Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific FuelWatch Challenge 2015 - Mr Nor Rahmat (Malaysian Champion), Prifaria Sdn Bhd & the Malaysian Press Release

Ms. Marriott about to drive...and win the Asia Pacific FuelWatch Challenge 2015

The Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 was held in Hua Hin, Thailand from 15th to 18th September 2015. Following an inspiring performance, Ms. Louise Marriott from New Zealand was announced the most fuel-efficient driver in the on-road category. Ms. Marriott became the first female driver in the competition’s history to achieve a podium finish at the event.

INDUSTRY NEWS: METALEX 2015 - ASEAN's largest metal working exhibition Press Conference and Panel Discussion

(From L to R) Ms Sirirat Sungvichai, Project Manager, Reed Tradex Company, Dato’ Ir. Haji Noor Azmi Bin Jaafar, Executive Director, Dellyod Venture Berhad, Mr Somkiat Chupukcharoen, President, Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association, Mr John Lee, Chairman of International Business Committee, Federation of Malaysia Manufacturers, H.E Mr Damrong Kraikruan, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, Mr Ir A. K Woo, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer Council Member, Dr. Yeoh Oon Tean, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturer. 


Today I attended a press conference held at the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers which saw the attendance of HE Mr. Damrong Kraikruan Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia. The purpose of the event was the promotion of METALEX 2015 which is to be held in Bangkok on the 18th to the 21st of November 2015. METALEX 2015 is  ASEAN’s largest Metal working exhibition is among the most prominent exhibition that offers updated technology and networking and sourcing opportunities. Coincidently, I had just returned from Thailand and I get to attend something to do with Thailand again. 

Volkswagen Group CEO shown the door due to US diesel emissions testing debacle

The Volkswagen diesel debacle in the US has hit Volkswagen group hard. Shares have dropped by a whole lot and the market value is now down by a third in just two trading days. And we thought the drop in the Ringgit was bad.

The story is simple. News broke that Volkswagen cheated in its diesel emissions tests in the United States where the pollution controls will only come into full swing when it detects the car is being tested for emissions. If one drives a Volkswagen model fitted with this software, chances are the car is actually between ten to forty times more polluting than when it is tested. Discrepancies relate to vehicles with Type EA 189 engines, involving some 11 million vehicles worldwide and there could be fines in the US hitting billions of US Dollars. In fact Volkswagen have set aside USD$7.27billion to cover any contingencies that may arise from this incident. And you thought RM2.6billion was bad.

MG3 Hatchback in Thailand

Today will be a short one. The now China owned MG brand cars are being sold in Thailand. According to the sales people it is hard to sell over there. The car in the photographs is the MG3 hatchback 1.5. It costs somewhere in the region of RM55,000+-. Quite good value and if you think about it, this is the about the same price as the Great Wall Haval M4 or a Perodua Myvi.

History made at the Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 - A Motoring-Malaysia Report

I was over in Hua Hin, in Thailand to witness some history being made in the Asia Pacific trucking scene. The Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Challenge 2015 saw Ms. Louise Marriott became the first female driver and New Zealander to be named Asia Pacific’s most fuel-efficient driver. This was the first time Volvo Trucks has included women participation, four women, representing the expanding number of female drivers within the Fuelwatch community and the industry-at-large. 

Volkswagen crowned world rally champions* for third time & some stuff about the Volkswagen Polo R WRC

I was a little bit busy travelling around Malaysia and Thailand to write over the past couple of weeks. Last week, Volkswagen made a successful title defence by wining the Manufacturers, Drivers and Co-drivers competitions in the FIA World Rally Championships with a one-two over at the Rally Australia.

The winner was Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) and the Volkswagen Polo R WRC were crowned world champions. This marks he third time in a row that Volkswagen have won all titles for the FIA WRC. The Drivers', Co-Drivers' and Manufacturers' competitions were settled in just three quarters of the way into the season – earlier than any manufacturer before them in the history of the World Rally Championship. Jari-Matti Latvala (the chap that drove me round a circuit in Setia Alam just a few weeks ago) /Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN) finished runner-up and Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene fourth to complete a fantastic result for Volkswagen Down Under. They currently lie second and third overall with three rallies remaining.

Another reason Why the availability of Euro 5 diesel is good for Malaysians

Too tired to write something long today. Just finished dinner, fittung for a sports jacket, driving a Volvo FH Prime Mover, archery, paintball target practice and a ride on a ATV. Not necessarily in that order but you get my point.

Trucking: Volvo FH16 XL 610 at the Hilton in Hua Hin

We don't get many 610 stock from the factory horsepower here in Malaysia or even in Thailand. Usually Volvo Trucks run 400-520 hp.

Couple this figure with at least 2000nm of torque and it could pull the moon. This, is the Volvo FH16 XL.

Volkswagen and Kenanga Investment Bank promotes KenTrade Trading Challenge

The KenTrade Trading Challenge reaffirms Kenanga Investment Bank’s efforts to create awareness and educate Malaysians on share trading and the equity market. The challenge is endorsed by Bursa Malaysia and supported by Volkswagen Malaysia and Berjaya RadioShack Sdn. Bhd