smart Malaysia updates #1 EV pricing and opens booking of the upcoming #3

 

On the 21st of May 2024, smart Malaysia at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 unveiled the All-New smart #3 SUV Coupe and opened bookings for the lower rooflline, similar in size to the #1 EV crossover hatchback. They also announced new prices for two of the lower priced #1 variants. These now start at RM169,000 before any insurance, a welcome move in the hotly contested under RM200,000 premium EV segment. You can view both the smart #1 and the #3 at the autoshow at MAEPS, Serdang where it is ongoing till 26th May 2024.

PROTON displays their new S70 race car made for the upcoming S1K race in Sepang

PROTON has unveiled the Proton S70 R3 racing car developed by  its motorsport arm, R3 Motorsports at the ongoing 2024 Malaysia Autoshow, in MAEPS, Serdang (till the 26th of May 2024). The Proton S70 R3 marks Proton R3's first all-new racing car since the Proton Saga R3 back in 2019. This is brand's return to the S1K endurance race since 2019, as if you remember, by the next year or so, we had a pandemic and so on. With five wins under its belt, more than any other team to date, Proton R3 achieved a remarkable feat by securing victory for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019. 

Work in Progress, Perodua's first working EV prototype - the Myvi Conversion

On 21st May 2024, Perodua unveiled its first working electric vehicle (EV) prototype which they have officially named  as the Myvi Conversion. Unofficially, it seems that it should be called EMO-1, as we see that plastered on the doors of the concept car which was unveiled and displayed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (till the 26th of May). This would be the foundation on which the Malaysian compact car manufacturer intends to base its electrification technology on.

Stellantis Malaysia at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 - Peugeot, Citroën & Leapmotor vehicles featured as well as autoshow sales promotional specials on Peugeot

 

For those that aren't in the know, Stellantis is a global automotive leader and the world's fourth-largest automaker. It currently owns brands like Peugeot, Citroen, Jeep and Fiat to name a few. The automotive conglomerate is in Malaysia in this new form and have marked its debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024. This comes after the recent launch of the all-new PEUGEOT 408 less than a month ago. So now, the automaker continues its reintroduction into Malaysia (as a group) by showcasing a lineup of vehicles from three brands under the Stellantis’ brand portfolio at the Autoshow. These are PEUGEOT, Citroën and Leapmotor.

GWM TANK 300 - A proper off-road SUV, and the GWM Haval H6 Premium SUV are now available for booking in Malaysia -

Great Wall Motor (GWM) have announced that the GWM TANK 300 and the GWM Haval H6 HEV is open for booking in Malaysia. While the H6 is slated for launch in the third quarter of 2024, the TANK300  is expected to be delivered in July 2024 with an estimated price is RM 250,000. The TANK is a proper, chunky looking SUV with off-road capabilities, so it isn't some urban runabout. Something different in today's urban SUV market and you can see it at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (till 26th May 2024 at MAEPS, Serdang).

New brand JAECOO now has 35 Dealerships, Dedicated Auto Parts Warehouse, Production Plant and Innovative Product Line-Up - Officially signs up 30 new dealerships at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024

New brand JAECOO is ensuring that its progress into the Malaysian automotive market is doing well. With Malaysia  recently coming in front of Thailand to become Southeast Asia's second-largest auto market, after Indonesia, global premium off-road SUV brand, JAECOO, is committed to developing a strong service network in Malaysia and making sure it can gain a foothold here. So recently, it has signed into a partnership with 30 dedicated dealers as part of its long-term growth strategy at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.

GAC AION Y PLUS (CBU) launched at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 - New EV car priced from RM119,000 onwards

 

Yesterday, at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in MAEPS, Serdang, WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, officially launched the 2024 GAC AION Y Plus all-electric compact crossover model for the Malaysian market. The All-New 2024 GAC AION Y Plus CBU (fully imported) is priced from RM119,800.00 onwards.

BMW Group Malaysia returns to the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 with special autoshow only offerings for BMW, BMW Motorad and MINI vehicles.

BMW GROUP Malaysia has unveils a remarkable array of exclusive deals and special campaigns across its various portfolios for customers to enjoy, available on a limited-time basis in conjunction with their return to this year's edition of the Malaysia Autoshow which is ongoing from today until 26th May 2024. The promotions and offers can be had throughout the months of May and June 2024.

Locally Assembled Golf R Now Available from RM332,990 with VAP - Akrapovič titanium exhaust and Drift and Special mode come standard - View it at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) have launched  the locally assembled Golf R - the only country to assemble it outside of Germany, and you can see it on display at the ongoing (till 26th May 2024) Malaysia Autoshow 2024 at MAEPS Serdang. The new Golf R will be sold at the recommended retail price of RM332,990. The price is inclusive of Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which supports owners with 5 years maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, and 5 years roadside assistance. With this package and the goodies which you can read in the paragraph below, this is super value for money. Better than the Civic Type-R which sells for around RM400,000. When I say it's better, it is as compared to the Civic, you actually get better ride, better comfort, better ergonomics and less boy racer attitude and its cheaper. Of course, if you want attitude, this is understated and the CTR has more of that.

The Malaysia Autoshow 2024 is just around the corner! - 45 Car and Bike launches starting from 22nd to 26th May 2024

Expect an influx of passenger car and bike related news this next few days. The Malaysia Autoshow 2024 will start on the 22nd of May and run till 26th May 2024. If you have nothing to do during those days, do hed over the MAEPS, Serdang. The Autoshow will have about 45 car and bike launches so you will get the see the latest vehicles that we will see on our roads over there.

Expect deals too as the Malaysia Autoshow is all about deals and offers. Lots of gifts for visitors too.

Do read the details in the official press release below.

Isuzu Malaysia launches the newly facelifted and refreshed D-Max for the Malaysian market

 

Yesterday evening, Isuzu Malaysia launched the facelifted and refreshed 2024 third generation Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. Coming with a refreshed front end with a new grille, lights, bumper, new rear lights and a larger infotainment screen as well as other interior refreshments, the new D-Max looks like it is more comfortable and car-like inside and looks like it can take on the elements from the outside. Like it always has. The D-Max has always been a favourite here among the pickup truck crowd (even with me) and with the refreshed looks as well as features, it should be welcomed here.

Sunmaju adds another 2 UD Trucks to their fleet - This time it is the latest Euro 5 Quester

Sunmaju Sdn Bhd (Sunmaju), has purchased 2 units of the UD Quester in its latest Euro 5 variant. A commercial fuels reseller, Sunmaju is moving towards better environmental sustainability by being the first company in the petroleum industry here to operate UD Trucks’ latest Euro 5 prime movers. This happened in a recent handover ceremony in which the two heavy-duty Euro 5 UD Quester were handed over. Sunmaju had purchased through Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd’s (TCIE) Batu Caves dealership.

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur introduces the new Aston Martin Vantage for the Malaysian market

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur earlier today officially launched the new Aston Martin Vantage in Malaysia. This is latest generation of Aston Martin's sports car and it is the fastest Vantage to ever roll out of the Gaydon facilities to date. The new Vantage combines a finely-tuned front-engine with a race honed rear-wheel drive chassis to achieve what Aston Martin believes is the perfect balance of power and handling. Of course, this is until they come up with another Vantage a few years from now. But, aside from engine performance and handling, one must always consider the fact that sometimes, we want an Aston for how it looks and the new Vantage is a looker. .For a mere RM2,370 million with taxes, and a 3 year factory warranty which is able to be extended up to two decades, it could be a value buy, relatively speaking, of a lifetime.

MAN Truck & Bus at MCVE 2024 - Showcasing their full range of commercial vehicles from Truck, Bus to Van in Malaysia for the first time ever

MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia) had come out full swing at this year's edition of the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) 2024. The European brand came with their full range of its products and services for the first time in Malaysia and shows their commitment in promoting the brand here. This is another milestone after the previous MCVE in 2022 where the brand had just gone on the push to make the brand move visible here than it has ever been before.

At MCVE 2024 -- CAM launches the CAM KINGO 6AT 15/18 Seat Van with Euro 5 standards

R&A Marketing sdn. bhd, a company under the Sendok Group, the official distributor of CAM and King Long minivans in Malaysia since 2010 has launched the CAM KINGO 6AT 15/18 seater van at MCVE2024.  It has an all new Italian JV 2.4l euro5 diesel engine 145ps and an all important flat torque from 1400-2400rpm of 400Nm. one of the first few to bring in the much cleaner Euro5 vans here, which means it brings cleaner engine tech and in line with engine technology in developed countries.

ZF Aftermarket has tailor-made aftermarket parts solutions for the South East Asian market - Featured at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) 2024.

At the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024, I attended a short press conference with the people at ZF Aftermarket, renowned for its comprehensive systems solutions. They have reintroduced us to the brand and had unveiled a series of innovation poised to raise the benchmark for the commercial vehicle industry. ZF as a group, which most of us know as probably the best automotive transmission manufacturer in the world also has a foot hold in aftermarket parts with brands like Sachs, TRW and Wabco. So together with this and  its strong legacy in e-mobility and digitalization, ZF Aftermarket has launched a much-anticipated suite of products, meticulously developed to meet the stringent requirements of commercial vehicles.

 

Foton Aumark S light duty truck in Euro 4 configuration and the JMC Viggus Pro White Series Euro 4 pickup truck launched at MCVE 2024 with news on the eAumark light EV truck

Angka-Tan Motor, distributors of Foton light trucks and JMC in Malaysia launched the Foton Aumark S Euro 4 and JMC Vigus Pro White Series 4x2 (Euro 4)  at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024 (MCVE) in keeping with MCVE 2024's theme for a greener and more sustainable Malaysian commercial vehicle landscape

The Sixth Instalment of the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo - MCVE 2024 (9-11 May), places the spotlight on ESG - MAN Truck & Bus, PETRONAS and More

Today, the 6th instalment of the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE 2024) opened its doors at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) until the 11th of May 2024.  MCVE is the first and biggest commercial vehicle expo series ever held in Malaysia and it has been focusing on future transport solutions in the commercial vehicle industry since its inception. It is also the largest such exhibition in Southeast Asia and is something that I have been attending over the years without fail. The three-day exhibition was launched by YB Loke Siew Fook, the Malaysian Minister of Transport.

The All new Peugeot 408 makes it to Malaysia - Prices start at a very reasonable RM146,055!

This, to me, is a breath of fresh air. The all-new Peugeot 408 has been launched and it is actually something nice to look at and something with a dollop of heritage behind it. This comes after a slew of brand new car launches from brands that are essentially new and from start ups. It is Available in three variants - Allure, Premium and GT with prices starting from RM146,055, is proudly assembled in Malaysia from Stellantis Gurun, Kedah and looks darn good for a C segment crossover fastback car.

New BMW iX3 Final Edition launched in Malaysia - The ultimate send off for the current generation iX3 EV Sports Utility Vehicle

 BMW Malaysia has launched the New BMW iX3 Final Edition, which is the run off special edition for this generation's fully electric iX3 Sposts Activity Vehicle (SAV), which we know as SUV everywhere else in the car world. The special edition now comes with additional M Performance equipment in addition to the M Sport package making this premium all-electric SAV making this final version come with a whole lot of nice stuff for the money. Or RM299,800 onwards to be exact.

The New BMW iX3 Final Edition is built upon what BMW calls its ‘Impressive’ trim and  bumps it up to eleven by having the new M Performance equipment as standard, This features the M Performance Carbon Mirror Caps, M Performance Carbon Fibre Door Sill, M Performance Rear Spoiler, as well as the Adaptive M Suspension lifetime upgrade.

New Toyota Yaris G Limited launched for Malaysia - 600 Unit limited edition featuring Performance Upgrades and More

Last week, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) launched the Toyota Yaris G Limited. This latest addition to the Yaris lineup here in Malaysia offers improved performance upgrades, enhanced handling, and a stylish design. HOWEVER, the Toyota Yaris G Limited will be a limited run with only 600 units available and priced at RM99,600.00 (On the road, without insurance), with a  full 5-year unlimited mileage warranty for the vehicle. So if you are interested in a sharper handling, slightly more powerful Yaris with factory warranty, be quick about it.

Continental Tyres Launches High Performance Sporty new MaxContact MC7 Tyre which is design for those of us in the Asia Pacific region

Continental Tyres recently unveiled the new MaxContact MC7 tyre for the Malaysian market. This is Continental's sporty, high-performance tyre designed for urban landscapes and tailored to fulfill the needs of Asia Pacific (APAC) drivers - lots of humidity, rain, dust, etc. The new product follows up on the MC6 and is designed to deliver uplifting driving performance that improves everyday driving to the next level​ with the maximum control through precise steering and dynamic handling.

GAC GS3 EMZOOM launched -2 variants, 4 colours from Rm118,900 onwards - Special launch offers for first 2,000 customers

• The All New 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM CBU is now on sale in Malaysia, priced from RM118,900.00.

• The latest Compact SUV in Malaysia is powered by 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 177PS and 270Nm of torque powering the front wheels via a wet clutch DCT.

• Modern looking styling is complemented with latest tech including wireless Apple CarPlayTM and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features.

• Special launch package offers three times free service maintenance and seven-year coverage on engine and powertrain.

WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, yesterday, officially unveiled the 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM in Malaysia. This marks about five years in the making, in terms of planning and bringing the EMZOOM into Malaysia, the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) is now available in two completely built-up (CBU) variants for our market (for the time being, with local assembly coming in the near future), This is the GAC GS3 EMZOOM Exclusive and GS3 EMZOOM Premium R. These are officially priced at RM118,900.00 and RM128,900.00 respectively (before insurance).   The 2024 GAC GS3 EMZOOM is available in four colours: Salt Lake Blue, Ivory White, Graphene Grey and Super Star Silver. 

smart Damansara, a smart all-electric car dealership has opened an outlet in Mutiara Damansara

 

 smart Damansara, a smart all-electric car dealership operated by Smart Mobility Sdn Bhd has opened an outlet in Mutiara Damansara. Strategically located in Mutiara Damansara, it is at the ground floor of Menara TSR and is a 3S (Sales Service Spares) centre. It spans 7,500 sq ft, featuring a service centre with 4 service bays, a showroom and a spare parts hub. 

Sime Darby Racing Team, Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, continues participating in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024 (PCCA) for a second straight year - Rounds 1 & 2 20-21 April 2024 at Sepang.

More Porsche racing from the Malaysian distributor.  After its debut last year, that saw a podium finish at the Sepang International Circuit for Sime Darby Racing Team, Porsche Malaysia, represented by the authorised Porsche distributor here, Sime Darby Auto Performance, has informed that it plans to continue participating in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024 (PCCA) for a second consecutive year. With home grown talents at the steering wheel and also as part of the team, Sime Darby Racing Team aims  to build on their achievements from the previous season and further establish themselves as a competitive team with in this prestigious Asian one-make series.