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  • 2024 Proton X50 to be launched next week, June 4

    2024 Proton X50 to be launched next week, June 4

    What do we have here? A posting on social media by a Proton showroom representative suggests that the 2024 Proton X50 will be unveiled on Tuesday, June 4. That’s right after this long weekend!

    Before you get too excited though, the teaser image shows a car that looks virtually identical to the current model, so this is likely just a minor update and not a full-fledged facelift. The spyshots of the proper X50 facelift we’ve seen recently are perhaps of a more extensive refresh set for later on, not this year.

    So, what to expect from this updated 2024 version, then? No exact details are official just yet, but it’s safe to assume it will get a few small upgrades/enhancements, and hopefully a price revision as well. The X50 is under fire from a few newer models with ultra-competitive prices after all, and it has been offered with substantial discounts lately.

    We’ll have to wait until Tuesday to find out the exact changes made to Proton’s popular B-segment SUV. Better safety package, cheaper price, perhaps upgraded equipment list?

    Read the full report here on paultan.org at 11am this coming Tuesday.

    UPDATE: Proton has released an official teaser below, confirming the launch date.

     
  • Volkswagen confirms more CKD models coming to Malaysia – return of base Golf with Mk8.5, Audi Q7/Q8?

    Volkswagen confirms more CKD models coming to Malaysia – return of base Golf with Mk8.5, Audi Q7/Q8?

    During the media drive event of the new Volkswagen Touareg earlier this week, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) held a Q&A session in which senior officials fielded questions related to the car and the company. In particular, its managing director Denyu Bostandzhiev shared some interesting details regarding the future of the brand.

    Asked by paultan.org whether there will be any new models priced below the RM200,000 mark aside from the Tiguan Allspace (which starts at RM164,190), Bostanzhiev said: “There will be a car [in this price range]. I cannot tell you now when exactly, but I’d say quite soon.”

    The real juicy part came later on, when the company boss indicated VPCM’s desire to reintroduce a regular (read: non-GTI or R) Golf sometime in the future. “We can assure you that something is happening with the Golf. Everybody’s waiting for the normal Golf. We’re working on it. We’d like to have the full range of the Golf. We have been owning the segment and we will own the segment in the future as well, it belongs to us.”

    You may remember that the current Mk8 Golf was launched here in standard CKD R-Line guise back in July 2022 – after a protracted wait for its price to be approved – but was pulled from sale after less than a year. We can presume that it was killed due to slow sales, likely due to its high RM170,560 price and its lack of driver assistance kit.

    Volkswagen confirms more CKD models coming to Malaysia – return of base Golf with Mk8.5, Audi Q7/Q8?

    The Mk8 Golf R-Line was pulled from sale after less than a year

    A rejigged specification with a lower price and/or the inclusion of VW’s IQ.Drive safety suite could make the business case for the standard Mk8 Golf work, but VPCM might instead be waiting for the new Mk8.5 model to bring the variant back. That car has already been comprehensively ruled out for this year, with the Touareg and the special-edition 50th anniversary Golf GTI (the latter will be limited to 50 units, it’s been confirmed) being the company’s big launches for 2024.

    But that’s not all – Bostandzhiev also confirmed there will be another new model to help offset the cost of localising the CKD Touareg. The car is being locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, the first time this is happening outside of VW’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia.

    The company is only targeting to capture a 10% share of the already tiny premium executive SUV market in Malaysia – a segment dominated by the also-CKD BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. That’s not a lot of volume for such a huge investment; the Touareg, let’s not forget, is based on the MLB Evo platform not shared with other Volkswagen brand models.

    “[We need to] share technologies, share investments. I’m not allowed to tell you, but something is cooking. There will be a different model that will appear,” said Bostandzhiev.

    Volkswagen confirms more CKD models coming to Malaysia – return of base Golf with Mk8.5, Audi Q7/Q8?

    The use of the term “different model” is key, because it hints that it won’t simply be a variant of the Touareg, meaning we’ll have to look outside the VW brand. Currently, there are five large SUV models built on the MLB Evo architecture – the Audi Q7 and Q8, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus.

    The Cayenne is already being built here at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah; we can also rule out the Bentayga and the Urus given their exclusivity and market positioning, leaving only the Audis as the viable options. This tracks with comments from Bostandzhiev (who is also MD of Audi distributor PHS Automotive Malaysia, or PHSAM) earlier this year, in which he confirmed the brand’s plans to assemble cars locally.

    Helping Ingolstadt’s case is the fact that both the Q7 and Q8 can be had with the Touareg’s 340 PS 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 and eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Of the two, the more practical Q7 – which recently received its second facelift – is the one that makes the most sense given it will be the volume seller, with the added benefit of seven seats to further differentiate it from the five-seater Touareg.

    GALLERY: Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5


    GALLERY: 2024 Audi Q7 facelift

     
  • Chery Malaysia reaches 10,000-unit CKD production – Tiggo 7 Pro, Omoda E5 to be locally assembled soon

    Chery Malaysia reaches 10,000-unit CKD production – Tiggo 7 Pro, Omoda E5 to be locally assembled soon

    Chery Auto Malaysia has assembled its 10,000th vehicle since partnering with Inokom in May 2023. The accomplishment comes within eight months after local assembly (CKD) operations started at Inokom’s 200-acre facility in Kulim, Kedah.

    At present, the plant assembles the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro on a single line, with a second line set to be introduced to increase capacity. New models that will be assembled at the Inokom facility include the Tiggo 7 Pro as well as the all-electric Omoda E5.

    “Our focus has always been on delivering safe, reliable products to our customers,” said Leo Chen, president of Chery Auto Malaysia. “We are committed to maintaining strict quality assurance processes as we expand our operations here in Malaysia. We want to continue offering the best driving and ownership experience to our customers,” he added.

     
  • Pro-Net signs deal to integrate ChargeSini EV chargers into its network – accessible via Hello smart app

    Pro-Net signs deal to integrate ChargeSini EV chargers into its network – accessible via Hello smart app

    Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net), the distributor of smart vehicles in Malaysia, has announced an agreement with ChargeSini to provide customers with access to a wider electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

    Through the partnership, ChargeSini’s growing network of charging stations will be integrated into Pro-Net’s existing network accessible via the Hello smart app. With this integration, the company says its public charging point coverage is set to increase from 70% to over 75% nationwide.

    It added that these enhancements will be updated in the Hello smart app in the third quarter of this year. With this integration, users will only need the Hello smart app to access charging stations deployed across four different charge point operators (CPOs), with others being Gentari, chargEV and JomCharge.

     
  • Jaecoo J7 PHEV previewed in Malaysia – 1.5 TGDi with 347 PS/525 Nm, 88 km EV range; DC charging, V2L

    Jaecoo J7 PHEV previewed in Malaysia – 1.5 TGDi with 347 PS/525 Nm, 88 km EV range; DC charging, V2L

    The Jaecoo J7 PHEV that was first unveiled at Auto China 2024 in Beijing last month has also been shown at the recent Malaysia Autoshow 2024, where the brand also previewed its all-electric J6.

    Under the bonnet of the J7 PHEV is a 1.5 litre TGDi petrol engine that boasts of a thermal efficiency of 44.5%, according to Jaecoo. This is mated to a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) with an electric motor in front, coming together to bring a combined output of 347 PS and 525 Nm of torque.

    For comparison, the ICE version of the Jaecoo J7 is powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine that outputs 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque, transmitted to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

    Electricity reserves offered by the J7 PHEV enable the plug-in hybrid SUV to travel up to 88 km on battery power alone, while full hybrid running offers a claimed fuel consumption of 4.9 l/100 km, or 20.4 km per litre. Run in full hybrid mode, Jaecoo says the J7 PHEV can attain a combined range, with a full 60 litre fuel tank and fully charged battery, of more than 1,200 km.

    What sets the Jaecoo J7 PHEV apart from most plug-in hybrid vehicles is its ability to take DC fast charging, as shown by the presence of a CCS2 charging port on the J7 PHEV. Its electrical capabilities also include V2L (vehicle-to-load), offering external power output to appliances from the vehicle.

    While specific details on the J7 PHEV are still thin on the ground, it would appear that the plug-in hybrid is coming closer to its Malaysian market arrival, given that the show car is a right-hand-drive unit. Dashboard architecture is carried over from the pure ICE-powered J7, where a 10.25-inch driver’s instrument display is accompanied by a 14.8-inch, portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display.

    Where the J7 PHEV cabin notably differs is in the centre console, with the omission of the transmission selector lever on the petrol variant, with the pair of cupholders now side by side rather than set in tandem longitudinally. The drive mode rotary selector on the petrol J7 is now part of a simplfied row of buttons on the J7 PHEV.

    At its preview in January this year, the Jaecoo J7 has been estimated to be priced from around RM150k for the FWD variant, and from RM160k for the AWD variant in the petrol-powered forms. What do you think of the J7 plug-in hybrid?

     
  • New Subaru models sold in Malaysia from 2025 will be CBU from Japan, TC Subaru confirms in statement

    New Subaru models sold in Malaysia from 2025 will be CBU from Japan, TC Subaru confirms in statement

    TC Subaru (TCS), the official distributor of Subaru vehicles and aftersales provider in Malaysia, has announced that beginning from 2025, new Subaru vehicles sold in the country will come fully imported (CBU) from Japan.

    This comes following a recent statement by Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL) that confirmed the end of complete knock down (CKD) operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia by the end of 2024.

    “After careful consideration, TCIL and Subaru Corporation have jointly decided to undergo a proactive business transformation by phasing out the existing CKD business model, which is believed to be no longer sustainable in the long term,” TCIL wrote in the statement.

    At present, only the second-generation XV is assembled in Malaysia by Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) – a subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings (TCMH) – in Segambut. The older, fourth-generation Forester was previously made here, but assembly of the fifth-generation model was shifted to Thailand.

    “For current owners of Subaru vehicles, TCS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional ownership experience. Every Subaru dealership across Malaysia will continue to offer comprehensive support and services, with the expertise of Subaru-certified technicians and genuine parts found at all authorised service centres here,” TCS said in its release.

     
  • First Porsche Experience Centre in Southeast Asia to be built in Singapore – start of operations in 2027

    First Porsche Experience Centre in Southeast Asia to be built in Singapore – start of operations in 2027

    Porsche has announced it would set up its 11th Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) in Singapore. Set to be operational in 2027, PEC Singapore will be located just 20 minutes away from Changi Airport and close to the upcoming Aviation Park MRT station along the planned Cross Island Line.

    In an official release, the German carmaker revealed the new facility will feature a dynamic handling track over two km in length that will serve to showcase the capabilities of its two- and four-door models to customers in the Southeast Asian region.

    The site will also have a fully-integrated, high-capacity aftersales facility, which is said to be a first-of-its-kind feature of any PEC in the world. In addition to the brand’s familiar sports car, the fleet at PEC Singapore will also include a significant number of electric vehicles (EVs) for participants to experience.

    Other highlights of the facility include themed exhibitions, periodically-changing display cars from the legendary archives of the Porsche Museum, immersive racing simulators as well as a variety of dining options.

    First Porsche Experience Centre in Southeast Asia to be built in Singapore – start of operations in 2027

    “I am delighted that we are building our 11th such facility in Singapore, an amazing city where innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thrive. It is only natural that we build this new PEC Singapore with these same principles in mind, aiming to create innovative and unforgettable encounters with our sports cars and, I hope, inspiring and building desirability among younger generations,” said Detlev von Platen, member of the executive board for sales and marketing at Porsche AG.

    “Following a series of successful events held in Singapore, Porsche is thrilled to mark yet another milestone by building the country’s first permanent driving-focused facility. This initiative not only reflects our commitment to delivering our unique brand of exhilaration to customers and fans, but also underlines Singapore’s pivotal role as a gateway to the thriving Southeast Asian market,” commented Hannes Ruoff, CEO of Porsche Asia Pacific.

    There are currently nine operational PECs worldwide, including in Germany (Hockenheim and Leipzig), Great Britain (Silverstone), France (Le Mans), Italy (Franciacorta), the United States (Atlanta and Los Angeles), Japan (Tokyo) and China (Shanghai). The 10th PEC in Toronto, Canada is set to be opened this year.

     
  • Diesel subsidy rationalisation due to 10-fold increase in cost to Malaysian government: finance minister II

    Diesel subsidy rationalisation due to 10-fold increase in cost to Malaysian government: finance minister II

    The decision to rationalise diesel fuel subsidy in Malaysia was due to the cost to the government, which had increased by 10 times in just five years, The Star reported.

    The Malaysian government had paid RM14.3 billion in diesel subsidy last year, compared to RM1.4 billion in 2019, and leakages of subsidised diesel was identified as the main culprit for the significant increase in subsidy payments as the amount of subsidised diesel grew from 6.1 billion litres to 10.8 billion litres over the same period.

    “One of the reasons to proceed with the subsidy rationalisation is to plug the fiscal holes. The focus now is on subsidy rationalisation so that the government can run effectively. A well-run government helps the people in other forms,” said finance minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

    The government hopes to save RM4 billion a year through the rationalisation of diesel subsidy, and savings from the exercise can then be channelled to other areas, according to the report.

    The main reason for the leakage of subsidised diesel is the big difference in price of the fuel compared to those in neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. While the retail price of diesel in Malaysia is capped at RM2.15 per litre, the fuel costs RM4.12 per litre in Thailand, RM4.73 per litre in Indonesia and RM8.87 per litre in Singapore, The Star reported.

    Earlier this week, the Malaysian government announced the Budi Madani subsidy assistance programme where successful applicants will receive RM200 a month for their diesel vehicles. The Budi Madani website came online shortly thereafter; here’s how to apply for the subsidy.

    Meanwhile, the subsidised diesel control system 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) programme began in March this year, and five petroleum companies issued 90,000 fleet cards to eligible transport firms this week.

    The SKDS programme is aimed at the logistics sector or those providing essential services to consumers, while Budi Madani is aimed at private owners of diesel vehicles and agricultural smallholders.The ministry of domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN) stated yesterday that those looking to receive diesel subsidies may apply for Budi Madani or SKDS 2.0, but not both.

     
  • 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S debuts as brand’s first global EV – 400V architecture, 600 hp, 800 Nm, 483 km range

    2024 Jeep Wagoneer S debuts as brand’s first global EV – 400V architecture, 600 hp, 800 Nm, 483 km range

    Jeep has unveiled its first global electric vehicle (EV) called the Wagoneer S, which will first launch in the United States and Canada in the second half of 2024 before being made available in markets around the world.

    Built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, the Wagoneer S features a 400V architecture and a 100-kWh battery, the latter delivering a range of around 483 km (300 miles). The American carmaker did not provide detailed charging information but claims a 20-80% state of charge can be achieved in just 23 minutes with DC fast charging.

    As standard, the new Jeep SUV gets a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive, with each axle getting its own Stellantis-designed electric drive module that combines the electric motor, gearing and power electronics into a single, compact unit.

    This setup is rated at 600 hp and 800 Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) time of 3.4 seconds. For context, the old Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with its 6.2 litre supercharged V8 needs 3.5 seconds to complete the same sprint. Through the Selec-Terrain traction management system, drivers will have five drive modes to choose from, namely Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow and Sand.

    2024 Jeep Wagoneer S debuts as brand’s first global EV – 400V architecture, 600 hp, 800 Nm, 483 km range

    In terms of size, the five-seat Wagoneer S is smaller than the Grand Cherokee and boasts a unique design unlike other models in Jeep’s line-up. The sleek shape, clean surfacing, flush pocket door handles and protruding tailgate spoiler all contribute to a drag coefficient of 0.29.

    Meanwhile, the brand’s iconic seven-slot grille is closed off on the EV, with each slot illuminated by a light bar connecting the slim headlamps. Electronic door releases are a first-for-a-Jeep feature making its debut on the Wagoneer S.

    Inside, we find a dashboard layout that is rather similar to the Grand Wagoneer, with familiar items being a two-spoke steering wheel and quad screens. The upper section of the dash houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen and a 10.25-inch passenger-side touchscreen, while another touchscreen for the climate system sits just ahead of the centre console.

    2024 Jeep Wagoneer S debuts as brand’s first global EV – 400V architecture, 600 hp, 800 Nm, 483 km range

    Infotainment is Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system that comes with a range of connectivity options, connected services (via Jeep Connect) and support for over-the-air (OTA) updates, while audio needs are handled by a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system with 1,160 watts of amplification.

    For the 2024 model year, the Wagoneer S will initially be offered in Launch Edition guise priced at USD71,995 (about RM339k) that comes with dark accent cues as well as 20-inch gloss black wheels. Satin-painted accent trim, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, heated and ventilated seats, Active Driving Assist, Intersection Collision Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and a surround view camera are all standard.

    With Jeep set to make a return to Malaysia, could the Wagoneer S be offered in Malaysia as well? Would you be interested in this EV? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

     
  • Donald Trump threatens to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese-brand cars even if they are made in Mexico

    Donald Trump threatens to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese-brand cars even if they are made in Mexico

    Former United States president and current presidential candidate Donald Trump has revealed if he was elected back into office, he would slap a 100% tariff on cars (including electric vehicles) from Chinese brands, even if they are made in Mexico.

    Earlier this month, current US president Joe Biden announced several new tariffs on made-in-China goods, one of which will see duties on imported EVs be quadrupled from 25% to 100%. However, analysts pointed out Chinese car companies could get around basic legislation by setting up production sites outside of China, like in Mexico. Reports by Reuters and Mexico News Daily indicate brands like BYD and Jaecoo are looking to do precisely that.

    In his speech at a rally in Ohio, Trump said he wouldn’t allow this to happen. “If you look at the United Auto Workers, what they’ve done to their people is horrible. They want to do this all-electric nonsense, where the cars don’t go far, they cost too much and they’re all made in China,” he said.

    Trump goes on to claim that over a period of 30 years, Mexico has taken 34% of the automobile manufacturing business in the United States. “China, now, is building a couple of massive plants where they are going to build the cars in Mexico and think they are going to sell those cars in the United States with no tax at the border,” said Trump.

    “No, we’re going to put a 100% tariff on every single car that comes across the line and you’re not going to be able to sell those cars,” he added. It wasn’t clarified if the proposed tariff will apply to all cars made in Mexico brought over to the United States or only those from Chinese brands.

     
  • JPJ eBid: JXD and SJF number plates up for bidding

    JPJ has announced that JXD and SJF are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.

    Johor’s latest running number series is ‘JXD’, and it’s open for tender today, May 31. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on June 4. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.

    Also available on JPJ eBid is the Sabah series ‘SJF’. The bidding period will start on June 7 and will close at 10pm on June 11. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.

    New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.

     
  • SDAC launches digital booking platform – you can now place an order for a Ford Ranger or Everest online

    SDAC launches digital booking platform – you can now place an order for a Ford Ranger or Everest online

    At the introduction of the Ford Ranger StormTrak earlier today, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) announced the launch of its Ford online booking service. Available through the SDAC website, this provides customers with even more convenience to book a Ford vehicle beyond the traditional scope offered via the showroom route.

    Through the digital channel, customers across the country can browse and book their desired Ranger or Everest variant, with all that’s needed after selecting the preferred model, vehicle colour and dealership being to fill in the necessary details and pay the booking fee of RM1,000 via one’s preferred online payment platform.

    From then on, the selected dealership will follow up on the subsequent process. Online bookings can be made by individuals or companies. Customers who book a Ranger StormTrak online will be entitled to the Ranger StormTrak windbreaker jacket, redeemable upon vehicle delivery.

    Click here to check out the digital booking platform.

     
  • SKDS Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0 – one million fleet cards now available for goods transport

    SKDS Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0 – one million fleet cards now available for goods transport

    A total of one million fleet cards for subsidised diesel under the subsidised diesel control system 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) is now available for companies engaged in the transportation of goods, the New Straits Times has reported.

    This initiative was among the measures implemented by five petroleum companies involved in the roll-out of the SKDS 2.0 programme, said minister of domestic trade and cost of living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. The target is to meet demand for the 23 types of vehicles eligible under the SKDS 2.0 programme, and this will benefit 410,000 vehicles, according to the report.

    “Today, we received a commitment from the oil companies; they have provided a stock of one million fleet cards. This means that oil companies will always have a supply as soon as applications are made,” Armizan said, adding that the mechanism for diesel price adjustments after the implementation of targeted subsidies would be determined by the finance ministry.

    SKDS Subsidised Diesel Control System 2.0 – one million fleet cards now available for goods transport

    Earlier this week, five petroleum companies issued 90,000 fleet cards for subsidised diesel under the subsidised diesel control system 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) programme, with 28,000 land transport companies having registered for and received approval as of May 22.

    Meanwhile, the KPDN minister also said today that applicants looking to receive diesel subsidies may apply for either the subsidised diesel control system 2.0 (SKDS 2.0) or Budi Madani, but not both.

    The SKDS 2.0 applies to companies, whereas the Budi Madani programme is intended for farmers, smallholders and others, Armizan said.

    The types of vehicles approved to receive diesel subsidies under the SKDS programme was decided by an inter-ministerial committee, and also involved engagements with associations and stakeholders, The Star quoted Armizan as saying.

     
  • Subaru to end CKD operations in Malaysia, other SE Asian markets next year – switch to CBU from Japan

    Subaru to end CKD operations in Malaysia, other SE Asian markets next year – switch to CBU from Japan

    In a filing with The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL) and Subaru Corporation have announced they will end complete knock down (CKD) operations in Southeast Asia.

    “After careful consideration, TCIL and Subaru Corporation have jointly decided to undergo a proactive business transformation by phasing out the existing CKD business model, which is believed to be no longer sustainable in the long term,” read the business update.

    “From next year, the CKD markets in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia will transition to a complete build up (CBU) sales model from Japan,” it continued. Despite the move, both parties will continue to explore additional viable business avenues together in these markets.

    From a Malaysian context, Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) – a subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings (TCMH) – in Segambut makes the second-generation XV for local and export markets. The company also previously assembled the fourth-generation Forester, although assembly of the fifth-generation model was shifted to Thailand. TCIL and Subaru Corporation formed a joint venture – Tan Chong Subaru Automotive (Thailand), or TCSAT – in February 2017 to assemble Subaru vehicles in Thailand.

    “TCIL and Subaru Corporation are confident that this strategic decision will position Subaru for continued success in these dynamic markets. As TCIL embarks on this new chapter together with Subaru Corporation, both TCIL and Subaru Corporation remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers, partners and stakeholders,” the statement ended.

     
  • Proton introduces ‘5-Star Rating’ initiative to uplift after-sales service levels; monthly dealer assessment

    Proton introduces ‘5-Star Rating’ initiative to uplift after-sales service levels; monthly dealer assessment

    Proton has introduced a ‘5-Star Rating’ initiative to raise the standards of after-sales service, recognising dealers who have achieved an outstanding level. This is an extension of the Proton Operational Excellence (POE) initiative that started in March 2023.

    The new rating is awarded to dealers based on their POE score and ‘Service Quality’ (SQ), encouraging all outlets to achieve and maintain a high level of customer service and satisfaction. SQ is evaluated in two categories, namely ‘Speed’ and ‘Compliance’, and these are then measured over six focus areas. The end goal is for outlets to manage customers concerns effectively and to deliver the best experience.

    Proton’s POE initiative emphasises adherence to a ‘thorough list of requirements’ such as service process, technician competency, stock inventory and customer management. It was launched with the primary aim of enhancing the business performance of outlets and improving the operations efficiency of service centres nationwide.

    Proton introduces ‘5-Star Rating’ initiative to uplift after-sales service levels; monthly dealer assessment

    Each outlet is assessed on a monthly basis and the results are then shared with all dealers to ‘clearly indicate where they stand within the network’. Proton’s after-sales division then works closely with the outlets to proactively raise their service levels and scores – this is done via quarterly roadshows (also held to give recognition to top achievers) and the sharing of best practices, the carmaker says.

    Five dealerships will be awarded the top accolade every month, marking them out as ‘centres of excellence’ for after-sales and customer service. To ensure parity and buy-in, KPI’s for the initiative are set based on feedback from all outlets as well as benchmarking of best practices from other carmakers. To kickstart the 5-Star Rating initiative, a launch event was recently held at Melinau Auto in Kuching, one of the top three outlets to get the accolade.

    “At Proton, we believe that delivering a high level of after-sales service to our customers helps to set us apart from rival brands. Therefore, we will continue to invest in our customer service and after sales operations at all outlets to ensure all customer facing roles deliver the highest levels of satisfaction,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.

    Proton’s 5-Star Rating initiative was launched at Melinau Auto Kuching, which received the accolade

    “Yes, we also believe that offering a range of premium high specification models at competitive prices helps to attract customers to showrooms, but delivering exemplary customer service and providing class leading after sales keeps them loyal to the brand and opens the door to repeat purchases,” added Roslan, who is also deputy CEO of Proton.

    How do customers know which outlets have five stars? Those with the accolade will have a distinctive badge and will be listed on Proton’s website.

     
 
 
 

Latest Fuel Prices

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Last Updated May 30, 2024

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