Porsche Malaysia joins hands with Krithin Paul Pereira to support more dreamers

Krithin Paul Pereira has Cerebral Palsy, expressing his passion through his art. He is driven by dreams and passion. For art and also his love of cars, especially Porsche, even though it is currently impossible for him to actually drive a car on his own. So, following the launch of the new Cayenne in Malaysia recently, Krithin showed his appreciation for Porsche’s "sports car for five" and went on together with Porsche Malaysia to support a cause that is close to his heart. Through the specially designed t-shirts which have been printed with Krithin’s signature drawings of the new Cayenne, the proceeds raised were contributed to Amirs Therapy Gym, a rehabilitation centre, where he received his support. I got one of these t-shirts at the launch event too!

The upgraded for 2024 locally assembled Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 is now available

Meanwhile, just after the other German luxury brand announced their latest bit of news,  Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have unveiled the new upgraded 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA 200. The sporty compact SUV which is the entry point into Mercedes-Benz SUVs now come with some extra enhancements for the new year, notably a redesigned front and rear end and the latest MBUX information and entertainment system. The GLA 200 is locally assembled in Malaysia and comes in at RM258,888 before insurance.

BMW Group position as number one in Premium and Luxury Vehicles, Electrified Vehicles sales as well as largest premium automotive exporter in Malaysia for 2023 & Previews the newest Retail NEXT concept showroom in Balakong

Last year (2023) was a fabulous year for BMW Group Malaysia as they delivered over15,000 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles combined. This makes the premium automaker Malaysia’s Number One Premium Automaker for the fourth consecutive year. Kudos to the people in the group for such an achievement which is significant as 2023 also marked their 20th year of operations here in Malaysia

The new Auto Bavaria Showroom in Balakong

BMW Group Malaysia Previews New Locally Assembled BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport which is estimated to come in at RM530k before insurance

Following the popularity of the BMW X5 in the Malaysian market in 2023, BMW Malaysia also previewed the latest facelifted 2024 Plug-in Hybrid variant of their most successful premium Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) today together with 2023 performance report and the preview of their newest showroom in Balakong., The new locally assembled almost 500hp BMW X5 xDrive50e. Arriving with the M Sport package as standard, the New BMW X5 xDrive50e sees some extra updates in terms of performance and efficiency, packing more power with a greater electric range in a feat of modern athletic elegance.

Maserati Adds New "Overseas" Region to Global Business Structure - of which, Malaysia should be part of

This is just a small bit of information that affects Malaysia in terms of the management of Maserati here. Maserati has announced the creation of the new "Overseas" Region, which is expected to give the Italian luxury manufacturer’s markets a new business configuration with Mr. Hamdy Elshantoury appointed as the new head of the region, starting from 1st January.

Performance Oriented Audi SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron join fully electric Audi e-tron range for the Malaysian market - Prices start at RM519K onwards

 

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the authorised distributors of Audi for Malaysia have announced the addition of two new models to its fully electric Audi e-tron range. These are the 2024 SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron, the Sportback being the fastback, or "coupe" variant of Audi's luxury full sized crossover/SUV range . The two new high-performance variants in the Q8 e-tron range are priced from RM519,990.00 for the SQ8 e-tron, and from RM529,990.00 for the SQ8 Sportback e-tron.

MODENAS Launches the KYMCO AK550 Premium scooter - Priced at RM65K, this is a new premium maxi scooter for you to buy

Yesterday, the 12^th of January 2024 Modenas, the national motorcycle manufacturer launched the Taiwanese designed and built KYMCO AK550 Premium scooter. The introduction of the CBU (fully imported) AK550 Premium to the Malaysian market is not just a product launch but the culmination of the strategic agreement made in 2016 where Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS) was officially appointed as the exclusive distributor of Kymco products, here in Malaysia.

JV Company between Careplus Group Berhad and GoAuto Group Sdn Bhd, will build Malaysia's first green technology facility for manufacturing and assembling New Energy Vehicles

Earlier today, at Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, NexV Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (“NMSB”), a JV company between Careplus Group Berhad and the GoAuto Group Sdn Bhd, had its ground breaking ceremony that marks the beginning of the company starting work on what is the first green technology facility totally dedicated to manufacture and assembly of New Energy Vehicles (NEV), which will include electric vehicles (EVs). NMSB plans to begin operating by the first quarter of 2025. With that, it hopes to addmore employment opportunities and investments to the surrounding area.

Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE) hands over 8 brand new units of UD Trucks to New KC Trading Sdn. Bhd.

 

Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE) the sole distributor of UD Trucks Malaysia, recently handed over 8 brand new units of UD Trucks to New KC Trading Sdn Bhd. These 8 units are a mix batch of UD Trucks' light (Kuzer), medium (Croner) and heavy duty (Quester)  trucks which will enable them to cater to their growing customer base.

Promo - Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia Chinese New Year campaign is on till end of February 2024

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the launch of their 2024 Chinese New Year campaign, Which features some discounts on their entire line-up of models. The sales promotion will be ongoing till the end of February 2024 and basically, the campaign offers up to RM18,888 of savings on Volkswagen models. That amount is for the Malaysian range topper - Arteon and is also includes the Golf GTI, Tiguan Allspace range and the Arteon R-Line. Full details of the savings are as listed below:

Sisma Auto Hub 3S Centre in Sungai Besi has Opened - Sisma's premium Multi-Brand 3S Centre to buy, sell or service any luxury car

Hot on the heels of their recently opened Volvo 3S centre in Sungai Besi,  the new SISMA Auto Hub 3S Centre has now opened at Wisma SISMA Auto at Lebuhraya Sungai Besi. The strategically located centre offers a premium multi-brand 3S experience for customers to buy, sell or service any brand of luxury car and it is the second SISMA Auto Hub following the success of the Glenmarie outlet which opened in February of 2022.

Gracshaw Helmets under their Gennex brand launches 6 limited-edition DC helmets featuring iconic DC Super Heroes.

Today, (04 January 2024) marks the launch of DC Super Hero limited edition helmets by Gennex. The Malaysian brand is a leader in local helmet manufacturing. It has forged a  collaboration with DC, a Warner Bros Discovery Company famous for their comics and their heros - think Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and villains like the Joker. Gracshaw via Gennex has unveiled six exquisitely crafted limited edition Gennex line of helmets, each masterfully designed with a unique homage to the most iconic DC Super Heroes: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and The Joker.  These six helmets with each superhero theme will be available in the market from 10 January 2023 onwards.

Motorcycles - Harley-Davidson unveils online some of its 2024 motorcycle lineup with more to come

Yesterday, Harley-Davidson revealed on their official website, H-D.com some of their 2024 motorcycle lineup and announced that these bikes are now available through authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally, with additional new motorcycle models to be unveiled soon. Furthermore, the limited-production 2024 models from Harley-Davidson® Custom Vehicle OperationsTM (CVOTM) and more new Harley-Davidson motorcycle models will be revealed with a special launch film, “American Dreamin’”, on H-D.com at 12AM SGT on January 25 (GMT +8) 2024. This is a separate and specially created website from the usual harley-davidson.com website.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - Volkswagen Activates Takata Airbag Recall on 6,671 Vehicles

CURSE YOU TAKATA! Still striking cars after all these years! Anyway. official press release from Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia regarding cars still affected. No, not current models, but those from 2010 to 2014. Read the details below and if you own or drive any of the cars mentioned below, head over to the nearest authorised dealership for verification and rectification if necessary - FREE OF CHARGE.

 Models affected include Golf GTI, Eos, Passat CC, Polo and Vento manufactured from 2010-2013

 Beetle models manufactured between 2012 to 2014 are also affected

 Customers urged to make an immediate appointment with a Volkswagen dealer

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI - Now with new upgrades for RM252k

First post for 2024! Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) have introduced an updated Golf GTI, equipped with Harman Kardon audio system and a Head-up Display feature. So the Golf GTI will now retail at RM252,990. A little premium over the previous year's variant of course. You have to pay for the good stuff you know.

Ocean Shipping for parts and components for Volvo Cars switch to Renewable Fuels - Fossil CO2 Emissions for this estimated to be reduced by a massive 84 Per Cent

According to Volvo Cars, thousands of containers of production material for Volvo Cars factories are carried across the world’s oceans on container ships. Like most manufacturers do as it is the cheapest way of getting bulk items from one end to another. However, from now, the container ships used by Volvo Cars are made with renewable fuel instead of traditional fossil fuel. Volvo Cars  are the first to announce such a move. The Swedish company will achieve an immediate reduction in fossil CO2 emissions from intercontinental ocean freight by an estimated 55,000 tonnes over a year. Thus, technically saving many manatees, dolphins and polar bears in a single swoop.

HINO Total Support Contest 2023 - Hino sales and service personnel compete to show their best in Total Support and to be the “Best in Town” among peers

 

Over the weekend, Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Hino Malaysia), held their 9th annual Hino Total Support (TS) Contest. The competition event took place over at their Petaling Jaya headquarters and had a participation of 95 skilled contestants coming from 15 Hino authorized dealers’ companies throughout Malaysia. As Hino celebrates the contest's robust participation, it highlights their commitment to achieving excellence and the contestant's competitive spirit.

Quite interesting. I have been attending the contest almost every year over the past few years and it is actually nice watching the camaraderie between the Hino teams and those who attended. It is also good that these contests actually help skill building for Hino personnel and it will pass on benefits to Hino customers. 

PROTON Launches the new Proton S70 1.5T Sedan - Prices and details, Brochure and Photos too. - Link to our video review also.

 PROTON has finally launched the S70 sedan earlier this evening. If you've been following the blog you would have known that I have already driven Proton's newest C segment sedan and you can view all four parts of my initial drive over here in the previous article covering that preview drive. Now, Proton has finally revealed the prices for the four variants that will be offered here and I must say that the packages at launch as well as the prices are actually very tempting. 

Ferrari Roma Spider previewed during the opening of the new Ferrari Showroom in Kuala Lumpur

The new Ferrari Roma Spider has been previewed at the new Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd Ferrari showroom. The company, the new and current official distributor has decided to show off the latest Ferrari open top beauty in conjunction with that memorable event. The Roma Spider was only recently launched after its coupe namesake, and made it Malaysian debut alongside the Purosangue crossover supercar (seen in the photo below on the left) at newly-launched showroom

Aveta Malaysia has launched the much-awaited Ranger Max Explorer, the first adventure cub in Malaysia

Earlier today (the 23rd of November 2023), Aveta Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the manufacturer, assembler and distributor of Aveta motorcycles, launched the Aveta Ranger Max Explorer, the first adventure cub in Malaysia. The small underbone type, or here, popularly known as a kapchai, or cub has been engineered for both on-road and off-road riding, making this the smallest, dare I say it, dual purpose adventure styled bike sold in Malaysia.

Ital Auto Malaysia - The current authorised Importer and Distributor of Ferrari here has officially opened its new Kuala Lumpur showroom at the Four Seasons Place - Ferrari Purosangue and Roma Spider also Official Unveiled for Malaysian Customers

 Today, Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd officially opened their brand new Kuala Lumpur showroom at the Four Seasons Place, which is located at that very strategic location right beside the PETRONAS Twin Towers/ KLCC. This new showroom is the first step taken by Ital Auto Malaysia, who are currently the official importer and distributor of Ferrari in the country.This is the new home for new and old Ferraristis here and has all the hallmarks of the latest Ferrari Showroom Experience.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 ASEAN Tour - Taking the EV on a 2,751 km Journey Across Five Countries

Hyundai Motor Company launched and flagged off the "Far with Zero Worries" IONIQ 5 ASEAN Tour, which covers a 2,751-kilometer route across Southeast Asia. The Flag Off Ceremony took place at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) yesterday, and is planned to finish at the Royal Palace in  Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam on November 30th. Today, the convoy has flagged off from Hyundai Sime Darby Motor's headquarters in Ara Damansara (above) on their way up north towards Vietnam.

SISMA Auto, has opened their new 30Million Ringgit flagship Volvo 3S centre at Sungai Besi.

Multi-brand premium automotive group, SISMA Auto, has essentially doubled down on investing in the Volvo Car marque by officially opening their new flagship Volvo 3S centre at Sungai Besi, in Kuala Lumpur. The brand new from the ground-up 3S (Sales, Service & Spares) Centre was built at an investment cost of around RM30million shows a whole lot of commitment to the premium car maker.

Finally! smart Malaysia officially launches smart #1 in Malaysia after many many days, weeks, months of previews

Today, the 21st November 2023  marks  the official launch and price announcement of the smart #1 SUV/Crossover here in Malaysia. This comes after many days of teasers, previews and so on. The brand's first offering was launched by Yang Mulia Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry at an event attended by Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON, YBhg. Dato' Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General of MITI, Tong Xiangbei, Global CEO of smart Automobile, Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, En Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, and Mr. Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET as well as many other guests.

VIDEO - Preview of the upcoming PROTON S70 1.5T sedan - Our thoughts and Opinions after test driving it at the PROTON Test Track in Shah Alam

Sometime in early November 2023 we were invited by PROTON to try out their new C segment sedan, the 2024 Proton S70 1.5T sedan. This is their first all-new sedan since Geely came into the picture. Based on their BMA platform, this B/C segment car is based on the Geely Emgrand but we now think of this as a full C segment sedan as the car is actually nothing like a B segment sized car. It is as wide, and as long as a C segment sedan (think Toyota Corolla size – Corolla has an overall length of 4,630mm while the S70 is 4,638mm on a slightly shorter wheelbase).

Anyway, this video presentation is divided into four videos - Parts 1 to 4

smart MALAYSIA livestream - Launch of the smart #1 in Malaysia at 4.00pm 21 November 2023

 smart Malaysia invites all you readers  to the launch of the premium SUV / crossover, the #1. Designed by Mercedes-Benz, engineered and produced by Geely, the smart #1 fully electric compact crossover is another unique vehicle to enter the Malaysian automotive market.

What Awaits You at the smart #1 Launch Show?

The all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé is now available in Malaysia for RM469K onwards

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia earlier today launched the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé together with the facelifted Mercedes-AMG  GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé (which you can find details HERE). This is the sportier looking variant of the very recently launched, all-new GLC SUV. With its fastback rear styling, it sacrifices some bootspace for a more youthful, performance inspired look overall. The Retail Price* with 10% Sales Tax RM 469,888 On the road without Insurance

Stellantis aims to set up a regional manufacturing hub for BEVs in the ASEAN region and push their “Built in ASEAN for ASEAN” roadmap

This could be a very good sign in terms of foreign direct investments into Malaysia and the South East Asian (ASEAN) region. On the 6th of November, Stellantis,,the automotive group that owns, notably Peugeot, Citroën, Ram, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Jeep® has announced its plans for new mobility solutions for the ASEAN region which include their aim to move forward with going fully electric (or any form of clean energy) in the future. They are aiming to bring its STLA Medium platform to the ASEAN region which was unveiled globally in June 2023. STLA Medium is a global BEV-by-design vehicle platform with state-of-the-art features including best-in-class range of 700 kilometers, energy efficiency, embedded power and charging power.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia earlier today unveiled the new, facelifted and upgraded 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé together with the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Coupé (of which details are HERE).. Being a facelift, there is exterior and interior upgrades and is said to be sportier than ever. It has a retail price together with sales tax of RM 873,888 before insurance .

The All-Electric BMW 5-Series - i5 eDrive40 M is now available in Malaysia

Last weekend, BMW Malaysia launched the All-Electric BMW 5 Series sports sedan, the i5 eDrive40 M Sport at the Premium Auto Care Expo (PACE) 2023. This First-Ever All-Electric BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport is an addition to the very popular BMW 5 Series range of performance sedans, introducing a new era of driving excellence to the series. It is said to offer unparalleled luxury, but also redefines the cutting-edge innovation and design language within the BMW i fleet as well as being part of the 5 series range of vehicles, BMW Malaysia has announced that the sports sedan will cost RM 419,800.00

The 2023 BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport full electric sports sedan makes 250kW / 340hp and has a published electric range of up to 582 kilometers (WLTP). The electrical prowess can be further amplified by the innovative Max Range function, which enhances efficiency by 25 percent through comfort function deactivation and adjustments to the power and speed limitations (i,e useful programming to ensure drivetrain efficiency). Adding to its thrilling performance, the i5 eDrive40 M Sport harnesses a peak torque of 430Nm in Sport Boost, which allows this EV to do 0 to 100 km/h in a 6.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 193km/h (limited by the usual single speed EV transmission that most of these sort of cars have.