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Hyundai Motor Group unveils Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)

While still improving and innovating its technologies for models with internal combustion engines, the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is also investing substantially in battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology. Such vehicles will grow in numbers in coming years and HMG has been developing core technologies for them.

One of these is the new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which is specifically for BEVs. The E-GMP is ready to be used and from 2021, the E-GMP will support a range of new BEV models. These include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia’s first dedicated BEV. The platform will be used for as many as 23 BEV models in HMG with the sales target of more than 1 million BEVs worldwide by 2025.

The E-GMP provides various advantages compared to the Group’s existing platforms which have engineering oriented towards internal combustion engines. With a brand new approach that is dedicated to the electrified powertrain, there is increased development flexibility, stronger driving performance, increased driving range, strengthened safety features, and more interior space.

“Today our front-wheel driven Hyundai and Kia BEVs are already among the most efficient ones in their segments,” declared Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group. “With our rear-wheel drive E-GMP, we are extending our technological leadership into segments where customers demand excellent driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency.”

*EV variants of the Hyundai Kona (left) and Kia Soul (right) are currently available in some countries.*

Maximizing development flexibility
The E-GMP reduces complexity through modularization and standardization, allowing rapid and flexible development of products which can be used across most vehicle segments. Moreover, flexible development can satisfy various customer needs for varying levels of vehicle performance.

The new platform will also enable the company to enlarge its EV line-up over a relatively short period through modularization and standardization. This will satisfy consumer expectations of variety and choices.

Driving performance and safety
With optimal weight distribution between front and rear, a low centre of gravity thanks to its low-mounted battery pack, and the adoption of electric motors, handling can also be enhanced. A 5-link rear suspension system, which is typically used for medium and large vehicles, and the world’s first integrated drive axle enhance ride comfort and handling stability.

The platform secures battery safety through a battery support structure made of ultra-high strength steel. Hot-stamped steel components surround this structure for additional rigidity. Collision energy can be absorbed efficiently by energy-absorbent sections of the body and chassis, effective energy load paths, and a central section of the battery pack tightly bound to the vehicle body.

The battery pack itself – mounted between the front and rear wheel axles – will be the most power-dense system that HMG has ever created. It has enhanced cooling performance with a new separate cooling block structure which helps make the battery pack more compact. With energy density enhanced by around 10% compared to existing EV battery technology, the battery packs are lighter, can be mounted lower in the body, and liberate more cabin space.

From the early 1980s, the industry moved towards front-wheel drive which offered space-saving benefits. The E-GMP, however, will have rear wheel drive although there can also be all-wheel drive (with an additional electric motor).

Charging System
Most existing EVs and the fast-charging infrastructure provide 50 kWh ~ 150 kWh charging for EVs equipped with a 400V system; however, the development of 800V infrastructure, with up to 350 kWh charging, will gradually enable even more fast-charging.

In line with this trend, Hyundai Motor Group has invested in IONITY, Europe’s leading high-power charging network, as a strategic partner and shareholder. IONITY operates 298 high-power charging (HPC) stations – using a charging capacity of up to 350 kWh – along highways in European countries. The company plans to increase this number to 400 HPC stations by 2022, including 53 currently under construction.

The E-GMP offers 800V charging capability as standard and enables 400V charging, without the need for additional components or adapters. The multi-charging system is a world’s first patented technology which operates the motor and the inverter to boost 400V to 800V for stable charging compatibility.

A BEV using the E-GMP will be capable of a maximum range of over 500 kms with a fully charged battery pack. If the pack is completely empty, it can receive a high-speed recharge up to 80% capacity in 18 minutes; up to 100 kms of driving range can be available with a recharge of just 5 minutes.

Click here for other news and articles about Hyundai.

Sime Darby Motors Virtual Grand Finale is on until this Sunday

Sime Darby Motors Malaysia (SDM Malaysia) is having a virtual sales carnival offering new as well as pre-owned vehicles until this Sunday (December 6). The brands present are those which Sime Darby’s automotive arm handles (in Malaysia) – BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Land Rover, MINI, Motorrad, and Volvo.

The Sime Darby Motors Virtual Grand Finale powered by Carlist.my offers great deals, exclusive freebies, attractive financing packages, and high trade-in values on a wide range of vehicles. Pre-owned models from other brands are also available through Sime Darby Auto Selection.

Extras with booking or purchase
Each brand is also offering some extras, eg Sime Darby Auto ConneXion offers those who book a new Ford vehicle during the event period a free Petronas fuel card and tinting (first 50 orders only). One lucky purchaser will also win a BMW G310R motorcycle (terms and conditions apply).

Interactive features
Other interactive features of the online event include as live chat, door-to-door test drives, online booking, collateral downloads, video display and a payment gateway. It offers an opportunity to shop for new or ore-owned vehicles from the comfort of home or office, or even the mamak stall.

Commenting on the inaugural Sime Darby Motors Virtual Grand Finale, Jeffrey Gan, MD of SDM Malaysia’s Retail and Distribution said: “We are excited to provide this unique, exceptional access to automobile enthusiasts nationwide from the comfort of their homes. While it is a challenge to replicate the energy of the physical event, we have worked closely with Carlist.my to design this exclusive five-day virtual sales carnival to be as interactive as possible”.

“With the exemption of sales tax ending on December 31, 2020, now is the best time for consumers to seize the opportunity to own their dream cars with great savings and be rest assured knowing that their sales and after-sales needs will be taken care of by our passionate professionals, who are dedicated to providing world-class service,” Mr. Gan added.

Corporate customers can also take this opportunity to sign up for Sime Darby Motors Corporate Programme which entitles a company’s directors, employees and their spouses to enjoy fleet membership entitlements. These include discounts of up to 10% from a vehicle’s recommended retail price on their next purchase from SDM Malaysia.

The Sime Darby Motors Virtual Grand Final website is located at www.simedarbymotorsgrandfinale.com. Showrooms of authorised dealerships of the respective brands also have special offers available.

Hispano Suiza adds a second, more exclusive, hypercar to its Carmen range

Hispano Suiza, the Spanish manufacturer with a history going back to 1904, has launched a second model as a follow-up to its Carmen all-electric hypercar which debuted last year. The new model is the Carmen Boulogne, a sportier evolution of the Carmen, and it also fully electric.

The current plan is to build only 5 units for sale, each priced from 1.65 million euros (about RM8.2 million) and take approximately 12 months to complete. 14 units of the Carmen will be available, with the first unit to be delivered in 2022.

A name from 1921
The ‘Boulogne’ name dates back to 1921, when Hispano Suiza made a racing version of its high-performance H6 Coupe and entered it in the George Boillot Cup, an endurance race lasting more than 3½ hours around the French city of Boulogne. There, Hispano Suiza achieved three consecutive victories with its H6. The Carmen Boulogne pays tribute to these historic motorsport victories

Its powertrain produces 1,114 ps – 95 ps more than the Carmen – and it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.6 seconds, with a maximum speed limited to 290 km/h. Its weight of 1,630 kgs is 60kgs less than the Carmen, achieved by optimisation of structural elements such as the suspension and carbonfibre subframe. There are also new CNC parts and a carbonfibre roof, among other things.

Visible carbonfibre bodyshell
The entire carbonfibre bodyshell of the Carmen Boulogne is visible under a clear varnish that emphasizes its sportiness and preserves the timeless elegance of this model. It sports the same semi-circular headlights and aggressive ‘scowl’ as the Carmen, with the difference of an imposing copper-coloured grille.

The five customers can fully customize the model with the assistance of the brand’s ‘Unique Tailormade’ department. The sleek interior features suede or black Alcantara on the bulkhead and door panels.

The Carmen Boulogne is powered by four permanent-magnet synchronous motors, two on each rear wheel. The torque of each engine is controlled through sophisticated vectoring systems developed in-house with the expertise gained in Formula E.

1,600 Nm of torque from standstill
From 0 to 6,500 rpm, the engines are capable of generating up to 1,600 Nm of torque, allowing for the sizzling acceleration. The lithium-ion polymer battery pack that provides ‘fuel’ has a capacity of 80 kWh and is claimed to enable driving range of up to 400 kms.

The batteries are designed and produced in-house, including a complete temperature control system to ensure that the cells can operate optimally. The fast-charging capability at more than 80 kW DC is said to require 30 minutes to charge 30 – 80%.

*The 2021 Carmen hypercar gets its name from the founder’s daughter, with design inspiration from Hispano Suiza’s iconic 1930s design called the Dubonnet Xenia (top car).*

*Hispano Suiza has a long history going back to the early 1900s and was a well known name in motor racing.*

A closer look at the new Hyundai Elantra

The all-new Hyundai Elantra will be officially launched in Malaysia shortly and while Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) still won’t tell us the price, they have shown us the new car and provided some insights into the new design and features.

This time round, for the seventh generation of the 30-year old model line (also called Avante in some countries), HSDM is not having it assembled locally – at least for now. This is perhaps why the model can be launched in Malaysia just 9 months after its global debut. Normally, models that are assembled locally need additional time as the plant has to be set up and suppliers need to also start producing parts.

The HSDM people were first shown the new model in 2019 and then made the decision to combine with Brunei and Singapore on ordering, thereby having a bigger volume that could mean better pricing. However, that also meant that the specifications had to be common as well, so Malaysia too would have to take cars made in Korea. And that is how the new Elantra has reached us so fast and not in 2021.

From the preliminary specifications available, it appears that there will only be one variant offered and in order to get the latest technologies, HSDM opted for the 1.6-litre SmartStream powertrain rather than stick to the older 2-litre unit.

Parametric Dynamics
Hyundai’s design philosophy in the early part of this decade was known as ‘Fluidic Design’ which evolved into ‘Fluidic Sculpture’. Its inspiration was drawn from nature, with organic shapes, flowing lines and curvaceous forms. However, as a new decade starts, the philosophy has changed again and is now going for geometric shapes. Hyundai calls it ‘Parametric Dynamics’.

The company used advanced digital design technology to bring the Parametric Dynamics design language to life. Having three lines meet at one point is the main element of Parametric Dynamics and this formation has actually been avoided in car design. So the new Elantra aims to be a ‘disrupter’, an approach that is popular these days.

Parametric Design is evident in the grille with its honeycomb-like structure as well as on the sides and even in the tail light units. However, Parametric Design is applied to details and it is not a return to an overall wedge form which was popular in the early 1980s. Hyundai designers favour a coupe-like profile even for sedans, which is helpful to aerodynamics apart from having a sporty appeal.

There are a lot of intersecting lines and grooves around the car and while they make for an interesting view (especially when light is shining across the car), we wonder about the implications on bodywork repair. With the plastic parts like the bumper and grille, there’s no choice and they just have to be replaced completely. But owners might still prefer to repair metal body panels like the doors and boot compartment.

More interior space available
Generally, the new body is longer, lower and wider with improvements in occupant space within the ‘Immersive cocoon’ cabin. Structural elements within are wide but low and intelligent packaging has freed up more space.

Interior designers often like to use an aircraft cockpit as the theme for the driver’s area and this is the case for the new Elantra. A large interface consisting of two connected expansive touchscreen displays will give that sort of feel. While there is no Head Up Display (HUD) like a fighter jet, the TFT LCD Supervision cluster provides a lot of information about the car’s operation, including the air pressure in each tyre. The meter display is available in three different presentations, each giving more emphasis on certain information.

For connectivity, there’s Android Auto/Apple CarPlay to bring the apps on the smartphone to the 9-inch display panel in the middle of the dashboard. 4 electrical outlets are available for charging or powering devices and there’s also a wireless charging pad for those smartphones that have the capability.

CBU instead of CKD
Getting the cars from the Korean factory in CBU form is good and bad from the point of specifications. If the model is assembled locally (referred to as ‘CKD’), HSDM can ‘customise’ a bit to meet its target pricing but if it is CBU, then it may be forced to take more than it would like to. For instance, while there is no sunroof, the Elantra we get has heated seats, a heated steering wheel and heated door mirrors and these are probably part of a package that includes some other items HSDM really wanted. The same sometimes applies to wheel sizes; if you want 20-inch wheels, you must take a sunroof as well as well and that may mean extra cost.

Of course, it’s usually good for the customers as there are more features available. Furthermore, some of the features might not be available if the model is assembled locally as a more ‘basic’ system might be used instead.

There are many convenience features that come with the new Elantra, apart from the keyless entry and pushbutton engine starting/stopping. It doesn’t have the ‘kick the bumper to open’ (our term, not an industry term) feature but the bootlid can still open automatically with the Smart Trunk feature besides pressing the button on the key fob.

Another way of automatic boot opening
The Smart Trunk feature works on the same concept as keyless entry and you must have the key fob (which has the electronic security code) on you for it to work. The boot does not open right away when within close range but after a certain time standing behind the car, then it will open. This is a security measure to avoid unwanted opening.

While the ‘kick the bumper’ method is also convenient, it does mean that a person will momentarily stand on one foot. That might not be good as the person may lose balance, especially if carrying heavy items in both hands. So Hyundai’s idea may offer a safer way of handsfree opening.

Hyundai SmartSense
On the subject of safety, the new Elantra follows the industry trend with integrated safety systems that work together and use common sensors – a camera on the windscreen and a radar in the grille. The Korean carmaker’s system is known as Hyundai SmartSense and consists of 8 active safety systems. These are in addition to the usual ABS, EBD, ESC, Traction Control, etc.

There is Forward Collision Warning with scanning at junctions as well, Lane Keeping, Driver Drowsiness Monitor, Smart Cruise Control Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Safe Exit Warning (when opening doors), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert when reversing.

The Smart Cruise Control is adaptive and adjusts the speed to ensure there is a safe gap with the vehicle ahead. The additional feature it has – usually found on more expensive models – is Stop & Go which allows the speed to be adjusted right down to zero. This means that you can operate on cruise control and even follow a car through a toll plaza. If the car stops, the Elantra will also stop and resume moving when the car ahead starts to move off. It’s as good as autonomous driving!

The new Elantra sit on Hyundai’s third-generation vehicle platform and besides weighing less, this new platform also allowed the engineers to lower car’s centre of gravity, which should enhance handling. For passive safety, there’s a strong structure and up to 6 airbags within to provide cushioning during an accident.

Click here to read other news and articles about Hyundai.

Proton sales and export volumes higher in 2020 in spite of pandemic

In November, Proton added another 11,411 units (including export sales) to its cumulative volume for 2020, bringing the total to 96,410 units. Compared to the total 11-month volume in 2019, the increase is 7.5% while the comparison of monthly volumes shows this year to be 18% higher.

“Malaysian car sales are continuing to outperform market projections from earlier in the year as we estimate Total Industry-Volume (TIV) to be more than 56,000 units for a third consecutive month. A lot of this can be accounted for by traditional end-of-year deals offered by car brands, but this year we can include PENJANA incentives and the launch of popular new models such as the Proton X50 as volume growth drivers,” said Roslan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Edar, adding that the brand’s market share is estimated at 20.1%.

While sales for other Proton models for the month were slightly down compared to October, deliveries of the X50 SUV began to gather momentum. 1,756 units were delivered, which Proton says makes it the best-selling B-segment (5-seat) SUV in Malaysia. Added to the 2,157 units of the X70, Proton lays claim to being the market leader in SUVs.

Strong numbers but cautious optimism for 2021
“For Proton specifically, we are continuing to focus on product quality and customer service to deliver a premium product and brand experience. Admittedly, deliveries of the Proton X50 have not ramped up to maximum capacity, but we are being deliberate in our approach to ensure our customers get the best product that meets their expectations, Still, we target to increase our volume each month to shorten waiting times so we urge everyone to please remain patient,” Encik Roslan said.

Export sales increased in 2020
The Malaysian car market can only take so many vehicles each year and Proton has to look to other markets if it wants to keep growing. It has been working hard to have a larger export footprint and 2020 was supposed to be another year of steady growth in this area. However, the plans were affected by the global coronavirus pandemic although, by the end of November, the number of Proton vehicles exported to other countries exceeded the total from the year before.

*A Proton Gen2 in the export shipment to the Middle East market in August this year.*

“Export sales will continue to be one of Proton’s main pillars heading into 2021 and beyond. With our domestic market performance having stabilised and undergoing steady growth, renewed emphasis has to be placed on making Proton a regional and global automotive brand,” he said.

“As a national car company, we represent Malaysia on the global stage and when we grow our export volume, our own local vendor community stands to gain as well. We will have more announcements about overseas market activities in the months and years to come,” added Encik Roslan.

Click here to read more about the Proton X50’s powertrain.

12,997 units of Toyota Hilux and Fortuner recalled for brake booster issue

A certain batch of Toyota Hilux or Fortuner vehicles have an issue with their brake system which requires rectification at an authorised Toyota service centre. The vehicles affected were produced and distributed by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) between July 2018 and January 2019 and number 11,571 units for the Hilux and 1,425 units for the Fortuner. Vehicles produced and sold at other periods are not affected.

The Special Service Campaign that UMWT has initiated to recall the vehicles requires the condition of the resin pistons in the brake booster to be inspected. Where necessary, they will be replaced at no charge to owners. UMWT says that the issue can caused compromised braking performance.

Do not ignore
UMWT will send notification letters to owners of the affected vehicles requesting them to bring their vehicles to an authorised Toyota service centre. As this concerns the brake system, it is a critical safety issue so don’t ignore the notification and act promptly.

In the event that you have a Hilux or Fortuner which you bought from someone else (the original owner) and it was produced during the period mentioned, you might not receive a letter if UMWT does not have your contact details. In this case, you can still get assistance at any authorised Toyota service centre or call the Toyota Freephone 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682). To locate a service centre in Malaysia, visit www.toyota.com.my.

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota.

Pininfarina Battista hypercar starts real-world testing with high-speed run at Nardo (w/VIDEO)

After all the computer simulations, wind tunnel studies and laboratory testing, the Pininfarina Battista all-electric hypercar is now starting its real-world testing. The first exercise has been a high-speed test run at the 12.6-km long track of the Nardo Technical Centre in Italy. Laps were also done on the laps of the twisting 6.2-km handling track.

This is a landmark moment and the successful test marks the beginning of the next chapter in the development programme of the most powerful Italian sports car ever produced. After this, there will be 9 test and validation versions driven on public roads and in private test facilities to fine-tune, validate and homologate its bespoke chassis settings, advanced torque vectoring system and unique sound experience.

*The Nardo Technical Centre track in Italy where very high speed testing can be conducted.*

“We have undertaken extensive development using advanced simulation technology, and we can now fine-tune the calibration of Battista’s bespoke chassis and pioneering four-motor torque vectoring system on road and track,” said Automobili Pininfarina’s Chief Product and Engineering Officer, Paolo Dellacha.

The Battista’s 120-kWh battery pack provides electrical power to 4 electric motors – one at each wheel – for a combined power output of 1,900 ps and maximum torque of 2,300 Nm. Its advanced powertrain is able to intelligently distribute power between all four wheels for optimised traction in all conditions. Five unique driving modes (Calma, Pura, Energica, Furiosa and Carattere) allow customisation of characteristics to driver preference or conditions.

“The phenomenal performance potential of the Battista is clear. Our clients will never have experienced acceleration like this before, yet giving them the opportunity to tailor their experience using a range of drive modes means this hypercar offers much more than just speed thrills,” aid the company’s Test Driver and Vehicle Dynamics Manager, Georgios Syropoulos.

The prototype Battista tested at Nardo Technical Centre was not a stripped-down development mule. Within its carbonfibre bodyshell, it had a fully finished interior complete with luxuriously executed detailing so the engineers could assess every element of the car.

Tailored driving experience
During the testing, the engineers carried out tuning of the advanced racing-inspired Brembo CCMR carbon-ceramic brake technology. Work will focus on blending its operation with the high-speed aerobrake and energy recuperation system for optimum performance.

The 4-motor torque vectoring will be uniquely tuned to suit the characteristics of the Battista in all conditions. Energy-neutral torque vectoring will be optimised to recuperate and shift electrical energy seamlessly for enhanced range and efficiency.

After around 1,000 of hours of virtual dynamic testing; double-wishbone suspension components, forged aluminium wheels, torsion bars and elastokinematics will be evaluated and fine-tuned, taking maximum advantage of the Battista’s ultra-stiff carbonfibre monocoque.

Customers will have a choice of 20-inch forged aluminium front and rear ‘Prezioso’ wheels and 20-inch front and 21-inch rear forged aluminium ‘Impulso’ wheels, with a saving of 8.9 kgs in unsprung mass across all wheels. High-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R or Pirelli P Zero will be available on request.

Quicker acceleration than F1 cars
Customers who receive the first hypercars and put them to the test should be able to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in under 2 seconds. That promised performance is quicker than a current Formula 1 car. For those who can find a place to get up to 300 km/h, the time claimed from 0 to 300 km/h is less than 12 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h.

The fully electric hyper GT is the realisation of the company founder’s dream to see a car produced wearing the Pininfarina name. No more than 150 examples will be available, each priced from US$2.5 million (about RM10.2 million) at the time the prototype Battista was unveiled in April 2019.

2020 Pininfarina Battista Anniversario — **Click here** to read more about The World’s First Globally-Connected Hypercar

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is giving RM1,000 off on any new vehicle purchased by December 7, 2020

This month is a good time if you’re shopping for a new car this month as some companies are offering special deals that can save money. One of them is Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) which is giving another RM1,000 off for all new Volkswagen models booked through authorised dealers from today till December 7, 2020.

This offer is valid for bookings made at all Volkswagen dealerships nationwide or if you prefer to do so from the comfort of your home, you can use the eShowoom. This online facility has a Vehicle Configurator so you can be more specific about your requirements with the vehicle you want to buy.

*Passat R-Line – one of the models that you can get the discount for.*

The Volkswagen range in Malaysia currently consists of the Vento, Golf, Passat, Tiguan and Arteon. Customers enjoy a 5-year warranty (unlimited mileage), 3 years of free scheduled maintenance and complimentary Roadside Assistance for the first 5 years.

Milestone number for mobile app
Two years after its launch, the Volkswagen Cares mobile app has reached the milestone achievement of 30,000 downloads and members. The app is part of the Volkswagen Cares aftersales initiative to provide the best for Volkswagen owners in the country.

A completely local initiative, the Volkswagen Cares app was developed and is managed locally for the Malaysian market. It is an essential tool for owners who can stay in touch with VPCM and its dealers easily.

Improving overall ownership experience
“The app was created to make our services more accessible to our customers, and further improve their overall ownership experience. The convenience of accessing the Volkswagen world via mobile app is offered in different Volkswagen markets around the world, and what we are also delighted to note is that our app has seen an unparalleled take-up rate compared to other markets managed by the Porsche Holdings Group,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, adding that a revamp in 2021 will see enhancements being made to the app.

Free vouchers for service and service package vouchers are offered through the app. Those with vehicles five years and older under the Volkswagen Care Plus programme may also view and access their benefits through the app. Roadside assistance is also available via the app.

Non-Volkswagen owners can also use the mobile app at no charge. They can find out about sales offers, view videos and receive sales and event updates. It is available for IOS and Android devices and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Click here for other news and articles about Volkswagen.

George Russell to take Lewis Hamilton’s place for this weekend’s race in Bahrain

Lewis Hamilton is under self-isolation due to a positive result in COVID-19 tests and will be unable to race at the Sakhir Grand Prix this weekend. Taking his place is a fellow British driver, George Russell who has been released by Williams Racing, his current team.

“First and foremost, I wish to thank our loyal partners at Williams for their collaboration and open-mindedness in making it possible for George to race for Mercedes-AMG this weekend. The conversations with the team at Williams were positive and pragmatic, and those were the key factors in reaching an agreement,” said Team Principal and CEO Toto Wolff.

“It will not be a straightforward task for George to make the transition from the Williams to the W11, but he is race-ready and has detailed understanding of the 2020 tyres and how they perform on this generation of cars. George has shown impressive form this year with Williams, playing an instrumental role in their climb up the grid, and I am optimistic that he will deliver a strong performance alongside Valtteri, who will be a demanding reference for him,” said Wolff.

‘*63′ is George Russell’s racing number which will replace ’44’ on Lewis Hamilton’s car.*

Mercedes-Benz Junior Programme driver
He will be the fifth driver to race for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team since 2010, and the third British driver to represent Mercedes-Benz in F1 after Sir Stirling Moss and Lewis Hamilton. He is not a stranger to Mercedes-Benz though, having been a member of the Mercedes-Benz Junior Programme since 2017, when he won the GP3 Series championship as a rookie, before repeating the feat in Formula 2 in 2018.

He has been a fully-fledged Formula 1 driver with Williams Racing since 2019, demonstrating impressive qualifying and race performances during the past two seasons. “This race will mark a small milestone for us, as we see a member of our Junior programme compete for the works Mercedes team for the first time,” Wolff noted.

F1 (Round 15): Highlights & Provisional Results of the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix (piston.my)

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

In spite of the severe downturn that the car industry suffered earlier in the year due to suspension of business activities nationwide, it seems that sales are presently pretty good. In fact, up till November, Perodua has already delivered over195,000 vehicles and expects to meet its 210,000-unit registration target by the last day of 2020.

The strong momentum continued to be evident in November as the Malaysian carmaker reported sales of 23,119 units. On Monday, the last day of the month, its outlets registered a combined total of 5,027 units – the most ever in a single day.

“Our November sales represents a slight normalising from the previous two record months we had – 25,035 units in September and 26,852 units in October,” explained Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, Perodua’s President & CEO.

“Yet the accomplishment is impressive, given the challenging economic climate and ‘new normal’ operating procedures brought about by COVID-19. And our 5,027-unit one-day record shows what resilience, persistence and adaptability can bring,” he added.

Top three models – Axia, Myvi and Bezza
Axia deliveries, totalling 6,318 units were the highest among the five Perodua models, followed by the Myvi with 6,295 units and the Bezza with 6,224 units. Deliveries of the Aruz and Alza totalled 2,617 units and 1,665 units, respectively.

*In November, the model with the highest number of deliveries was the Axia.*

“Perodua’s two main priorities at present are to ensure as many of our valued customers as possible can get their cars before year-end to enjoy the sales tax-exempt prices; and to further bolster the Malaysian automotive ecosystem with our economies of scale in these hard times,” Dato’ Zainal said.

Supporting the ecosystem
“Over 90% of our components are locally-sourced, and coupled with our sales volume, this generates significant business for Malaysian component suppliers and helps them sustain jobs,” he added. “The completed cars are then distributed through Malaysia’s largest car sales network, the majority of which constitute independent dealers that benefit greatly from the business, and even more if they do servicing and repairs as well.”

Dato’ Zainal said Perodua is proud of its national duty and will continue to serve all Malaysians’ mobility needs with quality vehicles that are safe, practical, efficient and offer the best value, while pushing the boundaries of technology for the masses in the future.

Click here for other news and articles about Perodua.

Piston.my

English

Hyundai Motor Group unveils Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)

Sime Darby Motors Virtual Grand Finale is on until this Sunday

Hispano Suiza adds a second, more exclusive, hypercar to its Carmen range

A closer look at the new Hyundai Elantra

Proton sales and export volumes higher in 2020 in spite of pandemic

12,997 units of Toyota Hilux and Fortuner recalled for brake booster issue

Pininfarina Battista hypercar starts real-world testing with high-speed run at Nardo (w/VIDEO)

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is giving RM1,000 off on any new vehicle purchased by December 7, 2020

George Russell to take Lewis Hamilton’s place for this weekend’s race in Bahrain

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

Hyundai Motor Group unveils Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP)

Sime Darby Motors Virtual Grand Finale is on until this Sunday

Hispano Suiza adds a second, more exclusive, hypercar to its Carmen range

A closer look at the new Hyundai Elantra

Proton sales and export volumes higher in 2020 in spite of pandemic

12,997 units of Toyota Hilux and Fortuner recalled for brake booster issue

Pininfarina Battista hypercar starts real-world testing with high-speed run at Nardo (w/VIDEO)

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is giving RM1,000 off on any new vehicle purchased by December 7, 2020

George Russell to take Lewis Hamilton’s place for this weekend’s race in Bahrain

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

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