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Interstate travel allowed from Wednesday as CMCO ends

Finally, the restriction on interstate travel will end on June 9, coinciding with the ending of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) as scheduled. Announcing this today, the Prime Minister said that travel restrictions would only apply to areas which are under an Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO). These would be places which have a high number of COVID-19 cases and the authorities need to prevent further spread by limiting movement in and out of the areas.

From June 10 (Wednesday), the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) will replace the CMCO and Malaysians will be able to carry out almost all activities – including having their hair cut. Most economic sectors have been allowed to resume operations, along with the lifting of restrictions on most social, educational and religious activities (some in phases). The RMCO will run till August 31, 2020.

However, the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the Infected Local Areas) Regulations 2020, which gives legal power to enforce necessary actions remains in effect. It was gazetted on March 18 when the MCO started and provides for penalties for offences committed as well as the introduction of Standard Operating Procedures.

ROADBLOCK — *During the initial period of the MCO, roadblocks were set up around cities and towns to strictly enforce the movement restrictions.*

As the situation showed signs of improving, some restrictions ended or were modified although interstate travel remained prohibited except for 4 days when those trapped in other towns when the MCO started were permitted to travel back to their places of residence.

Balik kampung for Hari Raya was prohibited
The prohibition on interstate travel was particularly frustrating as it was on during the Hari Raya festive period. The government made a firm decision to not allow the usual ‘balik kampung’ journeys and while most Malaysians complied, there were many who tried to sneak across borders. They were unwilling to understand that the prohibition was to prevent spread of the coronavirus, which some may have been infected with without knowing it.

Karak Highway — *Those who have missed their Sunday drives around the countryside can do so again without being stopped at roadblocks.*

The freedom to drive anywhere in Malaysia again will certainly be welcome, especially for those who have missed their usual Sunday drives through the countryside. Perhaps this episode should also make us appreciate the freedom we have to do things which we enjoy, in safety. In some countries where there are wars, movements are limited and we have had a short experience of such a condition. Hopefully, we don’t have to go through it again.

Risk is less but threat remains
Meanwhile, the RCMO signals another phase towards normalizing life in Malaysia but it does not mean the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus is gone. It is lessened but the risks are still there with 1,531 active cases. Failure to continue observing the recommended practices such as social distancing (minimum of 1 metre apart), washing hands frequently and using facemasks in crowded areas can result in transmission of the coronavirus. Anyone can be infected but it is the older folks who are at higher risk, as well as those already having certain health problems. COVID-19 is very vicious and those who are weak or with weak immune systems won’t be able to fight against it to recover.

As we move out of the CMCO, PISTON.MY would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the frontliners, especially those at hospitals, who have put themselves at risk in trying to help and treat infected patients. Let’s not waste their efforts and sacrifices. Now the responsibility to prevent a return of the pandemic in Malaysia is for all of us to take on and we should not become complacent.

Lexus project creates the world’s first tattooed car

With high quality adhesive films available today, you can put just about any image onto the exterior of a car. But Lexus went one step further by actually tattooing images onto its Lexus UX model. It has created the world’s first tattooed car, a strictly one-of-a-kind interpretation compact SUV by leading London tattoo artist Claudia De Sabe.

Using a pure white SUV as her ‘canvas’ and a Dremel drill tool in place of a fine tattooing needle, Claudia produced a sweeping design featuring koi carp along the entire length of the vehicle. The koi is a motif familiar from traditional Japanese art, representing qualities of good fortune and perseverance.

She used the Dremel tool to drill away the surface paint and expose the metal underneath to create the complex pattern, and then applied 5 litres of high-quality car paint by hand to bring out the details.

The process took 6 months to complete from the initial drawings, with the ‘tattooing’ accomplished over five 8-hour days of intensive work. As a finishing touch, she used gold leaf to create highlights and give the design a stronger 3D effect, before the whole vehicle was given a protective lacquer coating so that it can be driven on the road.

No mistakes permitted!
It was clearly a physically demanding project, with the vibration of the drill and working with an object that, unlike a human customer, couldn’t be moved into a comfortable position as the design progressed. Where any small slips in a human tattoo can quite easily be worked or coloured into the pattern, the ‘engraving’ with the drill required absolute precision.

It was the first time Claudia had applied her skills to metal rather than human skin and she found both similarities and new challenges in the unique commission. “When you tattoo a person, you have to think about the muscles and tissue beneath the skin. With the car, it was about the way the bodywork changes shape over the framework,” said Claudia, who was assisted in her work by her Japanese husband Yutaro.

“The best thing about tattooing the Lexus UX, and the reason why this car was ideal for the project, is its streamlined shape. Everything from the lines on the side of the body to the shape of the windows, everything is just so dynamic and beautiful. It was a perfect fit for the design and the concept itself,” said Claudia, a co-founder of the Red Point tattoo studio in Islington, London.

Tribute to takumi craftsmanship
The project stands as a tribute to the takumi craftsmanship that is applied to every Lexus, witnessed in design details and flawless finishes achieved with human skills perfected through years of dedicated training.

Similarly, Lexus embraces traditional Japanese aesthetics in its vehicle designs, in elements such as the UX’s washi paper-grain cabin trims and the seamless merging of the interior and exterior through the front screen, echoing the engawa architectural features of Japanese homes.

Lexus doesn’t plan to offer tattooed versions of the UX for sale but it’s estimated that the unique work done by Claudia and her husband would cost upwards of £120,000 (equivalent to about RM649,000).

The Lexus UX has been introduced in many countries, including Malaysia where it is priced from RM243,888. To find out more, visit www.lexus.com.my.

Lexus goes fully electric with the UX300e

Porsche Carrera Cup Germany moving its racing activities into the virtual world

In response to the ‘motorsport-free’ period forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany is moving its racing activities into the virtual world. Today, for example, the national one-make cup is running the ‘Porsche Esports Carrera Cup Germany – Race at Home’ event. 24 drivers will take part in the two 30-minute races on the digital Autodrom Most (Czech Republic).

“With ‘Race at Home’, we are expanding our Esports activities and underlining the important role that digital motorsport plays for us in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany. We have been active in this area since last year and I am looking forward to two exciting races,” said Hurui Issak, Project Manager of the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany series.

“Experienced sim racers and highly motivated newcomers bustle around in the driver’s field. I am particularly happy about the start of Timo Bernhard, Porsche’s brand ambassador He can look back on an impressive career and is now taking part in virtual motorsport with us, ” added Issak.

The Autodrom Most stretches for 4.212 kms and consists of 21 curves. In addition to the two races, free training (35 minutes) and a 15-minute qualifying session are on the program. The top three of both races will each receive credit for the entry fee for the real season of the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany. A total of 15,000 euros in prizes can be won.

New challenge for Porsche’s Brand Ambassador
Timo Bernhard, 39, is one of the most successful sportscar drivers of all time. He is a 2-time world champion in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), 2-time overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and has collected 5 overall successes in the 24-hour race at the Nurburgring,

Today, the Porsche brand ambassador, as owner of Team75 Bernhard, is still active in motorsport. The racing team is used in the ADAC GT Masters, the ADAC GT4 Germany, in selected endurance races and in karting. “Anyone who has followed me in my active career knows that I am always open to new things and like to face a challenge. So far I have had little experience with sim racing,” he admitted.

Successful Porsche sim racer Max Benecke says the single most important thing you can do if you want to progress in sim racing is to keep practicing. “Have as professional an approach to it as you can. Be dedicated, stay fit, stay positive and remember to enjoy it! Do all this and the opportunities will open up for you,” said the 26-year old who races for races for Team Redline and often challenges Formula 1 stars like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans as well
The newly created Porsche eSports team will also take part in the virtual 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13/14 with four Porsche 911 RSRs. In the digital race on the legendary French circuit, Porsche factory drivers, juniors and young professionals share the cockpit with experienced sim racers. Professionals from the online and offline worlds thus fight together for success.

The Porsche eSports Team has 16 drivers in its squad. The simulation platform rFactor2 is used for the premiere of the ultimate simracing long-distance race with the involvement of factory drivers.

Over 4,900 sim racers have tried to get one of 40 places in 2020 Porsche Esports Supercup

PDRM gets new Honda Civic 1.8S as replacement for patrolcar fleet

As the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has a large fleet of patrolcars, it takes a while to change the fleet. Evaluations must be conducted on potential replacements with reliability, durability and performance being important considerations.

After its assessments, the PDRM finally chose the Honda Civic 1.8S as its new patrolcar, with the first 425 units being delivered recently. The delivery was to have taken place in March but had to be postponed due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) restricting movements at the time.

“We are delighted that we are now able to resume the plan to deliver these new mobile patrol and enforcement vehicles which are expected to assist in the tasks and responsibilities of the police force in effectively responding to emergencies, maintaining law and order,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama. “We are pleased that the Royal Malaysia Police have chosen the best-selling model in C-segment to assist them in their daily tasks, enforcements and administrative duties for the country.”

All 10 generations assembled in Malaysia
The current Civic is the 10th generation of the model and was launched in 2016 in Malaysia. Since the first generation introduced in the 1970s, every generation of the model has been assembled in Malaysia. The latest one comes from Honda Malaysia’s own plant in Melaka.

Honda Civic — *Latest 2020 version of the Civic was launched early this year.*

The police personnel using the Civic will be assured of good performance from the 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine which delivers power through Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Maximum torque is 141 ps with 174 Nm of torque for strong acceleration and meeting Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) standards, fuel economy should be good. This would be important since the cars will be in use a lot for daily duties.

Honda’s Next Generation Safety Technology – the proprietary Honda SENSING suite – will help protect the personnel in the event of an accident while also allowing them to have good control over the car if they are in high-speed pursuits. The Civic, which is rated 5-star by ASEAN NCAP has safety features such as 6 Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist with Agile Handle Assist, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, ABS, Brake Assist and Auto Brake Hold.

The retail price of the Civic is around RM114,000 although with the recent announcement of exemption of 10% Sales Tax, the price will be lower from June 15 until the end of 2020. More information on the model as well as other Honda models in Malaysia can be found at www.honda.com.my or any of the 101 authorised dealerships nationwide.

Updated Honda Civic officially launched, priced from RM113,600 – RM139,600

20% discount on toll at Penang Bridge – but only for those with RFID tag

Though affected by the MCO having suspended business activities for a long period, the private sector (with assistance from the government) is trying to also help the rakyat in these difficult times. Household incomes have diminished with some family members losing jobs or having pay cuts or for those who have their own small businesses, the daily income is down.

PLUS Malaysia is also doing its part by offering motorists using the Penang Bridge a discount of 20% on toll charges. Only applicable to private vehicles, the discount will be only for those who have the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on their vehicles.

From mid-July 2020
The discount will be available from the middle of July 2020 and is only for those studying or working in Penang. We understand that in order to qualify for the discount, the motorist must have a letter to show he or she is studying at an institution of higher learning or from the employer with an address on the island.

At least 20% of vehicles crossing the Penang Bridge are expected to benefit from the lower rate which will be RM4.59 instead of the current RM5.74. The duration of the discount has not been mentioned.

PLUS has been encouraging the use of the RFID tag which will promote faster and more efficient passage through toll plazas. Motorists can reload the stored value in their accounts using online applications, reducing the need to be in close contact with personnel at the toll plazas. This will reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

RFID tag available online
Previously, motorists had to go to fitment centres to get the RFID tag installed but Touch’nGo is now offering it online at RM35. The tag can be easily stuck on the headlight or at the upper section of the windscreen and then activated online.

Ford’s ‘Whisper Strategy’ to make motoring more enjoyable

Noise is something we adapt to over time (if it is not very loud) and where noise inside cars is concerned, different models will have different levels. The more expensive ones with better insulation and more damping materials will have a quieter interior while occupants in the lower-priced models may hear more noises.

Over time, the ears get used to the noise levels and what may have seemed ‘noisy’ might seem to fade away. Or the opposite can also occur as time will see some parts loosening, gaps widening so noise from outside can seep in.

Where drivers used to have to shout to make themselves heard above certain speeds, modern-day cars are comparatively quiet. Conversations and music are clearly audible, even at low volumes. But the quest for quietness in the cabin has not ended and Ford’s ‘Whisper Strategy’ delivers lots of small noise improvements around the vehicle that add up to a big difference. Lower noise levels will not just enhance comfort but can also reduce fatigue.

The ‘Whisper Strategy’
Take the new Kuga sold in Europe, for example: Ford engineers examined noise‑generating elements from the suspension to the door seals to help find ways to optimize interior refinement. Adding perforations to the leather seat bolsters reduced the total area of flat surfaces inside the cabin, helping absorb rather than reflect noise.

Aerodynamically-tuned sound shields are also added underneath the body of the vehicle that help limit road and wind noise entering from outside.

Ford engineers spent two years testing more than 70 different tyres over surfaces from smooth tarmac to rough concrete and cobbles, in wet and dry conditions and at a range of speeds to find the exact specification that kept road noise to a minimum.

They added smaller and narrower channels behind the exterior panels that allow hidden wiring and components to pass from one area to limit airflow inside the body.

“Our ‘whisper strategy’ is designed to make journeys as quiet as they can possibly be – from absorbing sound through perforated seats to testing that involves listening carefully to the different sound patterns created by dozens of different tyres,” explained Glen Goold, Chief Programme Engineer for the model.

A generational divide
To ascertain just how much quieter today’s cars are, the engineers got hold of a 1966 Ford Anglia and measured sound levels. They found that the interior noise levels in the latest Kuga Plug-In Hybrid are just one quarter of those experienced by motorist in the 1960s.

All-new Ford Kuga — *Today’s Kuga PHEV (above) has a quarter the amount of noise in the cabin compared to the 1966 Anglia (below)*

With the quality of musical sound reproduction in cars getting higher and higher, ensuring that undesirable noises are kept out or suppressed is important. Quietness also gives a more premium ambience in the cabin, increasing the appeal of the model.

To view, test-drive or buy Ford vehicles in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

The New Ford Ranger FX4

Update on fuel prices – June 6 to June 12, 2020

Exemption of sales tax for new vehicle purchases, effective from June 15, 2020!

Sales of new vehicles will not require payment of Sales Tax this year. For models that are assembled locally (CKD), the exemption will be 100% while for imported (CBU) models, the exemption will be 50%.

These are incentives which the Prime Minister today announced as part of the Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan. The plan has 40 iniatives totalling RM35 billion and the tax exemptions for the auto industry are for the period from June 15 until December 31, 2020.

Sales tax is set at 10% so purchasers of locally-assembled models will not have to pay that entire amount, while those who buy CBU models will have to pay half of the sales tax that would be payable. The revisions should be quite straightforward although the car companies will now have to accept that people will hold back their purchases for another 10 days.

Among the first in the industry to comment on the development, UMW Toyota Motor’s President, Ravindran K. said: “This is indeed good news for the auto industry and we are grateful to the government for assisting this sector. The full savings will be passed on to customers and we expect that the reduced prices will help to revitalize the automotive industry.”

Mr. Ravindran said that the company already has new models planned for launch this year. “With the tax exemptions, we will be making the relevant adjustments to the retail prices of all our models and apply them by June 15,” he added.

“The Malaysian auto industry, like those in other countries, has been greatly affected by the long period of inactivity during the Movement Control Order period. Apart from lost sales and production, there is also consumer sentiment which is uncertain of the future. Therefore, we appreciate the support from the government to help boost the industry,” said Akio Takeyama,
Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been very hard on virtually every industrial sector, not just in Malaysia but also in other countries. As the situation eases, governments are now looking at ways to help industries recover as quickly as possible so the economy can be revitalized.

The auto sector in Malaysia is no exception and the shutdown will have implications on the Total Industry Volume in 2020. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has given a forecast of 400,000 units.

Buy a VW Tiguan in June and you will save on 6 months of H-P instalments

Looking for a new SUV? If you choose the latest Volkswagen Tiguan, you can save money on the purchase provided you book and register it by June 30, 2020. For the first six months after your loan term commences, you will not have to pay any monthly instalment as Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will cover that amount for you.

Of course, how much you actually save depends on the financing you need (which must be taken from the recommended financial institutions) but on the assumption of a monthly instalment of RM1,630, you will save RM9,780.

VW Tiguan — *The Tiguan is available with a choice of four exterior colours.*

Save another RM4,000 more!
Do the booking online at the Volkswagen eShowroom and you’ll get an additional RM4,000 rebate, lowering the amount of financing you need to take on the H-P loan (terms and conditions apply).

But whether you choose to book online or directly with an authorised Volkswagen dealer, you still won’t need to pay any instalment in the first 6 months. That’s great in these times as your first payment would then be in January 2021.

For added convenience, the new vehicle can be delivered right your home with the free Volkswagen Home Delivery service, available to new owners located within 20 kms from dealerships.

Global bestseller
The Tiguan is Volkswagen’ global bestseller and is also one of the top three most popular SUVs in the world. It is currently in its second generation since the model was first introduced in 2007. For the Malaysian market, the SUV has a 150 ps/250 Nm 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged direct injection petrol engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG).

Despite its brisk performance, thanks to having a smaller engine displacement, the Tiguan can also be economical to run, and Volkswagen says it can travel up to 800 kms on a full tank of fuel.

A highlight is the Digital Cockpit which features a high-resolution display with a three-view customizable screen via the infotainment with over 30 combination options. The infotainment system has App-Connect which can use MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple Carplay to bring apps on smartphones to the dashboard.

Safety features are also extensive with 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Multi-collision brakes, Intelligent Crash Response System, Electronic Parking Brake as well as hill-hold control.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more or to make a booking online.

Volkswagen Tiguan has crossed 6-million mark and remains VW’s bestseller

Perodua supports government initiatives to fortify Malaysia’s automotive industry

Following a recent announcement by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), Perodua has expressed its support for the government’s initiatives to sustain Malaysia’s automotive industry amidst the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

“Perodua is in full support of the government’s aim to fortify Malaysia’s automotive industry in these trying times, and its various initiatives to achieve that aim,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“As Malaysia’s biggest carmaker by volume, we are eager and ready to step forward and work with the government to ensure the industry’s continued survival in this difficult time,” he added.

TIV needs to be 500,000 units
According to reports, MARii estimates a 28% drop in new car sales this year due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) brought about by COVID-19. It estimates that a minimum 500,000 units for the Total Industry Volume (TIV) would be needed in 2020 for automotive businesses’ continued survival.

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) which compiles monthly sales report, the TIV up till the end of April was 106,601 units. This means that monthly sales for the remaining 8 months would have to be around 49,175 units to reach MARii’s figure.

Based on consultation with its members which are the various importers and distributors, the MAA has already revised its forecast downwards by 33% to 400,000 units from 600,000 units. That’s a TIV level almost similar to what was achieved 19 years ago in 2001

Incentives proposed to stimulate demand
Among the incentives MARii outlined to stimulate demand are a temporary waiver on downpayments, reduced loan interest rates and joint subsidies between carmakers and the government for roadtax and insurance for a limited period.

“It is indeed a challenging time for all of us. However, Perodua is confident that with the government’s collaboration, the industry as well as its ecosystem of suppliers and dealers will be able to weather the storm together,” Dato’ Zainal said.

As reported earlier, Perodua sold delivered 7,886 vehicles in May and a total of 52,920 vehicles during the first five months of 2020. This accounted for a 41% share of the market against an estimated January-May TIV of 129,401 units.

“Perodua is also doing its part to sustain its vast ecosystem of suppliers and dealers. Besides our volume, we assist and support them through investments, purchases and advance purchases, longer credit terms as well as various operational transformation initiatives and development programmes,” Dato’ Zainal added.

Click here to find out more about the latest happenings at Perodua.

Perodua delivered 7,886 vehicles in May as restrictions eased

Piston.my

English

Interstate travel allowed from Wednesday as CMCO ends

Lexus project creates the world’s first tattooed car

Porsche Carrera Cup Germany moving its racing activities into the virtual world

PDRM gets new Honda Civic 1.8S as replacement for patrolcar fleet

20% discount on toll at Penang Bridge – but only for those with RFID tag

Ford’s ‘Whisper Strategy’ to make motoring more enjoyable

Update on fuel prices – June 6 to June 12, 2020

Exemption of sales tax for new vehicle purchases, effective from June 15, 2020!

Buy a VW Tiguan in June and you will save on 6 months of H-P instalments

Perodua supports government initiatives to fortify Malaysia’s automotive industry

Interstate travel allowed from Wednesday as CMCO ends

Lexus project creates the world’s first tattooed car

Porsche Carrera Cup Germany moving its racing activities into the virtual world

PDRM gets new Honda Civic 1.8S as replacement for patrolcar fleet

20% discount on toll at Penang Bridge – but only for those with RFID tag

Ford’s ‘Whisper Strategy’ to make motoring more enjoyable

Update on fuel prices – June 6 to June 12, 2020

Exemption of sales tax for new vehicle purchases, effective from June 15, 2020!

Buy a VW Tiguan in June and you will save on 6 months of H-P instalments

Perodua supports government initiatives to fortify Malaysia’s automotive industry

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