Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Chery Malaysia is supporting the Asia International Security Summit & Expo (AISSE) 2025 by being the Official VIP Vehicle Partner.


Chery Malaysia is  supporting the Asia International Security Summit & Expo (AISSE) 2025 as its Official VIP Vehicle Partner. A fleet of 60 SUVs, comprising of Chery’s OMODA 5, TIGGO 7 PRO and TIGGO 8 PRO will be utilised to ferry distinguished guests and delegates from 15 countries to the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), ensuring a seamless and premium travel experience throughout the event which is at the time of publishing ongoing- or from  20 – 22 January, 2025. So, you will be seeing quite a number of Chery SUVs in and around the Klang Valley area over the next few days.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Malaysia Aviation Group work to enhance luxury vehicle services for Malaysia Airlines' Private Terminal Transfer which includes the use of the S580 e PHEV and EQS 500 4Matic EV cars


Today was the official launch of a strategic collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Malaysia Aviation Group ( the people who manage Malaysia Airlines - MAS) where the parties have entered into an arrangement to enhance luxury services, particularly the Malaysia Airlines Private Terminal Transfer Service at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has agrred to provide a fleet of its flagship models, which includes the S 580 e Plug-in Hybrid and all-electric EQS 500 4MATIC for Malaysia Airlines' Private Terminal Transfer Service.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

BMW Malaysia unveils the All-New Locally Assembled petrol powered BMW 530i M Sport and the fully electric New BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport.



Earlier today, BMW Malaysia unveiled the All-New BMW 530i M Sport. This is another locally assembled variant of the New BMW 5 Series with a petrol powered engine and it has been unveiled with the New BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport, which is what BMW calls an electrified Gran Coupé.




 The 530i M Sport is estimated to cost RM400,000 (price not finalised at time of unveiling) while the i4 eDrive35 M Sport will cost RM294,800 without insurance or RM315,800 with the BMW Service inclusive package.

Previously, the i4, or 4 series was the 3 series coupe or gran coupe but these days, BMW has decided to put all the 2 door and 4 door with coupe styling (usually with frameless glass doors) as the 4. So this is more coupe than sedan.

BMW Motorrad Presents the All-New BMW R 12 cruiser for the Malaysian market

 BMW Group Malaysia has launched the All-New BMW R 12 cruiser here in Kuala Lumpur. The R 12, is  a statement of engineering excellence paying tribute to the BMW;s commitment to legacy with its retro styling while embracing BMW's innovative technology and performance. They call it the ultimate blend of heritage and future. It is estimated to be sold at RM123,000 onwards.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Audi Malaysia Announces New Prices for 2025, With Extended Assurance Package



More peace of mind if you want to own an Audi here in Malaysia folks! PHS Automotive Malaysia, the official distributor of Audi here has announced attractive e-tron and ICE (internal combustion engine) Models Now Ready To Own at New for 2025 Prices. The Audi Assurance Package (AAP) has been extended to 5 years Maintenance and 5 years Warranty for Greater Drive Experience and there are Eight models On Special Offer including A3 Sedan, Starting From RM279,990.

The revised pricing structure comes with an enhanced Audi Assurance Package (AAP), which now offers 5 years maintenance services (previously 3 years) and 5 years warranty (capped at 150,000km), plus 5 years roadside assistance.  While this actually adds to the purchase price - eg A7 Sportback S line 3.0 TFSI quattro costs RM715,990, it will cost RM740,390 with AAP. So, you are paying a bit more for that extra peace of mind.

MINI Malaysia Introduces the All-New Locally Assembled MINI Countryman S ALL4. - A New, locally assembled petrol-powered version for those that want something traditionally powered



Recently MINI Malaysia introduced the All-New MINI Countryman S ALL4, expanding on the New MINI Family in Malaysia with a locally assembled petrol-powered variant that ensures there is a MINI for every lifestyle and preference. This is for those that want the largest MINI in a traditional petrol powered form and it will cost you from an estimated RM259,000.



Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Isuzu Malaysia to launch a more affordable D-Max - The Low Ride 4x2 MT pickup truck

There is a new  Isuzu D-Max variant that will be launched here in Malaysia. The 2025 Isuzu D-Max Low-Ride 4x2 MT pick-up truck which Isuzu Malaysia says is dependable yet versatile workhorse and one that is aimed at urban and sub-urban businesses that require easy loading, excellent space and low running costs to boost their business efficiency yet being affordable. With an on-the-road without insurance price from RM92,199.20 (Peninsular Malaysia), RM94,279.60 (Sabah) and RM 94,170.30 (Sarawak), the Isuzu D-Max Low-Ride will be one of the most affordable pick-up trucks on the road 

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Chery Malaysia Launches Festive ‘Great Year-End Lucky Draw’ Campaign from 1 – 31 December 2024

 


Chery Malaysia has launched the ‘Great Year-End Lucky Draw’, offering newly registered Chery car owners an opportunity to try their luck at winning prizes worth more than RM150,000.

The 'Great Year-End Lucky Draw' which runs from 1 - 31 December 2024 is part of Chery Malaysia's ongoing commitment to providing exceptional value and experiences to its customers. By participating in this event, new Chery car owners stand a chance to win a variety of prizes, making their year-end celebrations even more memorable. 

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Tan Chong Motor starts exports of Malaysian assembled Nissan to Thailand

On 4 December 2024,Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH) marked a significant milestone with its first export of Malaysian assembled Nissan vehicles to Thailand. The first batch of the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, which were assembled at TCMH’s Serendah plant in Selangor, is expected to commence shipment in December 2024. This is the reason why I am actually quite keen to write about this bit of news as this highlights efforts in the Malaysian automotive industry to be more outward looking.

JAECOO’S FIRST LOCALLY ASSEMBLED C9 PREMIUM SUV COUPÉ ROLLS OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE AT SHAH ALAM PLANT



 JAECOO Malaysia is geared up for 2025 as the first locally assembled C9 by JAECOO Premium Off-road SUV Coupé rolled off the Shah Alam assembly plant line yesterday. Production of the Omoda C9 SUV Coupé, gere called the C9 by JAECOO as it is offered through JAECOO showrooms in Malaysia is the second model to be launched under the JAECOO umbrella. This is in schedule to its projected timeline to begin deliveries by January 2025. Read more details of the C9 here folks (the launch article)


JAECOO is ready to deliver on the Malaysian market’s demands with the first locally assembled C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupé rolling off its assembly line. (from left) Chery Auto Malaysia, Senior Manager, Afiq Zabani; JAECOO Malaysia, Vice President, Emily Lek; JAECOO Malaysia Country Director Vincent Bian; Chery Corporate Malaysia Executive Vice President, Leo Chen; Chery Corporate Malaysia General Manager of Shah Alam and Kulim plant, Xu JinZhong, and Chery Corporate Malaysia Vice President, Cheng NW.

Zero-Star Rating Result for NETA V Released by ASEAN NCAP

ZERO, nought, nada, kosong, coke without sugar. This is the rating given the the NETA V compact crossover car thingy by the ASEAN NCAP. This, to say the least, disappointing no-star rating is a historic result for ASEAN NCAP as the NETA V is the first ever vehicle tested by the folks at ASEAN NCAP to achieve such a result under the current ASEAN NCAP 2021-2025 protocol. So, a massive failure in crash testing for the Chinese made NETA V.

Monday, December 09, 2024

10th HINO Total Support Contest 2024: Strengthening Dealer Excellence and Upholding Total Support Values



Last Saturday, the 10th edition of the HINO Total Support (TS) Contest was held at Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Hino Malaysia) in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The event was a celebration of a decade of excellence and innovation where the company brings forth friendly competition that tests the competence of Hino Malaysia's dealers in both sales and aftersales. With 146 participants representing 28 authorized dealers, this year’s contest was definitely bigger than last year's one as it offers a unique platform for dealers to showcase their skills, creativity, and commitment to customer satisfaction, But it also allows for the staff that participated to have some bragging rights among peers. Hey, that is a natural feel good factor to feel that you performed and have been voted the best among the best..

Saturday, December 07, 2024

C9 by Jaecoo Launched - Prices start at RM168,800 for a very well equipped sports SUV with over 250hp and 400 Nm torque


The C9 by JAECOO is now officially launched in Malaysia! Priced at RM168,800 for the 2WD variant and RM188,800 for the All-wheel drive, this offers Malaysian buyers a sports SUV, with adaptive ride control, a 2.0liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with around 257hp 400Nm torque, a torque converter based 8 speed automatic for refinement (vs a dual clutch setup), option for all-wheel drive and lots of toys inside, for a price under RM200,000. This is actually amazing as it does not look ugly and has an interior that must have been benchmarked with a Mercedes-Benz CLS (typical China as they like doing this). A good wrap up to the year in terms of what's offered for us to buy.

Monday, December 02, 2024

Porsche Malaysia launches the all-electric Macan for the Malaysian market in downtown Kuala Lumpur


Last Saturday Porsche Malaysia, here represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, officially launched the new and highly-anticipated all-electric Porsche Macan for the Malaysian. The launch was held at the Permata Sapura Tower where it has quite a fantastic view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline and was held for the media, a preview to guests as well as a handover for the first few lucky owners of this latest generation Macan.

Friday, November 29, 2024

BMW Group Malaysia commemorates the 20th Year Anniversary of the BMW Group Regional Parts Distribution Centre by showing us its newly expanded facility in Senai, Johor

YESTERDAY was the 28 November 2024, and the day marked an important milestone for BMW Group Malaysia and what I believe is also an important hallmark for the Malaysian automotive industry. The group commemorated the 20th Year Anniversary of the BMW Group Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Malaysia, marking this significant milestone with a landmark expansion of the very modern facility, located at the Free Industrial Zone of the Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

OMODA Partners with Universal Pictures’, Wicked - Unveiling Magical Journeys Wicked is now screening in cinemas nationwide

OMODA, a brand under Chery, has announced a collaboration with Universal Pictures in celebration of the studio’s  new cinematic event, Wicked. OMODA and Universal Pictures are embarking on a journey into magical worlds. Based on the generation-defining, blockbuster stage musical, Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz. 

In this collaboration, OMODA has specially created two car wraps themed to the film: the OMODA E5 Green Witch edition and the OMODA 5 Pink Witch edition. These art wraps feature the characters of Elphaba and Glinda on each of the respective vehicles, Who these characters are, I personally don't know as I usually watch people with laser guns, guns, spaceships or action heroes blow things up. But if you are a fan of musicals and all things magical, Wicked is for you. The cars however, I can drive to and from magical places (if you're one of those fellas that think a nice B-road is magical then you're like me).

SAIC MOTOR MALAYSIA ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL PRICING FOR THE NEW MG HS SUV STANDARD AND LUX VARIANTS - RM129,900 Onwards with an introductory offer of RM5,000



SAIC Motor Malaysia recently announced the official pricing for the all-new MG HS SUV now available in both Standard and Lux variants with attractive starting prices of RM129,900 and RM145,900 respectively. I have to say that this adds more variety to the Malaysian SUV segments in the below RM150K range and things will really heat up. And at the moment, I prefer either an ICE or internal combustion engines or hybrids over full electric for a purchase, and this hits the spot. Especially with a turbocharged petrol engine. 


Monday, October 21, 2024

Stellantis Malaysia officially opens Allure Auto Old Klang Road - Their First Multi-Brand Dealership in Malaysia

Stellantis Malaysia together with dealers Allure Auto Sdn Bhd, has officially opened Allure Auto Old Klang Road. This is the second showroom since Stellantis Malaysia took over as principal, and the first multi-brand showroom in the country. The dealership will house new Peugeot models with the recently launched Leapmotor brand and its all-new electric SUV, the Leapmotor C10. More than a brand at a showroom and with many more brands under the Stellantis line-up, we may see even more than two brands in the near future if things go well.

JAC Motors officially made its appearance with Electric and ICE vehicles - i40EV, i75EV, and i90EV trucks, Euro IV-compliant diesel N50 and N80 trucks, Euro V n120 truck & T9 BEV and T9 Diesel 2.0 CTI pickup truck now available



JAC Motors, an established automotive manufacturer in China, are now in Malaysia directly. Prior to this, they had been working with its local partner has decided to come into Malaysia fully. Coming in with a bang, of sorts, JAC Motors Malaysia has launched an quite an impressive lineup of light commercial electric vehicles (EVs), the availability of diesel powered trucks and the upcoming launch of the premium T9 pick-up (in both diesel and BEV variants) in January 2025, 

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Stellantis Malaysia has launched the all-new electric Leapmotor C10 SUV in Malaysia - Early bird offer is RM10,000 off UNTIL 30th November 2024


Earlier today, I attended the launch of Stellantis' Leapmotor brand here in Malaysia. Stellantis Malaysia had launched its first new energy brand, Leapmotor with its first global product, the all-new electric C10 SUV at the Exchange Mall in TRX Kuala Lumpur. This launch is a milestone for Leapmotor International, which is a 51:49 joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor of China and one that is focused on growing global sales of high-tech, cost-efficient Chinese new energy vehicles (NEVs) outside of Greater China.