Pre-Motorshow News: Naza Automotive Group to Showcase Peugeot, DS, Citroen & Kia to Name a Few Brands at KLIMS 2018

This is another Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS 2018) pre-show update folks. The Naza Automotive Group will be showcasing a range of passenger and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, accessories and alot more at KLIMS 2018 which will be held at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from 23 rd November until 2 nd December 2018. Some of the highlights include Peugeot, DS and Citroën and Kia.

Pre-Motorshow News: - Ford Malaysia to Officially Launch the Ford Ranger Raptor and will preview the New Ford Mustang at KLIMS 2018

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the folks who distribute Ford vehicles in Malaysia will be participating in the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 which is scheduled to open its doors to the public on the 23 November 2018 until 2 December 2018 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). 

After 2,500 Units, the Last Scania PGR series truck rolls off the assembly line in Malaysia - New Scania Truck Variants to be Launched Soon

It has been a good run while it lasted but recently, the last Scania PGR series truck has rolled off the assembly line at the Scania Regional Production Centre in Port Klang. It must be a notable record of sorts, as Scania Malaysia has produced and sold more than 2,500 units of the Scania PGR series of trucks (P, G & R series folks...not PGR as a single model) since they were first introduced in the country back in 2008. So one decade and 2,500 units assembled locally later, its time to say goodbye to all three of these current PGR series of trucks.

Promotions: Test Drive a Renault and Win Some Prizes - Year-End Deals on the Captur & Koleos Too!

The ‘Renault Test Drive Challenge’ campaign is currently ongoing and it is offering participants the chance to win an Apple iPhone XS and other attractive prizes. Those that end up purchasing a Renault during the campaign period will also walk away with an additional year-end free gift of Raytech Solar and Security tint for the newly purchased Renault. The tinting is worth up to RM1,800 depending on the model purchased. TC Euro Cars, the authorised distributor for Renault vehicles in Malaysia is also extending their sales promotions on limited units of the Renault Koleos premium SUV and Captur compact crossover.

Castrol Malaysia Launches the all-New Castrol POWER1 Motorcycle Engine Oil

It's been a busy few weeks here in terms of covering the automotive industry in Malaysia. One of the new product launches held last week was the launch of the all-new Castrol POWER1 motorcycle engine oil. Castrol Malaysia launched this new product by unveiling a total of four new variants which according to them have been tailor made to suit a motorcycle's special demands. 

The New Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ & GLC 63 S Coupé 4MATIC+ is Now Available in Malaysia

Last week, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched what they consider their Ultimate Performance Athletes. These are the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ & GLC 63 S Coupé 4MATIC+. These heavyweights were launched together with the iconic and most probably G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) off-roading Mercedes-Benz, the all-New Mercedes-Benz G-Class or G-Wagen as most of us like to call it.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class Makes Its Way To Malaysia - Mercedes-AMG G 63 is the Sole Variant Here!.

Sometime last week, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class off-road vehicle over at the Sepang Circuit. The unique thing is that we Malaysians are only getting one variant of this all-new G Wagen, the almighty Mercedes-AMG G 63. A truly unique statement indeed.

The New Mitsubishi Triton Shows Off Its New Face - Local Debut Will Be At The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 & at Mitsubishi Roadshows in Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) unveiled the new TRITON / L200 1-ton pickup truck over in Bangkok, Thailand recently. This is just about a week or so prior to them actually starting sales of the Triton in Thailand on November 17, 2018. Whilst it is still based on the fifth generation Triton which we see here in Malaysia, Mitsubishi have made major upgrades to it from the looks of it.

Naza Quest Ceases Distributorship of Chevrolet Vehicles - Will Still Handle All After Sales Until New Distributor is Announced

We've just received official word from the official distributors of Chevrolet here, Nasa Quest Sdn Bhd. They have announced that they will stop distributing new Chevrolet vehicles. 

Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Formally Takes Over The Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Distribution Here in Malaysia

Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Sdn. Bhd. recently completed the take-over of the commercial vehicle general distribution business from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia on the 1st of November 2018. It marked the start of Hap Seng Trucks Distribution as the exclusive and official distributor of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans and FUSO Trucks in here in Malaysia. The transfer also includes the import, assembly, wholesale distribution and aftersales services of Mercedes-Benz and FUSO commercial vehicles.

Scania Vehicles Sold by Scania Malaysia Are Fully Compatible With B10 Diesel

Good news! If you are running a Scania vehicle and are worried about the implementation of B10 grade of diesel in Malaysia, that is.... 

Scania Malaysia has stated that all Scania vehicles sold by Scania (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. can run on B10 diesel without any need for further adaptation or modification requirements. So any operator running Scania trucks or buses in their fleet need not worry and can sleep soundly at night.

Cycle & Carriage Bintang Officially Opens Their Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre at their Petaling Jaya Autohaus

Cycle & Carriage Bintang, the oldest Mercedes-Benz dealership in Malaysia recently announced the launch of their Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Centre in Petaling Jaya. The new centre is located at the company's landmark one-stop 3S centre in Petaling Jaya and it promises an equally exclusive and exceptional customer experience for both existing and new customers of the premium automotive brand. This new centre also adds to the dealer network for the also very recently launched Mercedes-Benz Certified Programme for pre-owned cars in the country.

Volkwagen & Lazada's Special Edition, Exclusive to Lazada Online Polo Black & White Sells Out Within ONE Minute on 11.11 Sale Day

Wow. Talk about 11.11 Offers getting sold out instantly. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia just reported that all 11 units of the Special Edition Polo Black & White in conjunction with Lazada's 11.11 Shopping Festival were booked within one minute after it was launched. Malaysians do like a bargain.

Field Fix Campaigns by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia for Certain Models Sold Here - Owners Take Note

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, will be conducting six Field Fix Campaigns  for Mitsubishi cars. Overall affected cars that were sold by MMM here are about 23,133 units.  MMM will be issuing or in the midst of issuing notification letters to all affected Mitsubishi owners and the full cost of the replacement and rectification will be borne by the company.

A Chance to Win a Trip to New Zealand With Land Rover in Conjunction with its 70th Anniversary

Land Rover has brought the Above and Beyond Tour to Malaysia. This year’s tour will be held in Penang and Kuala Lumpur where it will allow participants a chance to experience first-hand the world famous capability and composure of what a Land Rover is. It takes place today and tomorrow in Penang (the 10th & 11th November - yes, a little late but if you catch this news there is tomorrow) and the 17th & 18th November 2018 in Kuala Lumpur. Details are at the end of this article folks!

Roadshows: The MINI Recharge Roadshow - Ongoing Most Weekends till End 2018 at Various Locations Throughout Malaysia

MINI Malaysia is now having their MINI Recharge Roadshow at various locations throughout Malaysia. There, one can experience with the New MINI Countryman Sports and MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, both launched April this year. These are the latest premium Sports Activity Vehicle from MINI.

Volkswagen Polo Black & White Special Edition Unveiled for Lazada's Annual 11.11 Shopping Celebration - 11 Units Only Available for Booking Online

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has revealed to us the special edition Volkswagen Polo Black & White. This latest special edition in conjunction with Lazada will be limited to 11 units only Polo 1.6 Hatchback and it will go on sale in conjunction with Lazada’s annual 11.11 Shopping Festival celebration.

Scania Malaysia Invests in Our Country's Children - The Master Sustainability by Scania Fund Kicks Off at Sekolah Kebangsaan Perdana Jaya SS19

Scania Malaysia had recently established their “Master Sustainability by Scania” Fund which was set up to motivate and assist local primary schools to start up curricular and extra-curricular activities or projects that focus on sustainability. Sekolah Kebangsaan Perdana Jaya SS19, Subang Jaya was the first recipient  of the program and they had launched its urban farming and environmental awareness project some time last week. The project features a self-sustaining herb and fruit plantation that uses compost and hydroponics.

UMW Toyota Issues a Special Service Campaign to Fix Issues on Certain Toyota Models - Toyota 86, Vios, Camry, Corolla Altis from various years affected

Photo: Wikipedia-Aero7

The Malaysian distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor recently announced what they call a Special Service Campaign (SSC)  for two issues. The first is the, wait for it, RE-Replacement of the airbag inflator for certain Toyota models and secondly, an engine valve spring replacement for the Toyota 86 sold officially by them. 

UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge 2018 Finals - Malaysian Driver Wins Special Award for the Most Cargo-Friendly Driving Category

The UD Trucks’ Extra Mile Challenge 2018 Finals were held recently at the UD Experience Center in the UD Ageo corporate headquarters over in Japan. There were nine finalists which were selected from 300 initial participants who were the winners of their respective qualifying rounds which were held in Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar and Thailand. This time around, the Malaysian representative managed to capture the Special Awards for the Most Cargo-Friendly Driving category.

UMW Toyota Motor Announces That the Order Books for the Upcoming All New Toyota Camry is Now Open

Good News! The All-New Toyota Camry will be brought into Malaysia soon! UMW Toyota Motor have announced that all authorised dealerships in Malaysia will be taking bookings of the All New Toyota Camry starting from 1st November 2018 onward. This is good news for those interested in acquiring the newest edition of the full sized Toyota here. 

Truck News: Three New Service Offerings by Volvo Trucks Malaysia - 24 Months Parts Warranty, Fast Track Service & Extended Hours Service

Volvo Trucks Malaysia have introduced new service offerings to assist their customers maximise the uptime of their Volvo trucks. These include an extended 24-month Fitted Parts Warranty for all Volvo parts purchased and fitted by authorised Volvo Trucks dealers in Malaysia, the implementation of the new Fast Track Service and the extension of the workshop hours of their flagship branch in Port Klang beginning November 2018.

The Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer 7 Seater MPV - On Sale in Malaysia For Those Wanting Something Different

The Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer MPV is now available in Malaysia. The French MPV has been brought in by Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Citroën brand in Malaysia and it is the successor to the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. With its 7 seats, it is designed with Space, Versatility and Innovation in mind.

Proton Sells 5,093 Units in October 2018 - Now Offering Zero SST as They are Absorbing Such Taxes Till Year End

September 2018 was not a great month for Proton and other car retailers in Malaysia. 1st September 2018 saw SST being reimplemented after a three month tax holiday as the Malaysian government scrapped GST and was going to revert to SST. However, October 2018 sales for PROTON cars grew by 12.6% in October where 5,093 units were sold, an increase of 569 units over the previous month and a slight improvement over the corresponding period in 2017. 

The New, Facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Launched in Malaysia - A Day After the Launch of the C-Class Sedan!

And so....a day after the launch of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia decided to launch the new, facelifted C-Class Coupe over at Cameron Highlands. This was during the media drive of the C-Class Sedan and I was fortunate enough to witness this event last Friday, 2nd November 2018. The new C-Class Coupe range for Malaysia consists of the Mercedes-Benz C 200 Coupé and C 300 Coupé. These, are fully imported however.

The New, Facelifted, Very Much Improved Mercedes-Benz C-Class Has Been Launched - C200 Avantgarde, C300 AMG-Line & C43 AMG Locally Assembled Variants Now On Sale

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had introduced the new facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class on the 1st of November 2018. It essentially updates the already very competent, and polished premium sedan with a little bit more and adds some design tweaks, state-of-the-art safety and assistance systems, superior technology and also adds tweaks for better driving dynamics than the pre-facelifted one. At the launch, Malaysia will have three variants which are all locally assembled - the C200 Avantgarde Line (seen below), C300 AMG-Line and the Mercedes-AMG C43.

Sime Darby Auto Performance Set to Expand the Porsche Brand to Johor Bahru in the Near Future

There will be a new Porsche Centre in Johor Bahru by 2020 according to Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche vehicles here in Malaysia. Construction work is expected to start by the end of this year and operations of the estimated RM48 million centre is scheduled to begin by the first quarter of 2020.

Facelifted Kia Optima, Kia Sorento and Kia Grand Carnival together with the Upgraded Kia Rio are Now On Sale in Malaysia

Naza Kia Malaysia have unveiled the facelifted Kia Optima, Sorento SUV and Grand Carnival MPV as well as the enhanced Kia Rio models in Malaysia. Aside from styling tweaks on the facelifted models, all are fitted with advanced automotive technologies and upgraded features which will enhance their driving experience. 

Pictorial: The W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a Masterclass of Design - Featuring the Pre-facelift C200 AMG-Line

This is a short pictorial on the outgoing, pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class, featuring the C200 AMG-Line. 

Hyundai Launches the Facelifted Tucson for the Malaysian Market

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors have launched the 2018 facelifted Tucson in Malaysia. Now available at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide, the new 2018 Tucson features new exterior and interior designs. The SUV is available in two variants - The 2.0L Elegance petrol and the 1.6L Turbo petrol which are respectively priced at RM123,888 and RM143,888 on the road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. It seems the turbodiesel has been dropped from the line-up.

Offers & Promos: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Now Offering Cash Rebates on Their Vehicles Till the End of December 2018

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) have started offering cash rebates on all their vehicles until end of December 2018. If you intend to get yourself a Mitsubishi, this could be the right time. This is like a continuation of the tax holiday Malaysians recently experienced. Book and register a new Mitsubishi during the period and get a fair bit off the pricetag.

Newly Upgraded Toyota 2S Centre Operated by Crestmax Auto in Sg Penchala is Now Open

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the authorised distributor for Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has announced the official opening of an upgraded Toyota 2S centre located in Sg Penchala, Kuala Lumpur. The new centre, operated by their dealers, Crestmax Auto (Services) Sdn Bhd (Crestmax Auto). 

First Drive Impressions: The New Ford Ranger WildTrak 2.0 4x2 Automatic Tested - Video & Highlights of the Drive to Ipoh and Back

Recently, I had the chance to try out the new Ford Ranger WildTrak 2.0 4x2 Automatic. This happened a few days ago right after the launch of the New Ford Ranger, a few of us automotive journos were sent off to various destinations around Peninsular Malaysia. I ended up on a trip to Ipoh, Perak with three others and two new Ford Rangers between the four of us. 

BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car to be Displayed at Bangsar Village II this Wednesday 31st October - Meet & Greet Session with MotoGP icon Loris Capirossi

The BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car will be displayed ahead of the Malaysian MotoGP over at Bangsar Village II and as part of a convoy throughout Kuala Lumpur folks! As a prelude to the upcoming races over at the Sepang Circuit, the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car with BMW M Performance Parts – will make appearances across Kuala Lumpur on a convoy with the BMW M5, BMW 530i M Sport, BMW S 1000 RR, and the BMW S 1000 RR Safety Bike. BMW bikes and cars galore.

Ford Launches the New Ranger Line-Up For Malaysia - A Variant For Everyone

Ford Motor Company, together with Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), their official distributor in Malaysia, have launched the new Ford Ranger. The New Ranger gets a slightly refreshed up exterior, more features inside and out and most variants also feature the new Ford 2.0liter turbodiesel engine and new 10 speed automatic gearbox. 

Proton Announces That They Have Received Over 10,000 Bookings For Upcoming X70 SUV - 2,000 From Their Online Site - Some Thoughts

The Proton X70 SUV hasn't been launched as yet but Proton have announced that they have collected over 10,000 bookings for their first ever SUV. Nearly 2,000 of those bookings came from their new online booking website and it seems to show that online bookings for Proton vehicles is promising.

Ford Gives Back to The National Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Malaysia – Rumah Ozanam and Pusat Jagaan Darul Sakinah

October is Ford Motor Company's Global Caring Month. This is the 13th annual Global Caring Month and thousands of Ford employee volunteers around the world give back to their communities and lend a helping hand to those in need. So last weekend, Ford volunteers from Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official distributor of Ford in Malaysia, worked together with the National Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Malaysia – Rumah Ozanam and Pusat Jagaan Darul Sakinah.

Trucks: Nationwide Express Courier Services Receives 29 Units of Isuzu Trucks

Isuzu Malaysia recently held a small handing over ceremony where they officially handed over 29 units of trucks to Nationwide Express Courier Services Berhad. The ceremony took place at the Nationwide Express HQ in Shah Alam where 26 units of Isuzu's Light duty truck and 3 units of their Medium duty truck were officially delivered. 

Pump and Win Lots of Prizes from Now until November 30, 2018 - In Conjunction with Caltex Sponsoring Celebrity Car Wars Season 3 on HISTORY Asia

Chevron Malaysia Limited, which is better known here in Malaysia with the Caltex brand, has a new campaign in conjunction with the premiere of Celebrity Car Wars Season 3. This small screen automotive series currently airs on HISTORY Asia (ASTRO CH555 and CH575 HD) and Caltex is once again the presenting sponsor of the award-winning reality automotive competition series. The aim of their sponsorship is to showcase how Caltex petrol and diesel can help vehicles deliver under even more challenging driving scenarios.

Nasim Rolls Out The Facelifted Peugeot 308 THP at the Peugeot Motion & Emotion Roadshow at 1 Utama - Roadshow ongoing till 28 October 2018

There is currently a Peugeot roadshow over at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre and the new, facelifted Peugeot 308 THP is there on display. Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot vehicles here in Malaysia have decided to preview the New 308 THP at the Peugeot Motion & Emotion Roadshow at the shopping centre.

EFKON Asia Sdn Bhd has launched its own branded E-TAG for SmartTAG users - This is SUPER GOOD NEWS for Road Users

EFKON Asia has launched their own SmartTAG compatible infra-red (IR) tag reader device earlier today. This ensures continued availability of IR reader devices for Malaysian road users to use at the SmartTAG lanes on those roads with tolls in Malaysia. We have to say that this is great news as somehow, the people who used to sell the SmartTAG reader, which is the people who operate the Touch 'n Go pre-paid card services had recently announced that they are halting sales of the reader.

The Volvo World Golf Challenge 2018 - Where Volvo Trucks Customers, Business Partners Play Golf, Have Fun and Donate to a Worthy Cause

The Volvo World Golf Challenge 2018 happened recently and it offered Volvo Trucks' customers, business partners and other invited guests participate in a friendly golf tournament and donate to a worthy cause at the same time. This year, the annual golf challenge offered Volvo Trucks golfing enthusiasts an opportunity to compete for the grand prize of a golf trip to Brisbane, Australia where they also get to attend the Brisbane Truck Show in May 2019. 

Avis Malaysia Celebrates 46 th Anniversary By 46 Percent Savings Off Published Car Rental Rates & a Contest

Avis, that internationally renown car rental agency celebrates 46 years of operations here in Malaysia. That's 46 long years of renting cars to people. So in conjunction with this glorious anniversary, Avis Malaysia is offering customers up to 46 percent savings on published rates for car rental bookings from 15 September to 31 October 2018 for the rental period from 15 september to 31 December 2018. That is a lot. 46 percent is nearly half the usual rates, which is quite awesome. Well, actually I can't wait how much you could save if it was their 50th anniversary which is in four years time!

Video: Having Fun with the 2019 Toyota Rush at its Media Preview

Now before I start writing my first impressions review on the recently previewed, All-New 2019 Toyota Rush for the Malaysian market, here is a short video of us having some fun with the Rush SUV during the short media drive we managed to take part in.

Tata Motors Distributor in Malaysia, DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles Delivers Tata Super Ace Trucks to Lazada's LEL Express Contractors - Reza Sadon Enterprise and CFD 74 Enterprise

Recently, DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles (DHCV) the authorised distributor for Tata Motors commercial vehicles in Malaysia, officially handed over a unit respectively of the Tata Super Ace 1 ton truck to two driver contractors of LEL Express, the logistic arm of Lazada Malaysia. The two contractors are Reza Sadon Enterprise and CFD 74 Enterprise. 

The All-New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Gets Its Malaysian Launch - A200 & A250 Variants with Prices Starting at RM227,888 Onwards

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have introduced with the all-new fourth generation A-Class here. The W177, as it is internally called, will be sold here in two variants for the moment, the A 200 Progressive Line and the A 250 AMG Line. This new A-Class is what Mercedes-Benz calls the next generation of compact cars which while featuring a more mature looking styling on the exterior, still maintains its youthful and dynamic appeal while redefining luxury and technology on the inside.

The ALL-New Second Generation Toyota Rush Has Been Previewed - Sales to Start in Early 2019 with Estimated Prices from RM93,000

Yesterday, I attended the preview of the All-New Toyota Rush 7 seater SUV organised by the Malaysian distributors of Toyota vehicles, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd. This is the second generation of this affordable and practical 7 seater Sports Utility Vehicle which was specially developed for ASEAN markets. This time around, the Rush will be officially on sale early 2019 with local contract assembly of the vehicle by Perodua. 

Bentley Kuala Lumpur Unveils the Bentayga V8 in Malaysia

Bentley's first SUV, the Bentley Bentayga can now be had with a V8 engine in Malaysia. The Bentley Bentayga has, since its introduction, has been offering Bentley customers and enthusiasts a different Grand Touring experience unrestricted by landscape or conditions, which is what a Sports Utility Vehicle is for. Prior to this, Bentley owners had to go elsewhere to get their SUV fix. 

Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival & the Toyota Vios Challenge Continues at MAEPS, Serdang 20-21 October 2018 - All-New Toyota Rush to be Previewed

I haven't had time to write about this year's Toyota's Gazoo Racing Festival and the Toyota Vios Challenge series that is the center of the event. I have been quite busy with so many things that I have not had the time to keep track on this quite interesting event which features some nice amateur racing. It is now the second round of the Vios Challenge and the second venue for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival. 

GoCar is Now Available at 100 Shell Stations Across the Klang Valley, Johor & Penang

Shell Malaysia has added another value added service to 100 Shell Stations located in and around the Klang Valley, Johor and Penang. Malaysian car-sharing company GoCar and Shell have collaborated and you can now pick up a GoCar rental car from there.