The Year That Was – 2009
With 2010 but a day away, let’s look back at the year of 2009, and recall some defining moments of the local and international auto scene.
January
– Mercedes-Benz E-class (W212) makes world debut at Detriot Motor Show
– BMW Malaysia launches F02 7-series
– Nasim Sdn Bhd launches Peugeot 308
February
– Chris Bangle leaves BMW, Adrian van Hooijdonk replaces
– SDAC launches facelifted Ford Focus
– Audi launches R8 5.2 FSI quattro & A4 allroad quattro
– Sanjeev Garg appointed as CEO of Hicom-Chevrolet
– Nasim Sdn Bhd launches facelifted Peugeot 407
– Proton launches Satria Neo CPS
– Honda Malaysia launches Stream RSZ
– Naza Italia appointed official Maserati distributor for Malaysia
March
– Geneva Motor Show
– Mercedes unveils E-class (W212) Coupe and SLR Stirling Moss, begins leaking details of SLS AMG
– Honda Malaysia launches facelifted Civic
– Torino Motors launch Fiat Bravo 1.4 GT (A)
– Naza Italia opens largest Ferrari & Maserati showroom in Asia
April
– Jensen Button wins Malaysian GP
– Toru Takahashi replaces Atsushi Fujimoto as Honda Malaysia boss
– Proton Exora launched
– BMW X5 M and X6 M make world debuts
May
– Hyundai Sime-Darby Motor becomes sole Hyundai distributor in Malaysia
– Sime Darby Auto ConneXion launches Ford Ranger facelift, opens new Alfa 3S Centre
– Asian Festival of Speed 2009
June
– Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia launches Pajero Sport
– Sepang 1,000km endurance race
– Bermaz launches Mazda3 Sport
– SDAC launches Ford Escape
– UMW Toyota launches Vios TRD Sportivo
– International Engine of the Year 2009 winners announced
– BMW Malaysia launches Z4
– Super GT International Series Malaysia
– Volvo Malaysia launches XC 60
July
– Proton launches Saga SE and Exora M/T
– Isuzu Malaysia unveils facelifted D-Max
– World debut of BMW X1
– Honda launches Accord 2.0 VTi-L
– 1st Autoworld Safety & Defensive Driving Course
– Perodua phases out Kancil, launches Viva 660 BX and Viva Elite
– Formula Drift Singapore
– HSDM launches Hyundai i30
– Naza Italia launches Ferrari California
– Tan Chong launches Nissan 370Z and Murano
– MMM launches Lancer & Grandis facelifts
August
– 2nd Autoworld/TOC I Love My Car Workshop
– UMW Toyota launches Prius
– HSDM facelifts Hyundai Grand Starex Royale
- Sisma Auto launches Jaguar XK-R and XF-R
– Bentley Mulsanne makes world debut
– Tyrepac Malaysia launched
– SDAC launches Alfa Mito
September
– RON 95 petrol & Euro 2M diesel officially sold in Malaysia
-Toyota Camry & Mitsubishi Triton facelifts launched
– Frankfurt Motor Show – debuting cars include Maserati Gran Cabrio, Volvo C70 & C30, Audi A2 1.2 TFSI, A3 1.2 TFSI, A4 3.0 TDI & S5 Sportback, Hyundai Blue Drive, Fisker Karma, VW Golf BlueMotion, Passat BlueMotion & Polo BlueMotion, and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
– Autoworld.com.my Facelifted!
October
– BMW Malaysia launches four Advanced Diesel models – 320d Sports, 520d Sports Edition, X3 xDrive20d Exclusive Edition & 730Ld
– Nasim announces Gurun assembly of Peugeot T33 sedan, opens 3S centre in Kuching.
– Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches Proven Exclusivity pre-owned cars programme
– Volvo S40 2.0i Powershift launched for Malaysia
– Tokyo Motor Show
– VW Passat CC & Scirocco officially available in Malaysia
– Naza-Kia launches Picanto
November
– Aminar Rashid Salleh appointed to replace Syed Hafiz as Perodua MD
– Honda Malaysia launches facelifted Stream RSZ (yes, again) & Civic Type R
– Autoworld 10th Anniversary Go-Kart Challenge held together with 2nd Autoworld Safety & Defensive Driving Course
– Naza-Kia launches Forte
– Perodua launches Alza MPV
– BMW F10 5-series world premiere
– Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches W212 E-class
– SDAC launches Ford Mondeo
– New Audi A8 world premiere
December
– Naza-Kia appoints Syed Hisham Syed Wazir as COO
– Goodyear Formula Drift Malaysia 2009
