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  • July 2018 Malaysian vehicle sales hits 68,465 units

    In Cars, Local News, MAA Vehicle Sales Data / By / / 0 comment

    The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released sales and production figures for the month of July 2018, and the spike in sales that started in June as a result of the government’s move to zero-rate the goods and services tax (GST) continued, improving on last month’s sterling results.

    In July, sales totaled 68,465 units, an increase of 3,963 units or 6% over the 64,502 units shifted in June.
    The sales volume last month is the second highest monthly TIV achieved in the history of the local automotive industry, just a shade short of the 69,371 unit record set in December 2015.

    The total achieved last month was also 41%, or 19,912 units more than that managed in July 2017. As for year-to-date figures, the total for the first seven months of the year amounted to 358,179 units, an increase of 7.56% – or 25,173 units – from the 333,006 units for the same period last year.

    For the month of August, the association expects sales to be maintained at or close to July 2018 levels, with customers striving to secure a deal before the three-month tax-break period winds to a close, although depleted stocks as a result of the unexpected surge since June and supply disruptions might have a final say in what’s achieved.

     

  • Perodua Myvi production disrupted due to vendor supply – 3,000 won’t get to register before Sept 1

    In Cars, Local News, Perodua / By / 5 comments

    Production of Perodua’s Myvi has been temporarily halted due to a supply disruption at one of its vendors, which has resulted in some 3,000 customers not being able to register their new Myvi before the end of August.

    “We wish to apologise most sincerely to our customers who have been waiting patiently for their new Myvi. We take full responsibility for this issue and are putting all the necessary measures in place to ensure that production resumes as soon as possible,” said Perodua Sales MD Datuk Dr Zahari Husin.

    Zahari said that Perodua’s current priority is to deliver the Myvi to some 3,000 customers who were originally scheduled to receive their cars before September 1, adding that allocation for all Myvi orders before June 1 has just been completed.

    There has been a surge in demand for cars since the GST rate was reduced to 0% effective June 1, with punters rushing to make a purchase before the reintroduction of the sales and services tax (SST) on September 1.

    Even without the supply disruption, last minute Myvi buyers wouldn’t have stood much chance in beating the tax holiday deadline. “If you’re booking the Myvi today, the delivery will be in September, so there’s no tax holiday for Myvi,” Zahari told paultan.org on June 14, explaining that the order backlog would have to be cleared first.

    “We fully understand and are deeply concerned with the frustration of the customers involved. As such, we are currently working on a suitable form of compensation for said customers and will get in touch with them very soon via our outlets,” the P2 sales chief added.

    “We are working as hard as we can to remedy this supply disruption and resume Myvi production as soon as possible. That said, production of our other models are running normally and deliveries of our Axia, Bezza and Alza continue to be on track. We invite our valued customers to speak to our authorised sales advisors for more information on our models as well as the estimated delivery times of their Myvi,” Zahari said.

    Launched in November 2017, the Myvi has been Perodua’s best selling model ever since, with 68,000 deliveries from 120,000 bookings collected so far. The Rawang-based market leader sold an estimated 140,000 cars between January and July 2018, representing a jump of nearly 19% year-on-year.

     

  • Commercial vehicle players supporting KLIMS 2018

    In Cars, Local News / By / / 1 comment

    Apart from car brands, motorcycle companies and the aftermarket industry, the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS’18) has also attracted players from the commercial vehicle sector, which will be seeking to entice businesses with their latest offerings.

    “Malaysia is growing in terms of land development and infrastructures, constructions, industrial fields and trade. The advent of e-commerce in Malaysia has also increased the demand for a mode of transport for delivering goods and the F&B industry has a breed of commercial vehicles such as food trucks,” said Datuk Aishah Ahmad, president of the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

    “To support the economic engines of Malaysia, commercial vehicles are an important component in the supply chain. As such, KLIMS’18 will present a range of commercial vehicles for the business sector and the general public to check out the new and exciting possibilities of people and goods movers,” she added.

    According to the latest data by MAA, 28,671 units of new commercial vehicles were registered in Malaysia in the first half of 2018, while 19,623 units were produced in the country in the same period. Last year, CV sales and production figures were 61,956 and 40,081 units, respectively. Production volume is expected to increase in 2018 to keep up with demand. The CV segment includes trucks, prime movers, pick-up trucks, panel vans and buses.

    As reported earlier, Isuzu will be showcasing its downsized 1.9L Ddi BluePower diesel engine, which has been available in the Thai-spec D-Max pick-up truck since 2015. Tata, under distributor DRB-Hicom Commercial Vehicles, will be showing the Tata Super Ace small pick-up, Ultra trucks and Prima prime mover.

    Another interesting showcase will be from MSM Metal Industries, a metal engineering company and an OEM contract manufacturer for kitchen appliances and equipment. The company has been fabricating mobile food trucks and is constructing a 20-foot high robot named “Tanker” from metal and automotive parts.

    “Tanker is the first of its kind project initiated by our engineers to utilise the scrap metal and automotive parts found in our factory. It is a challenging project and through this we are going to showcase MSM Metal Industries engineering, CAD software design, laser welding and cutting capabilities,” said CEO Charles Chan.

    Organised by the MAA, KLIMS’18 will be held from November 23 to December 2 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), with the theme Beyond Mobility.

     

  • Renault ‘Buy & Win’ grand prize winner nets a Twizy

    In Cars, Local News, Renault / By / / 0 comment

    It was a good day for 26-year-old Lam Ming Wei, who was recently handed the keys to a Renault Twizy by TC Euro Cars as the grand prize winner of the Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest.

    “This is an unexpected win and I feel very fortunate as I thought my chances were slim. The Twizy will be ideal for my mother as her workplace is a short distance from home,” said Lam, who won from his purchase of the Renault Captur.

    “I was looking for a quality compact vehicle that is unique and offers good value-for-money. After test-driving several brands and models, the Captur impressed me the most. It packs a punch in performance, is well-equipped with innovative technologies and comprehensive safety features and offers remarkable handling and grip, all at an attractive package,” he added.

    Lam also noted that the all-electric Twizy would be passed over to his mother, as it was ideal for the short distance daily commute between her workplace and home.

    The contest also saw three other winners – Nur Izzati binti Rozali, Chang Jun Wei and S. Suraindiran a/l Sathiamurthy – walk away with RM1,500 worth of travel vouchers each.

    “Customer satisfaction is a top priority for us and campaigns like the Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest is one of many ways through which we show our appreciation for their support,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO of TCEC.

    “Even though the contest has ended, we strongly urge those looking for a stylish vehicle with continental quality and safety standards to take advantage of the zero-rated GST to enjoy additional savings before the tax holiday ends,” he added.

     

  • Chinese companies propose RM41 billion investment for third national car project – focus on electrification

    In Cars, Hybrids, EVs and Alternative Fuel, Local News / By / 11 comments

    More about the third national car project, which was mooted by prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in June. The project, which is supposed to be launched by 2020, may take on an electrification route if a proposal by two Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies comes through.

    According to The Star, GSR Capital and Envision Energy has outlined a US$10 billion (RM41 billion) investment in the project, spread over a five-year period. The proposal was reportedly submitted to the government ahead of the Mahathir’s current visit to China.

    The framework of the plan, which was seen by the publication, includes the setting up of the new national car plant as well as a regional EV automobile hub in southern Perak, where a major auto city project was planned by the previous Barisan Nasional government.

    The proposal made by the two companies, which will work in partnership with Malaysian company Concept Fields, also outlines the participation of Nissan, through Envision. The latter holds a 75% stake in Nissan’s electric vehicle unit AESC, which will be brought in to work together with GSR Capital to set up the regional EV manufacturing facility.

    The project will be spearheaded by GSR Capital, which will be facilitating FDI of about US$10 billion into Malaysia, while AESC will provide the technology to produce an electric car. Supposedly, EV battery production is also an integral part of the plan.

    Aside from manufacturing, the proposal also outlines the establishment of an education hub – to train skilled employees locally – and the creation of R&D facilities. The JV project would also result in the creation of 15,000 new jobs.

    The scope of the project, should it happen, would also fall in line with the government’s stand on how it is financed. Last week, finance minister Lim Guan Eng reiterated that the third national car project will be funded by the private sector and not with public funds.

     

  • Bugatti Divo gets teased yet again before official debut

    In Bugatti, Cars, International News / By / 3 comments

    Here’s another teaser of the upcoming Bugatti Divo, which is set to make its debut later this month. We’ve already seen bits and pieces of the French automaker’s new model, but this is the first time we see its covered silhouette?

    If it looks familiar, you’re probably thinking of the Vision Gran Turismo from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. That concept arrived well before the Chiron came to light, appearing a lot like a track-focused machine, which you can drive in Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo Sport video game.

    Vehicle highlights based on the image include a large rear wing, very prominent wheel arches and a strong line that runs from the front wheel to the B-pillar. The last item also appears to overpower the ‘Chiron line’ that is present on the company’s current flagship.

    Bugatti has already stated that the Divo will have outstanding handling properties and the dynamic character of the car will be underlined by a new, strong design language. This new shape is a clear sign of this, but it will also deliver high levels of aerodynamic performance.

    Other touted enhancements affect the engine, with reports saying the Chiron’s 8.0 litre quad-turbo W16 engine will be mated to a bespoke, motorsports-derived gearbox from even faster acceleration. Coupled with more weight-saving initiatives, the usual performance figures should be improved from the Chiron as well.

    More details will be revealed during the Divo’s official unveiling, with production being limited to just 40 units, each carrying a price tag of five million euros (RM23.4 million). The latter is a lot more than a Chiron or Chiron Sport, which are a lot more “common” with 500 total units planned.

    GALLERY: Bugatti Chiron Sport in Malaysia










     

  • 2019 BMW Motorrad GS adventure bike to be a 1250?

    In Bikes, BMW Motorrad, International Bike News / By / / 0 comment

    As BMW Motorrad’s best-seller, the R 1200 GS series of adventure/overland motorcycles has been a best-seller for the Munich firm for the last couple of decades. Rumours have arisen the generation GS might see an increase in engine displacement to 1,254 cc from the current 1,170 cc.

    For 2019, the GS will be dubbed the R 1250 GS, reports website bikesocial. There will be two flavours of the R 1250 GS, the base model and the R 1250 GS Adventure.

    A corresponding increase in power is anticipated, to 136 PS from the current 125 PS, or, in metric terms, exactly 100 kW. It can be assumed that torque numbers will see a similar rise, but no numbers were revealed in the report.

    There is also the rumour of variable valve timing, something a lot of bike makers are looking into to increase power and performance while still meeting emissions standards. For the R 1250 GS, spyshots in the wild show a different cylinder head from the current R 1200 GS, lending credence to the rumour.

    Weight is reported to have gone up slightly, by 5 kg from the current 244 kg. This can be attributed to a new exhaust system that is five decibels softer than present as well as the rumoured variable valve timing head.

    Overall dimensions for the 2019 BMW Motorrad R 1250 GS re not much changed from the R 1200 GS, with wheelbase up slightly from the current model, from 1,500 mm to 1,507 mm, while the Adventure model stays the same. It is expected the new R 1250 GS will have its public reveal at the Intermot show in Germany this October.

    GALLERY: 2018 BMW Motorrad R 1200 GS/GSA






     

  • Mitsubishi Xpander MPV now in Thailand – imported CBU from Indonesia, two variants, from RM96k

    In Cars, International News, Mitsubishi / By / 19 comments

    The Mitsubishi Xpander MPV is now on sale in Thailand, where it’s available in two trim levels, imported CBU from Indonesia. The GLS Limited starts from 779,000 baht (RM96,381) while the top GT is priced at 849,000 baht (RM104,921).

    Standard kit for the Honda BR-V-rivalling, SUV-styled seven-seat MPV include ABS/EBD/BA, ASC, hill start assist, dual airbags, LED position lamps, LED rear lamps, welcome/coming home lights, tilt-telescopic steering and steering audio buttons.

    The GT adds on front fog lamps; chrome exterior trim; silver skid plates (black is standard); a 4.2-inch colour multi-info display with high contrast meter; eco drive assist and eco score indicator; leather for the steering, shift knob and handbrake grip; voice command and cruise control.

    The GT also comes with keyless entry with push start; 2-DIN DVD head unit with 6.2-inch touchscreen; Bluetooth; reverse camera; part leather seats; two extra speakers (for six in total) and 16-inch two-tone rims (15-inch standard).

    The Xpander is powered by a 1.5 litre engine with 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The MIVEC DOHC unit is paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox. In Indonesia, the Xpander competes in the core Low MPV segment with the Toyota Avanza, Daihatsu Xenia, Suzuki Ertiga, Honda Mobilio and Honda BR-V.

    Last year, MMC CEO Osamu Masuko mentioned Malaysia as part of the Xpander’s 2018 introduction plans, along with fellow ASEAN markets Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. All the listed countries have now received the Xpander except for Malaysia. Would this work here as a rival to the Honda BR-V?

    GALLERY: Mitsubishi Xpander in Indonesia










     

  • Aston Martin DB5 – Bond’s ride being remade, 25 units

    In Aston Martin, Cars, International News / By / 3 comments

    If you fancy yourself to be James Bond and have £2.75 million (RM14.38 million) to spare, then this will definitely float your boat. More than five decades after the last one was built, the Aston Martin DB5 is back, although in a very limited run of 25 units.

    The car made famous by Bond is being reissued, the result of a collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films. The Goldfinger DB5 continuation, as it’s known as, will be based on Bond’s legendary ride from 1964 and will be built by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell, which is the original home of the DB5.

    The 25 continuation units will be authentic reproductions of the DB5 as seen on screen, but will feature what the company calls ‘sympathetic modifications’, in essence promising tighter tolerances and better build quality than the ’60s unit.

    All the cars will be produced to one specification and will come only in Silver Birch paint, just like the original. The original DB5 was powered by a twin-cam 4.0 litre straight-six with three SU carburetters, which offered 282 bhp and 379 Nm in the way of output.

    The DB5 will feature functioning gadgets that will be developed by Oscar-winner Chris Corbould, the special effects supervisor on eight Bond movies. Items will include the revolving number plate, and it’ll be interesting to see just how many items make their way on – presumably not, the oil spray or a functioning ejector seat.

    The DB5 made its first appearance in Goldfinger, the third Bond movie, and featured in a further six Bond films, these being Thunderball (1965), GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Casino Royale (2006), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).

    “The connection between Aston Martin and James Bond is something of which we are very proud and it is remarkable that the DB5 remains the definitive James Bond car after so many years. To own an Aston Martin has long been an aspiration for James Bond fans, but to own a Silver Birch DB5, complete with gadgets and built to the highest standards in the very same factory as the original James Bond cars? Well, that is surely the ultimate collectors’ fantasy,” said Aston Martin president and CEO Andy Palmer.

    First deliveries of the 25 cars will begin in 2020, and a further three cars will be built, but not made public issue – EON and Aston Martin will get one each, and the third will be auctioned for charity.


     

  • 2019 Shelby GT debuts with 700+ hp, Heritage version

    In Cars, Ford, International News, Videos / By / 3 comments

    The team at Shelby American has taken the wraps off of the new 2019 Shelby GT, which is making its debut in conjunction with the Woodward Dream Cruise. Based on the Ford Mustang GT, the model can be ordered as a fastback or convertible, and comes with a number of modifications.

    On the visual front, the Shelby GT gets a “deep draw” hood with prominent vents, a unique front grille, side skirts, rear spoiler, side stripes and a set of 20-inch wheels. Interior changes are limited to extra badging, dedicated floor mats and numbered plaques on the dash and engine.

    Additional options include the Shelby Premium Package that adds on a new front fascia assembly and illuminated door sill plates. There’s also a GT-H or Heritage package that celebrates the inspiration for the Shelby GT. The Shelby GT-H is available in either black or white with gold stripes and optional gold wheels.

    Performance gains as standard are new springs and sway bars from Ford Performance, along with a Borla cat-back exhaust (+20 hp) and new caster camber plates. Go with either of the two optional packages mentioned earlier and new front struts and rear shocks are also thrown in.

    If those aren’t enough, the Shelby Heavy Duty Package adds on an “extreme” radiator with a new coolant tank, wheel studs and performance half-shafts. Still want more? Well, there’s a Ford Performance supercharger that makes the 5.0 litre naturally aspirated V8 put out over 700 horsepower and painted stripes.

    Prices start at US$61,345 (RM251,545) for the standard Shelby GT, with the Heritage and Premium cars demanding at least US$66,345 (RM272,048).

     
 

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