Ford's 48th and largest showroom and service centre officially open in Petaling Jaya

Ford Motor Company and its Malaysian distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has officially opened its new showroom and service centre in Petaling Jaya. The centre, the Sime Darby Auto Connexion, Petaling Jaya 2 is strategically located at Lot 3, Jalan 51A/219, 46100 Petaling Jaya. It is actually just off Federal Highway and is on the opposite side of the current SDAC PJ dealership. 

Mark Kaufman, president, Ford ASEAN, signs a plaque to mark the opening of the new Ford showroom, SDAC PJ2

The new centre is part of Ford and SDAC’s two-year RM140 million network expansion and customer service enhancement plan. Ford Malaysia is basically making it easier for customers to interact with them by opening dealerships and expanding existing dealerships so they incorporate sales, service and spare parts under one roof. 

Scania Malaysia (Scania) and Malaysia Innovation Agency (AIM) collaborate to exploring viable commercial opportunities for biofuels from municipal waste in Malaysia

From left to right: Dato’ Azman Mahmud, CEO of MIDA, Dato’ Mah Siew Keong, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia, Mark Rozario, CEO of AIM, Marie Sjödin Enström, MD of Scania SEA, HE Mrs Kristina Persson, Minister for Strategic Development & Nordic Cooperation of Sweden, HE Mr Bengt G Carlsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Scania Malaysia and Agensi Innovasi Malaysia (AIM).

I was recently invited to do some coverage at the Sweeden-Malaysia Innovation Day 2015 ministerial level round-table discussion here in MIDA, Kuala Lumpur a few days ago. There I witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Swedish manufacturer Scania and the Malaysia Innovation Agency (AIM). The MoU's purpose is the collaboration by the Malaysian Government, via AIM and Scania to explore viable commercial opportunities for biofuels from municipal waste in Malaysia in line with Malaysia's National Biomass Strategy 2020 (NBS 2020).Scania was represented by the Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Marie Sjödin Enström, and AIM, represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Rozario.

Now biofuels turn waste into clean energy, increase security of fuel supply and improve local economies, help create local job opportunities and industrial development. The collaboration study includes identification of possible project locations, price and market demand projections and economic and operational feasibility. Scania has the technology to catalyse this project as it has been one of the main contributors to the development and adaptation of biofuels, developing and producing commercial biofuel-based transport solutions for over 20 years in Sweden and in around the world. 

CALTEX FUEL YOUR SCHOOL completes its 2015 campaign in Melaka

Photo 1 (Top Row): Jeffrey Perera, Managing Director of MyKasih Foundation (6th from left) and Mokhtar Ali Ismail, Policy, Government & Public Affairs Manager along with teachers of the winning schools in Malacca (6th from right)

This is more CSR from an automotive industry player that deserves some coverage. 

Caltex Fuel Your School creates impact for students in Malacca. in partnership with MyKasih Foundation. In its fourth consecutive year, the Campaign had once again further raised the awareness in driving change and providing equal self-development with proper classroom facilities for students of high need schools in Malacca and Negeri Sembilan by enhancing a better environment and further promoting the learning of Science, Technology, English and Mathematics. By reaching out to schools in Malaysia one state at a time the Caltex Fuel Your School campaign has made a difference and this is especially important for high need schools as more than 50 percent of the students are from low income household

PRESS RELEASE

WIN AN ALL-EXPENSES PAID BIKE ROAD TRIP TO LANGKAWI WITH SHELL ADVANCE #Advance2Langkawi

Shell Advance has another CONTEST for you folks out there. This time, simply whip out your smartphone or camera, or simply dig through your photo album and choose a photo of your most memorable road trip moment, caption it and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #Advance2Langkawi.

Based on the most creative entry, five lucky winners will be able to bring one riding buddy each to an all-expense paid 4-day 3-night road trip to Langkawi! The winner and the friend will get to ride their own bikes on the trip lubricated by Shell Advance, and fueled by Shell V-Power

LAND ROVER DEFENDER LIMITED EDITION LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has launched a Land Rover Defencer Limited Edition here today. This is essentially a tribute to the truly iconic 4x4 that will no longer be in production by the end of this year. A truly bittersweet moment, as it is sad to see an icon leave us but it also leaves us in anticipation of its successor. 

Volkswagen Malaysia roadshows are making their way to you this year end!

Here are Volkswagen Malaysia's upcoming roadshows making their way to you this year end. Expect lots of rebates and discounts on various models. First up is Mahkota Parade in Melaka on the 19th to the 22nd of November 2015 and then to the Atria Shopping Gallery in Petaling Jaya on the 10th to the 13th of December 2015. 

Details for both events are below: 

NST-MAI Autoshow 2015 - Highlights of the Autoshow - Proton Pick Up Truck, Haval H2, Mazda CX-3, Cam Caravan and HRH Sultan of Selangor's Vintage cars

The NST-Malaysian Automotive Institute Autoshow 2015 was held over the last weekend. The main purpose of this show was to crown the NST/CBT/MAI's cars of the year 2015. So there were lots of participation from car manufacturers and authorised distributors. Aside from the usual cars displayed, these were the highlights of the show as well as cars that are slightly different and worth mentioning simply because they are new and/or haven't been launched yet.

1. The Proton Pick-up Truck Concept (above) - 

This is here because this is the first time I am viewing this truck. Nice chunky styling and you can see that it is based on the Proton EXORA SUV. It keeps the A pillar and B pillar with a new front end and a truck flatbed at the rear. It still keeps within the Exora's chassis dimensions, hence the short flat bed at the back but if it can fit a pair of bicycles I think this short style is okay. Don't think this would be a challenge to something like the Ford Ranger or an Isuzu as this is smaller than those.. But with these sort of looks, this small pick-up could be a niche market success for Proton. If priced right this truck can succeed. It has looks, some practicality and since its based on something proven like the Exora, should be able to generate sales volume for Proton. I mean, look at it. It does look good!!!!! Niche market Proton.....do remember this and work on it.

EcoBoost Small But Mighty!

LUCKY SHELL RIMULA CONTEST WINNERS ENJOY EUROPEAN TRUCK RACING TREAT IN HUNGARY

Seven Malaysians who participated in the Shell Rimula global promotion contest held on 15th April 2015 to 15th July 2015 won a money can't buy experience. They were among the more than 180 participants from 19 countries who gathered in Budapest, Hungary recently not just to watch the FIA European Truck Racing Championship teams at the Shell Hungary Truck Fest, but also take part in the exclusive Shell Rimula Truck Racing Challenge. 

Photo:Truckrace.org

The Truck Racing Challenge was designed by Shell Rimula to let participants from all over the world put their truck racing team skills to the ultimate test. They navigated their way through a series of obstacles and trials with the guidance of expert instructors as they attempted to master truck control and accuracy tests, mechanical tasks, engineering skills and teamwork challenges in a bid to be crowned the Shell Rimula Truck Racing Champion!

BMW Malaysia launches the 3 Series Facelift

Newly launched this evening is the BMW 3 Series Facelift. In a nutshell you get this - 

BMW 318i Luxury Line: RM208,800  - Effectively replacing the 316i but with one cylinder less. But with better equipment inside. It gets luxury spec instead of normal spec.  3 cylinder turbocharged 1.5liter - 136 hp / 220 Nm  torque 0-60mph 8.9secs. You can now tell your friends you bought a BMW with a Perodua Axia type of engine (3 cylinders). That three cylinder thrum would make it a different sounding BMW. Tell your friends this is half a BMW M3 (the M3 has a 3.0liter engine with turbos so do the math 3.0 divided by 2 = 1.5. Yay!!!! But heck, RM208,000 for a engine relation of the Perodua Viva clad in a larger body and more luxury clothing. Of course, road tax would be cheap. Under RM90 per year. 

BMW 320i Sport LIne: RM238,800 -  4 cylinder 2.0liter - 190hp /290Nm torque 0-60mph 7.2secs. The one that most will strive to buy.

Hyundai Training Academy Reopens at an All New Enhanced Facility in Mutiara Damansara

Aside from launching the all-new Hyundai Tucson with the Hyundai distributor in Malaysia, Hyundai Sime Darby Motor, Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) itself officiated the grand opening of its new Hyundai Training Academy (HTA) in Mutiara Damansara earlier today. 

This new facility measures 17,965 sq ft.  The facility is optimally designed to simulate in-dealer situations through its practical training environment and also includes online training equipment such as remote vehicle diagnosis tool and video conference system for remote training. Four experienced local training professionals certified by Hyundai Motor Company Headquarters will manage training operations at this new training academy on a regular basis.

All New Hyundai Tucson officially launched

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially launched the all-new Hyundai Tucson here at Hyundai Motor Company's (HMC) brand new Asia Pacific Training Academy in Petaling Jaya today. The third generation Tucson was developed from the ground up as an urban SUV with an emphasis on ensuring affordability and drivability. Hyundai Motor’s latest design philosophy, the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 was employed as the guideline for both the interior and exterior design. So the Tucson looks like a shortened, slightly smaller Santa Fe. This is a good thing as the Santa Fe is one of the nicer looking affordable SUVs on sale in Malaysia today.

This locally assembled C segment -SUV is currently only available in a 2WD. So its actually all 'wayang' or all show with its SUV body and looks. Of course, being an urban SUV, All-wheel drive would actually never be used by 99% of the buyers out there.

Newly launched Ford Ranger gets 5 star ASEAN NCAP Rating

The newly launched (facelifted) Ford Ranger has scored highest in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) with the strongest evaluation score of 15.45/16 points in the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP). The class-leading safety features loaded into this pickup truck has helped the Ford Ranger raise the bar on safety in the pickup segment by leveraging Ford's global engineering resources and advanced safety technologies. Even the two airbag version scores highly too.

Ford Ranger receives maximum 5-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP. (From L-R): Prof. Dr. Wong Shaw Voon, ASEAN NCAP Chairman, YBhg. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman, MIROS, David Westerman, managing director, Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.

Ferrari Finali Mondiali 2015 at Mugello

Last weekend Ferrari had the Finali Mondiali (World Finals) of the Ferrari Challenge at Mugello Circuit in Italy. About 50,000 spectators came to the circuit owned by Ferrari. The event was a carnival which had races. The Ferrari Challenge world title. The winners were three drivers from the European series, probably also due to the fact that they are accustomed to racing at the Mugello circuit - the Coppa Shell went to the experienced Erich Prinoth, Matteo “Babalus” Santoponte triumphed in the Trofeo Pirelli and the Pirelli Am title went to Alessandro Vezzoni.

Aside from that there was an exhibition by Formula 1 team Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari exhibition which included the brand new F12tdf series which opened the exhibition hour (pic below). This car pays tribute to the famous Tour de France Automobile; it is produced in 799 units and is equipped with a V12 engines with a power of 780 HP.

The new Great Wall Haval H2 SUV spotted at Glenmarie

The new Honda HRV sized (and reported to be priced underneath it) Great Wall Haval H2 SUV has been spotted ahead of its supposed debut at the NST-MAI autoshow 2015 in Mines  this weekend. Previously it was the 'M4' now 'H2'. The 'M4' made it sound like a high powered BMW. Now the 'H2' sounds like its a Hummer. I love how some people market their products. 

You can see from the picture of it being unloaded and compare its size agains the Haval M4 behind it. It has a nice large chrome grille and body styling that's pretty much up to date (like a  Hyundai Santa Fe type of look). Good proportions too. I also like the two tone paintjob of the one in front if the one you see in full.

GUEST POST: Range Rover - The Rolex Submariner on wheels

Happy Deepavali! Since this is an auspicious day let's bring out guest writer Firdaus Asri and his post about Range Rovers. Usually Firdaus drives around in a Volkswagen Golf R Mk6 and does not really fancy anything with a boot. I think he still does not as he has chosen to write about his opinion on the current Range Rover. And that large SUV does not have a boot. It has a hatch. Therefore it is a hatchback....errr. Anyway, the Range Rover, by Firdaus Asri.

Range Rover - Eye Candy and a Rolex Sub on Wheels

I rarely get a chance to drive interesting cars lately for which I would blame it solely on the Editor because he 'sapu' all the nicest ones like the Jaguar XJ last week (Ed- We just didn't want you to drive about 45 minutes in the traffic and rain in order to spend 10 minutes in one and drive home crying on why you cannot afford one. See how caring we are towards you.). But then without wanting to cry like a baby too much, I thought of writing on cars that are pretty and interesting on its own accord without going into too much details on everything else. And there is no better car to start this other than the latest Range Rover.

A 19 year old student wins the KenTrade Trading Challenge and drives away with a Volkswagen Beetle

19 year old Mr. Sim Yu Chin drove away with a brand new Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI. The student, won the KenTrade Trading Challenge II after wining the final round of the challenge - a four hour Face Off Challenge at the Bursa Malaysia Listing Gallery today. 

Imagine that. Sign up for the challenge, participate, be given RM1,000,000 in virtual money (i.e not real currency), play or trade a bit, then make sure you actually profit instead of lose money (He made over RM107,000 within the short period of time) and then someone gives you a RM135,888 car to take home. Life couldn't be better. But technically it could. As the car given is one of those never outdated, iconic type of cars like the Volkswagen Beetle. How lucky can you get? 

Anyway, money makes money. In this case, virtual money makes a student win a Beetle. Next year I wanna participate. But with my luck..... 

(L – R) Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Group; Ms Alice Wong, PR Manager, Volkswagen Malaysia; Mr Sim Yu Chin, winner of the KenTrade Trading Challenge II; Ms Ong Li Lee, Director of Securities Market, Bursa Malaysia and Mr Lee Kok Khee, Executive Director & Head of Equity Broking, Kenanga Investment Bank.

Driven: A Day with the Jaguar XJ L 2.0 Ti

A few months or so ago I managed a short drive in a Jaguar XJ L 2.0. That short drive was translated into this review over here. Now the thing about short drives or a spin around a block or two is that whilst you can pick up some interesting bits, design traits you may like, some driving pleasure, nuances and other traits, whether good or bad, you can never really judge something as good as having it over a few days at least. But the Jaguar XJ L is one of those cars that is an eye opener, in a very good way. Even over a short drive you can tell how much pleasure this large barge of a car can give you. Then you get lucky. You're actually given another one for one day and one nite (so a big thank you to Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia is in order). And now my life is ruined because I want one so bad and it costs RM653,888.

The car, a white Jaguar XJ L 2.0 Ti, looks incredible from the outside. Do check out how the rear wheel arches flare out a little. It shows off its rear wheel drive stance and a wider rear. Stunning. It is actually as large as a house but because it is low slung you don't actually notice this until you actually park in front of a house. But whilst it is a luxo-barge in every sense of the word its aluminium chassis actually brings its weight down to speed boat weights. It is over 200kg lighter than the equivalent Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 series. It is because of this inherent lightness that Jaguar can actually fit a small 2.0liter turbocharged petrol engine into the car compared with its rivals which need something with at least a 3.0liter engine in them. And also shows in how this car drives. 

Ambi Pur and FC Barcelona partnership kicks off with a Win A Trip To Barcelona Contest

Last Thursday, Ambi Pur, a brand which is pretty well known for its air fresheners announced their regional sponsorship agreement with FC Barcelona, another famous brand, not known for air fresheners but for soccer or football. The reason this piece of news is here is that Ambi Pur makes car fresheners. So there is an automotive angle here. There is also a football based angle here, but I would leave that to the experts and fans.

Anyway, Air freshener brand Ambi Pur (a brand owned by Proctor & Gamble) and FC Barcelona announced their regional sponsorship agreement today in Kuala Lumpur. The partnership will be activated across six countries in the Southeast Asia market: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Caltex announces winners of its recent RON97 Promotion

These days the mere pumping of petrol can make someone a winner. Caltex had recently announced the winners of their recent RON97 promotion. The RON97 Promotion kicked off on 16 August, 2015 and took place over a period of 6 weeks before ending on 30 September, 2015. During the 6-week campaign, Chevron rewarded more than 190 lucky customers with a share of over RM110,000 worth of prizes.

From the amount stated above, there were 12 super lucky people who won the grand prize of RM5,000 in cash each. Imagine how much Caltex RON97 can you fill with RM5,000. Wish I took part.