Archive for Local News

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index has named BMW the most sustainable automobile company in the world for the 5th consecutive year. The index was first published in 1999, so it is in its 10th year now. Effectively, this means that right now, BMW is the world’s most ‘greenest’ automaker.

BMW has just established a Sustainability Board in summer 2009, which comprises of the entire Board of Management, determines the strategic alignment for sustainability issues. They meet twice a year to discuss and adopt the strategies and activities proposed at operational level.

Sustainability is not only defined by your product mix. On one hand BMW makes the zero emissions MINI E (though on trial), but on the other hand you also have the BMW X6 M, weighing well over 2,000kg with 555 PS sent to all four wheels yet can only move four from A to B.

No, it’s more than that. It also includes the production plants, production processes, green recycling practices, etc. It also extends beyond the gates of their office buildings and plants, sustainability is also the excuse that they gave for leaving F1. Whether that’s the real reason or not, I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure it’ll score some brownie points on whatever index the DJSI is using.

These are the examples of sustainability activities that you don’t see when you take delivery of your new 323i. BMW’s Munich R&D center uses naturally cold groundwater to cool some buildings. This saves about 10,000 MWh of electricity, and translates to 6,300 tons of CO2 a year. At their Spartanburg plant where the X6 M is built, over 60% of total energy requirements are from methane gas from a nearby landfill.

BMW also takes care not to waste any water unnecessarily. The water cycles at BMW plants are designed to reuse water as often as possible. In fact, BMW’s engine plant in Steyr produced 733,500 engines in 2008 without generating any wastewater at all. The aim is for a 30% reduction of water, energy, solvent emissions and waste per vehicle between 2006 and 2012, and we’re smack in the middle of that now.

But for us Malaysian motorists usually when you hear the word ‘green’ or even BMW’s EfficientDynamics brand, you usually think of the product itself – reduced fuel consumption and reduced tailpipe emissions, unfortunately less so the latter with most people. Now with better quality Euro 2M diesel here, you can expect some interesting announcements from BMW this week.

You can probably already guess what it is, but I’ll be back with the full details later this week. I think what’s coming is great and I can only wish that the manufacturers who sell the more affordable cars here in Malaysia are going to do the same.

Click for enlarged image

This may look like just another Hari Raya greeting from Perodua at first but for those who are follow the auto industry closely and are expecting something to be launched soon will immediately realise that this is in fact a hidden teaser for the new Perodua MPV!

The Perodua MPV will be based on the Toyota Passo Sette (also known as the Daihatsu Boon Luminas) and has been called the codename Perodua D46T for the development stage. Being engineered from an existing Toyota and Daihatsu model, the only surprise for us usually is the car’s refreshed and Perodua-ised exterior looks but even for that, we already have a rough idea of how it’ll look like thanks to teasers that Perodua have released – the exterior at SMIDEC and the interior at MSAM.

The interior teaser shown in April this year had a cream interior and this colour scheme has been repeated in this teaser image – the seats are done up in cream. There will be a small middle seat between the driver and front passenger but in this teaser image, it has been folded down to use as an armrest, and probably that’s how it should be used as most of the time as there probably won’t be any seatbelt for the front middle chair.

Second row shows all three occupants are buckled up – with the middle occupant wearing a lap belt. It doesn’t look like the third row occupants are wearing any seat belts (though there is most likely going to be seat belts equipped for the third row) and I personally don’t think the rear will be that wide – it must be some kind of optical trick.

Perodua’s head honcho Datuk Syed Hafiz has stated repeatedly to the mainstream media that the new Perodua D46T MPV is positioned mainly as a car with a large boot instead of an MPV (I believe the proper term for that is wagon). They won’t be trying to go head to head against the Exora or other MPVs, or at least that’s what they are saying now in the interviews that you see in the mainstream media every month.

This is quite different from the marketing strategy used by “cousin” UMW Toyota for their Avanza promos – the ads clearly show and promote the advantages of having 7 seats (remember the left behind print ads?). The third row is only meant to be used whenever needed – an admission to its extremely utilitarian looks as shown in the Japanese version photos. But of course marketing may say one thing but consumer purchase decision behaviour could go the other way – “it has seven seats so it must be an MPV?”

These interviews also unveiled a November 2009 launch date. Why so late and not in time for the balik kampung purchases you ask? It could be something to do with the impending NAP announcement – perhaps it is not safe to announce one set of prices and then have to change it a few months later?

If you want to find out more about the new Perodua MPV, you can refer to my past coverage on the subject, especially the coverage on the Toyota/Daihatsu cars as they show the Japanese version in detail including exterior and interior. Selamat Hari Raya!

Thanks to Iskandar Hidayat for the pointer!

Related Posts:
Toyota Passo Sette: 7-seater MPV full details
Perodua MPV D46T spotted at Restoran Jejantas Sg Buloh
Perodua MPV D46T to sell for RM56k to RM66k!
Perodua MPV unveiled fully undisguised in SMIDEC teaser (with video!)
Perodua MPV D46T interior exhibited at MSAM 2009

Total sales for the Getz in Malaysia recently hit 20,000 units since its 2005 launch, so Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors have decided to create a new limited run Hyundai Getz SE (Special Edition) to celebrate. The Getz SE will be limited to a 300 unit run and each unit will have a serialized plate in the car starting with the number 001.

The changes are all aesthetic as the 1.4 liter DOHC engine under the hood remains the same as before. The Getz SE is only available in a colour called “Icing White”. The front end receives a new grille and bumper. The side mirrors have integrated LED indicators. At the rear, the car gets a new bumper as well. The single exhaust tailpipe is hidden behind the mesh grille of the “diffuser-like” design.

On the inside, the center dashboard and the door handles has a new brushed-aluminium look to them. The interior seats and steering wheel comes in leather. Wheels are 15 inchers of a new design and are wrapped with Dunlop D01 tyres. Hyundai says they picked the D01 because of its double V groove pattern which does well on wet roads, making it suitable for the Malaysian tropical climate.

Other than that, the rest of the car is the same as the regular Getz. The SE version is available for both the 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic options.

The Hyundai Getz SE 1.4GL(M) is priced at RM 60,984.00 (OTR) in West Malaysia and RM 62,716.10 (OTR) in East Malaysia and the Hyundai Getz SE 1.4GL(A) is priced at RM 63,888.00 (OTR) in West Malaysia and RM 66,277.00 (OTR) in East Malaysia. Hyundai offers a 5 year or 300,000 warranty with the Getz.

Look after the jump for more shots of the Getz SE.

Click here to read the rest of New Hyundai Getz SE – 300 unit limited run

It’s 09/09/09 today – a number that means different things for different people but in the context of the Malaysian motorist its MUFORS Road Safety day, part of the Malaysians United For Road Safety (MUFORS) project.

So when you’re rushing home to buka puasa from your office later please remember to drive safely. It’s going to be jammed for sure, but please stay patient. Have something light and refreshing to buka puasa in your car. Don’t jump queues and red lights.

Some of you have made your pledge earlier. Those who have made pledges are supposed to carry out their pledges today as a symbolic thing but in reality you should be practicing good road habits all the time and not only just today. My car is in the workshop so I won’t be doing any driving today – easiest way of carrying out my pledge I guess!

Of course other than a way to submit your pledges there is a also an online poll on the MUFORS site where Malaysian motorists can vote for their most annoying Malaysian road habits. Here are the top 5 results so far as of time of publishing:

• Drivers who don’t use their indicators – 11.7%
• Aggressive tail gating – 11.4%
• Mat Rempits – 9.1%
• Road hoggers – 8.6%
• Driving on emergency lanes – 6.9%

The MUFORS project is definitely timely as it’s Balik Kampung season soon and the volume of traffic on the highways will be high. Long journeys will take a toll on the driver (no reference to the actual tolls) so be sure to take breaks if you’re tired.

For those who are eagerly waiting to see if you’ve managed to win a fresh new set of Duraplus tyres from Goodyear, all entries have been sent to Goodyear Malaysia and they’re picking the winner now Good luck guys!

If you’ve been looking to get a Mk6 Golf GTI or a Scirocco from Volkswagen Malaysia and are exploring for tune-up options, Cartrade-ABT is already one step ahead of you. They’ve showcased the gorgeous ABT Scirocco and the ABT Golf GTI Mk6 at their Bangsar showroom last weekend.

While the confirmed prices for the Mk6 GTI and the Scirocco are not out yet (the Scirocco is rumoured to be priced at about RM240k+), pricelists for the ABT kits for the two cars are already out. But potential customers wanted to see the bodykit in flesh first before committing so Cartrade-ABT flew two units in.

ABT VSR GTI

ABT Wheels Package (19 inch with Continental tyres and spacers) – RM23,500
ABT Aerodynamic Package (ABT bodykit with quad pipe stainless steel rear muffler) – RM18,500
ABT ECU Performance Tuning (upgrade to 260hp and 360Nm) – RM6,000
Total: RM48,000
Full package price: RM47,000

ABT Scirocco

ABT Wheels Package (19 inch with Continental tyres, ABT sport springs and spacers) – RM21,500
ABT Aerodynamic Package (ABT bodykit with quad pipe stainless steel rear muffler) – RM18,500
ABT ECU Performance Tuning (upgrade to 240hp and 340Nm) – RM6,000
Total: RM46,000
Full package price: RM45,000

Of course if you just want to go fast without the ABT Kit, you can opt for just the ECU tune-up (via OBD) package for RM6,000. I’n not sure on when the GTI will be arriving but the Scirocco should be very very soon.

Look after the jump for photos of the two ABT cars.

Click here to read the rest of Abt kits for Scirocco and Golf Mk6 to be available in Malaysia; previewed over the weekend

The government is currently having a 20% toll rebate scheme for those who register 80 toll transactions and above on a single Touch ‘n Go card. This scheme begins this month.

Kind of odd that the scheme is not based on amount of toll used per month but rather on frequency of use, but no matter, something is better than nothing I guess. The way the rules are currently, one who pays 50 sen for toll 80 times a month (RM40) enjoys a rebate while one who pays RM2.20 toll 60 times a month (RM132) will not.

From what I can gather, all you need to do is to continue using your Touch ‘n Go card as normal. Using it in a Smart TAG works as well. But just to be safe you might want to register your Touch ‘n Go card first at the Touch ‘n Go Frequent Travelers Programme website (here is a FAQ). UPDATE: From what I’ve been made understand, the registration is not required to be enrolled in the program. You only need to register if you want to keep track of how many transactions you’ve used. This will make it easier for you to see if you’ve hit 80 a month.

Claiming your rebate is not automatic. Each calendar month, you will have to bring your card to the Touch ‘n Go center at Faber Towers or KL Sentral, or selected highway sales centres. If you qualify for a rebate, the 20% rebate will be credited into your card on the spot. You can only start collecting your rebates beginning 5th October 2009.

Look after the jump to find a list of the selected centres.

Click here to read the rest of 20% toll rebate for Touch ‘n Go starts now

Proton’s Group Lotus now has a new CEO – Dany Bahar, a Swiss national. Some of you may notice his face is quite familiar, in fact he appeared most recently on this blog on one of Ferrari’s promotional videos of the new 458 Italia.

This is because Dany Bahar was the Senior VP of Commercial & Brand for Ferrari SpA where he oversaw sales, aftersales, marketing, licensing and merchandising for the prancing horse.

Now of course, he is in Group Lotus. Let’s hope he will do some good for Lotus, as ultimately their performance affects Proton.

Click here to read the rest of New Lotus CEO: Ferrari man Dany Bahar

UMW Toyota has just launched the new Camry facelift here in Malaysia. Like the outgoing pre-facelift model, three variants are available – the Camry 2.0E for RM144,900, the Camry 2.0G for RM154,990 and finally the Camry 2.4V priced at RM174,990. All prices are OTR with insurance in Malaysia.

Let’s cut down to the chase on what’s new. First up is obviously its looks. There is a new grille, bumpers, and new wheels designs. The 2.0 models share a 16 inch wheel design while the 2.4 liter model gets a different design that is larger at 17 inches. LED lighting is used in the new rear taillamps.

On the interior, all models share a similiar colour scheme. The 2.0E model uses a new seat fabric design while the 2.0G and 2.4V models get a perforated leather trim for the seats. Cruise control has been added to the 2.0G model, previously available only on the 2.4V model. A new AUX input jack is provided in the cntre console for you to hook up your MP3 player or iPod. Front seats for the G and V cars have 8-way electrical adjustment including lumbar adjustment for the driver.

One unique feature is a switch on the side of the passenger seat’s backrest to allow the rearleft occupant to easily move the front passenger seat forward for better legroom. This is a feature usually found only on the large cars like the 7-Series and the S-Class and makes a bit easier for the Camry to be used as a car that you’re driven in.

A new feature for the top of the line 2.4V is the Smart Entry & Start System which is basically keyless entry and go. All you need is for the Remote Control Unit to be near the car on the driver (within a certain distance) and you can grab the door handles to unlock the doors and deactivate the immobiliser. Then a push start button can be used to start the car. A button on the rear end of the car does the same for the boot opening mechanism. VSC Stability Control and Traction Control are only offered on the 2.4V model. All models get ABS brakes.

The engine and transmission options remain the same as the pre-facelift model – a 2.0 liter engine making 147 PS at 6,000rpm and 190Nm of torque at 4,00rpm as well as a 2.4 liter engine making 167 PS at 6,000rpm and 224Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The 2.0 is mated to a 4-speed Super ECT while the 2.4 gets a 5-speed Super ECT.

Look after the jump for a full photo gallery of the new Camry facelift.

Click here to read the rest of Toyota Camry facelift now in Malaysian showrooms!

If the Volkswagen Polo were the price of a Honda City or a Toyota Vios, would it be part of your consideration if you were looking for your first non-national car? Volkswagen definitely hopes so, and even after 1) talks with Proton hit a dead end and 2) a US$140 million assembly base has been identified in Indonesia, it is still trying to negotiate a deal for local assembly of Volkswagen cars in Malaysia.

The most recent potential partner seems to be DRB-HICOM but The Edge claimed last month that talks between VW and DRB-HICOM had hit a wall. Read it all here in this Bloomberg story. It could be something to do with the upcoming National Automotive Policy review that is supposed to be revealed at the end of this month.

Source

Most people who are not really into the details usually just specify a kind of “grade” of paint when they send their cars in for repainting. Most people who want their cars to look good usually specify “2K” paint, but many don’t really look at what exactly is being used to paint your car.

Nippon Paint is a big name when it comes to household paint. They’ve also been in the OEM car paint supply business for a really long time. If you’ve bought a car from Proton, Perodua, Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Naza or Kia, there’s a good chance that the paint on your car is also from Nippon Paint Malaysia. Now, they are going into the refinishing market, which means aftermarket auto refinish paint.

Marketed under the Nax Premila 2K brand, there are a full range of products under the brand ranging from putty, primer, basecoat and top coat. Nippon Paint says Nax Premila 2K has high tinting strength on colour tinters comparable with competitors’. The flexibility of a 1K or 2K basecoat system, the ability to mix 1K or 2K binder, and the ability to match more colours from the colour tinters range. There are currently about 500 colour formulations in the Nax Premila range and Nippon Paint Malaysia targets to roll out 1,000 colours by December this year.

Basically when you send your car in for a full re-spraying, there are a few steps involved. It is best to have any trim, decals, emblems and anything else similiar removed from the car body. The car will then have to be cleaned properly to remove any wax, grease or contaminants from the old coat of paint.

Of course please remember where the emblems were located so the car will be returned to its “original” state – there are way too many BMWs on the road with the car model on the left instead of the right hand side of the boot!

Damage like this are easily fixable as only the paint is damaged.

Your body panels will also have to be repaired. Fenders, rockers, quarter panels, joints, and other areas will have to be checked for rust. If there is rust, the rust will have to be removed.

Accident damage – a really bad dent and paint scraped off until the bare metal is exposed. It is better to replace the entire fender instead of repairing it.

Minor damage such as small dents can be fixed by pulling the dent out, but if a body panel has been really heavily damaged, it is better to just replace the panel rather than knock it back into shape as the repaired area may start to rust in the future, despite anti-rust treatment.

Other small imperfections in the surface of the body can then be filled with putty. Nippon Paint has two products for this – Nax Universal Putty and Nax Filling Putty, both of which are made from polyester. The Filling Putty is apparently of a better grade and provides excellent adhesion.

Next, we apply the primer. Nippon Paint has the Nax 2400 Urethane Primer. Urethane-based primers are quite common in 2K paint jobs. Primer essentially ensure your total paint system adhere firmly to your car (a binding layer) and has other benefits such as increasing entire paint durability, and adding extra protection for the car body. There’s also the Nax PP Primer which has good adhesion characteristics for PP materials such as your car bumpers and spoilers.

Then it is time to add the basecoat paint. Basecoat comes in Solid, Metallic, Pearl or Crystal colours. Last coat is the Nax 9600 2:1 2K Clearcoat. During the whole process from start to finish it is important to have a dust and dirt-free environment so that dirt or dust does not get trapped in the paint.

The various coats will be mixed according to the manufacturer’s specs with recommended thinners or hardeners. Sanding down after Primer coat is important to ensure a smooth finish and better adhesion. This step will help to give the paint a better appearance and also prevent defects such as orange peel.

If you are interested in giving Nippon Paint Nax Premila 2K Auto Refinish a try, you can check out a list of paint shops that deal with Nippon Paint after the jump. Remember to ask for Nippon Paint Nax Premila 2K Auto Refinish when you ask for a quote as they may have other brands in stock and most people usually only ask for colour.

Click here to read the rest of Nippon Paint Nax Premila 2K Auto Refinish