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This news is not related to the automotive industry, but to what we are experiencing at the moment, especially our medical frontline workers. Due to the urgent need of personal protection equipment (PPE) by the medical teams, the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and a local tech company will start production of PPE such as face shields and intubation boxes for healthcare workers to use in their efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laser Cut_Face ShieldThe PPE items will be produced by laser cutting, a process to cut, weld and mark plastic through the pinpoint accurate application of heat to plastic sheets to the desired shape. A laser beam is guided by the machine through a path based on the design drawn in CAD software.

The process allows for faster and more efficient production without the need for additional tooling, and can use easily sourced materials (given the restrictions placed on the export / import sector) such as acrylic and perspex.

Dato Madani Sahari_CEO_Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and Internet of Things Institute_MARii“In order to ensure that PPE is readily-available despite shutdown of many manufacturers and raw material limitations, the deployment of technologies to rapidly manufacture PPE are crucial. MARii’s technology network has opened up opportunities for quick action to be taken for the PPE supply issue, and we hope more solutions can be developed to address other issues surrounding the pandemic”, said Dato’ Madani Sahari, CEO of MARii.

Laser Cut_Intubation BoxThe use of laser cutting machines requires minimal operational supervision, reducing the risk of virus transmission through a simpler process workflow. It also allows for instant redesign and modification of products to suit specific needs, therefore saving time through the elimination of tooling modification that is common in injection moulding processes.

Dato’ Madani also explained that about 1,000 face shields and 50 intubation boxes can be produced per day. “These benefits make laser cutting a highly viable process in situations such as COVID-19, where single use products face a huge spike in demand”, he added.

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Mazda is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Japanese automaker famed for its ‘Zoom Zoom’ and ‘Jinba Ittai’ philosophy hit the century mark in January. What started as a business of producing cork in Hiroshima turned into a visionary automotive player with innovative and stylish products. The founder, Jujiro Matsuda, had envisioned the concept of a passenger vehicle to help create an era in which people could lead rich and fulfilling lives; thus marking the beginning of Mazda’s “never-stop challenging” history.

Mazda R360 CoupeFollowing Jujiro Matsuda’s line of thought, the company designed its first passenger vehicle using only top-of-the-range technology at the time. The result was the R360 Coupe, which was created in 1960 and became the starting point of Mazda’s car-making era.

In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Mazda has prepared special edition models that are reminiscent of the R360 Coupe, with its white and burgundy two-tone colour scheme and, and a special 100th Anniversary logo.

Mazda_100th Anniversary Special Edition_Logo_WheelThe 100th Anniversary Special Edition models reflect Mazda’s history of taking on challenges and act as a reminder of its car-making roots by adopting a similar motif in red and white. The 100th Anniversary Special Edition series is designed to express gratitude to the millions of people who have had dealings with Mazda over the years and a pledge that though it may aim for the stars, the company will never forget its roots in the car-making business.

Inside, the floor carpet, floor mats and seats use the same rich burgundy that was introduced with the Mazda3. Further, the hubcaps feature the same design as the 100th Anniversary Special Logo, an expression of the company’s desire to celebrate its 100th anniversary together with its customers. Additionally, the key fob, headrests and other parts are decorated with a special logo. The vehicle body is also adorned with a commemorative badge for that special look and feel.

Equipment list (display vehicles):

  • Floor mats (with 100th Anniversary Special Logo Badge)
  • Headrests (embossed with 100th Anniversary Special Logo)
  • Floor carpet (burgundy)
  • Key fob (embossed with 100th Anniversary Special Logo & packaged in a special edition box)
  • Hubcaps (featuring 100th Anniversary Special Logo)
  • 100th Anniversary Special Logo Badge (on front fender)
  • Exterior color: Snow Flake White Pearl Mica

The R360 Coupe was Mazda’s first passenger vehicle. The company had its sights set on becoming a full-line automaker, and its first undertaking made a memorable splash with a futuristic design and unique technologies. Developed with extraordinary passion, the car was designed for people who wanted to fulfill their dream of owning their own car.

Mazda 100th Anniversary Special Edition_MX5 Roadster_R360 CoupeSymbolizing that intention was a four-cycle engine—unprecedented among micro-mini passenger cars of the time—and an automatic transmission that made driving easy. Also noteworthy were the extensive weight-reduction efforts aimed at making the R360 Coupe nimble on the road. The powertrain used a good deal of light alloy materials, and the body adopted a monocoque construction. A distinctive and stylish coupe form also contributed significantly to the weight savings. These factors combined to provide—at an astonishingly affordable price—driving performance that eclipsed the era’s preceding micro-mini passenger cars. The R360 Coupe became an epoch-making car that accelerated the motorization of Japanese society and, to this day, stands as the starting point of Mazda’s vehicle production.

The passion for designing and innovating still burns strong within Mazda today. This is evident from its Kodo design concept, to its ‘Jinba Ittai’ driving connection and its Skyactiv range of technologies.

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Shell Select_CSR_Malaysia_COVID-19 Pandemic_Frontliners_HospitalShell Malaysia is showing support for the country’s medical frontliners who are fighting our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic through a series of outreach initiatives aimed at lessening the worries and challenges faced by our Malaysian heroes. Part of this initiative includes the contribution of essential items such as hand sanitizers, mineral water, and food to the frontliners at Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh.

Further, Shell has contributed essential items to local communities and frontliners through the various Shell stations across the country. Part of this initiative includes supplying electricity for lights and fans to temporary tents as well as contributing foods and drinks to the local authorities.

Shairan Huzani Husain_Managing Director_Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd_Shell Timur Sdn Bhd“The act of caring for others, and looking out for each other is essential for all of us as Malaysians to survive, and thrive through these uncertain and certainly testing time. Shell is committed to the well-being of the communities where we operate, and we want to do everything we can to help our frontliners in the fight against this global pandemic. We recognize the challenges faced by these brave Malaysians and we hope these care packages, made up of essential items will give our frontliners some needed support,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

Shell Malaysia_Frontliners_Contribution_CSRShairan added, “We also have our very own Shell frontliners who are on the ground, every single day, taking care of our customers’ needs, and ensuring the nation’s heroes can get to work and do what they need to for the safety of every Malaysian. As one of Malaysia’s essential service, we are helping to fuel the nation through the dedication of these very frontliners. We are also ensuring care packages are provided to them as our gesture of thanks for their courage in ensuring Shell stations remain open and ready to continue serving customers. They are all our heroes.”

Shell urges all Malaysians to stay safe by staying at home during the Movement Control Order (MCO), and by practicing meticulous personal hygiene as advocated by the Ministry Of Health.

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Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be holding a “Welcome Back” aftersales campaign for VW owners under the Volkswagen Cares initiative. Hence, VPCM is encouraging owners to register their appointment slot in anticipation of this campaign.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia_Welcome Back_Aftersales Campaign_2020VPCM invites owners to register and book their appointment in the Volkswagen website. Upon submission of interest, a Volkswagen personnel will be in touch to make the necessary arrangements. This appointment must be made within 30 days after the Movement Control Order (MCO) is lifted.

The MCO has restricted the movement of people and the operation of some businesses, including VW showrooms and service centres which are temporarily closed for the safety of customers and employees. Due to this, a significant number of Volkswagen owners have had to put on hold their aftersales needs.

Volkswagen owners who register their appointments during this period will receive free Volkswagen merchandise. Additionally, owners who are not redeeming their free maintenance service and are not Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) members are entitled to an additional RM50 engine oil voucher, while those entering their fifth year of ownership are encouraged to sign up for the Volkswagen Care Plus programme to enjoy its benefits.

Volkswagen Malaysia stated that it will continue to honour the warranty of cars that were not able to meet the scheduled service maintenance during the Movement Control Order.

All Volkswagen owners are required to download the Volkswagen Cares mobile app to enjoy the benefits.

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TC Subaru Sdn Bhd, which is the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, has initiated an “Online Booking” campaign. With the restricted movement allowed during the government sanctioned Movement Control Order (MCO), businesses still need to carry on in some form, and since we can’t go to the showrooms, it has to come to us.

By using the Online Booking option, Subaru customers and new car buyers in Malaysia looking to purchase a brand new Subaru XV or Forester can do so from the comfort of their home, at any time of the day.

Subaru XV_RM188_Online Booking_MalaysiaAll you need to do is to fill out the Online Booking form: https://onlinebooking.subaru.asia/xv or https://onlinebooking.subaru.asia/forester depending on your preferred model, to secure the booking. The booking fee is just RM188.

Upon successful submission, a unique booking code will be sent via email. A Subaru Sales Advisor will then get in touch with you within five working days to finalise the booking and to follow up with the next course of action (e.g test drive, viewing of car and loan application) once the Movement Control Order is lifted.

The Subaru XV is available in three variants i.e. XV 2.0i, XV 2.0i-P and XV GT Edition 2.0i-P. It is priced from RM117,788.

Subaru Forester_RM188_Online Booking_MalaysiaMeanwhile, the Subaru Forester has three variants i.e. Forester 2.0i-L, Forester 2.0i-S, and Forester 2.0i-S Eyesight. And it is priced from RM149,788.

The Online Booking campaign runs from now until the Movement Control Order is lifted. For more information, please visit https://www.subaru.asia/my/.

The Subaru showrooms will reopen once the MCO ends and everyone is welcome to visit.

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is testing connected tyres for their potential to enhance vehicle performance and safety. Thus far, Goodyear has clocked 3 million miles of data from road tests and field trials with customers on its connected tyres. Connected tyres are fitted with embedded sensors that give them the ability to “talk” to the vehicle and the road, as well as measure characteristics of the tyre, that could lead to potential enhancement of vehicle performance and safety.

Goodyear_Intelligent Tyre_SensorInitial studies have shown that Goodyear’s connected tyres are able to reduce the loss of stopping distance performance between a new and worn tyre by 30 percent. With the world steering towards electric and autonomous vehicles, communication of connected tyres with the vehicle becomes even more important on the impact they can have on stopping distance.

Goodyear’s intelligent connected tyre system continuously measures and records information from the tyres. This is matched then with other vehicle data and connected to Goodyear’s cloud-based proprietary algorithms. The intelligent tyres are capable of measuring tyre wear, load, inflation and temperature, along with road surface conditions, in real time, allowing the vehicle to adjust and respond to these measurements and optimise vehicle performance.

Goodyear_Tyre_Wet Road_Demo“Consider someone driving on a slick, curvy road in wet conditions. The driver adjusts his movements by slowing down, tapping the brakes or avoiding sudden steering,” said Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s Chief Technology Officer. “But what happens when nobody is behind the wheel? The tyre is the only part of the vehicle that touches the ground and it can communicate vital information to the vehicle, enhancing safety and performance.”

While Goodyear’s connected tyres are not yet available to consumers, the company is continuously testing connected tyres extensively with auto makers, start-ups and more, developing custom products and solutions to help enhance safe riding experiences with eventual use by consumers down the road.

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Proton_Service Area_Work Bay_Hoist_MalaysiaSince movement and provision of services are limited during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period sanctioned by the Malaysia government until 14 April 2020, PROTON would like to reassure its customers regarding the following service and warranty related issues:

 

 

  • Warranties expiring during the MCO period will be extended by 1,000 km or 30 days following the final day of the MCO, whichever comes first.
  • As all PROTON service outlets are closed during the MCO period, warranties will remain valid even if  the vehicle misses its recommended service period. You are advised to service your vehicle within 30 days of the end of the MCO period to keep your warranty active.
  • You are advised to contact a PROTON service outlet to book a service appointment within 15 days of the end of the MCO period.

For more information please contact PROTON’s customer care via e-mail at customercare@proton.com or call the hotline: 1800-88-8398.

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GoCar_Malaysia_Car SharingGoCar for Delivery is a new initiative by GoCar Malaysia which is aimed at helping small-to-medium enterprises (SME) provide their own delivery services to customers during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period. At this moment, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected businesses locally and globally, and the extended MCO period will pose a greater challenge to SMEs in the upcoming weeks.  While many are still paying overhead costs despite the halt or reduction in operations, engaging third-party delivery services and incurring additional merchant fees may not be feasible.

To provide support to local businesses during this challenging period, GoCar is offering its fleet of Nissan Almera at RM30/day, at its lowest rate to-date exclusively for this initiative. GoCar for Delivery is available to any business that is in need of cars to fulfil deliveries, including supermarkets, online grocers, cafes, and restaurants. GoCar for Delivery makes the process safe and easy by providing:

  • No human interaction by using the GoCar app to book, unlock, and return the car.

  • Anti-bacterial wipes to disinfect surfaces inside the car whenever needed.

  • Unlimited mileage at no extra charge.

  • 24/7 customer support.

almera 2In the first week, GoCar gained positive response from its members, with a total of 120 registrations comprising 40 businesses and 80 deliverers. By subsiding the booking rates, this initiative can help business owners and deliverers to fulfil a higher volume of delivery demand and generate income.

To start self-deliveries with GoCar for Delivery, you can sign up at GoCar’s website.

GoCar for Delivery’s core initiative is only a small piece of the puzzle. “We noticed that many businesses do not have transport to help with distribution services, and there is a need to save expenses in a crucial time like this. GoCar for Delivery shows #KitaJagaKita as we help our SMEs to continue running their operations cost-efficiently,” said Alan Cheah, CEO of GoCar Malaysia.

As a community-driven car-sharing platform, GoCar is currently partnering with top brands of similar values and missions such as Beep Delivery powered by StoreHub to reach out to more local businesses in the coming weeks.

 

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If you are an existing SOCAR user and you really need to leave your home during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, for whatever reason (provided it is justifiably necessary and legal), you can enjoy a 50% discount (capped at RM50) on your SOCAR booking.

SOCAR-2-You_MalaysiaSo the next time you to (for example) drive to a nearby grocery store or supermarket to purchase essentials, you can use SOCAR’s DRIVEAGAIN50 promo code for both normal bookings and the SOCAR-2-YOU service. If you are not an existing SOCAR user, don’t worry. New users are also entitled to a promo that is available under the “My Coupon” tab in the mobile app i.e. 50% off for all bookings (capped at RM100); terms and conditions apply.

If you are within the SOCAR-2-YOU 12 major coverage zones, you can continue to opt for the SOCAR-2-YOU service by having the car delivered to your doorstep.

With the implementation of the nationwide MCO to stem the outbreak of COVID-19, Malaysians are urged to stay indoors at all times unless there is an absolute need to go out, i.e. to purchase essentials, travel to work (for the essential services workers).

SOCAR_Malaysia_1 Person Per Car_Movement Control OrderSOCAR would also like to remind its users that under the MCO rules, there is a “one person per car” ruling so it is imperative that users take note and adhere to the rules.

SOCAR also encourages users to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content to kill the virus (as per health advisories), and most importantly, to plan their trips.

Users are also urged to always clean up after themselves after using the cars by wiping the commonly touched areas. At the same time, SOCAR would also be doing its part to curb the spread of COVID-19 by regularly cleaning and sanitising all its vehicles. Users are urged to contact the support team via the in-app chat function, “SOCARE Live Chat”, should they find any cars that need to be cleaned urgently.

To find out more on the coverage area for the SOCAR-2-YOU service, please visit https://blog.socar.my/2020/01/21/how-to-socar2you/

For non-users, you can download the SOCAR app from Google Play or Apple App Store, and follow SOCAR’s Facebook page for the latest promotions and deals.

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Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has announced that all Nissan vehicle warranties expiring during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period will get an extension. An additional 30 days from the last day of the MCO will be added on.

Nissan 3S_Service Centre_Work Bay_HoistNissan owners need not worry as existing vehicle warranties will remain valid, even if the preventive maintenance service schedule intervals cannot be performed during the MCO period. You are however, encouraged to reschedule your service appointments within 30 days after the MCO is lifted in order to keep your vehicle warranty active. Appointment rescheduling can be done via the DriveOn mobile app, TCEAS website, Call Centre or direct booking with TCEAS Service Centres (after the MCO because they are closed at the moment).

As a surge in demand for servicing is expected after the MCO, Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn Bhd (TCEAS) is prepared to cater to the surge of service appointments and will extend its business operation hours i.e. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 8:00 pm; for Kelantan and Terengganu business days are Sunday to Thursday.

Until then, everyone not involved in essential services is encouraged to remain indoors and not move about unnecessarily.

For more information, roadside assistance or towing services, you can call 1800-88-3838, or via ‘Contact Us’ at www.nissan.com.my.

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