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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia & Hap Seng Star Open 11th Autohaus In Setia Alam!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM) together with authorised dealer partner Hap Seng Star (HSS), today unveiled its 11^th Autohaus, the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus (HSS Setia Alam). Complementing the German marque’s eclectic product offerings, the Autohaus launch reflects the brand’s continued drive for holistic automotive excellence, bringing the Best Products, Best Service and Best Customer Experience to its ever-growing customer fan base.

“It gives us great pleasure to celebrate yet another significant milestone with our authorised dealer partner, Hap Seng Star, the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus. Driven by our customer centric strategy, we continue to expand our customer touchpoints for an unrivalled Mercedes-Benz experience, keeping the Malaysian market, our customers and fans in mind,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner (above, right).

With the addition of HSS Setia Alam, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia maintains its leading position as the largest retail network in the premium segment with 35 authorised dealerships from nine dealer groups. The result of a successful partnership between principal and authorised dealer, HSS Setia Alam, with a RM2.8 million investment, is part of the on-going RM294 million total investment by Hap Seng Star to enhance customer touchpoints nationwide. Strategically located in Setia Alam, the Autohaus extends the Mercedes-Benz brand reach to an ever-growing customer and fan base in the vicinity of Setia Alam, Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, Tanjung Karang and Sekinchan. HSS Setia Alam is a brand new full-fledged 3S centre managed by 39 certified personnel well-versed in sales and after-sales.

With eight work bays installed and manned by Daimler AG certified professionals, the Autohaus is capable of servicing up to 500 vehicles a month. Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad Group Chief Operating Officer and Hap Seng Star Chief Executive, Mr Harald Behrend (below, left), said, “Throughout our nearly 50 years of collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we have been dedicated and passionate in providing exceptional service and best customer experience to our valued customers. Today we remain as dedicated and passionate as we first started. Our strong commitment continues with this new investment in Setia Alam.” An interim facility, HSS Setia Alam embraces the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) design concept and occupies a built-up area of 10,730sq ft. Equipped with state-of-the art facilities, the complete range of Mercedes-Benz special tools and Service Differentiation, every Mercedes-Benz fan and customer can expect a seamless experience in sales, financial services and aftersales, guided by certified professionals.

Able to accommodate six showroom vehicles, the dynamic, convenient and attractive facility also offers fans and customers an up-close and personal experience with all their favourite Mercedes-Benz cars. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus also houses a Star Lounge, taking customers’ comfort into consideration, and ultimately, delivering a holistic experience to each and every one who walks into the Autohaus.

The launch of HSS Setia Alam, brings the total of Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Autohauses to 11 locations across the nation, reflecting a strong and thriving partnership. Hap Seng Star’s other locations in Peninsular Malaysia include HSS Kuala Lumpur, HSS Kinrara, HSS Balakong, HSS Jalan Ipoh, HSS Bukit Tinggi Klang, HSS Puchong South, and HSS Iskandar Johor. HSS Kota Kinabalu, HSS Kuching and HSS Miri are located in East Malaysia. HSS Setia Alam is located at Lot 5, Jalan Setia Murni U13/AH, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor. For more information, please visit www.hapseng.mercedes-benz.com.my or call +603-3359 5585.

FEATURE: We Tested The New BHP Infiniti For 1,000kms Right Into Another Country!

Now driving more than 1,000km just to test fuel might sound like overkill to some, but I’m definitely not one of them. You see in this line of work, some might think that we have more than enough of driving, and as such a roadtrip like the one recently organised by BH Petrol from KL to Hatyai and back might not be something we’d want to participate in, but that’s where you’d be very wrong…

Okay, so maybe I don’t speak for all the media, but I personally relish any opportunity to hit the road, so when BHP invited Piston.my to try out its new Infiniti petrol, it didn’t take me very long to respond with a ‘yes’. The plan was to drive from KL right into Hatyai, using Haval H1 (above) & H2 cars that were provided by the organiser. We’d also be joined by BHP customers and car & motorbike club members for the drive, some of whom were driving some very serious metal (below).

Introducing the new Infiniti petrol available in both RON 95 & RON 97 at the flag off, K.T. Tan, Managing Director of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd, said, “Since the launch of BHPetrol in 2005, we have consistently aimed to offer best quality petroleum products to motorists. Our association with one of the global leaders in fuel additive technology, based in Germany, has enabled us to develop advanced formulations for ‘Infiniti’ petrol that deliver better performance, improved fuel economy and cleaner exhaust emissions.”

The journey to the Malaysia-Thailand border at Bukit Kayu Hitam was one of the smoothest I’ve ever recalled, not just in terms of traffic, but also in terms of how effortless the prepared vehicles using BHP Infiniti fuel were standing up to our abuse, and it was the same way for the journey home 2-days later. What happened in-between though was a very pleasant surprise.

Normally, organisers try to eke out every possible moment with activities surrounding their brand or product, but on day 2, BHP decided to organise a treasure hunt around Hatyai for us with a difference. Instead of using the cars we drove up in, we’d be using Tuk-Tuk’s instead. No really, it was very much like an Amazing Race, solving puzzles and answering typical treasure hunt questions all around Hatyai.

It was a great way to see the town, in fact, even having visited Hatyai several times in the past, I found myself in areas that I’d never seen before, like the old train-station for example. I didn’t even know there was a train station in Hatyai before this. And yes, we were required to take ‘selfies’ at certain spots as part of the hunt, so those photos in the gallery were actually part of the submitted answers after the hunt, which by the way Team 5 won, us. Yes, my team won.

So all in all it was a fantastic media drive with BHP testing their new fuel (see below), we got to have a great road trip, as well as see parts of Hatyai we’d never seen before. I’m keeping my fingers crossed we’ll get invited for the next one, but this time, I’d like to drive my own car. – Chris Wee.

What’s the new BHP Infiniti all about?

The new ‘Infiniti’ petrol has an advanced formulation using the latest generation of additives. The major elements of the new additive package include a new Friction Modifier, an enhanced Corrosion Inhibitor and superior Deposit Cleaning Agents. The dosage of the additive is 800 ppm, which is twice the minimum treat rate recommended by the additive company. It is provided at no extra cost to motorists as a value-added feature to take them further and with a smoother drive.

With the new Friction Modifier, internal friction is further reduced and this means more of the energy can be used to power the vehicle, thereby increasing performance. Lower friction levels also enhance engine efficiency leading to better fuel economy. A clean engine runs more efficiently but during the combustions process, certain chemical compounds are formed which can deposit on internal engine surfaces.

The superior Deposit Cleaning Agents in the additive package remove these deposits and if BHPetrol ‘Infiniti’ petrol is used regularly, the engine will maintain its cleanliness to achieve optimum performance. To help the engine last longer, the enhanced Corrosion Inhibitor provides a layer of protection on metal surfaces. With this protection, corrosion is reduced and the engine will maintain its recommended performance longer.

BHPetrol, a leading brand on fuels technology, announces the latest version of its premium ‘Infiniti’ petrol. Available at no increase in retail prices (based on the prices announced by the government), the new Revolutionised Infiniti petrol is available in both RON95 and RON97 grades.

“Over the years, in tandem with the advancements in engine technology, we have also improved the formulation of ‘Infiniti’ petrol so as to maintain the high level of performance and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, to maximise the benefits to our customers, we enhance our ‘Infiniti’ petrol with 800 parts per million (ppm) of additive which is double the minimum treat rate recommended by our additive supplier,” added Mr. Tan.

“Today, we are proud to once again announce even better ‘Infiniti’ petrol with a further improved formulation which results in increased power and mileage, while also keeping the engine running clean,” Mr. Tan said. With effect from today, the new Revolutionised ‘Infiniti’ petrol is available at all BHPetrol stations, currently numbering 380, of which 275 include a BHPetromart convenience store.

Customers and the public wishing to know more about the new Revolutionised Infiniti petrol and other BHPetrol products and services are invited to visit the website www.bhpetrol.com.my.

BHP KL-Hatyai-KL Roadtrip Photo Gallery…

VIDEOS: Sunday @ KLIMS 2018! What A Crowd – Visitors To KL International Motorshow Are Back With A Vengeance [+Videos]

One of the things that was playing at the back of our minds in regards to KLIMS 2018, was how it was going to be insofar as crowd attendance was concerned. And with that in mind, we headed back to MITEC, the new venue of the KL International Motorshow, on Sunday 25th, technically the first weekend of the show. This is what it looked like! Wait for the surprise at the end…

Another big surprise was the appearance of the Proton R3 Racing Team (below), who’d just won the S1K, or Sepang 1000km Race the day before, and we managed to catch their full interview and meet-the-fans session at the Proton pavilion…

Of course as expected the crowd at the abovementioned Proton pavilion was massive, packed with those who came to see the new X70 SUV, which will be officially launched on 12th December (probably at KL Convention Centre) during which Proton will FINALLY reveal its price…

The 2-wheel section of KLIMS was participated by Kawasaki Malaysia, Benelli and Honda, who showcased the awesome new GoldWing Tourer, remarkable…

It was also heartening to see that Peugeot was getting quite a lot of visitors, many were enthralled by the new Peugeot 308 GTi…

Unfortunately, as previously mentioned, there is no official Supercar representation at KLIMS 2018, however, thanks to the ‘peripheral’ pavilions, there was still some eye-candy to ogle… we’re referring to the cars of course…

We’ll be visiting the show again before it ends on 2nd December 2018, so stay tuned for our wrap-up coverage!

KL Underground Is Happening Today @ Putrajaya! [+Video]

If you happen to be anywhere near the Putrajaya Recreational Airfield @ Putrajaya, do drop by the KL Underground event happening today 24th Nov until midnight (possibly later, Waze your way to the location).

Here’s our walkaround video captured earlier today…

Expect some amazing metal to be at the show folks, so after you’re done with KLIMS, head on over here to complete your automotive weekend! For more details, check out the KLU Facebook page here.

KLIMS 2018: Mega Photo Gallery Of The KL International Motorshow 2018!

Well, as we’ve always said, nobody wants to read about a motorshow, so without further ado here goes! In alphabetical order, culminating with the gallery all the guys scroll to first of course, enjoy! (Photos by Piston.my and MotoMalaya.net)

CITROEN

DS Automobiles

FORD

HONDA

HYUNDAI

KIA

LEXUS

MITSUBISHI

NISSAN

PERODUA

PEUGEOT

PROTON

TOYOTA

GIRLS @ KLIMS 2018!

MyClassic Cars Puts On A Good Show @ KLIMS 2018! [+Photo Gallery]

Now here’s something that I personally feel every Motorshow should have, a section for classic cars! I don’t think I’m the only classic car fan to visit KLIMS (or any motorshow for that matter) so let’s keep this going!

Nice one Rukshan and friends @ MyClassic Cars (<– link to their FB page), good show!

To the organisers of KLIMS, please provide better lighting next time. Like I’ve always said, ‘if you’re gonna do it, do it well’. – Chris Wee.

(NB: Caveat – That fantastic silver Porsche 911 in the photo gallery above was part of the Tom’s Stickers Motorsports (<– link) pavilion on Level 2 of KLIMS, next to the MyClassic Cars display)

KLIMS Returns For 2018 After 5-Year Absence @ MITEC! [+Videos & Mega Photo Gallery!]

Following our previous report on KLIMS or the Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow, we attended the Press Day on 22nd November 2018, and right-off the bat, it’s safe to say that the new venue for KLIMS at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) outside downtown KL is definitely a better location, not just in terms of accessibility, but also the floor space and allocated display area. But before we get into that, here’s the video of the official launch ceremony for KLIMS 2018!

Everything also seems a lot better organised this time around, especially in terms of handling the media and providing a proper set-up for us to work. There was free flow of food and drinks in the designated press room, although the room itself was a bit small, considering the number of media personnel who showed up to cover the launch and press day of KLIMS 2018. There was also no designated rest area; let’s not forget that all-in, it was at least a 10-hour day on our feet for many of us. Something to look into for the next one. Here’s our first walkabout video, which we took even before the official launch ceremony. Kudos to all the car brands who participated!

Unfortunately, while the venue itself was a lot better, manufacturer participation was definitely wanting, for apart from Peugeot, Citroen and DS Automobiles, there wasn’t a single other European carmaker in attendance. No Audi, BMW, Volvo or Mercedes-Benz. The latter was represented only thanks to Petronas who grafted what looked like an entire petrol station into KLIMS 2018, replete with a Kedai Mesra shop, while the only Supercars (apart from the Toyota FT-1 in the second video below of course) were what the peripheral pavilions brought in.

That being said, those who did participate put in a tremendous amount of effort to ensure their pavilions looked top notch! Seriously, many of them looked like they belonged in overseas motorshows like BIMS, GIIAS & TMS. Still, at least we were finally able to bring you this ‘live’ coverage of the new Proton X70 SUV, with no restrictions on photos this time. However, while fully expecting to finally learn the official price of the X70 at KLIMS, we were told that the price will be officially announced only on 12th December at the launch extravaganza…

Undoubtedly though, the star of KLIMS 2018 is the incredible Toyota FT-1, which is also known among fan-boys as the new Supra. It definitely deserved it’s own short video….

And in no particular order, here are more videos from KLIMS 2018! (KLIMS 2018 runs from today 23rd Nov to 2nd Dec 2018)

Video: Ford Malaysia put on a superb show for their new Mustang and much-anticipated Ranger Raptor, whose price was announced at RM199,888!

Video: The upstairs hall at KLIMS was dominated by a huge Petronas pavilion, with its own Kedai Mesra, as well as the Motorcycles section…

Video: Perodua unveils the X-Concept and teases a new SUV for 2019…

KLIMS 2018 Photo Gallery….

Naza Automotive Group To Showcase Full Range @ KLIMS 2018!

Naza Automotive Group, the automotive division of the Naza Group of Companies, will make an appearance at the 9^th edition of the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 which is set to showcase a range of motoring machines from passenger and commercial vehicles, to motorcycles, accessories and more at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Naza Automotive Group will showcase an impressive line-up consisting of European marques Peugeot, DS and Citroën and Korean brand Kia at the largest automotive industry event in Malaysia.

Peugeot: Motion & Emotion

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor and custodian for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia will be displaying their dynamic range of SUVs and sporty hatchbacks that personify ‘Motion & Emotion’. As the most innovatively modern SUV in its class, the ‘European Car of the Year 2017’ Peugeot 3008 SUV was built on the principles of design, advanced technology and function. The 3008 SUV is adorned with a powerful and refined style that provides convenient versatility unrivalled in its segment.

The Peugeot 5008 SUV (above) makes a smooth transition from its MPV predecessor and breaks new ground as a large, expressive 7-seater SUV in the C-segment. As a new contender in this competitive segment, the 5008 SUV breathes new air in this segment with its blend of space and practicality of an MPV and the dynamic appeal of an SUV – combining the best of both worlds in one modern automobile, giving users the attractive combination of status, sophisticated technology, impressive practicality and driving emotions.

Expressive, high quality, sporty and designed by speed enthusiasts, the Peugeot 308 GTi (above) is a successful model that was engineered and designed by Peugeot Sport – Peugeot’s motorsport division devoted exclusively to developing the marque’s most high-performing models, consisting of a team of expert engineers sharing the same passion. The compact sports car exudes an athletic allure for the ultimate driving pleasure, perfect for the adventurous souls with a desire for exhilarating driving experiences. Meanwhile, the New 308 THP, an upgraded variant of the best-selling Peugeot model in Malaysia, will make a grand addition to Peugeot’s range on display at KLIMS 2018.

Visitors to the Peugeot booth will get to try out a racing simulator and Virtual Reality experience, apart from being able to take advantage of their Autovaganza year-end promotions with rebates up to RM12,000 and free gifts with purchase. Sadly though, the amazing new Peugeot 508 (above) will not be present at KLIMS 2018. We’ll just have to wait a bit longer for that, but you can read about and watch videos of it here.

DS: Spirit of Avant-garde

Visitors to KLIMS 2018 will also get to experience the premium automobile marque of Groupe PSA, DS. Making its very first appearance on Malaysian soil is the All-New DS 7 Crossback, the New Luxury SUV by DS Automobiles. Naza Euro Motors picked KLIMS 2018 as the perfect platform to preview the All-New DS 7 Crossback, (above) ahead of its local debut in 2019.

As a Crossback, the DS 7 is beautifully crafted to be an object of desire right away. The DS 7 Crossback is immediately recognisable by day or by night, from the front or from the rear. The DS 7 Crossback comes loaded with premium features such as DS Active LED Vision, FOCAL HIFI Speakers, a clock by luxury watch makers BRM and more. Also making an appearance at the DS booth will be the DS 5, the brand’s global best-seller vehicle of avant-garde styling, allying dynamic behaviour, refinement and attention to detail with a selection of advanced technologies.

Citroën: Inspired By You

Naza Euro Motors, which is also the official distributor for Citroën brand in Malaysia, will preview the New Citroën C3 Aircross (below) to the Malaysian public for the very first time at KLIMS 2018. A new-generation SUV, the New Citroën C3 Aircross’ unique styling with a robust SUV design commands attention everywhere it goes. Powered by a Puretech Turbo engine under the hood, the New Citroën C3 Aircross delivers 112 PS and 205 Nm of torque. Despite delivering more performance, the New C3 Aircross is more fuel-efficient at 900km on a single tank. In addition, the spacious boot space is exceptional for its segment at 410 litres in capacity.

A fun and vibrant display reflective of the brand’s global identity, Citroën’s booth at KLIMS 2018 will be one to watch out for. Visitors to the booth stand a chance to be prominently featured on their special ‘media wall’ when they pose and snap a photo with the New C3 Aircross. Also making a presence at the Citroën booth is the newly-launched New Grand C4 Spacetourer 7-seater MPV.

Designed with space, versatility and innovation in mind, the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer is a feature-packed 7-seater MPV that turns heads on the road. The MPV’s enhanced design, unique experience of comfort and latest-generation technologies presents a modern, user-friendly and family-oriented drive that allows drivers and passengers to travel in style and comfort.

KIA: The Power to Surprise

The official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, Naza Kia Malaysia, will be going all out at KLIMS 2018 showcasing its full product line-up ranging from A-segment to D-segment vehicles. KIA’s fastest automobile yet, the Kia Stinger (below) ushers in a new era of innovation for the Korean marque as a supremely designed gran turismo purebred, having earned a global recognition for its blend of high performance and best-in-class comfort. The sport sedan sets a revolutionary benchmark for the future of Kia vehicles and has been well received by car enthusiasts worldwide.

Visitors to KLIMS 2018 should also watch out for Kia’s newly introduced models – the New Optima GT, New Sorento, New Grand Carnival – and upcoming GT-Line models the New Sportage GT-Line and New Picanto GT-Line.

The facelifted New Optima GT now features a new aggressive front grille, LED fog lamps and rear combination LED lamps while retaining the 18-inch alloy wheels. Its feature-packed infotainment system is now paired with a 7-inch touch screen with Around View Monitor (AVM) camera, which uses cameras at the front, rear and sides of the vehicle to provide the driver with a 360-degree view of their surroundings, making it easier to complete low-speed parking manoeuvre. The New Optima GT’s sleek seat design dons a new two-tone red and black leather, with the front seats embroidered with the GT signature logo. One of Kia’s best-selling SUVs in the country, the sophisticated and bold-looking Kia Sorento comes equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission providing smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.

On the other hand, the New Grand Carnival’s versatility and style epitomises the perfect blend of day-to-day practicality and high-end luxury. The 8-speed automatic transmission of the both variants provide a smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with other new upgrades such as the Electronic Parking Brake and 18-inch alloy wheels in Light Metal Silver for KX variant and in Dark Grey Two Tone for the SX variant. Fan favourite Kia Sportage GT will also appear at Kia’s booth at KLIMS. Designed and engineered to appeal to those looking for a sportier driving experience from their Sportage, the GT-Line specification delivers all the versatility of the Sportage while adding greater visual and dynamic appeal to those who desire it.

Kia’s New Picanto GT-Line (below), a racing-inspired variant and flagship of the all-popular Picanto range, is set to impress at the KLIMS 2018. Boasting new features designed to give the car a sportier look and feel, the New Picanto GT-Line features it’s the iconic GT-Line sport package with colour accents on the full body kit that are unique to the GT-Line variant. Completing the muscular expression are Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille at the front and sporty-looking dual exhaust pipes that lend an aggressive vibe. Despite its size, the A-segment vehicle packs a punch with performance and class-leading safety standards.

KIA is also slated to give a sneak preview of a future Kia model that will make an appearance at KLIMS 2018. Catch what Peugeot, DS, Citroën and Kia has to offer at the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 held from 23^rd November until 2^nd December 2018 at MITEC.

KLIMS Is Back – The KL International Motorshow 2018 Starts On 23rd Nov @ MITEC! [+Links]

I’ve never liked KLIMS. No, really, to me it was without a doubt the worst motorshow of the region. Badly organised, always in a shambles and no-one (especially the media) knew what was going on and when. But the biggest, most obvious error in judgment was its physical location. The PWTC or Putra World Trade Centre is a great building, but holding a massive motorshow within its confines was never going to be a good idea. This was akin to holding the World Cup in a futsal stadium. Here’s a good example below from KLIMS 2013: where in the world have you ever seen an International Motorshow with a ceiling that low?

The floor area was just too small, and crowd underestimation always meant wall-to-wall visitors with little or no breathing space, much less photographic opportunity. Covering this show from a media standpoint was borderline impossible. And nowhere else in the world did one have to cross a river to get from one show hall to the next… and let’s not even talk about parking smack-dab in the middle of the city.

That being said, after a 5-year hiatus, on paper at least KLIMS 2018 (<– link) is looking better already. For starters it’s going to be held at MITEC, or the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre in KL (Full address: 8, Jalan Dutamas 2, Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. Waze: MITEC). Boasting 50,000 square feet of floor space and more than 100 participating companies, KLIMS will be on-going from 23rd November to 2nd December 2018.

“KLIMS is Malaysia’s most established and significant automotive event. The motor show is trailblazing towards its 9^th presentation after a five-year hiatus, on the theme of “Beyond Mobility” – Malaysia Automotive Association, MAA.

A few carmakers are using KLIMS 2018 as a platform for some important announcements, including our very own Proton, who are using the show to reveal the official price of its much-hyped new X70 SUV.

Ford Malaysia is bringing in the new Mustang, and will also reveal the price of the new Ranger Raptor 4×4.

UMW Toyota will unveil the new Vios & Camry, the latter being revealed (<– link) late last month in Thailand.

Boon Siew Honda will launch their electric PCX scooter, new Goldwing & Fireblade at KLIMS 2018, while Kawasaki Malaysia has something up its sleeve too.

We have high-hopes for KLIMS 2018, let’s see if this time around they get it right. After 5-years and countless visits to other regional motorshows like BIMS and Gaikindo, (<– links) let’s hope the organisers have learned a thing or two (and more) about how to properly run a motorshow. For more info log on to the KLIMS 2018 Facebook (<– link) page, because the KLIMS website doesn’t seem to be responding at time of publishing…