MAN Truck & Bus to Start Offering Euro V Bus for Malaysian By 2023 ... and Maybe Their EV E-Chassis Bus Too

 

MAN 3 Axle RR5 Bus Chassis

MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia),  to be the first vehicle manufacturer in  Malaysia to offer Euro V engines as standard across its entire Truck range, will now aim to become the first company to offer Euro V for its bus range too.  This piece of environmentally friendly news was first announced at MAN BAGUS, an annual gathering for key players from the bus  industry at its Serendah CKD assembly plant. There, MAN Malaysia Managing Director  Andrew O’Brooks announced that the company plans to introduce a low-emission  Euro V engine as an option in 2023 to help bus operators reduce their carbon  footprint. 

MAN 2 Axle RR3 Bus Chassis

PROTON – MSF Merdeka Race Carnival 2022 on 27th and 28th August 2022 at Sepang International Circuit

 PROTON partners with Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF), the organiser of the MSF Saga Cup racing

series, to create the PROTON – MSF Merdeka Race Carnival 2022 on 27th and 28th August 2022 at

Sepang International Circuit which harks back to the halcyon days of the original PROTON 300km

Merdeka Race of the late-90s which was the first ever race to be held at Sepang Circuit on 11-13

December 1998.

Malaysian Scania Technicians Compete at the Scania Top Teams Competition Again

This has been awhile. Scania Malayia recently held the Malaysian leg of the Scania Top Teams competiton for their technicians. I managed to find some time during my busy post-lockdown schedule to attend this event. This could have been the first competition of sorts for technicians assembled at one place since the country went thought lockdown after lockdown to combat the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Five teams managed to compete in the finals from a total number of twelve (which are from the 12 branches throughout Malaysia) and Team B100 from Scania Malaysia's Ipoh workshop secured the win.

Ford and Sime Darby Auto Connexion Launches the Latest Generation Ford Ranger in Malaysia

Ford, together with Malaysian authorised distributors Sime Darby Auto Connexion has launched the next generation Ford Ranger pickup truck. This ever popular pickup was engineered with valuable input from customers, Ford engineers and designers created a bold, purposeful exterior design and sleek, inviting, high-tech interior. Still familiar in its overall styling but improved all over according to the folks at Ford. I managed to attend the launch event even though I had quite a busy schedule. Maybe since it was Friday and most of my errands were done for the week (trying to get things back on track after all lockdowns over the past two years).

All New 2022 Perodua Alza MPV Launched - Already 30,000 Bookings Received For It

As usual, a new Perodua gets a ton of bookings prior to the official launch. So we now see the all-new Alza MPV having 30,000 and by now, more than that bookings by Malaysians. It does look like Malaysians love their Perodua and the new Alza, totally all-new is being welcomed extremely well. Now, it is based on the latest generation of Toyota/Daihatsu compact MPV chassis which is will know as the Avanza (in its most basic form).

Scania Malaysia Delivers to MFJ Logistics their First Scania New Truck Generation XT Truck

Scania recently delivered the first Scania New Truck Generation (NTG) XT G410A6x4NZ in Johor to MFJ Logistics Sdn. Bhd. (MFJ). This heavy duty NTG Scania XT truck comes with Contracted Services and Scania Fleet Management System (FMS) Control 10 and covered by Scania Financial Services. Scania Malaysia handed over the key to Mad Faisal Jamaluddin, Director of MFJ Logistics Sdn. Bhd at MFJ’s premises in Pagoh, Johor.

PROTON Officially Opens its Latest Hi-Tech Engine Assembly Line in Tanjung Malim

PROTON earlier today unveiled their latest engine assembly line at their Tanjung Malim plant at an exclusive event for invited media guests. The hi-tech assembly line has been in operation since April this year and produces the company’s 1.5 TGDI (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, the first time it has been assembled outside of China and is one of the most advanced automotive engine assembly lines in the country. This means that even more local content is in Proton's SUVs after this.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s product pricing updates - Post 30th June 2022 SST Exemption Pricing

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have on the 1st of July 2022 announced the adjusted manufacturer’s recommended retail selling prices for each Mercedes-Benz model in line with reintroduction of the sales tax (SST) for locally-assembled and fully imported vehicles. Remember folks, this is what we were basically paying when we bought a new car prior to the suspension of the SST due to the government of Malaysia putting in place a system to lessen the burden of Malaysians during the recent pandemic. Now it is back to normal. 

Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Delivers RM2.4m UD Quester Vacuum Loader Truck to Duromac

On 1st July 2022, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE), the sole distributor of UD Trucks delivered a UD Quester CGE390 8x4 rigid truck platform equipped with a vacuum loader worth 2.4 million ringgit to the Duromac Group today. The UD Quester is UD Trucks' heavy-duty truck that has been designed with fuel efficiency and durability as well as being a platform designed to fit into different customers’ expectations. Like this unique vac-blower truck you see here right now. The handover ceremony was held at Duromac headquarters located in Puchong and witnessed by senior management of Duromac, UD Trucks and TCIE. 

PHS Automotive Malaysia is the official distributor of Audi cars in Malaysia- Things Should be Rosy Again for Audi Here After This

Managing Directors, Erik Winter and Kurt Leitner

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) is now the official distributor of Audi cars in Malaysia. Finally after being in somewhat of a limbo, Audi has a proper distributor again. Previously, Audi Malaysia was the official distributors but since 2018 or so, they have pulled out with the principal handling things via their Singapore office. Now, PHSAM is handling things. I believe that they will do a better job that what has been done previously and actually bring Audi back into the premium car game here in Malaysia.

The All-New Perodua Alza is now open for booking - Launch Very Soon

Perodua is officially taking orders for the All-New Perodua Alza compact MPV. According to them, the all-new Alza will come with" significant improvements in terms of driving comfort and versatility.: It will be based on the current Daihatsu Xenia/Toyota Veloz, which is already on sale over in Indonesia, rather than based on the Daihatsu Boon Luminas. Tentative pricing for the all-new Alza is between RM62,000 and RM75,000 (in West Malaysia, without insurance and pre-sales tax), 

The new 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC Coupé and refreshed 2022 Mercedes- AMG GLB 35 4MATIC now Available in Malaysia

During the official opening event of the Mercedes-Benz Setia Alam Autohaus, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also announced the availability of two model updates in its SUV line; the new locally-assembled (CKD) Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC Coupé as well as the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC (below), now enhanced with new vehicle equipment upgrades.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Hap Seng Star launch their Latest Autohaus in Setia Alam

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Hap Seng Star earlier today, have together officially launched its newly relocated Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Setia Alam. It features a new luxury brand presence and exclusive luxury lifestyle boutique for the folks and Mercedes-Benz customers in and around Setia Alam, Selangor. This new, very much larger, Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus outlet features new enhancements and upgrades that embodies a luxurious retail experience concept for customers, showcasing the brand’s commitment to be a leader in the luxury retail experience while strengthening its customer touchpoints throughout Malaysia. 

The latest 2022 specification Foton Aumark S 5T Light-Duty Truck are launched in Malaysia

Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd, a company under the Tan Chong group of companies,  the Malaysian distributors of Foton commercial vehicles has launched the Foton Aumark S City Flyer 4-Wheeler BJ1065 Series, a light-duty truck to meet the demands of logistics usage in the country.The Foton Aumark S City Flyer basically comes with 5.6 tonnes GVC (gross vehicle weight) and is enhanced with better safety and quality. Aside from this, Angka-Tan are also launching the City Flyer in a longer wheelbase form for those that require more carrying capacity. The prices for the new Aumark City Flyer will start at RM93,900 for the 4 Wheeler and from RM95,900 for the long wheelbase variant.

I'm Back! Again..... And the Reasons for more of my absence as well as some rantings!

 Well, I'm still around folks! Lazier than ever which is why things don't get updated. No, the Malaysian automotive industry is technically doing fine without me and it's just that ever since the recent pandemic and the many Movement Control Orders (Three to be exact) has made me change the priorities in my life. These days, its more about me, me, me and me. 

But that isn't new with me actually. It's just that I have enjoyed doing what I like to do the most and since the automotive scene isn't all that great since you are restricted in doing outdoorsy stuff and lotsa masks, protocols, it has been boring. Add the fact that these days I only see cars having their infotainment systems upgraded as the biggest upgrade to a vehicle model ever and that they basically still drive the same as before, car launches can be extremely boring too. 

I mean, cars these days all mostly drive well and don't actually want to kill you. Even crappy small cars drive well and a filled with safety features whether you want them or not. Ten years ago you could buy a crappy looking car with tiny tyres and it would handle terribly (I'm lookin' at you, previous gen Nissan Almera - the current one is a good looking B segment car and drives well too), but these days, even the ugliest looking B segment Hatchback on sale today - I'm lookin' at you Honda City Hatchback drives decently well, is extremely well equipped does not have any handling issues to complain or bitch about. Except that it's ugly. Or uglier in real life. Photos actually do it justice. MAYBE its the choen camera angles. 

Why oh why, aside from ensuring that maximum profitability to the company will you stop selling the outgoing, nicer looking, as practical, as fast, as well equipped good looking Honda Jazz/Fit for the City Hatchback? Look at the current Japan market Honda City and compare to what we Malaysians are getting. The City Hatchback looks so conservatively bland or like some budget family car from te 1950s rather than something modern and truly savvy from its external styling. In terms of equipment, of course we still get the usual stuff, but looks and style wise.....nope. Look at the Jazz/Fit below...modern chic.

‘Bersama Lebih Bermakna’ With Toyota And Raya Promo Till 1st May 2022

 UMW Toyota Motor recently launched their Ramadan/Raya campaign this year with the theme ‘Bersama Lebih Bermakna’. Continuing the celebration nationwide, Toyota will be releasing their Hari Raya film entitled ‘Kota Raya’. The story highlights the struggles of millennials in the city and inspired by the importance of family and quality time spent with them, especially with the travel restrictions Malaysians had to endure these past two years, 

New Lexus NX F-Sport Will Soon Make it Way to Malaysia - Prices Start at RM370K Onwards

An all-new Lexus NX F-SPORT SUV will debut in Malaysia soon, With over 95 percent of its components completely refreshed, the all-new Lexus NX F-SPORT is basically an all new car. 95% is usually more than most new model changes as some manufacturers actually keep a lot of older stamped parts if you think about it. Anyway, NEW LEXUS NX F-SPORT folks. that's all you need to know.

Volvo Car Malaysia to Introduce a New Recharge Plug-In Powertrains in its 90 and 60 Series Along with a New Price Point for All its Vehicles

Volvo Car Malaysia recently announced that they are introducing an improved Recharge plug-in hybrid powertrain in all of its Recharge T8 models and that prices for all Volvo vehicles will be adjusted from 1 May 2022 onwards.

This new powertrain provides more electric range, enabling drivers to drive further on pure electric mode. Basically larger batteries for more range and a higher performance electric motor for more performance for all models notably. 

New Limited Run Porsche 911 Sport Classic Launched - Interested? Head Over to The Local Distributors Now As Europe Deliveries Start in July 2022

Interesting new Porsche 911 variant has been launched. The 911 Sport Classic takes cues from classic Porsche styling in previous 911s and melds them with the current generation of the 911. So you get the best of old and new....aside from the fact that the 911 already takes in a lot of the 911 design overall. What the Sport Classic, in widebody form for this variant, does is be a bit more from the ducktail spoiler that sits on the rear and the alloy wheel design as well as interior trimming like the houndstooth pattern in the door panels and seat centers. 

SCANIA DELIVERS FIRST FULL AIR SUSPENSION NTG IN MALAYSIA TO COMPLEMENT STARRTREK’S FIRST LUXURY CAR CARRIER IN MALAYSIA & 6 OTHER CAR TRANSPORTERS

This is a little interesting in terms of transporting cars but more importantly supercars, in a very discreet manner. Scania delivered the G360A4x2EB New Truck Generation (NTG) with full air-suspension – the first in Malaysia to transport supercars discreetly, to Starrtrek Carriers Sdn Bhd (Starrtrek). You can see in the photo above that this fully air suspended Scania truck has a special fully enclosed vehicle carrying container type rather than the open type car carriers you see usually.