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Integrated logistics service provider, Swift Haulage Berhad, has taken delivery of 10 new Volvo trucks as part of its fleet expansion programme. The 10 Volvo FM 440 prime movers are part of an order for 30 units placed by Swift. The company will continue to take delivery of new trucks over the next year.

Swift Haulage_Logistics Provider_IndustriesSwift is said to be Malaysia’s largest haulier by fleet size and TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit) volume. Swift owns a fleet of over 1,500 prime movers and handles over 600,000 TEUs annually. Started in 2011 in the container haulage business, Swift has since grown to become Malaysia’s leading integrated logistics service provider, offering logistics solutions ranging from container haulage, land transportation, warehousing and container depot, and freight forwarding services.

The purchase of 30 new Volvo FM440 prime movers is part of Swift’s ongoing expansion exercise. These prime movers will be strategically deployed to support the newly extended warehouse in Seberang Prai, Penang and the expansion in Taiping with new branch operations. The warehouse extension has added 107,000 square feet of capacity and is in operation (Certificate of Completion and Compliance – CCC was obtained in March 2022).

L-R: Amanda Ng, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Logistics, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Loo Yong Hui, Group Chief Executive Officer, Swift Haulage Berhad; Yee Chun Han, National Sales Manager, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Tracy Neoh, Executive Director (Northern Region), Swift Haulage Berhad.
L-R: Amanda Ng, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Logistics, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Loo Yong Hui, Group Chief Executive Officer, Swift Haulage Berhad; Yee Chun Han, National Sales Manager, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Tracy Neoh, Executive Director (Northern Region), Swift Haulage Berhad.

“April 2022 has truly been an eventful month. Our newly expanded Seberang Prai Warehouse has started operations, our Taiping office has opened, and we took delivery of 10 Volvo FM440 prime movers. The handover of the prime movers from Volvo Trucks Malaysia is timely as it coincides with the commencement of operations in our Seberang Prai Warehouse. We plan our fleet expansions strategically so that we are able to serve our customers better. The additional warehouse capacity will be well supported by the additional Volvo prime movers, leading to better service levels and increased customer satisfaction,” said Mr. Loo Yong Hui, Group CEO of Swift Haulage Berhad.

”Swift has been using Volvo prime movers since 2013. This has made Volvo Trucks Malaysia a reliable partner to Swift over the years as we shared a joint belief in the highest standards of safety, efficiency and reliability. Looking to the future, Swift will continue to expect and demand the highest standards in product quality and aftersales service whilst keeping an eye on Volvo’s technological strides in electro mobility,” he added.

Volvo Trucks Malaysia_Tony O'Connell_Managing DirectorVolvo Trucks continues to raise the bar in product offerings, service excellence, and cost efficiency and taking a customer-focused approach. “When we encounter ambitious partners that demand the very best in the highest standards of what we take pride in safety and technology for the future, Volvo Trucks is more than eager to rise to the occasion. We take great pride in building sustainable relationships of trust that last and we are proud to be by Swift’s side today and for the years to come,” said Anthony O’Connell, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks Malaysia.

Volvo FM_Truck_ContainerThe two companies are looking at sustainability in not just performance and market delivery, but also electro mobility in the future. “Swift is a prestigious customer in the logistics and transportation segment and they have high expectations on safety and product quality when it comes to their selection and choice of transportation partners. We are honoured to be Swift’s choice and we are truly humbled and grateful for your continued trust in adding 30 units of Volvo Trucks to your fleet. We are proud to share your ambitions and aspirations for the future; driving forward as one,” added Anthony.

 

The iconic 2-door roadster, the Mazda MX-5 has been updated for 2022 to improve driving dynamics. The rear-wheel-drive MX-5 RF variant now features Kinematic Posture Control (KPC), a unique engineering design that is exclusive to this model. Available in both the automatic and manual variants of the MX-5, this new technology aims to further enhance the connection between the driver and the car, enabling more of that Jinba-Ittai feeling of “one-ness” that Mazda is known for.

The MX-5’s rear suspension has been designed to generate an “anti-lift” force which pulls the car’s body downwards when the brakes are applied. KPC takes full advantage of the characteristics of this suspension and applies slight braking to the inner rear wheel when cornering under conditions with high G-force. This action suppresses body roll and pulls the vehicle down to stabilise posture for better ride comfort and stability.

The Mazda MX-5 RF (RF = Retractable Fastback) is designed and engineered with Mazda’s human-centric development philosophy that instills the joy of driving. With its “KODO: the Soul of Motion” design that emphasises beautiful proportions with flowing lines, the MX-5 is winner of the 2017 Red Dot Award for Best of the Best Design.

Mazda MX-5 RF_FrontThe MX-5 RF is a pure driver’s car – well-balanced, lightweight, with an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and nimble handling that give the driver an engaging experience on the road. The roadster is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.0L engine that delivers 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque. It is available with a choice of a 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic with paddle shifters for manual shifting, as well as a 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive manual transmission with limited slip differential; both have cruise control. The manual version has a higher top speed of 220 km/h (200 km/h for the auto) but consumes slightly more petrol i.e. 6.8 l/100km vs 6.7 l/100km of the auto. Naturally, the AT variant is slightly heavier than the MT (1,137 kg vs 1,111 kg).

Physically, both variants are the same, featuring a double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear, and front ventilated discs and rear solid discs. Tyres are 205/45 R17 in size.

All other specifications remain unchanged including the Wireless Apple CarPlay via a 7″ infotainment touchscreen, and a host of i-Activsense safety features such Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).

The 2022 Mazda MX-5 RF is imported CBU (completely built up) from Japan and available in Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Gray, Deep Crystal Blue and Jet Black exterior colours.

Retail price starts from RM265,964, inclusive of the 50% Sales Tax Reduction (SST) on CBU models (valid until 30 June 2022).

All new Mazda vehicles (except the BT-50) come with a 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty with 5 years of Free Maintenance according to manufacturer’s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants. Both Manufacturer Warranty and Free Maintenance cover the vehicle for a period of 5 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.

Go by City Energy is the latest EV charging service to start a cross-border EV charging network and extend the range of electric driving. Operated by City Energy Go Pte Ltd, it is the first to offer EV charging service in Malaysia and Singapore within a single mobile application for seamless convenience. City Energy Go is a subsidiary of City Energy, Singapore’s sole piped town gas provider.

L-R: Perry Ong with  Lee Yuen How signed the cross-border partnership.
L-R: Perry Ong with
Lee Yuen How signed the cross-border partnership.

Formerly called City Gas, the 160-year-old company was rebranded as City Energy in December 2021 as it pivots to provide new energy solutions beyond its core piped gas service to homes and businesses in Singapore. Under the new branding, Go, the EV service provider finances, operates and maintains a network of EV charging stations, supported by its mobile app. It has a strategic partnership with EV Connection Sdn Bhd to extend charging connectivity into Malaysia. With this partnership, EV drivers can access EV Connection’s network of charge points in Malaysia from 19 April 2022 via the Go app.

EV Connection is one of Malaysia’s pioneers in electric vehicle charging solutions and an authorised EV charging station distributor registered with Suruhanjaya Tenaga, CIDB, Tenaga Nasional Berhad and MyHijau. EV Connection is also a TÜV SÜD certified EV charger installer, and works with numerous auto manufacturers. Founder of EV Connection and Managing Director of JomCharge, Mr. Lee Yuen How said “EV Connection strives to provide practical solutions to spearhead the green industry here in Malaysia. This groundbreaking strategic partnership with Go by City Energy allows both Singapore and Malaysia EV drivers to extend their range across both countries for maximum connectivity and convenience.”

“Go will be the first service in Singapore that extends EV charging capabilities into Malaysia, providing an added convenience for drivers on both sides of the Causeway as well as up and down the North-South Highway. We are confident that both consumers and real estate developers will take advantage of the total value we offer for greener and smarter living,” said City Energy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Perry Ong.

Go by City Energy_AC and DC EV Charging StationCity Energy is also leveraging its long-established relationships with real estate developers from its gas business to develop EV charge points in condominiums. With the first chargers available at Parc Botannia at Fernvale for a start, more standard AC chargers and faster DC chargers will be available for residents at another 11 private condominiums i.e. Olloi in Marine Parade (May 2022), Jadescape in Marymount (July2022), Parc Komo in Changi (Q1 2023), Van Holland in Holland Village (April2023), Kopar at Newton in Newton (Jan 2024), The M Condo in Bugis (Q1 2024), Forett at Bukit Timah in Bukit Timah (October2024), North Gaia in Yishun (January2025), The Arden in Bukit Batok (January2026), A Treasure Trove in Punggol and North Park Residences in Yishun.

“We are proud to partner City Energy for their first installation of Go charge points in our residential development Parc Botannia at Fernvale, and our upcoming executive condominium North Gaia in Yishun. Both properties are inspired and surrounded by nature, making them the ideal locations for conscious green living with the comfort of timeless modern design,” said Mr Lee Sze Hao, CEO, Sing Holdings Limited. “The EV charging services provided by Go for both projects are essential solutions for the next generation of Singapore living.”

The Malaysian section of this charging network currently spans the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, between Johor Bahru and Penang island.JomCharge_Go by City Energy_Malaysia EV Charging Points Watch the video to see how the Go app works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQWHgkzVKXQ

If you are running a seasonal business for Hari Raya Aidilfitri but don’t have a vehicle big enough to help you deliver all your goods, the consider getting a TREVO. TREVO is Malaysia’s leading app-based people-to-people (P2P) car rental marketplace with a wide range of vehicle options to suit your needs. It is running a promotion this Ramadan for people who need a suitable vehicle to move around in, whether for business or pleasure. You could be delivering homemade Raya goodies, or visiting a Ramadan bazaar, or meeting up with friends for buka puasa.

With TREVO’s All-day-time promo, you can enjoy 25% off your booking (capped at RM100) with a minimum spend of RM300, at any time with the promo code BERSYUKUR25. Just make sure you book at least 12 hours in advance. Each TREVO Guest can make a 2nd booking with the code.

Another option is TREVO’s Night-time promo. This offers 30% off your booking (capped at RM135) with a minimum spend of RM330 for trips between 2 PM and 10 PM. To enjoy this offer, you can use the promo code BERSYUKUR30. Also, please make sure to book at least 9 hours in advance for this one. Each Guest can also make a 2nd booking with the code. These promotions are valid until 30 April 2022.

Drive Now Pay Later For Your TREVO Trip

You now also have the choice to book and drive a TREVO car first and then pay later. This PayLater by Grab option is now available in the TREVO app. This allows you to pay interest-free installments to drive a TREVO car. To activate this, you will need to make a booking of at least RM400.

To learn more about TREVO, visit: https://trevo.my/, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevoMY/ or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevomy/

Recently, the Chery Group officially lauched the Anhui New Energy Vehicles and Intelligent Connected Vehicles Industry Research Institute in its home province as a strategic step forward for Chery to strengthen its technological development and innovation on a new generation of vehicles. From years of continuous hard work on fossil-fuelled vehicles, Chery will be making use of this new research lab to expedite its foray into new energies, intelligent connections, shared transit platforms and ecologies.

Chery_AntBased on the China (Anhui) New Energy and Intelligent Connected Vehicles Technology Development and Public Service Platform, the research institute will help drive technological breakthroughs in new energy vehicles as well as intelligent connected vehicles. The facility is made up of an automotive research institute and an industrial incubation centre. It will also assume such functions as platform and powertrain development, and house the Chery STELLAR Laboratory and proving grounds for self-driving vehicles, amongst others.

The Chery Group will be putting more focus on the development of new energy and intelligent connection. Chery is dedicating itself to the development of an intelligent electric platform, a high-performance platform and a hybrid-electric platform. It will also be involved in the further development of battery, motor and electric control systems and its related software, including in charging / swapping battery technologies as well as over-the-air (OTA) technology and big data architecture.

Chery_OMODA 5_SUVChery currently has 6 major research and development centres located in North America, Europe and Shanghai. More than 14,000 of over 23,000 patent applications submitted by the company have been granted, including nearly a third of the innovation patents. Furthermore, Chery has topped the China (Anhui) Top 100 invention patent rankings for 8 consecutive years and has undertaken over 170 programmes including the National Key Technology R&D Programme and National Basic Research Programme.

Chery’s resurgence in Malaysia will be starting with the OMODA 5 SUV.

The sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), is running an aftersales promotion to help Ford owners get ready for ‘balik kampung‘. “As we settle in to a new way of living with COVID-19 in the endemic phase, we must all continue to take precautions to stay safe. With our Ford customers planning to ‘balik kampung’ and travel for the upcoming Raya holidays, we hope this service promotion will help them stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

“At the same time, we urge everyone to remain vigilant in practising safe distancing, continue wearing their masks especially in enclosed and confined spaces, in addition to keeping good personal hygiene,” he added.

The Ford Raya Aftersales promotion will run from 15 April to 31 May 2022.

With this aftersales campaign, Ford owners who book a service during this period get to enjoy savings of up to 20% on lubricant, timing and brake packages1. This is in addition to the 10% savings on labour fees for these packages. You can also save up to 20% on selected parts1.

Other offers include add-on services such as alignment and balancing, basic air conditioning service, polishing and sanitisation1.Ford_Raya Aftersales_Discounts

Furthermore, customers who spend a total of RM1,000 and above on any of these Raya campaign offers, and other selected services, will receive a free exclusive sports bag2. For added peace-of-mind, all Ford owners can take advantage of the free 27-point vehicle inspection conducted by Ford-certified technicians to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top condition. Moreover, all service customers will also be given free Ford Raya packets (while stocks last).

SDAC_Ford_Engine Oil Change_Lubricant PackageCustomers of SDAC can be assured that only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are used when servicing at any Ford Authorised Service Centres nationwide. Further, with Genuine Ford Parts, you can be certain of the highest standards of quality, fit and finish as the parts are specifically designed for Ford vehicles to ensure optimal performance. The parts are also covered by a warranty of 12 months or 20,000 km, whichever occurs first (wear and tear parts excluded).

For added assurance, all Ford Authorised Service Centres are staffed and equipped only with Ford-certified technicians and diagnostic tools.

For Ford Ranger owners, they can take up the Ford Extended Warranty PremiumCare Plan for more worry-free adventures and road trips. This plan allows you to enjoy 2 additional years of coverage against unexpected repair costs after the standard 5-year warranty expires.

Additionally, Ford Ranger customers can also enjoy a 4-in-1 accessories package deal priced at RM1,628 to personalise their lifestyle companion. Alternatively, they can choose to purchase individual accessories based on their preferences. The full set is suitable for Ranger XL, XLT & XLT Plus variants.

Ford_Showroom_Service CentreTo book a service appointment, the online option via the Ford website offers you the convenience to do it at any time and choose your desired or closest Ford Authorised Service Centre. For 5 authorised service centres i.e. Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth and Ford Kuching, the real-time e-Service appointment booking option is available. This allows you to immediately know available time slots as well as select and confirm your preferred schedule (up to 1 month in advance).

Click here to make a service appointment booking online.

Alternatively, you can make an appointment with your preferred Ford Authorised Service Centre, the locations of which can be found here.

For more information regarding the promotion, Ford Extended Warranty Plan and Ranger accessories available, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

1 Terms and conditions apply and applicable to selected Ford models
2 In a single invoice and while stocks last

All new Volvo car models will now have available an over-the-air (OTA) software update capability, according to the company. This key technology however, will only feature in new Volvos from model year 2023 onwards.

Volvo Cars_Over-the-Air OTA Updates_GoogleThe OTA capability now comes to the latest XC90, S60 and V60 models and follows the technology’s introduction on Volvo Cars’ fully electric cars. This means that the company’s full portfolio can now receive an update of the car’s complete operating system over the air (only selected XC40 variants have this feature). This is aimed to deliver on Volvo Cars’ ambition of making customers’ cars continuously better and cementing its position as one of the industry leaders when it comes to updating car software over the air. OTA updates will be more convenient for owners as they do not have to make time to go to a service centre for the updating. It will also free up service centre resources to focus on repairs and maintenance.

Volvo owners will get an upgrade of their infotainment system to the latest version of Android Automotive OS, Android 11. They will also get access to new app categories on the Google Play Store, including navigation, charging and parking, while video streaming is expected to be added later in the year.

Tech Moment - Core computingAdditionally, the latest OTA update brings feature improvements for the vehicles, ranging from better energy management through improved climate timers and updates to mobile app functionality and in-car applications.

The energy management improvements help to maintain appropriate battery during both cold and warm days, boosting driving range. The Volvo Cars app also receives more frequent updates from the car on the charging percentage during an ongoing session.

The latest OTA update is the company’s 8th complete car update and will reach more than 190,000 Volvo cars across the globe. This latest release also marks the debut of OTA updates in several new markets around the globe, including India, Taiwan and New Zealand, after expansion to markets such as South Korea, Australia, Thailand and Singapore earlier in the year, taking the total volume of cars updated higher. Fear not, Malaysia is also included in this.

Henrik Green - Chief technology officer“By making all Volvo models able to receive over-the-air updates, we make important progress towards our ambition of making our customers’ cars better every day,” said Henrik Green, chief product officer at Volvo Cars. “This is a significant milestone: we’re now updating cars of all models in a majority of our markets, bringing the benefits of remote continuous updates to an ever increasing number of customers.”

Illustration of YouTube in the Volvo C40.
Illustration of YouTube in the Volvo C40.

Through in-house development of software and OTA updates, Volvo Cars continuously adds new features and improves existing functionalities. Since the beginning of last year, Volvo Cars has been offering OTA updates on a regular basis in the majority of Volvo markets, and the company expects the volume of cars covered by such updates to grow with every new update. The company also revealed that it will offer its infotainment system with Google apps and services such as Google Assistant and Google Maps built-in across all new models, continuing the rollout of one of the best in-car infotainment platforms on the market.

Volvo Cars’ infotainment system is jointly developed with Google and brings Volvo customers a user-friendly interface, unparalleled connectivity and access to well-known apps and services.

* Availability of the features and services mentioned above may differ between markets.

Global sales of Porsche is down slightly in the first quarter of 2022. In the past 3 months, Porsche delivered 68,426 vehicles to customers worldwide, a 5% decline compared to the previous year. This performance however, is somewhat expected given the market conditions. “In light of the exceptional circumstances affecting the wider automotive industry, our sales teams and dealers performed well in the first quarter,” said Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “The resurgence of the coronavirus in some regions such as China, coupled with ongoing significant supply and logistical challenges, have put us to the test. At the same time, our products continue to be in high demand among customers worldwide – equally in Europe, the Americas and China.”

In Europe, Porsche delivered 22,791 vehicles in the first quarter of 2022, a year-on-year growth of 18%; the same period in 2021 had also been a strong one for the brand. Numbers were also up in its home market of Germany, with 6,925 deliveries (+16%). It was however a different story in China, the largest single market for Porsche. Last quarter, it made just 17,685 deliveries (-20%), mainly due to the renewed outbreak of the coronavirus that resulted in the closure of Porsche Centres in some regions as well as logistics challenges.

Porsche_ShowroomIn the Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East, a total of 28,991 vehicles were delivered to Porsche customers. Porsche Asia Pacific (covering Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, New Zealand, Cambodia, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Mongolia) in particular, experienced its strongest 1st quarter yet with a robust 23% year-on-year increase in deliveries for the quarter. This was despite Q1 2021 deliveries in the region also reaching all-time highs. This positive result continues the steady momentum seen throughout the region, as Porsche Asia Pacific registered its best-ever result in 2021 in terms of deliveries.

In the USA, 13,042 Porsches were delivered despite supply and transit issues affecting multiple automotive brands. This compares to the best 1st quarter ever in the previous year.

Porsche Cayenne_3.0 V6_Side View_MalaysiaSUVs remain Porsche’s most demanded product – the company delivered a total of 19.029 Porsche Cayenne last quarter, while deliveries of the Macan came to 18,329. Meanwhile, the all-electric Porsche Taycan went to 9,470 customers. The sports car icon, the 911, followed closely with 9,327 deliveries, while 7,735 units of the Panamera went to customers. The remainder is made up of the 718 Boxster and Cayman (4,536 units).

Detlev von Platen_Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing_Porsche AG“We remain guarded as we move into the second quarter, particularly in light of the armed conflict in Ukraine, which we view with consternation and concern for those involved. The health and safety of the people are paramount. The impact on our business activities is being continuously reviewed and assessed by our task force of experts. In spite of all this, we remain optimistic in our overall outlook and won’t be making any compromises when it comes to creating emotive and unique experiences for our customers,” said Detlev von Platen.

PORSCHE AG Deliveries     January – March
2021  2022  Difference 
    Worldwide 71,986 68.426 -5% 
    Europe 19,389 22,791 +18%
        Germany 5,957 6,925 +16%
    Americas 20,468 16,644 -19%
        USA 17,368 13,042 -25%
    Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East 32,129 28,991 -10%
        China 21,991 17,685 -20%

UMW Toyota Motor recorded a positive growth in sales for both the Toyota and Lexus brands in March 2022. With total monthly sales of 8,487 vehicles, Malaysia’s top non-national automotive distributor sees the year ahead as encouraging.

Last month, the company sold 8,386 Toyota and 101 Lexus vehicles, with a cumulative first quarter sales hitting 22,447 units. It projects that sales will continue in this upward trend. In February, it had sold a total of 6,432 vehicles, comprised of 6,366 units of Toyota and 66 of Lexus.

The increase in sales for Toyota is mainly down to the attractive promotions offered for such bestsellers as the Vios and Yaris. The company also anticipates a further boost in sales with its upcoming new product launches later in the year offering good value for money, along with top-of-the-line security features and enhanced performance.

Assembly Services Sdn Bhd_ASSB_Bukit Raja_Main Entrance_UMW Toyota Motor_Factory“We are constantly reviewing and adapting to the changing circumstances and uncertainties. Toyota has always been known for our proficiency in supply chain management and risk mitigation measures. Leveraging on these experiences, we are working closely with our suppliers and monitoring the developments closely to ensure minimal impact to our production and our customers,” commented Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor on the challenges of the global parts supply shortage.

Toyota_Pandu Uji & Menang Duit Raya“As Malaysia transitions towards the endemic phase, UMW Toyota Motor is appreciative of the support we have received from our customers throughout these unprecedented times. We remain committed towards achieving continuous growth for the Toyota brand as well as for the local automotive industry through our cutting-edge innovative product and solution offerings. As we transform towards sustainable mobility, Toyota aims to leave no one behind as we continue to be at the forefront in offering value for money innovations equipped with technological advancements and state-of-the-art safety features across all our products,” he added.

Toyota_Showroom Weekender_PromotionsIn conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, UMW Toyota Motor is running a “Pandu Uji dan Menang Duit Raya” contest from now until 1 May 2022. Toyota enthusiasts are encouraged to drop by any Toyota showroom and test drive any Toyota model for some ‘duit raya’. Each test drive is a contest entry to win ‘duit raya’ worth RM100 while a test drive and successful booking stands a chance to receive RM200 ‘duit raya’. A total of 30 winners will be selected to receive ‘duit raya’ weekly.

Additionally, Toyota will continue its ‘Bersama Lebih Bermakna’ Raya celebrations with the Ramadan Weekender, on 16 – 17 April, at all Toyota outlets nationwide. You can indulge in great ‘bulan puasa’ deals and value added offers at any Toyota authorised showroom.

Toyota 3S Dealership_Otomobil Sejahtera_CyberjayaUMW Toyota Motor also took the opportunity to launch a new 3S centre in Cyberjaya, to provide better body and paint facilities and a new service centre to customers in the area. Operated by Otomobil Sejahtera Sdn Bhd, the centre will have complete facilities consisting of sales, services and spare parts.

“We at UMW Toyota believe that it is our responsibility to provide the best experience for Toyota customers at each touch point. From the point of purchase, to the aftersales service, and on to their next repurchase, it is important that they feel the Toyota touch at every step. This new 3S service centre is just our way of bringing our brand closer to our customers, wherever they may be, while ensuring they have seamless access to our services whenever they need them,” said Ravindran K.

For more information, visit toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line: 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Last month, March 2022, Isuzu Malaysia achieved a milestone with its D-Max pickup truck with the highest ever monthly sales record since its inception in 2005. A total of 1,233 registrations of the 3rd generation Isuzu D-Max were recorded in March. This was partly enhanced by a generous shipment received, to address the company’s backlog of orders. The company’s previous sales record was 885 units, recorded in December 2014 following the introduction of the highly-popular 3.0L V-Cross variant.

Isuzu D-Max Auto Plus_Kenkichi SogoAccording to Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Kenkichi Sogo, the ramped-up deliveries from the factory enabled Isuzu Malaysia to relieve waiting time for some of the customers. “As a customer-centric brand where our owners depend on Isuzu vehicles to serve them faithfully, our priority was to hasten supply to meet the increased demand for this highly-popular and versatile pick-up truck,” said Sogo. “I wish to thank our customers who have eagerly and patiently waited for their brand new Isuzu D-Max. We hope to continue ramping up supplies over the coming months to further reduce the waitlist for our vehicles,” he added.

Isuzu D-Max_1.9 PremiumSupply was increased through additional allocation from the factory and the top variant delivered in March was of the 1.9L Premium Auto variant; around 350 units of this were delivered to their owners. The D-Max 1.9L Premium Auto variant is a popular choice among Malaysian buyers, offering desirable features i.e. stylish design, excellent driving performance, premium interior as well as the lowest road tax in its segment.

Additionally, the company managed to deliver about 163 units of the popular flagship X-Terrain variant. This is despite it being one of the most popular models globally which has limited stock. This variant has highly-advanced safety and comfort features and has proven to be a prime choice for users who want a more deluxe pickup truck.Isuzu D-Max_Interior_Steering_Dashboard_Touchscreen

Isuzu Malaysia_Shunsuke Okazoe_CEOIncoming Chief Executive Officer, Shunsuke Okazoe, underlined the need to prioritise customer satisfaction through improved sales and aftersales efforts. Having served in various international postings in Japan, America, India and Thailand, he has held positions in corporate and sales planning and said that his priority for Malaysia will be to strengthen the Isuzu network and build greater customer satisfaction.

“While Isuzu Malaysia is still a relatively young company, our customer base has grown significantly in the past 17 years. Isuzu’s strong brand reputation, dependable product line-up and a strong support network has helped us create a very strong platform for growth. Our immediate aim therefore will be to enhance our support system in tandem with the growing population of Isuzu customers,” said Okazoe, who holds a law degree from Kyushu University, and has been involved in the Isuzu business for the past 26 years.

Isuzu Malaysia currently has 54 authorized dealerships strategically located around the country in populated centres. The company is looking to embark on a network enhancement exercise to ensure customers enjoy a more comprehensive experience in a conducive and comfortable environment.

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