Having your own transport can certainly make life a lot easier – no need to get up earlier to catch public transport, more flexibility in daily movements and these days, less worry about crowded buses or coaches where there is a risk of getting infected with COVID-19. For graduates who are just starting to work, getting a loan to buy a car can sometimes be difficult as they don’t have a past record. Many loan applications require at least 3 months of prior employment and furthermore, they may also charge high interest rates initially.
Proton Commerce Sdn. Bhd. (PCSB), a unit of the Proton Group, understands this situation and has a campaign that provides fresh graduates with an opportunity to own their first car with low Hire-Purchase (H-P) loan rates. The campaign is on until December 31, 2020, coinciding with the sales tax holiday currently being offered for all Proton models.
Easier to qualify
This campaign only requires a letter of employment or a month’s salary slip in order to qualify for a loan. Starting at just 2.98% per annum, the rate offered by PCSB is currently one of the lowest in the segment. Basic requirements for a customer include being a graduate (minimum qualification diploma), be aged between 18-30 years, and have a job with a minimum salary of RM1,500.
“In today’s connected economy, mobility is important for young adults just entering the workforce. It provides a sense of empowerment and autonomy to these graduates. We are confident that this package will assist fresh graduates to own a car, as monthly repayments start from as low as RM239 per month,” said Mooi Fi Phang, Chief Executive Officer of PCSB.
Lower interest rates
According to Mr. Mooi, the H-P loan industry is projected to experience a surge in the near future, as a result of recent reduction in the reduction of the Overnight Policy Rate and the exemption of sales tax for passenger vehicles. Therefore, in addition to the Fresh Graduate Campaign package, PCSB reduced the overall offering interest rates to as low as 2.22% based on customer creditability and margin of finance. This means customers would directly benefit as their lower monthly repayment would enable them to use the savings on essentials, and conserve some funds for emergencies.
Revised Proton prices with additional ‘Tax Holiday’ Promotion
DS Techeetah’s Antonio Felix da Costa produced another dominant display to tally a third win in a row in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship with a lights-to-flag victory in the Berlin E-Prix yesterday. The win extended the Portuguese driver’s championship lead to 68 points, keeping Sebastien Buemi (Nissan e.dams) at arm’s length throughout the encounter, whilst Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) came out on top in the battle for the final step on the podium.
Da Costa again started well, and immediately covered Buemi into the first corner. Nyck de Vries (Mercedes-Benz EQ) produced a flyer off the line and was late on the brakes into Turn one, passing Alex Lynn (Mahindra Racing) for third in a cloud of tyre smoke, right around the outside.
Max Guenther (BMW i Andretti Motorsport) had been the big climber in the opening stages, making a trio of moves to find his way into eighth position by lap two. It’s a pity we were denied the opportunity to see the racy German make further progress, however, when his iFE.20 picked up a puncture on lap 9. The team later retired the car – Guenther seeing his championship challenge begin to ebb away.
The lead duo stretched their lead further out front, pulling out 2 seconds on de Vries behind as the Mercedes-Benz driver continued his duel with Lynn – his mirrors full of the Brit’s Mahindra M6Electro. 15 minutes into the race, and none of the Drivers’ Championship top 5, apart from standings leader da Costa, of course, were in points-paying positions.
In the battle for sixth spot that raged all the way through the race, Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams), Sam Bird (Envision Virgin Racing), Lynn and Edo Mortara (ROKiT Venturi Racing) all leapt for ATTACK MODE, but the Mahindra man miscued, leaving Lynn exposed as those around him benefited from the extra 35 kW of usable energy.
Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler’s Lucas di Grassi had made his way by de Vries for fourth on lap 11, and the pair responded to the group just behind by hitting the activation zone themselves. The Brazilian made it count – getting the jump on third-placed Frijns as the Dutchman was a lap late to the ATTACK MODE party.
The third full-course yellow of the evening was caused by de Vries’ stricken Silver Arrow 01, after two prior cautions for the collection of some rogue debris, forcing the Dutchman out of the action – a real shame for the 25-year old.
On the restart, da Costa was able to create a 2-second cushion to the Nissan of Buemi behind – enough to see him able to take ATTACK MODE and retain his lead with 20 minutes left to run. It looked a done deal.
Vandoorne, as in Round 6, was quietly going about his business climbing through the field from 13th, this time around. On lap 22, the Belgian pulled off an audacious three-wide move on Rowland and Bird to go right around the outside of the pair of them and into fifth spot with Frijns the next in his sights.
Frijns, meanwhile, was scrapping hard with di Grassi for the final spot on the podium, as the Brazilian employed all of his experience to fend off Frijns’ advances – the pair very evenly matched, both running the Audi powertrain.
The two duelled back and forth as they activated ATTACK MODE one after the other for the second time, and it was a straight fight to the finish with Frijns clambering over the back of the Audi for every one of the final five laps.
Vandoorne joined the gaggle with two laps left, as did Bird, to make it 4 into one for the final step on the podium. Di Grassi’s experience and guile served him well, however, as he clung on for silverware with Frijns, Vandoorne, Bird and Rowland following.
Vergne’s frustrations were clear for all to hear, with complaints that he was losing his rear tyres ringing around his engineer’s ears with just under ten minutes plus one lap to run. The Frenchman’s pace, as in the first running of the Reverse Berlin Tempelhof Circuit, fell away towards the end of the race, with Mortara pinching eighth and Andre Lotterer ninth with Vergne winding up 10th.
The reigning champion is yet to unlock the DS Techeetah in the same way his team-mate so spectacularly has so far in Berlin. Da Costa held Buemi at bay to take the win and his dominant performance sees him extend his championship lead to 68 points over both di Grassi and Vandoorne, with 120 left to play for. DS Techeetah’s advantage in the Teams’ running is now 65 points to BMW i Andretti Motorsport.
The second double-header of the most intense season finale in motorsport history, Rounds 8 and 9, will see a return of the Traditional Berlin Tempelhof Circuit, set for this weekend. However, the cars will race in a reverse direction this time, providing a new challenge to the drivers.
After investigation conducted by Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has been informed that approximately 4,001 units of Nissan Serena S-Hybrid (C26) manufactured in Japan between September 2012 and November 2013 need to be recalled. The vehicles that were imported and distributed by ETCM require reprogramming of the CVT control unit.
According to ETCM, only the imported CBU units are affected and the locally-assembled Serena that was subsequently introduced in November 2014 does not have the issue. The current locally-assembled Serena S-Hybrid (C27) launched in May 2018 and other Nissan models currently on sale are also not affected.
The work will be carried out by Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS) which has outlets nationwide. The reprogramming will take approximately 45 minutes and owners will not be charged for anything related to the exercise.
Owners of the affected MPVs will be notified directly by TCEAS by letter, SMS or Whatsapp. Selected TCEAS outlets have extended hours of operation and will service vehicles on weekends and public holidays as they are open 365 days a year. Owners are advised to call the nearest TCEAS outlet to make an appointment beforehand.
As vehicle ownership of some vehicles may have changed over the years, ETCM advises current owners of the model to call the Nissan Customer Care Centre toll-free line at 1800-88-3838 to find out if their Serena S-Hybrid is among those listed for recall action.
ETCM and TCEAS regret any inconvenience caused to owners and reaffirm their commitment to ensure customers’ safety, service and satisfaction are of the highest level.
With pick-up trucks and light commercial vehicles, the product cycle is usually up to 10 years, unlike passenger cars which are typically 5 years. This means that the distributors have to keep finding ways to sustain interest in their product for many years, and that can be a big challenge. While there are occasions when the manufacturer will depart from usual practice by changing the powertrain, in most cases, it’s special edition after special edition to provide customers with something ‘new’ each year.
For Isuzu Malaysia, the D-MAX has been their main product apart from commercial vehicles and it was only in recent years that they got a second non-commercial product, the MU-X. They’ve done pretty well to maintain high sales numbers over such a long period and of course, that’s also partly due to the D-MAX being a tough, well engineered and proven pick-up truck.
More aggressive and bold looks
For 2020, Isuzu Malaysia has created a Stealth version that is quite exclusive since only 180 units will be available. Developed on a design theme of premium urban pick-up, the D-MAX Stealth gains additional aggressive and boldness in its looks from liberal use of blackened components that replace the chromed parts. These include the front grille, headlamp, fog lamp and bumper garnish, roof rails and rear bumpers.
The grille incorporates a fine silver accent line that flows across the entire front and has a matching line running through the new front spoiler. The accent line also complements the boomerang-shaped daylight running light within each headlamp, providing identification from a distance.
Besides specially designed two-tone 18-inch alloy rims, the D-MAX Stealth also has the requisite decals to identify it from the sides and rear. It is available only in Stallion Black Metallic or Silky White Pearl. Customers can also include a black custom-designed sportsbar for an extra RM1,320.
The D-MAX has a generously-sized cargo bed that measures 1,485 mm long, 1,530 mm wide and 465 mm deep. With many trucks, opening the tailgate can require some effort because it’s heavy. But the Isuzu engineers added an assist mechanism that ‘lightens’ the tailgate. It’s as easy as opening and closing the rear door of a SUV or passenger car. Those who require security for their cargo can add an optional T-Lid for RM5,500.
And now we come to a ‘stealth’ feature which is a first of its kind to be offered as standard on a pick-up truck – retractable side steps. Side steps are necessary as the cabin floor is quite high up but they stick out a bit which can be a problem on rough terrain. The retracting side steps on the D-MAX Stealth deploy when any door is opened and return to a flush position under the sills when the doors are closed. An automatic welcome light below the vehicle provides illumination at night.
Striking first impression
Inside the double cab, the red and black combination seats give a striking first impression. The premium leather and fabric upholstery incorporates stitched Stealth logos in the leather backrests for a more exclusive outlook.
The interior has been accentuated with dark grey headlining while the trim garnish is in piano black in keeping with the overall theme. Accenting them are the air vent knobs that have been finished in chrome.
The majority, if not all, the people who buy the 180 D-MAX Stealth trucks will be spending most of their time in the ‘urban jungle’ or on highways, so comfort and entertainment will be a high expectation. Isuzu Malaysia has equipped the vehicle with a first-in-class front and rear digital video recorder (DVR) that can record the front and rear views in full HD.
The videos are stored on a 32GB SD card each time the vehicle is driven. Using motion detectors, it can also record when the vehicle is parked if it detects movement within its 140-degree angle of view or when it senses an impact to the vehicle. The camera can then play back on the owner’s phone through wifi and the IROAD app which can be downloaded from Apple App Store of Google Play.
Another handy feature for urban drivers is another first-in-class offering – the Around View Monitor with 3D Image Guide. Using 4 cameras around the vehicle, the system offers ease of manoeuvring as it automatically provides a choice of bird’s eye view or 3D view when Reverse Gear is selected. Drivers can also manually activate the AVM with the push of a button on the dashboard to check surroundings for added assurance and more precise positioning.
Additional assistance comes from front parking sensors that help the driver determine the distance from walls. This, along with the rear-view camera, will help when positioning the truck in tight parking bays.
Innovative Blue Power turbodiesel engine
The D-MAX Stealth has the same powertrain as the D-Max 4×4 Premium Automatic version. This is the innovative RZ4E-TC 1.9-litre Ddi Blue Power turbodiesel engine. Though smaller in displacement than the engines that have been used before, the Blue Power engine actually deliver higher output of 150 ps/350 Nm. However, because its displacement is less, it has lower fuel consumption.
In fact, it is the most fuel-efficient engine ever produced by Isuzu and this was proven in an exercise where a D-MAX was driven from Pekan, Pahang to Shah Alam, Selangor, by a very long route over mountains. Based on the reading from its on-board computer, the 1.9-litre engine consumed fuel from its 76-litre tank at an average rate of 7.2 litres per 100 kms or 13.7 kms/litre.
“Customers seeking one of the most dependable and capable pick-up trucks in the market today can now arrive in distinctive style with the new Isuzu D-Max Stealth. The stylish exterior is equally matched by striking interior designs that embolden the vehicle, offering urban drivers an elevated presence on the road,” said the Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, Masayuki Suzuki.
The D-Max Stealth comes with a special 7-year unlimited mileage warranty and will be available at all authorized Isuzu showrooms nationwide from today. Prices start from RM125,799.20 (without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia, RM128,176.20 (without insurance) in Sabah and RM128,220.30 (without insurance) in Sarawak.
Buy one now and get extras
Early bird purchasers who register their vehicles (private registration only) during the month of August 2020 will have the option of a free sportsbar or opt to purchase a T-Lid Cover for only RM2,000.00, while stocks last.
For more information or to locate a showroom, visit www.isuzu.net.my.
Isuzu’s Deferred Instalment Campaign allows you to start repayments up to 6 months later
In the post-COVID-19 world (we’re not there yet), life will be different from what we’re used to. This will especially be the case where interactions are concerned due to the need to observe social distancing. You can’t just walk into a kopitiam any longer and have to register as well as have your temperature taken. Maybe it will not be like that for years… or maybe it will.
Car companies have also had to change the way they do business in this context, in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures set by the Health Ministry. The aim is to minimise contact between customers and staff which can help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Customers too may be hesitant about going to a dealership as some may worry about the risks of infection.
BMW Group Malaysia has introduced a solution for contactless customer service with its new Door-to-Door service. Working in collaboration with Allianz Worldwide Partners, the company aims to further enhance the BMW premium ownership experience.
The Door-to-Door service will also improve on convenience by integrating BMW and MINI premium services into the customer’s daily routine. Owners can now request for and receive vehicle service (additional charges apply) without leaving the comfort of their home, wherever they may be in Malaysia.
They can communicate with their preferred dealership and a BMW service provider will be assigned to collect the vehicle from their doorstep (which could also be their office) and transport the vehicle to the service centre chosen. Once the work is completed, the vehicle will also be returned to the owner at their preferred location.
Additionally, the Door-to-Door service allows customers to arrange for doorstep delivery of their new BMW or MINI vehicle (extra charge option). They do not have to go to the showroom to collect it, as has been the case all along. As for concerns about the risk of the new vehicle being accidentally damaged along the way, it will not be driven but be transported on a flatbed truck (depending on the location and customer’s preference).
Click here to learn more about the new Door-to-Door service or contact any BMW or MINI dealership nationwide. For contact details, visit www.bmw.com.my or mini.my.
Motorists who are travelling along the North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE) are advised that there are maintenance works at the Shah Alam Interchange on the Ebor-Shah Alam Access Road at KM0 (Northbound). It will be closed to all vehicles from 10 pm to 5 am daily until Sunday, August 9. 2020.
Highway users travelling from Ebor/ELITE heading to Shah Alam/Bukit Jelutong are advised to utilise the alternative route by exiting the highway via the Setia Alam Toll Plaza. They can re-enter the highway by doing a U-turn at the Setia Alam Toll Plaza and continue their journey to Shah Alam/Bukit Jelutong.
Assembly of the first new Bentley Blower in more than nine decades has officially started in a bespoke Bentley Mulliner workshop. ‘Car Zero’ is the engineering prototype for the Blower Continuation Series, a run of 12 meticulously engineered, hand-crafted, supercharged 4½-litre Bentleys built to the unique design of Bentley’s own 1929 Team Car developed and raced by Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin.
Continuation series for a pre-war car
The 12 cars together form the world’s first continuation series for a pre-war car, and all have been pre-sold.
The first parts in the workshop are some of the most important. First to arrive was the chassis for the car – the backbone of the entire project, to which almost everything will be attached. The fuel tank and radiator were next, as work was completed on the ash frame for the body.
The first pair of headlights was delivered, while the mechanical aspects of the first car started to come together – the very first engine (complete with remade Amherst Villiers supercharger), the front axle assembly and the leafsprings.
As the 12 lucky customers choose the colour and trim specifications for their cars, the engineering team is working hard on assembling the running prototype in time for its unveiling ahead of a development programme later this year.
The most valuable Bentley in the world
Following a piece-by-piece disassembly of the #2 Team Car owned by Bentley (likely the most valuable Bentley in the world) and an exceptionally precise laser scanning of the frame and its components, new parts were ordered from a combination of fully digital CAD data and the original 1920s engineering drawings and drafts.
“After almost a year of highly detailed engineering work, it is extremely rewarding to see the first parts coming together to form the first Bentley Blower in over 90 years. The skill of our engineers and technicians in completing hundreds of individual part specifications is equalled only by that of the artisans across the country that have handmade the components that we’re now starting to bolt together. As we go, we’re refining designs and fixing problems, which is exactly what a prototype build is for. We’re all really excited to get this first car finished, and to show it to the world later this year,” said Bentley Mulliner’s Tim Hannig.
Draftsmen meet craftsmen
From the outset, Bentley Mulliner sought to engage the very best specialists across the country to create componentry for the Blower Continuation Series in a manner befitting such a project – using traditional techniques passed down through generations. With the very latest CAD technology finalising the exact designs to supplement the original engineering blueprints from the 1920s, work began at a multitude of small artisan businesses to bring the new Blower to life.
The chassis has been created in heavy-gauge steel, hand-formed and hot riveted by the specialists at Israel Newton & Sons Ltd. This 200-year old company traditionally makes boilers for steam locomotives and traction engines, and as such has the skills to forge and shape metal in a traditional way.
The Vintage Car Radiator Company, based at Bicester Heritage, has crafted exact recreations of the some of the Blower’s key components – including the mirror-polished, nickel-plated radiator shell and the hand-beaten fuel tank formed in steel and copper. Market leaders in the manufacture and restoration of vintage car radiators and components to the highest possible standards of craftsmanship and authenticity, they were the perfect choice to handcraft these tricky and vital components.
These parts will feed the first Blower’s brand new 4½-litre engine, originally designed by W.O Bentley himself and now recreated by Bentley Mulliner with the expert support of specialists including NDR Ltd.
Featuring many innovations of which a sportscar engine of the 1970s would be proud – aluminium pistons, an overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder and twin spark ignition – the renowned 4½-litre engine will meet a newly machined, exact recreation of an Amherst Villiers roots-type supercharger. Mulliner’s experts will then be tuning the engine on a specially-prepared testbed at the Bentley factory in Crewe, where together the engine and supercharger should generate around 240 bhp.
The next steps
Over the course of the coming weeks, more and more components for Car Zero will be completed and test-fit. The new engine and supercharger will be put through their paces on Bentley’s very own engine development test beds in Crewe, while period-specific paint will be applied to the chassis before final assembly begins.
The finished Car Zero is due to make its first public appearance later in the year – but only after it’s been shown to the 12 customers.
Unique final ‘6.75 edition’ marks end of Bentley Mulsanne production
Perodua delivered a total of 23,203 vehicles last month, which was the best sales month in 2020 for the Malaysian carmaker, beating the June volume by 9.2%. This brings the cumulative volume for the first 7 months to 97,373 units. For the same period in 2019, it was over 141,000 units, which shows the impact that the Movement Control Order (MCO) had on new vehicle sales this year.
Three bestsellers of 2020
The carmaker estimates its July and year-to-date market shares to stand at 40% and 42%, respectively. The models contributing to this were the Myvi, Axia and Bezza which, according to Perodua, are Malaysia’s top three best-selling vehicles in the first seven months of 2020.
Cumulative sales of the Myvi were 29,313 units, while the Axia reached 28,107 units, and the Bezza ended July at 25,416 units.
“The Perodua Myvi, Malaysia’s best-selling vehicle every year since 2006, has recently been upgraded with the latest Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0 suite of driver assistance safety systems. It remains one of the most affordable cars with advanced safety features in the country,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Higher sales will help automotive eco-system
“Since our operations restarted after the 2-month Movement Control Order (MCO) closure, sales volumes have rebounded swiftly, aided by the government’s sales tax exemption which will run until the end of the year. Should this encouraging trend continue, the healthy volume will enable us to further bolster Malaysia’s automotive eco-system of suppliers and dealers in this time of need,” he said.
According to Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) estimates, a Total Industry Volume of at least 500,000 units is needed this year to ensure the continued survival of the automotive eco-system. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has offered a forecast of 470,000 units of new vehicle sales after obtaining input from its members.
“Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, we understand that we must work to our fullest capacity to help shore up the Malaysian economy and ensure jobs are protected. As the market leader, Perodua’s utmost priority is to continue providing the best products and services to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. We are committed to continue offering better value propositions to all Malaysians in the forms of affordability, quality, technology and the latest advanced features,” said Dato’ Zainal.
All of Perodua’s current models have over 90% local content and with its economies of scale, service parts are affordable and readily available, giving its valued customers total peace of mind. Dato’ Zainal added that Perodua embodies the concept of ‘Simple, Slim and Compact’ in all its operations, including interactions with all its stakeholders, while never forgetting its People First focus.
With the volume of traffic having grown substantially over the years, toll plazas are a bottleneck along the highways. To eliminate this issue, PLUS and other highway concessionaires are working towards implementing a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system. With this system, toll booths won’t be needed any longer as all payments will be totally electronic.
Our highway Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) process started off with a tollcard manually swiped on a reader, progressing to a SmartTAG which uses an infrared beam to transmit the card information to a receiver over the lane. In both cases, the vehicle has to slow down considerably which caused traffic to build up at toll plazas.
The future is RFID – Radio Frequency IDdentification – using a tiny tag stuck on the headlight or windscreen which send a radio signal to a receiver to execute ETC. This allows quicker communication that will speed up the flow of traffic through the toll plaza.
RFID has been available for almost two years now and with PLUS – the largest highway concessionaire – having also adopted the system for its toll plazas this year, its acceptance and usage by motorists has been steadily increasing.
Positive response to pilot run
On July 22, PLUS began a pilot run of accepting ETC by RFID on a closed-toll highway system (this system charges by distance travelled) in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. All 9 toll plazas from Hutan Kampung all the way to Sungai Dua in the states of Penang and Kedah have lanes dedicated for RFID. It’s clear that the benefits of RFID have appealed to motorists as the penetration has increased from 2.3% two weeks ago to 10% today.
“It is encouraging to see the positive take up of the RFID with a short period of 14 days. I am confident that this will increase as more will see the multiple benefits of this payment solution. The most compelling reason for RFID is that the technology itself propagates physical distancing as compared to the existing card. Once it is linked to your e-wallet, it reduces the probability of being stuck in the toll lane because of insufficient balance and need to physically reload and risk transmission of the coronavirus,” said Datuk Azman Ismail, Managing Director of PLUS.
“We are grateful for the Malaysia Highway Authority’s endorsement of this public pilot. The support by our highway regulator enabling PLUS to proceed with the first 9 designated closed toll plazas namely Hutan Kampung, Alor Setar Utara, Alor Setar Selatan, Pendang, Gurun, Sungai Petani Utara, Sungai Petani Selatan, Bertam and Sungai Dua, is a testament of the promise that the other remaining closed toll highways will be primed for RFID very soon,” Datuk Azman added.
Mindset shift necessary
PLUS, however, recognises that to embrace the RFID technology will require a level of mindset shift. For one thing, motorists will have to make use of the Touch’NGo eWallet which means they must have a smartphone or tablet (which can connect to the internet). Data from the RFID tag is linked to the Touch‘NGo eWallet and reloading can therefore be done online. This is more convenient than having to look for a reload kiosk or outlet to top-up the balance.
Eligible motorists can apply for the PENJANA economic package offered by the government where RM50 reloads will be transferred into successful applicants’ eWallets. However, this benefit does not apply to SmartTAG and Touch‘NGo card.
ETC is still accepted by Touch‘NGo cards and SmartTAGs at all PLUS toll plazas. However, at smaller toll plazas with limited lanes, SmartTag lanes were replaced with dedicated RFID lanes, but the card can still be used at the Touch‘NGo lanes. This will also apply with nationwide roll-out of RFID soon.
PLUS customers now have PUTRI to help them with their enquiries
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