AIG Malaysia walked away with two motor insurance awards, “The Fastest Estimate Claim Approval Time for Own Damage Claims 2017” and “The Most Accurate Average Estimate to Approval Amount in 2017” at the Motordata Research Consortium (MRC) Industry Awards event, Motor Insurance Moving Forward, recently. The awards by MRC were based on the fastest turnaround time and most accurate claims estimates for vehicle claims, for which AIG has been recognised an unprecedented five times since 2011.
Incorporated in 1998, MRC is the only concessionaire appointed by the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) with the endorsement of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to standardise and improve motor vehicle claims in the insurance industry. The organisation uses an industry database of motor claims performance data to benchmark and reduce subjectivity.
Antony Lee, CEO of AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, said the awards are a recognition of AIG’s strong reputation as a trusted insurance provider that has focused on the need to service our customers reliably and efficiently. “We are honoured to have set a new benchmark for claims processing, in order to ensure best in class service for our customers. With the liberalisation of the motor insurance market, insurers will have to raise their standards to meet the needs of increasingly well-informed consumers to remain competitive,” he said.
“AIG celebrates our global centennial anniversary this month – an important milestone and a testament to our history of taking care of our customers, which we plan to continue doing for the next 100 years. Our claims services form the backbone of our #AIGJagaYou promise, which we aim to safeguard for all Malaysians. As we mature as a society, AIG will leverage our expertise to formulate even more relevant solutions that fit the needs and lifestyles of our customers.” he concluded.
For more information on AIG Malaysia, please visit www.aig.my.
The Hyundai IONIQ has continued its winning ways in 2018, picking up two awards at the Carbuyer & DrivingElectric Awards; Carbuyer Company Car of the Year and DrivingElectric Compact Plug-in Hybrid of the Year. These latest victories come a little over a month after the IONIQ Hybrid was named as WhatCar?’s Best Used Green Car.
Available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicle, IONIQ is the most versatile alternative-fuelled vehicle on the market. In IONIQ Hybrid form it boasts fuel economy of up to 68.2mpg, (4.1L / 100km) while the Electric version is capable of 174 miles (280km) of zero emissions motoring on a single charge. The IONIQ Plug-in offers an enticing mix of both, with 30 miles (48km) of zero emissions motoring and the peace-of-mind of a 1.6-litre GDI range-extending petrol engine.
Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK President & CEO, said: “On behalf of the whole team at Hyundai Motor UK, it’s an absolute privilege to see our electrified vehicles picking up even more awards. Hyundai has been a pioneer in this area of the market, not only with the IONIQ, but also with the 300-mile-range Kona Electric and with our NEXO Fuel Cell Vehicle, which offers 414 miles of zero emissions motoring and even cleans the air of particulates as it drives. We’ve invested heavily in our vision of a green future, and it gives me great pleasure to see others recognising it, too.”
Judged and presented by the expert editorial team of Carbuyer.co.uk and DrivingElectric, both run by Dennis Publishing, the awards are designed with genuine consumer interests in mind, delivering on the publications’ promises of being the internet’s most insightful car-buying research tool and specialist electric vehicle website, respectively.
Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Carbuyer.co.uk and DrivingElectric said: “By offering the IONIQ with a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric powertrains, Hyundai created a unique proposition in the market – one that’s perfectly tailored for company car drivers looking to minimise costs. More than that, the IONIQ is practical, comfortable and good to drive in all its guises, a great company car to suit a range of usage patterns. Although it was the IONIQ range as a whole that won Carbuyer’s Company Car of the Year, the judges picked out the IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid for particular praise as DrivingElectric’s Compact Plug-in of the Year. The Hyundai IONIQ is at its best in plug-in hybrid form delivering family-friendly practicality and the prospect of zero exhaust emissions motoring for owners who can operate it within the genuine 26-mile real world electric range. Solid build and user-friendly tech also count in the favour of this great value all-rounder,”
Manual gearbox. Three pedals. Stick shift.Call them what you will, but they’ve been dying a slow and painful death locally. It’s no big secret that Malaysians – thanks largely to our traffic conditions – are understandably only buying automatic cars for their daily needs these days, opting to let their left leg do absolutely nothing. Hell, there’s even a special driving license that you can apply for that allows you to drive ONLY automatic cars nowadays. Sheesh.
Thankfully, there are still manual transmission’d cars out there to be had new (but a lot more in the used-car market), and we recently got our hands on the latest generation Honda Civic Type-R, replete with 6-speed manual gearbox, and here’s what Piston.my’s editor thought… do forgive the silly-ass grin on his face.
“The Civic Type R which was launched in November 2017, is the world’s fastest front-wheel-drive (FWD) production car. Powered by a highly advanced 2.0-litre VTEC Turbocharged engine, producing 310PS and maximum torque of 400Nm, the CTR was engineered to deliver the most rewarding drive in the hot hatch segment, both on the road and on the race track. The 3-Way Driving Mode offered in the All-New Civic Type R – COMFORT, SPORT (default) and +R allows drivers to experience different dynamic performance depending on the driving environment. The different modes provide drivers with both the race car-like performance and the desired comfort that is required as a daily commute car” – Honda Malaysia.
HMSB recently also announced a year-end promo, in which it’s stated there is “up to RM50,000 savings” followed by mention of the Civic Type-R. Could it be the CTR is even more affordable now? Details at this link: https://www.piston.my/2018/12/05/promo-honda-malaysia-offering-cash-rebates-up-to-rm50000-for-year-end-3xtraordinary-savings-campaign/
The venue was a LOT better this time around. Okay so I thought I’d start this article off on a positive note, and one of the things I’m happy to say is that KLIMS 2018 chose a much better venue than the PWTC of past shows. MITEC, while still not ideal, was a much more conducive location to host a motorshow, i.e. outside the city centre, easy to get to and easier to park. More importantly from a media standpoint, the actual halls themselves were a great deal better for photography and videography, as can be seen in the video below.
Held from 23rd November to 2nd December 2018 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) at Jalan Dutamas KL, the overall organisation of the event was a whole lot better too this time around, the company handling the public-relations and communications and information dissemination, Sanns Communication, did a remarkable job in keeping us all up-to-date with the latest happenings on a daily basis.
Speaking of which, media facilities at the event site were also improved this time around, with proper work areas, lockers and sustenance. The last being crucial for many media who attended the show more than once for durations that spanned 10- to 12-hours at a time. That being said, the media area was too small, and the wi-fi was below par to handle the multitude of users all on-line, uploading articles ‘heavy’ with photos and videos, thus it kept hanging.
And on that note we get to why this article is headlined the way it is. Anyone who knows me in the industry will attest to the fact that I call it as I see it. For better or worse, I’m not the type to blow sunshine up anyone’s horoscope; never have, never will.
The thing is, if KLIMS was just called the KL Motorshow, or the Malaysia Car Show, then it would be alright, but it isn’t; the word International is in its title, big and bold, and that’s where the bottom falls-out, spectacularly. You can’t call it an ‘international’ motorshow if more than half of the brands available in the country are not represented, and I’m not even referring to brands that aren’t available here, which would be understandable, if not accepted.
I’m referring to all the known and locally-available European brands, both for the masses and for the more affluent. Brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Renault, VW, Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, Land Rover, MINI, (yes, part of BMW, but I’m on a roll), and Rolls-Royce, all have showrooms and dealerships locally, and yet were missing from an ‘international’ motorshow held on home turf. From the east-side, even Mazda, who have been having one of their best years, were not at KLIMS 2018, nor were Infiniti and Subaru.
The reason for this lack of participation might very well be that KLIMS is not a sales show. Unlike other regional shows like the Bangkok International Motorshow (BIMS)and the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), (<–links) that allow visitors to actually buy the cars on display – I recall one BIMS where a specially made Rolls-Royce ‘BIMS Edition’ was snapped-up even before the first public day – KLIMS is a publicity show for branding and awareness only. It is understandable then why some carmakers might find the return-on-investment less than tempting, especially if their ‘branding and awareness’ are both already very healthy.
I feel this is a travesty though. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that the car industry is a business, and like any business, the bottom-line matters, profits are a must, and every cent has to be accounted for. The aforementioned no-shows aren’t charity organisations after all, and the all-important ROI is always, always seen to first and foremost. Let’s face it, a lot can be done with the circa million-ringgit plus price tag that accompanies participating in KLIMS, and if they aren’t allowed to sell their cars to the visitors, then why bother? Rhetorical question.
In regards to that last paragraph, I personally think KLIMS should rethink its stance on not allowing sales to be carried out at the show. I honestly see no harm in it at all, and might in fact even spur more visitor turnout, because anyone shopping for a new car could easily cover all the vehicles they’ve shortlisted under one roof, one shot as they say. As an example, at BIMS (<–link) in March this year, a staggering 42,499 vehicles were sold. No, that’s not a typo. KLIMS could actually assist the annual automotive market TIV.
As for the manufacturers themselves, ROI aside (if that’s at all possible), I hope you rethink your stance on participation at KLIMS in future. This is after all our motorshow, the one that we as a country are hosting, and you being part of this country – insofar as Malaysians are buying your cars – I strongly feel that your brand should be represented. As it stands the manufacturer participation at KLIMS 2018 was far, far from ‘international’.
That being said, I’m really proud and happy to say that those who did participate did a fantastic job, truly. It was obvious that they took a lot of trouble to ensure their pavilions were as spectacular as possible, and they succeeded brilliantly. The pavilions were noteworthy enough to be classified as ‘international’, that I can say without hesitation, so good job, pats on the back all around.
It’s been 5-years since the last KLIMS, (<–link) you can read why we didn’t like it in the past, and while this article may sound like I still feel the same way, I don’t. There has been a lot of improvement from half a decade ago, noticeable ones, like the ones I mentioned at the start of this article, but it’s not there yet. There’s still a lot to do, and long way to go, if we want to be mentioned in the same breath as BIMS & GIIAS. I’m not even going to bring the Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) into the picture for obvious reasons.
If there’s one thing besides local importer participation that I can suggest, it’s more peripheral activities are needed for KLIMS. The reason why the TMS, BIMS & GIIAS are so successful is because there’s something for everyone at their shows, not just those interested in new cars. Tuners, ICE, Accessories, Modders, Classics, Restomods, Bikes, Used Cars, Go karts, Car Clubs, Die-Cast Centres, Toys, Games, any & all kinds of car related shi… stuff, etc. are all part of some of the aforementioned motorshows, and the crowds love it. It then becomes a fun family outing, more than just a motorshow that appeals to those interested in cars.
All said and done, it must be said that KLIMS 2018 was an improvement over 5-years ago, there’s still a long way to go, but I for one feel a lot better about the way things are looking for the future. Good job KLIMS, here’s hoping for even greater things for the next installment! – Chris Wee.
KLIMS 2018 Second & Last Day Photo Gallery (Photos Courtesy of Sanns Communication by Steven Leong)
Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has introduced a new luxury variant of the Nissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid that dynamically enhances and exudes premium-ness; the New Nissan Serena J IMPUL.
Designed by Nissan specialist and tuner IMPUL, the Chrome-Plated J IMPUL Front and Rear Lip Spoiler on the Nissan Serena J IMPUL is specifically made in Japan to create a high precision, 3 dimensional design via injection moulding to achieve 10% downforce and improve high speed stability. The 18-inch IMPUL Millennium Alloy Wheels in Black and Polished finish enhances the luxurious design and compliments aerodynamics, while the Mocha-coloured Diamond Quilted Premium Leather Seats further embodies the soul of Japanese luxury.
“The introduction of the New Serena J IMPUL is tailored for customers who seek and appreciate Japanese luxury, while the 2.0L S-Hybrid system continues to offer best-in-class fuel economy of 14.2 km/L (NEDC R101) earning the Nissan Serena the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status. With thoughtful and innovative features like the Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, 7 USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD), and Smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay™, contribute towards making the Nissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid the No.1 Best-selling Non-National Mid-size MPV in Malaysia*”, said Mr. Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM.
The New Nissan Serena J IMPUL comes with standard 5-years unlimited mileage warranty, while the accessories come with 3-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first).
* Two-Tone Exterior colours: Imperial Umber (Roof) with Cashmere Gold (Body), Diamond Black (Roof) with Brilliant White (Body), Diamond Black (Roof) with Tungsten Silver (Body)
* Single-Tone Exterior colours: Cashmere Gold, Brilliant White, Diamond Black and Tungsten Silver
NB: Existing Nissan Serena S-Hybrid (C27) owners who are interested, may also opt for an upgrade to the Chrome-Plated J IMPUL Front and Rear Lip Spoiler. Please call 03-4047 8786 or email impul@tanchonggroup.com.
The luxurious New Nissan Serena J IMPUL will make its appearance at the upcoming Nissan Test Drive Carnival (see schedule below gallery) at selected showrooms over two weekends on 7th to 9th December and 14th to 16th December 2018, starting from 10am to 8pm. Members of public are invited to visit the carnival and be the first to experience the New Nissan Serena J IMPUL.
Nissan Test Drive Carnival dates and venues:
Date
Region
Venue
7th – 8th December
East Coast
AEON Kota Bharu
8th – 9th December
Central
ETCM Petaling Jaya
Central
ETCM Kajang
Central
ETCM Puchong
Northern
ETCM Bayan Lepas
Northern
ETCM Sg Petani
Southern
ETCM Seremban
Southern
ETCM Batu Pahat
Sabah
IMAGO Mall, Kota Kinabalu
Sarawak
ETCM Kuching
14th – 15th December
East Coast
ETCM Kuala Terengganu
Sarawak
ETCM Bintulu
15th – 16th December
Central
ETCM Glenmarie
Central
ETCM Mahkota Cheras
Central
ETCM Jalan Raja Laut
Northern
ETCM Butterworth
Northern
ETCM Ipoh
Northern
ETCM Taiping
East Coast
ETCM Kuantan
Southern
ETCM Melaka
Southern
ETCM Johor Jaya
Sabah
ETCM Sandakan
Nissan Roadshow dates and venues:
Date
Venue
4th – 9th December
Capital 21, Johor Bharu, Johor
6th – 9th December
Starling Mall, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
6th – 9th December
Kuantan City Mall, Kuantan, Pahang
7th – 9th December
Kluang Mall, Kluang, Johor
13th – 16th December
Aman Central Mall, Alor Setar, Kedah
14th – 16th December
Vivacity Mega Mall, Kuching, Sarawak
For more information, visit www.nissan.com.my or call ETCM’s Nissan Customer Care Centre at 1800-88-3838.
The Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) Sepang enjoyed its most successful year ever in 2018 with an unprecedented number of track days as well as a record number of participants coming through its doors. From 41 track days, PEC Sepang welcomed 668 participants and more than 800 visitors, making the facility the main hub for the Porsche Experience in Southeast Asia.
The Porsche World Road Show (PWRS) kicked off the year, followed by the regional media launch of the Cayenne. Various Track Experiences took place thereafter, including the Media Driving Academy where Porsche invested in sharpening the driving skills of journalists. However, the highlight events for the PEC Sepang were the Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR and the 911 GT3 Cup Car trainings, which were born from a desire to further develop motorsport in the region, in response to the strong demand from enthusiasts. The 911 GT3 Cup Car training in particular was held for the first time in Southeast Asia.
The year wrapped up with the inaugural E-Performance Nights media event that took advantage of the night lights of the Sepang International Circuit. With this event, the PEC Sepang made history as the first Porsche Experience location operating for nearly 24 hours in a day. At this highly unique event, the PEC Sepang also collaborated with Samsung Electronics for the very first time, showcasing the state-of-the-art Samsung LED for Home (IF1.2) display, Flip, 65” UHD Smart Signage and a 49″ Curved Monitor to both media and customers for a better viewing and video analysis experience.
For all of these events, the most impressive PEC Sepang car pool ever was employed, which included cars as varied and exciting as the 911 Carrera T, 911 GT3, 718 Boxster GTS, Cayenne Turbo, Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid and 918 Spyder.
Marc Beil, Marketing Event Manager at Porsche Asia Pacific, who is also responsible for the day-to-day operations of the PEC Sepang, said: “It has been a packed year but we have enjoyed every single moment at the PEC Sepang, especially how we have found and harnessed the talent of motorsport enthusiasts to have the Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR and the 911 GT3 Cup Car trainings the first time in Southeast Asia. I would like to say a big thank you to all of the participants – fans, customers, Porsche Club members and journalists alike – who have contributed to the most successful year ever for us. I am looking forward to an even greater 2019 with more fantastic Porsche Experience events and a brand new fleet of high-performance Porsche vehicles. I would encourage anybody who has not joined us yet at PEC Sepang to get in touch, as our slots run out really quickly.”
Making another wish come true at the PEC Sepang
Besides its everyday business, the PEC Sepang also showed its softer side by delivering the ultimate dream for a wish child in collaboration with Make-A-Wish® Malaysia. This was another milestone in a series of successful collaborations with Make-A-Wish® in Singapore and Thailand.
Yogan, an 11-year old diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, has a great fascination for fast cars, and shares a collection of toy racing cars with his younger brother. Yogan’s ultimate wish is to meet Superman, and to fly alongside with his superhero while fighting crime and upholding justice in society. Although this momentous meeting was delayed due to Superman’s busy schedule saving the world, the thrill of zooming around a racetrack in a Porsche was the closest experience possible to Yogan’s dream.
One of Superman’s abilities is that he is faster than a speeding bullet; thus, the Porsche 911 Turbo S with 580 hp and a 0-100 km/h acceleration of merely 2.9 seconds was the perfect car to deliver a thrilling ride around the Sepang International Circuit for Yogan, with Porsche Works Driver Earl Bamber behind the wheel.
Yogan spent a wonderful afternoon sharing his passion for cars with Earl Bamber, who piloted the Porsche 919 Hybrid to victory in Le Mans 2015 and again in 2017. Like Yogan, who is bravely fighting his disease against all odds, Earl’s meteoric achievements also belies his humble beginnings growing up on a farm on North Island, New Zealand.
Set for further growth in 2019
In 2019, the PEC Sepang is set to offer more premium events, including the Track Experience and the Porsche Motorsport GT Day that offer money-can’t-buy experiences with rarefied sports cars like the 911 GT3 Cup and the 911 GT3 RS. Supporting this, it will boast a brand new fleet of Porsche vehicles that will include legends such as the 911 GT3 RS and the new 911, introduced just recently in its World Premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
One significant role that the PEC Sepang will play is being an E-Performance competence centre, focusing on the increasing electrification of the Porsche model range. Besides plug-in hybrid Porsche vehicles which are already available in the market, such as the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, the fully-electric Taycan will make its debut in the region in the beginning of 2020.
For more information and to register your interest for PEC Sepang experiences, please visit the website here: www.porsche.com/experienceAPAC
