The world has not seen a lot of class acts happening around for quite some time, especially when it comes to the world of cars. However, there was one that ironically happened in a golf tournament where the champion golfer ended up winning a fully restored 1973 Dodge Challenger. Here’s when the story got super class act. (more…)
In celebration of MINI’s 60th anniversary here in Malaysia, MINI Malaysia is proud to announce their latest addition to their ever-growing line up of premium vehicles, the 2019 MINI Cooper S Convertible.
The new MINI Convertible is the climax of the 60th anniversary celebrations where MINI Malaysia has been offering super sweet deals in conjunction of this such as the 60 Months MINI Service + Repair Inclusive Program, MINIacs and Friends of MINI gatherings, and many more. And surprisingly, there will be more exciting news to come. (more…)
Quill Automobiles, a BMW dealership situated in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, offers customers a new experience and expression that further elevates delivery of the BMW premium ownership experience.
The new showroom occupies a total built-up space of over 33,000 square feet in the heart of Petaling Jaya’s prime business district. Up to 14 BMW vehicles can be displayed at one time, which makes this dealership one of the largest of its kind in Malaysia.
Speaking at the opening event, Alex Tang, Dealer Principal of Quill Automobiles said: “For over a decade, Quill Automobiles have been delivering our commitment to the BMW premium ownership experience to our loyal customers in Petaling Jaya. This commitment is now further strengthened with the opening of our new showroom which reflects the newest experience and expression from the BMW brand.”
The right environment and ambience
Harald Hoelzl, MD of BMW Group Malaysia, meanwhile, added: “The needs of our customers have always been at the forefront of everything we do. While it is our priority to deliver award-winning vehicles and industry-leading services to our customers, it is also equally important that we create the right environment and ambience for this experience. Quill Automobiles are the experts when it comes to creating this experience and they have executed this excellently once again.”
In its new expression, Quill Automobiles now features a new Grand Klasse luxury boutique in addition to the BMW Customer Lounge, Isetta Bar and BMW Lifestyle area. The dealership also operates a full-fledged, stand-alone BMW Service Centre located in Section 13 of Petaling Jaya. This 58,500 square feet facility houses a complete service workshop and a body and paint facility.
Meeting all the needs of BMW customers
With a team of 90 dedicated staff members, the dealership offers the full suite of Sales, Services, Spare Parts and Systems (4S) for the BMW brand. It also functions as a BMW Premium Selection dealership, serving those who are looking for pre-owned vehicles.
Quill Automobiles is currently running its ‘X Marks the Future’ campaign for customers who purchase a brand-new BMW vehicle by December 31, 2019. They will be entitled to 10 entry forms to participate in a contest to win the latest Z4 sDrive 30i M Sport.
♦ The Total Industry Volume (TIV) of new vehicles in the Malaysian market registered was 296,334 units, 2.3% or 6,735 units more than January – June 2018.
♦ The 2019 TIV was made up of 270,875 passenger vehicles (excluding pick-ups) and 25,459 commercial vehicles (including pick-ups). The volume of commercial vehicles in 2019 was 11.2% (3,217 units) lower than for the same period in 2018. All segments of the commercial vehicle category showed declines which has been attributed to economic uncertainties. As a result, businesses have deferred or scaled down their vehicle purchases or replacements.
♦ New vehicle registrations in May 2019 totalled 60,780 units, the highest monthly TIV of the year. Compared to the same month in 2018, it was 41.4% higher.
♦ The lowest TIV this year was reported in February with 39,838 units registered. This was not unusual for the short month and 1.8% lower than what was reported in the same month in 2018.
SALES BY SEGMENTS
♦ By segments, passenger cars accounted for 67% of the TIV with 4WDs/SUVs taking the second largest volume at 24.4% and MPVs falling to 8%. While the volume of passenger cars was lower by 4.8% compared to the same period in 2018, the volume of MPVs was significantly reduced in 2019 by 32.6% as more people chose 4WDs/SUVs.
♦ Pick-ups continued to make up the largest proportion of sales in the commercial vehicle segment with 16,565 units registered in the first 6 months of 2019. However, this volume was lower than that in 2018 by 14.7%, likely to be reflective of the draw of SUVs for people wanting dual-purpose vehicles.
PRODUCTION
♦ From the 29 vehicle-producing factories around the country, the total output in the first 6 months of 2019 was 285,028 vehicles. This number comprised 266,765 passenger vehicles (excluding pick-ups) and 18,263 commercial vehicles (including pick-ups). The total volume was 1.5% higher than for the same period in 2018 but only passenger vehicles registered an increase (2.1%).
♦ The MAA does not track exports of vehicles from Malaysian plants though the number is not exceptionally large. However, it is known that the Mazda CX-5 is exported in the biggest volume. It is assembled at a dedicated facility within the Inokom manufacturing complex in Kulim, Kedah, which Mazda and its local business partner, Bermaz Motor, spent around RM187 million to set up.
FORECAST
♦ Although Malaysia’s economy expected to grow between 4.3% to 4.8% during 2019, the MAA believes that consumers and businesses will remain cautious in spending as economic uncertainties are likely to continue through the second half of the year. Therefore, the TIV that was forecast as 600,000 units at the beginning of 2019 will be maintained. As it is, the cumulative TIV for the first half of the year has reached almost half that number.
To become a member of the Malaysian Automotive Association, visit www.maa.org.my .
Providing ‘Mobility for All‘ is something Toyota Motor Corporation takes seriously. It is demonstrating this in its role as worldwide partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, specifically the one which will take place in Tokyo in 2020.
Besides various forms of transport that it has developed for different groups at the event, it is developing a special new product known as the Accessible People Mover (APM). This is a mobility vehicle designed expressly for use at the Games.
‘Last mile solution’
The APM will offer a ‘last one mile’ solution that helps transport as many people as possible to events and venues. These include athletes and staff related to the Games as well as all types of visitors with accessibility needs such as the elderly, people with impairments, pregnant women, and families with small children, among others. Part of the fleet of APMs, to number around 200 in total, will be used to support relief activities at events/venues during summer.
There will be two versions – a Basic Model and one with Relief specifications. The Basic Model will be for general transportation and feature 3-row seating. Up to 5 passengers can be carried and when used for passengers in wheelchairs, the configuration can be modified by folding the seats to allow the wheelchair rider in the second row.
Safety, comfort and convenience
With safety in mind, the position of the driver’s seat has been elevated and centrally located in order to allow the driver to see passengers and support their individual needs as they enter/exit the vehicle which is about 2 metres high.
The passenger seats are accessible from both sides of the vehicle, and the overall design considers varying customers’ needs, with safety bars on both sides to help passengers while entering and exiting the vehicle, and fitted with wheelchair anchor plates and ramps to enable the optimal access and transportation of wheelchair passengers.
The Relief specification is similar but has more open space to install a stretcher. In addition, to help convey people in a stable, safe way, a stretcher that can be attached/secured in the vehicle will also be equipped. There will also be space to allow 2 relief staff workers to sit immediately adjacent to the stretcher.
Needless to say, the APM – which has dimensions that are similar to a Toyota Avanza – will operate with zero emissions using a battery electric powertrain that should also be quiet. It can travel at a speed up to 19 km/h and a full charge should provide 100 kms of range.
Ever wanted an SUV that not only drives well but looks badass at the same time? Don’t want just any ordinary ‘soccer mum’ vehicle? Well, Honda Malaysia has got you covered with their latest Honda CR-V Mugen Limited Edition and just like the youths keep saying today, it is fire.
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