive industry experts do you?

Peugeot is the Official Car Platinum Sponsor for Kuala Lumpur 2017 Games - The 29th SEA Games & the 9th Para Games

Nasim Sdn Bhd, a member of the Naza Corporation Holdings and the official distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia together with Naza Corporation Holdings today signaled their ambitions to become the official transport sponsor for the Kuala Lumpur 2017 (KL2017) games - 29 th SEA Games and the 9 th Para Games. In short, Peugeot Malaysia will be providing a record number of vehicles to make the games run smoother. 298 Peugeot cars consisting of the Peugeot 408, 508 and the Traveller range were symbolically handed over at a ceremony held at the Peugeot showroom in Glenmarie, Shah Alam recently.

SHELL HELIX, WAZE LAUNCH ACCIDENT-PRONE SPOTS ALERTS VIA THE WAZE APP, SHELL HELIX FESTIVE PROMO & WE ACTUALLY USED WAZE AFTER THE LAUNCH

Shell Lubricants Malaysia, through its market-leading Shell Helix brand of motor oil, has teamed up with Waze, the country’s most popular traffic and navigation app, to launch Asia’s first accident-prone spots alerts. The collaboration between the two leading global brands is aimed at making the roads safer for drivers this coming Ramadan and Aidilfitri season.

Volkswagen launches two new Vento variants - the Vento ALLSTAR and Vento GT

Aside from launching the latest variant of the Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI for the Malaysian market, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) had launched two new variants of their Vento sedan. The Vento ALLSTAR and the Vento GT. These are limited run variants of the Vento 1.2TSI Highline and the Vento 1.6 Comfortline respectively that come with additional goodies at attractive prices.

Fourth Generation KIA OPTIMA GT debuts in Malaysia

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, today unveiled the all-new fourth-generation Kia Optima for the Malaysian market. The all-new fourth-generation Kia Optima will only be available here in Optima GT trim for the moment and it is locally assembled with a price from RM178,999 with 5 years unlimited mileage warranty.

New Volkswagen Beetle variants launched in Malaysia - Prices start from RM136,888

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia launched the new Volkswagen Beetle yesterday. This is the latest Beetle variant to be sold in Malaysia and it basically gets new colours and slightly better specification overall. They displayed the Blue Silk coloured Beetle at the launch over at Mid Valley Mega Mall and the car will be on display from 24 to 28 May 2017. 

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBSM) adds Return To Invoice (RTI) insurance and Tyre and Rim insurance

One of the reasons why Mercedes-Benz Malaysia does very well over here in Malaysia is that they tend to move the goalposts in terms of sales, marketing and value added services. Now, the company, via Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBSM) are offering more in terms of their financing and insurance packages. One innovative new offering by MBSM is the Return To Invoice (RTI) insurance and Tyre and Rim insurance.

Isuzu Malaysia Officially Opens its New Flagship After-Sales Center in Shah Alam, Selangor

Isuzu Malaysia has officially opened its a new flagship after-sales facility in Shah Alam, Selangor.  The new center, which also houses the Isuzu Technical Center, was officially opened by the Chairman of Isuzu Motors Limited Susumu Hosoi (who flew in especially for the event) and Group Managing Director of DRB-Hicom Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar Syed Ali Rethza Albar.

Ford has a newly upgraded showroom in Taiping, Perak

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), Ford Motor Company’s distribution partner in Malaysia, today announced the opening of its newly upgraded showroom in Taiping, Perak. This new showroom is operated under Acecourt Auto Sdn Bhd (Acecourt Auto). 

Perodua Announces That Nearly One Million Perodua Myvi Cars Have Been Produced

The Perodua Myvi. This compact hatchback has been a favourite among most Malaysians over the past 12 years or so. So many have bought one (even my wife has one) until Perodua has now announced that the company is nearing its one millionth production unit of the car. When this happens, most likely sometime by the end of May 2017, it will be the most produced vehicle model in the history of the Malaysian automotive industry. Fuiyoh!

Motorcycles: MODENAS Finally Enters The Street Bike Segment After A While - BAJAJ Auto are the new partners - Launches PULSAR NS200, RS200 & V15 Models

MODENAS has finally launched some motorcycles that the Malaysian public have been asking from them. Three motorcycles - the MODENAS PULSAR NS200, PULSAR RS200 and the V15 has been launched. These models are bikes from Bajaj Auto of India and they are now on sale here in Malaysia.

Offers & Promotions: NW Motors “Great Deals At The Right Time” sales campaign

NW Motors, formerly known as Naza Motor Trading, is organising the “Great Deals At The Right Time, Buy Now And Save Even More” campaign in order to help Malaysians get the best deal for their new reconditioned luxury vehicles.

Offers & Promotions: "Bergaya"with Ford this Festive Season - Take home electrical products worth up to RM15,000 upon purchase of a new Ford

Ford via its authorised distributors Sime Darby Auto Connexion has their "Bergaya" with Ford promos for this upcoming Festive Season. There are deals which includes cash vouchers for electrical goods, rebates, offers and service promotions in store. And while all the goodies are given out at the showrooms and service centres nationwide, watch out for the Ford Ranger Roamers coming your way as they hit the streets to give away dates and Hari Raya packets to the public during the upcoming Ramadhan period. 

EVENTS: BMW Credit Malaysia Introduces "Explore. Love More." Social Responsibility Fundraising Campaign with Quill Automobiles - 20th to 21st May 2017

BMW Credit Malaysia will be introducing Explore. Love More. – this will be a year-long Corporate Social Responsibility and fundraising initiatives with authorised BMW and MINI dealerships to help charity institutions in urgent financial need. The first collaboration begins with Quill Automobiles at the dealership’s sales event from 20 th – 21 st May 2017. Running from 10.00am – 6.00pm over the weekend, visitors at the Quill Automobiles dealerships can shop for a variety of food and beverages, from a selection of vendors by using coupons that can be purchased from BMW Credit Malaysia at the event.

Trucks: HINO at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (MCVE) 2017 & PHOTOS OF THE HINO DAKAR RALLY TRUCK

Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd - HMSM, a subsidiary of Hino Motors Limited Japan which is part of the Toyota Group of Companies, has taken part in this year's Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (MCVE) 2017. This is Hino's 3rd time participating in the event and Hino believes that participating in the event allows them the opportunity to engage with potential customers visiting the exhibition. 

Offers & Promotions: DRB-HICOM AUTOFEST 2017 PROMISES GREAT DEALS AND SURPRISES - COME VIEW THE NEW MODENAS STREET BIKE!

DRB-HICOM’s Autofest 2017 promises to be one of the most memorable of the event since its introduction in 2013. The biannual event will be featuring MODENAS’s entry into a new segment, which is the street bike category. The carnival will also include showcases of the latest vehicle models (cars, trucks and motorcycles) and fabulous offers from the 10 brands under the group’s automotive portfolio, namely PROTON, Lotus, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Jeep, Mitsubishi, Isuzu and Tata. The three-day family styled carnival will be held from 19 to 21 May 2017, from 10:00am to 6:00pm, at the EON Complex in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. There will be offers, promotions and deals which includes special discounts and amazing exclusive packages from the automotive companies.

The Launch of the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) 2017 and what can you find there. (Lots of Photos)

The biennial Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) has started today, the 18th of May, and will carry on till the 20th of May 2017. The Expo is held at the Malaysia International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) at Mines in Sri KembanganThis exhibition was organised by Asian Trucker Media and it showcases the latest in commercial vehicles to the Malaysian and also South East Asian market. This year, the exhibition's theme is 'Connected Mobility'. 

Truck News: Teo Tuan Kwee Sdn Bhd buys 50 Scania G-Series Trucks to add to their fleet...of which a majority are Scania Trucks

This is some impressive news. Again, in a period where people say that economic growth is slow we see some eye opening news. Transport company, Teo Tuan Kwee Sdn Bhd (TTK)  has opted to buy another 50 Scania trucks to join the existing 182 Scania trucks it already owns. 26 units of this latest batch of prime movers were handed over earlier today and it definitely is one of the largest sales for high-end trucks for 2017.

Offers & Promotions: Caltex launches the 'True Power from Within’ promotion in conjunction with the latest Transformers Movie

Chevron Malaysia Ltd., which markets the Caltex brand here in Malaysia, has announced the launch of its 'True Power from Within’ promotion in conjunction with the 10th Anniversary of the popular blockbuster movie, Transformers for the upcoming release of Transformers: The Last Knight. This is the fifth instalment in a very successful series (this time I am rooting for Megatron. Bored of the good guys after so many sequels). The promotion encompasses all of Caltex's products, from their lubricants, fuel as well as their promotional 'Fun Truck' which will be going around Peninsular Malaysia. There are lots of prizes to be won (like the Vespa you see above) and gifts to be given out (especially for the Fun Truck activities).