Local News Archives

Demand For Rental Cars Surges, Local Company Fully Booked Out

According to a report published by NST, the demand for rental cars during the Hari Raya holidays has surged significantly, with some rental companies reporting full bookings since the start of Ramadan.

Mohd Shuib Bahari, the manager of Subcar car rental service, revealed that their fleet of 20 multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) has been completely reserved, with customers booking for a minimum duration of at least one week.

The booked MPVs include popular models such as the Perodua Alza, Toyota Wish, Hyundai Starex, Toyota Alphard, and Toyota Vellfire.

During the Hari Raya season, customers typically prefer MPVs, especially those with large families, as they offer ample seating capacity and storage space for long-distance travel. Mohd Shuib expressed gratitude for the encouraging response from customers.

Regarding pricing, Mohd Shuib explained that rental rates vary depending on the type of vehicle. For instance, the daily rental fee is RM200 for the Perodua Alza, RM450 for the Hyundai Starex, and between RM700 to RM800 for the Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire. However, prices may increase for last-minute bookings, with rates ranging from RM250 to RM350 per day for the Perodua Alza.

He observed that most customers booking rental cars are those returning to celebrate Hari Raya in the east coast and northern regions, reflecting the seasonal nature of the demand.

Chery Omoda 5 Brake Issue, This Is The Full Story

Social media can be an incredibly toxic place, but it also has its benefits. Facebook user JC Jess found the power of social media when she uploaded a video complaining about her car on April 6th.

The video, which has since received 1.4 million views, 13,000 likes and 49 comments, is about her experience with her Chery Omoda.

The caption is in Chinese (Mandarin we assume) and according to Google Translate says, “Never buy a Chery Omoda. My car is just over two months old and I have already gone to the service centre several times because of the brakes. I just came out of the service centre and suddenly there are no brakes on the highway!! This almost took my life!!”

From the post, it seems like the issue has been lingering and the service centre simply brushed it away. The video that she posted can be seen below:

Chery Malaysia was quick to respond though, and the company issued a press statement on Sunday afternoon clarifying that they have already been in touch with the complainant to resolve the issue. To ensure her safety, a courtesy car was offered while they looked into her car.

The complete statement from Chery Malaysia can be seen below:

Some comments on social media are chiding the company for reacting only when the issue became viral. However, it is important to note that customers only deal with the dealerships and service managers, who sometimes brush things under the carpet.

Occasionally, the distributor, which in this case is Chery Malaysia, will be informed, which does not seem to be the case here.

Chery Malaysia should be commended for reacting to the problem as quickly as they did, practically racing to resolving the issue.

As for what happened to the car, we are yet to find out as there is no further information. But this issue does bring to light that Malaysia badly needs “Lemon Laws” to protect consumers in the event of such issues. Here’s what a Minister had to say about the proposed law.

It is also important to take note that any vehicle that is mass produced is susceptible to problems. Out of 100 cars that are produced, manufacturers have an acceptable error rate, which can be as high as 3 out of every 100, or even as low as 1 out of every 1,000,000. So such things do happen, so it up to the car maker to fix it and fix it fast. In this case, Chery Malaysia should be commended.

Has It Happened Before?

Not in Malaysia but it has unfortunately happened before. We picked up on reports from Australia dating back to February of this year where a total of 5,901 cars were found to have defective brakes, resulting in a mass recall. The recall involved the Omoda 5 but it is important to note that not all Omoda 5’s sold were affected. The issue involved a brake fluid leak resulting from a screw that was not fastened properly. We are not sure if the Australian cars are the same as Malaysian ones, but since both drive on the same side of the road, they are unlikely to differ mechanically but perhaps some features might be different. You can read the full Australian recall involving the Omoda 5 here.

Pro-Net Obtains RM200 Million From CIMB For Import And Distribution of smart Vehicles

In a significant move that provides stability for growth and capturing of market share, Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (Pro-Net), a wholly owned subsidiary of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd, has announced that it has obtained RM200 million in financing from CIMB Bank Berhad.

The funds are for its green mobility initiative and the importation and distribution of the smart #1 EV for the Malaysian market.

PRO-NET is the exclusive authorised importer and distributor for smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand, particularly the smart #1 for now with more models in the pipeline.

With a comprehensive ecosystem spanning 13 dealer locations, aftersales services, as well as a user-friendly digital app known as ‘Hello smart’ to provide access to over 70% of the public charging network, PRO-NET offers a holistic electric mobility solution together with the reassurance of a robust customer service plan.

The company is also charged with fulfilling national carmaker PROTON’s commitment to its electric vehicle agenda and is set to play a pivotal role as it leads the transition towards the production of New Energy Vehicles (NEV) and the development of the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim.

CIMB on the other hand provides an array of solutions for the consumer EV segment with the introduction of its comprehensive suite of EV financial solutions to drive the adoption of EVs and support the shift towards sustainable mobility across ASEAN. These include preferential auto financing rates, insurance protection and a range of other exclusive privileges, facilitating consumer needs across every aspect of owning an EV.

UMW Toyota Posts Impressive Sales For Month of March While Q1 Sales Drops

After enjoying a bull run, sales for UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) seems to have stabilised as the company ended March 2204 with total sales of 9,688 units for Toyota and Lexus models combined. This comprises 9,471 units for Toyota and 217 units for Lexus and a total year-to-date sales as of March 2024 of 23,444.

This figure is down from the 25,219 units sold in the same period of 2023, which can be attributed to the rush to register cars before the SST exemption expired, and perhaps even the pent up demand from the post pandemic era.

UMW Toyota (UMWT) does not reveal sales by model so there is no telling which model took the lead in sales.

In the commercial sector, UMWT has raised the bar with the introduction of the all-new Toyota HiAce Panel Van 3.0L. Powered by a 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine, the new van offers 136PS and 300Nm for effortless cargo transport.

Complementing that is the new Toyota HiAce Super Long Wheelbase (SLWB), which boasts significant size enhancements for increased interior space, offering unparalleled comfort for passengers and cargo. Equipped with a powerful 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine, the HiAce SLWB promises robust performance with 177 PS and 450 Nm of torque.

Proton DX Encourages STEM Learning For All Ages At Its Centre In Quill City Mall

It has been almost a year since Proton DX, the country’s first automotive digital centre that houses a blend of interactive technology, leisure and lifestyle elements, was launched.

With an aim to be the centre for automotive and technological learning for all ages, Proton DX also wants to spark interest in STEM learning among the younger generation.

STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is considered an important aspect in human capital development for Malaysia, and recently received an allocation of RM100 million in the 2024 budget for the empowerment of STEM. The budget is for the maintenance and upgrading of existing facilities and the purchase of equipment.

To cultivate interest and foster understanding of STEM, Proton DX, an ACO Tech development in collaboration with Proton and China Construction Bank (CCB), announced its availability as a community engagement platform for STEM exploration.

The centre hosts a monthly Student Robotic Car Workshop targeting secondary school students. At the workshop, students learn the basics of assembling and programming their own mini autonomous vehicle using an Arduino platform.

Over 50 Malaysian youths across the Klang Valley, including a group of 20 students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, have participated in the workshop. Students who complete this workshop receive a certificate and goodie bag.

ACO Tech is targeting to engage with at least 200 Malaysian youths through this workshop and other upcoming STEM activities by the end of 2024.

In order to maximise the facilities on offer, Proton DX is also actively welcoming collaborations from local companies in search of a platform to conduct events and workshops promoting STEM awareness and education among Malaysian youths. Activities that can foster unity among local communities are also welcome.

PROTON DX also welcomes visitors of all ages to visit the centre. Visitors get to learn about ACO Tech’s technologies and products, and experience engaging activities available in Proton DX such as the Virtual Cockpit, a virtual drive in a purpose- built enclosed theatre-like dome to experience smart mobility. Proton DX is also able to model a bespoke virtual cockpit experience for partners at trade shows such as E-Mobility Asia.

Proton DX has a carefully laid out floor plan that allows it to be a space for community engagements such as networking sessions and barista classes by Proton DX’s very own certified barista.

The centre, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, has a space spanning over 5,000 square feet that can fit around 40 guests comfortably at any given time, including a private VIP lounge equipped with an 86-inch TV for meetings.

The centre opens daily from 10:00AM to 10:00PM and is located at Ground Floor, Quill City Mall, 1018, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

For collaborative events, schools, universities, local businesses, and potential partners can reach out via protondx@acotech.my or its Facebook or Instagram pages.

Chery Malaysia Introduces New Aurora Green Colour For Tiggo 8 Pro – Limited To 120 Units Only!

Chery Malaysia has introduced a vibrant new colour for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations.

Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro will now be available in Aurora Green, a unique yet pleasant soft green colour that seems to be quite popular among car makers these days.

The Aurora Green will only be available for the Tiggo 8 Pro for the moment, which is befitting since it is the flagship SUV.

The Tiggo 8 Pro first made its debut in the Malaysian market back in July of 2023, and has endeared itself to Malaysians, which is no surprise since it offers impressive value for money.

The combination of a spacious interior, advanced features and safety tech as well as a powerful 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine makes it difficult to ignore.

The engine offers 256hp and 390Nm of torque with power sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The interior is comfortable with some of the best seats in its category. Features include wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a 540-degree Panoramic Camera, a gargantuan 24.6-inch dual-screen display, and a Sony audio system.

It also offers an array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection, among others of course.

But what is truly impressive however is the refinement levels that it offers. It achieves this by using soundproof Acoustic Glass that keeps the interior silent and isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world outside.

The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is undeniably one of the finest SUV’s in its segment today, and the new Aurora Green further adds a touch of class to an already good-looking SUV. However, you have to be quick if you like the colour as it is available to just 120 units, lending it a touch of exclusivity.

Priced from RM159,800, the Tiggo 8 Pro comes with a comprehensive warranty package that includes 7-years of coverage or up to 150,000km, along with a complimentary 5-years of labour service.

Customers also have the option to enhance their coverage by topping up an additional sum of RM 2,000 for the Extended Warranty Package, which provides a 10-year warranty or 1,000,000KM for their vehicle’s engine.

Additionally, Chery Malaysia is currently offering the Extra Peace of Mind Package, which includes a 10-year extended vehicle engine warranty or 1,000,000KM and 7-years of service maintenance, all for just RM 11,600.

So is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro the best SUV in its segment? Is it a better buy than a Proton X90? Read our full review of the Tiggo 8 Pro here, and check out the comparison video below:

Check out our full gallery of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro here:

GWM ORA 07 Officially Debuts in Malaysia – Priced From RM169,800

After previewing the ORA 07 last month, GWM Malaysia has officially launched its first sedan model for the Malaysian market.

The ORA 07 is available in two variants:

GWM ORA 07 Long Range Ultra – RM169,800
The entry level 07 is powered by a single motor that drives the front wheels and outputs 204PS and 340Nm of torque. GWM says this variant is able to travel 640km on a single charge, but that is on the NEDC cycle. For the more accurate WLTP cycle, this variant is able to travel about 512km before it runs out of juice.

The Long Range Ultra accelerates to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and maxes out at 170km/h.

As for the interior, this variant gets two colour choices – black or brown, the latter being a RM2,500 option.

With a focus on range rather than performance, this variant rolls on 18-inch wheels.

The Long Range Ultra also gets five driving modes – Normal, Sport, Well-Being, Individual and Eco.

GWM ORA 07 Performance – RM189,800
Unlike the Long Range Ultra, the Performance variant benefits from dual motors, one for each axle. It offers 408PS and 680Nm of torque. But because it focuses on performance rather than on all out range, the Performance model can travel 550km (NEDC) or 440km on the WLTP cycle.

The Performance variant sees of the sprint to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 180km/h.

The interior of the Performance model can only be had in brown.

The Performance variant gets six driving modes – Normal, Sport, Well-Being, Individual, Eco and Sport Plus.

This top of the line variant rolls on 19 inch wheels.

Both variants come with a massive panoramic roof, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Infinity sound system with 11 speakers. There is also a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heads up display and a special USB port designed for dash cams.

As for charging, both cars are powered by the same 83.499kWh Ternary Lithium Battery that can be charged via a 11kW Type 2 AC charging port or a 88kW CCS2 DC charging port. Both cars will take 32 minutes to recharge from 30-80% with a DC charger, or 15 hours to recharge from 0-100% with a AC charger.

On the safety front, both cars benefit from a full range of ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Assistance, Traffic Jam Assist, Front Collision Warning, Auto Emergency Braking, Auto Emergency Braking – Pedestrians, Auto Emergency Braking – Bicycle, Parking Distance Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Evade, Lane Change Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Overspeed Alert, Intelligent Speed Alerting, Secondary Collision Mitigation, Emergency Signal Braking, Door Opening Warning, Rear Collision Warning, AEB Junction Assist, Emergency Braking at Low Speed, Front Radar Auto Turn On at Low Speed, Blind Spot Detection System, Electronic Stability Program and finally Integrated Intelligent Parking (phew).

And just in case you were wondering, the 07 is 4871mm long, 1862mm wide, 1500mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2870mm. Boot space on the other hand measures in at 333 litres.

The ORA 07 is covered by a six year or 150,000km vehicle warranty and eight year or 180,000km warranty for the battery, electric motor and the electric motor control unit. On top of that, the 07 is also covered by a 12 year car rust and corrosion warranty.

GWM Malaysia is also offering a ‘one-to-one’ battery replacement if the state of charge falls below 70%.

However, to further sweeten the deal, GWM Malaysia is also including a complimentary home Wallbox charger and an additional two-year vehicle warranty that takes it up to eight years or 180,000km on top of the warranty mentioned above. But this is only for the first 500 customers.

If you are a current GWM owner, GWM Malaysia will give you an exclusive RM3,000 Loyalty Offer if you purchase an ORA 07.

The ORA 07 is now available in Malaysia in three colours – Grey, Purple and White.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Introduces New Range of Luxury and Performance Models

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduced its Dream Cars Collection, which is says embodyies the pinnacle of automotive luxury and sophistication. Crafted in accordance with the brand’s design philosophy of sensual purity, passion, and captivating desire, these vehicles promise pure performance, breathtaking style, and cutting-edge engineering. (more…)

smart Malaysia Extends 30% Savings on Over 1,000 Public Chargers Nationwide

smart Malaysia has announced an exclusive 30% discount on public charging fees for smart car owners who charge and pay via the Hello smart App. This initiative, in collaboration with Charging Point Operators (CPOs), aims to enhance the ‘Balik Kampung’ experience during the holy month of Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya celebration. Valid from 6 to 14 April 2024, this offer provides customers with more affordable and convenient journeys.

Through the Hello smart App, users can enjoy 30% savings and access a nationwide network of charging stations with over 1,000 public charging points seamlessly integrated. They can easily locate nearby points, check station availability, and initiate charging sessions hassle-free. Additionally, partners like Gentari, JomCharge, and chargEV stations across more than 400 locations nationwide, including shopping malls, office buildings, and public parking facilities, are included in this offer.

For a personalised experience, smart car owners can visit their nearest smart dealership, equipped with dedicated charging stations. While their cars charge, owners can enjoy the dealership’s amenities, including comfortable waiting areas and refreshments. This innovative approach not only offers a convenient charging solution but also elevates the dealership experience, ensuring customers enjoy both convenience and relaxation during their visit.

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BMW Malaysia Launches Pre-Booking for First-Ever BMW iX2 xDrive30 – RM283k

BMW Malaysia has officially opened pre-booking for the First-Ever BMW iX2 xDrive30 in the Malaysian market, introducing a versatile all-electric Sports Activity Coupe designed for various situations.

It boasts a rebellious appearance, featuring a redesigned closed BMW kidney grille with a black mesh grille and a black high-gloss kidney frame, accentuated by the BMW Kidney Iconic Glow. Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective beam and vertically arranged daytime running lights enhance visibility and add a contemporary design touch. The front apron is equipped with a black radiator grille in black high gloss.

Its muscular silhouette is characterised by a gently sloping roofline, M high-gloss Shadow line, and V-spoke style 873 M Bicolour 20-inch M light alloy wheels, emphasising its sportiness. The rear features LED taillights and a distinctive high-gloss black rear spoiler.

Inside, the cockpit showcases the fully digital BMW Curved Display with a 10.25-inch instrument display cluster and 10.7-inch control display, along with a BMW Head-Up Display, wireless charging tray, and Harman Kardon Hi-Fi speaker system. The interior boasts M multifunction leather steering wheel, Aluminium Hexacube Pale M interior trim, Luxury instrument panel, and “Veganza” leather-alternative upholstery with contrast stitching. Standard sport seats provide support and comfort, while the rear seats offer variable loading with a 40:20:40 split.

Powered by one electric motor per axle, the iX2 xDrive30 delivers a system output of 313hp and a WLTP range of up to 449km from its 66.5 kWh high-voltage battery. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds and has a maximum speed of 180km/h. The car features upgraded stabiliser bearings, Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport Steering, and M Sports Brakes for enhanced driving dynamics.

Charging technology allows for quick and convenient charging, with a maximum charging power of 130kW at a High-Power Charging station and 11kW via AC charging. The BMW Curved Display is powered by BMW Operating System 9, offering advanced connectivity and intelligent systems.

The First-Ever BMW iX2 xDrive30 is available in a range of exterior colours and upholstery options. It comes with comprehensive financial plans from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia and a complete ownership experience, including a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, 8-Year / 160,000 km Battery Warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance, BMW Service Online, and BMW Service & Repair Inclusive.