L-R: Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General, MITI; Tengku Zafrul; Dato Seri Syed Faisal Albar, PROTON Chairman and Dr. Li Chunrong.
In line with the government’s initiative to help reduce the cost of living especially for the lower income groups, PROTON has launched its own version of the ‘menu Rahmah’. The PROTON Rahmah Campaign will run from now until 31 May 202, and coincides with the Hari Raya travel season as well as the school term holidays towards the end of May.
This campaign encourages owners of Proton vehicles to send in their cars to authorised service centres for a free 40-point safety check and a service package priced at RM150.
“Vehicle ownership is essential to the daily lives of many Malaysians and the expenses related to it, such as loan repayment, fuel, tolls, and maintenance are major components of a household’s expenses. With the launch of the Rahmah Campaign, Proton owners will be able to get their cars inspected for free and purchase an affordable service package, which will ease their burden and free up funds for the approaching Hari Raya celebration,” said Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz who officiated the launch. “I am pleased for PROTON to be the first automotive company to support the Government’s initiative, and I hope other brands will follow suit to reduce the cost of living for those who need it most”.
Following the successful implementation of the menu Rahmah initiative launched in January 2023, the government is looking to expand it to other sectors that can make a real difference to lowering living costs and PROTON is one which answered that call.
“PROTON’s decision to launch a Rahmah Campaign is in line with our efforts to offer our customers more value and will be essential to providing affordable products and services to the public. Starting from today until 31 May 2023, customers can enjoy a free 40-pount safety check and enjoy a service package priced at just RM150,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON.
“An inclusive campaign, costs are shared evenly between PROTON Edar and our dealers as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and we hope with it in place, owners are compelled to service their cars at our authorised service centres before starting the journey back during the festive period,” he added.
The Proton Rahmah Campaign targets owners of the Proton Persona, Proton Iriz, Proton Exora, Proton Saga, as well as previous models including the Proton Inspira, Proton Waja and Proton Wira.
Sime Darby Motors has launched its first Centralised Body & Paint Centre in Jalan Sungai Pinang, Penang, reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional service quality to customers of all brands under Sime Darby Motors in the northern region. This is the company’s 2nd body & paint centre; the first being in Selangor. Sime Darby Motors retails the BMW, MINI, Motorrad, BYD, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, and Hyundai brands, as well as quality pre-owned cars via Sime Darby Auto Selection.
The RM3 million service centre covers about 20,000 sq ft and is equipped with the latest technology and equipment. It has the capacity to service and repair up to 80 vehicles per month requiring body repair work. There are 4 mechanical bays with hoist, including a heavy-duty bay for body repairs, a dry-sanding bay, a preparation bay, and a spray booth.
L-R: Mr.Wong Loke Win, Dealer Principal – Northern Region Body & Paint Centre; Mr.Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail & Distribution – South East Asia, Hong Kong & Macau; Mr.Vi Thim Juan, Managing Director of Auto Bavaria; Mr.Mohd Azlan Aladin, Head of After Sales – Northern Region Body & Paint Centre.
“With this new facility, workflow for repairs and restoration works will be streamlined for all Sime Darby Motors’ brands while ensuring performed services adhere to the brands’ discerning quality standards. The new workflow will also accelerate repairs and restoration works, thereby reducing downtime for our customers,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau.
He further added that the new Sime Darby Motors’ Centralised Body & Paint Centre is well equipped to provide a comprehensive range of services. “Customers can be assured of good quality service for all their repair and restoration needs, including basic service repair work, accident repairs, paintwork, and preparing necessary documents required for insurance claims. We have well-trained specialists who will ensure that all repairs and maintenance are performed according to set guidelines from the principals of the various brands under our umbrella, giving our customers peace of mind knowing that their vehicles are well cared for.”
Customers in the northern region who require body repairs and paint restoration work on their vehicles can contact their respective service centres, and their cars will be sent to Sime Darby Motors’ Centralised Body & Paint Centre by their respective After Sales Service teams.
The Sime Darby Motors Body & Paint Centre is located at 191, Jalan Sungai Pinang 10150 Georgetown, Penang. You can contact: 04-2020388 for details.
PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) has made the addition of the Audi Assurance Package (AAP) as standard for all new A3 Sedan and Q2 models purchased from authorised Audi dealers nationwide.
The enhanced AAP offers buyers the option of 3 years of maintenance, which includes services carried out during service intervals according to the manufacturer guidelines. Additionally, the manufacturer warranty has been extended from 2 years to 5 years as part of Audi’s commitment to providing enhanced ownership experience and services to its customers. Regular maintenance and inspection by trained technicians, as well as repairs using genuine parts can help to keep the vehicle running smoothly and trouble-free thus providing a more fulfilling ownership experience.
The Audi A3 Sedan is powered by a 2.0L TFSI engine which produces 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque. Its muscular and sculpted design includes a large Singleframe with a honeycomb grille dominating the front and flanked by striking headlights. Further, the spacious interior seamlessly marries luxury with cutting-edge technology, with standard inclusions such as the Audi virtual cockpit, 10.1″ MMI navigation plus touch display and Audi connect plus services complementing and enhancing the driving experience.
Similarly, the Audi Q2 is a premium crossover that also bears a stylish rugged design and cutting-edge features. The 1.4L TFSI turbo engine provides 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque and comes with impressive driving dynamics thanks to its variable steering ratio and speed-dependent steering assistance.
Effective 1 April, 2023, the recommended retail price for the A3 Sedan is RM325,990, while the Q2 S Line is RM275,990.
For more information on the all-new Audi A3 Sedan, Audi Q2 or Audi Assurance Package, please visit www.audi.com.my or contact an Audi Centre nearby.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is providing an additional 2 years free maintenance on selected models. Under this new promotion, purchasers of the VW Arteon R-Line, Tiguan Allspace R-Line or Elegance can enjoy a total of 5 years of free maintenance (or 75,000 km, whichever comes first), on top of the current 5 years manufacturer warranty and roadside assistance. The offer provides customers with up to RM9,600 worth of savings.
The Arteon R-Line comes with a sporty yet elegant fastback design with striking LED headlights and LED taillight cluster that enhances its character. Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed wet clutch DSG direct shift gearbox, the available output of 280 PS and 350 Nm of torque can push the Arteon from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Even with this level of performance, its rated fuel efficiency is about 7.4l/100km. The car’s handling is further enhanced by the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
A key point of the 7-seater Tiguan Allspace is the segment-leading 1,775 litres of boot space (with 3rd row seats folded down). This SUV also offers versatility with multiple seat configurations for seating and carrying cargo / bulky items. The Tiguan Allspace R-Line is Volkswagen’s performance SUV, offering the highest power and torque in its class courtesy of the 2.0L turbocharged engine. The engine produces maximum output of 220 PS and 350 Nm of torque, with handling handled by the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
Meanwhile, the sibling of the Tiguan Allspace family, the Elegance, is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine with a power output of 150 PS and 250 Nm. The interior features convenient connectivity such as a Digital Cockpit and a 9.2″ Discover Pro infotainment system with wireless App-Connect.
The Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION is priced at RM276,990 while the Tiguan Allspace R- Line 4MOTION is RM235,990, and the Tiguan Allspace Elegance is RM188,990.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, has prepared 2 customised packages for the Ford Ranger Getaways collection for the month of May. Both getaways also offer a fresh way to celebrate Mother’s Day.
The first planned getaway is A Trip Through Nature at Gunung Jerai on 6 May 2023 while the second is Chase the Sunrise at Cameron Highlands on 27-28 May 2023. Both getaways are customised group trips organised by SDAC to offer a fresh and engaging way of exploring the natural beauty of Malaysia’s expansive Banjaran Titiwangsa (Titiwangsa Mountain Range).
Besides a pleasant retreat and discovering the beauty of Malaysia’s natural landscapes with family or friends, these excursions are also a great opportunity to meet and build bonds with fellow Ranger owners. The Ford Ranger Getaways is a series of handpicked local adventures covering a range of interests. Apart from organised trips which include overnight outings and training courses, there are also getaways that you can choose to go for on your own. Slots for all Ford Ranger Getaways are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
On 6 May, just before Mother’s Day, the one-day trip to the mountains of Kedah offer the fun of driving up partially steep slopes on the way to the peak of Gunung Jerai. Along the way, you can experience the thrill of tackling 4×4 challenges with the guidance of a professional driving instructor, making use of such as Hill Descent Control, Hill Launch Assist and Side Slope at Bukit Kuang.
At the peak, more than 1,000 metres above sea level, you will get to enjoy an open-air dining experience with a panoramic view of the coastline and Kedah’s endless paddy fields. For the flora enthusiasts, you should keep an eye out for the blooming hydrangea plants. Nature buffs can also join a 30-minute guided hike across paved stairs towards the Alor Naga Falls.
If Gunung Jerai isn’t your cup of tea then there is also a grand highland tour over 2 days (27 – 28 May) to experience the lesser-known trails and routes up Cameron Highlands, Pahang. Ford Ranger owners who sign up for this adventure will convoy with other Ranger owners and their companions for a scenic drive on some of the best roads in the country. Upon arrival at a charming resort destination, you will be able to enjoy getting to know your fellow travellers over a day of fun activities including a barbeque party and a movie under the stars.
The highlight of this trip is the sunrise chase on Day 2 where you will set out at the break of dawn and convoy 40 km to a “mystery” viewpoint to enjoy the spectacular sunrise overlooking a sea of clouds.
The Gunung Jerai trip is available in 2 packages i.e. Individual & Couple Package is priced at RM456.02 per person while the Family Package costs RM1,716.49 for 4 adults. Meanwhile, pricing for the Cameron Highlands adventure starts from RM1,047.77 per person.
Both getaways can accommodate up to 4 persons per vehicle. All prices are inclusive of insurance for travellers aged 1 to 80 years. Children aged 16 and below can travel for free.
“Over the years, the Ranger has evolved into a modern lifestyle vehicle that customers are choosing not just for work, but also family and play. As the first and only in-segment adventure-based platform of its kind on e-commerce, created exclusively for the Malaysian market, Ford Ranger Getaways aims to offer immersive experiences through which customers can discover the versatility of the Ranger Life with like-minded individuals or unlock the potential of their Rangers,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.
Furthermore, Next-Generation Ranger owners can enjoy a 30% discount on 1 Ford Ranger Getaways trip with their Inner Circle privilege card code.
For more details about the featured Ford Ranger Getaways in May and a listing of other activities and events in the coming months, visit the SDAC-Ford e-commerce platform. Through this online platform, you can also select your desired getaway, make a booking and complete payment.
The distributor of Higer Bus in Malaysia, GVT Sdn Bhd (formerly GO EV Solution Sdn Bhd and part of the Go Auto group) has introduced its first commercial electric van.
The Go Auto-Higer Ace E1 electric van comes in 2 forms i.e. cargo van and 15-seater passenger van. The van’s dimensions are 5,380 mm long, 1,880 mm wide and 2,335 mm tall, sitting on a wheelbase of 3,110 mm. There are no details on the electric motor driving this van but the Ace E1 has a driving distance of up to 300 km on a single charge (based on NEDC). The lithium-ion battery is sourced from CATL, one of the largest battery manufacturers in the world which also has an aftersales team in Malaysia, a key reason for Higer to spec it in the Ace E1.
The 70 kWh Li-ion battery takes about 75 minutes to be fully charged via a 60 kW DC charger. The charging connector is a CCS2 DC and Type-2 AC type, as per international standards.
Other notable features of the Go Auto-Higer Ace E1 include 16″ alloy rims with 215/75 tires, 8″ LCD Android infotainment screen, and reversing camera.
The first unit of the Go Auto-Higer Ace E1 was delivered to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) at the end of last year. According to GVT Sdn Bhd Executive Director, Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, the company will also deliver 2 units of the electric van to Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), and a further 4 units to TNB.
“I want to thank the government for giving, as well as extending the tax exemption incentives for electric vehicles in Malaysia, where CKD is up to 2027 while for CBU is until 2025. This will boost the electric vehicle segment in Malaysia, in an effort to bounce back post-Covid-19,” said Wan Ahmad. “In line with the positive feedback and high demand from the customers, GVT will also be offering an automatic version later this year. To all our potential buyers please continue staying for updates”. GVT is also a distributor of electric and diesel buses for Higer and Yutong. The company has been supplying electric buses to TNB, as well as diesel buses to several government agencies and universities including MINDEF, MARA, RELA and UTHM.
The Go Auto-Higer Ace E1 electric van is priced from RM268,888. The van is covered by a 5-year (or 150,000 km whichever comes first) factory warranty. Meanwhile, the EV battery is covered for 5 years or 200,000 km, whichever comes first. GVT will also provide a free 7 kW portable charger for each purchase.
Currently, GVT has 88 aftersales service centres nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
For more information on the Go Auto-Higer Ace E1, please visit www.goautovan.my.
Perodua hit a record high in its production and sales volume with its manufacturing arm churning out 33,666 vehicles and its sales division registering 32,179 vehicles in March 2023. According to Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, this achievement can be attributed mainly to the company striving to fulfil the PENJANA orders before the 31 March deadline, improvements to production throughout the supplier ecosystem, and better coordination within the sales network.
The production rate for the quarter increased by 33.9% to 84,800 vehicles, compared to 63,325 vehicles produced in the same period in 2022. Concurrently, vehicle registration rose by 27.5% to 78,564 vehicles in the first 3 months of 2023, compared to 61,624 vehicles in the same period last year. On a monthly basis, March sales increased by 20.2% to 32,179 vehicles compared to 26,759 vehicles last year, and 29% when compared to the 24,936 vehicles sold in February 2023.
Despite these achievements, Perodua was unable to fulfill some PENJANA orders within the deadline. The company apologises to the affected customers for the delay, and will honour the sales tax exempt amount guaranteed under the initiative.
Looking ahead, Dato’ Sri Zainal expects Perodua to build on these achievements, as the number of bookings for its models continues to be at a healthy level. Sustained production growth has reduced the waiting period for certain models though some models such as the Bezza, Axia, and Alza still have a slightly longer waiting period depending on the respective variants and colours.
In terms of production cost, the pressure on Perodua and most automotive players have eased slightly given the recent decrease in global prices of raw materials. These favorable conditions will allow the company to build up its inventory faster while reducing the waiting period for customers.
Earlier in January, Perodua had revealed that it had set a production target of 330,000 cars and a sales target of 314,000 cars for 2023. At its current rate, Perodua is on track to meet its annual targets, barring any unanticipated circumstances.
Malaysia’s premier car subscription service, FLUX, has extended its portfolio to include motorcycles to add flexibility as well as choice. With this latest offering, FLUX is the first company in Malaysia to provide a one-stop-shop for consumers looking to subscribe to cars and/or motorcycles.
You can subscribe to any of the petrol or electric motorcycles for as short a time as 24 months or as long as 60 months. FLUX also offers an All-In-One service where it not only provides you a motorcycle but it will also cover the insurance, road tax, maintenance and selective wear & tear. With this, FLUX subscribers will only need to pay for brake pad / disc and tyre replacement while FLUX covers other consumable parts.
Furthermore, FLUX is the only subscription service which will allow you to swap between cars and motorcycles, depending on your need or preference. Nonetheless, should your goal be outright ownership, FLUX also offers ‘Subscribe to Own’ for all its motorcycles where you can initially subscribe to a motorcycle with the option to purchase it at the end of your subscription period for a low price.
At this moment, FLUX has a variety of new and used motorcycle models from Yamaha, Honda, Vespa as well as Blueshark, the latest electric motorcycle brand in Malaysia. Models range from the economical and practical Honda Wave 125i to the Yamaha “Y-Suku” Y15ZR, to the Blueshark R1 electric scooter. Moreover, you can Subscribe to Own the Blueshark R1 or R1 Lite at a special launch price RM414 per month and RM358 per month respectively (limited stock availability at the special price).Additionally, the Blueshark R1 is available for a 1 week test-own subscription, exclusively on FLUX for those who want to explore EV ownership. The Blueshark R1 features a riding distance of up to 110 km from the dual Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery packs. These battery packs can either be charged at home (3.5 hours from 0% to full) or easily swapped at any Blueshark battery swap station. For a limited time only, the R1 scooter is available for ONE-TIME 1-week subscription at RM200 (does not include 6% sales tax).
Similar to its Car Subscription, FLUX Motorcycle Subscription users can choose their subscription plan (24, 36 or 60-months) and mileage package (2,000 km, 2,750 km or uncapped mileage per month). Based on the motorcycle and subscription plan selected, FLUX will set a unique Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) which you can purchase the motorcycle at, at the end of the subscription period (the longer the subscription, the lower the GFV).
Once you have decided on your selection of model and subscription period, you simply reserve it online and wait for FLUX to deliver it to your doorstep within 7 days. Throughout your subscription you can swap to another motorcycle or car*. At the end of the subscription you can either purchase the motorcycle based upon the GFV or return it.
The FLUX All-In-One Motorcycle Subscription offers a transparent and accessible means to ride a motorbike. Its advantages include:
Hassle-Free Riding
You never need to worry about paying for road tax, insurance or scheduling your maintenance appointments. FLUX’s Concierge Service will do that for you.
No Loans To Deal With
A FLUX subscription means you don’t need to deal with bank loans or unregulated ‘loan kedai’ contracts. Subscribing to FLUX means everything is online and transparent with no lock-in. Should you not want the bike, just cancel the subscription, return the bike and forgo your deposit. With a loan, you are tied to a commitment which you cannot cancel.
Lower Monthly Commitment
A ‘loan kedai’ which most Malaysian riders tend to opt-for usually charge a significant upfront downpayment along with the monthly instalments. But the other costs are paid on an ad hoc basis. With a FLUX subscription, not only is the upfront deposit more accessible, the lower monthly payments cover insurance, road tax and maintenance.
FLUX offers flexibility in financing your motorcycle with convenience. One subscription offers access to all of its motorcycles, without long-term commitment or financial rigidity. A service like FLUX is suitable for buyers looking to maximise their credit or individuals who find it difficult to get conventional financing.
Loan estimates sourced from Mudah
Aside from introducing the Motorcycle Subscription service, FLUX also announced that it has expanded its all-inclusive car subscription service to Johor in response to the growing demand for flexible and affordable mobility options in the region.
“FLUX is committed to providing inclusive and affordable transportation solutions to all Malaysians, and we’re excited to extend our car subscription services to Johor,” said Aziz Ayman, Founder & CEO of FLUX. “In the past year, more and more Johoreans kept subscribing to our service. They would pick up their FLUX car in KL and use it in Johor without the benefits of our concierge service. I am glad we can now offer the full FLUX experience in Johor. More states to come soon.”
Johoreans will now have full access to FLUX’s entire selection of new and pre-owned cars (petrol and EV), hence you can subscribe to anything from a Tesla Model Y to a Perodua Axia. It only takes 5 clicks.
To celebrate this expansion and Hari Raya, FLUX is offering 50% off on the first month on your subscription for all cars. Johoreans will also enjoy free RM300 petrol voucher to help them balik kampung.
For more information on FLUX and the cars and motorcycles available for subscription, visit www.driveflux.com.
* For new motorcycles subscribers will need to fulfil at least 12 months of the subscription. At launch, swapping is not enabled for Blueshark motorcycles.
Mercedes-Benz Financial has an exclusive partnership with Maybank to offer an industry-first Visa credit card, bringing along with it exclusive benefits and discounts for Mercedes-Benz vehicle owners. It is the first of its kind metal co-branded card in the Malaysian automotive landscape with all the exclusivity and convenience to meet consumers’ banking needs.
Using the Mercedes-Benz – Maybank credit card will allow customers to earn accelerated points on selected purchases from any Mercedes-Benz Autohaus nationwide. Cardholders are entitled to 10% discount* on Mercedes-Benz parts, official merchandise, as well as accessories, in addition to accumulating 10x TreatsPoints* with every RM1 spent per visit. Moreover, the card offers up to 8% discount* on comprehensive Mercedes-Benz Extended Limited Warranty Programme and up to 20% off* MobilityPlus, a Mercedes-Benz car replacement programme.
“We are excited to launch our first credit card product with Maybank and Visa to offer an exclusive branded metal credit card that complements the luxury brand experience for our customers. The Mercedes-Benz Card is designed to enrich the experience of card holders who are lifestyle enthusiasts. Our customers can now have the prized 3 pointed Star, not only in their garage, but also in their wallet,” said Anamika Talwar, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia.
Besides the Mercedes-Benz exclusive offers, cardholders also get to enjoy other attractive rewards such as 3% cash back on petrol spending (capped at RM50 a month), complimentary Accor Plus Explorer membership*, dining discounts up to 40%* at premium dining venues of Marriott Bonvoy Hotels in Malaysia, complimentary green fees* at 100 golf courses worldwide and many more.
“Maybank is honoured to partner with Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and become the first in Malaysian automotive history to introduce a one of its kind, metal card offering exclusive and luxurious benefits to its customers,” said Mr. B. Ravintharan – Maybank Senior Executive Vice-President and Head, Cards, Group Community Financial Services.
“As the market leader for cards in Malaysia, Maybank continues to offer customer centric, new value-added offerings and best in class products for our customers. In line with the bank’s mission of Humanising Financial Services, we constantly look at new opportunities in emerging lifestyle trends to improve customer offerings and fit their current needs and way of life. This is also aligned to the Bank’s strategy to continously build on its strong franchise in the region by offering distinct value propositions for different market segments”.
Successful applicants of the Mercedes-Benz card will also enjoy 2-year annual fee waiver, while subsequent year annual fees will be waived with an accumulated card spending of RM80,000 per annum.
Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd has introduced a special edition of the Peugeot 2008 compact crossover. The stylish Peugeot 2008 SE is available in 2 exclusive colours i.e. Fusion Orange and Pearly White.
The styling of the 2008 is differentiated by unique decals on the exterior. These are applied to the front bonnet and sides of the car. Additionally, the front and rear bumper trims as well as the side trims are finished in Matte Black for a sophisticated look. A set of 17″ alloy rims in Piano Black finish, as well as some SE badges, finish off the sporty appearance.
The Peugeot 2008 is powered by a 1.2L PureTech inline 3-cylinder turbo engine with dual VVT that provides you with 130 hp @ 5,000 rpm and 230 Nm @ 1,750 rpm. Paired with an AT6 III 6-speed auto, the 2008’s fuel efficiency is rated at 4.5L/100km.
Notable features include automatic LED headlights with signature illumination, LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights with signature illumination, rain sensing wipers, 180-degree reverse camera, keyless entry, electric parking brake, cruise control, 10” 3D digital head-up cluster display, 7” infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 2 USB ports, tyre pressure monitoring system, 6 front and 6 rear parking sensors, and roof rails.
Safety equipment includes 6 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Anti-Skid Regulation, Hill Start Assist, Walk Away Lock, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Active Safety Brake.
The Peugeot 2008 SE accessories package is worth RM2,900 (inclusive of installation) and comes with a 1-Year Peugeot Genuine Accessory Warranty (or 20,000 km whichever comes first) based on the period of fitment at the time of new vehicle purchase. Delivery of this unique production build model is expected by end of April.
The Peugeot 2008 SE is now open for booking at any authorised Peugeot outlet nationwide.