Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now accepting bookings for the new Volkswagen Golf variants at all Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. The Golf family consists of the Golf TSI in Sportline and R-Line, the iconic Golf GTI and performance-driven Golf R.
The new Golf family retains the charisma of past models with the unmistakeable design, and has been updated with details such as redesigned bumpers, new conceptualised headlights and LED tail lights. Here’s a quick 2-minute 360-degree video of the new Golf family:
Launched in 1974, the Golf is the Volkswagen brand’s most successful model, and has played a major role in the automotive industry by setting standards in the compact class and pioneering the advancement of leading vehicle technologies. It has won numerous awards, including “Compact Family Car of the Year” by UK’s Auto Express, and “Best Small Car” in the 2017 Daily News Autos Award.
Recognised the world over, the first Golf GTI invented the hot hatch category when it was launched. No surprise then that it was awarded as the “Most Influential Car of All Time” by UK motoring magazine Autocar UK.
The ultimate performance hatch, the Golf R has set and broken numerous track records around the world. On the road and track, its appeal lies in the fact that it is one of the most well-rounded cars available in the market.
To date, more than 34 million units of the Golf in its different body variants have been produced and sold around the world. A new Golf was built, purchased and delivered every 40 seconds, on average, over the past four decades.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM (above & below) is confident that the new Golf family will be well-received in Malaysia as it already has a strong local following. “With the introduction of four variants, there is a Golf for everyone. We are certain that the range will fulfil the expectations and desires of Golf fans here in Malaysia” he added.
VPCM is also offering Malaysians the chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the Wörthersee GTI Festival in Austria. The contest is currently ongoing and will end on the 27th of March 2018. Details can be found at the Volkswagen Malaysia website.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the new Golf GTI and Golf R at the upcoming Volkswagen Tours. The GTI will be on display at AEON Bandar Dato Onn in Johor Bahru, on the 27th March till 1st April, while the Golf R will make its local debut at 1 Utama Shopping Centre from 28 March till 1 April 2018.
Bookings and test drive arrangements can be made at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my
More on the new Golf family…
First a quick interior video comparing the VW Golf R and the iconic VW Golf GTI! (individual models highlights, specs and price after the video)
Golf 1.4 TSI
Price: RM155,990 (Sportline)
Price: RM169,990 (R-Line)
The Golf 1.4 TSI is available in both Sportline and R-Line. Under the hood of both variants is a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a 7-speed dry clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. The Golf R-Line comes with ‘Vienna’ leather seats, 17” Singapore alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 8” composition media with App-Connect as well as LED headlights with Static and Dynamic Cornering Lights.
Golf GTI
Price: RM239,990
The ultimate hot hatch, the Golf GTI features a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a 6-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). Output is an impressive 230PS with torque of 350Nm between 1,500 to 4,600rpm. The Golf GTI comes with GTI ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 18” Milton Keynes alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 8” Discover Media with App-Connect, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators and Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) with driving mode selection.
Golf R
Price: RM295,990
A true performance powerhouse, the Golf R comes with a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), giving an impressive output of 290PS and a torque of 380Nm between 2,000 to 5,400rpm transferred via 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The Golf R comes with the R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats, 19” Pretoria alloy wheels, 12.3” Active Info Display, 9.2” Discover Pro with App-Connect with Gesture Control, LED headlights with Dynamic Cornering Lights, LED taillights with Dynamic Indicators and progressive steering.
Following the recent arrest of a suspect in connection with a scam involving the sale of Perodua vehicles, Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd wishes to urge the public to be extra cautious when making vehicle purchase transactions.
According to a media report recently, the police have arrested a man who, posing as a Perodua sales representative to sell Perodua vehicles on a popular online marketplace portal, caused losses of tens of thousands of ringgit to victims.
“This scam involved the sale of new Perodua vehicles as well as Perodua Pre-Owned Vehicles (POV),” said Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin.
“Perodua and the affected parties lodged a police report on the matter and are extending our full cooperation to the relevant authorities. Perodua urges the public to be cautious in order to avoid becoming victims of such scams,” he added.
He also advises the public to not make payments to individual accounts as the standard operating procedure is to make payments to Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd or its authorised dealers. Dato’ Dr Zahari also asks all customers to insist on original receipts when making any payments.
“We would like to inform the public that at present, genuine Perodua Certified POV cars are only available for sale at our Perodua Kuala Lumpur outlet located along Jalan Pahang,” said Dato’ Dr Zahari.
Perodua POV officially opened for business in October 2017, offering affordable pre-loved Perodua vehicles up to seven years old that have been 165-point-checked and refurbished by Perodua themselves.
For added peace of mind, the cars come with up to 18 months’ extended warranty for the engine and transmission. “Perodua is a car company with people always in mind. We have brought affordable and reliable motoring to the masses for a quarter of a century. With POV, we are now extending this affordability to even more Malaysians, without compromising for a moment on the safety and roadworthiness of our vehicles,” Dato’ Dr Zahari said.
POV currently operates solely through the newly-opened Perodua Kuala Lumpur showroom, which also sells new Perodua cars. Pay a visit today at Lot 18, Seksyen 86, Jalan Pahang, 53200 Kuala Lumpur.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) together with trusted authorised dealer, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, recently celebrated the launch of the Cycle & Carriage Bintang Commercial Vehicle Centre (Cycle & Carriage CV Centre) in Gopeng, Perak.
The launch also represents Cycle & Carriage Bintang’s 13th dealership, and its foray into the FUSO retail business, having previously provided FUSO after sales only. “Living up to our tagline, ‘Trucks you can trust’, we are pleased to launch this Cycle & Carriage Commercial Vehicle Centre, enhancing our reach in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. With our trusted partner Cycle & Carriage Bintang, the launch represents a promise to our customers, to steadfastly expand our service offerings to deliver the highest quality trucks that are designed for reliability and economic efficiency,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Vice President, Commercial Vehicles, Mr Albert Yee.
Part of a long-standing partnership between principal and authorised dealer partner, RM1.1million was invested in the Cycle & Carriage CV Centre. This comes as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Cycle & Carriage Bintang continue expanding customer touchpoints by delivering the highest quality of commercial vehicles, dependable service quality and extensive after-sales expertise for the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.
A full-fledged 3S centre, the Cycle & Carriage CV Centre is managed by personnel well-versed in sales, technical services and spare parts for Mercedes-Benz and FUSO vehicles. The CV centre is able to display eight commercial vehicles complete with open-air canopy concept and a customer lounge for more personalised customer service. Equipped with four work bays, a full length work pit and a dedicated engine repair area, the CV centre is able to service up to 43 Mercedes-Benz and FUSO commercial vehicles a month.
Speaking at the official launch, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad CEO, Mr Wilfrid Foo, said, “Today, we are moving forward to a very interesting time ahead of us. This dedicated Commercial Vehicle Centre in Gopeng, is the first for Cycle & Carriage to support our three other shared commercial and passenger car centres in Bukit Tengah, Batu Caves and Johor Bahru. This particular commercial vehicles workshop is designed and built with our customer’s comfort and care in mind. While our certified skilful technicians work on your prime movers and trucks, we will also take care of the drivers who bring the vehicles in.”
With a built-up area of 13,412 sq ft, Cycle & Carriage CV Centre provides driver amenities for greater convenience and comfort. “At this centre, we provide the appropriate space and infrastructure to support our customers’ commercial vehicle needs, which includes the drivers’ comfort, with great amenities like a reading area, prayer room, and rest rooms equipped with beds and recliners. we invested in These are features specifically with the commercial vehicle market segment in mind,” Foo explained
“Today’s celebration is also significant as we officially signed the sales and service agreement for the FUSO brand. This is a new business development that would also enable us to serve more FUSO commercial vehicles moving forward,“ he added.
More…
For shorter turn-around time for commercial vehicle inspection, the CV Centre is strategically situated near PUSPAKOM to reduce the customer waiting period of their vehicles. As the largest and oldest Mercedes-Benz authorised dealership in the country, Cycle & Carriage Bintang has presence in 13 locations nationwide. Today, the Cycle & Carriage CV Centre is its first dedicated outlet for Mercedes-Benz and FUSO commercial vehicles only.
During the same event, Cycle & Carriage Berhad also marked the delivery of a Mercedes-Benz Actros prime mover each to Chuan City Enterprise Sdn Bhd and Pek Ong and Sons Nurseries Sdn Bhd. Both companies are new customers to Cycle & Carriage Bintang. It was the first Mercedes-Benz Actros purchase for Chuan City Enterprise Sdn Bhd, and the second for Pek Ong and Sons Nurseries Sdn Bhd.
The Cycle & Carriage CV Centre is located at 23 (Lot 213087) Jalan Industri 3/1, Kawasan Perindustrian Gopeng, 31600 Gopeng, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Tel: 05-3541819 / 05-3541280.
For more information, visit www.ccb.mercedes-benz.com.my
TCEC, the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia last week announced the three winners from the first-round draw of the Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest. Najhan Pata bin Sairi, Guillaume Li Ting Khoo and Saraswathy A/P Kulasingham, who purchased the Fluence, Captur and Captur models respectively, each drove away with RM1,500 worth of travel vouchers.
Through the Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest, customers who purchase any Renault model within the campaign period stand to win some attractive prizes. Following this first round draw, there is still a Renault Twizy full-electric vehicle worth RM86,800 and more holiday prizes to be won.
The next two draws for the holiday prizes will be conducted in May and July respectively, while the lucky winner of the Renault Twizy will be decided concurrently during the July draw after the campaign ends.
The Renault ‘Buy & Win’ contest is currently on-going and ends on 30 June 2018. All winners will be notified via phone and an official notification letter will be sent to their mailing address. Attractive promotions through Renault ‘Favours the Bold’campaign ending soon
TCEC is offering attractive promotions with savings of up to RM30,000 on the popular Renault Koleos, Captur and Fluence models under the ‘Favours the Bold’ campaign, which ends on 31 March 2018.
Customers who purchase the Koleos – Renault’s premium SUV – will receive a free service and maintenance package worth RM6,850[1]. Available in 2WD and 4WD versions, prices for the Renault Koleos start at RM184,200[2].
The trendy turbocharged Renault Captur crossover, which is priced at RM109,0002, is also available through the campaign at only RM98,0001.
Additionally, customers who prefer the reliable and solid Renault Fluence sedan will appreciate the promotional price of RM89,8881. The offer translates to RM30,000 in savings and is valid for the Dynamique variant, which is priced at RM119,8882.
[1] All promotions and promotional prices listed are for Peninsular Malaysia and subject to terms and conditions
[2] All prices of vehicles stated are on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration
Set against an Alpine backdrop along the shores of Lake Wörth or Wörthersee as it is known in German, the tranquil town of Reifnitz transforms every May into a giant automobile playground to celebrate the Golf GTI. Since 1982, the town has hosted the “Wörthersee Treffen”, an annual gathering of GTI enthusiasts.
What began as a small gathering of GTI owners is now a full-fledged festival of modified, classic and vintage Volkswagen cars attracting over 100,000 fans around the world. This year marks the 37th year of the event, and it promises to be quite a show. Check out the video from last year!
For the first time ever, and in conjunction with the upcoming launch of the new Golf family, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering fans in Malaysia the chance to win the trip of a lifetime to the annual Wörthersee GTI Festival in Austria.
The contest is divided into two rounds. In Round One, participants are required to answer 10 Golf-related questions in the fastest time, and the top three fastest participant will advance to the Grand Finale. The Grand Finale promises to be a nail-biting experience, as the three finalists will be battling it out in a Live Quiz finale at the Volkswagen Tour happening in 1 Utama Shopping Centre on the 31st of March 2018.
The grand prize? An all-expense paid trip for two to join the thousands of GTI fans around the world in Austria!So rev up, and take on the ultimate Golf challenge!
This is how you get to Worthersee…
ROUND 1: · Participants are required to register and complete their personal details on Volkswagen Malaysia’s website (https://www.volkswagen.com.my/GTIWorthersee) · The contest will run from 20th March till27th March, at 11:59pm · Participants may take part in a practice round to familiarize themselves with the mechanics as many times, before they begin the Quiz. · Participants are required to answer a set of 10 multiple choice questions in the fastest amount of time. · Each participant may submit multiple entries during the contest period. · Three (3) finalists will be selected to compete in the Grand Finale.
ROUND 2 (GRAND FINALE): (Live Quiz Round, 1Utama Shopping Centre) · Three finalists will compete head-to-head in a live quiz hosted at the Volkswagen Tour in 1Utama Shopping Centre on the 31st March 2018. · The Winner will be selected based on the fastest time, the most number of correct answers, subject to the decision by the panel of judges and announced at the event.
This video has gone viral. In it you can clearly see that while the biker was just trying to get by a car in the right lane, the driver of the car ‘brake-checks’ him… more than once.
Was this really necessary? So maybe the biker shouldn’t have honked and revved his engine, but maybe the car should have just moved over. It takes two-hands to clap, but is it worth possibly killing someone over?
Here are my thoughts on the matter, and the general scene right now when it comes to cars and bikes….
Priced at RM320,800 (OTR without insurance) BMW Group Malaysia has just introduced the first-ever BMW X2, the newest member to the premium automaker’s portfolio of Sports Activity Coupes.
Created to transform the Compact Premium segment, the all new model from BMW features unmistakable sporty, dynamic and urban design cues which leaves a confident impression both in its class and within the BMW X model family. Here’s a closer 360-degree walk-around video of it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi2KtXjg6io
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (below) said, “The BMW X models have long made its mark in Malaysia. Last year alone, we delivered over 4,200 BMW X Series vehicles, equating to 39.6% of BMW’s deliveries of 10,618 vehicles. Today, we’re proud to expand our BMW X portfolio here in Malaysia with the first-ever BMW X2.”
Hoelzl added that the new compact premium sports activity coupe promises unadulterated driving pleasure with the ideal balance between sporty driving dynamics and exceptional efficiency. It also offers the best-in-class cabin space.
BMW Malaysia is introducing the X2 in the BMW X2 sDrive20i M Sport variant. The bold, uncompromising nature of the first-ever BMW X2 is evident at first sight and stands out from the crowd in any setting.
The new compact premium sports activity coupe makes a wholly distinctive impression by virtue of the car’s exterior design, while essentially combining the fast-moving body language and low-slung proportions of a coupe with the robust construction of a BMW X model.
“On the road, it is evident that the BMW X2 has the poise of an athlete in peak condition” – BMW.
Above all, it is the BMW X2’s proportions which create its expressive, dynamic demeanour. Featuring short overhangs, it also has a stretched, coupe-style roofline and slim window graphic. Many of the design details emphasise the BMW X2’s standalone nature while simultaneously and unequivocally signalling its membership of the BMW X family.
The time-honoured BMW kidney grille is just one example, turning the familiar trapezoidal shape on its head instead of widening from top to bottom. This is the first time this design detail has seen the light of day on a modern BMW.
The Sports Activity Coupe cuts a dashing figure on every journey, thanks to its peerless BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, a sophisticated powertrain.
Teaming up with the refined chassis to enable remarkable handling qualities, exceptional agility and feedback, all of which provides BMW X2’s unprecedented driving pleasure in this segment.
More on the new BMW X2: A distinctive character that departs from the BMW script…
The kidney grille has always been an identifying feature of a BMW. On the BMW X2, its outline is wider at its base than at its top. The BMW X2 is the first modern BMW to feature this design cue, and it gives the first-ever BMW X2 a broader, even more distinct and sporty appearance.
Below the grille, the hexagonal surface treatment in the bumper further reinforces this impression. The kidney grille provides a visual expression of the BMW X2’s classy appeal. The front to the grille bars in High-Gloss Black contrast with the grille’s chrome surround.
The design of the BMW X2’s headlights reinforce its striking, sporty looks. With the inner headlights being slightly narrower than the outer ones, the BMW X2 assumes a tangible air of concentration and dynamism. Besides LED fog lights, the first-ever BMW X2 comes with LED headlights with extended contents which come with daytime driving lights in 3D icon design.
The BMW X2 wears the BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow line, with the BMW emblem on the C-Pillars, paying homage to BMW’s tradition of creating premium sports coupes. The BMW M Aerodynamics package comes with this Sports Activity Coupe with wheel arch trim and claddings on doors in body colour. Besides the BMW M rear spoiler, the BMW X2 is designed with the BMW M Sport Suspension, lowering it by -10mm to ensure a comfortable drive.
One of the ways the BMW X2 expresses the inherent power of its BMW TwinPower Turbo engine is through the design of the tailpipes. At 90mm in diameter, the all-new BMW X2 comes with two-sided exhaust tailpipe in high-gloss chrome.
Moving to the top, the roofline of the BMW X2 has an almost coupe-like lightness, which gives the whole car the impression of surging forward like an athlete. Further accentuating the sporty look on the BMW X2 is the roof rails in Aluminium Satinated.
On the road, the BMW X2 has a poised stance thanks to the 19” M light alloy wheels, double-spoke style 715M with run-flat properties. The side skirts of the BMW X2 are among its signature features and contribute in no small part to its rugged and assured good looks.
The horizontal design lines of the BMW X2’s rear end tightens the visual distance between the car and the road, emphasising the car’s width and therefore its sporty character. These lines continue into the high-set rear lights.
Daring Interior Lighting Offering…
Inside, the new BMW X2 offers LED ambient lighting with bold choices of Orange, Lilac, Mint, Bronze, Blue and White colour settings to match the daring exterior expression of the vehicle as well as the mood of the driver.
Driving Dynamics…
The BMW X2 drivers think differently. They break with conventions and they lead the way. As such, the BMW X2 makes for their perfect car. This Sports Activity Coupe is powered by the multiple award winning 2-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine which combines twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetronic, double VANOS and High Precision Injection, all of which generates a top speed of 227km/h.
With an overall system output of 192hp and 280Nm of torque, the first-ever BMW X2 sprints from 0-100km/h in just 7.7 seconds. This Sports Activity Coupe also comes with a 7-speed Steptronic Sport double-clutch transmission.
The car’s driving responses can be adapted with a simple push of the Driving Experience Control switch, which allows drivers to choose between COMFORT mode, efficiency-enhancing ECO PRO mode, and SPORT mode. It is also equipped with the Performance Control which allows engine control and brake intervention during cornering.
Contemporary Ambiance with Premium Flair…
The interior of the BMW X2 blends signature BMW elements, such as a pronounced driver focus and dynamic lines, with the understated ruggedness of a BMW X model. From multi-function buttons on the steering wheel to the exterior and interior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, including fold-in function, the high quality of the BMW X2 and its impressive level of equipment are both instantly apparent.
The first-ever BMW X2 offers a generous helping of everyday practicality. On top of the Comfort Access System with contactless opening of the tailgate, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 470 litres, and up to 1,355 litres with the 40/20/40 split folding down rear seat backrests.
Passengers are also prioritised in the designing of the BMW X2 as the automatic air-conditioning comes in two-zone while passengers behind get to enjoy rear air-conditioning. Both front passenger and driver are treated to electric seat adjustment, with the addition of memory function for the driver.
As far as BMW is concerned, there is one thing that always comes first in a connected vehicle: the task of driving. For this reason, all the BMW Connected elements in the new BMW X2 have once again been designed to assist, inform and entertain the driver at the appropriate time using just the right services, including Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Concierge Services, BMW Online and BMW Remote Services.
Still the only premium automaker with such an offering in the industry, the integration of BMW Connected services and comfort-enhancing functions enable BMW X2 drivers to organise their daily routines as efficiently as possible.
The BMW Head-Up Display in full colour projects driver-relevant information to offer a first-class customer experience in this vehicle segment. Besides connecting via USB devices, the BMW X2 also comes with the Extended Smartphone Connectivity which enables owners to connect Bluetooth-compatible mobile phone to the BMW X2 and the hands-free kit. This Sports Activity Coupe offers Navigation Plus with 8.8” touch display which also enables split-view. The Radio Media comes with 4 speakers and 2 woofers base speakers.
The BMW X2 also offers drivers a wide selection of Driver Assistance systems. Besides cruise control with brake function, the Park Assistant helps parallel parking manoeuvres. The Park Distance Control and the rear-view camera also make precise and comfortable manoeuvring that much easier.
In terms of external colour offering, the first-ever BMW X2 offers new and bold colours of Galvanic Gold Metallic, Misano Blue Metallic and Sunset Orange Metallic with Black Interior Colour with contrasting Grey seams.
Specifically with the Black Sapphire metallic model offering, the new compact premium Sports Activity Coupe offers a new interior option of Magma Red interior with contrasting Grey seams. Here’s another walk-around video from the launch today thanks to EVO Aurizn…
The first-ever BMW X2 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Wednesday, 21st March 2018.
Millennium Welt and BMW Motorrad Malaysia opened doors to its first-ever BMW Motorrad showroom in Seremban and the State of Negeri Sembilan recently.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt said, “We at Millenium Welt have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with BMW and MINI over the years, representing the premium automaker here in Seremban as well as in Batu Pahat and in Kuantan. It was only natural for us to also grow with BMW in their two-wheeled division here in Seremban to offer to premium motorcycle enthusiasts here the opportunity to discover the BMW Motorrad brand.”
Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, meanwhile said, “2017 was another record breaking year for BMW Motorrad in Malaysia. In addition to our successful sales performance, we also added five new premium motorcycles to our portfolio. In 2018, we will continue on this positive growth and it begins with the opening of the New Milennium BMW Motorrad dealership here in the State of Negeri Sembilan.”
Last year, the sales across the BMW Motorrad range increased by 13.2% across the globe last year, with a total of 164,153 units delivered worldwide. In Malaysia alone, 1,052 units of its motorcycles were delivered, charting a 5% increase in sales performance as compared to the previous year.
The new showroom can display up to 10 BMW Motorrad motorcycles and is located along Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail in Seremban. The facility is the 11th BMW Motorrad dealership in the country.
Can you believe it? We’re already in the third month of 2018, almost into the second quarter, and thus far, our first national carmaker has been keeping rather quiet insofar as launches are concerned, so what are they up to? Well, this for starters…
Apart from that, believe it or not, there’s really not much going to happen car-launch wise until the ‘big event’ in the fourth quarter of this year, when Proton unveils its new SUV based on the Geely Boyue. Sources have speculated that buyers will have all the space, performance and kit of a Honda CR-V, but at a HR-V price. That’s pretty good I’d say. Here’s a look at the Boyue in action (dialogue in Chinese):
But February 2018 apparently was a busy month for Proton as the company concentrated on activities aimed at having a successful year ahead. Initiatives for Sales, Marketing and Quality Improvement were put in place, while testing for its first above-mentioned SUV developed together with Geely continue. Here’s some of the local media testing it in China last year (dialogue in Bahasa Malaysia):
These initiatives will carry on in March and beyond, with specific models and areas targeted for improvement, namely:
Global Horizon…
On the international scene the Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Li Shufu, announced he had acquired a 9.69% stake in German company Daimler thus making him the single largest shareholder of Mercedes-Benz and Daimler trucks. PROTON could gain from it via its partnership with Geely who currently owns 49.9% of the total shares of Proton.
The ongoing quality journey…
Ever since the tie-up with Geely was announced, PROTON has undergone a quality improvement programme with its partner by using an assessment system that is based on Volvo’s global scoring criteria. In December 2017, an audit was performed by Geely and showed a remarkable threefold improvement, which is testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing work between the two companies.
Further improvements are gradually being introduced and with the next audit scheduled to take place in March 2018, PROTON is confident of achieving a further improvement of its audit score. These improvements are vital as preparations get underway for the launch of PROTON’s first SUV, currently scheduled for the end of 2018.
Iriz in focus…
Despite the advent of the new MyVi and the runaway success story it has become, for February 2018, PROTON achieved sales that were equivalent to a 9.6% share of the overall Malaysian automotive market. The majority of sales was accounted for by the Saga, Persona, Exora and in particular Iriz, which “continues to attract strong interest due to their design, technology and value for money proposition” (source: Proton). Here’s our video take on the Iriz Premium 1.6:
In March 2018, PROTON’s ‘My Style, My Drive’ campaign hits sales galleries nationwide and for this month, it focuses on the Proton Iriz. Customers are invited to rediscover the award-winning compact hatchback by taking a comprehensive test drive to appreciate the new features that were introduced in the updated model in 2017. You can read our full review with videos on it here.
At the same time, PROTON staff will also engage customers to offer advice on how to best use the various smart features of the car while select showrooms are equipped with a safety corner to demonstrate the safety aspects of PROTON’s 5-star ASEAN NCAP rated hatchback. Here’s my final say on the car…
This roadshow is still on-going so head over to your nearest Proton showroom to check it out.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced its return to the 2018 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTDL) as the official automotive partner. Volkswagen’s previous involvement with LTDL was in 2016.
For this year’s LTDL, VPCM will be providing a total of 180 units of Volkswagen cars from its current model line-up, comprising of the Polo, Vento Highline, Passat Trendline, Passat Highline and the Tiguan Highline. The vehicles will be used throughout the race by riders, safety marshals and officials. You can see some of them in this short video leading the LeTour cyclists…
As the official automotive partner, VPCM is also will be presenting the White Jersey to the competition’s Asian Champion. Commenting on the partnership, Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that Volkswagen is honoured to once again be part of Asia’s most prestigious cycling event.
“We are delighted to be able to support the race with our range of Volkswagen models, and we look forward to the amazing display of endurance, agility and strengths from the world-class riders taking part. On behalf of Volkswagen, we wish the participants all the very best,” he added.
Held since 1996, the Le Tour de Langkawi is a multiple stage bicycle race that has gained multiple accolades and is now recognised as a highlight in the global competitive cycling calendar, attracting the world’s top riders.
