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Volvo Trucks’ super truck, christened The Iron Knight, is now the speed record holder for 500 meter and 1,000 meter distances. The record attempts were performed in a test track in northern Sweden. During the record runs, The Iron Knight ran the 500-meter distance in 13.71 seconds with an average speed of 131.29 km/h, and the 1,000-meter distance in 21.29 seconds and average of 169 km/h. The Iron Knight reached a top speed of 276 km/h.

These figures are even more impressive when you take into account that the truck weighs 4.5 tonnes. Naturally, a significantly modified D13 mid-mounted engine with water-cooled intercooler and four turbochargers with power output of 2,400 hp and 6,000 Nm of torque and giving it a power-to-weight ratio above 0.5 hp/kg helped a lot.

I-Shift Dual Clutch Volvo Trucks T2016_0319The Iron Knight is also fitted with the I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission which maintains torque delivery during gear changes. Apart from a reinforced clutch (the discs and pressure plates are made of a sintered material), The Iron Knight uses the same gearbox that is fitted to series-manufactured Volvo FH trucks.

“This shows that our I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission has enormous potential and that it does not let you down under extreme conditions. The fact that the world record-breaker uses the very same gearbox that is found in our series-built FH trucks is something that we’re really proud of,” says Claes Nilsson, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks.

Boije Ovebrink The Iron Knight Volvo Trucks T2016_0328Driving The Iron Knight to record times was Boije Ovebrink, who has more than 30 years’ experience in car and truck racing. He has previously beaten five speed records and in 1994 was European Truck Racing Champion. “Volvo Trucks’ The Iron Knight can be summarised in one single word: perfection. It’s beautiful to look at and is an unparalleled powerhouse when you floor the accelerator. This is the third record-breaking truck I’ve driven, and I can’t think of a better follow-up to Wild Viking and Mean Green,” said Ovebrink.

For the record-breaking attempts, The Iron Knight had its weight reduced by using a fiberglass cab and keeping only the crucial electronic components. Its software was also reprogrammed for high performance and its cab was aerodynamically optimized with side skirts and large air intakes.

“Specialists from several different Volvo Trucks departments worked closely together to develop a truck with unsurpassed performance. Apart from Volvo Trucks’ powertrain, which is the heart and soul of The Iron Knight, we’ve hand-built the truck from the ground up. The fact that we succeeded in securing not just one record but two is absolutely amazing,” says Olof Johansson, a technician at Volvo Trucks.

The runs were carried out at Skellefteå Drive Center, a former airfield outside Skellefteå in northern Sweden. The speed record was monitored and approved by the international motor sport association, the FIA. The truck covered the distance in both directions and based on these two runs, the average time and speed were calculated. The record result that the FIA presents is the average speed of the two runs.

Volvo Trucks’ previous record-breaking trucks were:

2007 – ‘The Wild Viking’ (1,600 hp) beat the world record for the standing-start 0-1,000 m distance, with an average speed of 158.8 km/h.

2010 – The record for the same distance was beaten by ‘NH D16’ (1,800 hp) which reached an average speed of 166.7 km/h.

2011 – The hybrid truck ‘Mean Green’ (1,800 hp diesel engine plus a 300 hp electric motor) set new records for 0-500 and 0-1,000 m from a standing start, at an average speed of 115.3 km/h and 152.2 km/h respectively.

2012 – ‘Mean Green’ took on the 1,000 m flying-start category and set a new record with an average speed of 236.6 km/h.

Watch The Iron Knight’s record runs here:

And the I-Shift dual clutch:

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Just as the 2016 Olympics were winding down in Rio last weekend, so too did an event, deemed by members of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s after-sales personnel to be their very own Olympic games. And just like how the Summer Games showcase the best athletes a country has to offer, the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Skills Competition Grand Finals features the cream of the crop from Mercedes-Benz’s nationwide dealer network.

This biennial event hosted at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Apprentice Training Centre saw 30 finalists shortlisted from 378 contestants nationwide, battle each other for prizes and more importantly, bragging rights as the best Mercedes-Benz technical team in the country. This Skills Competition is part of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy to strengthen its brand. By encouraging its personnel to excel in their respective fields in line with the company’s “lifelong learning” philosophy, this will build a strong and competent after-sales team which will ensure a better ownership experience which increases brand value.

2016 Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Skills Competition Grand Finals ContestantsDr Claus Weidner President & CEO Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Skills Competition 2016Said Dr Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, “The Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Skills Competition is a good example of the exceptional standards upheld by our certified after-sales personnel throughout our dealership network in delivering unparalleled customer experiences. At Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we believe that our people are the bedrock of our long-term success. That is why we remain committed to ensuring their continuous development. We believe that in developing them to be the best that they can be, will ultimately result in delivering the best to our customers.”

The final 30 were shortlisted after a series of qualifying rounds which involved theory and practical tests on their technical aptitude and knowledge. The Grand Finals participants, who are products of the Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Training Program, competed in 6 categories (this competition began in 2008 with just 2 categories) – Qualified Maintenance Technician (QMT), Qualified System Technician (QST), Certified Diagnosis Technician (CDT), Qualified Parts Process Specialist (QPPS), Certified Service Advisor (CSA) and Automotive Mechatronic (AMT).

Most of these categories involve the ‘unsung heroes’ who are crucial to an automotive brand’s overall customer experience and showcase the range of job profiles within the Mercedes-Benz Cars Certification Programme C-Service. A team of Daimler AG-certified trainers and area-specific experts look over the contestants to make sure they’re meeting Mercedes-Benz standards and to decide the winners. A total of RM 99,500 in cash prizes were won this round.

 

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L-R: Mark Raine, VP, Sales & Marketing; Ingbert Gromback, VP, Production Plant; Dr Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia with the locally assembled GLC 250 4MATIC

Just a little over 7 months after the launch of its range of premium SUVs, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia revealed the locally assembled version of the GLC 250 4MATIC as part of its strategy to reduce delivery time to customers. The GLC 250 marks the first SUV to be locally assembled at its Pekan, Pahang facility in semi knocked-down (SKD) form i.e. the vehicle comes in parts already welded and painted from Germany for assembly here. Completely knocked-down (CKD) production is planned at a later stage when the Pekan production facility is outfitted for such operations. The other models coming from Pekan are the C-Class and S-Class; local assembly of the E-Class is also on the cards.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 4MATIC Pekan SKDThe Pekan facility works to global Mercedes-Benz production and quality standards and is the German automaker’s first CKD facility in the world to implement a 2nd work shift. With the GLC 250, this will be the first vehicle with 4MATIC all wheel drive and 9-speed 9G-TRONIC transmission to be assembled locally.

The GLC 250 is tentatively priced at RM325,888, pending final approval from the authorities. At this price, it is RM 3,000 cheaper than the CBU (completely built-up) version of the AMG Line and sits at the price of the CBU Exclusive variant. But a cheaper price doesn’t mean a compromise in features.

This SKD GLC 250 is equipped with a touchpad with controller for the Audio 20 CD infotainment system, 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system, cabin ambient lighting, a stowage package which includes a collapsible box and net in the cargo area, stainless steel door sill panels, panoramic sunroof as well as hands-free tailgate access. These are complemented by the Artico leather seats, open-pore black ash wood trim, keyless entry and start.

It’s fitted with AMG trim which includes 20″ AMG wheels, sporty bumpers with skid plates, twin exhausts and AMG flat-bottomed steering wheel. Other features include LED intelligent light system with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus. The puddle lamps shine the Mercedes-Benz emblem on the ground; not a necessity but fun to have.

Powered by a 2-liter turbocharged engine, the GLC 250 gets 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque between 1,200 – 4,000 rpm and boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Torque is split 45% : 55%, front : rear. Safety features include Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe system and Active Park Assist and 360º camera.

Agility Financing is also available for the GLC 250 and if Mercedes-Benz’s price gets the ok, a 3-year, 20,000 km mileage per annum financing plan works out to RM 3,258 a month; other mileage options are also available.

 

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Shah Alam, 23 August 2016 – Under the launch theme “Experience the Evolution”, the all-new Proton Persona was launched today in a grand ceremony held at the Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam. The new Persona is the second in its generation and replaces the original Persona that was first introduced in 2007. After going through numerous face-lifts and a product life cycle of nine years, the introduction of the replacement is timely, and should create some excitement amongst Malaysian buyers.

Persona Launch Theme, 2016

The all-new Persona is targeted at the younger buyers, and is upmarket with loads of great features, including smart phone connectivity and it even has two USB chargers for the rear passengers.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dato’ Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, CEO of Proton, said, “We would like everyone to experience the evolution of the all-new Proton Persona. The All-new Proton Persona has evolved significantly in terms of the features, advanced technologies, design and built including a more refined ride and handling as well as reduced noise vibration and harshness (NVH).”

The new Persona is marginally smaller than the outgoing model, but it certainly has a fresh new appeal, with a front that is in line with the current trend of Proton models that started with the Preve, i.e. a broad ‘smiling’ facia that stretches across the entire front, a high waistline, and smooth flowing lines. The new Persona has an overall length of 4,387mm, 60mm shorter than its predecessor, and wheelbase has been shortened by 45mm from 2,600mm to 2,555mm. As a comparison, the current Vios also has a wheelbase of 2,555 mm and is 4,410 mm long. The Honda City has a wheelbase of 2,600mm and is 4,440 mm long. From these comparisons, we can safely say the Persona is within the range of the B-segment cars in the market. Luggage space has been increased from the previous 430 litres to 510 litres.

The new Persona is marginally smaller than its predecessor.
The new Persona is marginally smaller than its predecessor.

The new Persona is equipped with Proton’s very own well proven and very reliable 1.6 litre DOHC engine that now comes with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) producing 107 HP @ 5,750 RPM and 150Nm of torque @ 4,000 RPM. Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission). Buyers have the option of a 5-speed manual transmission.

With electric power steering, the new Persona is claimed to give extremely good fuel consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual transmission model and 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres for the CVT models.

YSK_9124The new Persona retains the ever popular MacPherson strut suspension for the front, but the multi-link rear suspension has been replaced with a torsion beam. Similarly, the rear brakes are now drums.

There are four variants available – Standard MT denoting the manual transmission model with Standard specifications, a similar equivalent model to the Standard CVT which basically is the same car but with a CVT. Then there is the Executive CVT denoting a CVT-equipped model but with ‘Executive’ specifications, and topped up by the range leader, the Premium CVT.

Needless to say, the Premium CVT variant comes with all the goodies which include, amongst others, slightly wider 15-inch rims, 6.5JJ versus 6.0JJ for the other variants, leather upholstery, a touch screen audio system, push-start button, keyless entry, DVD player and GPS navigation system. In addition, the Premium CVT variant gets side airbags, curtain airbags and a reverse camera. The Executive CVT variant and the Standard variant still get a good complement of features, but not as high as the Premium.

Across the board, the new Persona gets mechanical seat height adjustability, electric headlamp levelling, and audio system with MP3 player with bluetooth connectivity.

In terms of safety features, all variants are equipped with ABS (with EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), and Hill Hold Assist (HA). Front airbags, ISOFIX and Top Tether, and immobilizer. The Persona has been awarded 5-Star Asean NCAP rating.

All in all, the all-new Proton Persona is a package that is really a great bang per buck, especially if you look at the prices, which stand as follows:

Persona Standard MT      :              RM46,800.00

Persona Standard CVT     :              RM49,800.00

Persona Executive CVT    :              RM55,800.00

Persona Premium CVT     :              RM59,800.00

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If you have experienced buying new cars, you’ll know it’s quite a time consuming process. First you visit the showrooms of the different brands you’re considering, then you test drive all the models you’re interested in (you may also be tempted to test drive the other cars in the showroom since you’re already there), read media reviews and shortlist the model that you think best suits your needs and budget. This can take up a few weekends (unless you’re in desperate need of a car and buy the first available one).

Tookar ProcessOnce you’ve shortlisted your ‘Want’ list to the one or two models that you fancy, you then speak to the Sales Advisors on the best discounts. So with one particular model, you could be visiting a few showrooms of the same brand to do just that. By the time you’re done visiting showroom after showroom and negotiating at every one of them, the thrill of getting a new car would probably have diminished a little.

This is where Tookar is stepping in. You will still have to go through the regular process of loan applications, registration, etc but Tookar, as an online platform for buyers of new cars, aims to save you time and petrol in visiting the different showrooms to negotiate a bargain, especially if you’re staying in a semi-urban or rural area where authorized dealers are few and far in between.

So after you have viewed the car, knocked its fenders, slammed the doors, kicked its tires and received permission from your better half to buy it, you simply visit the Tookar website, pick the model you want (all from authorized dealers) and the discount you’re looking for.

Tookar - AdvantagesThe Tookar platform will then match your request via a two-way auction paradigm (similar to how a stock exchange works) with an authorized dealer of said car model that offers the discount you want. The deal is sealed online with an online deposit and signing of the Vehicle Sales Order (VSO). Once the sale, loan and registration processes are done, the car will be delivered to your doorstep.

There is an algorithm that tells you how realistic your discount demand is so in reality asking for a RM 99,000 discount on a RM 100,000 car is probably not practical. You will also be able to see the range of prices / discounts the sellers and other buyers are asking for, to give you a fair idea.

There are currently about 200 authorized dealers of various mainstream car brands nationwide who have joined the Tookar network and more are expected (currently only authorized dealers in Peninsular Malaysia are in the network). These authorized dealers will regularly update their product offerings, including model availability as well as distributor promotions (e.g. Merdeka deals, etc.) i.e. the discount that you ask for will include such promotional deals.

Dato Wei Chuan Beng, TookarDato’ Wei Chuan Beng, Co-founder and Angel Investor of Tookcar explained, “The way new cars are bought hasn’t changed much over the past century. The fun part is going to car showrooms to view and test drive various cars, and then comes the not-so-fun part – negotiating with multiple dealers to get the best bargain. We wanted to change this second part of the car-buying process. We thought ‘Hey, how can we skip all the unpleasant, stressful and tedious visits to multiple dealers, but yet get a great bargain on our dream car?’ This was the impetus for us to create Tookar – to offer prospective car buyers a fun, simple and hassle-free car-buying experience.”

To commemorate the launch, Tookar is offering RM 300 worth of Lazada vouchers to car buyers who use the Tookar service between 22 August and 16 September 2016. The vouchers will be given to customers upon delivery of their cars.

Visit www.tookar.my or www.facebook.com/TookarMY/ for more details.

 

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Honda Malaysia has issued a statement regarding the availability of the replacement driver front airbag inflator and it looks like the company has a handle on the situation. If you have not taken your Honda in for this recall exercise, please do so now.

Below is Honda’s statement ad verbum:

Takata Driver Front Airbag Inflators Stock Ready For Delivery To Honda Dealers and Hubs
Takata Driver Front Airbag Inflators Stock Ready For Delivery To Honda Dealers and Hubs

Honda Malaysia would like to announce that parts availability for the Takata driver front airbag inflator is at 100% as of today. We would like to thank our customers for their kind patience and understanding during the parts waiting period. Honda Malaysia continues to urge affected customers to make an appointment at their preferred Honda authorised dealers or any of the Service Central Hubs, or visit the Mobile Hubs to have their affected airbag inflators replaced.

As at 17 August 2016, Honda Malaysia has completed 45% replacement of the recalled Takata airbag inflators, which translates to approximately 175,000 units of airbag inflators in affected vehicles. Over the past 3 weeks, Honda Malaysia has managed to replace more than 31,800 units of airbag inflators at our authorised dealers, Service Central Hubs and Mobile Hubs. Honda Malaysia will continue to urge affected customers to change the affected parts, aiming to improve the completion rate as much as possible.

Due to the global shortage of parts for Takata passenger front airbag inflators, Honda Malaysia is facing parts shortage and is unable to secure 100% stock availability. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that there will be sufficient parts for Takata passenger front airbag inflator replacements as well. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delay in our procurement.

Customers of affected Honda vehicles can replace both Takata driver and passenger (based on parts availability) front airbag inflators by making an appointment with any Honda authorised dealers. We also encourage customers to call the Honda Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020 to make an appointment with any of the Service Central Hubs which are located at:

• Northern Hub (Next to S.M.J.K. Convent Dato’ Keramat School)

Address: No.401, Jalan Dato’ Keramat, 10150 Georgetown, Penang.

• Central Hub – Soo & Sons Metal Works Sdn. Bhd. (Next to Columbia Asia Hospital)

Address: Lot 15 Jalan 13/6, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

• Southern Hub – Oriental Assemblers Sdn. Bhd.

Address: 99 & 99A-C, Jalan Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor.

These temporary Service Central Hubs have been operating since 1st August 2016 and will be operational until 30th September 2016. The hubs open 7 days a week except public holidays , from 8am to 7pm. 1

To provide additional outlets for Takata airbag replacement activity, Honda Malaysia has also opened a total of 24 Mobile Hubs which are set up at 21 selected Petron service stations and three (3) Honda Family Road Trip locations. These Mobile Hubs have started operations since 5th August and will close on 25th September 2016. The Mobile Hubs are open from 8am to 7pm on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at three (3) different locations. Further details of the location of the Mobile Hubs are available at www.honda.com.my or www.productrecall.honda.com.my.

With the arrival of sufficient parts for Takata driver front airbag inflators and increased capacity for the replacement activities with 3 Service Central Hubs and 24 Mobile Hubs, Honda Malaysia would like to urge customers with affected vehicles to quickly have the replacement done.

Honda customers can check their vehicles recall status either by logging on to www.honda.com.my or www.productrecall.honda.com.my or by calling the Honda Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020.

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TC Euro Cars, sole franchise holder of Renault cars in Malaysia, has introduced a limited run Renault Fluence Formula Edition in the run-up to the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix and also in celebration of Renault’s return to Formula One as a works team.

Renault Fluence Formula Edition RearThe Fluence Formula Edition is dressed in decals representing the colors of the French flag as well as a body kit, muffler cutter and two-tone black alloy wheels. On the inside, the Formula Edition gets maroon-colored premium leather seats and gloss black trim.

The powertrain remains unchanged with a Nissan-based 2.0-liter engine and X-Tronic CVT (continuously variable transmission also from Nissan) and as such still gets 143 PS and 195 Nm of torque to the front wheels.

Other features of the car include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control (ASR), 6 airbags, smart entry and smart with automatic ‘walk away’ door locking, climate control with rear air vents, Renault R-Link multimedia system with 7″ touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and navigation. For cargo, the Fluence boasts boot space of 530 liters, one of the biggest in the C-segment.

The Fluence Formula Edition sells for RM 126,688 on the road without insurance, in a choice of Black Metallic or White Pearl body colors. This Formula Edition is also covered by a 5-year full manufacturer’s warranty (unlimited mileage) as well as the 5inFluence package which includes 5-years (or 100,000 km) free maintenance, 1-year genuine parts warranty, complimentary pick-up for scheduled servicing and 48-hour Mobility Solution (courtesy car).

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The all-new Toyota Sienta 7-seater compact MPV has been launched by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT). Placed between the Toyota Avanza and Toyota Innova, the Sienta comes in 2 variants – 1.5G and 1.5V, priced at RM 92,900 and RM 99,900 (on the road with insurance) respectively.

Hiroshi Kayukawa, Chief Engineer of the Toyota Sienta briefing the media
Hiroshi Kayukawa, Chief Engineer of the Toyota Sienta briefing the media

The youthfully styled MPV is aimed at urban families who seek a more premium and trendy looking car-based people carrier. Imported CBU from Indonesia, the Toyota Sienta is powered by a 1.5-liter DOHC petrol engine with Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence). The engine is designed for fuel efficiency and is paired to a 7-ratio CVT (continuously variable transmission) with torque converter. The CVT includes a Sport Sequential Shiftmatic mode for manual gear selection. Maximum power output to the front wheels is 107 PS at 6,000 rpm, with 140 Nm of torque available at 4,200 rpm.

The Sienta uses rear sliding doors for easy entry to the 2nd and 3rd rows in tight spaces; the 1.5G has just 1 powered sliding door on the left. The powered sliding doors are anti-pinch and can be opened and closed from either the door handles, key fob or a button on the dashboard. Additionally, the left sliding door will not open when the fuel lid is open. Both rear rows are configured as 50:50 folding seats to increase seating and cargo flexibility. Air blower vents mounted on the roof serve to cool the rear.

Naturally, the higher priced 1.5V comes with more premium features and this includes acoustic windshield, Bi-LED headlamps with V-shaped positioning lamps that matches the rear V-shaped LED light guide (the headlamps have an automatic activation feature), 16″ alloy wheels with two-tone finish, leather-wrapped steering, Smart Entry & Start system, Optitron meters, climate control, digital video recorder, 4.2″ full color multi-information display, PUSPAKOM-certified premium security and solar film, DVD-AVX entertainment system which includes a 6.8″ touchscreen display, DVD player, Bluetooth, voice recognition and reverse camera.

On the other hand, the 1.5G is kitted with halogen projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, 15″ wheels, backlit meters and 2-DIN CD player with USB and Bluetooth. There is an option to upgrade both variants’ entertainment unit to a 7″ DVD-AVN system that comes with a 7″ capacitive touchscreen display with WiFi capability, internet browser, GPS navigation and smartphone connectivity to access apps.

While both variants carry different levels of equipment, they offer the same levels of safety equipment i.e. 3 airbags (2 front + driver’s knees), Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Hill-Start Assist Control and 4 disc brakes. There is also a rear fog lamp mounted low on the bumper.

There are 6 colors to pick – Orange Metallic, Super White II, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Quartz Brown Metallic. Warranty is 5 years with no limit to mileage, subject to terms and conditions.

The Sienta will be available in Toyota showrooms by 26 August (Pen. Malaysia) and 2 September (East Malaysia). UMWT is currently running a road tour with the Sienta.

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L-R: ORS Technologies Sdn Bhd MD, Khairulnizam Bin Ruslan; MAI COO, Nizmar Mohd Nazar; Altair Inc COO, Brett Chouinard; and Altair Engineering Sdn Bhd MD for ASEAN, Srirangam Srirangarajan at the launch of MITS

The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI), an agency of the Ministry of International Trade & Industry serving to advance the local automotive industry, has launched a new advanced automotive technology center – the MAI Intelligent Technology Systems (MITS).

This first-of-its kind center in Malaysia aims to boost product design capabilities and innovation within the domestic automotive components and parts supply chain by filling the technological gap in the domestic automotive sector with software, hardware and technical consulting support for parts design and development.

MITS is designed to serve the entire domestic automotive parts and components supply chain targeting mainly Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies. It plays a key role in facilitating and helping these companies in their product design and development initiatives without the need to invest in expensive software, hardware and technical consulting services.

The system’s main hub is based in MAI’s headquarters in Cyberjaya. Altair Engineering Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altair Inc., a US-based simulation technology and engineering services company, is collaborating with MAI as the ‘simulation’ technology partner for MITS.

“In line with strategies laid out in the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2014, it is important that the industry’s technological edge is strengthened, particularly in the key areas of engineering design, prototyping, product validation and process development. It is against this backdrop that MAI embarked on this innovative MITS lab project,” said MAI Chief Executive Office Dato’ Madani Sahari.

“This is a breakthrough project for local automotive parts suppliers and manufacturers to move up the product value chain, by adding local design and engineering into their present manufacturing base. This is vital in creating a competitive and sustainable intellectual property and talent pool eco-system to position Malaysia as an automotive hub for Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs) in the region,” he added.

Altair, an MSC-status company, is the number one in engineering simulation in Southeast Asia region, providing both software and engineering consulting services. Altair has served the Malaysian market since 2012, providing a rich portfolio of advanced engineering software and on-demand computing technologies to industry and government clients.

MAI - Altair MITSAs Altair Inc. Chief Operating Officer, Brett Chouinard, explains, “The Malaysian automotive sector is a growth engine for the nation’s economy. The next immediate challenge for automotive suppliers and companies in Malaysia is to move forward to emphasise product design and engineering works, not just manufacturing. Altair is delighted that MAI has chosen to implement our market-leading simulation solution in its inaugural MITS.”

“For the past 25 years, Altair has been working with auto OEMs and suppliers around the world to support them in their journey towards simulation-driven design. We look forward to sharing our expertise and experiences with the local auto parts players and help them to jump- start their innovation-driven design journey,” said Chouinard.

By applying simulation technologies upfront in the product design process, automotive design engineers will be able to develop innovative, weight-optimized products with better performance. It also allows them to validate design and optimize safety and durability parameters, while reducing design cycle times, bringing new products to the market quicker.

Altair’s HyperWorks Unlimited (HWUL) solution which is installed at MITS will form the backbone of the facility. Users will be able to undertake different simulation tests to validate their product design and engineering processes, including crash, electromagnetic, Noise-Vibration-Harshness (NVH) and manufacturing simulation, while working closely with Altair’s experts in light-weight engineering and composite.

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Now you can really get a big car (C-segment) for a small car (B-segment) price. TC Euro Cars, the local franchisee for Renault cars is offering a special price for the Renualt Fluence.

The promotional price of RM79,888 on the Renault Fluence (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration), is applicable to limited units of 2016 year make display models and selected variants registered during the campaign period.  It appears that these units are showroom display units, but they are nevertheless new.

Renault Fluence_Black Metallic 1

The Renault Fluence is a four-door sedan, and has big dimensions for a C-segment car, with a host of innovative features that make it a worthwhile buy even without any offers.

In case you missed it, the Renault Fluence’s 2.0L petrol engine that is mated to a CVT X-Tronic automatic is part of a well-proven power train that is also used in the Nissan Sylphy, bearing in mind that Nissan and Renault are from the same group of companies – in short, the Renault Fluence is actually a Renault with Nissan mechanicals.

In terms of performance, the Renault Fluence delivers maximum power of 143 PS at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 195Nm at 3,750 rpm.

Packed with innovations for added connectivity, convenience and ease-of-driving, the Fluence comes standard with the Renault R-LINK multimedia system and a 7-inch touch screen display with in-built navigation, USB connectivity and hands-free Bluetooth kit with music playback. For convenience, the Fluence also has hands-free entry and engine start, with automatic ‘walk away’ door locking.

Comprehensive all-round safety features include ABS with EBD and EBA, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with ASR (traction control), six airbags (front, side and curtain), ISOFIX child seat anchors on the rear side seats, cruise control with speed limiter, as well as height adjustable 3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners. For security, the Fluence also has automatic door locking which operates at 10km/h and above.

Renault Fluence_White Pearl

The Renault Fluence also offers a premium interior and exceptional in-cabin spaciousness. The automatic climate control is complemented by rear air vents. Its boot space of 530 litres is one of the biggest in its class, which can be expanded with foldable rear seats that split 60:40.

As with all Renault mainstream vehicles, the Fluence comes with a five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage. This warranty is fully backed by Renault and not undertaken by any other insurance companies, which means terms and conditions as well as parts covered are consistent from the first year of ownership to the end of the warranty period.

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