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The ‘Shell Pays Your Utility Bills’ contest has found its first two winners. Lim Siam Huang of Kuala Lumpur and Ahmad Faiz Abd Muvin from Kajang have just found themselves RM20,000 richer having been named grand prize winners of the contest’s first week. In addition to the cash prize, Lim and Faiz also walk away with a year’s supply of Shell Helix Ultra engine oil for their cars.

The contest runs for ten weeks, and the two winners will be competing in the Grand Finale for a shot at the final grand prize of RM100,000 at the contest’s conclusion. In addition to the two grand prize winners, there are a further 500 consolation prize winners rewarded with RM150 each. Each of the contest’s ten weeks will see 502 winners rewarded by Shell.

To participate in the Contest:-
1. Pump a minimum of RM30 of any Shell fuels or purchase any Shell Lubricants or items from the Shell Select Store;
2. Fill up a contest form and answer a simple question at the back of the form;
3. Drop the contest form in the contest box at any of the Shell stations nationwide, with the original purchase receipt attached.

Prizes:
i. Weekly grand prize winners: 2 x RM20,000 cash + 1 year supply of Shell Helix Ultra
ii. Weekly consolation prize winners: 500 x RM150 cash
iii. FINAL Grand prize winner: 1 x RM100,000 cash + 5 year supply of Shell Helix Ultra
Total number of customers rewarded: 502 x 10 weeks = 5020 Malaysians

Picture: Official Shell release.

See also: “Shell Pays Your Utility Bills” contest offers RM20k grand prize

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Honda Malaysia has commenced construction of a new Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) centre and Vehicle Quality Test Course at its Pegoh plant in Alor Gajah, Malacca. The project is a massive RM40.12 million undertaking by the company, and that money spent covered land acquisition, building, and equipment.

In addition to performing quality checks, the new PDI centre will also be responsible for the fitting of accessories, warehousing, car tracking and washing in compliance of Honda’s pre-delivery standards. Honda’s existing PDI facility has a capacity of handling 180 vehicles at any one time, but the new centre will boost that figure up to 410, serving as a one-stop centre to accommodate all PDI processes.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “With this new PDI Centre, we will be able to expedite the delivery process of new cars to all our dealers nationwide. The PDI Centre serves a very important role in ensuring the highest standard of Honda cars are met and delivered to our customers. The new PDI Centre will be able to process 30% more vehicles. This also means that we will be able to offer more job opportunities for fellow Malaysians.”

Meanwhile, the new 2.148km Vehicle Quality Test Course puts new cars through various road conditions including slip, pot-holes, undulations, bumps, and cobble-stones. Cars can be tested at speeds up to 140kph for inspectors to check on body noise, wind noise, hard braking, alignment, and transmission performance. The course is able to accommodate two cars at any one time.

“The objective of the new Vehicle Quality Test Course is to help us improve the quality of all Honda vehicles produced in Malaysia. This is in line with Honda Malaysia’s commitment towards overall customer satisfaction, especially with the quality of their new car. At Honda, we place great emphasis on quality control in our products and manufacturing processes. With this new Vehicle Quality Test Course and PDI Centre, we will continue to uphold our commitment to supply and deliver products of the highest quality at reasonable prices to our valued customers in Malaysia,” added Mr. Ueno.

Upon completion, the new PDI centre and test course will be fully responsible for processing Honda’s range of CKD models in the country. CBU models are processed in a separate facility in Bangi in operation since 2008.

Pictures: Official Honda release.

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Having seen Perodua’s success in organizing its Eco-Challenge series, Proton has also gotten into the act of organizing competition for local universities to build their own green cars. The inaugural Proton Green Mobility Challenge 2012 (PGMC 2012) was launched yesterday, and participating universities are tasked to transform a regular Proton Saga into a full electric vehicle.

According to Proton’s official press release, the company sees this project as an opportunity to help enhance and accelerate its research and development activities for its future models. In essence, Proton hopes that the involvement of students and universities will spur creativity and drive innovation.

Ten universities will be participating in the challenge, and they are UTP, UNITEN, UTeM, UNIKL MSI, UMP, UNISEL, IIUM, UTM, UNIMAP, and UKM. The handiwork of these ten university teams will be put to the test in the finals held on 4 – 7 October 2012. The cars will be put through four tests – farthest distance, quarter mile acceleration, fastest time for two laps, and top speed.

According to Proton Holdings Berhad Group Chairman Dato’ Sri Mohd. Nadzmi Mohd. Salleh, “Creativity breeds innovation, and that is precisely what activities like the Proton Green Mobility Challenge 2012 set out to accomplish. Looking beyond the competition, innovation is an instrumental component of success and competitiveness across all economic sectors, and using the fast-paced and rapidly evolving automotive industry as an ideal platform, we believe it will contribute significantly towards advancing and accelerating Malaysia’s technological capabilities on all critical fronts.”

“Proton intends to spearhead not only this conscious and significant shift towards greener motoring by way of engaging in activities to educate the masses of the values, benefits and advantages of sustainable motoring, but also in bridging the gap between the availability of new technologies and the acceptance by both legislators and consumers,” said Group Managing Director Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

Pictures: Official Proton release.

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College and uni days are fun only after you leave them behind. If you don’t believe us, why were you skipping classes back then and looking back in nostalgia now? While those of us who graduated into the working world tend to miss the carefree life in campus, those who are still there see only piles of assignments, tutorials and exams to dread.

Life in university is predictably routine most of the time, but if you stick your head over your pile of books once in a while, things do get interesting once in a while. Take a group of Universiti Teknologi Petronas students for example – they are currently undergoing an internship with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team in London. Hailing from an engineering background myself, that is an opportunity me and most of my classmates would have died for.

Recently, however, the group of students were given another memorable experience to add to their collective memoirs – a surprise visit by Michael Schumacher and Jazeman Jaafar as chronicled in the embedded video below. No F1 legend ever visited my classroom…..

Pictures: Official Mercedes AMG Petronas and Jazeman Jaafar release.

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Although Malaysia gets only one variant of the Chevrolet Cruze, overseas markets receive substantially more options in terms of both engines and body style. Thailand, for example, gets a very likable 2.0-litre diesel variant, and in Australia, GM Holden has developed a five-door hatchback variant.

The line-up will be expanded this year with a new station wagon variant due for introduction in the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. The wagon’s launch will also coincide with some spec updates of the European market Cruze. A choice five petrol and diesel powertrains will be offered across the line-up along with new equipment and features.

There is the 1.8-litre Ecotec engine that we are familiar with along with its smaller 1.6-litre sibling, and a further improved version of the 2.0-litre diesel lump that we tested last year in Thailand. Joining the line-up is a new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and 1.7-litre turbodiesel. All five engines are said to be Euro V compliant.

Whilst the Cruze represents Chevrolet’s present, an eye is also cast towards the future with display of two concepts, both making their European debuts in Geneva – the Code 130R and Tru 140S. Despite differing mechanical architectures, both concepts serve to demonstrate connectivity that enables a high level of vehicle personalization.


Chevrolet Code 130R concept

Both these cars, which debuted at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, are products of a new program by Chevrolet to involve the input of young people in designing its range of cars. At Geneva, GM will station the designer of these concepts, Nicholas David and Joe Baker, to explain the creation of these cars based on feedback from young buyers.

In addition to cars, Chevrolet will also be showcasing its new MyLink infotainment system that features a 7″ high-res touchscreen multimedia system along with mobile device integration via USB, Aux-in, or Bluetooth. Chevrolet will offer this technology in selected markets with the Cruze and Aveo beginning summer 2012.


Chevrolet Tru 140S concept

KON

Pictures: Official Chevrolet release.

See also: Chevrolet prices and specifications in Malaysia.

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Volvo’s attraction at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next week will be the all-new V40 hatchback. Full details will only be available after its official unveiling on 6 March, but reports by Autocar suggest that it will replace the S40 and V50 in a broad stroke.

Production is due to start in May this year at Volvo’s plant in Ghent, Belgium, and there will be the usual mix of petrol and diesel engines to choose from. Sketchy details made available thus far mention a green diesel with 94 g/km carbon dioxide emissions, as well as a range-topping T5 variant pumping out 254hp. All versions will feature auto start/stop technology as standard.

Volvo’s usual array of safety gear packed into the V40 will include items that are both familiar and revolutionary. Among items in the list are Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, a world-first pedestrian airbag, Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering, Park Assist Pilot, and City Safety.

KON

Picture: Official Volvo release.

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59 automotive journalists from 23 European countries have made their choice: The seven prestigious candidates for the award „Car of the Year 2012” are Citroën DS 5, Fiat Panda, Ford Focus, Opel (Vauxhall) Ampera/Chevrolet Volt, Range Rover Evoque, Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Up!. Electric and hybrid mobility, lightweight construction, downsized engines, modern design and packaging: The finalists selected from a total of 35 novelties were nominated by the jury.
For the first time in the almost 50-year history of Car of the Year, the most important award in its field will be announced 2012 at the Geneva Motor Show on 5th of March. The final decision of the jury, which is exclusively composed of renowned automotive journalists, will be the first news to leave the Geneva Motor Show 2012 just before the numerous and exciting press conferences of the manufacturers. Hakan Matson, automotive editor of Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri and President of the jury: “We are very pleased to have won the Geneva Motor Show as our partner. From this year on, the Car of the Year announcement will mark the ceremonial kick-off for the most important event in the European automotive sector and provide journalists as well as manufacturers with a new platform for exchange.”
Until the final counting of the votes live at 3 pm on 5th March in Geneva, the finalist models will be subjected to further intensive test drives on a circuit near Paris. The seven cars will be assessed with regard to the criteria innovation, quality, value for money and design.

Car of the Year:
The international award of Car of the Year is considered to be the most prestigious and desirable car award in the world. Currently, 59 journalists from 23 countries are members of the jury, which also includes a stern editor. stern is also a founding member of the initiative, which has awarded the title since 1964. Car of the Year was called into being by seven European magazines from seven countries: Germany (stern), Italy (Auto), France (L’Automobile), Spain (Autopista), Great Britain(Autocar), The Netherlands (Autovisie) and Sweden (Vi Bilägare).

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New models, exciting concepts and the latest in infotainment technology are the hallmarks of Chevrolet’s presence at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show, which opens to the public on March 8, 2012.

The major attraction on the Chevrolet stand in Hall 1 is the Cruze station wagon, which will make its world debut. Two youth concept cars – the Code 130R and Tru 140S – make it to European shores for the first time while the future of on-board infotainment will be displayed in the form of Chevrolet MyLink.

Cruze station wagon makes world debut

The station wagon complements the existing Cruze line-up and has a natural appeal to families and people who want a compact car with more carrying space to fit an active lifestyle.

A choice of five powertrains will be available for the entire Cruze line-up as of summer 2012. A new 1.4L turbo gasoline engine, a new 1.7L diesel and an improved 2.0L diesel engine will complete the powertrain offer alongside the current 1.6L and 1.8L gasoline engines. All engines are Euro 5-compliant.

New equipment and features on the Cruze include keyless entry and start, rear view camera, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (see below) and start-stop functionality depending on trim and engine choice.

Youth concepts Code 130R and Tru 140S: next-gen buyers asked to give input

Chevrolet has launched a program to involve young people in the design of future cars. Two concepts born from this dialogue are the Code 130R and Tru 140S, which will make their first appearance in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show.

The turbocharged Code 130R is a rear-wheel-drive four-seat coupe with an upright profile while the front-wheel-drive Tru 140S is an affordable exotic four-seat sport coupe. Inside the concepts, connectivity enables motorists to personalize their cars, a critical element for the current and future youth generations.

The British designers of the concepts, Nicholas David and Joe Baker from GM’s North Hollywood Design Center, will attend the event to explain how the cars were created following the styling and functionality this group of new buyers says they want in a car.

During the Geneva Motor Show, hostesses will be waiting, iPads in hand, to listen to European youths who will be able to have their say concerning what they want from a car, and what elements of connectivity and functionality should be included, and can vote for the youth concept they prefer. People not visiting the show will be able to cast their vote for their favorite concept car from home by means of a designated app on the Chevrolet Europe Facebook page. All votes from the Geneva show and the Facebook app will count toward the total result.

Launch of Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with smartphone integration

Chevrolet MyLink, the brand’s new infotainment system, seamlessly integrates motorists’ personal devices, such as smartphones, and transforms their car into their own docking station.

Chevrolet MyLink includes a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen that makes media selection easy to navigate. The system aggregates content from smartphones onto the display via USB, Aux-in or Bluetooth.

The technology will be available with the Cruze and Aveo in summer 2012.

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Petaling Jaya, 29 February 2012 – It certainly seems that the two foremost Japanese makes of hybrid cars are keeping tabs on each other – within days of Toyota launching the new Prius C to complement its line-up, and obviously to stem the tide of Honda Insight sales, Honda Malaysia has announced just an hour ago, the introduction of an upgraded Honda Insight, available at RM99, 800 (on-the-road price).

Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno highlighted that “Honda Insight has been clocking impressive sales numbers since its official launch in December 2010. Within a year, Honda Malaysia has sold an industry record of 4,568 units, which surpassed the company’s initial target of 4,000 units. In 2011, according to estimation, a total of 8,394 units of hybrid vehicle have been sold. Insight was the best selling hybrid capturing 54.4% of the market share.”

“In this upgraded model, the changes and enhancements are in line with our Honda’s principle, which is to offer high quality products to achieve customers’ satisfaction. Thanks to our customers’ continuous support, the new Insight offers a bolder character, improved comfort and practicality,” he added.

The upgraded Honda Insight comes fitted with a new front and rear bumper design, and the headlights now have a tint of blue highlight; the new grille has a blue reflector underneath, ostensibly to give it a glamorous glow. As a whole, the new Insight is claimed to “boldly exude an air of advanced style”.

Honda also claims that aerodynamics has improved as a result of modifying the aerodynamic devices thus reducing the running resistance, which directly results in better fuel economy. The engine has been improved to achieve better fuel consumption. Honda also claims to have done work to reduce friction and enhance CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) efficiency. Besides, the Engine Control Unit has also been re-tuned, and a power-saving fuel pump has been incorporated to reduce consumption.
The new Insight has additional noise insulation materials for better NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) performance.

Interior changes include a new fabric material for the seats, and modifying the roof lining and hip point of the rear seats has resulted in an additional 15mm head clearance for rear passengers.

The new Insight comes with a 6-star JNCAP safety rating for driver and 5-star JNCAP safety rating for passengers. This upgraded model comes with a safety feature called Hill Start Assist (HSA) that enhances the existing Creep Aid System. Other safety features includes dual SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body (ACE), Active Head Rest, ISO Fix, Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The wave key has been changed to a more compact jack knife key and there are four colours for customers to choose from: Super Platinum Aqua Metallic, Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic.

The new Insight’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) battery comes with a 5-year or 140,000 km warranty, depending on which comes first. The warranty is claimed to be currently the longest warranty period offered in Malaysia.

Starting today, customers can visit any authorised Honda showrooms to view and test-drive the new Insight. Waiting time for a new car, we are told, is two weeks.

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Consumer Guide editors gave the Hyundai Sonata, Tucson and all-new Accent “Best Buy” awards in the midsize car, compact crossover/SUV and subcompact car categories, respectively. Additionally, the Hyundai Genesis and Elantra received A “Recommended” stamp of approval in the large car and compact car categories.
A “Best Buy” rating signifies that a vehicle is ranked at the top of its class and is strongly approved by the editors. “Best Buy” vehicles represent the finest balance of attributes and price within their classes, and they are the best choices for most consumers. “Recommended” vehicles, though not ranked at the very top of their category, are still worth strong consideration by consumers for their unique combination of attributes and value. In the past nine years, Hyundai has earned more than 30 Consumer Guide “Recommended” or “Best Buy” ratings.
To determine value ratings each year, a team of experts at Consumer Guide carefully examines the price, features and performance of hundreds of vehicles in 18 different class segments. These ratings take into account the overall value of a car to establish which vehicles have the best attributes in their respective class.
“We are honored and thrilled to have five vehicles named as ‘Best Buys’ or ‘Recommended Picks’ by Consumer Guide Automotive,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With the combination of fuel efficiency, state-of-the-art safety technology and our modern designs, it’s no wonder so many of our vehicles rose above other vehicles in their class.”

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