Until now, owners of Isuzu vehicles in Taiping and the surrounding areas had to travel to either Ipoh in the south or Prai in the north to get aftersales services. To make things more convenient, Isuzu Malaysia has appointed GB Motors as an authorised dealer to serve Taiping and surrounding areas.
Full range of services
The new Isuzu dealership is a 3S dealership, so it offers the full range of services from sales to aftersales as well as the sale of spare parts. The outlet, officially opened recently, is strategically and located along Jalan Simpang close to main crossroad leading to Taiping.
It is located on a 5,300 sq. metre site so there’s plenty of parking space for visitors as well as fleet operators who use Isuzu commercial vehicles. The facility, which has a built-up area of approximately 1,400 sq. metres, has a spacious showroom for those shopping for a new Isuzu vehicle. There is also a comfortable waiting area for owners to wait while their vehicles are being attended to by trained technicians.
Lounge for customers waiting for their vehicles being serviced.
“As one of the largest independent automotive retailers in Malaysia with over 25 years of delivering positive experiences here in the northern region, I believe that this new Goh Brothers outlet will offer excellent professional service and play a key role in developing the Isuzu business here and serving the growing population and businesses around the Taiping area,” said Koji Nakamura, CEO of Isuzu Malaysia.
Month-long campaign
To celebrate their appointment as an Isuzu Authorised 3S Centre, GB Motors will be holding a month-long test drive campaign. The first 100 persons to test drive any Isuzu vehicle at the showroom will receive a special goody bag filled with mystery gifts.
To locate other Isuzu outlets in the network in Malaysia, visit www.isuzu.net.my.
Race starts at 1:10 pm in Portugal/9:10 pm in Malaysia
Round 12 of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship will see teams race in Portugal for first time in 24 years. Not since 1996 has there been a Portuguese F1 Grand Prix although the country has had its own GP since the 1950s. In its first 10 years, it was run on a street circuit and then from 1984 until 1996, at the Estoril circuit. The poor condition of the circuit led to it being dropped as a F1 venue when the government was slow in making the required improvements.
However, the twelfth round is not being held at 48-year old Estoril circuit but the newer Algarve International Circuit, referred to as the Portimao Circuit as it is close to the city of that name. The circuit was completed in 2008 and is FIA-certified for world championships.
It has been added to the 2020 calendar as one of the circuits available in view of others being closed or conditions not suitable due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no certainty that the Portimao Circuit will be used again in future.
While the circuit has never hosted a F1 race, it has been used as a test venue for F1 teams on three occasions. Within two months of its completion, Ferrari and McLaren conducted a 2-day test; a month later, McLaren and Toyota came, followed by Renault, Toro Rosso and Williams.
A lot of ups and downs
The hillside circuit to the north of the city has been likened to a scaled down Spa-Francorchamps, as it is defined by frequent changes of elevation. The track features a wide variety of corners and also a long pit straight that measures almost a kilometre in length. A number of blind corners also call to mind Austin’s Circuit of the Americas.
“On paper, the track layout itself should suit higher downforce levels but because of the long main straight, we’re likely to see teams trialling different wing settings in practice to decide where the compromise is – being faster in the corners or protecting yourself on the long straight,” said Mercedes-AMG’s Toto Wolff.
“We’re expecting overtaking to be tricky in Portugal due to the flowing nature of the track and lack of heavy braking zones. The only DRS zone is on the main straight and the quick final corner will make it harder for cars to keep a tight gap. The zone itself is very long, so this should give drivers the chance to close up on their rivals,” he explained.
No historical data
This being a new venue, there is an absence of historical data to call upon. So achieving the perfect car set-up will be tricky and complicating matters is the fact that the entire track has been resurfaced for its first ever F1 race this weekend.
To best cope with the uncertain demands of the layout and the new surface, Pirelli is providing the hardest tyres in the range. The C1 compound will feature as the white-banded hard tyre, the C2 as the yellow medium and the C3 as the red soft tyre.
Championship positions
In the Drivers’ Championship, Lewis Hamilton remains in his commanding lead, now 69 points ahead of team mate Valtteri Bottas. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to narrow the gap to Bottas to just 14 points after the Mercedes-AMG driver did not finish at the Eifel Grand Prix a fortnight ago. Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo’s first podium since 2018 vaulted the Australian to fourth in the standings with 78 points, 10 points ahead of BWT Racing Point’s Sergio Perez.
In the battle for the Constructors’ crown, Mercedes-AMG have reached almost 400 points and 180 points ahead of second-placed Red Bull Racing. This weekend’s race could confirm the team’s seventh consecutive title. To do so, it would need to score 40 points or more than its closest rival. Incidentally, the Portuguese GP has twice been the championship-deciding race for the Drivers Championship (1984 and 1993).
Behind the top two, BWT Racing Point have overtaken McLaren to sit in third place with 120 points, though the gap is just 4 points. Ricciardo’s podium put Renault in fifth, 2 points behind McLaren.
The Indian auto industry produces about 3.5 million to 4 million passenger vehicles (4-wheelers) a year, of which around 20% is exported. The number looks set to increase to 40% with the ‘Make in India, make for the world’ agenda that is a key element in the country’s Automotive Mission Plan 2026.
As always, global automakers will look for regions where they can make their products at low cost and export from there. India has much potential with its mature industry and over the years, some automakers have steadily increased their use of the country as a production hub.
Nissan will also use India as a production hub for its all-new Nissan Magnite SUV, launched recently, that is aimed at the Indian, Middle East and African markets. Designed in Japan, the Magnite is Nissan’s first SUV in the sub-4-metre Indian market category and one of the 12 new models the automaker will introduce before the end of 2021.
Datsun styling elements
The Magnite’s exterior follows the same styling ideas as found in Nissan’s recent SUVs. The grille, however, does not follow the ‘V-motion’ front design signature on many of today’s Nissan products. It adopts the design that was used by the short-lived Datsun brand and the reason is probably because this model was originally developed for sales as a Datsun.
As Nissan decided to terminate the brand (again) last year, the time may have been too short to redesign the front end, so it has remained. This could make the facelift a rather radical change if there is a move to unify the Magnite with the rest of the Nissan family by changing to the V-motion grille. For now, the Magnite has the new brand logo.
The slim front lights are LEDs, with L-shaped daytime running lights that sit at the lower section of the headlamp housings. Skid plates under the front and rear provide protection to the underbody while 205 mm of ground clearance will enable to Magnite to traverse flooded roads and rough tracks.
Compact outside, spacious inside
On the inside, the cabin appears pretty spacious in spite of the compact exterior dimensions. Typical of SUVs, there is a high seating position and maximum use has been made of the available width to provide as much shoulder space as possible between the occupants. Nissan says that rear passengers will enjoy a level of knee room usually found in vehicles one class above.
The dashboard design has some interesting new ideas, with a slightly ‘advanced’ look. The infotainment system has an 8-inch display and is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also the first-in-class with a 7-inch TFT (thin-film-transistor) display for the instrument screen to provide clearer and sharper images.
Nissan has also made sure that the driver gets assistance for motoring safety. The Magnite comes with safety features such as Hill Start Assist and a 360-degree monitor, along with stability control, ABS, EBD, etc. ISOFIX mounts are also provided for parents to install compatible childseats at the back.
1-litre turbo engine
For the Indian market, Nissan is providing a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine in two outputs, paired with a manual gearbox or CVT. This is the HR10DET which is found in the latest Almera for the Malaysian market. Given the size of the Magnite, it should provide more than enough power for spirited performance.
The prices are not available yet as the model will only go on sale in early 2021. But it will have to be attractive in a segment that is already crowded with models like the Ford Ecosport, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV and Hyundai Venue.
Whether it comes to Malaysia remains to be seen although pitching a compact model like this means going against the two Malaysian brands and that makes pricing very challenging. Edaran Tan Chong Motor would probably prefer to focus on pushing its new Almera Turbo as its entry-level offering. Anyway, whatever Malaysia gets usually follows the Thai market and if you don’t see the Magnite there, chances are we won’t get it either.
Following in the emission-free trail of single-seater Formula E and off-road Extreme E championships is SuperCharge, an all-new global motorsport series to be based on electric crossover road cars. With the aim of providing spectacular entertainment and ultimately promote electric cars, SuperCharge will start in 2022 with eight events around the world.
Designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, SuperCharge has been created, in consultation with some of the world’s leading car manufacturers, as a new racing concept to showcase next-generation electrically-powered road cars. These would be in the volume and growth part of the market – compact SUVs and crossovers – as well as leading-edge battery technologies.
New appeal in motorsport
Resetting the relevance, appeal and value of motorsport, the new racing series aims to be located in bustling urban environments based around an access all areas, fun, informative, festival-style atmosphere.
“Motorsport is at a crossroads,” said SuperCharge Managing Director and co-founder Rob Armstrong. “Alejandro Agag and Jean Todt have done a great job pioneering electric motorsport. With many countries and cities already announcing plans to ban internal combustion-engine cars in the coming years, the need for road car-based electric motorsport is becoming more and more compelling. We believe it is only a matter of time before there are more electric motorsport series. Given this rapidly increasing EV momentum, we believe the timing and appeal of SuperCharge is ideal and see a clear space for it as the road car-relevant motorsport series.”
“We have carefully conceived SuperCharge to take account into these societal changes and to consider the needs of car companies, fans, commercial parties and venues in order to make a truly sustainable and commercially viable new series. SuperCharge takes motorsport into a new and hugely relevant arena and we can’t wait to spark the series into life across the globe,” he said.
Informing, educating and promoting
The planning and development of SuperCharge over the past 18 months has been carefully undertaken to ensure it is fully relevant, cost-effective and incubates technological advancements. At the same time, the new series offers clear technical and commercial benefits for car manufacturers.
The concept will attract new audiences for electric vehicles as well as give manufacturers the scope to develop, test and hone electric car battery technology innovations (including smart energy management systems) and relevant software in real-world racing.
Manufacturer-focused
As a manufacturer-focused series, SuperCharge is based on cars recognisable on the outside as electric road cars which the public can, or will be able to, buy. Nevertheless, the SuperCharge race cars, codenamed SC01, will offer extreme performance with similar acceleration to a Formula 1 car. They will have electric drivetrains on the front and rear axles, generating peak power from the battery of up to 500 kW (equivalent to around 670 bhp) and rocket to 100 km/h from standstill in just 2.5 seconds.
Teams will be able to adapt the standard specification car in two ways. The first is the car’s bodywork, so the public have a clear visual link between the striking racing car on the track and the one they can enjoy on the road. The second is battery technology system development, that can in turn enhance the underlying battery performance of road-going EVs.
To reflect the full electric ecosystem on public roads, the SuperCharge race car will also be designed to use roadside fast charging systems and connectors. And to ensure racing is extremely competitive and entertaining, the technical regulations of the series mean the only ways of gaining improved on-track performance come from a combination of driver skill (driver aids including launch control, traction control, brake-by-wire are explicitly outlawed), mechanical set-up (including suspension and differential adjustment) and team development of battery technology systems.
The circuits
Each circuit will use an ‘amphitheatre’ concept which can be adapted to suit a variety of urban venue settings from parks, street circuits or existing racetracks. Extensive views of the fast-paced-action will be assured through various viewing platforms.
Every SuperCharge racetrack will feature unique characteristics. One will be a 2.5-metre ramp that could project the cars up to 10 metres on every lap. Able to accommodate two or more cars abreast, it will be an integral racing element and core circuit feature, enabling drivers to utilise different jump entry and exit tactics.
A second feature of the circuit will be low-friction zones that will allow the cars to slide, drift and touch, increasing the drama and proximity of the close-quarter racing. Every SuperTrack will also feature a water gantry, adding yet another dimension to the circuit to test driver skill by creating a dry/wet/dry surface transition.
Centre-stage in the SuperCharge paddock concept is a charging zone that adopts regular road car connectors and roadside fast charging to inform the public around the whole EV ownership experience.
Consistent with the ethos of the series, the footprint and costs of SuperCharge events have also been structured to be environmentally and financially sustainable. Among the measures being incorporated are the use of existing city racing infrastructure wherever possible, as well as sea and road freight.
SuperCharge is working closely with both the British Automobile Racing Club and Motorsport UK as it seeks to apply to become an FIA International Series. The 8 events for the inaugural series will be in cities from the Asia-Pacific, China, Europe, Middle East and the USA.
Sime Darby Motors, with its portfolio of different brands, offers a wide range of new models across the consumer spectrum. At the same time, its various subsidiaries will have pre-owned units that customers may have traded-in, broadening its range of offerings.
Many of the pre-owned vehicles are managed by Sime Darby Auto Selection (SDAS), a unit of Sime Darby Motors which handles used vehicles. Now, SDAS has an online store to provide additional convenience to customers shopping for used vehicles.
The SDAS online store at simedarbyautoselection.com.my offers an easy way to search through the wide range of used vehicles (some of which are nearly new). There are up to 300 vehicles of multiple brands listed, and they are not limited to Sime Darby Motors’ franchise brands such as Ford, BMW, Hyundai, Land Rover, Porsche, etc.
Thoroughly inspected vehicles
Every used vehicle listed by SDAS has undergone a thorough inspection process to ensure it is in the best possible condition and quality. The website also comes with user-friendly features that enable scheduling of car inspections and appraisal appointments, service appointment and test-drive bookings, as well as the latest promotions and events.
The website will debut a ‘Spin Car’ feature which offers customers 360° interior and exterior view of vehicles, allowing customers to explore every detail of the vehicle they are interested in, from all angles.
One of the many brands in the Sime Darby Motors portfolio is Ford, which is handled by Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
Aiming to be a trusted used car dealer
“Along with our vision to be the trusted used car dealer, the team behind Sime Darby Auto Selection strives to offer premium quality used cars and excellent after-sales services to our customers. Sime Darby Auto Selection’s online used car store caters to all our customers’ needs. Those looking to buy a used car can browse our wide selection and schedule test drives, while those selling their cars may schedule appraisal appointments,” said the MD of Sime Darby Auto Selection, Vi Thim Juan.
“By leveraging on the power of the Internet and mobile technology, we are able to provide a seamless online used car trading experience for our customers, and we hope to leverage on this capability to grow our business even further,” he added.
Additional features such as loan calculators and booking transactions to enable placement of orders at any time, without the hassle of visiting a dealership, will be introduced at the online store in the near future.
Since the establishment of its Customer Racing division in 2015, Hyundai Motorsport has been providing teams and drivers competitive cars for rallies or circuit racing. From its competitive i20 R5 rallycar to the competitive i30 N TCR, Hyundai Motorsport-built cars have claimed victory in several championships, including national rally series in France and Spain, as well as consecutive titles in the FIA World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) in 2018 and 2019.
The i20R5 has been in competition since 2016.
5 years of experience
Drawing on the Customer Racing department’s 5 years of experience with the i20 R5, an all-new rallycar has been developed for privateer teams and drivers. Revealed recently, the new i20 N Rally2 is an improved all-round package based on the strong foundation of the new road-going i20 N chassis.
The i20 N Rally2, to be entered in 2021 rallies, retains the dynamic look of the road car – part of Hyundai’s new ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ identity – which includes several elements inspired by motorsport. With the exception of the 5-speed sequential gearbox from the i20 R5, nearly every other part of the i20 N Rally2 is brand new, including the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.
“The i20 R5 was the first car from our Customer Racing department, and the new i20 N Rally2 shows how far we have come in the 5 years since the creation of the department,” said Team Principal Andrea Adamo. “Every area of the new car is an improvement over the original, thanks to the work of our dedicated team of designers and engineers.”
Fresh approach
The design process began in January this year with a specialised group of designers and engineers leveraging the experience of the i20 R5 project. In doing so, they have been able to take advantage of the growth of the Customer Racing business since 2015, which has seen the department grow from a handful of people to a team of 60.
The development of the i20 R5 has continued, with the engineers providing several updates to the original car in recent seasons to improve handling and performance. The i20 N Rally2 carries over these enhancements, with the new chassis allowing further gains in nearly every aspect of the car.
New suspension components and dampers give the car more driver-friendly handling characteristics on all surfaces – vital for the Rally2 category, which forms the basis for national and regional championships as well as WRC 2 and WRC 3 classes.
On a mission for more success
The i20 N Rally2 is developed with the aim of continuing the success of the i20 R5, which has claimed numerous titles with our customers since its debut in 2016. The i20 R5 customer teams will continue to receive the same level of support, uninterrupted by the development of the new car.
“Our focus is now on testing the i20 N Rally2 to further develop each aspect of the design to improve performance and reliability, while also ensuring the handling enables each of our customers to achieve the best possible results when they start competing with the car in 2021,” said Adamo.
BMW M GmBh is the high-performance subsidiary of BMW AG which has its own line of models. Until now, these models were only available for the Malaysian market in CBU form, imported from Germany. This, of course, meant higher import duties payable, bumping up their price.
Now, if you want the M340i xDrive, you can get it for a lower price and it doesn’t have to be a grey import either. Thanks to BMW Group Malaysia’s decision to assemble the model locally, it is available brand new for RM402,354.13 (excluding insurance, with full Sales Tax exemption), the first time a M model has been assembled in Malaysia.
Derived from the 3-Series, the M340i xDrive has the same athletic design with sportier elements. The locally-assembled version comes with the M Aerodynamics Package and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim. A metallic Cerium Grey finish is applied on items such as air inlets in the front bumper, the kidney grille and its surround, along with the exterior mirror caps.
Most powerful 3-Series derivative
The M340i xDrive has the most powerful engine in the 3-Series range, a TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder petrol unit producing 387 bhp/500 Nm. All that output goes through an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and is then distributed intelligently by BMW’s xDrive system to all four wheels.
The all-wheel drive system, which has its origins in the 3-Series of 1985 (325iX), has a sporting rear-wheel bias, while modified power steering provides noticeably more direct feedback. The M Sport differential optimises traction and driving stability when cornering at high speeds or accelerating out of a bend, changing lanes or on different road surfaces.
With all-wheel drive transmitting the power efficiently to the road, the M340i xDrive can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h. A combined fuel consumption figure of about 13 kms/litre is claimed although that would be when the driver is not enjoying the full performance of the car.
Maximising performance
Also contributing to maximised performance is variable sport steering and the specially-tuned 10 mm-lowered Adaptive M suspension. This can be electrically adjusted at any time to suit the road and driving conditions.
All that power needs good stopping power too and the engineers at BMW M have developed M Sport brakes for the model. Mounted behind 19-inch M wheels (with runflat tyres), these have 4-piston fixed calipers at the front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear in blue with the ‘M’ designation. The use of large-diameter discs increases the surface area available for braking.
The M environment within
Though derived from the 3-Series, the cockpit has M-specific philosophy which gives a sportier environment within. Standard equipment includes sports seats for the driver and front passenger upholstered in Leather Vernasca (Black or Cognac, with black decor stitching), an M leather steering wheel, front door sill finisher with illumination, and a BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite. M-specific pedals, M-specific floormats, and interior trim finishers in Aluminium Tetragon with highlight trim finisher in Pearl Chrome are also present.
Convenience features include automatic 3-zone air-conditioning, the Comfort Access system with contactless opening of the tailgate, while entertainment is delivered via a 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional has a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, complemented by the BMW Navigation System Professional with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Also standard is the Head Up Display that projects information on the windscreen and an electric glass roof.
Advanced safety systems
BMW M has made sure that the M340i xDrive’s high performance is matched with advanced safety systems. Besides powerful BMW Laser Lights with high beam assistant up front, there is the Driving Assistant which includes Lane Change Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning at the rear, Rear Collision Warning, and Speed Limit Assist.
In the event that the driver become drowsy or loses concentration, Lane Departure Warning will alert him if the car deviates out of its lane, with active steering intervention to guide it back safely. Autonomous emergency braking occurs automatically taken if a collision is about to occur and the driver has not braked or taken any appropriate action.
The M340i xDrive is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Sunset Orange, and Portimao Blue. As with other new models, it comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with a Free Scheduled Service Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card and BMW Service Online.
In showrooms from this weekend
Available at selected authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from this weekend, the M340i xDrive can also be booked at the BMW Shop Online with a transfer of RM1,000. Financing is available from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia which has monthly instalment plans starting from RM4,468 (terms and conditions apply).
Ahead of its official sales launch next month, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is now making public the main specifications of the Mitsubishi XPANDER, its new 7-seater crossover. While bookings are accepted at all authorised dealerships nationwide, the company is still not revealing its price.
However, it is known that the model is assembled in Malaysia, rather than being imported in CBU form from the production hub in Indonesia. This allows the pricing to be more competitive (possibly below RM100,000) as local assemblers can get incentives from the government to offset their production cost and lower the retail price.
“At Mitsubishi Motors, we want to offer a more price competitive model with better specifications, hence the move to assemble locally. The XPANDER is a significant model for MMM and we are optimistic that it will be a favourite among many Malaysians for its design is more than just aesthetics. We understand that Malaysians now want a car that matched their aspiration for a more active lifestyle and practicality and as such, the XPANDER is customized to meet Malaysians preferences,” said the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi.
The XPANDER has an all-aluminium 1.5-litre MIVEC petrol engine with an output of 105 ps/141 Nm, delivered to the front wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield design
The front end has the latest Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield design concept to express high performance and give a sense of protection for the passengers and pedestrians. On either side are LED Headlamps, Crystal blocks LED position lamps and at the rear, L-illumination LED Tail Lights.
The new XPANDER also comes with 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Besides the large diameter of the wheels, the ground clearance is also set high at 205 mm so that the vehicle can negotiate rough roads and travel along some flooded roads.
The 3-row cabin has an overall length of 4475 mm and an overall height of 1730 mm, made possible by the 2775 mm wheelbase. MMM says that the XPANDER is the only model in its class with fold-flat second and third rows seats providing full luggage space and a car-like cargo area
For the convenience of the many occupants, the XPANDER comes with under-seat multi-purpose storage, a cargo floor box with a lid, third row side pocket and cupholder, centre console box with sliding lid, multiple storage compartments and glovebox with a double compartment.
Keeping everyone cool
Four ceiling-mounted air vents carry cool air all the way to the back of the cabin, ensuring that even the passengers in the third row will be comfortable all the time. Having the extra vents above also helps in cooling down the interior more quickly.
For entertainment, the XPANDER comes with a 9-Inch audio system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto so that compatible smartphones can be connected. This means that favourite apps on the smartphone can be duplicated on the dashboard display panel and operated from there.
Safety features
With so many people on board, safety is even more important and Mitsubishi Motors has made sure that the driver has many active safety systems to help avoid an accident. These include ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Active Stability Control, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, a Rest Reminder and Brake Override System. Cruise control is also mentioned, and this feature can help to reduce fatigue on long drives along the highway.
In the event that an accident does occur, the strong RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure offers protection like a safety cage, with SRS airbags to provide cushioning within so as to reduce serious injuries. Anti-intrusion beams in the doors also provide protection during side collisions.
Dealer packages
Authorized Mitsubishi Motors dealers will also offer customers an optional package which includes an All-Round Monitor, Driving Video Recorder and black leather upholstery.
Despite very challenging market conditions, Hyundai Motor Company continues to grow its global brand value and, according to Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2020 survey, the Korean carmaker’s brand value has reached US$14.3 billion. This places it fifth among global automotive brands and 36th overall. Hyundai Motor is, in fact, the only automotive company on the list to see its brand value rise this year.
6th year in Top 40
This is the sixth consecutive year that Hyundai Motor has been listed within Interbrand’s top 40 global companies. Since entering the ranks of the top 100 companies in terms of brand value in 2005, the carmaker has remained in the top 100 for 15 consecutive years.
“Hyundai Motor Company’s brand value rise can be attributed to its substantial expansion of future mobility business and continuous investments in its brand, such as the announcement of its dedicated electric vehicle brand IONIQ,” said Mike Rocha, Interbrand Brand Valuation Global Director.
“We have positively valued the company’s active and proactive approach to the market changes as a sustainable brand, encompassing its expansion of online sales channels, rapid response to social contribution activities and actual increase in sales of battery electric and fuel-cell electric vehicles,” he explained.
Electrification a key objective
Hyundai Motor’s commitment to mobility electrification was most recently demonstrated with the launch of its dedicated EV brand, IONIQ. Under IONIQ, the company will leverage its industry-leading manufacturing know-how in EVs to introduce three new dedicated models over the next 4 years. The creation of IONIQ line-up brand is in response to fast-growing market demand and accelerates Hyundai’s plan to lead the global EV market.
Hyundai Motor’s investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology has also bolstered its position in the rapidly changing transportation sector. The company recently delivered the first 7 units of the world’s first mass-produced fuel cell electric heavy-duty truck to customers in Switzerland, with a total of 50 hitting the roads there this year.
Hyundai Xcient – world’s first mass-produced fuel cell electric heavy-duty truck.
The company is striving to solve urban traffic challenges and highlighting an innovative new mobility paradigm via its urban air mobility business. To strengthen its competitiveness in robotics, autonomous driving technologies and other future mobility business areas, and to establish itself as a pioneer of future mobility industry, it is signing R&D collaboration schemes with diverse open innovation labs around the world.
“We’ve adapted to rapidly evolving market conditions to become a leader in future mobility and we’ve also been agile in responding to unexpected factors, such as those caused by the pandemic,” said Wonhong Cho, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor Company.
Hyundai Motor has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening its online sales channels worldwide. In particular, in the USA and India, this approach is showing great sales results, and the company is developing a similar online sales platform for Europe.
