It’s not due to be officially launched here till around the 3rd quarter of this year, but that didn’t stop Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) the official-importers of the Porsche marque in Malaysia to preview the all-new Cayenne to the media today…
The 3rd generation Cayenne will continue the traditions of Porsche’s first SUV, and will come in two variants; a 340bhp 3.0-litre Turbo and a 2.9-litre V6 Bi-Turbo with 440bhp.
The Cayenne Turbo produces 40bhp more than its predecessor, while the Cayenne S Bi-Turbo now has 20bhp more than the model it replaces. The latter will do the 0-100kmh sprint in less than 5-sec, and reach a top-speed of 265kmh.
Here’s a closer look at the new Cayenne by our friend Bobby Ang from Aurizn / EVO Malaysia, who drove it overseas recently:
The new Cayenne is available now for pre-order at all Porsche Centres; Glenmarie, Sg.Besi and Penang (Juru Autocity)
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (HMSB) has continued to retain its No. 1 position for Non-National segment for three consecutive years and strongly maintain No. 2 position in overall TIV for two consecutive years from 2016 to 2017. They also announced that all of its CKD models took the lead in their respective segments in 2017.
HMSB recorded total sales of 109,511 units, setting an all-time high record in the history of Honda Malaysia since it was established in 2003. This is also the first time that Honda Malaysia achieved sales of more than 100,000 units and also the highest that a Non-National brand has ever achieved in Malaysia. Since 2003 and in the span of 14 years, Honda Malaysia has sold more than 730,000 units of vehicles, bringing the Joy of Driving to Malaysia.
In December 2017 alone, HMSB recorded 11,221 units sold. The overall sales for 2017 increased by 19% compared to the 91,830 units recorded in 2016. The Company managed to capture 19% market share, the highest ever achieved in Honda Malaysia history, and an increase of 3.2 points from 2016.
In 2017, Honda Malaysia launched 6 new models. The 2017 models introduced are the BR-V, City, Jazz & Jazz Hybrid, City Hybrid, CR-V and All-New Civic Type R. The City emerged as Honda’s best-selling model in 2017, contributing 27% of total sales, followed by HR-V at 17%, BR-V at 16% and Civic at 14% respectively. In the Hybrid segment, the Jazz Hybrid and City Hybrid contributed 2% to the total sales of Honda Malaysia despite being on sale for only 4 months and the two models are leading the overall Hybrid segment.
Throughout 2017, Honda Malaysia expanded its presence and penetration in East Malaysia, which contributed more than 7,500 units to the total sales achieved. Sales for East Malaysia in 2017 increased by 33% compared to 2016. BR-V was the best-selling model in East Malaysia.
Besides increasing sales and customer base, Honda Malaysia is also mindful of the importance of its after sales service. Last year, the Company introduced Honda Pride with the aim to create awareness amongst Honda customers on the benefits of after sales services and to increase customer satisfaction.
With 12 specially designed benefits such as 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage, genuine parts and comfortable dealer showroom, Honda Pride is dedicated to the customer’s experience of top quality services in after sales from the moment they step into the dealership. The Company increased the number of dealerships in 2017 to cater to the expanded customer base and to continue providing excellent after sales services. In terms of service intake, Honda Malaysia recorded more than 1,150,000 vehicles serviced in 2017, up 13% from the approximately 1,021,000 vehicles serviced in 2016.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama said, “Honda Malaysia achieved outstanding sales achievement in 2017, and we dedicate this milestone year that we have experienced to all our customers, business partners, dealers and Honda associates. It has been an exciting year for Honda and the outstanding results we achieved would not have been possible without the strong support of all Malaysians and the Malaysian Government.”
“Reflectively, we are pleased to note that with the maturing Malaysian market, customers responded well to the various Next Generation Advanced Technologies we introduced such as Honda SENSING, Turbo and Sport Hybrid i-DCD. The Sport Hybrid i-DCD made history during their introductions as Malaysia is the only country outside of Japan to introduce the technology. It was also the most affordable Hybrid to be introduced in the market. Honda was also the first brand to introduce the SENSING technology into mass models such as the CR-V and New Accord. Ultimately, we strive to bring the joy of ownership to all our customers,” concluded Ishiyama-san.
Showing much confidence in the brand, Proton recently held the second batch of its “Dealers Network Upgrade” agreement signing ceremony, at the PROTON Centre of Excellence. The ceremony witnessed the signing of another five dealers upgrading to 3S and 4S Centres. This follows the signing ceremony for the earlier batch which was held three weeks ago.
Refer below for who’s who…
The agreements were signed between Dr Ho Tuck Sum (above, far left, below, right), Head of Sales and Network Planning, PROTON, with Dato’ Shamshudin Nor, Director of Pantai Bharu Corporation Sdn Bhd, Liew Vee Lee, Director of Harima Automobil (M) Sdn Bhd, Judith Yam Siew Chu, Managing Director of Atiara Johan (M) Sdn Bhd, Mohd Nazrin Bin Mohamad Fozi, Director of Rahman Brothers Automotive Sdn Bhd and Leong Chue Chye, Managing Director of Hoi Keen Services Sdn Bhd.
Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, Dr Li Chunrong and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed as well as senior management members of PROTON were present to grace the occasion.
“There must be a reason why Malaysians are fascinated with the Tiger. The PROTON logo itself has the image of a roaring Tiger. Surely it represents boldness, courage and a spirit of survival. Just like us now at this point, taking it all in our stride, we will move ahead to ensure we continue to remain relevant and competitive in the automotive industry, by delivering to you top of the class products, quality and services” said Dr Li.
“Hence, it is only natural that our dealers have agreed to upgrade their premises to 3S and 4S, as they believe that treating customers well with the best possible sales and service experience is not an option – it is a must” he added.
According to Dato’ Shamshudin, “Proton has a very attractive dealer incentive programme, and believes that the Company is working out solid plans to ensure the changing of the facade of the building will give stronger brand presence which modern day customers can relate to when they walk in and consider looking for a car”.
“The current outlet area is packed with other dealer showrooms. However, our new dealer outlet is at the front of the road, which will showcase a bigger showroom and a bigger service area. The new area will give a feel good factor with ample parking space, so customers can come in anytime without having the hassle to look for car park,” he Dato’ Shamshudin.
For more information, customers can contact Proton Customer Care at 1800 888 398 or email customercare@proton.com. Alternatively, visit www.proton.com or the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProtonCarsOfficial.
For added convenience, customers can download the official MyProton mobile app, available via Google Play and Apple App Store
Group Photo: From left – Dr. Ho Tuck Sum, Puan Siti Laila binti Shamshudin Director of Pantai Bharu Corporation Sdn Bhd, Rabitah binti Shamshudin, Director of Pantai Bharu Corporation Sdn Bhd, Liew Vee Ky, Director of Harima Automobil Sdn Bhd, Liew Vee Lee, Director of Harima Automobil Sdn Bhd, Goo Yen June, Director of Atiara Johan Sdn Bhd, Judith Yam Siew Chu, Director of Atiara Johan Sdn Bhd, Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON, Dato’ Hj. Abd Rahman bin Hj. Ibrahim – Executive Chairman of Rahman Brothers Automotive Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Shamshudin Nor, Director of Pantai Bharu Corporation Sdn Bhd, Leong Chue Chye, Managing Director of Hoi Keen Services Sdn Bhd, Leong Xiu Xing, Manager of Hoi Keen Services Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive officer of PROTON, Gloria Pang Lijun, Chief Financial Officer of PROTON, Jasmine Gan, Deputy Chief Financial Officer of PROTON, Mohd Nazrin Bin Mohamad Fozi, Director of Rahman Brothers Automotive Sdn Bhd, Ahmad Shahamah Bin Hassan – Director of Rahman Brothers Automotive Sdn Bhd
A new Perodua 3S Centre has officially opened for business in Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh, catering for the sales, service and spare parts needs of customers and residents in the vicinity.
Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Haji Ahmad Maslan signing the plaque to commemorate the opening of Yusmanida Auto Sdn Bhd’s new Perodua 3S centre in Sungai Buloh. Looking on is (from left to right): Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh, Yusmanida Auto Sdn Bhd Executive Chairman Tuan Haji Ir Yusoff Daud, Malaysia Automotive Institute Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Madani Sahari, and Yusmanida Auto Sdn Bhd Managing Director Tuan Haji Sarizal Yusman Yusoff.
Owned and operated by authorised dealer Yusmanida Auto Sdn Bhd, the outlet occupies a built-up area of 16,000 sq ft on a total land area of 45,000 sq ft, and is staffed by a total of 65 employees including 30 sales advisors and 12 service advisors.
The opening of the outlet was officiated today by Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Haji Ahmad Maslan. Also in attendance were Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Madani Sahari, Jeram State Assemblyman Dato’ Haji Amiruddin Setro and Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin.
Also in attendance were Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Madani Sahari, Jeram State Assemblyman Dato’ Haji Amiruddin Setro and Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin.
“Yusmanida Auto has been a Perodua dealer since 2003, previously operating a sales outlet on Jalan Meru, Klang,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh.
Yusmanida Auto Sdn Bhd Managing Director Sarizal Yusman Yusoff said that the RM11 million 3S outlet began construction in August 2016. Building completed in April 2017 ahead of the start of operations in September 2017.
Yusmanida Auto’s new Perodua 3S centre is located at Wisma Yusmanida, Lot 28808, Persiaran E1/1, Seri Pristana, 47000 Saujana Utama, Sungai Buloh.
Perodua now has a total of 186 sales and 183 service outlets in Malaysia, as well as 24 Body & Paint outlets.
Land Rover UK has announced a limited-edition high-performance version of the iconic Defender, with up to 150 V8-powered examples re-engineered to celebrate the Land Rover marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018.
The Defender Works V8 pays homage to the early high-powered engines in both the Series III Stage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders including the 50th Anniversary Edition, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors today.
Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest version that Land Rover has ever created. The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain produces 405PS and 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 122PS and 360 Nm). The Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6sec*, while top speed is increased to 106mph.
Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “It’s fitting that we’ve been able to release the full potential of the iconic Defender, whose much-loved shape remains synonymous with Land Rover, 70 years since it was seen in public for the first time. The idea of reintroducing a V8 Defender was something we were discussing as far back as 2014, when we were still building the Defender in Solihull. We knew the demand was there for a powerful and fast Defender; the Land Rover authenticity is the ultimate finishing touch for discerning clients purchasing these collector’s edition Defenders.”
The V8 powertrain will be fitted to 150 specially-selected and re-engineered Defenders for the 70th Edition, complemented by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode, uprated brakes and handling kit (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars), plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres.
Malaysia’s Commemorative Edition of the Defender
In commemorating the anniversary celebration of the iconic Defender, Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has released the last lot of Double Cab Defenders in limited commemorative special colours. The last 12 units of Defenders in Malaysia sport contrasting black roof and rims for the Sicilian Yellow and Montalcino Red whilst contrasting silver roof and rims are paired with the Baltic Blue double cabs. Coloured stitching for the leather gear knob, steering wheel and seats are matched to the exterior paint. The headlining of the commemorative edition defenders in Malaysia have also been upgraded to provide a luxurious feel to the overall cabin.
The commemorative edition is retailed at MYR198,800.00 (inclusive of GST but excludes road tax, insurance and registration). It is powered by a 2.2l Diesel engine and paired with a 6-Speed manual transmission.
TECHNICAL DATA
LAND ROVER DEFENDER WORKS V8 – 70TH EDITION
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Engine capacity (cc)
4,999
Cylinders
V8 naturally-aspirated petrol (EU5)
Power PS
405 @ 6,000rpm
Torque Nm
515 @ 5,000rpm
Transmission
8-speed automatic with Pistol Shifter, All-Wheel Drive, two-speed transfer box, heavy-duty front and rear differentials, torque-biasing centre differential
CHASSIS
Front and rear suspension
Front: live beam axle, coil springs, telescopic dampers. Panhard rod and Radius arms. Anti-roll bar
Rear: live beam axle, coil springs, telescopic dampers. ‘A’ frame and Trailing Links. Anti-roll bar.
Defender Works V8 is available in the United Kingdom, and MENA markets on a personal import basis. European market availability is also on an individual import basis, subject to rules on importation of vehicle conversions.
V8 DEFENDER HISTORY
V8 powertrains in the Land Rover Defender and its production predecessors started with the Series III Stage 1 V8 of 1979. The carburetted 3.5-litre Rover V8 produced 90bhp.
The Land Rover One Ten from 1983, and Ninety from 1984, used the same 3.5-litre Rover V8 engine as the Series III Stage 1 V8, but in 113bhp form, uprated to 135bhp from 1987.
For North American Specification (NAS) Defender 90s and 110s only, from 1992, a 182bhp fuel-injected 3.9-litre version of the Rover V8 was fitted, along with a four-speed automatic transmission.
In 1998, the fuel-injected 190bhp 4.0-litre V8 from the second-generation Range Rover was fitted to a limited run of 50th Anniversary Defender 90s, with a four-speed automatic transmission.
0-litre naturally-aspirated 2018 Defender Works V8 is the first official V8-powered Land Rover Defender to be introduced since 1998.
Talk about starting the year on a high-note! Muhammad Haye Nafiqi bin Saidin probably never expected it, but he was picked as the lucky visitor and won himself a brand-new Toyota Vios SE, at theToyota Gazoo Racingevent in JB over the weekend.
By correctly answering a few questions during the event in MAEPS, Serdang and submitting his entry for the draw, Haye became the new proud owner of car worth over RM85,000.00.
“I have always dreamed of owning a Vios but never in my dreams did I imagine I would win one. I went to watch the Vios Challenge because I enjoy watching motor racing and together with some friends, we went to see Fattah Amin race. A couple of weeks later, I received a call from someone in UMW Toyota Motor telling me that I won the car. I am just so happy. It is perfect timing for me too because I will be getting married soon and will get to use the Vios as my wedding car,” said the proud 27-year old technician (above, left).
Muhammad Haye who hails from Selangor, travelled to Medini City in Johor for this weekend’s Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival to catch all the action and to receive his prize that was presented by the Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor Mr Akio Takeyama during the event (main image, centre).
Another Toyota Vios SE will be available for visitors to the recently concluded Medini City Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival and the winner will be announced once all the entries have been verified by auditors.
Following the preview of the all-new Toyota Harrier at the Malaysia Auto Show 2017 last November, UMW Toyota Motor received many orders for the model which is being officially sold for the first time in Malaysia. The first units are now being delivered to customers who made bookings earlier and the new Harrier has prices starting from RM238,000 in Peninsular Malaysia.
“We are encouraged by the response to the introduction of the all-new Toyota Harrier in Malaysia. As the earlier generations were intended only for the Japanese domestic market, we were unable to sell them officially. However, Toyota Motor Corporation has now decided to offer it outside Japan and we are among the first countries to sell it officially,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
The Harrier comes with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. This includes availability of genuine replacement parts for this latest generation.
The latest generation of the Harrier has a sharp aerodynamically-angled grille and incorporates a hawk emblem which emphasises the aggressive and elegant image. LEDs are used for the headlamps, Daytime Running Lights, cornering lamps, foglamps and rear combinations lamps. The front signals show the driver’s intention to turn left or right, or change lanes, by a sequential display of lights.
The fully imported Harrier 2.0T comes with a 2-litre turbocharged engine. Two versions are available – the Harrier 2.0T Premium and Harrier 2.0T Luxury which has additional equipment. It comes with 4 colour choices.
The Harrier has the 8AR-FTS petrol engine with a twin scroll turbocharger. This engine features D-4ST direct fuel-injection and a VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) system.
Owners of the new Harrier will be well protected by the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) Package, a suite of Active Safety systems available in a Toyota model in Malaysia for the first time. Pre-Crash System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping System, Lane Departure Alert and Adaptive High-Beam System are part of the TSS Package.
Other safety systems include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (flashes the rear hazard warning lamps to warn following drivers in an emergency braking situation), Electronic Parking Brake + Auto Brake Hold, and Parking Sensors with Reverse Camera.
Additionally up to 7 SRS airbags protection and cushioning for the front occupants, supplemented by side airbags as well as curtain shield airbags which deploy over the side windows (front and rear) during a side collision. There is also a knee airbag below the steering column to protect the driver’s knees during a frontal collision.
For more information on the new Harrier, visit Toyota’s website toyota.com.my.
(All photos herein supplied by UMW Toyota Motor, as is)
After a banner year in 2017, Perodua is now targeting sales of 209,000 vehicles for 2018 – a modest 2% jump from the 204,900 vehicles registered in 2017 – mainly due to continued strong demand for its current model line-up.
“The momentum carried by the Bezza in the earlier part of 2017 and the continued demand for our other models have helped make us the top-selling carmaker in Malaysia for the 12th year running,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh (above).
“Based on our internal calculations, we expect the total industry volume to increase to 590,000 units in 2018, which would see our market share sustained at slightly above 35%,” he said.
On the current sales performance, Aminar said that the 204,900 figure in 2017 was above Perodua’s earlier target of 202,000; however, the 2017 performance was slightly lower than the 207,100 recorded in 2016, amidst challenging market conditions, intense competition and strict hire purchase guidelines.
“That being said, we are happy to say that we expect the numbers to climb back up this year due to favourable economic conditions as well as the continued momentum for the new Myvi,” he added.
The new Perodua Myvi (above)has garnered over 36,000 bookings since order-taking began in November 2017, and over 11,000 units have found homes to date.
“We expect more registrations moving forward, as most of the customers who placed orders last year wanted their cars delivered in 2018,” Aminar said.
“That being said, we are also doing our level best to meet demand especially for the 1.5 variants, which was beyond our expectations. Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, our manufacturing arm, is currently working overtime to ensure deliveries are made within an acceptable time frame,” he said, adding that Perodua will focus on maximising the sales potential of all its models in 2018 to meet the 209,000-unit target.
Datuk Aminar said that the increase in demand this year will also have a positive impact on vehicle production with an estimated 215,334 units to be produced at both its manufacturing facilities this year compared with 200,146 units produced in 2017.
Perodua’s intake growth has been positive in 2017, with the national car company expecting its service intakes to grow by 1.9% from 2.1 million intakes in 2017 to 2.14 million in 2018. From a corporate responsibility standpoint, Perodua will be undertaking a few long-term projects that will shape the youth and sports landscape.
Kicking them off is the Perodua Malaysia Masters, an international badminton tournament that is on-going this week at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, with the finals taking place this Sunday.
“Sponsored by our technical partner Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan, the Perodua Malaysia Masters will see top as well as up-and-coming Malaysian shuttlers duking it out with their international counterparts for victory,” said Datuk Aminar.
(Top main image, from left to right):
Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd President Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim
Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd President Mr Masanori Takahashi
Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh
Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd Vice-President Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad
The first Celebrity Race at the on-going Toyota Gazoo Racing event at Bandar Medini, Iskandar Puteri in Johor Bahru has just ended and here’s the post race interview session!
This is how it should be, FUN! Congrats to Shawn Lee on taking the win! More action to come, so stay tuned, or better yet, join us here tomorrow!
