WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA) with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) announces Completely Knocked Down (CKD) programme - RM60million+ investment to produce and market GAC vehicles in Malaysia

WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd (a Tan Chong related company), earlier today announced a new Completely Knocked Down (CKD) programme with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). The programme, which WTCA stated that they will invest over RM60 million into this venture involves the manufacturing of the brand new GAC Motor GS3 compact SUV (in the B segment) as well as expanding its  presence throughout Malaysia. Expect to see a newly specced out CKD GS3 with a 1.5liter turbo direct injection petrol with a DCT gearbox here by the end of the year and on sale shortly after.

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn. Bhd. (PRO-NET) - official importer and distributor for Smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand appoints its first authorised dealer, Hap Seng Smart Sdn. Bhd.

Surprising news folks. Smart cars, the very tiny car manufacturer is back via Proton New Energy Technology Sdn. Bhd. (PRO-NET), a subsidiary of Proton cars and Hap Seng Group (as its first dealer). The company which was formed to promote and market New Energy Vehicle (NEV) from the Proton and Geely joint venture has hit an important milestone here in its development of pushing such vehicles with the appointment of its first authorized dealer, Hap Seng Smart Sdn. Bhd. Note that Smart vehicles was a joint venture project started out by Mercedes-Benz with watch manufacturer Swatch Group but since 2019 has been a partnership arrangement with Geely to promote and sell Smart badged cars globally.

VPCM and MHV Autohaus launches the First Das WeltAuto standalone dealership in Malaysia

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) together with its dealer partner, MHV Autohaus, had earlier today launched the first Das WeltAuto (DWA) independent dealership for Malaysia. DWA Gombak. Das WeltAuto is Volkswagen certified used car programme here and the newly set up centre has a total land size of 18,500 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 55 cars with two additional parking bays for car delivery. This is much like how the brand new car sales side works, but for used cars instead and as such, you do get more peace of mind as the setup is like Volkswagen's new car sales network, but done for pre-owned ones. 

PROTON Launches the X90 SUV at their 40th Anniversary Celebrations - Our Initial Thoughts on It

Yesterday, PROTON celebrated its 40th anniversary of incorporation with the launch of the company’s newest model, the Proton X90 SUV. The new large sized SUV also marks the brand entry into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market as the .X90 is powered by a 1.5liter turbocharged petrol engine with a 48volt Electric Motor Synergy System. It is a mild hybrid and will give you 190ps and 255Nm of torque. My thoughts are at the end of this article together with the specs of the X90. 

Subaru Forester updated for 2023 - 4 Variants for the Malaysian market from RM173,500 onwards

TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, on the 3rd of May, introduced four new 2023 Subaru Forester models for the Malaysian market. These are the 2.0 i-L EyeSight, 2.0 i-L EyeSight GT Lite, 2.0 i-S EyeSight, and 2.0 i-S EyeSight GT Edition. All of the variants come equipped with an upgraded activesafety system called EyeSight 4.0. EyeSight 4.0 is more intuitive than the previous Subaru EyeSight systems.

Statement by Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad on the status of the new Perodua Axia

 Here is Perodua's statement on the recent debacle that resulted from the Toyota group manupulation of crash testing of which affects the new Perodua Axia compact hatchback. According to the official statement below, the UN-R95 certification is still basically valid and there would be no recall of the vehicle.

This issue was brought up by the new CEO of Toyota where he uncovered that the test vehicles were tampered for side impact crash testing. 

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has officially launched the Hyundai Creta in Malaysia. Offered in a sole Plus variant and we managed to test drive it also

Earlier today, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) officially launched the Hyundai Creta for the Malaysian market. The Creta compact SUV is only offered in a single Plus variant, which means that it is a feature-packed SUVwhich sits right smack in the very, very competitive B-segment SUV here. The Hyundai Creta is priced at RM149,888, on-the-road before insurance for Peninsular Malaysia. Yes, Hyundai's entry level B segment SUV now costs over RM150k and to help you decide after already noticing that it is very well specced, HSDM are throwing in a free extended warranty of 5 years/300,000 km as well as 3 years/50,000 km free service for our first 150 buyers. Oh, we managed to try it out also as HSDM had a few units for us to jump into on a short test drive around Ara Damansara and the Subang Airport area. So do read on for details on what we think about the car in this launch article.

Porsche Malaysia competes in the Porsche one-make race series, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia - First Race is this weekend at Sepang -28th to 30th April 2023

Porsche Malaysia under their Malaysian distributor, Sime Darby Auto Performance recently introduced the Sime Darby Racing Team, which is scheduled to make its debut at the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) this weekend. The new racing team has been formed in partnership with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) and will have a young Malaysian race driver Nazim Azman at the wheel. The Malaysian team will race with Malaysian batik-inspired livery on its 911 GT3 Cup car, and will be competing in PCCA PRO category.

The Hyundai Creta B-Segment compact SUV will be launched soon! Now open for booking

Hyndai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has announced that  they have officially opened the order books for the Hyundai Creta compact B-segment SUV at all its authorised sales outlets throughout Malaysia as well as on its online booking platform Cl!cktoBuy (https://www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/). 

From the HSDM provided link, you can see that the Malaysian specified 2023 onwards Hyundai Creta will be front wheel drive and powered by the Smartstream 1.5liter petrol engine that makes 115ps and 143.8Nm torque. Decent enough for an urban compact SUV. It will also be specced with 17inch 215/60 series tyres and able to hit 0-100kmh in 12seconds and hit 170kmh. About right for something that makes that much power.

PROTON Launches Rahmah Service Campaingn in line with the Malaysian Government's initiative to help reduce cost of living

Yesterday, PROTON followed suit with the Government’s initiative to help reduce the cost of living for lower income groups by launching the 2023 PROTON Rahmah Campaign. Officially launched by Yang Berhormat Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), the campaign encourages Proton owners to send their vehicles to authorised service centres for a free 40-point safety check and a service package priced at only RM150. 

Perodua’s AUTO RAHMAH PACKAGE 2023 offers special servicing discounts to Axia and Bezza owners in conjunction with this year's Aidilfitri

Recently, Perodua introduced a special service package to all Perodua Axia and Perodua Bezza owners in order to reduce the impact of rising prices while at the same time promoting best vehicle maintenance and safety for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebration. Perodua's Auto Rahmah Package 2023 is in response to the newly launched AUTO RAHMAH Package by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), under the auspices of the Malaysian Government'sPAYUNG RAHMAH Programme which aims to ease the burden of the people through various cost of living aspects. 

So Perodua is giving out their special service package for the two above mentioned vehicles, called Perodua Auto Rahmah 2023 and comprises of a 30% discount on the total invoice for parts and labour cost. To be entitled for this campaign, Axia and Bezza owners are required to call for an appointment at the nearest Perodua service centre. Do note that this campaign is only available from 12 April to 15 May 2023 (Terms and Conditions apply) and there its back to normal or whatever is on offer at the authorised outlets at that time.

Mercedes-Benz and Hap Seng Star Unveils its latest and largest ever Autohaus, offering the luxury lifestyle experience for customers in and around Bukit Tinggi, Klang

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Hap Seng Star had earlier today unveiled its latest Autohaus to date in Bukit Tinggi, Klang. This will enable the Three Pointed Star's customers in and around the area to easily access the exclusive luxury lifestyle experiences the brand has to offer. The new Autohaus is HUGE! The largest ever in the country and it serves as a one-stop auto centre spanning 49,543 sq ft of showroom and amenity spaces, built on over a whopping142,000 sq ft of land or about 3 acres. I should know, as I was part of the media tour of the whole facility.

The PROTON X90 large sized SUV is now open for Booking

The All-New Proton X90 is touted as PROTON’s first New Energy Vehicle and the third SUV in Proton's X-series model line-up. It is also their first large sized SUV that has 6 or 7 seats and bookings for it had opened on 8 April 2023 at all PROTON 3S/4S outlets. There are also exclusive city preview sessions before the official launch serve which is stated down below so that potential customers can view the actual car beforehand. Update -Launch article is here folks - https://motoring-malaysia.blogspot.com/2023/05/proton-launches-x90-suv-at-their-40th.html

Volvo Car Malaysia together with dealer, iRoll Ipoh Sdn Bhd, officially opens its biggest to date Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre in Juru, Penang

Last Friday, Volvo Car Malaysia officially opened their first Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre in the Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia in partnership with their dealer, iRoll Ipoh Sdn. Bhd. This is Volvo Car Malaysia's newest and to date, largest Volvo Car Damage Repair Centre in Malaysia. Located in Juru, Penang, the facility is equipped with modern and state-of-the-art systems that comply with the latest green technology, ensuring end-to-end high quality body repair and paint service.

Audi Malaysia launches its #AudiOnTheMove Aftersales Campaign and Hari Raya Campaign

On the 6th of April 2023, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) launched its #AudiOnTheMove aftersales campaign, to ensure that Audi owners enjoy a worry- free driving experience this upcoming holiday season. In a nutshell, it is an Exclusive offer for vehicles 5 years and older,  complimentary vehicle inspection at any Audi Centre and complimentary Audi Condition Check for parallel import Audi vehicles. 

So it covers the servicing needs for older Audi cars here in Malaysia, which is a good thing as there are many Audi owners are real enthusiasts that hold on to their cars for a longer length of time.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Launches a Credit Card in Partnership with Maybank

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia under Mercedes-Benz Financial has launched the all-new Mercedes-Benz metal card in partnership with Maybank. This will include exclusive offers for all Mercedes- Benz Malaysia customers nationwide. The premium brand aims to create added value for its customers and lead the luxury lifestyle segment beyond automotive excellence. The launch was done at the launch of the New Mercedes-Benz GLC-class for the Malaysian market last friday.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today launches the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC - Only one fully imported variant for now, the GLC 300 AMG Line

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC has come to Malaysia. At the moment only one variant of the GLC luxury SUV has been launched -The GLC 300 4MATIC in CBU or fully imported form unit is now available as a mild hybrid with 48-volt technology and a second-generation integrated starter- generator. This single variant will be offered for the moment and will cost RM429,888 on the road before insurance.

Total Confidence Plan (TCP, Extra Warranty Program) and e-wallet rewards for those looking to purchase brand-new tyres from Continental.

In conjunction with the festive Hari Raya season as well as celebrations of its 60th anniversary of Continental being the first tyre manufacturer in Malaysia, Continental Tyre Malaysia invites Malaysian motorists try out their newly launched Total Confidence Plan (TCP, Extra Warranty Program) and receive e-wallet rewards for those looking to purchase brand-new tyres from Continental. You can get up to RM200 in your e-wallet if you buy Continental tyres under this program. 

Shell Fleet Solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership to support DHL Express Malaysia’s sustainability journey in reducing emissions

 –Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd through its business mobility division,

Shell Fleet Solutions recently entered into a strategic partnership to support DHL Express Malaysia’s sustainability journey in reducing emissions across their fleet operations. DHL Express has decided to use Shell Fleet Solutions’ Accelerate to Zero (A2Z) programme for their cause. The programme brings together Shell’s full range of consultancy services and innovative solutions in a tailored programme to help fleet customers chart their decarbonisation course to net-zero emissions.

Chery International invited to discuss investment plan and development direction in Malaysia during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's recent visit to China

At the recent visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to China, the executives of Chery International were invited to participate in a discussion with the Malaysian delegation. We were sent the official press release from Chery International on their invitation but not much details on what was discussed

Now from a Malaysian business perspective, it is hoped that his trip to China bears some fruit and more foreign direct investments would be the outcome. But this is the initial stage and Chery already has some exposure in Malaysia over the past two decades or so where they had been initially successful for a while under a local distributor but then faltered to a halt most likely due to the lack of interest when prices could not be kept low. Malaysian buyers at that point of time will only purchase other than the normal brands if the prices are right for them.