UMW Toyota Motor has highlighted that there has been reports regarding the recall of the Toyota Rush SUV in the Philippines and Indonesia due to a programming fault of the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle’s airbag system that could cause the unnecessary deployment of the curtain shield airbags in cases where the vehicle is driven over bumps and potholes.
UMW Toyota Motor has stated that the Toyota Rush assembled and sold in Malaysia are not affected by this recall issue.
The gran turismo-ish Volkswagen Arteon is officially coming to Malaysia and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now accepting bookings at all authorised VW dealerships, prior to its launch in a few months’ time. The Arteon R-Line will be fully imported and is expected to carry a price tag of between RM290,000 and RM310,000.
Sitting on the VW MQB platform, this 5-door fastback is a more upmarket and avantgarde model to represent Volkswagen at the flagship level. Its name is a derivative of ‘art’ which represents the fastback’s harmonious lines and emotion, while ‘eon’ identifies it as a premium Volkswagen model. The Arteon won the “2017 Golden Steering Wheel”, one of the most renowned automotive awards in Europe.
Powering it is a 2.0L TSI turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). The engine’s output of 280 PS and 350 Nm of torque between 5,100 – 6,500 rpm is transferred to the wheels via the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
Among the equipment featured in the Arteon are a new Active Info Display with high-resolution colour thin-film transistor (TFT), which allows for customization and full map view; a new Discover Pro infotainment system runs which through a 9.2″ screen featuring gesture control and Wireless App-Connect (CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink); as well as a new 360-degree view camera that enables drivers to see the surroundings of the car through four discreetly integrated cameras.
As mentioned above, the Arteon comes in the R-Line styling package (for both interior and exterior). It will be available in eight colours i.e. Manganese Grey, Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Romance Red, Urano Grey, Turmeric Yellow, Oryx White Pearl and Pyrite Silver.
The all-new Arteon will be previewed at selected Volkswagen showrooms as listed here:
Update: Volkswagen Balakong – 13 -14 September
You can also register your interest in the Arteon in the Volkswagen website for an exclusive invite.
Check out the video below (specifications may vary):
The eighth generation Porsche 911 was unveiled last week during the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia race weekend at the Sepang International Circuit. Still sporting the unmistakable but updated 911 silhouette, the new 911 is 45 mm wider at the front, and revives a traditional feature of the classic sports car with a forward-extended bonnet with a distinctive recess in front of the windscreen. The new 911 also uses mixed tyre sizes i.e. 20″ in the front and 21″ in the rear. The 911 Carrera S starts from RM1,150,000 and the 911 Carrera 4S starts from RM1,220,000. These prices are before insurance and personalised options.
Despite many design features that hark back to the earlier cars, the new 911 has smoother contours and tapered lines, including the powered pop-out door handles that are flushed with the body and the LED headlights, as well as the rear spoiler that integrates into the rear body panels. Guiding the air over the rear are vertical intake louvres with an integrated third brake light. In the rear-wheel-drive variants, this louvre is black, while the all-wheel-drive ones get chrome elements. Aside from the front and rear sections, the outer skin of the 911 is now aluminium.
The new generation 3.0L turbocharged flat six engine powers the 911 Carrera, offering 450 PS and 530 Nm of torque on tap; this is 30 hp and 30 Nm more than its predecessor. The engine features new Piezo injectors, new VarioCam Plus, new mirror-image turbochargers and new top-mounted intercoolers. Channeling the power to either the rear wheels or all of them is a redeveloped 8-speed PDK with overdrive and flash shifting function. 0 – 100 km/h acceleration times are now a sprightly 3.7 seconds for the Carrera S and 3.6 seconds for the Carrera 4S. Some miliseconds are shaved off if you get the Sport Chrono Package, which also gets you a drive mode switch on the steering wheel. To add more fun to the sound, the 911’s Sport Exhaust option has quad exhaust (within two exhaust tips), with each side featuring flaps that change the burble for aural excitement.
Other key features include front axle lift, rear axle steering, new PASM dampers, electric brake boosters and new dynamic engine mounts. The steering rack has also been improved with 11% quicker response. The 911 now also comes standard with Wet Mode which is a world’s first. This system includes splash sensors in the front wheel wells of the car to detect water on the road and preconditions the control systems, and warns the driver to adapt vehicle settings accordingly. This new mode makes driving a car with this much power much safer and more controllable in our tropical climate.
A camera-based warning and brake assist system is also a standard fitting to help avoid or minimise the risk of collision. Another first is the Night Vision Assist option which uses a thermal imaging camera. The adaptive cruise control option includes automatic distance control, stop-and-go function, reversible occupant protection and the autonomous Emergency Assist function.
The dashboard of this 2+2 sports car has a new 10.9″ touchscreen for the Porsche Communication Management system, with a panel of physical buttons, including a customisable one, below it to provide direct access to certain functions. The meter cluster maintains a centrally located analog tachometer sandwiched between two high-resolution 7″ displays.
“The new 911 is a reflection of the past and a vision of the future, with its iconic silhouette and timeless design. It remains a sports car icon that has retained the public’s fascination since its arrival in the automotive scene over half a century ago. Due to the passionate and loyal following here, it comes as no surprise that Malaysia is the top market for the 911 in 2018 within the Porsche Asia Pacific region,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
The 911 Carrera comes with a choice of Lizard Green, Aventurine Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and Gentian Blue Metallic for its exterior.
Gallery:
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now adding an additional two years of free maintenance to two of its bestselling models i.e. VW Tiguan and Passat (1.8 TSI Comfortline & 2.0 TSI Highline). The additional two years will make it a total of 5 years free maintenance (or 75,000 km, whichever comes first). There is also a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5-year roadside assistance covering these vehicles.
This promotion is valid for new cars bought between 1 July and 31 December 2019 and is available for all variants of the Tiguan and Passat, including the Sound & Style and JOIN editions.
Further, buyers can enjoy low interest rate of 1.88% per annum and get up to RM13,800 savings on the Tiguan and up to RM15,100 savings on the Passat.
The VW Tiguan is a compact 5-seater SUV powered by a 1.4L TSI turbocharged direct injection engine, paired with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with sport mode, to give an output of 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. Its safety features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Multi-collision brakes, Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) as well as Hill-hold Control. The comfort features of the Tiguan include Park Assist, Manoeuvre Braking and 3-Zone Climatronic cooling.
Meanwhile, the Passat is the bestselling mid-sized sedan of all time. It is available with two engine choices i.e. the 2.0L TSI turbocharged engine in the Highline variant with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) and output of 220 PS and 350 Nm of torque; and the 1.8L TSI turbocharged engine in the Comfortline variant paired with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with sport mode, providing an output of 180 PS and 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 to 5,000 rpm.
For more information, please visit your nearest authorized Volkswagen dealership or visit www.volkswagen.com.my
Subang Jaya, 16 July 2019 – The 2019 Malaysia Championship Series, or MCS, is a gruelling race and Team PROTON R3 showed just how tough they are by dominating Round 3 of the national racing series, and proving their mettle in the M-Production class. At the Sepang International Circuit, the team’s cars clinched a double victory, including locking out the podium spots with a 1-2-3 finish in Race Two.
The road to victory was not smooth for the team as although Mitchell Cheah managed to put his Proton Suprima S on pole, his teammates Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali in the Proton Iriz and James Veerapen in the Proton Saga only managed to start from fourth and fifth on the grid, as the team struggled to find the balance for both cars.
In the race, Mitchell’s Proton Suprima S dominated the race from the start to the chequered flag, giving R3 yet another M-Production class victory in the 2019 championship. The other two R3 cars ended Race One in fourth and fifth respectively, leaving the team with a lot of work to do to ensure a strong finish for the second race of the weekend.
The finishing positions from Race One determined the starting grid for Race Two, which was held last Sunday – the trio of R3 cars started in first, fourth and fifth respectively. Team Proton R3 again dominated the race as the Suprima S, Iriz and Saga quickly charged to head of the field at the start.
By dominating Race Two, R3 gave itself a window of opportunity to maximise the points scored by the team. With that strategy in mind, the Proton Iriz of Fariqe and Syafiq finished first, followed by Mitchell and his Suprima S, while James was third with his Saga. This is the first time R3 had finished the race taking all three podium places. This result means Fariqe and Syafiq are just two points behind the current championship leader for the M-Production class.
“Round three of the MCS was a tough challenge for R3 as we strived to maximize our points haul in both races. The one-hour endurance race format over the weekend was a very good opportunity for us to work on the performance and reliability of our Proton racing machines and the results show we are on the right track to win the overall title. It also shows our cars will be strong during this year’s Sepang 1000KM (S1K), so it was a great effort all around,” said Gary Lee, Team Principal of PROTON R3.
Over the past 15 years, Team PROTON R3 has supported and participated in, and won, some of the most prestigious motorsports events in Malaysia and the region. The highlights include overall victories at the Merdeka Millennium Endurance event in 2005 and 2006 as well as four victories at the S1K race in 2012, 2014, 2017 and last year, 2018.
Although the drivers get most of the glory, motor racing is a team sport and success is dependent on the hard work of multiple key partners and people to ensure a positive result. The team utilises all its assets, including efficient pit stops and painstaking teamwork by the crew to pull off its best results. R3 engineers and team personnel also spend countless hours to build a winning race car that reflects the technical capabilities and professionalism of everyone involved. They also work hand-in-hand with Proton’s engineers to ensure that lessons learned on the track are communicated back to the team responsible for the road cars.
Shell Malaysia has brought back its Ferrari car collectible campaign, with a selection of eight Ferrari scale models, exclusively a its Shell stations nationwide.
The eight different scale model cars each represent a distinctive decade in Ferrari’s history and can be purchased at RM15.90 each, with a minimum fuel purchase of RM30 on a single receipt at Shell. This collection of the “Cavallino Rampante” (Prancing Horse) replicas is available from now until 8 September 2019.
Two of the models were released at the start of this month – the Ferrari 488 Spider and Ferrari Daytona (the Ferrari 365 GTB/4). Subsequent model releases will be done fortnightly and will be featuring the 1957 Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Ferrari 250 GTO, Ferrari 288 GTO, Ferrari F50, and the Ferrari SF71H, the 2018 Formula One car driven by Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen.
“Our customers have always been the heart of our business and we are always looking for ways to make their life’s journeys better. Unveiling this limited-edition Ferrari car collectibles with eight models, is our way of recognising our customers’ passion for collect and play. As they fuel up at Shell, we want them to leave our stations a little happier, by giving them the opportunity to create more memories with family and friends,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.
“This exclusive Ferrari collection not only marks the return our collectible campaign, but it also celebrates the long-standing technical partnership Shell has with Scuderia Ferrari and our shared commitment and passion for performance. We are proud to say that the Shell V-Power race fuel used by Scuderia Ferrari contains 99% of the same type of compounds as Shell V-Power road fuels available to customers worldwide. With our proprietary DYNAFLEX technology, Shell’s high-quality fuels can help restore engine performance, for a more powerful and efficient drive,” added Shairan.
In addition to the cars, collectors will be happy to know that Shell Malaysia is also making available a limited-edition hauler truck, painted in the signature Ferrari red., and is designed to display the Ferrari car collection. This hauler truck can either be obtained as a complimentary gift with your purchase of the Shell Helix Ultra 4L engine oil, or by paying RM99.90.
Shell Malaysia will be running a host of roadshows and pop-ups at major malls nationwide to commemorate the launch of the collection. Customers who visit these roadshows will be treated to the ‘Shell ShowVroom’, a gallery dedicated to the eight models in this campaign, which showcases dioramas detailing their respective history and distinctive backgrounds, as well as information on the much-celebrated partnership between Shell and Ferrari.
The Shell Ferrari collectible cars are available as long as stocks are available. Customers will also receive a RM5 rebate when you spend a minimum of RM50 using the Touch N Go e-wallet, while a 5% cash back is available with a minimum of 3x accumulative spending worth RM150 via Maybank Debit Card.
For more information on the limited-edition Ferrari collection or the roadshows, please visit https://www.shell.com.my/koleksiferrari.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has appointed Michael Jopp as the new Head of Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Malaysia & SEA II effective 1 July 2019. Jopp takes over the job from Mark Raine, who had completed his four-year tenure in Malaysia and is now the Vice President of Product & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Korea.
Before coming to Malaysia, Jopp was the Vice-President of Sales & Marketing in Mercedes-Benz India for nearly 3 years. During his stint, Mercedes-Benz India topped JD Power’s Sales Satisfaction ranking as well as introduced various new digital initiatives to the market. Jopp was an instrumental figure in maintaining Mercedes-Benz India’s significant lead in the luxury vehicle segment, ending 2018 as the country’s highest-selling luxury carmaker for the fourth consecutive year.
“We are excited to have Michael Jopp join our Mercedes-Benz Malaysia family. With his rich industry experience and decades of expertise in sales and marketing functions, we are confident that he will be able to lead the market and maintain our No. 1 position in the Malaysian premium automotive market. Jopp will also play a key role in our customer centric strategy, taking on a holistic approach to automotive excellence by providing our customers a brand experience with our strong product portfolio,” commented Dr. Claus Weidner, Head of Region Southeast Asia II.
Jopp brings with him over 20 years’ worth of experience in the automotive industry, mainly helming roles associated with Daimler and Mercedes-Benz in Germany. He holds an MBA from Goizueta Business School, and in his spare time, enjoys golfing and traveling.
Autoworld.com.my wishes Michael Jopp “Selamat datang ke Malaysia”.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is making available the Collector’s Edition Beetle as this cultural icon ends its production run worldwide. As a last hurrah, there will be 75 units of the Collector’s Edition for Beetle fans in Malaysia.
The exclusive Collector’s Edition Beetle is priced at RM164,390 (excluding registration and insurance) and is available in Blue Silk, Pure White, Habanero Orange and Tornado Red exterior colours. The Collector’s Edition comes with a rear spoiler, decorative film, chrome exhaust tips, aluminium sports pedals, scuff plates, VW Tint and an emblem marking its production run; these accessories are worth up to RM12,000. All 75 owners will also receive an official Collector’s Edition certificate of ownership.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that the Collector’s Edition Beetle is a celebration of the amazing run the Beetle has had. “All good things must come to an end, and it is the same with this global bestseller. The Beetle has enjoyed a rich history – in Malaysia it is one that dates to when it was assembled in Shah Alam in 1968. In fact, most Malaysians grew up with a connection to the much-loved car.”
“No other car has sparked such a cult following and defined generations the way the Beetle has. This is the end of an era, so it is only right that we celebrate the life and times of the Beetle with something truly special that is the Collector’s Edition.”
The Collector’s Edition Beetle is the last special edition Beetle to be offered in Malaysia. This makes it perfect for Beetle fans wanting a unique, one-of-a-kind touch to their Beetle.
A cult object and design icon, the award-winning Beetle has captured the hearts and minds of the people in its 80 years of production. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1938, over 21.5 million units have been sold globally, making it one of the best-selling cars in the 20th century. Alas, after three generations, Volkswagen announced that it will cease production of the Beetle.
As the longest-running production car in automotive history, its appeal spans generations. Together with the Kombi, the Beetle personified the term “peace, love and happiness”. It has made countless appearances in pop culture – as the original Bumblebee in Hasbro’s Transformers, as Herbie the Love Bug and Elle Wood’s transportation of choice in ‘Legally Blonde’. Artist Andy Warhol famously produced prints featuring the Beetle, and a white Beetle was featured on the cover of the final Beatles album, Abbey Road.
The launch of the Collector’s Edition VW Beetle is part of Volkswagen’s Bye Bye Beetle campaign, which will end with The Iconic Gathering on 13 July 2019 (Saturday) in Putrajaya. VPCM will be attempting to break the current Malaysia record of the largest gathering of Beetles in one location and is calling out to all owners of the classic and current Beetle to join in the effort.
All Volkswagen models, including the Beetle, come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
LOKATECH Engineering Sdn Bhd and EFKON Asia, the Austrian technology provider of the Infrared Toll Collection System (or what most people know as the Smart TAG toll system) has launched LokaTAG, the first aftermarket built-in toll reader for vehicles in Malaysia.
The LokaTAG retails at RM499 and is an alternative to the EFKON MaxTAG or the older Smart TAG units that are powered by 9V batteries. LokaTAG gives you the option to directly connect the toll reader to the vehicle’s battery making it more integrated and seamless, without the need to deal with 9V battery replacements. The LokaTAG features a long-lasting backlit display with low credit and card error alerts, and is compatible with all types of vehicles. This is the same type of toll reader offered by Perodua and Toyota.
According to Helmuth Blasch, director of EFKON Asia, demand for electronic toll readers is still strong, bolstered by orders from car manufacturers in Malaysia for the built-in units. This shows that the general motoring public still prefers the current infrared system for its reliability and efficiency.
“Market response to the portable MaxTAG has been excellent with average monthly sales of about 12,000 units. As for our built-in toll readers, we currently have five major car brands featuring our customised products with more coming on board soon. The combined total monthly sales of the portable and built-in units are about 25,000 units,” said Blasch.
EFKON, which has years of experience in electronic toll systems, is constantly investing in research and development to enhance the features of infrared toll readers. Future devices could be equipped with Bluetooth and voice alert capabilities. Bluetooth connectivity will allow users to interact with the electronic toll reader units using smartphones or even the car’s media system.
“We expect the infrared electronic toll collection system to continue playing a significant role in this country for years to come. It has proven to be the most reliable, efficient, convenient and cost-effective cashless toll collection system in facilitating multi-lane traffic flow on Malaysian highways,” Blausch commented.
Future products expected to be introduced is an enhanced version of the MaxTAG reader with 9V 10,000 mAh Li-ion battery that is rechargeable via USB.
Ng Shyh Kang, General Manager of LOKATECH Engineering Sdn Bhd said “LokaTAG is the first and only authorised built-in toll reader for the aftermarket and we believe there is a high number of car owners who will appreciate the peace of mind and convenience of a seamless ride. For a start, we are targeting sales of about 1,000 units a month.”
Shopee Malaysia is the online retail partner for LokaTAG and every purchase of a LokaTAG from the official store comes with free on-site installation in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor. For customers outside of these areas, free installation of the units is available at selected authorised dealers. The official store also offers a 0% Easy Payment Plan for an extra RM1.
More information can be found in LokaTAG’s website.
The MINI brand is celebrating 60 years of British innovation this year and in conjunction with its anniversary, MINI Malaysia has introduced the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme (MSRI) which is applicable to all MINI vehicles purchased between now and 31 August 2019.
The celebratory offer gives new MINI owners Free Scheduled Service for 60 months or 80,000 km (whichever comes first) and 60 months of Warranty with Unlimited Mileage for any model in the MINI portfolio.
Services available with the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme is in accordance with the Condition Based Service (CBS) system and includes service vehicle check, engine oil change, as well as servicing for air filter, fuel filter, micro filter, spark plug and brake fluid.
“This year, we celebrate 60 years of British innovation, iconic design and thrilling go-kart handling. Since 1959, MINI has continued to push the boundaries whilst keeping the creative use of space, driving fun, style and individualisation at its core. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we are thrilled to extend the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme to all new MINI owners to deliver the complete Premium Ownership Experience,” said Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
This exclusive offer is available for all new purchases of MINI vehicles with a JPJ registration dated within the programme period (between 8 July – 31 August 2019). This 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme is also applicable for fleet packages, duty-exempted vehicles and the Returning Expert Programme (REP) customers.
More details of this limited-time 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Programme can be obtained from all authorised MINI dealerships.
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