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.
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.
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.
Related: Volkswagen Home Delivery Service in Malaysia
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
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
As the decade of the 2000s began, Toyota started the IMV (Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicle) program to develop a range of dual-purpose products that could be produced efficiently in large volumes at selected locations outside Japan. It was a bold venture, comparable to the development of the Lexus brand and products, as it transferred virtually all product development and manufacturing away from Japan.
The IMV program had 3 models – the Hilux, Fortuner and Innova – and they have all done well around the world in the markets they were targeted at. Two generations have been produced with the second generation which was introduced in 2015 now getting an upgrade at what is considered the midlife of the product cycle. That suggests that the cycle will be 10 years or so, which was the length of the previous generation.
The upgrades, announced for the Hilux and Fortuner, typically refresh the appearances while introducing multiple improvements to engine, driving and towing performance.
Improved engine
The most significant changes are under the skin where new and revised engine components result in noticeable gains to output with sizeable cuts to fuel consumption.
New and uprated components have resulted in an even more robust 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (1GD-FTV), enabling maximum power to rise to 201 bhp/500 Nm, While delivering impressive gains of 27 bhp and 50 Nm, additional measures including improved cooling have enabled fuel consumption to be reduced across the board, particularly in city driving where the improvement is said to be more than 17%.
The Hilux range retains the 2.4-litre turbodiesel and 2.7-litre petrol engines along with the choice of three transmissions, 4×2 and 4×4 drive. Suspension upgrades – including revised shock-absorber tuning, new bushings and improved leafspring design – improved ride comfort, particularly over rough roads and with low loads while maintaining the legendary off-road capabilities.
In the 4×4 models with downhill-assist control, an additional traction control feature when using 2WD mode reroutes torque to assist grip in muddy or grassy conditions on worksites.
Greater towing capability
Towing capacity for the automatic 4×4 Hilux has been upgraded to a maximum of 3500 kgs to match the manual versions. On 4×2 variants, all diesel automatics are now rated at 2800 kgs, an increase of up to 300 kgs. The upgraded Fortuner has a 300 kg increase in the maximum braked towing capacity which takes it to 3,100 kgs.
Refreshed looks
For the updated Fortuner, the cosmetic changes are a unique surround for the larger black grille, restyled bumpers with a ‘skid-plate design’ below the front bumper, more prominent foglamp bezels, and slimmer headlamps upgraded to LEDs. New LED taillight clusters are also available in some variants.
The refreshed exterior styling of the Hilux maintains the tough, robust on-road presence of the highly popular pick-up model, in keeping with the global Toyota truck family. It projects a stronger presence with a large trapezoidal grille that dominates the front design and incorporates more pronounced horizontal elements that deliver a wider, more planted look. The grille surrounds differ by variant while there are newly designed headlights which are smaller for a ‘meaner’ look. LED lighting systems are available on some variants.
Inside, both models have been upgraded with the adoption of an 8-inch display for the infotainment system which has enhanced voice recognition and the latest smartphone integration functions. These include including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so smartphone apps can be accessed from the dashboard.
A 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument binnacle incorporates a digital speed readout, among other new functions.
While the primary production hub for the Hilux and Fortuner is at the Toyota factory in Thailand, it is also locally assembled in some countries, Malaysia being one of them. Under normal non-pandemic conditions, there would be some extra time needed before the new models are assembled due to sourcing and preparation of parts from local suppliers for the Malaysian models.
With the interruption by the months-long Movement Control Order that suspended virtually all activities, the schedules would have changed so it’s hard to say when these new models will be in showrooms.
Click here for other news and articles about Toyota.
Seems like with the industry resuming business, the car companies are trying to quickly make up for the lost months and deferred product introductions. After recently starting deliveries of the updated Honda BR-V, Honda Malaysia has now also announced an update for the RS version of the popular HR-V crossover SUV.
Second choice for interior colour
The update is a new interior colour – a classy dark brown leather which customers can choose as an alternative to the existing black leather theme. The dark brown leather materials are fitted to the centre console, front panel, driver and passenger seats (front and rear) as well as door panel lining.
No change in price
The price remains as RM124,800 (without insurance). Colour options are Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearl.
Launched in 2015, there are more than 91,000 units of the HR-V on Malaysian roads. Right from the start, it was a hit as it arrived at the right time when the SUV market boom was accelerating. The facelifted HR-V which was introduced in January 2019 has sold more than 19,000 units with the RS variant contributing 21% to the total.
The HR-V RS is powered by a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine and uses an Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Functional features include a 7-inch display screen for the infotainment system, paddle shifters and the very useful LaneWatch system which provides a real-time view of the blindspot on the left side of the vehicle.
“The HR-V RS received overwhelming response from the market since we introduced it in early 2019. Then, based on customers’ feedback for an enhanced touch of sophistication, we introduced the stylish black leather interior for the HR-V RS. We are delighted to provide yet another selection of interior styling to suit the differing personalities of our discerning customers – the new classy dark brown leather interior. We are committed to continuously improve our product offerings as we listen to customers’ feedback and market demand,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.
Safe practices implemented at all authorised Honda dealerships for customers’ peace of mind
Car-buyers today are luckier than those in the 1980s and earlier because car companies readily offer them a chance to test-drive a new model. In earlier days, companies were less accommodating as they were not willing to register the new cars unless they were being sold and besides, it was a ‘sellers market’ then. The growth of the market created high demand so if a customer insisted on trying a car, his request could be rejected because the salesman knew there were another 5 other customers waiting to buy it anyway.
But all that changed in the 1990s as the market got more competitive. And with cars looking the ‘same’ on paper, the emphasis switched to the ‘driving experience’ to highlight the difference. Each brand would proudly boast of a superior driving experience and in contrast to the past, would try their best to get customers behind the wheel. Many companies held test-drive campaigns, inviting the public to come and try their latest models. At motorshows in recent years, test-drives have been an important activity for the exhibitors.
Now, with concerns about the pandemic, car-shopping has to change again. Apart from reluctance of some customers to visit showrooms, there is also social distancing to observe and other procedures to adhere to. So what Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) is doing is to go to the customer instead. The company recently began its ‘Test Drive to You’ campaign which brings the latest Hyundai models to the customer’s doorstep to try out.
It’s actually good for the customer, not only because of the convenience but also because the test-drive can be done on familiar roads in the area around the home.
Personalised service
“The ‘Test Drive to You’ campaign is an exclusive personalised service by Sime Darby Auto Hyundai to reach out to our customers wherever they are. We have a total of six sales outlets in Peninsular Malaysia which are offering this service. Interested parties just need to register their interest and we will arrange for a test drive session from the customer’s home,” said Low Yuan Lung, MD of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.
SOPs for protection of customers
SDAH is committed to customers’ safety by having Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which are in accordance with requirements by the Health Ministry. These include sanitisation of test-drive vehicles before and after every session, and the wearing of face masks by the customer as well as the sales consultant. The latter will be seated at the rear to observe social distancing practice.
As a precaution, thermal scanning will be done prior to the test drive. Should the customer’s body temperature exceed 37.5ᵒC, the test-drive session will have to be cancelled. Additionally, customers are required to sanitise their hands with the hand sanitiser provided.
Customers who wish to request for a test-drive from their homes can register at the SDAH website and an appointment will be arranged. The six showrooms are located in Kuala Lumpur (2), Selangor (1), Perak (1), Prai (1) and Johor (1). The website also has information about the promotions, the latest being cash rebates of up to RM13,000 on selected models.
Click here for other news and articles about Hyundai.
BMW Group Malaysia has been a driving force in electrified vehicles for many years. This mirrors its global electrification initiatives not just in products but also in related activities such as battery pack manufacturing. It’s therefore not surprising that many of the BMWs on the roads are electrified, with plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The cost of battery packs replacement has been a concern of many owners who buy hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Though designed to last a long time, the battery packs might have problems and the cost of replacement can be high as they are specialised and sophisticated units, not like the common small lead-acid battery in the engine bay.
To provide peace of mind to owners, the BMW and MINI brands in Malaysia now offer an extended PHEV battery warranty programme. This new programme extends – by an additional 2 years or 60,000 kms – the existing programme to 8 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms.
The New Battery Warranty Programme is also available as an extension via the BMW and MINI Aftersales Upgrade Programmes for the BMW 330e, BMW X5 xDrive 40e, BMW 530e and MINI Countryman PHEV at RM2,200 as well as for the BMW 740Le at RM7,600.
However, this PHEV Battery Warranty Programme is available only from now until December 31, 2020.
Production of High-Voltage Batteries for BMW Hybrid Vehicles underway in Thailand
Until the Ford Ranger came along in the 1990s, the pick-up truck was viewed as just a workhorse machine with minimal safety features. Then Ford decided that, rather than develop an ‘Asian Car’ based on a passenger car, it would instead make a truck its ‘Asian Car’. After all, it had decades of experience making trucks, especially for the US market, the home of pick-up trucks.
The carmaker built a huge new factory in Thailand with an investment of US$500 million to make the Ranger, primarily for the ASEAN market but with a longer term plan of becoming a global production hub for the model. In fact, by the beginning of the 2000s, the Ranger was being exported to over 100 countries and becoming a popular choice.
That it won awards in regions as different as Europe and ASEAN showed that it was a product which could meet a broad spectrum of customers’ needs, whether for personal transport or for business and heavy-duty work. And last year, the Ranger was also introduced in the US market as well.
Game-changer in truck segment
‘Built Ford Tough’ has been a strong point of the Ranger but the other reason for its popularity has been that it has been a stylish pick-up. In fact, the first Ranger was a ‘game-changer’ and influenced other carmakers to make their equivalent products more comfortable and more stylish. And Ford also made safety a high priority, introducing increasingly advanced safety systems with smart technology to protect the occupants.
The current range in Malaysia is perhaps the widest ever, with a choice of engines and variants to suit just about every requirement. At the top is the Ranger Raptor, a muscular-looking truck with performance that matches its looks. Today, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has added a brand new variant – the Ranger FX4 – which is the first pick-up truck to be launched online in Malaysia.
“The New Ford Ranger FX4 is designed for customers who are looking for a truck with a lot more attitude, and those who take their truck on adventures while making use of its best-in-class towing and payload capabilities,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion. “It truly is an uncompromised truck for the adventure seeker, and its addition to our line-up of nine variants in Malaysia further reinforces the Ranger’s versatility as a vehicle to suit every lifestyle.”
“Given the current COVID-19 situation, this online launch of the New Ford Ranger FX4 is appropriate in ensuring the continued social distancing guidelines outlined by the government,” added Tuan Syed Ahmad Muzri. “In an increasingly digital age, it is also in line with our strategy to innovate on ways to bring new experiences to consumers online. We are proud to be the first pick-up truck brand in the country to launch a new model digitally on two live platforms.”
While maintaining the tough and rugged image of all Rangers, the FX4 gains its own identity too with styling features based on a black theme. There’s a new ebony black mesh front grille and the 18-inch alloy rims are also finished in gloss black. The sports bar is also finished in matte black and if you are one of the first 150 buyers, it is provided free of charge.
Three colour choices are available and if the dark shades of Meteor Grey and Absolute Black don’t appeal to you, there’s also Arctic White which has a strong contrast between the black elements and the white bodywork.
Muscular engine with VGT
Powering the FX4 is a Ford 2.2-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). The VGT enhances the engine’s efficiency by varying boost according to conditions so that optimum output is available all the time. At peak, there’s 160 ps available with 385 Nm of torque continuously available from 1,600 rpm to 2,600 rpm. That means strong pulling power from standstill with the ability to also sustain high cruising speeds.
The power flows through a 6-speed automatic transmission with High and Low ranges to maximise the off-road capabilities of the FX4 while also giving smooth and economical running on highways. In the older trucks, it was necessary to stop the vehicle when switching ranges but with the Ranger, this can be done without stopping. Even better, you only need to rotate a dial instead of struggle with a second lever to engage.
The FX4 also comes with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on the rear axle. With this, there’s better stability on slippery terrain. Whenever one wheel spins as it loses grip, the LSD will immediately divert torque to the other wheel so that grip is not totally lost.
Premium ambience in car-like cabin
The passenger-car like interior of the Ranger was one of its original selling points, persuading many to switch from their sedans or hatchbacks to a pick-up truck – which also introduced them to a new lifestyle. For the FX4, a dark theme is used within, mirroring the exterior theme. The leather-accented seats have embossed FX4 logos on the backrests, while red stitching has been applied to the gear selector, centre console, instrument panel, centre console, door trims, handbrake and steering wheel. Special FX4-branded carpet mats also add to the exclusivity and complement the premium ambience of the cabin.
For entertainment on the move, there’s an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so there’s easy connectivity with smartphones. Bluetooth is also available for other devices and Voice Recognition helps to keep the hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road. SYNC is like a ‘control centre’ for many functions, some of which can be managed by just saying commands in simple language.
Needless to say, with everyone having one or more electronic devices these days, being able to recharge on the move is useful. In the FX4, there is a 12V socket (which you can plug a USB adapter into) as well as a USB port for charging.
Protecting occupants well
With its ‘Built Ford Tough’ credentials, the Ranger FX4 already has a robust bodyshell and chassis that can offer good passive protection. Additionally, there are airbag systems and ISOFIX childseat connectors in the cabin. But as it always better to prevent an accident from occurring in the first place, Ford has worked hard to add smart technologies that assist the driver to avoid or recover from a potential accident.
These driver assistance systems include ABS, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Rollover Mitigation (valuable for tall vehicles like trucks), Trailer Sway Control and Adaptive Load Control.
Additionally, standard features like rain-sensing wipers allow the driver to concentrate on driving more, while Hill Descent and Hill Launch controls make it safer going uphill or downhill. There’s also cruise control to help reduce fatigue on long highway journeys as the vehicle can be set to run at a desired speed.
The display screen on the dashboard also switches to a rear view of the FX4 when reverse gear is engaged. The bright and clear image from the camera mounted on the rear cargo panel gives a wide view so obstacles or even small children can be spotted while reversing. Together with parking sensors in the bumper, it certainly helps when parking the vehicle in tight spots!
Priced from RM126,888 (on-the-road, without insurance), the new Ranger FX4 comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or up to 100,000 kms. It’s imported as a completely built-up model (CBU) from Thailand.
For the very first 150 customers nationwide who purchase the new Ranger FX4, SDAC will give complimentary accessories worth RM5,398. These are the matte black sports bar and executive window tinting, as well as a built-in Digital Video Recorder (DVR) with a range of smart and safety functions including high-definition (HD) recording, wide-angle viewing, night view recording and Mobile App connect via Hotspot. It also comes with 8GB memory card.
Ford Digital Salesperson ready to assist
Besides visiting a showroom, customers can also WhatsApp the Ford Digital Salesperson at +6019-204 1200 from 9am – 4pm, Monday – Friday, excluding public holidays. Through this dedicated channel, they will be connected with an authorized Ford salesperson at a dealership located nearest to them. This will initiate discussions on the purchase process and customers can transact at their own convenience to pay the deposit for their vehicle from wherever they are.
Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more about the new Ranger FX4 and where the nearest Ford showrooms is.
The Ford Ranger is quite possibly the most desirable pick up truck in the market right now. From the Ranger Raptor to the entry level Ranger XL, all are extremely capable pick-up trucks, with the Raptor and the Wildtrak naturally being the most well balanced for on and off-road capabilities.
Today (June 3rd) though the Ranger family will welcome a new member – the New Ford Ranger FX4.
Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the official distributor of all Ford vehicles in Malaysia, will be introducing the New Ford Ranger FX4 online via Live Video on Ford Malaysia’s Facebook and Youtube channels. This takes place at 11am.
The updated Ranger FX4 has been vastly improved over the model it replaces.
Far from a regular nip and tuck job typical of model upgrades, the New Ranger FX4 can be immediately recognised by an ebony black grille, black side mirror covers, door handles and a black tailgate handle.
The Ranger FX4 also gets black 18-inch rims and unique FX4 side decals and also a 3D tailgate badge.
It doesn’t end there though, the interior of the new Ranger FX4 is a vast improvement over the old model with new black-leather seats with an embossed FX4 logo.
There is also red contrast stitching adorning the seats, the dash, the steering wheel as well as the centre console.
And because moderns Rangers are brilliant at keeping its occupants entertained, the new Ranger FX4 comes with an eight-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity mated to six speakers.
Underneath it all though, there is a 2.2-litre TDCi VGT turbodiesel engine which also powers the Ranger XLT.
This engine puts out a healthy 157hp and 385Nm of torque through a six-speed gearbox that channels all that power to either the rear wheels or all four wheels.
The driver can select whether he wants to drive in 2WD or 4WD mode by simply turning a knob located by the gear lever, even while the Ranger FX4 is on the move.
There is also an electronic-locking rear differential for when the road gets tough.
Interested? SDAC is offering the first 150 customers who purchase the new Ford Ranger FX4 free accessories worth RM5,398!
These accessories consist of a matte black sports bar, a high-definition Digital Video Recorder with an 8GB memory card as well as executive tinting.
Don’t forget to catch the live introduction of the latest member of the Ford Ranger family – the Ford Ranger FX4.
Click here to visit Ford Malaysia’s Facebook page and click here to visit Ford Malaysia’s Youtube page.
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