Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) on the Movement Control Order due to COVID-19 Coronavirus - All Events Postponed

This is the second day into the Movement Control Order placed on the country by the Government of Malaysia. So lets have another announcement on the matter, this time from an agency of the government dealing with the automotive industry, MARii, the  Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute which is the agency that spearheads the country's automotive policy and future plans.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's Precautionary Measures During The Movement Control Order from Now Till 31st March 2020

As with the other press releases prior to this published on Motoring Malaysia, we have now received the official statement from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and as it is a duty for us to spread the news to you folks out there, we are publishing the statement in full down below. It does follow the same basic bits of news like the other car companies out there. Their manufacturing facility, showrooms and service centres are all closed from 18 to 31st March 2020 in line with slowing down the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Renault Malaysia's Response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus Movement Control Orders by the Malaysian Government

Okay folks, this is what I received from Renault Malaysia aka their authorised distributors TC Euro Cars (TCEC). You can actually Buy or Subscribe from the comfort of your home via the Renault E-Store, with the option of door-to-door delivery So while their showrooms and service centres are closed, you can order online and their customer assistance still available via Chat or 1800-18-8663.

Official Statement by PROTON on the Movement Control Order to Curb the Spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus - Plus Some Extra Thoughts

Below I have published the official statement by PROTON on their Movement Control measures as regards the Malaysian Government's Movement Control Order from 18 to the 31st of March 2020 due to the efforts in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Take note that all their facilities including showrooms, service centres and their production facilities have been shut down.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has also issued a statement where all of their authorised dealerships and service centres will be closed from the 18th to the 31st of March 2020 in lieu of the Malaysian Government's Movement Control Order as regards the COVID-19 coronavirus control measures. So if you do own a Volkswagen and it needs servicing, or need to go and buy one right away, it will have to wait until after the 31st March. If the government decides to extend the control measures, then it could be longer.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update: UMW Toyota Motor Update on All Authorised Centre Services and Upcoming Events

2020 Toyota Alphard

Down below is the official statement by UMW Toyota for all of its business operation matters throughout the Movement Control Order in Malaysia. The Movement Control Order was put in place by the Malaysian Government to combat the uprise in COVID-19 coronavirus cases here. Most of the non-essential services in government and private sector workplaces have been asked to be put on hold from the 18 to 31 March 2020. In the case of UMW Toyota's authorised outlets, they will follow suit and cease operations until 31st March.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update - Official Statement by Perodua

I have published below the official statement by Perodua President and CEO Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad as regards Perodua operations during the Movement Control Order period which was recently announced by the Government of Malaysia. Basically since all non-essential services aside from food supplies, medical, banking facilities, most government and private offices are instructed to close from tomorrow, the 18th of March to the 31st of March 2020 in order to slow down the COVID-19 pandemic. So most of Perodua's operations at their facilities have been suspended.

Politeknik Sandakan Sabah Signs Up With the Scania Ecolution Agreement for their Current Scania Bus

Politeknik Sandakan Sabah (PSS) has become the first Institute of Higher Learning in Malaysia enter into the Scania Ecolution Partnership Agreement. The Scania Ecolution programme is where Scania customers get the necessary training and coaching as well as maintenance on their vehicles so that they run cleaner and more efficient vehicles thereby lowering the carbon footprint and lessen the impact of transportation on the environment. This signing of this agreement is for their 2012 Scania K360IB4X2 student coach / bus and should help them towards their goal of being a green campus by 2023.

Shell Malaysia Rewards Lucky Customers with Child Car Safety Seats

Okay folks.... Shell is giving away a total of 138 child car seats at selected Shell stations to promote child safety on the road. This initiatiave is part of their support toward the nation’s push in enforcing the mandatory use of child car seat. You too can win an exclusive child car seat worth RM507.00 at participating Shell stations in the Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan region (Klang Valley and surrounding in simple terms). The promotional and CSR contest in currently ongoing from the 17th of February to 12th April 2020.

Shop for a good cause and save the Malayan Tapir - Volkswagen Malaysia Teams Up With Tarik Jeans For This Cause

Volkswagen has teamed up with local streetwear brand, Tarik Jeans to raise funds and awareness for the endangered Malayan Tapir with an exclusive collection called "Modern Nostalgia". Bold and quirky, the collection features a retro-futurism Malaysiana theme that will appeal to fans everywhere. 50% from the total sales of this collection will be donated to the Kenaboi Forest Reserve on World Tapir Day this 27th April 2020

Head over to https://tarik.my/modernnostalgia/.

These are the Best Automotive Insurers According to Motodata Research Consortium (MRC) - Winners of the MRC Industry Awards 2019

Recently, the winners of the prestigious Motordata Research Consortium (MRC) Industry Awards 2019 have been announced by MRC. The MRC Industry Awards are given out annually to honour outstanding insurance companies that demonstrate great initiative and commitment in the highly volatile motor insurance industry. In other words, this could be the automotive insurance companies that you may like to try the next time you buy insurance for your vehicle as their claim approval seem to be the fastest. According to this award that is...

Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 Liter Completes 1k Challenge - Driving 1,000km with 1,000kg and up to 1,000 Meters Above Sea Level On a Single Tank of Diesel

The newly launched Malaysian specification Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with the 1.9liter turbodiesel engine has proven its worth again. Having recently being driven in the hypermiling event called the Dura Miles Challenge, the new Isuzu D-Max was driven from Bangkok to Singapore on a single tank of diesel, Isuzu Malaysia had decided to push the new D-Max with its 1.9-litre Blue Power engine through another challenge shows off its performance and hauling capability.

Japan Super GT 2020 Gets Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia As Partner for the Malaysian Leg of the Race Series

The Japan Super GT organization has decided to parter with Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Malaysia. This collaboration will see activities such as exciting Super GT experiences for enthusiasts and fans at each round of the Vios Challenge One-Make Race and TGR Festival as well as during the upcoming Malaysian leg of the Japan Super GT races at the Sepang Circuit in July. The new Toyota Supra GR will be the center stage for this partnership.

Price Drop for the MODENAS Pulsar RS200 and Dominar D400 Motorcycles

Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (“MODENAS”) have announced a more than 10% reduction in prices for the Modenas Pulsar RS200 (above) and the Modenas Dominar D400 (below). This is quite some good news to those who would like something larger than their underbone 'kapchai' motorcycles as two of the already affordable and nice looking motorcycles have gotten much cheaper to procure. 

MINI Track Day 2020 and the Preview of the New MINI Countryman Blackheath Edition in Malaysia

The MINI Track Day 2020 at the Sepang International Circuit was held last Thursday where it brought together a bunch of MINIacs and driving enthusiasts for an exciting day of circuit driving. It saw two groups put their driving skills to the test during the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Track Experience and MINI Driving Experience. 

2020 Lexus UX 200 SUV Launched in Malaysia - Prices

Lexus Malaysia has brought in the All-New 2020 Lexus UX 200 Compact SUV Crossover thingy.  The UX series of SUVs is Lexus’ first Compact SUV and it has been designed to be fun to drive (for a SUV) as well as having the usual attributes and versatility of an SUV coupled with the sleek and elegant styling of a hatchback. Which is why I call it a crossover thingy SUV.

Fuel Pump Service Fix / Recall Campaign For Certain Toyota and Lexus Models (From 2013 to 2019) in Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia have announced Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace the fuel pump on some Toyota and Lexus models that were sold by them in 2013 to 2019 (2014 Corolla Altis shown above). If you have one of the cars mentioned herein which were officially sold by UMWT do give them a visit to get it fixed at no charge whatsoever. Only your time is needed to get it done folks!

Environment Idaman and Their Sub-Contractor Warisan Integriti Gets New Isuzu Forward Trash Compactor Trucks

Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd had, in early February, held a small handover ceremony of Isuzu FOWARD FVR trash compactor trucks by Environment Idaman Sdn Bhd, and their sub-contractor, Warisan Integriti Sdn Bhd. The trucks were bought by the companies from Indah Utara Auto Sdn Bhd, an authorised dealer of Isuzu Malaysia. According to Isuzu Malaysia, the new Isuzu Foward FVR compactor trucks are to be used for solid waste management, collection and disposal for local municipalities in Perlis and Kedah.

SITE UPDATE - MOTORING MALAYSIA Is Basically On a Break - Will Be Back Shortly

Mid-February 2020 I celebrated my birthday. I am two years to fifty and I had started writing this blog since 2006. Seriously blogging about the Malaysian automotive industry since then and writing for others in between. Boy, it has been a long time writing almost non-stop over the past decade and a bit more. A lot more.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival is in Penang This Weekend - Round 3 on the 15-16 February 2020

This weekend, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival featuring the Toyota Vios Challenge penultimate races will happen in Penang. This is  Round 3 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival and will happen at area surrounding Stadium Batu Kawan from 15-16 February 2020. If you have been following the Vios Challenge, the races this weekend would be critical in deciding the Super Sporting, Sporting and Promotional class championship. It is the last race of the season to be contested on a street circuit race before the series moves to the Sepang International Circuit in April. 

Proton Launches the Upgraded 2020 Proton X70 SUV - Locally Assembled and Drives A Little Bit Better Too (with Test Drive Video)

PROTON has launched the upgraded 2020 Proton X70. There have been quite a few changes to one of Malaysia's most popular SUVs in recent times, notably the 7 speed wet clutch DCT gearbox and extra 15Nm torque (300Nm) as well as some suspension tuning which makes the SUV more driveable than ever. Fuel economy seems to have been improved a touch...not by much as it is still a SUV on the heavy side.but makes it feel darn solid when you are inside it. Yes, we know because we have already driven it as prior to the launch today, a bunch of us automotive hacks had the opportunity to take it for a spin. Have a look at our YouTube Channel's video below.

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UMW Toyota Announces Availability of the Brand New and Upgraded Toyota Alphard and Velfire MPVs in Malaysia

 

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that the 2020 Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire premium MPV models are now available for booking. Pre-launch orders will be accepted from now onwards at all authorized Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide. These new and slightly enhanced models will go on sale with prices starting from RM383,000 for the Vellfire (one variant) and RM465,000 for the Alphard (two variants). So those who want a brand new Alphard or Vellfire brought in through official channels with a more comprehensive warranty, you can go book 'em now.

Volkswagen Malaysia is Playing Cupid With Their New Social Media Campaign “Score a Fling“.

February is the month of love, especially to those that sell roses, greeting cards and not forgetting romantic people. So this Valentine’s Day, Volkswagen Malaysia has decided to play Cupid with an exciting new social media campaign, “Score a Fling“.

AIA General Berhad Launches the AIA Family Drive Car Insurance

AIA General Berhad has launched their AIA Family Drive insurance for passenger cars in Malaysia. The AIA Family Drive car insurance policy provides total protection, convenience and savings for the entire family. You can get a family discount of 5% if you insure two or more cars and this is the first car insurance in Malaysia to offer a family discount. Of course, there's more value added stuff too.

Hino Has Delivered its 100,000th Hino Truck in Malaysia - Also Records 5,520 Units Sold in 2019 Making It The No. 1 Overall Truck and Bus Market Leader Here

Last Wednesday, the 5th of February 2020, Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HMSM)  delivered the 100,000th unit HINO truck in Malaysia. It also has shared that the company had sold 5,520 units of trucks and buses making it the overall market leader in terms of truck and bus sales in total. The 100,000th Hino vehicle was handed over to its existing customer, Ikhasas Resources Sdn Bhd (Ikhasas Resources). The joyous occasion was marked by an official handover ceremony during the Hino Chinese New Year Open House held at HMSM Headquarters in Petaling Jaya. 

Renault Malaysia Updates - New Online E-Store and Captur 'Buy One Get One Free' Subscription Promotion

Renault Malaysia, via their official distributors TC Euro Cars have recently launched their online E-Store which offers a Fully Digital Car Buying and Subscription Experience. This service is touted to be the first in Malaysia and allows customers to buy or subscribe for a Renault at their fingertips. You can actually do everything from book your test drive to set the time for delivery of your new Renault.  Aside from that, there is TCEC has also the ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ promotion offers a free Captur subscription for any online purchase of a new Renault via www.renault.com.my.

Offers and Promotions: Volkswagen “Wong”-derful CNY Celebration

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is celebrating Chinese New Year 2020 with a bang. A nationwide CNY Open house will take place on the 8 th February 2020, which is a Saturday, from 11am till 5pm at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships in the country. This time around, Volkswagen’s Chinese New Year’s theme focuses on the Chinese character “旺” which translates to “wong”, meaning good luck and prosperity. 

Volvo Trucks Malaysia Post Record Sales Numbers For 2019

Volvo Trucks announced earlier today that it has recorded its best truck sales performance ever in the  50 years of the company conducting business in Malaysia. Volvo Trucks Malaysia sold  479 units of prime movers and rigid truckslast year and this was a 6.5% increase of 29 units more than the total number sold in the previous year.  According to the company, approximately 70% of the units were their Volvo FM series of trucks while the rest were the Volvo FMX and Volvo FH heavy duty models. This was a 29% share in the prime mover / heavy hauler market segment based on date from the Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA).

PROTON Starts Off Strong in 2020 - Most Successful January Sales in 4 Years With Over 8,500 New Registrations (Short Analysis At The End)

After selling slightly over 102,000 cars in 2019, PROTON has started 2020 strongly with the Malaysian based company recording a total of 8,506 new registrations for the month of January 2020. This figure is a 20.2% increase over the same period last year. This also marks PROTON’s most successful January sales in 4 years. The company is on a roll and should be on its way to another stong year ahead with the launch of the locally assembled X70 SUV and maybe the smaller X50 SUV by the end of this year.

Perodua Sells A Lot of Cars in 2019 - Over 240,000 Units and This in Turn Meant Over RM5.4 Billion in Local Parts Supplied. - ALSO, Perodua Bezza Sales Figues Update

Perodua managed to sell 240,341 units of vehicles in 2019 and this basically gave the Malaysian automaker of nearly 40% of the Total Industry Volume of new cars sold in Malaysia. What this means is that out of every 5 cars sold, 2 are Perodua. Amazing isn't it? The record sales figure constitutes a year-on-year jump of 13,098 units, or 5.8%. The Malaysian total industry volume (TIV) was estimated at 604,775 units last year. 

VIDEO: 2019 Onwards Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI (Mk7.5) with the R-Line and Sound & Style Package

I have been extremely busy doing my other pursuits in life. Taking a break from the automotive scene over this past couple of months is refreshing. You do know that I have a lot of other hobbies and recently, I had the opportunity to fully indulge in them. But I have not forgotten you readers  and viewers out there. This is a new video on the 2019 onwards Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI with the R-Line and Sound and Style Package over on our YouTube Channel.

TOUCH ‘N GO Top-Up Charges Are Now Waived at All 27 Shell Stations Along the North-South Expressway (NSE)

On the 16th of January 2020, Shell Malaysia had announced that 27 Shell Stations along the North-South Expressway (NSE) will not be charging the RM0.50 Touch ‘n Go (TNG)top-up fee. So feel free to top-up your TNG card at those stations as the fee has now been waived. According to Shell Malaysia, this is one way of how the company gives back to their customers and how they can help lessen the burden. 

Sponsored by Daihatsu Malaysia, The Rewilding Roadshow by the Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur Brings Conservation Home

Earlier today I attended the launch of Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur  (FTS) the Rewilding Roadshow. This Roadshow is an initiative to encourage urban Malaysians to fill up their green spaces at home with plants with the aim of  supporting biodiversity and sustainable lifestyles. The initiative is sponsored by Daihatsu Malaysia, which is a natural fit for their Environmental Action Plan 2030, which is their social responsibility initiative in line with the  United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

BMW Group Malaysia Has Some Chinese New Year Offers and Promos for the Year of the Rat 2020

As usual, it's that time of the year where deals are abound. BMW Group Malaysia is welcoming the Year of the Rat, or this year's Chinese New Year with more attractive offers, cash rebates and financing solutions across a wide range of BMW and MINI models at all authorised dealerships throughout Malaysia. So now could be a good time for you to buy that M5 or the Cooper S model you've always yearned for.

MAN Truck and Bus Malaysia Has a New Managing Director - Announces Upcoming Service Centre in Port Klang, New Strategic Initiatives & Hands Over Trucks to Nitsu Transport Service

MAN Truck and Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN), the Malaysian arm of the European commercial vehicle brand, earlier today announced it has appointed Andrew O’Brooks as its new managing director. Aside from that, the company also announced its new service centre in Port Klang which is scheduled for opening sometime in March 2020 as well as an announcement of their latest strategic initiatives which is in line with the brand's global direction and current motto of ' Simplifying Business'.

2020 Volkswagen Passat Facelift Launched in Malaysia - Only 1 Variant Offered - Passat 2.0TSI Elegance

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) have launched the facelifted Volkswagen Passat here in Malaysia. The Malaysian variant comes only four months after its German market launch and like the pre-facelift model, is locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang. Only 1 variant will be available for now - the 2020 Passat 2.0TSI Elegance which will come priced at RM187,990 on the road before any insurance.

2020 Perodua Bezza Facelift launched - Expects to Deliver 5,600 Units by End of January, Meaning They Have Produced A Lotta Units Prior to Launch

Perodua has launched the 2020 Perodua Bezza today. Aside from the fact that this is a facelift with slightly refreshed looks and better equipment inside, the Malaysian car manufacturer has also stated that they have already produced a lot of the new Bezza and expects to deliver some 5,600 units in January 2020. This is the story of really ensuring that there are more than adequate stocks of a car model available. Quite an interesting achievement in my opinion as we have always heard of products being launched and deliveries only start some time later.

Shell Malaysia Announces First Four of Many Lucky Winners - 'Nak Ekstra RM20,000?'

Shell Malaysia's ‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000?’ continues to reward fellow Malaysians until 9 February 2020. This is a weekly campaign by the energy provider brand which is aimed at helping out Shell customers from all walks of life where they may get rewarded only with pumping RM40 worth of Shell fuel. To start off 2020, four Shell customers were announced as the first round of grand prize winners of the campaign.

Site Update: I'm Back! Or Damn, it's So Darn Hard to Start Writing Again After a Self Imposed Break and Thoughts About the Future

I'm Back! Well, technically back and will start reporting and writing about the automotive scene here again after a nice long self imposed break. It was well needed as I think 2019 was an achievement for this blog, or Motoring Malaysia in many ways. 

We made it to over 1,000 Subscribers over on our YouTube Channel. This is an achievement as by the end of 2018 we only had about 600 or so subs. Reaching 1,000 was quite important as you get a chance to be monetized by YouTube and can earn some pocket money for me. Why do I say for 'me'? And not for the blog? 

2019 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Highline Short Test Drive - A Look at This Pre-Facelift D Segment Sedan Before the Facelift Variant is Launched (Details of This Here Also)

This is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Highline. This Passat B8, its model code name, was first launched over in Europe sometime in 2014 and it has been sold here in Malaysia since the end of 2016. We had a go at it when it was launched and recently, we had another go at it courtesy of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia. This to me is a recap to this outgoing model as you can already see plastered on the Volkswagen Malaysia homepage, the teaser pages of the very soon to be launched, 2020 Volkswagen Passat Facelift.

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings

Merry Christmas and a happy new year folks! I've been busy relaxing and just doing stuff that I like to do aside from automotive related stuff.

The Last Overland Expedition Makes it Back to the UK - Covering 23 countries from Singapore to London

The Last Overland Expedition, an expedition taking after the original one from 1955-1956, has finally completed its journey. A 19,000 km road journey from Singapore to London, which could be said as a reprise of the original expedition which did London to Singapore (i.e vice versa route). It journeyed through 23 countries and it will be documented into a TV documentary series scheduled for release sometime in 2020. 

BMW Dealers Tian Siang Premium Auto and the Gurney Paragon Mall Introduce New BMW i Charging Facilities in Penang.

Tian Siang Premium Auto, dealers for BMW over in Butterworth, Penang (and also in Ipoh, Perak), and the management of Gurney Paragon Mall have announced  BMW i Charging Facilities at the Gurney Paragon Mall over on Penang Island. The new charging station adds to the expanding network of charging facilities operated by the BMW brand here in Malaysia.

Teacher wins the Volkswagen “Win the Icon” Contest and Gets to Drive Away With a Beetle

The “Win the Icon” contest has ended. After two months, Mr. Muhamad Rizal bin Sadiman, a high school teacher from Perak has won a brand-new Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI. The contest which ran from 1st October to the 30th of November 2019 had over 800 posts and submissions of photos and videos of Malaysians trying out their favourite Volkswagen models and documenting them. The best one with the hashtag #BetterExperiencedThanExplained got a brand new Beetle for their hard work. 

BMW Group Malaysia Celebrates the Joy of Giving at the Bangsar Shopping Centre - From Now Until 26th December 2019

BMW Group Malaysia is currently celebrating the season of giving, or Christmas at the Bangsar Shopping Centre (BSC) from now until 26 th December 2019. You can celebrate this festive season with BMW and also get a chance to win exclusive BMW merchandise via lucky draw contests, test drives of their dream BMW models. The initiatives happening at this event are also in support of fulfilling the Christmas wish lists of the children from Shelter making these less fortunate kids celebrate a better Christmas than usual.

Proton Officially Announces the Roll-Out of the First Proton X70 SUV at its New Plant Extension in Tanjung Malim

About a year since the Proton X70 SUV was launched in Malaysia, PROTON has announced the official roll out of the first X70 to be built at its new RM1.2 billion plant extension in Tanjung Malim.  The roll-out ceremony was attended by the Honourable Datuk Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON, Mr An Conghui, President and CEO of Geely Auto Group as well as senior management members of PROTON.