Some thoughts on technology and progress, how some jobs may be extinct because of it and the need for Malaysia and Malaysians to realise

The flower in the pic can produce rubber...imagine what would happen to our rubber industry if the process is perfected.

We are all aware of the low price of petroleum these days. This was caused by oversupply due to the United States of America suddenly becoming a net exporter of oil, the Arabs kept their production quotas high and China's economy slowing down. Oil is undoubtedly cheap these days but the surprising thing is that aside from pump prices being low, everything else is still high. I don't really see a 4 liter pack of fully synthetic engine oil suddenly being below RM100. Of course this could be down to production costs that aren't petroleum based. Again, something still has to maintain the overheads of the petroleum companies. 

More details on the upcoming MY AUTO FEST 2016

I was at the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) office yesterday for a short press conference. I had earlier mentioned that MAA will be organising a sales and promotion oriented auto exhibition called "My Auto Fest" at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) from 20 - 22 May 2016. This was the official press conference describing the event for us to help publicise.

Ford Ranger Presents: Built Ford Tough - The First video of Four

The first of Ford's Ford Ranger Presents videos is out over at their Facebook page. You can view it here.

PRESS RELEASE

Ford Ranger Presents: Built Ford Tough

New Ranger Proves its Durability in Brutal Test of Truck Bed Strength

Spotted for Sale: 2002 Nissan Sentra with ONE CAREFUL LADY OWNER...

 Now here we have a 2002 Nissan Sentra for your viewing pleasure courtesy of mudah.my, the buy-sell website that I go to when I want to dream a little. According to the advert this Sentra belongs to a 'Careful Lady Owner'. Fuiyoh!!! Do you believe in Santa Claus, totally honest Politicians or truthful advertising? 

BFGoodrich Tyres are officially back in Malaysia with the Advantage T/A Drive, T/A SUV and All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres

L-R - Mr. Putu Swaditya Yudha, Marketing Director Michelin Indonesia & Mr. Chandan Thakur, Managing Director Michelin Malaysia

BFGoodrich tyres are officially re-entering the Malaysian tyre market courtesy of Michelin Malaysia, the distributors of the tyre here. The new line-up, consisting of the new on-road BF Goodrich Advantage T/A® Drive and T/A® SUV tyres and the new off-road BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A® KO2 tyres . BFGoodrich Advantage T/A® Drive and T/A® SUV tyres are available in Malaysia in popular sizes from 13 to 18 inches starting from March 2016. While the BFGoodrich All -Terrain T/A® KO2 tyre are already available since January 2016 in sizes 15 to 18 inches. 

AmGeneral Insurance launches AutoGen Club and Opal Auto Mart Partnership

Mr Derek Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, AmGeneral Insurance Berhad (left) and Mr David Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Opal Auto Mart Sdn Bhd exchanging the documents after signing ceremony.

Recently, AmGeneral Insurance launched their AutoGen Club as well as entering into an agreement with Opal Auto Mart. 

The newly launched AutoGen Club will provide insurance solutions for AmGeneral Insurance's partners/agency members/ car dealers (new, reconditioned and used) for their customers.There is the Fast Claims Services which will enable customers to obtain their claims speedily. Other benefits for club members include Reimbursement of Internet Fees, Agency Convention to coincide with the International Motor Show, specialized Continuing Professional Development training and Enhanced Benefit for Insured with an Opal Warranty among its many privileges.

TEST DRIVE: 2015/2016 Peugeot 508 THP - The taste of something French every once in a while is good for you.

I got to try the facelifted Peugeot 508 a while ago. I was a bit too busy running around with so many things to do and test drives that it is only now that I found some time to string a few words together for this write-up. The model I got to try was the 2015/2016 Peugeot 508 THP.

A Malaysian wins a MotoGP Championship Race!!!! Congratulations Khairul Idham

Photo Source: NST

I do not write about motor bikes usually but a congratulations is in order to Mr Khairul Idham for making the nation proud. This FIRST EVER Malaysian to win a MotoGP World Championship race! The Honda Team Asia rider came first ahead of Jorge Navarro of Spain - Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 and Brad Binder of South Africa - Team Red Bull KTM. 

I am very proud of this man and I think motorsports could be another avenue for international glory for all Malaysians. Do you not think so too?

A New Hyundai 2S Spares and Service centre opens in Malacca

Premium Autoworld Sdn Bhd, an authorised Hyundai dealer has opened Malacca’s first Hyundai 2S GDSI (Global Dealership Space Identity) outlet. The 2S here means service and parts. This is in line with the opening of the first Hyundai GDSI showroom outlet back in 2014 to offer customers in Malacca (Melaka) better sales and service experience. The GDSI centre is also the the fifth in Malaysia.

Renault Fluence 'We've Got You Covered' promotion - Worry free ownership and one year free instalment

Renault distributor for Malaysia, TC Euro Cars today announced a new sales campaign on the Renault Fluence sedan aimed at providing enhanced coverage for customers in this current climate of economic uncertainty.

A documentary on the Ford Ranger will debut sometime next week on YouTube

Ford will launch sometime next week an online documentary on the Ford Ranger. Built Ford Tough, is an online documentary series from Ford that captures a team of Ford engineers in the field, punishing the new Ranger in conditions that echo what customers may experience and more.

Win Amazing prizes by participating in the 2016 Shell Advance Power On Contest!

  

New contest for you motorcyclists out there. Shell Advance, the leading motorcycle engine oil brand in Malaysia, is offering its customers the opportunity to win some amazing prizes in the latest edition of its popular annual consumer contest.

ASEAN NCAP results for the newly launched (in India, Indonesia & Thailand) Honda BR-V

The Honda BR-V is something new. It is a small sized Honda SUV that is priced below the HR-V and was developed specially for Asian markets, namely India, Indonesia and Thailand. It is powered by a 1.5liter engine and shares its base platform with the tiny city car called the Honda Brio which is sold mainly in Thailand, Indonesia and India. We do not get the Brio or the Amaze sedan version. So we most probably may never get this mini SUV. Unless Honda Malaysia can make a case out of it. 

Hyundai IONIQ Wins A 2016 Red Dot Design Award for Outstanding Vehicle Design

The newly revealed Hyundai IONIQ  has been recognized for its outstanding design in the coveted Vehicle category, becoming the sixth Hyundai car to receive a Red Dot title in the last three years. The IONIQ is the world’s first eco-friendly car to offer a choice of three alternative-fuel powertrains (full electric, hybrids and plug in hybrids). 

Tun Dr Mahathir Resigns as Chairman of Proton as well as the Chairman of Group Lotus

Tun Dr. Mahathir pictured here with Dato Harith (who is also reported to be leaving as CEO of Proton)

PROTON Holdings Berhad has officially announced the resignation of Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Chairman of PROTON, effective immediately. Concurrently, Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun would also step down as Chairman of Group Lotus plc, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PROTON. 

Ramblings on a Wednesday night - Spare Parts aren't cheap these days...except for....

I may not be as good as a BMW, but my spare parts are damn cheap!

It's been a slightly slow week for me in the automotive scene. I had other things to do and not much had gotten my attention. So today I'd just like to share a little bit of my thoughts on spare parts for car.

The Chelsea Truck Company Black Hawk Wide Track by Kahn Design

A Jeep Wrangler with the volume pumped up to eleven is what this is. Not much to say about this Chelsea Truck Company Black Hawk Wide Track except that it is done to satisfy the whims and fancies of those who want something brutal looking done to the old, trusty Wrangler. I don't think this is all about looks as at least the Chelsea Truck Company uses off road capable tyres. Not just for on the road posing only.

If you're in the UK you cn buy this for a smidgen under £50,000. Actually a whole £1 less than £50,000 that is.

Spotted for Sale: Toyota Wish TRACK CAR - Fuiyoh!!!!! Yeah Right

Here we have something that has been advertised as a track car. Here in Malaysia if a car is stated as a 'track car' it usually means that the car is one of those hatchbacks, coupes or sedans that have been specially done up to go for racing at either Sepang or the Pasir Gudang circuits. When so advertised, they are usually not street legal and is made up of cars that have been deregistered due to heavy mods or cars from neighbouring countries that are declared as scrap but kept in one piece.

The Nissan GT-R you've never wanted - UPDATED with more pics 29 March 2016

My friend, car enthusiast and occasional poster in here, Firdaus Asri, had sent me this photograph of something trying to be a Nissan GT-R.

Sime Darby Auto Connexion offers Ford Ecosport, Ford Fiesta 1.5L Titanium sedan and Sport hatchback with attractive rebates

Ford Ecosport

Somehow car companies are giving a lot of rebates at this point of time. This time we see Ford distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) offering attractive cash rebates of up to RM6,000 and low monthly repayments for selected Fiesta and EcoSport  variants nationwide, from now through 30 April 2016.