Page 183

Groupe Renault has introduced its new “Mobilize” brand to target customers wanting to adopt more sustainable, or shared forms of mobility. This is one of the business units unveiled by the French carmaker as part of its “Renaulution” strategy.

Renault Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype (11)_Sustainable Mobility_Carbon NeutralMobilize will address new needs and promote sustainable energy ecosystems, in line with Groupe Renault’s target of carbon neutrality and ambition to develop value from the circular economy. To achieve this, Mobilize will look at new ways of transporting people and goods, either with or without a car. At the same time, the new mobility system aims to meet the expectations of end customers, companies, cities, and regional authorities.

The Mobilize unit will bring together Groupe Renault’s activities in mobility, energy, and data-related solutions while leveraging expertise from RCI Bank and Services. It will help foster partnerships and brand-new open ecosystems to bring significant advantages in timing and scaling-up, while also helping to solve the major challenges faced by the automotive industry:

  • Reduce the gap between car usage and cost as cars are currently left unused 90% of the time.
  • Improve residual value to prevent the value of new vehicles from falling by over 50% after 3 years.
  • Contribute to a zero CO2 footprint target.

Groupe Renault_Clotilde Delbos_CEO_Mobilize Brand“We are very excited to embrace the disruption of the automotive world shifting from ownership to usage, whenever and wherever you need it. Beyond automotive, Mobilize will offer a wide array of innovative services in the mobility, energy and data fields. With a variety of partners, our goal is to maximize car usage with simplified, more sustainable and accessible mobility journeys for people and goods, while reducing the environmental impact.” said Clotilde Delbos, CEO, Mobilize Brand.

Mobilize involves providing flexible mobility services for people and goods, adapted to the evolving expectations of customers, corporates, and municipalities. It has to address real-life issues and provide seamless solutions that are complementary to traditional models of car ownership. By promoting higher usage of goods through circular and sharing economies, the Mobilize system will thus contribute to a more sustainable future.

Mobilize plans to use the potential available at the over 6,000 Renault dealerships in Europe to offer mobility solutions, ranging from one minute of use to several years. It will also further leverage its existing portfolio of innovative mobility and energy start-ups to help co-create the best solutions for its customers.

As Group Renault has the expertise in vehicle design and manufacturing, including electric vehicles, Mobilize can capitalise on this competitive advantage to provide purpose-designed vehicles for its mobility services.

Renault Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype (6)_ConnectedFurthermore, Mobilize can benefit from dedicated engineering and design teams to propose a range of purpose-designed vehicles. Intended for heavy use, modular, robust, and 100% electric, these vehicles will fulfill the most critical needs of new mobility: car sharing, ride-hailing, last mile delivery and on-demand transit.

As part of a larger group, Mobilize can levarage on the Renault Software Factory, the Software République and other partners to develop leading-edge algorithms and data processing software, allowing better prediction of user-side demand and better vehicle allocation. This is to help increase the rate of car usage by at least 20%.

To ease fleet acquisitions of its vehicles, Mobilize will work with RCI Bank and Services, its privileged partner, to provide financing services and solution such as subscriptions, leases or pay-as-you-go.

Renault Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype (12)_Car Sharing ConceptA sustainable mobility ecosystem also means that proper maintenance and recycling services for car-sharing fleets need to be widely available. When the vehicles are no longer fit for use, they will be taken care of by the maintenance and recycling services at the Renault Re-Factory. When batteries of electric vehicles are no longer fit for automotive use, Mobilize will recycle them, giving them a second life as a stationary energy source.

Mobilize will leverage on Groupe Renault’s strong EV expertise, notably in battery lifetime value management. It is developing an energy ecosystem complete with smart charging solutions and energy storage solutions. With these, Mobilize will be able to commit to carbon neutrality, a circular economy and extended vehicle life cycle.

To further enhance electric mobility, Mobilize will offer solutions to facilitate EV uptake. Hence, Mobilize is developing a charging pass for customers to easily locate public charging points and to pay with a single payment solution Europe-wide. For EV and PHEV fleet customers, Mobilize will work through its subsidiary Elexent to offer easy access to charging infrastructure solutions throughout Europe.

To start off its shared mobility plan, Mobilize has developed the EZ-1 Prototype. It embodies the brand’s design vision i.e. service at the heart of vehicle design. The Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype is a new urban mobility solution that is designed for shared use. As such, it will be commercialised in an innovative way where users will only pay for what they use, either in driving time or mileage. This will be a connected vehicle and will come with keyless access and smartphone interaction.

The Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype is a compact and agile electric vehicle for 2 persons, meant to be used in urban centres. Its architectural model means the vehicle is only 2.3 metres long and has a minimal footprint. Top-to-bottom glass doors give EZ-1 Prototype users an unhindered view of the surroundings. It is built according to circular economy principles i.e. made with 50% recycled materials and up to 95% recyclable at the end of its lifecycle thanks to the Flins Re-Factory.

The vehicle features an innovative battery exchange system which provides an alternative to the traditional charging infrastructure. This means the vehicle can be used without the usual downtime allocated for charging.

“Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype is a mobility device that will blend in with the city. Agile, dynamic and inclusive, it is emblematic of the new Mobilize brand. It accompanies users in their lifestyle change towards more efficient and responsible mobility.” said Patrick Lecharpy, Mobilize Design Director.

Watch the Renault Mobilize concept video: https://youtu.be/9SWepjT5sz0

The Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype: https://youtu.be/mthHLeEGtHE

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has released its latest episode of its ‘Inspiring Greatness’ film series. In the latest video, classical violinist Charlie Siem discusses the physical and mental challenges of performing some of the most famous, technically demanding and emotionally powerful music ever written.

Rolls-Royce_Charlie Siem_InterviewSiem was born in London to a Norwegian father and British mother. He began learning the violin at just three years of age, after hearing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto played by the great Yehudi Menuhin. After being awarded a degree in music from the University of Cambridge, he then studied violin under Itzhak Rashkovsky at the Royal College of Music. As a highly sought-after soloist, teacher and recording artist, Siem has performed with leading orchestras and chamber ensembles all over the world.

The film explores how Siem seeks to connect with and personify music, transcending the physical act of playing his instrument to express the music directly. He also speaks reverently of his violin, the 1735 Guarneri del Gesù known as the ‘D’Egville’, which he refers to as ‘an extension of his body’. Perhaps less immediately well-known than their contemporaries made by Antonio Stradivari, Guarneri violins are equal in greatness, and even favoured by some performers, including Siem’s inspiration Yehudi Menuhin.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars_Charlie Siem_Interview_Inspiring GreatnessLater on, Siem has an encounter with the excellence that is Rolls-Royce. He relishes the opportunity to experience what he calls the ‘majesty’ of Wraith on a drive through the British countryside.

“It’s incredibly impressive and indulgent to be sitting in this luxurious cabin, hearing almost nothing, with all this power right in front of you,” he enthuses.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Spirit Of Ecstasy Malaysia 2017‘Inspiring Greatness’ is an exploratory series from Rolls-Royce to share a collection of aspirational stories from those who rewrite the boundaries of greatness. Previous episodes include Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers, photographer and explorer Cory Richards and media artist Refik Anadol. Most recently the series featured British writer, photographer and explorer Levison Wood.

Watch the Charlie Siem video here:

Rolls-Royce: Inspiring Greatness – CHARLIE SIEM

Volkswagen Dealerships_MalaysiaVolkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is reassuring all VW owners that all Volkswagen authorised dealerships and service centres in Malaysia remain open. Customer peace of mind is a priority, and VPCM assures that stringent hygiene processes are implemented in all its dealerships. This includes the sanitising of premises and vehicles, proper safety screenings, MySejahtera app check-ins and temperature checks. These procedures continue to be in place for the health and safety of customers as well as dealership staff, to ensure the dealerships can remain operational.

Volkswagen_Online Service BookingFor the convenience of those who prefer staying at home, the Volkswagen eShowroom is open 24 hours. There are exclusive online offers and savings along with the current Chinese New Year rebates available. Further, a home delivery service is available and is complimentary for deliveries within a 20 km radius of the preferred dealership.

Volkswagen_Safe Hands_Service Centre_DealershipFor the owners, Volkswagen service centres nationwide continue to follow the strict guidelines of its ‘Safe Hands’ initiative. This includes contactless vehicle acceptance, video walk-throughs, sanitisation before and after service, cashless payments with e-invoicing as well as contactless car pick-up. Owners are advised to book their service appointments online.

In addition, the Roadside Assistance service is still in operation. You can call the toll-free number (1800-88-2389) in the event of an emergency. The Volkswagen Customer Care team is also reachable at 1800-18-8947, or via direct message on official Volkswagen social media channels.

Lastly, Volkswagen urges the community to stay home and to do their part in overcoming and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The company continues to stand with all Malaysians during this challenging period.

 

The 20th Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) has kicked off with a new format this year. Organised and managed by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) for the past 20 years, TEY has been a leading programme to cultivate environment consciousness and innovation among youths. This competition style programme has involved 258 schools, 1,910 secondary school students and 762 teachers from around Malaysia.

Various themes have been introduced with one common goal: molding an environmentally conscious society of the future.

UMW Toyota Motor_Deputy Chairman_Chief Motorsports Officer_Akio Takeyama_Malaysia“The Toyota Eco Youth has been running continuously for 20 years and we hope that those who have participated continue to grow their creativity help propagate a greener future for all of us,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

The 20th edition of TEY sees UMWT once again collaborating with the Ministry of Education for the state and national level competitions. In addition for this year, the Leaderonomics Community also joins as a working partner.

Toyota Eco Youth 2020_Reimagining Mobility_MalaysiaThe competition is open to secondary school students aged 13 – 16 years old, and there is no limit to schools’ participation. For this year, 283 team registrations from 177 schools were received. However, unlike previous years’ competitions which were completed within a year, the concept for this year’s TEY programme will span three years.

For the 20th TEY, the winners will return as facilitator in the 2nd year to mentor the new batch and establish a TEY Apprentice Online Club. The winners will then continue with proof of concept and Intensive Prototype Development.

In view of the current pandemic situation, the official launch of TEY was held online, following the invitation for registrations which was announced in November 2019. A maximum of 16 teams from schools around the
country was planned.

The teams for the national-level competition announced by UMWT Executive Director of Sales, Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, are:

  1. SMK Taman Rinting 2, Masai, JOHOR
  2. SMK Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, KELANTAN
  3. Maktab Tentera DiRaja (MTD), KUALA LUMPUR
  4. SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, KUALA LUMPUR
  5. SMK Mutiara, WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN LABUAN
  6. SMK Tinggi St. David, Bukit Baru, MELAKA
  7. SMA Persekutuan Labu, Seremban, NEGERI SEMBILAN
  8. SMK Air Putih, Kuantan, PAHANG
  9. SMK Paya Besar, Kuantan, PAHANG
  10. SMK Berapit, Bukit Mertajam, PULAU PINANG
  11. SMK Majakir, Papar, SABAH
  12. Vision Secondary School, Tawau, SABAH
  13. SMK Chung Hua, Miri, SARAWAK
  14. SMK St. Anthony, Sarikei, SARAWAK
  15. SMJK Katholik, Petaling Jaya, SELANGOR
  16. SMK Saujana Utama, Sg. Buloh, SELANGOR

Encik Mohd Shamsor also introduced Agent M (Mobility), consisting of 3 – 4 members per team. Each Agent M has to select a C.A.S.E. (Clothing, Apps, Smart Tools or Eco-Friendly Vehicles) and present solutions to environmental issues. Their solutions would be presented in video format for judging and public viewing.

Toyota Eco Youth Programme_2021The format of this programme will be completely online, and the 16 teams for TEY will be equipped and trained with project management skills that incorporate Toyota’s Problem Solving Methodology. The teams will be required to build a prototype solution based on the theme of ‘Reimagining Mobility’. This theme depicts the creation of safe and eco-friendly mobility solutions for the nation with a dual-pronged approach to ensure that they are both theoretically and practically comprehensive which includes the interactive e-learning lessons and workshops.

The final judging phase will require the team to showcase their progress through social media and livestream channels. Incidentally, the prize money has been doubled with the total pool of cash prizes increased to RM64,000.

“Since the inception of Toyota Eco Youth, UMW Toyota Motor has spent over RM7 million on the program,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “In spite of pandemic, we will not diminish our support for such programs as they are an important part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”

For further information on the 2020/2021 Toyota Eco Youth Program and updates, you can visit www.toyota.com.my/toyotaecoyouth.

Porsche is upbeat with its achievements in 2020 despite the many challenges it faced in light of the global situation. Last year, the German premium performance car maker managed to deliver 272,162 new vehicles worldwide. This is just three percent below its record-setting 2019 performance and despite disruptions to supply chains, production and sales channels worldwide.

Detlev von Platen_Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing_Porsche AG“The corona crisis posed a great challenge from spring 2020 onwards. Nevertheless, we were able to keep deliveries comparatively stable for the year as a whole,” said Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG. “Our fresh, attractive product range, the successful start of the Taycan as the first all-electric Porsche and the charisma of our brand – all this contributed to this positive result despite the difficult times.”

Over 20,000 Taycan Delivered

Porsche Taycan_LaunchA total of 20,015 units of the Taycan electric sports car were delivered in 2020, despite a six-week stop to production just as the new model was ramping up, and many markets were planning premieres. But the Cayenne SUV had led demand with 92,860 units, an increase of one percent compared with the previous year. Two-door sports cars were also very popular. The Porsche 718 Cayman models saw a total of 21,784 vehicles shipped out to owners; a six percent jump from 2019. Lastly, deliveries of the iconic Porsche 911 totaled 34,328 cars.

Growth In Asia-Pacific And China

Porsche_718 Cayman GT4_718 SpyderIn 2020, Porsche delivered 88,968 vehicles to Chinese customers, an increase of three percent over 2019. The Asia-Pacific, Africa and Middle East region also continued to grow positively overall. A total of 121,641 vehicles were delivered there which is an increase of four percent. Meanwhile, Porsche delivered 80,892 vehicles in Europe and 69,629 in America.

After the robust 2020 result, Porsche is optimistic about further positive developments in 2021.

“We are continuing our product offensive – our customers can look forward to it. It will include additional derivatives of the all-electric Taycan and the 911, among others. We are full of optimism and looking forward to 2021, a year that will also be characterized by unique experiences with the Porsche brand,” says Detlev von Platen.

As Malaysia enters its next phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in several states, Grab Malaysia has notified that its services remain operational. The Grab services for Food, Mart, Express and Transport will continue to serve Malaysians. There could however, be adjustments on the services and its operating hours so it is best to check in the Grab app for better clarity.

Grab remains focused on safeguarding the income of its drivers, delivery partners and merchants, and at the same time on protecting its customers’ health and safety. Since the first MCO in 2020, the company has taken steps to fasttrack the adoption of digital technology to help safeguard the livelihoods of its community. To adapt to the situation, Grab has initiated the following for:

Driver & Delivery Partners 
  • Grab Malaysia_ServicesBoosting delivery network: With new services launched and the growing demand for delivery services, Grab is once again deploying drivers to boost its delivery network and also supplement the drivers’ income due to the possible decline in transport needs. This will ensure customers will continue to have seamless access to the Grab Food, Mart and Express services.
  • Grab ‘Partner Protection Fund’: A Grab driver or delivery partner will receive up to RM1,000 to help with their medical needs if they are tested positive, or up to RM350 if they are required to self-isolate for precautionary purposes.
  • Highest safety and hygiene standards via GrabProtect: To keep its community safe, the Grab driver and delivery network will have easy access to masks, sanitisers, cleaners and disinfectant sprays via the GrabBenefits platform. The Grab driver and delivery network are also required to voluntarily submit daily health declarations through the Grab Driver App.
Merchant Partners 
  • Grab Malaysia_Services“Food Courts by GrabFood” and expanded “Pasar by GrabMart”: Grab had introduced these services in 2020 to help digitalise more traditional merchants whilst providing access to affordable essentials such as food and daily needs to its customers. It has plans to continue to expand this nationwide.
  • Instant retail: With a general decline in foot-fall for retailers, Grab is extending to support growing retailers such as convenience stores, independent grocers, and pharmacies on its Mart section with its instant delivery service.
Grab Customers
  • Contactless & Cashless deliveries: To ensure safer and more hygienic practices and to protect its delivery community, Grab is encouraging everyone to practice and use contactless deliveries and cashless payments with GrabPay to minimise the risks of physical contact.
  • Carefully sealed packages: Grab is also working with its merchants to ensure that all orders are carefully and appropriately sealed for hygiene purposes.

 

Nissan FUTURESThe Nissan FUTURES seminar will be broadcast online as an interactive webinar on 4 February 2021 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Indochina Time (2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Malaysia Time). This year, the Japanese automaker will discuss the future of electrified mobility in ASEAN.

Nissan FUTURES is an event series in which subject experts from around the world discuss the future of mobility. Since 2018, the Japanese automaker has organized ASEAN Nissan FUTURES events in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Nissan ARIYA ConceptWith the theme this year being ‘Electrifying 250 million cars. An impossible dream?’, industry leaders, government officials, media and Nissan executives will discuss the opportunity for carbon-neutral mobility in ASEAN.

Further, Frost & Sullivan will unveil results of a new study on consumer perceptions towards electrified mobility in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled air pollution1 and traffic noise pollution2 as the top two greatest environmental risks to health. Transportation produces an average high of 83 dB noise level in key ASEAN cities3, a striking 50% above the WHO advised level4.

Isao Sekiguchi_Nissan ASEAN“As ASEAN governments and business leaders adjust to the new normal in 2021, electrifying 250 million cars in ASEAN is a key step in creating a more sustainable future in Southeast Asia. Moreover, environmental sustainability has been underlined by economists and consultancies as one of the key engines to accelerate economic growth,” says Isao Sekiguchi, Regional Vice President, Nissan ASEAN. “As the pioneer in electrified mobility, Nissan is committed to make this dream reality. But we cannot do this alone; Nissan FUTURES is the platform to discuss bold policies and business plans to dare the impossible.”

Sekiguchi will be joined in a panel discussion by Edmund Araga, President, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines; Dusit Anantarak, Senior Expert, Office of Industrial Economics, Ministry of Industry, Thailand; and Vivek Vaidya, Associate Partner, Senior Vice President, Intelligent Mobility, Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific. They will shine their light on the changing attitudes towards electric vehicles over the last two years and the socially critical subject of changing mobility priorities in the years to come.

The 2021 edition of Nissan FUTURES will be delivered online and will allow participants to join from anywhere. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in Q&As with the panelists.

You can register for ‘Nissan FUTURES – Electrification and Beyond’ via email: ASEAN.Communications@nissan.co.th.

1 Air pollution the world’s largest environmental health risk
2 Health effects of environmental noise pollution
3 Average high noise level in five key ASEAN cities: Bangkok – 86dB, Ho Chi Minh City – 78.8dB, Jakarta – 78.9dB, Manila – 99.3dB, Singapore 73.1dB
4 World Health Organization Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region

Volvo Car_Showroom_Merchandise_SUV_AccessoriesVolvo Car Malaysia stated that it managed to maintain its sales growth in 2020 despite the challenging market environment. While the company saw a dip in sales performance in the first half of 2020, falling by  56.1%, it managed to recover in the second half of the year. By the end of 2020, Volvo Car Malaysia recorded total sales of 1,950 units. This is a 3.6% increase, surpassing the previous year’s sales of 1,883 units. It also sets a new record for the highest sales performance since the establishment of Volvo Car Malaysia. Volvo Car Malaysia may be a relatively niche player in Malaysia but it continues to make an impact for the local automotive industry. The company also assembles hybrid vehicles in Malaysia for regional export.

Volvo Car Malaysia_Nalin Jain“We are very proud of what Volvo Car Malaysia has achieved despite this turbulent time and challenges that we faced. Through the collective efforts of our dealers and staff, as well as the opportune timing of the government’s sales tax holiday, we were able to finish a challenging year strongly. For us, seeing the results of our efforts has further recharged our drive to bring more premium, safe and sustainable cars to Malaysians,” said Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

The recovery in sales performance is mainly due to the PENJANA intiative which provided sales tax exemptions for new cars. Recording its second highest sales of the year in July 2020, also indicates to Volvo Cars that the demand for luxury cars remains high as the car market began to normalise. The improved sales was also made possible with Volvo Car Malaysia reinforcing its customer service channels and adopting new digital practices.

Volvo_ShowroomTo cater to the changing market situation, Volvo Car Malaysia introduced a new Online Ordering System for customers to make online bookings. It also implemented the Digital Silent Salesman (DSS) 2.0, a platform that digitally displays all necessary details about the cars, in all Volvo showrooms in Malaysia. The new digital practices are part of the company’s push for digital transformation across the entire value chain of its business. It also reflects its commitment towards sustainability goals by eradicating printed materials.

Sustainability And Safety Beyond 2020

With sustainability as a priority in the coming years, Volvo Car Malaysia kicked off the “Volvo Green Planet” initiative in the third quarter of 2020. This is a campaign aimed at driving awareness about the impact of high carbon footprint, which can be calculated with a ‘Greenterest Calculator’, and bringing the conversation to its customers with fully-electric test drives of their cars (Green Drive), and dispensing Green Seeds as a token to champion cleaner air.

Volvo Cars conducts accident research and rescue services training.
Volvo Cars conducts accident research and rescue services training.

As a leader in safety, 2020 also saw Volvo, as a group, opening a much needed and controversial conversation on the perception of safety with its “A Million More” campaign which followed its announcement, in March, of the 180 km/h speed cap for all its new vehicles. Much like the initial reception towards the three-point safety belt, the speed cap was the topic of debate in 2020 in the automotive sector, to which Volvo takes a stance in its decision to ensure the safety of the people in cars and on the road, and save a million more lives. Volvo had made a pledge that by 2020, no one will be killed or seriously injured in one of their new cars, and this speed cap is just one of its methods of ensuring that promise is kept.

Recharging For 2021

Volvo S90 Special Edition Styling KitBased on the past year’s performance, Volvo Car Malaysia is looking to continue this growth momentum in 2021 with renewed purpose and recharging all areas of its business. It aims to continue to provide more Malaysians with a premium experience as well as freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.

“2021 will be a big year for Volvo Car Malaysia as we look to switch all aspects of our business to incorporate more sustainable solutions and also bring in more products offerings to suit the different needs of Malaysians while helping them make more sustainable choices.

“We will continue to push for digital transformation to build a strong digital system to support our customer’s journey seamlessly – from the beginning of the buying process to owning a Volvo and the aftersales care that they need, while upholding our promise of professional service, leading safety technology, and a caring mindset in everything we do,” concludes Nalin.

myTukar Sdn Bhd has expanded its network to cover East Malaysia with the opening of an inspection hub each in Sabah and Sarawak. Touted as Malaysia’s fastest-growing online used car trading platform, the first two myTukar inspection hubs in East Malaysia are located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and Kuching, Sarawak. This expansion of its network is part of its objective to digitalise the used car industry.

Sales of used cars have been on a positive growth especially in the third quarter of 2020, likely as more consumers seek budget-friendly options. According to MAA (Malaysian Automotive Association), used car sales grew by 100% in the first six months of 2020. The blanket loan moratorium and other government financial incentives, as well as consumers turning to private car ownership to decrease time spent in public transport have also helped spur sales throughout 2020.

MyTukar.com Malaysia_Fong Hon Sum_CEO“With the increased demand for used cars nationwide, we have also observed an increase in online trading among East Malaysians. Currently, only an estimated 26% of used car dealers in East Malaysia are conducting their transactions online. As myTukar’s mission is to simplify the process of selling used cars through digitalisation within our online platform, we believe that it is the right time to enter the currently untapped East Malaysian market. The innovative myTukar platform is able to provide the needful support to used car dealers in East Malaysia, ultimately helping to increase sales for the dealers through a speedy, efficient and cost-effective ecosystem,” Fong Hon Sum, CEO of myTukar.

Fong added that the ongoing 2,325km Pan Borneo Highway, expected to be completed in 2023, will make road travel safer and more comfortable for the 3.74 million people. This project is expected to have a multiplier effect on the states’ economies, including the automotive market which will be positive for the estimated 369 used car dealers in both states.

myTukar_ReceptionmyTukar’s expansion into Sabah and Sarawak is aligned to the company’s growth plans for 2021, and will greatly support the growing used car market there. In October 2020, myTukar announced a hyper-growth expansion plan with the opening of seven new branches in 2020, bringing the total branches nationwide to 15. The innovative technology-enabled platform which began operations in 2018 has been on an aggressive business growth strategy to serve the used car industry through digitalisation of the purchasing process.

To-date, myTukar’s 2,000-strong dealerships have transacted over 27,000 vehicles with an estimated value of RM805 million. In early December 2020, myTukar became the first within the used car market in Malaysia to be awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Certification for Quality Management Systems.

Proton X70_Steering_Touchscreen_Air Vents_Climate ControlAll PROTON vehicles come with at least one feature to give you improved cabin air quality. Although the car cabin is isolated from the outside environment, the quality of air inside can still be affected by air from the outside.

With that in mind, PROTON has equipped its entire range i.e. Persona, Iriz, Exora, Saga, X50 and X70 with N95 cabin filters as part of the air-conditioning system.

PROTON_N95 Cabin FilterThe biggest difference between an N95 cabin filter and the average dust and pollen filter is the efficiency of filtration. An N95 cabin filter can remove up to 95% of particulates and contaminants that are larger than 0.3µm (microns) and 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates. Thus it helps create an efficient air purifier to filter out smoke particulates, dust, bacteria and other pollutants, ensuring that the air in the cabin remains clean.

In short, the N95 cabin filter can filter out bacteria, and over 80% of allergens such as mites, pollen, aphids, that could enter the car due to opening of doors & windows.

PROTON Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS)

Proton X70_Rear Air Vent_Air CleanerAn additional feature found in the Proton X70 is the PROTON Intelligent Air Purification System. P-IAPS is an air filtration system that works with the N95 filter to provide you with a cleaner breathing environment. By combining the air purifier system with the N95 Cabin Filter, the P-IAPS acts as a barrier against contaminated air making its way into the cabin, offering a high level of protection against airborne pollutants for a cleaner and healthier environment.

The P-IAPS uses a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter that removes 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns while its activated carbon removes odours, formaldehyde and adsorbs and purifies smoke particulates. Further, the ioniser discharges negative ions to cleanse the air.

If you currently own a Proton, you can also ask your service centre for an N95 Cabin Filter for your vehicle.

For more information, please visit https://www.proton.com/en/promotions/proton-intelligent-air-purification-system.

-->