All-new Hyundai Genesis achieves global sales targets sooner than anticipated

Slightly intriguing news, this is. Hyundai's all-new Genesis premium sedan has been making waves. This second generation Hyundai Genesis has achieved its sales target 10 months sooner than the previous model and 100,000 of it has been sold since its launch in November 2013, which is just 18 months ago. 

The car was recent launched here in Malaysia in just a few weeks ago and is therefore a new player in the field of luxury cars sold in Malaysia. It has to be quite good as there has been some brand acceptance, especially in the American midsized luxury sedan category (midsized in America is actually quite big here - the Genesis is sized in between a BMW 5 series and the larger 7 Series).

Sisma auto officially opens its new Jaguar Land Rover 3S Centre in Glenmarie

Today is the day before the start of the Fasting month and the last of a slew of events that automotive manufacturers have decided to do before things actually slow down a fair bit (with the exception of some binge eating and drinking of water when it comes to breaking fast). Over the past month or so I have attended numerous launches of vehicles, products and did a few tests. In fact, there have been so many launches until I have a few articles and test drive reviews in the back burner. 

NAZA Italia launches the New Ferrari 488 GTB in Malaysia

L to R - Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman & Group CEO of NAZA World Group of Companies, Mr. Dieter Knechtel, Managing Director of Ferrari Far East,   Mr. Simon Inglefield, Head of Sales ASEAN, Ferrari Far East,  Mr. David Hector Ratnaike, Senior Vice President 2 of 4-Wheels Division, NAZA World Group of Companies

The Ferrari 488 GTB was launched to the media earlier today. The Malaysian launch actually comes just a few months after the international launch at the recent Geneva Motor Show. It actually goes to show that Malaysia is actually an important market for the Prancing Horse.

Proton and Suzuki signed a MoU - What do you think the new JV model could be based on? I think its a.......

DRB-Hicom, Proton Holdings Bhd and Suzuki Motor Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding which may pave the way for the production of motor vehicles, whether by means of a collaboration, rebadging or the usage of engine and transmission drivetrains between Proton and Suzuki.

Suzy Celerio...THIS...could be the JV car I think...

As this is only an MoU, it is not actually a binding contractual agreement. MoUs are just something companies like to enter into as it makes its wishes to collaborate with one another seem stronger. But any actual Joint Venture would be more detailed and involve proper and detailed contractual agreements. Even Tun Dr Mahathir, Chairman of Proton, had stated that details of the agreement had not been worked out as yet. It will most likely involve compact and small cars from Suzuki that are currently not sold in Malaysia. The Proton plant in Tanjung Malim will be utilised for manufacturing or assembling the JV vehicles and the earliest model could be launched sometime 2016.

CHEVROLET OPENS NEW 3S CENTRE IN KOTA KINABALU

From L- R, YB Datuk Linda Tsen Thau Lin, Mr Cliff Chong, YB Tan Sri Datuk Sri Panglima Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Miss Thoo Ai Wuen.

Meanwhile, over in Sabah, Chevrolet, via distributors NAZA Quest Sdn Bhd has opened its latest 3S centre to add more brand presence in East Malaysia..........

Mr Cliff Chong & YB Tan Sri Datuk Sri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan giving Thumbs up to the Chevrolet Malibu - the flagship for Chevrolet here in Malaysia  .

Naza italia opens its newly revamped showroom for Ferrari and Maserati

Naza Italia opened its refurbished Ferrari and Maserati showroom in Petaling Jaya earlier today. The new centre boasts a spacious, well-appointed and equipped showroom with dedicated sales areas, a comfortable and luxurious lounge area, a merchandise area, a configuration area and delivery bays. This would be more than sufficient in providing the best luxurious experience for both luxury Marques. 

Shell's #Lovemyride Festival - 500 motorists get engine oil changes at a carnival

A total of 500 lucky motorists enjoyed the ultimate engine rejuvenating experience for their cars at the first-ever “#LoveMyRide” Festival organised by Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd over the weekend. Acording to Shell Malaysia,  a total of 378 cars received a free engine oil change on the first day of the festival, Saturday, June 13, 2015, to successfully create a new entry in the Malaysia Book of Records for the ‘most number of cars in a lubricant changing event. The overall target of 500 cars was achieved at 3.17 pm on Sunday, June 14, 2015, when another 122 cars underwent the free oil change. The two day event was held at MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur.

Shell Malaysia MD Tuan Haji Azman Ismail and Shell Lubricants GM Leslie Ng pour Shell Helix Ultra to symbolically open the Love My Ride Festival

Volkswagen officially previews the updated Polo Hatch at the Raya Sales Carnival at Setia City Mall

This continues on the previous posting on the Volkswagen Raya Sales Carnival but more empahsis on the refreshed Polo 1.6 hatch. As a recap, the sales carnical is now on at Setia City Mall this weekend and you get to see the cars Volkswagen Malaysia are pushing with their 0 Downpayment and 0 interest campaign  (Polo, Polo Sedan, Jetta, Golf, Passat, and Tiguan).

What was interesting is that they have Officially previewed the slightly refreshed Polo 1.6 hatch. The car was introduced into dealerships early May 2015. This updated version features cosmetic changes including a classy single upper grille chrome line, sleeker design changes for the lights, increased safety with reflectors on the rear bumper and a horizontal mesh with a lower grille single chrome line on the cars exterior.

BMW launches BMW Safety 360º Program, the new 1 Series for Malaysia and the all-new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

Maree Haley, Founder & Executive Director of the Safety Educator on the importance of owning a child seat as she shares significant information from how to secure a child seat to child seat positioning in a vehicle.

BMW Group Malaysia have been busy. They've decided to start the second series of the BMW Safety 360º Program and launched two cars - the 120i M Sport and the all-new 220i Gran Tourer at a go earlier today at Publika here in Kuala Lumpur.

Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia and Alan Harris, Managing Director and CEO, BMW Group Malaysia with the all-new BMW 220i Gran Tourer.