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Longer warranty with 2021 Volvos sold in Malaysia

Volvos have long been known for their durability and even in the 1960s, when some cars were ‘rust-buckets’ and Japanese cars were perceived to have ‘milo tin’ panels, Volvo was claiming over 10 years of reliable service life which kept on extending to over 20 years.

Of course, that is about the car being able to run reliably for that length of time. There is also the possibility of manufacturing defects occasionally, for which owners expect rectification or replacement at no charge. This is typically covered by a warranty from the manufacturer, and it used to for the first year and 20,000 kms. Volvo naturally provided such a warranty even though its cars were very durable.

*Volvos have long been known for their longevity and reliability.*

Standard 3 years + 2 more
Like other companies, Volvo’s warranty periods have progressively extended, and in 2021, owners of their new vehicles in Malaysia will enjoy a longer coverage period of 5 years, with no limit on mileage. Prior to this, new Volvos came with a standard 3-year or 100,000 km factory warranty with a combined 2-year or 20,000 km Extended Warranty Programme provided by an external insurance partner.

“This new offering is part of our dedication to quality, particularly in relation to our vehicles and customer relationship. At Volvo Car Malaysia, every decision we make is designed around the customer’s needs and more so to solidify their trust in Volvo. We want our customers to feel supported throughout the ownership of their vehicle and we believe that the new extended factory warranty is a step in the right direction as a premium car brand that is rooted in safety,” said Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM).

*Models like the XC90 PHEV have an additional longer warranty period specifically for the lithium-ion battery pack (below) to give owners peace of mind as the cost of replacement is expensive.*

8 years for PHEV battery pack
In December 2020, VCM also announced that the battery pack in Volvo’s Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) models would have an extended warranty period of up to 8 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms. The long warranty has been offered by other manufacturers in view of the high replacement cost of a battery pack.

Like the small 12V battery that has been present in the engine bay for decades, the high-voltage battery pack has a certain service lifespan but it cannot be certain. Its life depends on usage conditions, manufacturing quality and other factors and it may be short or it may surprise by being very long. But unlike the 12V battery, a battery pack for t hybrid vehicles is many thousands of ringgit.

“Our end goal of this initiative is to allow our valued customers to feel the utmost comfort when driving a Volvo car, free of worries. We allow them to fully experience the innovation and technology that goes into each one of our cars, and by doing so we are able to provide our customers with the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way,” said Mr. Nalin, adding that the extended factory warranty is vehicles that are registered for private use and not applicable to vehicles registered or used for commercial purposes.

An advertisement in Malaysia in the 1980s (left) promoting the long life of the Volvo 244. Irv Gordon proved the point by putting 5.15 million kms on his P1800 between the time he bought it in 1966 and 2013. It’s a record no one else is likely to ever beat.

Pros and cons of longer warranties
Long warranties may please car-buyers as it means they have coverage for a longer period, which is good for those who plan to keep their cars for many years. Furthermore, the warranty is usually transferable (if still in effect), which can add a bit more to resale value.

However, warranty conditions typically require the owner to adhere to the specified service intervals, and to use only an authorised service centre of the brand (and of course, genuine replacement parts). Some companies can be strict about this and if an owner misses a scheduled service or even does it well past the due time, the warranty could be terminated.

In fact, this issue of ensuring scheduled service on time to avoid voiding the warranty worried owners last year when the first Movement Control Order (MCO) was introduced. As they could not get to their service centres (which were also closed), there was the fear that they might lose their warranty. The car companies were quick to assure their customers that the warranty would not be cancelled if they were unable to send their vehicles in for servicing, but they had to do so within 30 days after the MCO was lifted.

A longer warranty which forces an owner to keep using an authorised service centre may not be welcome by all customers. While we recommend using authorised service centres for their expertise with a specific brand, we can understand that there may be owners who prefer to use independent workshops which may charge less. For such owners, the warranty conditions that require them to use only an authorised service centre may not be good.

It should be noted too that there are two types of warranties. Different manufacturers will have different approaches and some may offer a long factory warranty which has broad coverage from the first day to the last day.

Then there are companies which offer a longer warranty that is coupled to the original one that covers the first few years. The additional years are, however, covered by another party like an insurance policy. However, the fine print may reveal that for the extra years, the coverage is slightly different and certain items may not be covered when they had been covered before by the original warranty.

Customers should therefore ask for clarification about this at the time of purchase. Some companies may have a deal with the external party to provide identical coverage terms, and some may not. Many years ago, owners of a certain European brand found, to their surprise, that warranty claims were not entertained for certain items (even though the warranty was still in effect). This came to light when the brand changed franchise holders and the new franchise holder attempted to get warranty compensation for existing customers.

As for mileage, European brands have long offered unlimited mileage after original registration. Asian brands were more conservative and set a maximum mileage which would apply if it was reached before the number of years ended. Generally, it was a reasonable figure though high-mileage motorists would certainly have preferred an unlimited condition.

With the restriction on movements and interstate travel over the past year, many owners may find that they will get to enjoy the full number of years of warranty coverage, even if there is a mileage limit. They would be travelling less, especially those who are instructed to ‘WFH’ (work from home).

Volvo sales in Malaysia last year were the highest since 1999

The Naran, with Celare Pack, due for launch soon

*To know more about promotions at BHPetromart, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

Ameerh Naran, a racing driver whose entrepreneurial ambitions saw him focussing on the premium luxury sector, has established internationally-recognised, exclusive private jet brokerage. Combining the knowledge and experience he has gained in the motorsport and luxury worlds, he formed Naran Automotive which is based in the UK.

The company, which has plans to make luxury ultra-high performance cars, has revealed a unique ‘Celare Pack’ for its debut model – The Naran. The Celare Pack highlights the duality of The Naran as an aggressive on-track weapon as well as an object of beauty. It allows customers to tailor the 4-seater hyper-coupe to meet their individual needs, whether they prefer pushing the limits on the track or drive on public roads.

The option – its name derived from the Latin for ‘to conceal or hide’ – is inspired by the adjustable systems used in motorsport, includes the removal of the rear wing, adjustments to the front-end aerodynamic setup with airflow disrupters and a change of tyres.

Within 20 minutes the aerodynamic package can be installed or removed by Naran Automotive engineers, switching the car between road-legal GT3 racing car and a piece of art. Owners will receive a carbonfibre wing cradle to mount the wing safely when not in use.

The Naran, an all-wheel-drive, front mid-engined hyper-coupe, is capable of producing an industry-leading 1,377 kgs of downforce, exceeding that of a GT3 racing car. It is claimed to have an acceleration time from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 2.3 seconds, with an expected top speed of over 370 km/h.

Naran Automotive has worked with technical partner EY3 Engineering to optimise whole vehicle aerodynamics to deliver this focused performance without compromising the monolithic design language and coupe silhouette.

The team developed unique, hidden solutions to deliver a perfectly balanced vehicle, including motorsport-inspired carbon composite bargeboards, which are attached directly to the front wishbone to help smooth airflow from the front wheels.

A full flat floor and split-rear diffuser delivers critical airflow to energise the rear wing, while the front splitter directs flow under the car feeding the front diffusers to generate all front downforce. The cooling channels above feed the brake discs, engine intake and cooling pack, with the latter exiting through the bonnet to increase downforce and reduce drag.

Daniel Mense, engineering director at EY3 Engineering, said: “The aerodynamic development of The Naran is firmly rooted in motorsport pedigree with benchmarking against GT3 racing cars. We have been constantly challenging ourselves to optimise airflow for ultimate lap time and performance without any compromise to the distinctive design. This has resulted in some aerodynamic solutions that are unique to The Naran.”

The bespoke 5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which produces 1,048 bhp and 1,036 Nm of torque, is being crafted in Germany with partners Racing Dynamics.

Just 49 units of The Naran will be built for sale, and each car can be personalised to the requirements of the customer. This includes the designation of a bespoke model name – a convention normally reserved for luxury superyachts.

“Our vision is to deliver an unrivalled driving experience with no compromise between performance, design and luxury. Through the expertise of our world class partners we have been able to unearth innovative aerodynamic solutions that would normally only be deployed in high level motorsport,” said Ameerh Naran.

Czinger 21C hybrid hypercar – 1,233 bhp and 0 to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds! (w/VIDEOS)

Evolution of the feature that has saved hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide

passive safety

It is well known that a Swedish engineer, Nils Ivar Bohlin, who joined Volvo from the aircraft industry developed the 3-point safety belt that is common in every car today. And, though patented, Volvo generously allowed everyone else to follow the same design without any charge. It was a ‘gift to the world’ as Volvo hoped such a move would get the seatbelt adopted widely and quickly. And it was, saving hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide. Bohlin’s invention appeared in the late 1950s and of course, Volvo led the way by installing it in its cars as standard.

An idea from aircraft
However, the seatbelt was around for some time before Bohlin’s invention. The idea came from aircraft and early automotive inventors considered it to provide a form of restraint in the event the driver was thrown forward. In France, for example, Gustave-Desire Leveau registered a concept in 1903, which was for a complex 4-point seatbelt for the driver as well as the passengers.

Before the 1960s, seatbelts that were provided were the 2-point lap type that went only around the waist (left). Nils Bohlin’s invention added a third strap coming down from the top across the chest (right).

In Germany, Daimler Benz introduced a seatbelt in its Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W 198) in 1957. The 2-point seatbelt, essentially like what was found in commercial aircraft, was an option in the open-top supersports car and the owner could have it installed on one or both seats.

Racing cars get seatbelts
From the 1950s onwards, an increasing number of cars racing in motorsport were also fitted with a seatbelt. It was a logical thing to do as speeds rose, and drivers could be flung out or hit the steering wheel in a crash. Over time, safety systems in racing cars have advanced and those used by drivers in Formula 1 cars are extremely sophisticated, providing head-and-neck support to reduce the dangerous acceleration of the head during a collision.

*The most advanced seatbelt systems are probably the ones in F1 racing cars which must restrain the drivers who can crash at very high speeds.*

In 1958, Mercedes-Benz started to offer the 2-point seatbelt as optional equipment for the entire range of passenger cars with individual seats in the front. By the end of the same year, lap belts in the rear seats were also optionally available. Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, was convinced by the system and his official car was equipped with a lap belt in the rear.

Enhanced operation for convenience
As mentioned earlier, Volvo made the 3-point seatbelt concept freely available to the industry and Mercedes-Benz adopted the idea in the 1960s. It combined the benefits of a lap belt and shoulder belt – just like Bohlin had described it in 1958 – and included a reeling mechanism, which was initially like a ‘luxury’ feature. Mercedes-Benz introduced the seatbelt with the automatic reeling mechanism as standard equipment in front seats in 1973, and later as standard equipment in rear seats.

*The W 126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with a seatbelt and tensioner for more effective restraint, as well as an airbag for the driver.*

It is not just the way the seatbelt wraps around the body which is critical, but also how it is attached. The company delivered the R 107 model series SL (in 1971) with a seatbelt anchored to the bottom of the seat as standard equipment.

Seatbelt becomes compulsory
The value of seatbelts was very quickly noted by safety authorities, supported by accident research data. Manufacturers were asked to provide them as standard, at least for the front occupants, but not everyone wanted to use them. So laws were introduced to make usage compulsory, at least for the front occupants. Later on, the laws would be revised to include rear passengers as well.

Such laws initially met with plenty of resistance as they seemed to cause inconvenience and imagined discomfort. In Switzerland, for example, the protests were strong enough that the requirement was suspended some time and a referendum carried out before the law was accepted in 1981.

Mercedes-Benz continuously did R&D on all types of passive safety systems, which included seatbelts. As part of the Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESV) programme, automatically engaging seatbelts for the front seats were tested back in 1972 in the ESV 13 experimental safety vehicle. ESV 22, developed in 1973, served as a platform to test 3-point seatbelts featuring 3 seatbelt force-limiters and seatbelt tensioners as well as the driver airbag. By 1981, the driver airbag in conjunction with a seatbelt with a tensioner system was ready for introduction in the S-Class (W 126), providing the driver with even better protection during frontal collisions.

The quest to give better protection to the occupants of a motor vehicle continues, with various systems working together to provide the best protection when a car is involved in an accident. Advances are being made in the structure and new types of restraint systems are being developed although the primary one will still be the seatbelt.

How first aid kits came to be standard in German cars

Perodua aims for 9% increase in sales volume to 240,000 units in 2021

*To know more about other promotions at BHPetromart, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

Cautiously optimistic about the future, Perodua has set a target of delivering 240,000 vehicles in 2021 – a 9% increase from the 220,163 units sold in 2020 which got it a 41.6% market share and continued market leadership The 2021 target is close to the volume achieved in 2019 which was 240,131 units.

For 2021, the Malaysian Automotive Association has forecast a Total Industry Volume of 570,000 units. This is 8% higher than the 529,434 units achieved in 2020.

The Malaysian carmaker continues to see strong demand for its existing models, with help from the sales tax exemption being extended until June 30 this year. “With the extension of the sales tax exemption to end-June 2021, recent COVID-19 vaccine developments and all our models continuing to be in demand, we believe 2021 will be the year of recovery,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

He added that Perodua, and the Malaysian automotive ecosystem, appreciates the support for the industry and will extend its full cooperation to the government in ensuring that all standard operating procedures are followed in regard to COVID-19.

*Transmissions for Perodua vehicles are produced locally at a factory in Negeri Sembilan.*

Purchasing more from local suppliers
Dato’ Zainal said that with the estimated recovery of Perodua’s sales volume, the carmaker is expected to purchase a record RM6.5 billion worth of locally-sourced components in 2021. “In addition, with 2020 ending better than previously expected for both Perodua and the industry, we are looking to increase our stock by boosting our production target to 272,000 vehicles this year – the highest in our history. This increase will replenish our stock to ensure brisk delivery this year,” Dato’ Zainal added.

Perodua’s 2021 production target represents a 23% increase over the 220,968 units manufactured in 2020, and with all its models having over 90% local parts content, the carmaker remains the biggest buyer of automotive components in Malaysia.

**Myvi was most popular again**: Of the 220,163 units sold in 2020, Perodua registered 66,330 Myvis (30.1%), 59,651 Axias, 56,996 Bezzas, 22,494 Aruz, 14,691 Alzas and one other model.

Transforming for customers’ benefit
“In our efforts to further win our customers’ support, Perodua will transform our approach in every aspect, be it in customer engagement, values or even our operations – especially in our sales arm, Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd,” Dato’ Zainal said.

He explained that this approach, called ‘Perodua Smart Build’, will revolutionise Perodua’s offerings while further improving the compact car company’s operational capabilities. “More information and impact of the Perodua Smart Build initiative on Perodua, our partners, the automotive ecosystem and our valued customers will be announced in the near future,” he said.

Perodua is also expecting its service intakes to grow 20% from 2 million units in 2020 to 2.4 million units in 2021, comprising both current and new customers. With the huge volume of its vehicles on the road all around the country, the aftersales side of the business obviously generates a lot of income.

Perodua registers record number of vehicles in one day – over 5,000 units

2021 Toyota Fortuner and Innova launched

18 years ago, Toyota began a massive global project to develop the Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle of ‘IMV’ as it was referred to internally. The IMV project was not just about new models but more importantly, about moving production of those vehicles entirely outside Japan. It was believed to be the second most expensive project in the company’s history, after the Lexus project.

The result was the establishment of production hubs in major regions to product three models that shared platforms. They were the Hilux, Innova and Fortuner, rugged products for use on as well as off the highways of the world. While the Hilux was an established model, the Innova and Fortuner were new, targeting the MPV and SUV markets, respectively. The Fortuner, in particular, was intended to take over from the Land Cruiser which had become more sophisticated and more expensive. All three models were launched during 2004/2005 and in countries like Malaysia, they were also assembled locally.

The IMV project was a success, allowing Toyota to produce more vehicles outside Japan where labour cost structures were different, and more specific products could be developed for emerging markets.

While the longer history of the Hilux means it is already in its eighth generation now, the Innova and Fortuner are in just their second generation and with the first generation having been produced for around 10 years, it is now about halfway through the product cycle (if Toyota maintains the same length of time for the models).

This is when the facelift and updates are made and UMW Toyota Motor has launched both the 2021 models with updates today. The Fortuner is available in two variants with turbodiesel and petrol engines and all three have automatic transmissions. The Innova is available in three variants, all with a 2-litre petrol engine and automatic transmission only. As with most of the models offered by UMW Toyota Motor, the new Innova and Fortuner come with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty.

2021 TOYOTA FORTUNER
New to the Fortuner range is the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T which replaces the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ offered previously. It is powered by a 2.8-litre 4-cylinder common-rail diesel engine (1GD-FTV) which produces 204 ps/500 Nm. A balance shaft reduces vibrations and lowers noise levels while high efficiency is achieved with the electronically-controlled common rail injection system that can deliver fuel at a maximum pressure of up to 250 MPa.

The 6-speed electronic automatic transmission delivers power through a part-time 4×4 drivetrain to all 4 wheels. Like the traditional SUVs, there are High and Low ranges for more capability off-road. The ranges can be easily selected with a rotary knob, unlike the old days when a second lever had to be operated and the vehicle had also to be stopped.

For stability enhancement, the drivetrain has Active Traction Control (A-TRC). New for 2021 is an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD). This is very useful in the most difficult conditions and uses the traction control system to control braking when one of the rear wheels start to spin. It allows engine power to be maintained and power is directed to the wheel with better traction.

The Fortuner also comes with Variable Flow Control (VFC) Power Steering, which helps to improve fuel economy by reducing the power steering pump consumption torque. Toyota’s engineers have enhanced the steering feeling to achieve natural handling that matches the speed. For the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ, there is also a SPORT mode which enhances the power steering for responsiveness.

Giving the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ additional distinctiveness, the roof, A-pillars, wing mirrors and roof-mounted rear spoiler are finished in black. It comes with Quad LED headlamps that flank a mesh-type front grille. The other lighting units have also been restyled while the front and rear bumpers have a new design. The skidplate below the front end is also new, emphasizing ruggedness.

A new body colour – Bronze Mica Metallic – with a Black Roof is available exclusively for this new variant which is the flagship of the range. The Black Roof is also available with the Super White II exterior colour only for this variant.

The Fortuner is a midsize SUV (large to some) and has 3 rows of seats. This generation has been made more premium in look and feel and for 2021, the interior trim has a new design and colour while the seat upholstery also has a new design.

The instrument panel features a revised Multi Information Display (MID) opening animation. Ambient illumination is provided to add a touch of class at night, while the key cover has been redesigned. Convenience and comfort features include LED Interior Lamps, Electrochromic Rearview Mirror (to eliminate dazzle) and 8-way power adjustment for the front seats. USB charging ports are also available for powering or recharging personal electronic devices.

At the time of purchase, customers can also include options such as Wireless Charger (new), Kick Sensor-Powered Rear Door (new), Roof-mounted Monitor and Rear Digital Video Recorder.

In line with Toyota’s efforts to reduce road accidents, the latest model comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). This is an integrated suite of active safety systems which make use of a camera and radar to monitor and detect other vehicles, and to take appropriate action to prevent an accident.

TSS, though available in many Toyota models today, has different elements and for the Fortuner, it comes with Pre collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Yaw Assist Function. Unlike the TSS in passenger vehicles, the system in the Fortuner (as well as Hilux) has a Yaw Assist Function. This activates when lane departure is detected, and additional braking force applied to the inner wheels to direct the vehicle back into the proper lane position. The systems are also calibrated taking into account the usage conditions.

2021 TOYOTA INNOVA
The 2021 Innova range has updated styling and features as well as additional safety systems being made standard. Subtle changes give a more refined and prestigious look for the 2021 model. The grille has a chrome and black theme while the door mirrors have chrome housings for a touch of class. The foglamps and foglamp bezels have also been redesigned and contribute to giving a bolder appearance.

At the rear, the garnish on the back door has been restyled to visually widen the vehicle, while the roof spoiler (only for the Innova 2.0X) has been slightly reprofiled for aerodynamic improvements.

An Enhancement Package is included with the flagship Innova 2.0X. This package has a new design for wheelarch mouldings for protecting the bodywork, new bodyside mouldings and redesigned side skirts that add a sporty touch.

Both the Innova 2.0X and Innova 2.0G come with Optitron meters (originally developed for Lexus models) in the instrument panel which provide bright and clear displays in all lighting conditions. Between the meters is a 4.2-inch full colour Multi Information Display (MID) that keeps the driver informed of fuel consumption and range available with the remaining fuel in the tank.

2021 Toyota Innova — *Captain’s seats available only with Innova 2.0X*

Responding to customer feedback, extra charging ports have been added. The front 2 USB ports have been repositioned in the dashboard from the centre console and additional USB ports has been provided for those in the third row of seats. All the ports have Fast Charging capability for compatible smartphones and other portable devices. Additionally, a wireless charging pad in the centre console is also available as an option for all variants.

For 2021, additional features have been added to give the driver greater awareness of the surroundings to improve safety. The first is the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, standard for the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G and optional for the Innova 2.0E. The systems use sensors on the body and bumpers to detect other vehicles in the blind spot or approaching from either side during reversing out of a parking bay.

Also provided as standard for the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G is the Panoramic View Monitor. This uses cameras around the bodywork to capture a 360-degree view around the vehicle. The driver can view the surroundings (with selectable views) and spot hazards to avoid. The PVM is especially useful when parking in narrow or tight parking spaces.

All variants are fitted with 7 SRS airbags and every one of the occupants on all three rows has a 3-point auto-retracting seatbelt. All variants also have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, as well as Vehicle Stability Control and Hill-start Assist Control. The extensive standard safety systems are provided as standard across the Innova range which has received the maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.

Besides the standard electronic security system, UMWT now installs a Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) as standard in the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G. This system can track the vehicle’s movements using GPS and GSM technology. If the vehicle is stolen, the VTS Command Centre can determine its location and inform relevant authorities to make recovery faster.

The Innova’s proven 2-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder VVT-i petrol engine produces 139 ps/183 Nm which goes through a 6-speed Super ECT electronic automatic transmission.

Visit www.toyota.com.my to locate a showroom in Malaysia to view and test-drive the latest Innova and Fortuner.

Two more financing schemes available for new Toyota purchases

With greater attention to overseas business, Proton aims to double export volumes in 2021

Exports are vital for the business of any carmaker if it is to keep growing. Unless it is the gigantic market in China, every carmaker cannot rely on its domestic market alone for long unless it receives protection and preferential treatment by the government.

For Proton, which did receive such protection for a long time, its focus on the domestic market enabled it to grow without the heavy cost of competing in other markets where it was just another brand. However, with the increasing liberalisation, Proton’s share of the Malaysian market began to erode and although it did export its vehicles, its overseas business was not significant.

While sales leadership in the domestic market will always be a main priority, the company recognises that in order to grow for the future, it needs to expand its customer base and search for sales in other countries. The export market is therefore of great importance to Proton’s long-term goal to be the third best-selling automotive brand in ASEAN by 2027.

Doubling export sales in 2021
The carmaker is therefore giving much more attention to its export business and has set itself the challenging target of doubling export sales in 2021 compared to what was achieved in 2020. It is setting this target on the assumption that export activities are not overly hampered by restrictions due to the global pandemic.

“Over the last two years, Proton’s international sales division has been aggressively pursuing export sales in numerous markets. We have deployed multiple strategies to achieve our goals, from shipping CBU vehicles built in Malaysia to inking agreements with local conglomerates to assemble CKD cars to benefit from local tax incentives,” said Steven Xu, the company’s Director of International Sales.

“We targeted to see significant gains in 2020 but those plans were affected by COVID-19. Still, we managed to grow our export volume, enter new markets such as Kenya and even launch the Proton X50 in Brunei barely 2 months after its Malaysian debut, so there are many positives to take into the new calendar year,” he said.

Spearheading the export activities will be Proton’s most popular model, the Saga. The X70 and X50 SUVS will also be gradually introduced to more overseas markets. At the same time, setting up local assembly operations in some foreign markets will also boost exports.

Tailoring products to local needs
One of the keys to growing exports is having products that not only appeal to a number of different markets but more importantly, meet the needs of the market. Global players take this seriously and many years ago, Honda developed a 1599 cc engine for its Accord model just for the Singapore market when virtually all other markets used a 1602 cc engine.

Likewise, Proton has fitted a 1299 cc engine to the Saga it exports to Pakistan, instead of the 1332 cc unit commonly used, because customers there prefer cars with smaller engines. The same model is also sold in Nepal and comes with a heater, a vital component for markets with cold winter months but not installed in models sold in the ASEAN region.

“The Proton Saga remains a popular model in many countries due to its hardiness, practicality and value-for-money proposition but in order to lift our brand image, it is important for our newer models such as the Proton X70 and Proton X50 to also be exported. This will show car buyers what the company is capable of and help pave the way for us to sell other models in the future to fill up the range,” added Mr. Xu.

While Proton’s distributors and importers in its export markets are owned by local entities, it works closely with them to ensure there is a cohesive market introduction, promotion and product launch plan to suit local market conditions. By building a consistent brand image, the company is taking steps towards being a global entity and paving the way towards penetration in other regions in the future.

Working closely with foreign partners
“By working closely with our foreign partners, we aim to present a consistent message in all our export markets and ultimately, this will make it easier for the Proton brand name to establish itself in even more countries. This is in line with our aim to promote Malaysia and its vendors on a regional and global level and ultimately, this will raise their competitiveness and benefit the economy as a whole,” said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah, who is not only responsible for Proton’s sales volume but also for the marketing and promotion of the brand.

“Our products have not been available in many parts of the world for a variety of reasons. Our new range of updated and jointly developed products with Geely presents an opportunity to change the narrative by opening up ownership to more countries and we are optimistic they will find a ready market in many countries,” he added.

History of Proton exports
In the early years of Proton’s existence, its focus was on the domestic market which took virtually every car it made. Export markets, though established, were not given great attention and even Mitsubishi Motors, its partner, suggested that it concentrate on developing its skills in making cars and about the business before embarking on overseas sales.

Nevertheless, Proton began exporting just one year after the first Saga went on sale in Malaysia. Its early targets were those which were ex-British colonies, like Malaysia, and where traffic went on the left side of the road like us. This would make it unnecessary to develop a lefthand drive variant so soon.

*A Proton advertisement in the UK in the 1990s.*

The UK market was considered a market with great potential then, and it was hoped that the Malaysian origins of the Saga would appeal to the British who had lived in Malaysia in the pre-Merdeka period. The first model was introduced at the Birmingham Motorshow in 1988 and initially, Proton received some preferential taxation as it was a small volume brand entering the market. This allowed it to sell at attractive prices and it was well received. The growth in sales in the UK led to a subsidiary being established to handle import and marketing activities, and that market was at one stage, Proton’s biggest export market.

As the only Muslim country in the world to develop its own car and have an automotive brand, Protons from Malaysia were expected to be popular in other Muslim countries. In fact, the first export market was Bangladesh where the Saga first went on sale in 1986. Egypt has also been a strong market for Proton since it entered in 2004.

By 2001, Proton had a presence in over 50 countries, some in significant numbers and some just a handful. It had tried to enter the US market in the late 1980s, appointing a business partner called Global Motors which created a unit known as ‘Proton America’ to get the necessary approvals. Two units of the Saga modified to lefthand drive and with 1.8-litre engines were sent to a motorshow in Las Vegas in 1988. The plan was to export as many as 30,000 cars to the USA for sale within a year. However, things didn’t work out as expected and no further attempts were made to enter the biggest car market in the world at that time.

*Bangladesh is Proton’s oldest export market, the brand having entered in 1986.*

Like many manufacturers, Proton also considered local assembly in some markets and it did so for a while in the Philippines and had a project going for Iran. It also had a joint venture company with Mitsubishi Motors in Vietnam and the deal was that for models above 1600 cc, Mitsubishi’s models would be used, and Proton would provide models below 1600 cc. But things didn’t proceed as planned and Proton never got to assemble any model.

From 2001 onwards, Proton had a new range of models and hoped to grow its exports, especially as the domestic market would become more challenging as it was supposed to be ‘opening up’ with the realisation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). It even built a new factory in Tanjung Malim, Perak, with a capacity of up to 500,000 units in anticipation of an export offensive regionally.

However, for various reasons, export activities diminished and in Europe, as the emission and safety regulations got tougher, Proton’s aging platforms and engines became unacceptable. By 2010, even the ‘father of Proton’, Tun Mahathir Mohamed, acknowledged that perhaps Proton had not given sufficient thought to the need to make its cars suitable for global markets and only focussed on the domestic market because it was big enough. Dealerships in many of the 50 markets slowly stopped selling Proton which was not so helpful at a time when the company was also facing a decline in domestic sales.

*Proton at the Bangkok International Motor Show in 2011. The carmaker is aiming to become No.3 in the ASEAN region by 2027.*

“We are exploring all opportunities to grow export volumes for Proton,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton. “We are also leveraging on Geely’s extensive overseas network operations to increase the cost-effectiveness of Proton’s operations. Geely can support us in these initiatives and there is a lot of experience within the Group so we hope to leverage on it to enable us to sell more cars outside of Malaysia.”

Brunei first export market for Proton X70

Exclusive version of Maserati Levante available, priced from RM838,800

Five units of a special edition of the Maserati Levante are now available in Malaysia, priced from RM838,800 (inclusive of local taxes and duties). They are the Levante S GranSport featuring Ermenegildo Zegna interior with PELLETSSUTA, a woven leather textile made exclusively for selected Maserati vehicles.

This collaboration between the two iconic Italian brands is not new, given their shared passion for traditional craftsmanship as well as innovative design ideas. Born of old-world Italian traditions and today’s innovative technology, PELLETESSUTA is a result of years of research. It is a development that ingeniously uses thin Nappa leather strips, replacing conventional fabric yarn. The traditional method of weaving is still adhered to, creating create an ultra-luxurious ‘fabric’ that is lightweight, soft and enduring.

For the first time in the history of Maserati-Zegna partnership, the customisation has been extended to also include the GranSport trims of the Maserati range, expanding the possibilities for personalisation.

Besides the black PELLETESSUTA interior, there is also exclusive Radica wood trim with the words ‘Ermenegildo Zegna PELLETESSUTA’, black brake calipers; and 21-inch polished Helios rims. The special edition Levante S GranSport also has an exclusive bronzo tri-coat exterior colour, or as an alternative, a Blue Nobile tri-coat paint as well.

“Like Maserati, the PELLETESSUTA by Ermenegildo Zegna combines new avant-garde technologies with century-old craftmanship to create innovation. It comes to life in the Maserati Levante S GranSport to heighten the experience for both driver and passenger, while exquisitely complementing its luxurious, race-inspired performance,” said Datuk Nik Hamdan Nik Hassan, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.

Maserati Malaysia (Naza Italia) offers each of the 5 units with 3 years of Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction. There is also a Free maintenance programme of 3 years or 60,000 kms (whichever comes first), inclusive of Maserati Premium Service Plus.

MC20 – the all-new supercar that begins a new era for Maserati

Skoda Kushaq – midsize SUV developed specially for Indian market

*To know more about other promotions, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

Like Renault, Skoda also sees much potential in the Indian market. The Czech carmaker has had a presence there since the 1930s and established its own subsidiary there in 2001. Currently, it has two factories and also R&D facilities.

The Skoda model line, consisting of the Rapid, Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq and Karoq, covers many segments and will soon be joined by a new model, the Kushaq. Unveiled recently, the new midsize SUV is the Czech brand’s first production model that is based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. This is a variant of the MQB variant specially adapted by Skoda for India that will also be used for other Volkswagen Group models sold in the Indian market.

The MQB-A0-IN platform
The locally-developed MQB-A0-IN platform has been designed to meet the new, stricter safety and emission requirements for India. Plans call for a localization level of 95% for the new vehicles, with technical development taking place at the Pune technology centre, which opened in January 2019. A team of 250 local engineers played a major role in the development of the MQB-A0-IN platform.

According to Thomas Schafer, CEO of Skoda Auto, the Kushaq is the first of 4 new mid-size Skoda and Volkswagen models. With the launch of the Kushaq in March 2021, Skoda will enter the subcontinent’s rapidly growing midsize SUV segment for the first time. The SUV has been specially developed for India’s metropolises.

Said to have a striking design, its long wheelbase of 2651 mm offers a generous amount of space within for 5 occupants and their cargo. The elevated seating position typical of an SUV allows for excellent all-round visibility. The state-of-the-art infotainment systems come with a central touchscreen, and for pleasant interior temperature, an automatic Climatronic air-conditioning system can be specified.

Two engine choices
Customers will have a choice of two power units – 1-litre or 1.5‑litre TSI petrol engines – which power the front wheels only (all-wheel drive is not available). There will be a choice of either a 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed automatic transmission, or a 7-speed DSG, depending on the variant.

The Kushaq will have many active and passive safety as well as numerous driver assistance systems. Occupants will be protected by up to 6 airbags while ESC will prevent the SUV from spinning out of control. Skoda will also provide Hill-Hold Control for use on slopes and rain and light sensors which will automatically activate the wipers and headlights. A tyre pressure monitor will also be available in some variants.

“The introduction of the all-new Skoda Kushaq is the first of several launches as part of the INDIA 2.0 project. Developed in India with the sophisticated, demanding consumer requirements in mind, the forthcoming launches of models based on the India-specific MQB A0-IN platform is something we’re very proud of. The Skoda Kushaq has been built using extensive on-ground intelligence and has been localised to offer tremendous value without any compromise in our legendary quality,” said Gurpratap Boparai, MD of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited.

Latest sketches of Skoda VISION IN concept reveal the design of new compact SUV for India

Bookings for 2021 Lexus LS 500 now accepted at Lexus Malaysia

(more…)

2021 Ford Rangers get 5-year warranty as standard

Over the years, many car companies have been extending the warranty period of coverage. In the old days, it used to be just a year and 20,000 kms and then it gradually got longer. Manufacturing processes got better so the parts were more reliable and durable, giving the manufacturers confidence to extend the period. For owners, it also meant more peace of mind with a longer period of coverage.

However, while the warranty periods for passenger cars extended fairly quickly, it was not the same for commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks. This was understandable as many of these vehicles are put to hard and rough use in extreme conditions.

Nevertheless, manufacturing processes have improved, as mentioned earlier, and many parts are more durable. Certainly, for Ford vehicles, which have always been ‘Built Ford Tough’, the rugged nature of the vehicles and their ability to withstand rough conditions has long been proven.

2 years more or another 60,000 kms
Now, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is extending the warranty on its 2021 Ford Ranger models to 5 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms, which is 2 years longer (or 60,000 kms more going by mileage) than what has been offered.

“We understand that for our Ranger customers, their vehicles are not just point-to-point modes of transportation. They are an extension of their lifestyle – for work and play besides daily commutes for families and loved ones. With the new 5-year manufacturer’s warranty for our Ranger line-up, we aim to provide added value to customers as they go about their life’s adventures,” said Turse Zuhair, Head of Sales at SDAC.

2-year extension for existing owners
Meanwhile, those who already own a Ranger with a current 3-year warranty will have the option to purchase two Extended Warranty Plans – PremiumCARE and PowertrainCARE (terms and conditions apply). The PremiumCARE plan provides a 2-year comprehensive coverage on over 1,000 components, while the PowertrainCARE plan provides a 2-year extended warranty on the engine, transmission and drivetrain.

For more information on the new 5-year Warranty and Extended Warranty Plans, as well as information about Ford models available in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my .

Click here for more news and articles about Ford and SDAC.

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