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Sole distributor of Kia in Malaysia, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, has announced that the all-new Kia Carnival flagship MPV will have an official retail price of RM196,340.80 (on the road without insurance). Available in just 1 variant, it is fully imported from South Korea. The company currently only has the price for Peninsular Malaysia; the prices for East Malaysia will be revealed once they are confirmed.

The single variant of the 11-seater Carnival is powered by a 2.2L turbo diesel engine that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and controlled by an electronic shifter. The engine is capable of 199 hp @ 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm of torque from @ 1,750 rpm – 2,750 rpm. The claimed fuel consumption is 6.5 L/100km and the recommended fuel for the 72-litre tank is Euro 5 diesel.

Kia Carnival_Body StructureThe all-new Carnival MPV is in its 4th generation and built on the new N3 platform that offers a lighter, stronger structure, while providing a quieter ride. Key improvements include the expanded use of hot-stamped parts and ultra-high-strength steel to increase average tensile strength and torsional stiffness. This results in better driving dynamics. There is also greater application of sound absorbing and insulating materials to minimise road, wind, and engine noise. Meanwhile, aerodynamic improvements to the wheels, front bumper and side mirrors help to achieve better fuel economy.

Styled atop the new platform, the Carnival has a shorter front overhang with the base of the A-pillar moved backwards to create a longer hood. The increased wheelbase also gives the MPV a longer and more athletic silhouette, while affording greater cabin space. The Carnival also features a unique ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A- and B-pillars supporting the body-colored roof. The Carnival features a new ‘tiger face’ which extends across the width of the vehicle’s fascia and integrates the lamps in what Kia designers call ‘symphonic architecture’. The headlamps and LED daytime running lights form a unique light signature with the high-beam lamps integrated into the corner of the tiger nose grille, while the low-beam lamps sit separately at the outer edges. The DRLs sit between the lamps and wrap around the turn signals.

From the side, one of the stand-out features is a new eye-catching C-pillar signature design inspired the one on the new Sorento. The chrome fin, which wraps beneath the tapered rear windows and extends towards the tailgate, is finished with a subtle diamond pattern that is also reflected throughout the inside of the car. The use of 18″ wheels ensure the tyres don’t look undersized for this MPV.

Kia Carnival_Rear_Tail LampsAt the rear, the Carnival uses full-width lines to give a sense of stability and solidity. The rear combination lamps bear a similar theme to the front with a connecting light bar that spans the width of the liftgate. Above the light bar is a chrome line, which starts at the base of the new signature C-pillar and wraps around the base of the rear screen. Further enhancing its SUV-inspired design, the Carnival is finished off with a metallic lower skid plate, giving it a more robust appearance.

For its passengers, the Carnival offers a host of special and innovative features to make travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable. These include Smart Power Sliding Doors and Smart Power Liftgate, as well as Smart Key with one-button open / close functionality for rear sliding doors and liftgate. Other key features include a class-leading 12.3″ high resolution LCD Touchscreen Infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, multi-Bluetooth connectivity and up to 7 USB ports. These come in addition to the spaciousness for 11 people.

Standard safety features in the Carnival includes 7 SRS Airbags (Front Driver & Passenger, Driver Knee, Side and Curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points and Top Tethers as well as Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). In terms of advanced safety, the Carnival has Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA).

The all-new Kia Carnival come with 6 exterior colour choices i.e. Astra Blue, Silky Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, Panthera Metal and Flare Red.

It will be covered with a 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty (or up to 100,000 km, whichever comes first). It also comes with 5-Years Free Scheduled Maintenance (or up to 100,000 km, whichever comes first).

UMW Toyota Motor is expecting the carbon-neutral objective in the 12th Malaysia Plan to increase demand for environmentally responsible vehicles. The 12th Malaysia Plan focuses on setting the country as a carbon-neutral nation by 2050 and achieve sustainable growth. As such, the domestic market for sustainable mobility for 2022 and beyond is projected to increase in size.

Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid_GraphicWith its Hybrid Electric technology, Toyota is on-track with this green agenda. To-date, Toyota has sold more than 18 million hybrid vehicles globally, and offers 45 different Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) to consumers. One of these is the highly-anticipated UMW Toyota Motor’s first locally assembled hybrid vehicle the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. This model is scheduled for a local launch very soon.

“Malaysians are in support of green technology and environmental sustainability, and this is evident as the orders for the new Corolla Cross Hybrid are continuing to rise since we opened for bookings in October. This shows that sustainable mobility is the way forward as the world collectively shifts towards clean and renewable fuels, as well as innovative and intelligent vehicles,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

“The launch of the new Corolla Cross Hybrid will mark a significant milestone for UMW Toyota Motor which will also pave the way for the energy-efficient vehicle (EEV) manufacturing industry in Malaysia. As Toyota continues to innovate, we aspire to position EEVs as a mainstream in mobility in the near future,” added Takeyama.

Moving forward, UMW Toyota Motor expects to also lead the hybrid electric market. In 2021, the Toyota brand ended the year on a high note as the leading non-national brand in Malaysia. Its market leadership currently spans several categories including the overall non-national, B-segment, pick-up and hatchback categories. The Vios continues as Toyota’s bestselling model, accounting for 31% of total sales. Meanwhile, the Hilux remains the top pick-up choice for Malaysians, a rank held since 2005.

For 2021, UMW Toyota Motor sold 72,394 vehicles, surpassing the 2020 sales volume of 59,320 vehicles. In the last month of the year, it recorded sales of 9,289 vehicles, an increase of about 9% over its November performance.

Toyota Vios GR-S_Red Mica Metallic“We would like to thank Malaysians and our loyal customers for their continuous support towards our brand and choosing Toyota as their preferred road companion. We are driven by their love and passion towards our brand. Despite the most of 2021 being a rather challenging year for most sectors, including automotive, the team at Toyota showed resilience by continuously innovating to offer only the best mobility solutions to our customers who are eager to get back on the road upon the lifting of the lockdown in August,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K.

On 7 January 2022, the Ministry of Finance announced a RM1,000 voucher initiative to assist Malaysian car owners whose vehicles were damaged by the flood. This voucher is part of the Malaysian Family Flood Aid programme and Perodua is all for it and will accept it as a form of payment.

“We thank the government for their swift and generous act in helping flood victims in their time of need and Perodua welcome this new initiative as it further strengthen our efforts to help fellow Malaysians,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

This flood aid voucher for car owners can be used to claim against the repair of a water-damaged private vehicle, or towards the replacement of a vehicle deemed to be a total loss. Vehicle owners can immediately redeem the voucher which is available at participating automotive brand’s authorised service centres nationwide. A direct deduction will be made from the total cost of repairs or from the cost of replacing with a new vehicle through invoices that will be issued by service centres and authorised distributors.

According to a media release by the Ministry of Finance, the deadline for making use of the Automotive Discount Voucher is 31 March 2022.

“This voucher initiative, along with other financial assistance under the Malaysian Family Aid programme will go a long way in helping everyday Malaysians to quickly recover,” Dato’ Zainal added.

Perodua_Service Centre_Workshop_HoistHe said such efforts can be seen via Perodua Flood Assist Programme, launched on 19 December 2021, which has helped owners whose vehicles were damaged by the recent flood. “As of 10 January 2022, a total of 1,987 Perodua vehicles have been towed to Perodua 200 service centres located across Malaysia for evaluation and so far 323 unit have been repaired,” Dato’ Zainal said. “In fact, we have dedicated a flood repair hub in Shah Alam just to repair and restore Perodua vehicles that were damaged due to the recent flood”.

“Our immediate goal is to repair the flood damaged vehicles as quickly as possible as we understand that our customers truly need their Perodua vehicle for their day-to-day needs,” he commented.

The Perodua Flood Assist Programme consists of a 50% discount for standard parts, free labour for all parts replacement and repairs, and free 24-hour towing service via Perodua’s 1800-88-5555 hotline number (terms and conditions apply).

Alternatively, you can call the Perodua Customer Care Line at 1800-88-6600 for general enquiries.

Volvo Car Malaysia announced that its sales performance for 2021 was its highest ever since the establishment of the company. The company sold 2,229 vehicles in the year, a 14.3% increase over the previous. Last year also marks the 6th consecutive year of sales growth for the brand which is a positive sign for further growth.

This sales achievement also contained another milestone i.e. the company’s highest sales performance in a month on record. In December, it had sold 524 cars. Almost 73% of all new Volvo cars sold in Malaysia are its Recharge electrified models.

Volvo_Showroom_Dealership_Western Circle“We are proud of our record-breaking achievements in 2021. Despite a challenging year, we have gained customers’ confidence in providing them with the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way. The collective efforts of our dealers and staff have laid the groundwork for an electrifying 2022, encouraging us to charge towards our goal of becoming a fully electric car company by 2030,” said Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Volvo_PHEV_Charging PortGlobally, Volvo Cars sold a total of 698,693 vehicles in 2021, a growth of 5.6%. Of this total, its Recharge models made up about 27% of sales volume. The year-on-year increase by 63.9% of Volvo Cars’ Recharge models demonstrates the continued popularity of this line-up of cars with their choice of fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains. Almost 40% of all new Volvo cars sold in December were Recharge models, with the fully electric models making up 7.4% of this.

BMW Group Malaysia and one of its authorised dealers, Tian Siang Premium Auto, has jointly expanded the BMW i charging network in Penang. This partnership adds 3 new BMW i charging facilities in Penang – at The Prestige Hotel in George Town and the Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya.

BMW iX3_Charging Cable_Port“We have been working closely with our network of dealers as well as key stakeholders leading up to the introduction of BMW i in 2015 to ensure the necessary charging infrastructures are in place for the acceleration of electromobility in the country. We at BMW believe that the Future is Electric, and it is a shared responsibility between all parties including our dealer partners such as Tian Siang Premium Auto to keep driving electrified mobility forward in Malaysia,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

Tan Ka Kin, Dealer Principal of Tian Siang Premium Auto added, “The 3 new BMW i Charging facilities are added to the 10 existing facilities we introduced previously across Ipoh and Penang. As we continue to grow the charging infrastructure in these states, we look forward to strengthening the confidence in Electrified Mobility – to which we have seen progressively grow in the past few years.”

According to the General Manager of The Light Hotel, Raj Kumar, “there is no better time than now for our hotel to facilitate this lifestyle change for the current generation. By providing BMW i Charging facilities here, we hope to appeal to guests and future business prospects with a sustainable business practice that benefits the environment.”

Melvin Ooi, General Manager of The Prestige Hotel is also thrilled for the collaboration as it answers to a growing demand amongst their customers for charging infrastructure.

Previously, Tian Siang Premium Auto had introduced BMW i Charging facilities in Ipoh, at the WEIL Hotel as well as the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, and in Penang at the Gurney Paragon Mall and the Iconic Hotel. This initiative mirrors BMW Group Malaysia’s commitment to accelerate the adoption of electromobility in the country, which aligns with the country’s electrification goals for year 2022.

Exclusive distributor of Subaru in Malaysia, TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, is running a New Year promotion that offers attractive deals on the Subaru Forester and XV.

Subaru Forester GT Edition_ExteriorBuying a new Subaru Forester during this promotion period will get you rebates worth more than RM36,999. The Subaru Forester is priced from RM163,788 and is available in the following variants:

  • Forester 2.0i-L GT Lite Edition
  • Forester 2.0i-S
  • Forester 2.0i-S Eyesight
  • Forester 2.0i-S Eyesight GT Edition

This SUV comes with more than 100 safety features including:

  • 7 airbags
  • Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame
  • X-Mode
  • Ground clearance of 220 mm
  • Auto-retracting Pedals for Safety.

The New Year promotion package for the Forester is only available for selected model year units with a selection of colours such as Horizon Blue Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Jasper Green Metallic, Dark Grey Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica and Sepia Bronze Metallic.

For the recently-launched Subaru XV, the special promotion is worth up to RM10,000. The new Subaru XV facelift is priced from RM139,788, and is available in the following variants:

  • XV 2.0i-P with EyeSight
  • XV GT Edition with EyeSight

Subaru XV GT Edition_Headlights_DRL_Fog Light_GrilleThe new XV comes with a redesigned 17″ wheels, SI-DRIVE and Dual-Function X-MODE, a new front bumper and grille and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function.

The new Subaru XV 2.0i-P EyeSight and the new Subaru XV 2.0i-P EyeSight GT Edition are available in 6 colours i.e. Crystal Black Silica, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Blue Pearl, Pure White and Cool Grey Khaki.

Both the Forester and XV are built upon the 4 Subaru Core Technologies i.e. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer Engine, Subaru Global Platform, and the award-winning EyeSight Advanced Driver Assist Technology. Furthermore, the Forester and XV are covered by a 5-year comprehensive warranty, and a 3-year free service package.

This New Year promotion is available for a limited period only. Subaru showrooms are open for viewing, test drives and enquiries.

Flood Assistance

Subaru_Flood AssistanceMeanwhile, TC Subaru Sdn Bhd is calling on all Subaru owners who were affected by the recent flooding across several states. TC Subaru will assist affected Subaru owners during these challenging times.

All authorised Subaru service centres nationwide will be offering flood-affected Subaru owners 25% discount on all parts till 31 January 2022.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) is ushering in the Year of the Water Tiger by introducing new colours for the popular Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Mid and Nissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star.

The Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Mid variant now adds the new Monarch Orange colour option to its list. The X-Trail is equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) dynamic driving technologies such as Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist.

Meanwhile, the Nissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star has a new Radiant Red exterior colour. The roof is in black, giving the Serena a dual-tone theme. The Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid claims a best-in-class fuel economy of 14.2 km/L (NEDC R101). It is also equipped with innovative features such as the Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD), smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-readiness, and 7 USB ports.

Both the Monarch Orange X-Trail 2.0L Mid and the Radiant Red Nissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star are current year model stock (2022).

Nissan_CNY 2022 PromotionsETCM has also extended the attractive offer of 1.88% interest rate for selected Nissan models to 28 February 2022. This Chinese New Year campaign further rewards customers who purchase and register a Nissan vehicle an opportunity to participate and win Lazada vouchers of up to RM50,000*.

Additionally, those who test drive the Nissan Almera Turbo during this campaign period are also eligible to win a RM500* Watsons voucher.

For more information, visit www.nissan.com.my or call the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline (1800-88-3838).

* terms & conditions apply

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering deals for everyone in time for the festive season. The promotions cover its new cars as well as service and repairs.

On new cars, buyers can look forward to auspicious deals of RM1,000 ang pao rebate, RM3,500 eShowroom savings and sales tax exemption. These are applicable to the VW Arteon R-Line 4MOTION, the Passat Elegance, the Tiguan Allspace Highline, and the Tiguan Allspace R-Line.

Further, the Passat Elegance comes with a rebate of RM2,500 as well as 1 year’s worth of free petrol. VPCM also makes ownership easier with its offer of 3 years of free maintenance and 5 years of unlimited mileage warranty.

To make sure all VW owners enjoy a safe journey this upcoming festive season, VPCM is providing free vehicle checks at all its authorised service centres. VW owners can now conveniently schedule an appointment through the Volkswagen Cares app for the check as well as service and other jobs.

Volkswagen_Service Centre_Aftersales_Service Bay_Hoist_MalaysiaAdditionally, there is a complimentary car disinfectant kit for owners who spend a minimum of RM800 for any service from 13 January 2022 onwards. The gift is also available with ozone or mist treatment, as well as for those who replace HEPA or charcoal air-con filter.

Volkswagen also has an easy payment plan option for customers to spread the bill over 6 or 12 months at 0% interest rate (T&C applies) so as to make it more affordable for owners to service and repair their vehicle in time for the festive season.

All Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be organising a showroom event from 15 – 16 January for those interested in viewing the cars in person as well as test drives. Volkswagen’s CNY deals end on 28 February 2022.

Visit https://eshowroom.volkswagen.com.my/ or contact any authorised service centre to find out more.

Proton Edar_Roslan Abdullah_CEOPROTON had appointed Roslan Abdullah to the post of Deputy Chief Executive Officer to replace Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed. He started in his new capacity officially on 1 January 2022. Before taking this role, Roslan was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PROTON as well as Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar Sdn Bhd (PESB). He held these roles since 1 June 2020.

Prior to joining PROTON, Roslan was at Honda Malaysia as its President and Chief Operating Officer. All in, he has more than 3 decades of experience in the automotive sector, having also worked in Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (MODENAS), and ISUZU HICOM Malaysia.

Proton_Setia Gemilang 4S_Sungai Buloh“Roslan Abdullah has played a key role in supporting the leadership of PROTON and guiding the overall management of the business, particularly by strengthening the sales and marketing functions. I am confident we will be able to form a strong partnership to lead the company to greater heights,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON. Roslan has a Finance & Accountancy degree from the University of Brighton, United Kingdom.

His predecessor, Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, had officially retired on 31 December 2021. Dato’ Radzaif had held this position since 1 April 2016. He was instrumental in overseeing the eventual partnership between DRB-HICOM and Zhejiang Geely Holding. He also helped steer the company to its current standing.

L-R: Dr Li with Dato' Radzaif
L-R: Dr Li with Dato’ Radzaif

“PROTON would like to place on record our appreciation to Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed for his invaluable contribution and unwavering commitment towards our success. The importance of getting it right in the early days of the partnership with Geely has been critical towards the company’s turnaround thus far and his leadership during this period was invaluable,” added Dr Li Chunrong.

Lim TayarTREVO is partnering with Lim Tayar to offer TREVO Hosts and TREVO Guard Insurance customers special discounts on tyres and lubricants. As Malaysia’s largest people-to-people car-rental marketplace, TREVO is always exploring new ways of adding more value to its community of mobility users. In this instance, it is offering a key service benefit to its Hosts and TREVO Guard insurance customers. The partnership with Lim Tayar is especially timely as TREVO Hosts can expect an increase in guest demand for their car rentals during the festive period. Further, TREVO Guard customers will get to service their cars in time for their road trips.

This special promotion for the TREVO community includes:

  • If you’re hosting your car on TREVO or are protected by TREVO Guard, you get a 15% discount on tyre change and 15% – 30% discount on your engine lubricant change at Lim Tayar.
  • If you’re one of the first 30 TREVO Hosts or TREVO Guard customers to make a service appointment with Lim Tayar, you get a complimentary Buddy Driver to pick up your car for the service appointment and return the car when it’s done to a location of your choice. This is at no extra cost to you.

TREVO encourages its community to get their cars in tip-top condition given that many cars saw limited use in the past couple of years.

TREVO_Car Sharing - CopyAs a guest of the TREVO community, you will have access to more than 4,000 listed cars around Malaysia. As a TREVO Host, you can supplement your income by renting out your car on a high-demand marketplace. Additionally, the TREVO Guard insurance customer can enjoy cashback rewards and other benefits.

For more information on TREVO’s partnership with Lim Tayar, visit https://trevo.my/stories/campaigns/trevo-lim-tayar. To join the TREVO community, download the TREVO app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

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