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11_Ferrari Dino 50 years celebration - Maranello, ItalyThe Ferrari Dino range is one of the Prancing Horse’s biggest selling, and very recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at Ferrari’s home of Maranello, Italy. Over 150 Dinos and over 300 customers from all over the world flocked to Maranello and Ferrari to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the road debut of the first Dino production car.

Officially launched in 1967 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Dino officially turned 50 years old in 2017 but any celebration would have coincided with Ferrari’s 70th anniversary celebration. Thus the decision to celebrate its road-going golden birthday this year instead.

8_Ferrari Dino 50th Anniversary - Maranello, ItalyThe Dino marque is named after founder Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, who was credited with designing the V6 engine that is found in Dino models. The earlier V6 models were designed by Pininfarina while the later V8 model was designed by Bertone.

The Dinos that attended the celebration last weekend gathered at the Maranello Museum and then headed to the Fiorano track. The Dinos then drove into the factory where the customers were given a special tour. This was followed by the traditional drive, one car at a time, under the arch of the historical entrance on Via Abetone Inferiore.

 

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UMW Grantt International Sdn Bhd has launched in Malaysia, an addition to its Grantt range of lubricants i.e. the Grant Stellar 8000 SAE 0W-20 fully synthetic engine oil. Rated API SN Plus, this top-of-the-range oil is formulated with Knock Guard Technology; the first engine oil in Malaysia to feature this additive.

Grantt Stellar 8000 SAE 0W-20 Knock Guard, Low Speed Pre-Ignition, UMW Grantt International, Malaysia“Knock Guard” is a formulation by UMW Grantt International and its additive partner, and is trademarked by the company. This formulation is said to offer protection against Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). LSPI or  premature combustion is when the fuel combusts before the spark plugs fire, especially at low rpm (engine speed). This can cause wear and damage to the internals of the engine such as the pistons head and connecting rod. UMW Grantt claims that Stellar 8000 SAE 0W-20 with Knock Guard can reduce this knocking by up to 84% thus offering better protection for the engine as well as cleaner engines and better fuel economy.

Grantt Stellar 8000 SAE 0W-20 Engine Oil Launch, UMW Grantt International, MalaysiaGrantt Stellar 8000 SAE 0W-20 is a low viscosity oil that contains unique antioxidant additives to control oil thickening to achieve better flow to critical engine parts. This offers better protection during cold starts at low temperatures while retaining viscosity benefits at higher temperatures. Its advanced dispersant and detergent system also helps prevent sludge and varnish deposits, resulting in a more efficient engine and fuel savings. Stellar 8000 has an API SN Plus rating which is the latest and suited for modern turbocharged engines. It is also backwards compatible i.e. a car requiring API SM rated oil can also use this (please refer to your owner’s manual). It retails for RM199 for 4 litres in Peninsular Malaysia.

UMW Grantt International, Megat Shahrul, Grantt Lubricants, Malaysia“With more car manufacturers developing engines which are increasingly smaller, more efficient, more advanced and at the same time more powerful, this also creates more extreme operating conditions, especially for turbocharged gasoline direct injection (TGDI) engines. This makes today’s engines more susceptible to Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) which causes internal engine damage and lead to engine failure. The Grantt Stellar 8000 SAE 0W-20 was engineered with this in mind to give drivers outstanding LSPI protection,” said Megat Shahrul Azmir Nordin, President of Manufacturing & Engineering Division, UMW Corporation Sdn Bhd.

“Our goGrantt Lubricants, UMW Grantt International, Malaysiaal is to design the next generation lubricant technologies to provide a one-step solution to protect against LSPI and enable OEMs to continue their development of fuel-saving, low-emission engines. We have a dedicated team of lubricant engineers, certified lubricant specialists and plant professionals who are focused on bringing the very best out of every molecule that goes into the Grantt formula,” Megat elaborated.

Grantt Lubricants, Toyota 86, Grantt Stellar 8000, UMW Grantt International, MalaysiaUMW has been in the lubricants business for 50 years and has been blending and supplying oils to different companies, and is making use of this experience to market its in-house brand, Grantt. Grantt is derived from GEP (Grant Engineering Products) which is a UMW-owned registered trademark in US that has been in the market for over 40 years.

UMW Grantt also has a full range of passenger car engine oils (Stellar), diesel engine oils (Quasar), motorcycle engine oils (Quadra), transmission fluids (automatic and CVT), greases and industrial oil.

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Kuantan, 2 July 2018 – Millennium Welt extends its relationship with the BMW Group Malaysia family following its appointment as the newest representative for the BMW Motorrad brand in Kuantan and the East
Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Millennium Welt Kuantan (3) - BMW Group Malaysia, BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINIThe Millennium Welt Kuantan showroom boasts a built-up area of 28,000 sq ft which is capable of displaying up to five BMW vehicles and eight BMW Motorrad motorcycles. The showroom is located at 32, Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang.

Millennium Welt is no stranger to BMW Group Malaysia, having a proven track record as a representative of the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands in Seremban as well as being a representative of the BMW brand in Batu Pahat and Kuantan. At the recent BMW Group Malaysia’s 8th Dealer Awards ceremony earlier this year, Millennium Welt took home 13 awards, including the BMW Excellence Club Award.

Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “We see great potential for growth in the East Coast for premium motorcycles and Millennium Welt has been a valuable partner for us in delivering the promise for BMW premium experience to our customers in Kuantan. We are confident they are
the choice dealership to help us further cement our position in the region, now extending the impeccable premium experience to motorcycle enthusiasts in the East Coast as well.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, commented, “With Millennium Welt Kuantan’s appointment, we look forward to welcoming more riders from the East Coast region to Make Life A Ride. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia with its great windy roads down the coast is perfect for motorcycle riding
but more importantly, the area delivers over 50 motorcycles annually and has the potential to grow steadily year on year.”

Mr. Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt Group of Companies added, “As the official dealership for the BMW brand in Kuantan since 2016, we have built solid credibility with our customers in Pahang and its surrounding areas. Riding on this momentum, we believe the addition of BMW Motorrad to our portfolio of premium vehicles will translate into a higher number of deliveries in the area.”

Millennium Welt Kuantan now offers a wider range of products and services consisting of BMW and BMW Motorrad models, as well as MINI Service. By consolidating the sales and service of BMW automobiles and BMW Motorrad under one roof, Millennium Welt Kuantan will be able to assist the BMW Group in communicating a more focused brand identity to the market. This also enables BMW to serve its customers more efficiently through a more streamlined channel.

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L-R: Raymond Chak, Customer Development Executive, Coca Cola Refreshments Malaysia Sdn Bhd; winner, Brian Lim; Baba Tan, Sr Marketing Manager, BHPetrol.

Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) has announced the Grand Winner for its joint promotion with Coca Cola Refreshments Sdn Bhd at a prize presentation ceremony. For the BHPetrol 2018 FIFA World Cup First Half promotion period of 1 – 31 May, Mr Brian Lim Choon Wah, 26, was named the winner of 1 ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals worth RM45,000, including flight and accommodation. His prize is fully sponsored by Coca-Cola and he will get to watch the final football match at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on 15 July 2018.

Brian, who is a frequent user of BHPetrol, only submitted one entry for this promotion. Talk about having all the luck in the world.

During the promotion period, customers who buy any 3 cans 350 ml of 500 ml bottles of Coca-Cola participating brands drinks at participating BHPetrol stations are entitled to enter the contest. You just have to keep the purchase receipt and send a “BHPetromart” Whatsapp to an authorized handphone number to qualify as contestant. The actual winner was picked by the organizer based on the fastest and correct answer given.

For the Second Half of the promotion period, customers who make purchases on Coca-Cola participating brands from 1 June – 31 July 2018 will stand a chance to win 50 Adidas vouchers worth RM150 each.

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The first MazdaSports Academy Advanced Driving programme was met with great response from owners of Mazda vehicles, and now, Bermaz’s MazdaSports Division is inviting everyone to experience the joy of spirited driving that is built into Mazda cars.

If you have never driven a Mazda vehicle, now is your chance to find out what the Jinba Ittai philosophy is all about. The MazdaSports Academy “MazdaSports Day” is a fun driving experience programme for everyone (not just Mazda owners) to experience Mazda’s “Celebrate Driving” brand essence.

MazdaSports Day, Bermaz, Mazda Malaysia 2018You will get to experience driving a Mazda through a dynamic test drive course as well as participate in driving challenges (with prizes to be won).

It will be held on 7 – 8 July 2018 (Saturday & Sunday) at the Shah Alam Stadium, from 9 am – 5 pm. Participation is free.

Check out Mazda Malaysia’s Facebook page for more information.

Shah Alam Stadium location:

Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hw281w8u6v
Google Maps : https://maps.google.com/?q=3.080410,101.542252

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This year, Porsche is celebrating its 70th year with the theme, “Sportscar Together”, and Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has taken that seriously with the introduction of the extreme Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Launch, Malaysia, Arnt Bayer, CEO Sime Darby Auto Performance 2018“Porsche is celebrating its 70th anniversary with numerous activities around the world; uniting sports car enthusiasts, customers and employees, reminiscing cherished and exciting moments that have been shared with others around the world,” said Arnt Bayer, CEO of SDAP. “We are honoured to join Porsche in celebrating its 70th anniversary in conjunction with the launch of the new 911 GT2 RS,” he added.

The 911 GT2 RS is the most powerful and fastest 911 ever built. Weighing 1,470 kg with a full tank of fuel, its 700 hp 3.8 litre biturbo flat six engine can propel this lightweight two-seater from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. With a top speed of 340 km/h and 750 Nm of torque at heel, the 911 GT2 RS lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6 minutes 47.3 seconds; a new record for a road-approved sports car, and faster than the iconic 918 Spyder.

The engine gains 80 hp and 50 Nm over its predecessor, courtesy of larger turbochargers and a new cooling system that sprays the charge-air cooler with water to ensure gas temperatures fall in the overpressure range for optimum power. The 7-speed dual clutch PDK transmission is also customised for the 911 GT2 RS; the exhaust system makes use of extra-lightweight titanium for weight savings of around 7 kg.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Front Vents, Carbon, Malaysia LaunchOther features that make this Porsche so fast and agile include racing chassis, rear-axle steering, specially calibrated PSM with customised Sport mode, large air intakes and outlets, large functional rear wing, parts made from carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic (CFRP), and of course, ultra high performance (UHP) tyres.

 

Porsche 911 GT2 RS Rear Wing, Weissach Package, MalaysiaThe standard trim roof is made from magnesium but with all things Porsche, you have options. The optional Weissach package will shave another 30 kg off the car. This package will for instance, replace the magnesium roof with one of carbon. Other parts like the anti-roll bars and coupling rods will also be carbon. The rest of the package puts more CFRP and titanium in the car, as well as magnesium wheels, to bring weight down. The Weissach package will set you back about RM140,000.

Standard in the 911 GT2 RS is the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) which controls your audio, communication and navigation. The Connect Plus module and Porsche Track Precision app are also standard, enabling you to record, display and analyse your driving data from your smartphone. However, the Chrono Package is optional. This package includes a stopwatch on the switch panel and also comes with a lap trigger which is used in conjunction with the Porsche Track Precision app and external markers on the start/finish straight to enable more precise recording of lap times.

Speaking of time, the exclusive Porsche Design 911 GT2 RS Chronograph is available to owners of the car and can be ordered at the Porsche Centre. This timepiece uses the first clock movement developed by Porsche Design, and is made of titanium. The vehicle and the watch are produced individually, according to customers’ preference and are delivered together.

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS starts from RM2.9 million (before registration, road tax and insurance), and includes a four-year warranty.

Gallery:

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Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato' Dr Zahari Husin (left) receives the ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification from SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd Managing Director En Mohd Azanuddin Salleh (right). Witnessing the hand-over is Perodua President and CEO Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh (centre).

Rawang, 29 June: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) and its fully-owned subsidiary Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd has been certified by SIRIM to the latest 2015 versions of the ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) 9001 and 14001 standards, emphasising the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility.

In order to be certified for ISO 9001, an organisation must comply with quality best practices in their work processes, with the aim of improving customer satisfaction in every sense. Whereas ISO 14001 focuses on environmental standards.

Perodua first adopted ISO standards in 1998. ISO 9001 was extended to Perodua sales and service branches in stages from 2005, standardising the customer experience across the board. All Perodua branches are currently ISO-certified.

Perodua has thus far successfully undergone one ISO 14001 and three ISO 9001 version upgrades, including today’s certification, which covers a total of 39 sales and 55 service branches nationwide, plus 35 departments under Perodua Headquarters.

“SIRIM’s ISO recognition means a lot to Perodua as it reinforces our vision of becoming a regionally competitive player and demonstrates our strive for Kaizen or continuous improvement,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh at a certificate presentation ceremony held today at Perodua’s headquarters in Sungai Choh. At the ceremony was also SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd Managing Director En Mohd Azanuddin Salleh, who presented the certificates to Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin.

“The demands of the market and industry never stop changing, and it is essential that we constantly update our standards and procedures to adapt and respond to those changes. Only if we remain relevant to our customers can we exceed their expectations,” said Datuk (Dr) Aminar.

“With this certification upgrade, we hope to further reduce the satisfaction index gap between us and other recognised international players,” he added. Datuk (Dr) Aminar said that Perodua will also extend these standards to its business partners, be they dealers or suppliers in the near future.

“We will ensure our business partners and suppliers comply with green practices as required by ISO standards, including the sourcing of materials in environmentally-friendly ways,” he said.

Adopting ISO practices has also led to improvements for Perodua’s internal processes and communications, as well as customer deliveries, amongst many others. First introduced in 1987, ISO 9001 is one of the world’s most widely-used quality management systems, with the latest 2015 revision expanding the requirements to
include risk-based thinking.

ISO 14001 was born in 1996 and concerns environmental management and pollution prevention. The latest ISO 14001:2015 revision brings additional emphasis on leadership, strategic planning, proactive initiatives and even communications strategies.

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Pic: Volkswagen Truck & Bus

Volkswagen Truck & Bus (VW T&B) has announced that it will be renamed Traton Group to further separate this business’ relations from Volkswagen’s other segments, and to prepare for the capital market. This name change is set to formally take effect in the third quarter of 2018.

Scania Truck FrontVW T&B was established in 2015 to group the truck and bus brands owned by Volkswagen under one entity. Volkswagen owns MAN, Scania, Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, and RIO brands, which retain their own identities within the group. It also owns about 17% in American truck and bus maker, Navistar (formerly International Harvester), a stake just under the trigger to issue a formal takeover as required by US law.

“Traton” is a combination of “TRAnsformation”, “TRAnsportation”, “TRAdition”, “TONnage”, and “Always ON”.

Andreas Renschler, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Truck & Bus Group and member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, said: “The new name TRATON is a major milestone on our road to become Global Champion of the transportation industry. Since our foundation, we have grown together faster than expected. TRATON provides us with more independence. It will further strengthen our Group’s joint identity and uniqueness. The new name will also foster our visibility as the leading Group for innovative transportation solutions. It will increase our attractiveness for new talents as well as for capital markets.”

“The Supervisory Board fully supports the ambitious plans of Volkswagen Truck & Bus and the Group’s move towards a unique identity. This will reinforce our truck business on their way to capital market readiness,” said Hans-Dieter Pötsch, Head of Volkswagen AG’s and Volkswagen Truck & Bus’ Supervisory Boards.

Further, Christian Schulz, a mergers and acquisitions specialist, has been appointed by VW T&B as its new finance chief. It has also converted itself into a stock corporation, making it easier for VW to issue shares.

Aside from this, VW T&B had, in April 2018, entered into a long-term strategic partnership agreement with Hino Motors of Japan and set up a Joint Alliance Board for the “evaluation of technology cooperation on conventional powertrains, hybrid and electric powertrains, as well as connectivity and autonomous driving systems”.

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With a growing customer base and with modern cars becoming increasingly more complex, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) recognises the need to bolster its skilled workforce to support its servicing network and keep its customers happy, and the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy has the enviable task of supplying the brand’s growing dealership network with qualified technicians.

Recently the MBM Training Academy celebrated the graduation of a new group of 26 apprentices from the Automotive Mechatronic Training programme. The Academy has so far trained at least 827 globally-certified local apprentices since its establishment.

The 26 graduates received three certifications i.e. the Mercedes-Benz Automotive Mechatronic Training Certificate; the Mercedes-Benz Qualified Maintenance Technician Certificate; and the National Dual Training System (NDTS) Certificate, which is equivalent to the Malaysia Skills Certificate Level 3, a certification recognised by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia.

“The development of our nation’s youth and providing them with a bright career path continues to be a passion for us at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. We are very proud to see our young talents transform from trainees into globally certified technicians. These graduates form the foundation of our network and enable us to deliver the Best Customer Experience, an assurance that all Mercedes-Benz customers and fans have come to trust. We look forward to nurturing more Malaysian youth and sustainably Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Corporate Communications contribute towards the nation’s demand for highly skilled talent in the automotive industry,” said MBM President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner at the graduation ceremony attended by the graduates and their parents.

At the ceremony, the Academy also presented the Class of 2018 Best Student Award to Wong Shiong Heng. The 23 year-old from Negeri Sembilan was affirmed for his outstanding achievement over the three-year training period in the areas of academics, performance, attendance and attitude.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy, Apprentice Training, Wong Shiong Heng Class of 2018 Best Student AwardThrilled to be donning the silver-star as a certified apprentice, Wong shared his thoughts on his achievement and experience. “I was surprised when I heard my name called out for the Best Student Award. I feel that all the effort I put in has paid off. When I first started the course, I found the teaching method very different from what I have experienced in the past. The course emphasised heavily on attitude, punctuality and discipline. I took it as a challenge, I persevered and my hard work paid off. I am thankful for the support of my family, trainers and peers. They have all contributed to helping me achieve the Best Student Award,” said Wong.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Vice President, Customer Services, Heinrich Schromm commented, “To deliver the Best Customer Experience is to take our customers on an unparalleled journey of premium care and the best services. A key element of this journey is ensuring every Mercedes-Benz customer and vehicle is cared for by a team of highly qualified consultants, diagnosticians and technicians. What sets us apart is our ability to stay a step ahead by ensuring that the Training Academy is constantly facilitated with the latest technologies and processes, and is always being reviewed to ensure it is the best programme we can offer. This is what makes the MBM Vocational Training programme a benchmark worldwide.”

Subsequent to the completion of a three-year training programme, the apprentices will be absorbed into MBM’s extensive network of Autohauses and service centres nationwide. These apprentices will have a variety of career opportunities available – from Qualified System Technician, with the possibility of being promoted to Certified Diagnosis Technician or Certified Service Advisor, to working in other areas of operations such as product planning.

“The formal education phase may have ended with the graduation ceremony, however learning never stops which is why we continue to provide up-skilling courses throughout the career path of our people in line with our life-long learning philosophy. Further professional development have seen our graduates obtain the C-management certification and move on to become workshop managers, senior managers and dealer principles in the network or even pursue management roles at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia headquarters,” shared Dr Weidner.

The Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy began to take in 60 trainees per year starting in 2017 over a three-year programme, the new Advanced Modern Apprenticeship. Based on training guidelines set by Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, the Training Academy maintains a trainee ratio of one trainer to 15 trainees to ensure optimum quality in the delivery of its modules. The three-year course comprises a 70% practical-based curriculum, which includes 30% on-the-job-training, and 30% theory-based curriculum. The apprentices are exposed to a wide range of skills including presentation, analysis, decision making, system thinking, mentoring, self-discipline and teamwork skills to prepare them for the working world.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and its dealer network invest over RM100,000 per trainee for the implementation of the training programme.

The next intake of trainees will begin in July 2018. You can submit your application form via
http://www.mb4.me/apprenticeship

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If you still have not got enough of Hari Raya feasts, or durian feasts for that matter, then make some time for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia Blue Durian Raya Open House this Saturday, 30 June 2018. This will be a nationwide Raya Open House at all Volkswagen dealerships from 11am to 5pm.

Volkswagen Fuel Your Gaya, Malaysia 2018As this date will also be the final day of Volkswagen’s Hari Raya promotion, you should not miss out on the deals offered too, especially since we are still in the 0% GST period. Volkswagen is offering rebates of up to RM15,000 depending on model, interest rates from as low as 0.88% per annum, and also free petrol card worth RM1,188. Furthermore, there is also a 20% discount offered on all official Volkswagen merchandise sold at the dealerships during the Open House.

So remember to pay a visit to the Volkswagen Blue Durian Raya Open House for a feast of Hari Raya delicacies! (the durians are available while stocks last, and they are not really blue)

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