Try test drive the smart #1 EV on the 30 September & 1 October 2023 at smart Balakong and smart Ipoh

More teasing of the smart #1 ahead of its official launch in Malaysia. smart Balakong (Hap Seng) and smart Ipoh (GB Auto) would like you to join them this weekend for an exclusive opportunity to get behind the wheel of the all-new smart #1 EV crossover.  You can place your booking if you are happy after trying out the soon to be launched car and if you are one of the first 501 customers, you can be privy to the exclusive #1 Early Bird offers which includes RM1,001.00 in charging credits via the Hello smart App.

Shell Fleet Solutions, has officially launched its Accelerate to Zero (A2Z) Programme in Malaysia

This morning, Shell Malaysia via their business mobility division, Shell Fleet Solutions, officially launched its Accelerate to Zero (A2Z) Programme in Malaysia.The A2Z programme is designed to help fleet owners optimise their operations, grow their businesses, and achieve their sustainability goals. The reason for the introduction of this programme is that they feel that the Malaysian fleet sector is currently facing unprecedented challenges in the market that include supply chain disruptions, driver shortages, pressure to decarbonise, vehicle optimisation and rising costs. 

Hino Smart Driving Contest 2023 - Back to promote proficient commercial vehicles drivers after a three year hiatus

On Saturday, the 23rd of September 2023, the Hino Smart Driving Contest 2023 returned after a three year hiatus (due to the recent pandemic). The competition is part of Hino Malaysia's efforts to promote its Hino Smart Driving Program, and was held at the Hino Total Support Customer Center (HTSCC) in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan. This time, the contest brought together 20 truckers from 11 different companies.

Toyota Yaris IMP (with IMProvements) launched for the Malaysian market - The popular Yaris hatchback soldiers on in its current form with a slight facelift

Recently, UMW Toyota Motor has announced the refreshed, improved Toyota Yaris IMP. The IMP stands for Improvement and this essentially is how the company aims to keep being the market leader in the non-national B-segment hatchback market. The Yaris IMP which comes with the current Yaris facelift now features styling enhancements, newer technology and a refreshed interior ambience. The new 2023/2024 Malaysian market Toyota Yaris builds on the significant success of the current model, which has sold over 60,300 units since its launch in 2019.

Hankook Tire Malaysia introduces the iON evo and Ventus Prime 4 tyre series for the Malaysian market

Recently Hankook Tire Malaysia officially launched and showcased the new iON evo product lines and Ventus Prime 4 range of tyres for the Malaysian market. With the participation of over 200 stakeholders and dealers, Hankook Tire Malaysia have introduced these new product lines and offered special promotions to those that had attended the event..

Mercedes-Benz officially unveils a new type of customer experience here through “Retail of the Future” agency model

A new retail experience for you if you want to purchase a new Mercedes-Benz passenger car folks. Malaysia is officially the 10th country and the first market in Southeast Asia, that Mercedes-Benz has implemented the “Retail of the Future” agency model, thereby changing the car buying experience for its customers. According to Mercedes-Benz Malysia,  retail partners will maintain their pivotal role as experts and Brand Ambassadors, offering customers a luxurious experience at their retail network but all dealerships now offer only one 'best price' to everyone.

BMW Group Malaysia performance report - Market leader in the Premium Electric Vehicle (EV) segment this year to date

Today, I took some time off my somewhat surprisingly busy schedule (especially since I have been slowly easing into semi-retirement from the looks of it) and spent a few hours with BMW Group Malaysia over at their latest roadshow in front of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in KLCC. There, the new BMW i7 limousine takes center stage and a showcase of this EV variant of the latest 7 series that is on sale. Recently launched, but now BMW Malaysia puts it in the limelight after just launching it with some of the media folk getting test drives. They also announced that in terms of the total BMW Group Malaysia, they seem to have taken lead in the Premium EV Segment amidst outstanding EV deliveries to date, for the year 2023.

PROTON to launch its new sedan in two months time - Expect it to be the new Persona if it's based on the Geely Emgrand

At the presentation of Malaysia cultural handicraft to national athletes for them to present to the Asian Games Museum in Hangzou, China during the upcoming 19th Asian Games, the CEO of Proton, Dr Li Chunrong, had announced that the company will be launching a new sedan within the next couple of months as well as  announcing that their Electric Vehicle will also be launched soon after that. Fingers crossed it happens as scheduled!

The news is indeed quite a juicy bit for those who want a Proton but want a sedan rather than a SUV. As for the EV, that folks, is the upcoming smart #1, which should be launched a few weeks after that and that has been blogged about here.

PROTON presents national athletes with Malaysian cultural handicrafts for them to present to the Asian Games Museum in Hangzhou during the upcoming 19th Asian Games

PROTON had earlier today presented national athletes with Malaysian cultural handicraft with will be brought with them to the upcoming 19th Asian Games in Hangzou, where these items will be on a permanent display at the Asian Games Museum there. This is a gesture of support for unity, sportsmanship, and Malaysian culture during the 19th Asian Games, and the small handover ceremony was witnessed by YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports.

The Lamborghini Revuelto High Performance Electrified Vehicle is now in Malaysia - Prices start at over RM2.5m

Automobili Lamborghini has launched the new Lamborghini Revuelto, the first super sports V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV (which is Lamborghini's short form for High-Performance Electrified Vehicle), in Malaysia. This beauty combines the power of a V12 engine with hybrid technology. The Revuelto makes a shift in Lamborghini's design to be more emissions friendly for the future but is also marks the brand's 60^th anniversary. It is a special hypercar, one that replaces the already great Aventador which was the brand's previous production V12 model.

Subaru Car Challenge is back for 2023 - Compete to try win a Subaru XV 2.0i P EyeSight

 Motor Image (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. has announced that the popular Subaru Car Challenge is back after a long hiatus (due to the Covid19 lockdowns). If you have the stamina, strength and dexterity like  Subaru cars, outlast everyone and win a Subaru XV 2.0i-P EyeSight. Enter the intitial round and participate in the Subaru Car Challenge in Kuala Lumpur on September 16, 2023, from 9am to 4pm.

This six-hour endurance challenge of keeping the palm of you hand on a Subaru without removing it will be held at the Plaza Arkadia Kuala Lumpur. The top five contestants will be able take one step closer to owning a brand-new Subaru XV when they compete against contestants from the Asian region in Singapore on November 4 to 5, 2023. This could mean at least keeping that palm on a Subaru for around 20 or more hours so that you can win that Subaru.

Highlights of the recent smart Malaysia gathering and another preview of the upcoming #1 EV at Carlist DRIVE Auto Fair 2023 on 1st to 3rd September 2023, Setia City Convention Centre

After the official Malaysian unveiling of the smart #1 at EVx 2023, smart Malaysia had recently hosted an exclusive weekend preview event. With over 1,000 attendees, the event garnered significant interest from smart enthusiasts and actually had the #1 out on test drives and in-person interaction. So many interested people were happy. Now,smart Malaysia has announced that they are now on schedule for their dealership's grand opening in Malaysia and the #1 will be on display at the upcoming Carlist DRIVE Auto Fair 2023 held at Setia City Convention Centre from 1st to the 3rd of September 2023.

Lu & Sons Engineering Sdn Bhd and HINO Malaysia celebrate 40 years of Partnership by officially opening their newly upgraded Hino 3S Centre in Bintulu

On the 25th August of 2023, Lu & Sons Engineering Sdn Bhd celebrated 40 years of partnership with Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HMSM). with the official opening of their newly upgraded HINO 3S Centre in Bintulu, Sarawak. Lu & Sons have been offering full 3S services at this centre since 1997 and with this upgrade, the centre now sports Hino's latest corporate identity showroom, customer lounge and the latest in the necessary equipment that makes customers and staff have the best can be offered by the brand.

UMW Toyota Motor has unveiled the new 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Sport and improved 2023 Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), who are the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has launched the All-New 2023 Improved 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E with a new third higher specified variant, the Toyota Corolla GR Sport. The prices for the refreshed range of Corolla cars here are RM139,800 for the 1.8E, RM147,800 for the 1.8G and you add another RM5,000 for the GR Sport package to the 1.8G for the Corolla GR Sport making it come in at RM152,800.00 for a sportier Corolla that comes with Gazoo Racing bits, most notably a suspension and wheel/tyre upgrade.

Pos Malaysia takes delivery of 50 MEV-1 electric motorcycles from MODENAS, AVIS & DRB-HICOM Ez Drive

 Pos Malaysia Berhad (“Pos Malaysia” or “the Group”), the national post and parcel service provider recently received 50 electric motorcycles that will be used by their postmen to deliver mail. This is another step (in terms of logistics) on their journey to be net zero in terms of emissions by 2050. They took delivery of the bikes from Motosikal Dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (“MODENAS”), the assembler of MEV-1, and DRB-HICOM EZ-Drive Sdn Bhd (“AVIS”), the leasing provider of the MEV-1 programme. 

The new, latest and greatest (to date) Porsche 911 GT3 RS makes its debut at the Sepang International Circuit alongside the return of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2023, rounds 9 and 10

The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS had its Malaysian launch at the Sepang International Circuit as part of the return of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2023, rounds 9 and 10 The very track biased, road-legal high-performance sports car still comes with a high revving naturally aspirated engine and the Porsche PDK dual clutch transmission but adds even MORE lightweight components and active aerodynamics as well as having more track oriented (Clubsport) and additional lightweight parts (Weissach) packages which are available on the new GT3 RS for more options, together with specially designed Porsche Design chronograph watch The price for the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS starts from RM 2,630,000. 

Bosch Brings Vehicle Services to Kampung Communities this Merdeka 2023 - #CelebrateMerdekawithBosch & the MERDEKA C7 Battery Charger GIVEAWAY running till 16th September 2023

In conjunction with Merdeka Day 2023, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket (Bosch AA) has announced its latest initiative #CelebrateMerdekawithBosch. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign is to address the difficulties faced by rural communities in accessing regular vehicle maintenance, and to promote Safer Cars, Safer Roads environment.

This campaign brings essential services such as wiper replacement, cabin filter installation, oil filter replacement, engine oil services and battery health checks directly to the rural areas. It is to support all communities, regardless of their location, to have access to regular vehicle maintenance and quality car parts in line with its “Drive for Life” flagship campaign.

4WD Courses for Ford Ranger and Raptor owners offer the opportunity to learn the basic techniques of proper off-road driving - Sign up now for available slots

Ford Ranger or Ranger Raptor owners who are looking to gain new 4x4 driving skills and discover the true potential of their capable pickup trucks can register for two upcoming Ford Ranger Getaways training experiences. The first training session will be held at the M4TREC Beginner 4WD Course in Semenyih, Selangor on 26 August 2023. The second session will be conducted at the Sar4Trac Beginner4WD Course in Kampung Barieng, Bau, Sarawak on 16 September 2023. 

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Asbenz unveil a new Autohaus in Langkawi

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Asbenz today officially unveiled its latest Autohaus to date located on the island of Langkawi. The new Mercedes-Benz sales and aftersales centre is a significant milestone as the two companies extend their rich history of 20 years in Kedah. The new Autohaus features the brand’s latest luxury retail standards, catering to an exclusive clientele with a penchant for luxury and top-end vehicles in this island. Being a tax exampt haven, this is where you can officially buy your duty-free Mercedes-Benz.

FEATURE: Volvo Car Malaysia - The Makers of Tomorrow - Innovations Throughout its 96 years, its 57 Years in Malaysia and its range of Electrified Vehicles

In celebration of Malaysia’s independence and national day, Volvo presents Makers of Tomorrow: which is this article featuring Volvo cars in classic silhouettes of yesteryear to its ground-breaking pure electric and hybrid cars today. All of these have been proudly manufactured in Malaysia over the past six decades.

By bringing together the past and present, this exhibition on display commemorates Volvo’s 57 years of growing together with generations of Malaysians as it celebrates its 96th global anniversary this year.

FLUX Merdeka Pop-Up Showroom on the 28th of August 2023 and Win a Month's worth of FLUX Subscription for a Mercedes-Benz EQE AMG

Conjuring the spirit of Merdeka, FLUX, the leading All-in-One vehicle subscription platform, is organising their 1st "Merdeka Pop-Up Showroom.". It will be held over at FLUX’s head office in Solaris Mont Kiara on 28th August 2023, running from 11 am to 4 pm.  FLUX will be offering exclusive deals during the event and you even stand a chance to win a Mercedes- Benz EQE AMG subscription for 1 month, absolutely free.

The Lotus Emira i4 First Edition with a 4-Cylinder 360hp Engine is now available in Malaysia from RM988,000 onwards

Lotus Cars Malaysia has now expanded to Lotus Emira range for our market with a second engine. You now can get the final lotus with an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), in this case a 2.0liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine which makes 360hp. After this, there will only be EV Lotus' and if you want that feeling of a mechanical engine behind your seats (the Emira is mid-engined) this is your last chance to book one at aspecial offer price of RM988,000 on the road with tax (but sans insurance). This offer is valid only for the Emira i4 produced in 2023 before the actual prices take into effect.

MINI Malaysia has some offers for you right now till the end of September 2023

MINI Malaysia offers an electrifying experience with unrivaled financing options from as low as 0.98% of interest rates. British Flair with German Engineering, presents electrifying offers for Malaysians you can get exceptional savings and financing options if you book a MINI now till the end of September 2023, especially the MINI EVs. One great offer is that customers of new MINIs can enjoy the limited-time offer with a 0.98% interest rate through the Straight-Line Financing to experience cutting-edge electromobility at an affordable rate.

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) returns to Malaysia for Rounds 9 &10 at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend (26-27 August)

A weekend of racing Porsches The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) makes its way to Malaysia again for Rounds 9 &;10 at the Sepang International Circuit, this from this 26th and 27th of August 2023. This marks the second time PCCA is having its race venue here and adds to the Merdeka month of August for Malaysians.

Zontes 350 Series of Scooters Launched in Malaysia - the 350E Touring and the 350D Urban Scooters

Yesterday, I was able to attend Zontes Distribution Sdn Bhd's launch of their new 350 Series Scooters. Zontes Distribution is part of Eurotech Wheel Distribution Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor of Zontes motorcycles in Malaysia and wants to stir up the pot for the larger engined scooter category. The new 350 Series scooter is packed with technology and a host of premium features normally found on higher capacity motorcycles sold in 2023, and yet comes with some very competitive pricing.

Regas Premium Sabah Unveils the First Public EV Charging Facility in the State of Sabah

Yesterday,  Regas Premium Sabah officially unveiled the state’s first public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging facility which is located at the basement parking of T1 @ Bundusan. This milestone initiative reflects Regas Premium Sabah';s commitment to pioneering solutions for electromobility in the state, in line with BMW Group Malaysia’s charging infrastructure expansion plans nationwide. So, more inroads in terms of usability of electric cars over in Sabah.

Public Bank Berhad enters into a collaboration with Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET)

Public Bank Berhad  had formalised a collaboration with Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET) by entering into a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) on 9 August 2023 which aims to provide financing facilities on financial products and services sold by PRO-NET (which was set up to sell new energy powered vehicles like EVs etc), and to embark on digitalization via systems integration with smart Malaysia (PRO-NET's first vehicle dealership in Malaysia) and its authorized dealers.

This collaboration will enable Public Bank to facilitate digitalisation via online submission of hire purchase end-financing applications and Floor Stocking facility through smart customer App and their authorized dealers thus improving the market shares in the EV automotive industry. Basically, this arrangement allows smart Malaysia dealers to have financial instruments available from Public Bank right from the start of sales of smart vehicles here, especially the upcoming smart#1 compact crossover car.

17 HINO Trucks handed over to Transcargo Worldwide Sdn Bhd

Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (HMSM) recently handed over 17 trucks to Transcargo Worldwide (M) Sdn Bhd at the Hino Malaysia dealer, Truck Solutions Sdn Bhd in Port Klang. 10 units of the Hino 300 Series PRO and 7 units of the HIno 500 Series trucks was part of the package and it was an arrangement made as part of Transcargo Worldwide’s fleet expansion plan.

Transcargo Worldwide is an integrated logistics company that was incorporated in Malaysia in 2007. The company focuses on air freight, sea freight, customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, inland and cross-border transportation, Ecommerce Logistics, and value-added services. Their services cover the gateway of Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang Airport and Seaport, Klang Port, Pasir Gudang Port, Tanjung Pelepas Port, and borders with Singapore and Thailand.

Sime Darby Motors Launches Dedicated Automotive Training Academy at the Sime Darby Motors City

On  the 11th August 2023 Sime Darby Motors, Retail & Distribution, Malaysia recently launched its automotive Training Academy, which has the aim to empower its entire workforce with the latest skills and knowledge in the fast-evolving automotive industry. The new centre is located at the Sime Darby Motors City automotive complex and will be integral to Sime Darby Motors’ ongoing pursuit of excellence to be at the forefront of the Malaysian automotive industry. With the focus of electrification in vehicles, it is a good time to improve technical skills in the industry.

Audi Roadshow at the Pavilion KL from 14 to 20 August 2023

Audi roadshow at Pavilion KL folks! From the 14^th – 20^th August 2023, Audi fans and visitors will be able to experience design and innovation of our latest e-tron range where the e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT will be featured at the Centre Court area located on Level 2 in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

smart Malaysia has allowed us to show you the stunning interior of their upcoming (to Malaysia) smart #1 - We have also driven it so our Opinion is here

 Yup. A few weeks after we were invited to a preview of the soon to be launched in Malaysia smart #1 battery electric crossover we can now show you interior shots of the car with what we can say will be the trim that is selected for #1 sold in Malaysia. Barring last minute changes of course. Like I mentioned in the previous post, the smart #1 is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, so it features so many Mercedes-Benz touches that I feel that this is essentially a rebadged, slightly more entry level variant of the EQ range of electric vehicles that Mercedes-Benz produces.