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The very first round of the new Extreme E series for electric SUVs got off with a highly-charged (no pun intended) qualifying session at Al-‘Ula in Saudi Arabia yesterday. The round is known as the Desert X Prix and is run in the desert with stunning backdrops.

There was high drama throughout the qualifying session which saw each member of the 2-person crew (one must be a female) driving the specially developed electric SUVs around a challenging, high-speed 8.8-km off-road track. The layout was designed to push drivers and cars absolutely to their limits and apart from the unique noise of the electric motors echoing off the hillsides, there was also a heart-stopping moment when the car of ABT CUPRA XE’s Claudia Hurtgen flipped and rolled 5 times in the sand.

EXTREME E SEASON 1 DESERT X PRIX

EXTREME E SEASON 1 DESERT X PRIX

Winding its way spectacularly between canyons, through ravines, across deep sand dunes and punctuated by 33 waypoints, the rock-strewn course was bumpy and undulating in equal measure, with steep climbs offset by ‘The Drop’ – a 100-metre, 45-degree descent likened by some competitors to tackling a black ski run. For almost everybody, it represented a journey into the unknown – and it produced some memorable action.

Lewis Hamilton’s X44 team ended the day at the top of the rankings following a duel against Nico Rosberg’s competitive Rosberg X Racing outfit, as the two Formula 1 World Champions renewed battle in the desert dunes (through their teams) and mere fractions-of-a-second separated the leading drivers.

EXTREME E SEASON 1 DESERT X PRIX

Sebastien Loeb, the X44 driver, said: “We’re very happy to have finished Qualifying in first place. Today went really well and the whole X44 team did a great job with the car in difficult conditions. We were the first drivers to get out onto the track so it was hard to know what to expect in the first Qualifying round, but obviously our strategy paid off and we achieved the time we needed to. Tomorrow is a new day and the standard of the other teams will be really high, so we’re just going to keep doing what we’re doing and pushing to win.”

Wile Hamilton and Rosberg did not actually drive, 2-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz did, with the ACCIONA | Sainz XE Team. There was no lack of commitment from the 58-year-old – possibly the oldest driver in the field – who was partnered by Laia Sanz – a 13-time Women’s Trial World Champion – who demonstrated her rapid learning abilities on 4 wheels to secure second place for the squad.

Veloce Racing, a British team, won’t be able to continue this weekend as Stephane Sarrazin’s roll. The accident resulted in severe damage to the roll-cage and it cannot be repaired in time to be safe enough for today’s races.

All teams use a vehicle called the ODYSSEY 21 which comprises a common package of standardised parts with a battery pack produced by Williams Advanced Engineering. The vehicle, which has a 400 kW (550 bhp) powertrain, has a niobium-reinforced steel alloy tubular frame, as well as crash structure and roll cage which protected the two drivers who crashed. “It is a testament to CBMM Niobium and their robust and tough chassis which was put to the ultimate test today and delivered,” said Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E.

“I think the first day of Extreme E has been absolutely fantastic. I have been blown away by the action and the images – there was just so much to look at. It was even better than we expected, and the feedback on social media has been amazing – and this was only Qualifying! I really think we are onto something huge here!” he added.

The St Helena transports the teams and their vehicles as well as all the equipment for the event to each round’s location. It has been specially refitted to be environment-friendly and is being used, instead of aircraft, to minimise carbon emissions. It also has a Science Laboratory on board for research to be conducted at each site.

Sébastien Ogier announced as Official Ambassador of Extreme E

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

With the Hari Raya festive period in the coming months, there may be additional expenditures to prepare for the celebration. To help save for that, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has a service promotion which will help Ford owners save money so they have more to spend for their celebrations.

From now until May 31, 2021, the company is offering savings when customers book a service during this period, they can benefit from savings of up to 20% on selected parts and engine oil. Further savings of 20% are also available on brake and timing belt packages, up to 20% discount on a lubricant package, plus 10% discount for labour charges for the packages mentioned (terms and conditions apply).

“We always aim to deliver value-added benefits and services to our customers. Through this service promotion, we hope to offer customers savings during this festive period to keep them and their vehicles safe and at optimum condition as they go about their daily lives,” said Turse Zuhair, Head of Sales at Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

Other rewards too
For added peace-of-mind, Ford vehicles will receive a free 27-point vehicle  inspection conducted by Ford-certified technicians to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top  condition. While there may be a restriction on long-distance travel at this time, it is still a good idea to have the vehicle checked periodically so any issues can be identified early and addressed before they worsen (and cost more to fix!).

Additionally, each customer who spends more than RM350 in a single receipt will receive an exclusive Ford travel mug and all customers bringing their vehicles for servicing will also receive free green packets (subject to stock availability).

Genuine Ford Parts with warranty
As the sold distributor of Ford in Malaysia, SDAC will always ensure that only Genuine or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are used when servicing at any of the 39 authorised Ford service centres nationwide.

With Genuine Ford Parts, customers can be certain of the highest standards of quality, fit and  finish as the parts are designed for specific Ford vehicles to ensure superior performance. When purchased at the service centre, they are also covered by a warranty for a period of 12 months or 20,000 kms (whichever occurs first), excluding wear and tear parts.

An easy way to book a service appointment
For the convenience of owners, a service appointment can be booked online via the Ford website at anytime, from anywhere. All you need is a smartphone or other device with an internet connection. The e-Service Appointment is available for 7 authorised Ford Service Centres – Ford Ara Damansara, Ford  Petaling Jaya 2, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth, Ford Kuching, Ford Kota Kinabalu and Ford  Tawau.

Response to the request for an appointment will be prompt and the owner will immediately know  the available vehicle service time slots at the chosen dealership as well as select and confirm their preferred schedule, up to one month in  advance. To make an e-Service Appointment booking, click here.

Alternatively, customers can call an authorised Ford Service Centre directly or contact the  Customer Care Hotline at 1300 38 3181.

SDAC adheres to the government’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all its outlets to combat COVID-19 pandemic. Customers are required to follow the requirements such as MySejahtera registration, temperature scanning and social distancing for the safety of everyone. While arranging an appointment in advance is better, the owners can still make use of the comfortable customer lounges if they are waiting for their vehicle, and enjoy a nasi lemak or drink too.

2021 Ford Rangers get 5-year warranty as standard

Although Genesis was originally a Hyundai flagship model name, the company decided to spin it off as a stand-alone brand name for a line of more luxurious models. The name is fairly ‘neutral’ in the same way that Lexus, Infiniti and Acura do not immediately register as Japanese brands.

Since being established in 2015, Genesis has steadily built up its portfolio of products, mainly with the American market in mind. There are obviously other models to come and the design language that they may have has been shown in the Genesis X, an EV GT (Gran Turismo) concept car.

Unveiled on a rooftop in Los Angeles, the presentation depicted the dynamism of California’s car culture and the brand’s pioneering spirit, with the promise of a sustainable future for all. It is the brand’s fifth concept car, following the New York, GV80, Essentia, and Mint concepts.

“The Genesis X Concept embodies the essential elements that Genesis pursues in its designs. Meet the future of Genesis design through this concept car, which embodies our brand’s progressive and audacious spirit” said Jay Chang, Global Head of the Genesis Brand.

In particular, the new concept car is a high-performance GT that maximizes use of the Two Lines design element that Genesis is known for. The Two Lines theme, which is applied throughout the interior and exterior, including electric charging devices, embodies the design language of future Genesis EV models. The name is a combination of ‘Genesis’ and the letter ‘X’, which symbolizes a ‘hidden hero’.

“The Genesis X Concept can be described as the ultimate vision of Athletic Elegance, the inherent design language of Genesis,” said Sang-Yup Lee, Head of Genesis’ Global Design. “The signature Two Lines theme and sustainable luxury will be blueprints for the futuristic designs and state-of-the-art technologies that Genesis seeks to adopt in its future models.”

Inherent dignity and pride
The front of the Genesis X features a low, yet broad silhouette thanks to the combination of the shield-shaped Crest Grille, which represents the brand’s inherent dignity and pride, and the two-lined headlamps, which cut through the wheelarch. The double-layered bumpers also create a strong impression.

The two-lined Quad Lamps symbolize Genesis’ unparalleled technology and design, while a 3-dimensional G-Matrix pattern was applied to the sharp and intricate metal structure of the Crest Grille, the symbol of Genesis, to accentuate the imagery of a futuristic electric car. The internal pattern of the grille has been painted in the same colour as the exterior in order to create a sense of unity.

Simple design with sophisticated image
The styling has a simple, yet sophisticated image by integrating the bonnet and the fender to create a single panel-based Clamshell bonnet, resulting in one clean, sensual and uninterrupted surface. The bottom front air vent intake features a thin and sophisticated mesh form that not only creates a sturdy impression, but also helps cool down the vehicle, facilitates airflow, reduces air resistance, and helps extend mileage.

The side profile follows the traditional GT model design with a long bonnet and short rear, and the two-lined lamps leading to the headlamps and taillights are impressive. In addition, the arching Parabolic Line that runs along the side, and the fender’s maximized volume, create a dynamic and elegant impression.

The rear design, incorporating the shape of a horseshoe, exudes a simple and sleek image, while the voluminous fender creates a sophisticated, yet strong impression. In addition, the taillights, which feature a two-lined design like the headlamps, evoke a sense of unity with the front, and create a sophisticated and sensual image with diffusers that accentuate the Two Lines aesthetic.

While the slick, slide-to-open charging door, which features no parting lines, creates a progressive and high-tech image, the Two Lines design element is emphasized through the two-lined lights around the charging port.

Genesis designers maximized the concept car’s sporty sensibility by incorporating two-layered, turbine-type alloy wheels with 5 spokes. The lime accenting on the brake calipers hints at the high-performance character of the Genesis X Concept.

The concept car’s Lençois Blue finish was developed to express the level of sustainable luxury that Genesis pursues. It is inspired by the lagoons of Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, where a lake forms only during the rainy season.

Driver-oriented interior
Inspired by the Beauty of White Space, the Genesis X Concept’s interior features a driver-oriented design with a cockpit that surrounds the driver with all operating systems and displays. Differentiation of space by colouring the driver’s seat scotch brown and the passenger seat an ocean-wave green-blue helps emphasize the concept car’s unique design.

The design of the dashboard creates the sense that it is enveloping passengers and is connected to a floating center console. Again, using the Two Lines design element, the slim and indirect air vents that surround passengers, as well as the side window molding, provide a sense of unity with the exterior design. Interior materials showcase the type of sustainable luxury that the Genesis brand pursues.

In addition, the Free-Form display, which manages various functions such as clusters, navigation and air conditioning system, and the Crystal Sphere Electronic Shift Lever, which integrates driving mode settings, add a high-tech atmosphere to the interior.

The use of upcycled materials adds unique character to the Genesis X’s interior. A weave-patterned fabric made out of leftover pieces of leather from previous manufacturing processes was used for the safety belts, parts of the steering wheel, and the airbag cover, highlighting the concept car’s eco-friendliness.

Genesis made its official entry into China this week with a spectacular Brand Night at Shanghai’s International Cruise Terminal. The company will use an all-new business model for the Chinese market and gradually develop its presence through an omnichannel approach based on direct sales, supported by trusted agents and online sales.

3D display becomes a reality in latest Genesis GV80

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

Proton’s resurgence continued into 2021 with strong monthly sales for the first three months, with March recording the highest volume of 14,989 units (including exports). It was 26.2% higher than the February numbers, which is estimated at 23.5% share of the market, and this volume was also the best sales month since September 2013.

Maintaining its second position on the sales chart, Proton’s cumulative sales for the first quarter (Q1) of the year totalled 32,826 units, giving the brand its highest quarterly market share figure since March 2012.

The top-selling model in March was the Saga with 5,589 units delivered, an increase of 32.5% compared to February. The Persona, Iriz and Exora also posted their best figures for the year with the MPV being the leader in C-segment MPV sales.

SUV sales keep growing
SUV sales continued to grow and more vehicles could be delivered as the new production line at the Tanjung Malim factory enabled higher output. In total, 3,513 units of the X50 were delivered to customers while the X70 saw a month-on-month increase of 58.4% to 2,337 units. When combined, Proton set another internal record with 5,850 SUVs delivered, beating the previous record of 4,820 units that was set in February.

“After a soft start to the year, Malaysia’s automotive industry has finally hit its stride for 2021. We estimate Total Industry Volume to be over 63,000 units, suggesting all brands will post their best numbers for the year to date. For Proton, March was a very good sales month as we achieved our highest figure in 90 months but our sense of achievement is tempered by the fact that it could have been even better if we were able to produce more units,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.

“As things stand, we still have a large order bank to fulfil so over the next few months, Proton will strive to increase production while maintaining our focus on delivering high quality products. We are also mindful that the PENJANA incentives are currently due to expire by the end June, so we aim to ensure as many customers as possible are able to enjoy the tax holiday given by the government,” he added.

New production line at the Tanjung Malim factory has increased output of vehicles.

More loan disbursements
“While the increase in unit sales of Proton vehicles has been our main focus, it is important to acknowledge the growth in loan disbursements by Proton Commerce Sdn Bhd, our in-house auto financing subsidiary. This proves we are offering attractive financing packages to our customers and can compete against other players in the automotive finance market,” Encik Roslan said.

Nearly 4,000 loans were disbursed in Q1 2021 with an estimated 1,700 contracted in March alone. The latter figure is equivalent to a 122% growth over February and overall, disbursements for the first quarter of the year are up by 141% over 2020.

“More importantly, customers can enjoy the convenience of purchasing and financing their new Proton from our authorized dealers, making our outlets a one-stop centre for all their Proton needs,” added Encik Roslan.

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

After Naza’s swift termination of its involvement with the Kia and Peugeot brands during the last quarter of 2020, the market was curious to see who would take over the brands. By December, one part of the question was answered when Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) was announced as  the new distributor for the French brand. BAASB is a joint venture between Berjaya Corporation and Bermaz Auto, the latter already established as the distributor of Mazda vehicles.

Kia took a bit longer but Bermaz Auto (or BAuto) was a strong candidate and today, that has been officially confirmed with the full details announced at a press conference. A subsidiary of BAuto, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd (DMSB), will be the sole distributor while another company – Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd – has also been formed to manage the assembly of Kia vehicles locally and Kia Motors has majority share in this company.

A fist-bump between Tae-Hun Lee, President & CEO of Kia Asia-Pacific (left) and Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman of Bermaz Auto, after exchanging documents to start off the new relationship between the two companies.

Joint-Venture and Distributorship agreements
Commenting on this development, Tae-Hun Lee, President & CEO of Kia Asia-Pacific, said: “After months of searching for the right partner, Kia is delighted to enter into the Kia JV and Kia Distributorship with Bermaz Auto. With BAuto’s proven capability in successfully building up automotive marques in Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as their automotive manufacturing experience, we believe we have placed the Kia brand in good hands under the capable leadership of its Executive Chairman, Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh.”

While the matter of continuing its presence in the Malaysian market is settled, Kia is also looking at making its assembly operations Malaysia a hub for supplying vehicles around the region and possibly beyond. In as far as ASEAN is concerned, the Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement provides for duty free import of vehicles by an ASEAN country of the vehicle is produced within the region. However, the level of ASEAN-sourced content must be at least 40%.

The first two models to be assembled in Malaysia will be the Seltos (above) and the 4th generation of the Carnival MPV which was launched in Korea in August 2020.

2021 Kia Carnival

Due to current government policies and incentives, vehicles assembled in Malaysia can be sold at more attractive prices in the local market, enabling growth of volumes. However, Dato’ Seri Yeoh said that the locally-assembled models won’t be available for at least 12 to 18 months as that is the time that will be needed to prepare the plant and get suppliers of certain parts.

Local assembly to be at Inokom plant
The plant to be used is Inokom Corporation in Kulim, Kedah which is majority owned by Sime Darby Berhad. The other shareholders are  Bermaz Auto and, interestingly, Hyundai Motor Company (15%). The Korean carmaker was actually an original investor in the plant when it began operations in 1997 and in those early years, Renault also had a share. Both Hyundai and Renault assembled some products that were sold under the Inokom brand then.

In the meantime, DMSB will distribute models that are imported CBU (completely built-up) from Korea. There are some stocks remaining from Naza’s inventory which will be taken over and sold through the Kia network which has 30+ dealers presently.

The Inokom factory in Kedah where vehicles from the BMW, Hyundai, MINI and Mazda brands are currently assembled, with Kia to be added next year.

Three models to be assembled
At least three models will be assembled locally and the first two have already been identified. They will be the Seltos, a small SUV, and the new generation of the Carnival. The third model will be decided later. When exports do begin, possibly in 2023, the first market is likely to be the Philippines as BAuto already has its own subsidiary there handling the Mazda business. Of course, a new operating unit will be set up for Kia, and the same will apply in Malaysia although some of the key figures at the top will be the same for all the brands.

The most notable is Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh who has decades of experience in the auto industry. He started off in the 1970s at Cycle & Carriage Bintang and was involved in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and then spent time over the following decades involved in brands such as Toyota, Daihatsu, Proton, Hyundai, Skoda and Mazda. He is therefore familiar with Japanese, European and Korean products and is helping develop the next generation for the auto business.

Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh (left) and some of the members of his team who have set a good track record of building up the Hyundai and Mazda brands.

He is aware of the legacy issues relating to Kia vehicles and said that DMSB will examine all past promises to customers and see how to best move forward with existing owners. Given the track record shown in building up the Mazda brand in Malaysia, many expect that he will put a shine on the Kia brand in due course. He said that he is also pleased that Kia Motors has a share in the joint-venture as this demonstrates that strong commitment and support for the business.

Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, who will head the Kia business, has previously been in a company that also handled Mazda, Peugeot and Kia. This was during the 1990s when Cycle & Carriage Bintang was the distributor for the brands. He will also be heading the team at BAASB which handles Peugeot and is a director of Bermaz Motor which handles Mazda.

The Inokom plant is very familiar to the BAuto leadership, some of whom were in its management in its earliest days. They also began local assembly of Hyundai models during the days when Hyumal was the distributor and 10 years ago, they returned to being involved at the plant when local assembled of Mazda vehicles began again. Soon, they will be planning for the assembly of the Seltos and Carnival.

At the beginning of this year, Kia introduced its new brand logo and also announced a bold transformation strategy.

Kia’s bold transformation underway
The timing for BAuto to associate itself with Kia is also good, as it was when the company took over the Mazda franchise in 2008 from Cycle & Carriage Bintang. At that time, Mazda was starting with to introduce a completely refreshed range of models, all of which would prove highly appealing to customers and boost sales quickly. Likewise, Kia started this year with the unveiling of a new corporate logo which also marked the start of a bold transformation which will see the revamping of nearly all facets of its business to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry.

The Korean carmaker’s long-term business strategy, which has the ambition to take a leading position in the global car market, will include  popularizing electric vehicles. A global EV business strategy aims to put the brand in a leadership position and to achieve this, Kia will launch a diverse range of dedicated BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles). “The next generation products are sustainable, focusing on high electrification, active safety, connectivity with many autonomous features and are highly human-centric,” observed Dato’ Seri Yeoh.

Kia will be focussing more and more on electrically-powered vehicles and aims to become a global leader in the field.

Dato’ Seri Yeoh said that while it is evident that Kia is strongly focusing on EVs, such vehicles may not be offered so soon in Malaysia. He has always been pragmatic in his approach to business and he believes that consumer acceptance needs to be stronger. That is the same sentiment that other companies have as the government is not pro-active in the area of electric vehicles. While governments in neighbouring countries have announced and even implemented sound policies and incentives that are attractive and give carmakers confidence to invest, Malaysia is still not doing the same.

Calling existing Kia owners
In the meantime, DMSB, as the new distributors, would like all existing owners of Kia vehicles in Malaysia to provide their details so that they can be registered in the database. This is especially important for those whose vehicles are still under warranty. It is almost certain that as a responsible manufacturer, Kia will honour whatever warranties have been given with their vehicles sold previously but DMSB will need owners to provide information. Furthermore, being registered in DMSB’s database means that any recalls or other notifications will be communicated to them. To register details, visit this website: Kia Customers’ Information Update.

Kia to move away from traditional manufacturing-driven business model

MG is an old British brand and while many Malaysians may think the brand has faded away, it is actually still around and is owned by SAIC, a company in China. The company is known as MG Motor UK Limited today and has a range of models which it sells in certain markets.

Like other carmakers, MG Motor also has an eye towards the future and it will show what its vision is at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show later this month. The vision will take a 3-dimension form known as the Cyberster concept car which was developed by the team at the MG Advanced Design Centre in London.

MG Cyberster concept 2021

MG Cyberster concept 2021 (1)

It is a 2-door, 2-seater sportscar recalling the brand’s tradition, drawing a number of styling cues from the classic MGB Roadster. There are those classic round MG headlights, coupled with a slim grille design, along with interactive ‘Magic Eye’ headlights that open when switched on.

Other interesting details of the MG Cyberster are the ‘laser belt’ LED strip down the side of the car and the outline of the door, which follows the direction of the LED strip. The tail lamps are of LED construction and are integrated flat into the rear of the car, projecting a digital image that echoes MG’s British heritage.

MG Cyberster concept 2021

“Sports cars are the lifeblood of the MG DNA and Cyberster is a hugely exciting concept for us,” declared Carl Gotham, Director of SAIC Design Advanced London. “The Cyberster is a bold statement that looks strongly into MG’s future, touching on our heritage but more importantly building on our cutting-edge technology and advanced design.”

The Cyberster’s, with intelligent all-electric architecture, will have a projected EV range of 800 kms and is claimed to be able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds. It will also feature 5G interconnectivity.

One of the current MG models on sale and (below) two concept cars presented in earlier years.

Mazda’s Kodo Design is 10 years old and continues to evolve

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

Owning a Volkswagen Passat will undoubtedly give much driving pleasure and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is enhancing that ownership experience with a complimentary stay at the Pangkor Laut Resort in Perak. The offer is for customers who purchase a new Passat Elegance or Passat R-Line before April 30, 2021.

Additionally, during this promotion period, the Passat Elegance comes with insurance premium (worth RM5,500) covered by VPCM for the first year, while the Passat R-Line comes with a year’s free supply of petrol (worth RM2,500).

The Pangkor Laut Resort stay is for two nights for two persons in a Hill Villa up on the hillside of the island which offers a magnificent view of the sea and overlooks beautiful tropical gardens. Inclusive in the package are all three daily meals, and guests will also receive a 50-minute massage treatment. The package covers return scheduled speedboat transfers to and from Marina Island Pangkor on the mainland.

Pangkor Laut Resort in Perak

Valid until December 2022
Of course, for now, interstate travel is not permitted so new Passat owners from outside Perak would not be able to drive to Lumut, from which the speedboat starts. However, the stay is valid until December 20, 2022 which is over one year away so restrictions should end by then. You can help bring that end as soon as possible by doing your part to bring the COVID-19 case numbers down.


Related: Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Passat R-Line


“The current travel implementations by the government meant that we have not been able to travel and get away from the hustle and bustle of our city lives. With this campaign, we are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to experience two award winners – the Passat, the world’s best-selling mid-sized sedan – and Pangkor Laut Resort, previously voted ‘Number One in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.

The Passat Elegance and its sportier sibling, the Passat R-Line are the world’s best-selling mid-sized sedans. Both are powered by a 2.0TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 190 ps/320 Nm output, and paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). The top-of-the-range R-Line also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control and other technologically advanced features. With the current sales tax exemption (until June 30, 2021), the Elegance is priced at RM181,856 and the R-Line is at RM203,411 (excluding insurance).

The Passat Escape
On April 10/11, Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be hosting ‘The Passat Escape’, an event to showcase the features of the two models and highlight attractive deals and promotions. Customers are invited to tune in to the respective dealers’ social media channels or visit any authorised showroom.

All Volkswagen models come with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage, and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance. For more information on the Passat and other models available in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Review: Volkswagen Passat R-Line – Very Nearly Perfect!

Although sales in the first month of this year began on a low note with the Total Industry Volume (TIV) of new vehicles registered being 51% lower than the TIV in December, the market gradually improved and most companies had increasing sales in the two months that followed.

Perodua sold an estimated 57,911 vehicles in the first quarter of 2021 (Q1) which was 29% greater than the 44,977 units it sold in the same period last year. Of course, it must also be remembered that March last year was a short business month as the Movement Control Order (MCO) began and no sales activities could be carried out at all.

Month-on-month, Perodua’s registrations jumped by 47.3% to 24,433 units in March 2021 compared to February 2021’s 16,583 units. A big contributor was the new Ativa SUV (below) which was launched in early March, with 4,345 units delivered during the month.

14,574 bookings for Ativa
“March saw a jump in our sales numbers to an estimated 24,433 units, underpinned by strong demand, particularly for the Ativa, which has collected 14,574 bookings since we began order-taking on 19 February,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“This makes the Perodua Ativa the best-selling compact SUV in the country in the month of March. We are glad that the Perodua Ativa has gotten off to such a strong start, and that we well surpassed our 3,000-unit monthly delivery target in the first month,” he said.

“We thank Malaysians for their support and trust. On our end, we are committed towards timely deliveries of every order made,” Dato’ Zainal said, adding that production has increased not just for this new model but also for all of Perodua’s models.

A shipment of newly built Perodua vehicles on the way to dealers.

Shortage of semiconductor chips
During Q1 2021, Perodua manufactured 60,383 vehicles – 23% more than the 49,280 units produced in the same period in 2020. However, like other carmakers, the company has been facing the challenge of shortage of the semiconductor chips needed for the many electronic systems.

“We are working with our partners to find alternative supply while at the same time monitoring the situation on a daily basis to ensure continued operation of our production lines,” Dato’ Zainal Abidin said. He is confident that, despite the semiconductor issue, Perodua will still be able to meet its initial 2021 sales target of 240,000 units.

The 2021 sales target represents a 9% increase from the 220,163 units sold in 2020, and is expected to lead to a record purchase of RM6.5 billion worth of locally-sourced components this year.

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

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

2021 versions of the Mazda6 and Mazda MX-5 RF are now available in Malaysia, Bermaz Motor announced today. Pricing (without insurance) for the models start from RM170,917 and RM258,591, respectively. Purchases made before June 30, 2021 will have 50% of the sale tax exempted under the PENJANA program.

With each new mode, Bermaz Motor offers 5-year (or maximum of 100,000 kms) manufacturer’s warranty and free scheduled maintenance for the first 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms). The free maintenance program includes costs for labour, parts and lubricants.

2021 MAZDA6
As before, this sedan model comes with a choice of SKYACTIV-G 2-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engines, coupled to the efficient SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-apeed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The driving dynamics are enhanced by G-Vectoring Control Plus which is the second generation of Mazda’s vehicle dynamics control technology which now has direct yaw moment control via the brakes as well.

2021 Mazda6

For the Mazda6 2.5, there are 19-inch alloy rims finished in metallic black and Gloss Black Door Mirrors, while the interior comes with leather upholstery throughout the cabin is in Burgundy Red with the same colour used for the stitching on the dashboard and door trims.

The 2-litre variant is now equipped with Advanced Keyless Entry and a Walkaway door lock feature for extra convenience while paddle shifters have been added to the steering wheel. For the 2.5-litre variant, a power sunroof and head-up display are standard.

2021 Mazda6

2021 Mazda6

2021 Mazda6

Both variants now have Wireless Apple CarPlay which allows iPhone connectivity without the need for a Lightning cable link. It uses a combination of Bluetooth and wifi to connect an iPhone and once paired properly, projecting the apps from the smartphone to the dashboard display can occur automatically. Android Auto is also available for those with smartphones running on the Android operating system.

The 6 previous colour choices for the Mazda6 – Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black – continue to be offered, with Polymetal Gray now added to the list.

2021 Mazda6

2021 Mazda6

2021 MAZDA MX-5
Bermaz Motor is importing only the RF version of the roadster and a World Car of the Year winner. The design of this version has a Retractable Fastback (RF) which preserves the iconic lines of the sportscar while providing open-air motoring pleasure.

2021 Mazda MX-5 RF

It is powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2-litre engine with a 181 ps/205 Nm output which goes to the rear wheels. Transmission options are a SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Besides the kerb weight of 1,111 kgs which provides an excellent weight-to-power ratio, the driving dynamics are also enhanced by ‘jinba-ittai’, the unity between driver and car that are a must for every Mazda.

2021 Mazda MX-5 RF
A manual transmission is also available with the SKYACTIV-G engine.

The MZD infotainment system with a 7-inch full colour touchscreen includes Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay (new) for ease of connectivity. Besides voice commands, the system is also managed by a multi-function controller between the front seats.

2021 Mazda MX-5 RF

Customers have a choice of exterior colours – Soul Red Crystal, Snowflake White Pearl, Deep Crystal Blue, Machine Grey, Jet Black and Polymetal Grey.

To know more about the new Mazda6 and Mazda MX-5, visit www.mazda.com.my.

Bermaz Motor accepting bookings for 2021 Mazda CX-3 2.0, priced from RM130,729

An all-new Isuzu D-MAX for 2021 is due to make its appearance later this month, which is surprise news as this third generation model – which had its global debut just 18 months ago in Thailand – was expected to arrive only next year.

Explaining the speedy introduction, the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia’s Light Commercial Division, Masayuki Suzuki, said that the fast-tracked launch of the new D-Max was made possible through the support of Isuzu Motors Ltd. that views Malaysia as a strategic market. It is important enough that the company even invested it having its own assembly plant locally (in Pekan, Pahang).

“We are extremely thrilled that this impressive all-new Isuzu D-Max has been made available in Malaysia much earlier than expected. As the fifth country in the world to launch this model after its global introduction in Thailand, it stands as testament to the strong commitment from Isuzu Motors towards ensuring that the Malaysian market enjoys the latest selection of choice Isuzu vehicles,” he said.

Mr. Suzuki said the D-Max has an estimated price range between RM89,000 and RM145,000, depending on the variant and subject to government approvals. He said that those who wish to be the first owners can place their booking from today at all authorized Isuzu dealerships nationwide.

“The all-new Isuzu D-Max has made scores of new fans in the markets it has been introduced in and I believe that the same will happen here in Malaysia. This new model evokes a new level of interest in owning and driving a pick-up truck hence we have initiated this pre-launch booking programme to ensure those who have eagerly awaited the arrival of the new model will be among the very first to take delivery once it has been officially launched,” he said.

The award-winning RZ-4E 1.9-litre turbodiesel ‘Blue Power’ engine.

Bold and sporty with more space inside
The latest D-Max model has been extensively developed to exceed the normal perimeters of a pick-up truck while adding an emotive dimension to its highly dependable and impressively-capable character. Developed on a design theme of’ bold and sporty’, it presents a strong road presence from its masculine frontal design and purposeful outline that exudes a more athletic and dynamic stance.

With its larger overall dimensions and longer wheelbase that enable a more spacious cabin and larger load bed, owners will enjoy improvements in aspects such as comfort, space and versatility making this truck ideal for every purpose.

2 bodystyles, 2 engine choices
As before, there will be single and double cab bodystyles, and customers will have a choice of the award-winning RZ-4E 1.9-litre powerplant or a revised 4JJ-3TCX 3-litre engine. Both engines, which deliver strong output, have already been proven for their durability, reliability and fuel efficiency.

The new D-MAX has been tested by ASEAN NCAP and received the maximum rating of 5 stars.

5-star safety
ASEAN NCAP, the independent organization which evaluates vehicle safety, has already tested the new D-MAX and after analysing data from a crash test as well as other results, the maximum 5-star rating was awarded. Besides this assurance of a high level of protection for the occupants, there’s a host of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (available in selected variants) to help avoid accidents.

To learn more about the all-new Isuzu D-Max or to find a showroom to make a booking, visit the Isuzu D-Max Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ISUZU.DMax.Malaysia/.

Isuzu Dura Miles Challenge shows fuel efficiency of 1.9-litre Blue Power engine

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