KIA Mega Merdeka Promos & Offers for the Kia Cerato 1.6 SX & Kia Picanto EX

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of KIA vehicles for this glorious country has announced the KIA Mega Merdeka campaign from now till the end of August 2018. This is a sales promotion with exclusive deals and value-added privileges for the Kia Cerato 1.6 SX and the Kia Picanto EX. It is held in conjunction with the 61 st Merdeka celebrations and is a final chance to enjoy the tax holiday before SST is implemented.

PROTON Has Slightly Updated the Ertiga - New Dark Seat Fabric & Infotainment System

PROTON Cars have now updated the Proton Ertiga 6 seat (7can fit but middle seat in the middle row does not have a three point seatbelt, only lapbelt for Indonesia spec vehicle, hence 6 seater rating)  compact SUV to better suit Malaysian car buyers. The MPV was unveiled in Penang on Sunday at the awards ceremony for the Proton 1 Tank Adventure competition.

Mazda Jelutong 3S Centre, Penang Opens - The 85th Mazda Outlet in Malaysia

Bermaz Motor has been busy. They have recently launched the updated 2018 Mazda CX-3 and unveiled the 2018 Mazda 6 at the official opening of the 85th Mazda outlet in Malaysia. The latest Mazda branch and 3S Centre is located in Jelutong, Georgetown, Penang. 

Malaysia Automotive Institute and Institut Otomotif Indonesia Enter into a New Memorandum of Understanding

The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) and the Institut Otomotif Indonesia (IOI) has entered into a a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster long-term collaboration in the area of automotive industry development, yesterday. The new arrangement was entered into between the two countries' government agencies in order further realise future potential of automotive industry collaboration between the two counties.

The PROTON 1 TANK ADVENTURE Write-up - Oh...We Have to Take Part in the Finals Tomorrow!!! [With Links to the Facebook Videos]

Those that have been following our exploits on our Facebook page would know that we recently (17-18 July 2018) won the Proton Persona Media category for the Proton 1 Tank Adventure Central Region. Now, we have to compete in the Finals which is scheduled to be held tomorrow. We are competing against the best from the Northern, Southern, Sabah and East Coast legs to see who gets the best.

The Updated 2018 Mazda 6 is Now Open For Booking - 2.0L & 2.5L Petrol and 2.2L Diesel Variants in Sedan and Touring Wagon Available

Bermaz Motor have announced that the refreshed and New 2018 Mazda 6 will start selling here in Malaysia soon. According to the official Mazda distributors of Malaysia, the New 2018 Mazda 6 has been upgraded with more of a focus on premium feel and elegance. This is in line as the 6 is Mazda’s flagship passenger car (there are no Mazda9 sedans you know, only the full sized Mazda CX-9 SUV). 

Bermaz Launches the Refreshed 2018 Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia

Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda here in Malaysia has officially launched the refreshed and basically new 2018 Mazda CX-3. The CX-3 was first introduced in here in 2015 and has been slightly reworked, retuned and refined by Mazda to deliver what they would say as having greater elegance, better driving performance and efficiency.

Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia Organises A Session with RinggitPlus & Allianz General Insurance to Talk About Car Ownership Costs, Especially For First Time Buyers

Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch) organized a comprehensive experts roundtable session yesterday morning (9th August) with the folks from RinggitPlus (a mostly financial comparison website) and Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad to discuss and provide insights on financial planning, vehicle protection and car maintenance factors and their cost-benefit perspectives when purchasing a first car. I attended the short session so that I can share some of the findings with you readers out there.

Industry News: Mr. Atsunori Murata is the New Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia

Isuzu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (IMSB) recently appointed Mr. Atsunori Murata as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) - 3rd from Left. As the COO, he will be overseeing all operational aspects under the Commercial Vehicle Division. Mr. Murata has been with Isuzu Motors Limited since 1998.

Haval Malaysia Officially Opens New 3S Centre in Bangi & Also Roadshow at The Curve Till 12th August 2018

Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, or HAVAL Malaysia, the exclusive distributor for Haval SUV in Malaysia has officially opened their latest 3S - Sales, Service & Spare Parts dealership together with their dealer partners, Wan Auto Car Wheels Sdn Bhd. The new 3S dealership is located at Seksyen 7, Bandar Baru Bangi and is situated in an upcoming industrial and commercial area which will cater for customers in the area surrounding Bangi, Selangor.

New PROTON 3S & 4S Centres Opened - Rahman Brothers in Shah Alam, Proton Edar Jalan Chan Sow Lin in KL & Vantage Speed in Klang

PROTON's upgrading of its dealerships is going strong with the official opening of three new outlets since the mid of July 2018 and up to last week.  Firstly, we had the PROTON Rahman Brothers 3S outlet in Shah Alam officially opened mid-July 2018, secondly, Proton Edar's 4S Chan Sow Lin, Kuala Lumpur in the first few days of August 2018 followed by the Vantage Speed 4S Outlet located at Jalan Kebun, Klang over the weekend.

Roadshows: Born Electric: The BMW i Roadshow - Experience BMW's Mobility of the Future nationwide Tour

BMW Malaysia will be showcasing its leadership in electro mobility at the Born Electric: The BMW i Roadshow which will be touring Peninsular Malaysia throughout October to December this year. Stops will include the Klang Valley, Johor, Kelantan, Kedah and Penang.

Trucks: The Foton Auman EST Heavy Duty Prime Mover Has Been Launched in Malaysia by Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd

Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM), a member of the Tan Chong Group (via Warisan TC Holdings) has launched the all-new Foton Auman EST (Energy Super Truck) heavy-duty commercial prime mover series recently here in Malaysia. The Auman EST is a truck manufactured by Beijing-based Foton Daimler Automotive Co. Ltd, a joint venture company between Foton Group and Daimler Automotive.

Scania Malaysia Establishes Fund To Assist Primary Schools in Malaysia For Curricular, Extra-curricular or Projects on Sustainability - Schools Are Invited to Apply

Managing Director for Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström seen with Scania Group President and CEO, Henrik Henriksson in Shah Alam recently

Good News for our Primary School students! Scania Malaysia has established a fund to motivate and assist primary schools in Malaysia start up curricular activities, extra-curricular activities or projects that focus on sustainability. The “Master Sustainability By Scania” fund will be carried out by Scania Malaysia and will be continuously funded  by a portion of sales revenue of Scania vehicles sold here in Malaysia. 

Happenings: The Lexus Golf Invitational 2018 Was Held Recently...

Lexus Malaysia recently held the 12th edition of its Golf Invitational tournament where those that attended and participated in the 3-part tournament had fun on the green as well as receiving  first-class Lexus hospitality. It was held at the Palm Garden Golf Club, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort and the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club. Throughout the tournament, guests were pampered with Lexus’ style of hospitality. This included food & drink as well as relaxing neck and shoulder massages for the competitors. 

Roadshows: The Experimental Ford Pop-Up Store Seems to be Successful - More Ford Roadshows With the Store to Come!

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), which is the distributor of Ford in Malaysia recently had over 3,000 visitors to its first experiential Ford Pop-Up store for the Ford Ranger. The store was first introduced in July 2018 in the Klang Valley and has made its way to Penang (pic below) and then to Kota Bharu more recently.

Scania Malaysia Delivers Vehicles in Kuantan - Trucks to Hin Tatt Recycling and a Bus to the PIBG Sekolah Sains Haji Ahmad Shah, Pekan

Hin Tatt Recycling Sdn Bhd and PIBG Sekolah Sains Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (SHAH Pekan) recently received keys to Scania trucks and a bus respectively. The handover ceremony was held at the Scania Kuantan branch where it was attended by the customers and Scania Southeast Asia Sales Director, Daniel Tan.

And Meanwhile, Perodua Sells 117,100 Cars in the 1st Half 2018 - Expects to Maintain its 209,000 Unit Target by End-2018 & Prepares For 2.14 Million Service Intakes This Year

Perodua is still playing cautiously even though they've had an amazing first half of 2018 in terms of sales results. The compact car maker is preparing to face many challenges in the second half (2H18) especially from increased demand currently due to the GST removal and with the end of the zero GST rebates together with the reintroduction of the SST in September 2018. However the company states that it is still maintaining its sales target of 209,000 units by end-2018.

Stand a chance to win original autographed Football Jerseys or Football Boots by Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar JR and more from Caltex

Caltex, the brand which Chevron sells and markets its products here in Malaysia, had recently launched a nationwide #caltexcubatry campaign in conjunction with the 2018 World Cup which was recently held in Russia. Caltex customers will have the chance to win exclusive autographed jerseys and football boots by Neymar JR (Brazil), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Dele Alli (England), Eden Hazard (Belgium), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Luis Suarez (Uruguay).

Sunday Lite: I Miss Suzuki Cars - Someone Should Start Bringing Them In Again.

I miss Suzuki cars. Sometime in 2016 Suzuki decided to pull out of Malaysia after deciding to enter into some sort of joint venture arrangement with Proton. They were to pull out of the Malaysian market and let Proton rebadge their vehicles starting with the Suzuki Ertiga. Of course, by some horrific twist of fate, they got snookered as Proton was forced by some unseen hand to quickly find a foreign partner which they did in the form of Geely.

Buses: The Go Auto - Higer Electric Bus Spotted at Go Auto HQ in Glenmarie

Sometime at the end of 2017 Go Auto, a company better known as the distributor for Haval vehicles in Malaysia, announced that it was planning to launch fully electric buses here in Malaysia. The electric bus venture is part of their Joint Venture arrangement with Higer Bus Company Ltd and other electric vehicle component manufacturers. Through this project, they parties developed an electric bus which they tested out at UTM (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia) campus in Johor and we had also heard that the state government of Melaka was also interested in procuring the buses for use in and around Melaka city.

Offers & Promos: Go Auto / Haval Malaysia "Freedom From GST" Promotion is Ongoing Till 31st August 2018

Go Auto, the distributors of Haval in Malaysia are having their latest "Freedom From GST" promotion in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka festivities and the final month for the Zero Rated Goods & Service Tax (GST) period for sales. The promotion is ongoing until 31 August 2018 and offers new and existing HAVAL customers savings worth up to RM6,600  for the Haval H1 and up to RM7,300 for the Haval H2. 

Proton Records Sales Of 8,102 Units For July 2018 - Benefiting From The Tax Holiday

Zero rated GST have benefited Proton cars in a big way. July 2018 sales grew by 31% over the previous month with 8,102 Proton cars finding buyers. This was up from about 6,000 units in the month of June and up from an average of 3,900 to 4,000 units monthly for the months of January to May 2018. With this, Proton expects its market share to be 11.7% of the Total Industry Volume.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Launches the Refreshed S-Class Range in Malaysia - Four Variants Offering Luxury in Two and Four Doors

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have introduced the facelifted and improved flagship S-Class range of limousines and coupes here in Malaysia. The cars that were launched for the Malaysian market are the S450L Limousine, the S560  Cabriolet, the Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. 

Upcoming Events: Ducati Malaysia 'Red Weekend 3.0' - Happening This 4th & 5th August 2018 -

Ducati Malaysia will be having their ‘Red Weekend 3.0’ event this 4th and 5th of August 2018 at Ducati Petaling Jaya. This is the third time Ducati Malaysia will hold such a weekend. The Ducati Red Weekend An annual event organised by Next Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for Ducati motorcycles in Malaysia as a get-together for customers, their family, motorcycle enthusiasts and members of Ducati Malaysia. You can also view the recently launched Scrambler 1100 too (pictured below).

Engine Oil / Commercial Vehicles: Shell Rimula R6 & R5 Heavy Duty Engine Oil With New API CK-4 Specification Are Now Available

Shell Malaysia has introduced the newly reformulated Shell Rimula heavy duty engine oils for the Malaysian market. The Shell Rimula R6 LM fully synthetic and R5 LE synthetic technology heavy duty diesel engine oils (HDDEOs) now have the latest American Petroleum Institute (API) CK-4 engine oil specification. These high grade heavy duty engine oils are suitable for use in the highly competitive fleet and transportation sectors where companies are under pressure to achieve high standards of reliability and safety while minimising total operating costs (which include longer duration between oil change).

Truck News: Scania Malaysia Holds Another Truck & Bus Handing Over Ceremony - This Time To Customers Up North

Sin Hock Soon Transport Sdn Bhd, Nurkasih Holiday & Tours Sdn Bhd and LLZ Haulage Sdn Bhd recently took delivery of vehicles from Scania Maalaysia. Sin Hock Soon Transport received 17 trucks, Nurkasih Holiday & Tours received six buses and LLZ Haulage received two trucks respectively. 

Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) Acquires 15 units of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4-litre from PLUS and another 8 Mitsubishi Vehicles From ANIH

The Royal Malaysia Police, or better known here as Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) recently acquired 15 units of Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4-litre SUV. The SUVs were actually contributed by PLUS Highway for the traffic enforcement on Malaysian highways. 

Hyundai Sime Darby Guarantees Zero-Rated GST Price for IONIQ and Tucson for Booking Placed by 31 August 2018

If you still want to take the opportunity to buy a car under this zero GST period you can still do so, if you intend to purchse a Hyundai. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HDSM) have stated that customers who have made bookings for the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid and the *Tucson (*applicable only for the Turbo and Elegance variant) need not worry about paying the sales and service tax (SST), even if their vehicle is delivered after 1st September 2018.

Motorcycles: Ducati Scrambler Launched - Two Variants with Prices Starting at RM83,000 Onwards

The authorised distributor for Ducati motorcycles in Malaysia, Next Bike Sdn Bhd (a company under the Naza Group), launched the Ducati Scrambler 1100 at the 7th Annual Art Of Speed held at MAEPS, Serdang on Saturday, 28th July 2018. The  Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special and Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport are the two variants available for Malaysia and are priced from RM83,000 and RM85,000 onwards (without GST, OTR without insurance) respectively.

Upcoming Events: Kedah International Pickup Carnival 2018 - 31st August - 1st September 2018 - Alor Setar, Kedah

There will be an event called the Kedah International Pickup Carnival 2018 happening from the 31st August to 1st September 2018 (2 days) over at Taman Jubli Emas, Alor Setar, Kedah. 

Scania Malaysia Holds Scania Family Days at Branches Throughout July & August - The Scania Ipoh Branch Being The Latest

The Staff at Scania Malaysia are usually used to welcoming their customers - fleet owners and drivers, while at work in their respective service centres but they were also welcoming their families at the Scania Family Day which will be held at all the branches throughout Malaysia over July and August.

Truck News: Volvo Trucks Appoints Mitch Peden As New Managing Director for Volvo Trucks Malaysia

Volvo Trucks Malaysia has a new Managing Director with effect from 1st August 2018. Mitch Peden will replace outgoing MD, Mats Nilsson, who has helmed Volvo Trucks Malaysia for the past 5 years. Mitch comes from Australia and has been with Volvo Trucks since 2005. 

Michelin Launches The MICHELIN Primacy 4 For South East Asia

Michelin recently launched its  latest  generation tyre - the MICHELIN  Primacy  4. This premium high performance but comfort oriented  tyre is engineered by Michelin to  provide lasting  safety  and  excellent wet and dry performance in both  new  and  worn  states, throughout  its  entire  life cycle as well as being a quiet riding tyre.  

Castrol Malaysia Launches The New and Improved Castrol MAGNATEC with DUALOCK Technology

Castrol MAGNATEC engine oil has been around for over 20 years here in Malaysia and it is a familiar name to those that actually shop around for their own engine oil. The Castrol brand however is an old brand that has been around for a long time here. So now, Castrol Malaysia (a brand under BP Castrol Lubricants (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd) has launched the newly improved Magnatec engine oil in Malaysia. We are the fourth country that this new formulation has been introduced to - following China, India and Thailand.

Offers & Promotions: Mitsubishi Malaysia's Offers and Upcoming Showroom Events for August 2018

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is offering special Merdeka promotions in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka celebrations. There will be rebates for all their vehicles - the Mitsubishi Triton, Outlander and ASX from now until 31st August 2018. Aside from that, there will be service offers as well as showroom events at selected showrooms too.

Site Update: Been Taking Things Slow Over The Past Few Days...

The title says it all. Been taking things easy for the past few days. If you folks checked out the Motoring Malaysia Facebook page during the #proton1tankadventure you'd know Zachary Ho (of Autoworld.com.my) participated in a Proton Persona and won the media category for that model. So I decided to reward myself some R&R from writing. 

BMW Malaysia Presents the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance - On Display at Bangsar Shopping Centre till 22nd July 2018

BMW Group Malaysia recently unveiled the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance for the first time in South East Asia. Again, Malaysia is the lucky country for this unveiling. Previously, they displayed the BMW Concept 8 coupe. This time, the X7 iPerformance is a huge SUV which will most likely evolve into the production model called the X7. Obvious isn't it?

Road Test: The Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 Experience - Trying Out the Facelifted and Upgraded Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line, Golf GTI & Golf R

The Volkswagen Golf is the only type of golf that I like at this moment in time. I actually did not really like both prior to the introduction of the seventh generation Golf. I did not like the game because it actually took too much of my time trying to play it. In fact, if you played it the slightest bit properly it would still require about half a day to complete an 9-hole game with a group of friends. Or strangers if you are so hard up and are willing to play regardless whoever comes along. When it came to the more recent Mk5 and Mk6 Golf, they just looked too much like a delivery van to actually make me want one.

The Proton 1 Tank Adventure Starts today

The Proton 1 Tank Adventure #proton1tankadventure will start shortly. We shall be updating our participation in this inaugural challenge. I will be partnering Zachary Ho of Autoworld.com.my in a Proton Persona.

BMW Group and Great Wall Motor Enters into a JV Agreement to Produce MINI Electric Cars in China

Recently, the BMW Group and the Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM) entered into a Joint Venture agreement to produce MINI electric vehicles in China. This new 50:50 joint venture arrangement will see a new JV company called "Spotlight Automotive Limited" if all approvals are given by the Chinese authorities. It will see the development and production of electric vehicles in China and the new state-of-the-art plant for this JV will be located in the Jiangsu Province of China (concept photo below).

PROTON Sells Cars to the Middle East Again - Exports Resumes Again After Many Years

The 12th of July 2018 was quite a surprise if you have been following what has been up with Malaysian car manufacturer Proton. Suddenly out of the blue, Proton are now exporting cars again. This is the first time in two years they are doing so and a small fleet of 453 Proton Gen2 and Persona cars will make its way to the Middle East, namely Jordan, Iraq and UAE (markets under the Al-Bakhet Group). This is also the first time they are exporting since coming under the management of Geely.

MINI Malaysia Launches the New MINI Cooper S 3 Door & 5 Door and the New MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Hatch

MINI Malaysia, has launched the new 2018 MINI in Malaysia. For the moment, the premium compact car marque has the New MINI 3 Door, the New MINI 5 Door (both in Cooper S form), and the New MINI John Cooper Works available for sale in Malaysia. The 2018 MINI features some upgrades made to the engine and transmission as well as other new bits and bobs to the exterior and interior. Prices start at RM226,888 onwards.

Scania Malaysia Upgrades Port Klang Branch - More Support For Customers In and Around the Area

Scania (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. has officially launched their newly upgraded Port Klang branch earlier today. The Scania Port Klang branch is located near the North Port. This new centre will serve to strengthen sales and services for its customers in and around the area. It  is easily accessible for customers to send their Scania vehicles for scheduled maintenance and also repairs if needed.

Pantai Bharu Corporation Opens Its New Proton 3S Centre in Klang

Proton and its dealer Pantai Bharu Corporation Sdn Bhd (“Pantai Bharu”) have opened their latest 3S outlet located along Jalan Kapar, Klang, Selangor. Pantai Bharu previously operated their Proton dealership in Klang in seprate 1S and 2S centres, but the company had decided to invest and integrate their sales and aftersales services into one centre in line with the Proton's latest requirement for improved sales and aftersales centres

Naza Kia Malaysia Launches the Kia Stinger Sports Sedan!!!

You've got to hand it to Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd (NKM), the official distributor of KIA vehicles in Malaysia. They've launched the Kia Stinger for the Malaysian market. This is Kia's fastest car yet and it is the most expensive Kia to be ever sold here to date. 

The Third generation Porsche Cayenne is Officially Launched in Malaysia

After holding a special preview of the all-new third generation Porsche Cayenne in Kuala Lumpur last January 2018, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) have officially launched the third generation Porsche Cayenne here in Malaysia. This new third generation Cayenne combines even more of the typical Porsche performance with excellent everyday practicality. It also looks so much better than the previous generations, with it looking lower and somehow smaller in perspective. 

Upcoming Events: The 7th Annual Art Of Speed Malaysia 2018 Powered by PETRONAS Will Be Happening At MAEPS, Serdang on 28 & 29 July 2018

The Art of Speed is back for the seventh time this year. The Art of Speed Malaysia 2018 (AOS 2018) is what the organisers claim is Malaysia's very own homegrown Old-Skool & Kustom Kulture automotive event. As always, this unique event will be showcasing the local custom mod scene comprising of customised cars and bikes, art galleries as well as interactive activities and exciting lucky draws. 

PETRONAS Lubricants International Announces Global Search for a Trackside Fluid Engineer to Provide Support for the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport Formula 1 Team

PETRONAS, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) recently announced a global search for a Trackside Fluid Engineer. What in the name of Karl Benz is a Trackside Fluid Engineer you might ask? Well, this is the engineer that will be hired by PETRONAS Lubricants International to provide onsite technical support on the performance of PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions™ for four-time FIA Formula One™ World Champions, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Motorsport on 7 July 2018.

Upcoming Events: Velocity Motor Show 2018 - 15 to 17 September 2018 at Desa Park City

Velocity Motor Show (VMS), an automotive lifestyle show is back for 2018. This time around, the Velocity Motor Show 2018 will be held from 15 to 17 September at Outdoor Carpark, Plaza Arkadia in Desa Park City, Kuala Lumpur. There will be an exhibit of unique automobiles - auto salon style, music and food as well as a wide range of activities for everyone including those that bring their family in tow.