Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, together with authorized dealer Esperance Motors celebrated its first 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare parts) opening in Sungai Buloh, Selangor recently, located at Lot 26, Jalan LGSB 1/2, Pusat Komersial LGSB, Off Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor.
“Esperance Motors has just started its business partnership with Mitsubishi Motors and we welcome them into the Mitsubishi family. With a strong leadership, vigorous energy and passion of the Dealer Principal and Management team in the automotive industry, we are confident that Esperance will become a key driving force to expand the market share for the Mitsubishi brand in Klang Valley,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
During the showroom launch, Dealer Principal of Esperance Motors, Alex Sim also announced that the company will be opening their second Mitsubishi showroom in quarter two this year. “It is my pleasure to inform that we will be having our second and main branch in Rawang. The 3S Centre is expected to be fully operational by middle of this year, and it will be a bigger facility with up to six service bays. We will also be providing other services such as accident repairs and hassle-free insurance claims as well”.
In conjunction of the 3S Centre launch, Esperance Motors also took the opportunity to introduce and display the newly launched Outlander and Triton Athlete.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is currently represented by 55 showrooms (out of which 48 are 3S Centres) and 54 service outlets throughout Malaysia. In East Malaysia, MMM is represented by 14 showrooms (6 in Sarawak and 8 in Sabah).
The Triton 4×4 pick-up truck are imported as CBU (Completely Built-Up) units from Thailand while the ASX Compact SUV and Outlander are locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia.
Isuzu Malaysia ushers in 2018 on a high note, as it tops Malaysia’s 2017 commercial vehicle market by maintaining its position as the No. 1 preferred commercial vehicle (CV) operator for four consecutive years running.
Although faced with market uncertainties and price increase due to the depreciating Ringgit, Isuzu Malaysia still managed to not only retain their spot as CV No. 1, but also managed to capture a 13% share in the pick-up segment, in addition to 20% sales increase in after-sales parts.
(L-R) Mikio Tsukui, Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Vehicle Division of Isuzu Malaysia, and Koji Nakamura, Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia
Based on the overall sales figures recently released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), Isuzu’s ELF Light Duty truck remains a firm favourite with 5,237 units sold in 2017. Despite a slight decline in Total Industry Volume (TIV), Isuzu managed to considerably improve its market share in the CV segment to 37.1%, as compared to 2016’s share of 36.3%.
In his New Year’s address, Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Koji Nakamura, expressed his delight over Isuzu’s ability to stand firm as a company and perform well despite the various economic hurdles faced in 2017. Furthermore, Nakamura cited the public’s trust in the Isuzu brand and the long-term value that their commercial vehicles had to offer played a major role in ensuring Isuzu retains its CV No. 1 position for the fourth consecutive year.
Nakamura also attributed the company’s remarkable achievement in 2017 to the unyielding support and services provided by Isuzu Malaysia’s skilled staffs and dealers, in maintaining good relationship with customers, aside from the outstanding quality and reliability that Isuzu trucks had to offer.
According to Nakamura, “A successful company must have good business vision. Heading into 2018, our strategy is to ensure that customer satisfaction always comes first. We will continue to ensure our customers’ needs are handled with great care and consideration, while providing excellent after-sales services at all times. Despite the current economic outlook, it is important to always offer added value to our customers.”
“Being No. 1 for the fourth consecutive year verifies the excellent quality of our products, in addition to first-rate services offered at our Sales and Service centres located nationwide. The ability to maintain this ranking also proves Isuzu’s reliability in providing time-saving and cost-efficient logistics to suit any business needs,” he continued.
Aside from the impressive sales volume of the Isuzu ELF Light Duty trucks recorded by MAA in 2017, Isuzu commercial vehicles in the Medium Duty, High Duty and Prime Mover categories also cemented the brand in achieving the No. 1 rank for preferred Commercial Vehicle in Malaysia.
For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my.
It’s the age-old question isn’t it? If you could have only ONE car in your porch/garage, what would it be? Something that only you would use to both commute in, as well as partake in the occasional Sunday / weekend drive with the boys. Well guys (and gals), in the sub-RM1 mil bracket, I think I might have just found such a car recently…
Unveiled at the opening of Porsche Centre Penang in the first quarter of 2017 (Sime Darby Auto Performance Officially Opens Porsche Centre Penang)the 718 Cayman S and its sibling the 718 Cayman are the latest pair to bear the Porsche ‘numeric’ that adorns all its cars.
Image courtesy of The Revs Institute
Drawing design inspiration from the likes of the 1963 Porsche 550 Coupe (above), the new 718 Cayman is a stylishly-sporty little thing. One of the best features are its wide hind flanks…
…clearly visible from the wing-mirrors. Its swooping rear affords the 718 a more ‘fastback’ design, something that both old- and new-school car enthusiasts will appreciate for sure.
Right-off the bat, the first thing anyone will feel when getting behind the wheel of the 718 Cayman S is just how comfortable and compliant it is. No kidding, it’s far from what you’d expect a strict 2-seater to feel like. Ensconced in the snug cabin and cradled comfortably by those exquisite seats, the 718 ensures that all drives, be it a short-hop or long-haul, are seen to in fine, comfortable style.
But before this starts sounding like a brochure, let’s get it straight; there’s still 350bhp and 420Nm of torque from that ‘hidden’ gem of a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder VTG turbocharged (Variable Turbine Geometry) engine at the back, which allows the Cayman S to accelerate from 0 to 100kmh in a brisk 4.2sec, and on to a top-speed of 285kmh.
That’s what the ‘boot’ looks like (above), and the only way to show the engine to you is via that stock image, because out the back is this (below). That’s also my only gripe about the 718 Cayman… there’s no way to see its engine, not without removing panels.
Small inconsequential matter really, because these days, only a certified and authorized Porsche technician would know how to fix anything wonky anyway, so personal access to the engine is a moot point. I wonder how soon before this becomes a standard across all car makes. Sorry, I digress. Back to the car…
Of course for the little kid in all of us, there’s also a ‘muffler sound’ button on the centre-console, which when activated allows the 718 to clear its throat so to speak. A flap opens somewhere within the annals of the exhaust system, and the 718 just bellows. So despite being a flat-four and not a six, the 718 still imparts that raucous exhaust note that Porsche purists will expect and appreciate.
Killing off that fun-button settles the 718 to a quiet, comfortable, unassuming sports-coupe, and with the PDK auto-slotted in seventh gear, puttering along at legal highway speeds returns a drive that completely belies this cars’ external appearance; it gets quiet. Eerily quiet. Very un-Porsche.
However, in a very split-personality kind of way, the 718 Cayman S is able to transform itself from a docile, comfortable coupe, to a raging, bellowing beast, the moment you peel-off the highway and hit that favourite stretch of back-road. This is where you’ll discover where all the decades of R&D in chassis tuning, balance and power-delivery have paid off.
The 718 Cayman S, despite being uncannily comfortable during normal driving, is somehow able to turn itself into something that feels more track-biased than a road car. The way it is able to put the power down, and remain composed in the tightest corners, the way it’s able to let the tail hang-out just enough to set up the next corner is unbelievable. PSM, despite being active, still allows a modicum of ‘spirited-sideways’ play, and will only intervene at the point where it reckons the driver has really ‘lost it’.
It even has a lateral G-force meter in the instrument cluster, but for the life of me I can’t figure out why. If you’re creating enough gees in a corner to be of any significance whatsoever, believe me, taking your eyes off the road to look at a small G-force meter is the last thing you wanna do. And besides, you’ll pass-out from the centrifugal force long before achieving anything remotely bragworthy anyway…
These are just toys of course, like that muffler fun-button; add-ons to make the drive a bit more fun, and perhaps justify this cars’ RM700,000 asking price. I love the fact that Porsche has dialled so much of this ‘fun’ into the 718 Cayman S, really. When it comes down to it, for cars like this in this segment of the market, and putting aside all brands, all categories, all on-the-road prices, et al, isn’t that what it all boils down to? Fun. And just for fun, check out this video on the coolest cup-holders, ever…
So yeah, back to that question which started this article; one garage, one car. Your car, less than a mil. What would it be? It doesn’t have to be this of course, but as an option to consider, the 718 Cayman S certainly ticks all the right boxes for that. Hope you like the videos! – Chris Wee.
VIDEO: Porsche 718 Cayman S driving impression, skip to the 7min mark, before that I talk about the recentBikes on the Federal Highway issue…
VIDEO: Front view Porsche 718 Cayman S drive, skip to the 10min mark for the exterior walk-around…
VIDEO: Porsche 718 Cayman S engine sound at start-up from the cockpit…
Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) and GO SHOP Malaysia are rewarding Malaysians with more than 500,000 Go Shop vouchers worth RM20 each at participating BHPetrol stations with BHPetromart convenience stores.
Customers can purchase fuels and goods (excluding Touch n’ Go, e-Pay services and tobacco) for a minimum value of RM30 per transaction from 8 to 18 of February 2018 to qualify for the RM20 Go Shop voucher.
Baba Tan, BHPetrol’s Retail Senior Marketing Manager with Jason Chong, Vice President of Go Shop Malaysia, at the launching ceremony at BHPetrol, Jalan Kewajipan.
The RM20 voucher can be redeemed on Go Shop’s official website or Go Shop mobile app, by keying in the unique promo code embossed at the back of the voucher. The voucher is valid till 31 March 2018.
10 lucky customers who successfully redeemed the Go Shop voucher will also win RM1000 worth of BHPetrol vouchers each, while another 43 customers will stand to win RM10,000 worth of products from Go Shop.
For more information on Go Shop, log onto www.goshop.com.my or download the official Go Shop app via the Malaysian Apple Store (iOS users) and Google Play Store (Android users)
MICHELIN is inviting Malaysians to participate in a social media campaign this Chinese New Year as part of the Company’s Safe with MICHELIN campaign that encourages motorists to maintain safety a top priority as they head back to their hometowns this festive season.
Simply post a photo of yourself, family or loved ones on Facebook or Instagram, and talk a bit about your favourite memories related to the picture. Entrants can also tag their family members and loved ones, and encourage them to travel home safe, accompanied by the hashtag #SafeWithMICHELIN.
Participants of the social media campaign stand a chance to win prizes up to RM7,000. The grand prize comprises an Air Asia e-voucher worth RM1,500. The first runner up will win an Air Asia e-voucher worth RM1,000 while the second runner up will bring home a RM500 Air Asia e-voucher.
Meanwhile, 100 consolation prizes on offer include 10 MICHELIN Bluetooth headsets worth RM70 each, 20 MICHELIN model cars (Ford T Camionnette M026) worth RM60 each, 35 MICHELIN ceramic mugs worth RM30 each, and 35 MICHELIN GPS holders worth RM20 each.
And speaking of tyres, here’s what yours go through every single day, so do take care of them properly…
“Every holiday season, our social media feeds are full of charming photos and holiday greetings to our loved ones. Our social media drive serves as a perfect platform for Malaysians to join in the conversation online and extend their well wishes to their family and friends who are travelling on the road this coming Year of the Dog,” said Michelin Malaysia Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Pascal Nouvellon.
“By participating in the social media campaign, Malaysians will not only get to wish holiday cheer to their loved ones but also to remind them to stay safe on the roads during the festive season. On top of that, they will get the opportunity to win exciting prizes to make the celebration extra merrier,” he added.
The Safe with Michelin campaign will further showcase a video entitled “CAR-ING KIDS” which will feature children talking about a memory of their most favourite road trip with their families, their views and understanding of road safety and the role of tyres, and their wishes for their parents to drive home safe this holiday season.
The first-ever Ranger Raptor, Ford’s new 4×4 off-road, performance pick-up truck, blasted out from behind its camouflage during a reveal event in Thailand recently, which means it’ll soon be here… and it can’t come soon enough! Just look at it…
The ultimate Ranger is purposefully designed, built and tested to set a benchmark as the only factory-built performance truck across Asia Pacific. Designed by Ford Performance team for the true enthusiast off-roader, Ford Ranger Raptor strengthens Ford’s commitment to deliver “Built Ford Tough” pickup trucks to customers in Asia Pacific.
“We are so excited and proud to unleash this vehicle to the public, driving it really makes you feel like a hero,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Performance. “The Ford Performance team is excited to extend the Raptor name from our flagship off-road performance F-150 to Ranger. Just like the F-150 Raptor, the Ranger Raptor builds upon the core capability of the range of vehicles it comes from and carries the unmistakable Ford Performance DNA appearance.”
Tuned for all Terrain…
Ranger Raptor comes with a Terrain Management System (TMS) offering six modes for various driving experiences, which can be selected via a dedicated five-button switch located on the steering wheel. Each mode has been calibrated to offer the best possible combination of technologies working in unison to tackle the chosen terrain or driving style with aplomb. These include:
On-road modes
– Normal mode – Emphasising comfort, fuel economy and driveability
– Sport mode – Responsive for spirited on-road driving. This means fast, crisp gear shifts at higher engine speeds to aid throttle response. The mapping reacts to increased demand inputs from the driver by holding gears longer and downshifting more aggressively.
Off-road modes
– Grass/Gravel/Snow mode – Designed to inspire safe and confident driving on off-road slippery and uneven surfaces. This is done through smoother gear shifts and second-gear starts, minimizing the probability of wheel slip.
– Mud/Sand mode – Vehicle responsiveness is tuned for optimum traction and momentum in deep, deformable surfaces like loose sand and mud. This is achieved by maintaining lower gears with high torque.
– Rock mode – Used specifically for low-speed rocky terrain where smooth controllability is key.
– Baja mode – Vehicle responsiveness is tuned for high-speed off-road performance, just like drivers need in the famous Baja Desert Rally. In this mode, vehicle systems like Traction Control are pared back in terms of intervention to allow spirited off-road driving without fighting the vehicle’s on-board systems. Gear selection is optimized for maximum performance, and the mapping will hold gears longer and downshift more aggressively.
Power to Move You…
The Ranger Raptor powertrain features cutting edge technology to offer more power and torque, better fuel economy, less weight and with off-road specific calibrations for engine, transmission, driveline, steering, brakes and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
In a revolutionary move to deliver incredible performance and responsiveness, a 10-Speed transmission is combined with a new 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine in the Ranger Raptor to deliver a maximum of 213PS (157kW) of power and a whopping 500Nm of torque.
Ford’s comprehensive Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is also there to help in difficult cornering and braking situations. The impressive technology suite includes Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Load Adaptive Control (LAC).
We’ll keep you posted on the impending Malaysian launch of the Raptor, coming soon! – CW.
Setting a new benchmark in off-road pickup capability, the Ranger Raptor has been designed to combine Ford Performance DNA with Ranger’s renowned toughness and engineering capability
Ranger Raptor includes standard front and rear Fox Racing Shox shock absorbers to help travel at high speeds off-road and includes increased ride height, wider track and improved approach and departure angles that ensure extreme off-road capability and stability
Innovative all-new Watt’s linkage rear suspension with coilover rear springs helps ensure rear axle lateral stability off-road while also improving ride and handling
New powertrain combination of a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine and 10-speed transimission has proven durability through extensive testing, offering smooth torque and power through independent turbos and closer gear ratios over a wider overall span
Ranger Raptor has been tested in the world’s toughest conditions to ensure an unrivalled off-road package is offered to astonish and excite drivers
