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.

Promo Code GOBERBUKA for booking a GoCar Share (Round Trip) or GoEV for a car throughout Ramadan for Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru till 23 April 2023

During this holy month of Ramadan, people in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru who do not own a vehicle but want to avoid public transportation during the pre-Iftar or the before breaking of fast rush can take advantage of GoCar’s car sharing service as an alternative. The on-demand mobility-as-a-service platform is offering one free hour of usage (capped at RM14) for any GoCar Share (Round Trip) booking of two hours or more. Use the promo code "GOBERBUKA" in their app.

New 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI with IQ. Drive now on sale in Malaysia - Priced at RM244K++

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) recently unveiled the refreshed 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI equipped with IQ. Drive which is Volkwagen's Driver Assistance System (DAS). The hot hatch now offers updated new features such as wireless charging and embroidered GTI logo on the driver and front passenger seats. All of this for the recommended retail price of RM244,990. In a nutshell, you get more active safety features in the latest version as well as some trim upgrades inside and out. The drive, like any Mk8 Golf GTI will be as sublime as ever.

PROTON X90 gets its media preview

Yesterday, the 28th March of  2023 PROTON previewed the long awaited X90 SUV to the media over in its Shah Alam styling studio. This is a 7 seat mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) model. This is PROTON's entry into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market and starts them on their path to reducing carbon emissions by adopting green engine technology towards setting a new standard in sustainable mobility.

Scania and Kontena Nasional continues its 52 year partnership with the latest delivery of 16 Scania G410A6x2NZ trucks

You'd think the some relationships are a mere ten or so years old. But when you delve deeper, it could be over half a century old. Even here in Malaysia. This is the relationship between Kontena Nasional (KN) and Scania, where these two have had a strong partnership for over 50 years, with over 400 units delivered. The latest chapter is the newest handover of  16 Scania G410A6x2NZ trucks to KN as part of their fleet enhancement comprising of a total of 46 Prime Movers this year.  According to KN, these new trucks should improve reliability, fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions, and increase payload frequency for the company.

Volvo Trucks Malaysia - Spurred onwards by a positive 2022, Volvo Trucks Malaysia seeks more growth via a sustainable future through leading on vehicle safety and EV adoption through collaboration

Yesterday, the 22 March 2023, Volvo Trucks Malaysia (Volvo Trucks) held a small media event where the Managing Director, Anthony O'Connell spoke on the company's 2022 performance and what Volvo Trucks have planned in the near future. For 2022, Volvo Trucks had  registered an 8.5% growth in volume of units delivered to customers. This was spurred by pent-up demand following the post-pandemic period and the Malaysian success echoes the truck manufacturer’s global performance which delivered an all-time high number of its trucks to customers while simultaneously increasing market share in 41 countries.

4TH Generation Toyota Vios launched - Two variants with UMW Toyota already receiving over 5,000 bookins for this popular compact sedan

Sometime after 8.00pm yesterday UMW Toyota Motor had unveiled the fourth-generation Toyota Vios at a media launch event in Kuala Lumpur. This popular subcompact sedan has been a bestseller in the Malaysian non-national car market since its introduction in 2003 with more than half a million units sold so this new model boasts improved performance, quicker acceleration, and new technology, making it an even more compelling choice for customers looking for a reliable, efficient, and affordable car. Two variants will be offered, the 1.5G and the 1.5E of which are priced at RM95,500 and RM89,600, respectively.