Roadshows: BMW Group Malaysia invites you to experience Sheer Driving Pleasure and Electric Driving Pleasure at the BMW iPerformance Roadshow this weekend - 16th to 18th June 2017 at Bangsar Village

BMW Group Malaysia is inviting you folks out there to experience BMW EfficientDynamics and the Mobility of the Future at the Concourse of Bangsar Village II this weekend from Friday, 16 th to Sunday, 18 th of June, 2017. The thrilling event will showcase a selection of ground breaking BMW iPerformance vehicles which includes the BMW 330e, BMW X5 xDrive40e, BMW 740Le (below) and the futuristic BMW i8 (shown above with the 330e). The event will run from 10am till 10pm on all three days.

Truck & Bus News: HINO Hybrid Bus begins trial runs in Medini, Johor - The First Hybrid Bus to operate in Malaysia

HINO is now testing a bus with hybrid technology over in Medini City, Iskandar Puteri Johor.  The HINO Hybrid Bus, the first of its kind to be used here in Malaysia This historic milestone in public transportation in Malaysia was made possible with the combined efforts of Mitsui & Co., Ltd (‘Mitsui’), Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd (‘MIM’), HINO Motor Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (‘HINO’) and Handal Indah Sdn Bhd (‘Handal Indah’).

New marketing initiative that presents exclusive offers from Proton only at ASTRO's Go Shop - Get a year's free insurance when you buy a Proton via Go Shop

I suppose you folks are aware that TV, Mobile and online marketing has taken over a high percentage of retail marketing here in Malaysia. We see traditional retail outlets closing shop all over the place and people are purchasing things right from the comfort of their bed. Now PROTON, the national car manufacturer has now done the same. A first-of-a-kind collaboration for both PROTON and Astro GS Shop Sdn. Bhd. (Go Shop), Malaysians are now able to learn about the features of PROTON cars and register their interest to purchase across Go Shop TV, mobile and online platforms from the convenience of their own home. 

Perodua Rolls Out the 1,000,000th Myvi

The 1,000,000th Perodua Myvi has rolled off the production line here over the weekend. This makes it the most produced model ever under the Perodua brand to date. The Perodua Myvi was first launched May 2005 and was Malaysia’s number one car model until the end of 2014. 

New nail polish range from Renault that is coordinated to match four Twingo body colours and can be used to touch up minor bodywork scratches.

Renault launches new nail polish range for lady drivers on the move! This was the headline I saw when I first opened up the email I got from Groupe Renault's media department earlier today. At first I thought that it was the first of April already. That would mean that I somehow went to sleep and hibernated the most of 2017 away so I reread the press release I received and lo' and behold... Renault launches new nail polish range for lady drivers on the move! And it was dated today. So it isn't an April's fool article.

Roadshows: 'SYOKNYA!!! SHOPPING RAYA DENGAN TOYOTA' over at the IOI City Mall

Last weekend, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) recently held a special campaign called ‘Syoknya!!! Shopping Raya dengan Toyota’ in collaboration with IOI City Mall.  Customers who had purchased products at participating outlet in IOI Mall that weekend were allowed to drive home their purchases and try out a Toyota vehicle provided to experience how it is to try out a Toyota. It is something different and it will be happening again this coming weekend, the 17th and 18th of June 2017. #SyoknyaRayadgnToyota

Contests: #ITSASCANIA contest by SCANIA MALAYSIA is back by popular demand

Scania Malaysia has brought back their #ITSASCANIA contest. Take a creative picture of yourself together with Scania vehicle or many Scania vehicles and you could win yourself an Apple Watch - Scania Edition and other prizes. 

Roadshows: GOODYEAR HARI RAYA BAZAAR TOUR - 14,15 & 16 June at Kelana Jaya, USJ 4 Subang Jaya & Stadium Shah Alam 4-6pm

If you are interested in FREE Goodyear Hari Raya Thoughtful Packs, as well as tyre and vehicle checks, you can drop by at the GOODYEAR HARI RAYA BAZAAR TOUR at the bazaar/pasar ramadhan locations mentioned below.

Perodua Eco-Challenge 2017 moves into Phase Two - 10 Higher Learning Institutes Being Developing Parts & Accessories to Compete in Final Round in November

The Perodua Eco Challenge 2017 (PEC 2017) is one of Perodua’s main Corporate Responsibility programmes and it has moved into the second phase. This time around,  participants from 10 selected institutions of higher learning to compete in the Final round of PEC 2017 in November this year. This second phase is where the participants will begin to develop parts and accessories that may be used in future Perodua models.

Offers & Promotions: CHEVROLET MALAYSIA HARI RAYA 2017 DEALS

Sales Campaign by Chevrolet Malaysia

Chevrolet Raya Campaign has started and will continue till the 30th of June 2017. The month-long campaign offers great raya deals and service package. Buy a Chevrolet Colorado 4x4 pickup truck and enjoy irresistible bonus rewards and a 3 Years/60,000km* free parts & labor service. This promotion is applicable to all variants of The All-New Chevrolet Colorado while stocks last.

Hyundai Launches the 6th Generation Elantra in Malaysia - Three Variants featuring Two Engines with Prices from RM116,388 Onwards

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has unveiled the all-new 6th generation Elantra after a teaser preview last month. Available in 3 variants, the 2.0 MPI Executive, 2.0 MPI Dynamic and the Elantra Sport, the all-new Elantra will be displayed at all Hyundai showrooms starting June 9, 2017, with test drive units also available at Hyundai showrooms.

ZF Aftermarket Malaysia which offers SACHS Shock Absorbers & Lemförder Steering and Suspension Products Advises Motorists To Check Their Suspension System with a Short Video

ZF Aftermarket Malaysia, part of the ZF group of companies usually more well known for their transmission making, offers a complete range of SACHS shock absorbers and Lemförder steering and suspension products for many popular Asian car models such as Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Proton, Perodua and Toyota. According to them, shock absorbers play a critical role in car safety and they are advising drivers and vehicle owners to have them checked professionally before traveling this coming holiday season as many take this important piece of equipment for granted.

Offers & Promotions: ‘JALAN-JALAN RAYA WITH HAVAL’ PROMOTION

Exclusive Haval distributor in Malaysia, Go Auto, has announced a range of Hari Raya deals for its sport utility vehicles (SUV) for the upcoming festive period. The promotion, named "Jalan-jalan Raya With Haval", will valid between May 29 and June 25. Any purchase or booking made on selected model of will entitle its new owners to enjoy RM2,900 worth of vouchers from Aeon, KFC, Touch N Go and BHP Petrol, including "duit raya". Everyone is also welcome to visit any of its 25 showrooms nationwide to test drive the Haval vehicle of their choice.

Spotted For Sale: 2003 Perodua Kancil with One Lady Owner - What does it mean actually?

Here we have a 2003 Perodua Kancil advertised on what I consider Malaysia's favourite free advertising site. It says that this Kancil has one lady owner. After looking at the photos the first thing that came to my mind was what does '1 Lady Owner' actually mean?

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.