MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia) has launched its flagship model of the New MAN Truck Generation line-up – the MAN TGX. The company expects that the truck, designed for long-haul and cross-border trips that typically last a few days, will find significant demand from fleet operators in the country.
More space, larger cab
The MAN TGX is offered alongside its more familiar stablemate, the flexible and versatile MAN TGS that is typically the model of choice in this market. However, the TGX offers more spaciousness with the largest cab among all the New MAN Truck Generation models, especially with its high roof.
The spacious cabin offers more than 520 litres of combined storage space while the standing height of 2,100 mm allows easy movement for the driver and co-driver. The exterior dimensions of the cab are a width of 2,440 mm, length of 2,280 mm and height of 2,150 mm.
Euro-5 compliant engine
The MAN TGX is powered by the proven MAN D2676 LF08 which has maximum power output of 540 bhp/2,500 Nm and is coupled to a 12-speed MAN TipMatic gearbox. It generates lower carbon emissions to comply with stricter Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards that are the norm in today’s business environment. As with all the other models MAN Malaysia has been offering since November 2021, the diesel D266 LF 08 engine is Euro 5-compliant.
The engines of all MAN trucks sold in Malaysia are Euro-5 compliant.
MAN Malaysia Managing Director Andrew O’Brooks said that the move demonstrated the company’s desire to stand-up and be counted in Malaysia’s journey towards carbon-neutral status by 2050. “We are effectively challenging the Malaysian transporters to join the journey and take the lead in reducing carbon emissions. In Europe, long-distance transport vehicles produce as much as 27% of CO2 gases. Malaysia must look and act now to reduce its carbon footprint; and the commercial vehicle industry as well as public service vehicles can do their part in this environmental challenge,” he said.
‘Industry needs to reinvest’
As a manufacturer, MAN is doing its part to offer the right solution. “The industry certainly needs to reinvest in new, future-proof trucks that meet these criteria especially in the current business environment that demands strict environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance,” Mr. O’Brooks added.
In the late 1990s, licensing regulations for the use of pick-up trucks changed allowing them to be registered for private use like passenger cars. The development was very significant and gave Malaysians an alternative to the passenger car for personal transport. Furthermore, they were also not subject to excise duty due to the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, allowing their prices to be lower.
The development was significant as it saw rapid expansion of the pick-up truck segment. Tens of thousands of Malaysians switched to trucks over the years, finding them to be great for many different roles – daily transport, leisure activities and as a workhorse for those who had a small business.
Isuzu Motors, having had long experience in pick-up trucks and light commercial vehicles, took serious note of this trend and began to adapt its D-MAX truck to be more suited for personal use. Of course, all the original attributes such as go-anywhere capability, efficient and reliable powertrains and robust engineering were maintained and improved with each generation.
The best of the best
Today, the D-MAX is in its third generation which was launched in April 2021. Without a doubt, it can be considered the best D-MAX ever offered and the ‘best of the best‘ would be the X-Terrain version which is at the top of the range.
The D-MAX X-Terrain would be the ideal pick-up truck for anyone who is keen to switch to the ‘trucking lifestyle’. For starters, let’s consider the interior: back in the old days, pick-up truck interiors were pretty bare because they were used only for rough work. So there was no point putting in good materials or even providing comfort – and certainly, there was no air-conditioning. The pick-up trucks them would have been unappealing even if they could be used for personal transport.
Step (or more correctly, climb) inside and you will find a cabin which would be comparable to a passenger car’s. There’s no bare metal around as all surfaces are covered with trim pieces or soft materials. The seats have been thoughtfully structured for comfort with generous padding and good support. For enhanced comfort the seat cushion pads also feature Anti Vibration Elastic Comfort foam that can absorb vibrations more quickly than conventional cushion material.
The same convenience
You won’t miss anything that you had in your car when you move to a D-MAX X-Terrain because all the same convenience and connectivity features are present. The windows open and close at the touch of a switch and 9-inch display screen serves as a control centre for the infotainment system. You can transfer your favourite apps onto the system and access them from there using Apple Carplay or Android Auto, or Bluetooth connectivity. Voice commands can also be used for handsfree operation, making driving safer.
And yes, there is air-conditioning and it’s as efficient as the one you would have had in your car. Dual-zone distributions brings cool air throughout the cabin and there are also vents for the rear passengers to stay cool. The driver and front passenger car set their own preferred temperature or the system can be left on AUTO and keep the environment cool and comfortable.
Even for those who are not drivers, the transition from passenger car to the D-MAX X-Terrain will be seamless as the rear seats are just as comfortable. There are lots of storage spaces for devices and small stuff, and there are even hidden compartments under the seats to keep an iPad or other belongings out of sight.
Smart technologies
Other smart technologies also make the ownership experience of a D-MAX X-Terrain as easy as a passenger car. For instance, you can start the engine from a distance and run the air-conditioner to cool down the interior before getting in. There’s no need to use a key to unlock or start the vehicle and it will even lock itself when you walk away. How many cars can do that?
For the driver, the experience is also not much different from driving a car. In fact, the information on the instrument panel and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are more extensive than many cars in the same price range as the D-MAX X-Terrain.
But there is one thing about driving a pick-up truck which is advantageous and which a passenger car does not have – the commanding view. With the cab being higher, the seating position is also higher which gives the driver a better view of the road ahead. And for those who are intimidated by the length, a reverse camera as well as sensors in the rear bumper (also in the front bumper) makes parking easy and you’ll be able to slot into a parking bay without sweating.
ADAS makes driving safer
Just as comfort and convenience were not important in the old pick-up trucks, safety features were basic. However, with the D-MAX X-Terrain, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) help the driver to avoid an accident or lessen the damaging effects of a collision. The driver’s workload is also lessened because, with Adaptive Cruise Control, the vehicle can be left to cruise at a set speed with a safe gap always maintained from the vehicle ahead. Even the headlights will switch to low beams automatically if there is a vehicle approaching.
Isuzu considers the safety of occupants equally important as those in passenger cars and has engineered the D-MAX X-Terrain to provide superior protection in the event of an accident. Apart from the tough structure, there are also various safety systems to helped the driver avoid accidents or reduce their effects. Thus, the D-MAX X-Terrain has been able to receive the maximum score of 5 stars in the ASEAN NCAP evaluation tests.
Comfortable and also powerful
The cabin may have comfortable seating but a truck is still a truck, right? It’s tall and bounces around on rough ground and the engine is noisy. That was how the old trucks were but with modern trucks like the D-MAX X-Terrain, the platform has been more carefully engineered not just for strength but also rigidity. Together with the comfort-oriented suspension, the ride quality is smooth and comfortable even when travelling over rough terrain.
With the 3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating up to 190 ps of power and 450 Nm of torque, the D-MAX X-Terrain can go just about anywhere – and briskly too. Apart from the tree-stump pulling power, it can also get to speeds well beyond the highest national speed limit and if you want to avoid getting a summons, Isuzu provides a speed-limiter to keep the speed at the limit.
Carries more durians than a car
Switching from a passenger car to the D-MAX X-Terrain can change your life because it will bring a whole new lifestyle for you and your friends or family. There’s a lots of space at the back to carry all kinds of recreational gear and you can certainly carry more durians or plants with a D-MAX X-Terrain than you could with any car (even a stationwagon). And because it has truck genes, the load-carrying capacity is also higher than a passenger car’s.
Reliability and durability are a given with Isuzu vehicles and to give peace of mind to owners, Isuzu Malaysia offers a 7-year warranty with no limit on mileage. This means that the owner can enjoy the full 7 years of coverage against manufacturing defects (terms and condition apply).
The best way to discover how easy it is to switch from a passenger car to the D-MAX X-Terrain is to test-drive one at an authorized Isuzu dealership. To find one in Peninsular or East Malaysia, visit www.isuzu.net.my and you can soon start your new trucking lifestyle.
Sunshine contains energy and it’s free and abundantly available, so it makes sense that it can be used to power facilities. Modern technology had made it possible to collect sunshine and convert it into energy and Shell Malaysia is making use of this technology in efforts to lower carbon emissions.
The company has installed solar panels at 216 of its retail stations around the country as is part of the drive to adopt a combination of measures to improve its energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. Installation of solar panels at retail stations help supplement and reduce dependability on local utilities, resulting in increased electrical savings for the stations in the long run.
216 stations to date
Shell is working with Cleantech Solar to install the solar panels at its retail stations in Malaysia. So far, a total of 22,505 solar Photo Voltaic panels with a total capacity of 10.12 megawatt (MWp) have been installed on the roofs of 216 stations as part of the company’s commitment to run a safe, efficient, responsible, and profitable business. Exemplifying this, the current number of solar panels in the stations can generate 12,939 MWh of electrical energy, enough to power roughly 3,740 households in a year.
“At Shell, we aim to make the transition towards a low-carbon future possible for our operations and will always look out for initiatives that will enable us to provide cleaner and sustainable energy solutions for our customers. We have fitted 216 of our stations with solar panels and we will be progressing towards about 350 stations by the end of 2022,” said Seow Lee Ming, General Manager of Mobility Shell.
Green Building Index Certification
In 2019, Shell Damansara Jaya and Shell Taman Connaught were the first two retail stations in Malaysia to receive the Green Building Index (GBI) Certification. The GBI is the country’s industry-recognised green rating tool for buildings to promote sustainability in the built environment by saving energy and resources. These two Shell stations mark the first entries in the new retail fuel category introduced for the certification standard. The company is also the first in the Asia Pacific region to receive this GBI certification.
Shell also opened what is an example of ‘the station of the future’ – Shell Mint Hotel – which is Malaysia’s First Gold GBI Certified Petrol Station. Apart from being powered by solar, this station has sustainable features such as a food waste composting machine that converts food waste into fertilisers, energy-efficient air-conditioners and chillers, recycling facilities and a smart LED lighting system at the forecourt. To lessen the station’s usage of water from municipal systems, a rainwater harvesting system is utilised to collect and store rainwater to be reused in its facilities such as the toilets.
Shell has now received GBI certification for 5 of its stations in Malaysia. They are Shell Taman Connaught, Shell Damansara Jaya, Shell Mint Hotel, Shell Tangkak Lay-by and Shell Alor Pongsu.
The Shell Group has set a target to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050, in step with society. This is also in line with the government’s ambition towards Malaysia achieving Carbon Neutral in the same year. By powering Malaysia with cleaner energy and innovation mobility solutions, Shell hopes to mobilise the energy sector and increase its efficiency by offering products and services with lower carbon emissions.
Thhe Beetle was Volkswagen’s first car and the company brought it back in a modern form in 1997. Now it is doing the same thing with the brand’s second model which was the Type 1 Transporter produced from 1949 onwards. It was actually on an extended Beetle platform and like the iconic car, remained in production for a long time. However, the Transporter, unlike the original Beetle, evolved in its design right to the current 6th generation.
With demand for MPVs in many countries, Volkswagen decided that one of the models in its all-electric ID. family would have to be such a vehicle, and for inspiration, the designers looked all the way back to the Type 2 which had various names in different markets (just like the Beetle). The original Transporter was especially popular in America and was one of the symbols of the 1960s counter-culture movement.
Evolution of the Transporter from 1949.The Transporter was Volkswagen’s second model and used the same platform as the Beetle.
Its low cost and simplicity made it easily affordable by the hippies who would live in it and gave the vehicles a lot of character with creative paintwork. And with the same durability as a Beetle, it lasted a long time with minimal maintenance too.
In 2022, the Type 1 returns as the ID.Buzz and it is fully electric. Like other ID. models, the ID. Buzz used the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). This is the world’s first scalable mass production platform for fully-electric vehicles that can be configured for different models and segments. Its architecture allows for an evolutionary further development of software and technology, which not only benefits new models such as the ID. Buzz, but also models that have already been delivered, by means of over-the-air updates.
The iconic design
The unique design of the ID. Buzz has proportions that create a direct link with the original classic vehicle. Another feature that has always been typical of the model line is the iconic front with its V-shaped front panel, now flanked by charismatic LED headlights. The same goes for the optional 2- paintwork.
The ID. Buzz and commercially-oriented ID. Buzz Cargo have a long wheelbase of 2988 mm, roughly the same as that of the current 6th generation Transporter. The length of both versions is 4712 mm which means that, in relation to the overall length, the wheelbase is unusually long. This has allowed for more flexible packaging within, complementing the cubic shape which is ideal for maximising available space.
Function should get a priority over design and in the case of the ID.Buzz, it’s the first MPV that has a drag coefficient comparable to a car’s – 0.285 to 0.29 (ID.Buzz Cargo). Good aerodynamics are important, especially for an electric vehicle so that the motor can work less hard to maintain a desired speed. Of course, it’s the same with cars with combustion engines too as less wind resistance means less energy consumed and more fuel saved.
And talking of energy, the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will have a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to power a 150 kW electric motor, which – as the flat engine once did in the Type 2 – drives the rear axle. The position of the battery, integrated deep down in the sandwich floor, and the lightweight electric drive system result in a good distribution of weight and a low vehicle centre of gravity. Both factors optimise the handling and agility.
The battery pack can be charged from wallboxes or public charging stations using 11 kW alternating current (AC). Via a CCS plug connector at a DC rapid-charging station (direct current), the charging power can be as much as 170 kW. When charged in this way, the battery charge level rises from 5% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
For the ID.Buzz, the interior has been given a lounge-like, friendly ambience for 5 people to enjoy travelling. The spacious cabin maximizes utility and comfort, while dazzling with high-tech features and an interplay of colours and materials.
The cockpit is both high-tech and ergonomic with a 10-inch Digital Cockpit display and 10-inch or 12-inch infotainment/navigation system positioned centrally in the dashboard. Both the Digital Cockpit and infotainment system are connected with the instrument panel only at the bottom, looking like free-floating tablets. Beneath the infotainment system is a control bar with digital buttons and touch sliders.
A love for detail is reflected in the stylized vehicle silhouette that is embossed in the lower side seat trim, and the fold-down tables located in the backs of the front seats. Wholly practical, by contrast, is the optional height-adjustable cargo floor, which creates a level load space surface. The upward-opening rear hatch reveals 1,121 litres of luggage space and 2 side sliding doors are fitted as standard.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has developed an optional movable and removable centre console specifically for the ID. Buzz. The idea for this multifunction box was derived from the concept car shown earlier. In its upper section, it provides storage bins (in the case of the ID. Buzz Cargo, a cupholder), that can accommodate bottle, tablets or laptops.
As with other models of ID. family, the ID. Buzz comes with the interactive ‘ID. Light’. It stretches across in front of the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision above the instrument panel, and gives the driver intuitive information based on the colour and position of the light signal. For example, a signal in the right-hand area of the strip advises of obstructions in this area or corresponds with a navigation instruction to change lanes. When the ‘ID. Light’ goes red, it is signaling danger and the need to brake.
The hippies of the 1960s would love the ambient lighting feature – as standard, there are 10 colours and customers can also specify the 30-colour option. This option lights up a strip in the instrument panel, the decorative strips in the doors, the storage bins in the doors and the footwell. The Digital Cockpit and the infotainment system also take on the chosen base shade. In addition, two colours can be combined in each case for the different zones, and a ‘Mood Menu’ activates preconfigured lighting profiles.
Depending on the specifications chosen by importers in different markets, there is the possibility of a 6-seat configuration, with individual seats arranged in 3 rows of two. On the extended wheelbase version, there can be a 7-seat configuration in a 2/3/2 arrangement.
The ID. Buzz Cargo is what in Malaysia would be referred to as a ‘panel van’, strictly for commercial registration and use. In standard form, this version can accommodate 3 persons in front on a bench seat. An individual seat can also be installed for another passenger.
Behind the seats is a fixed partition, separating off the cargo space which has no windows. The cargo space has a volume of 3.9 cubic metres and has rings on the floor and bars on the walls for securing goods. Besides a wide-opening tailgate, the is one sliding door on the passenger side and customers can also specify a second sliding door on the other side as an option.
The ID.Buzz will go on sale in the third quarter of this year in some European markets. North America will see the extended wheelbase version in 2023 and deliveries will start in 2024. As for the rest of the world, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has not indicated when exports will start.
Changing colour choices for new cars may seem like a simple thing for the marketing company – just tell the plant what new colour to paint and it will be done. However, the process of adding or changing to a new colour is actually not as easy, from what we understand from people in the industry. There must be evidence that the new colour is going to be popular and justify the plant or manufacturer doing durability tests, and in some cases, marketing people have told us that when they do try to ask for a colour change, the manufacturer will ask if it will result in more sales than with the current colour. If not, why waste time and money to develop and test a new colour?
But inevitably, colours have to be changed to refresh the range and Honda Malaysia does that periodically. Their latest new colour options are for the best-selling City and flagship Accord models. Both models can now be ordered with a new Meteoroid Gray Metallic finish that replaces the Modern Steel Metallic colour. The City also gets a fresh and vibrant Ignite Red Metallic colour option, replacing the Passion Red Pearl colour.
“The Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Gray Metallic colours are introduced in the All-New City Hatchback for the first time. Both colours have been well accepted by the market and we expanded the new colour options to the All-New Civic. To further excite the market, we are now offering these new colour options in the City and Accord as well. The new colours further emphasise the styling of the City and elevate the sleek profile of the Accord. We will continue to enhance our products to deliver the Joy of Buying to the customers,” said Madoka Chujo, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO.
She said that sales of the latest 5th Generation City have exceeded 32,500 units since its launch. “It was Honda Malaysia’s best-selling model in January and February this year, with 38% contribution to the company’s overall sales during that period,” she added.
The current Accord is the 10th generation of the executive model and was introduced to the Malaysian market in 2020. It was the first time a Japanese mass market manufacturer introduced a turbocharged engine in a D-segment car. The model received favourable response from Malaysians with more than 2,200 units sold to date.
For more information on the City, Accord or other Honda models in Malaysia, visit any authorised Honda dealership. The locations of dealerships can be found at www.honda.com.my.
Castrol, one of the world’s leading lubricant brands, is back for the fourth consecutive year with a unique celebration of Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia (HMM) on March 18, 2022. This year’s event – the only one of its kind in Malaysia – takes on a unique theme: ‘The Game Changers’, in honor of the unsung heroes of every vehicle owner’s life.
As has been the story of Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia since the beginning, this marks an extension of Castrol’s efforts in paying tribute to the mechanics of Malaysia, a deserving community that has been a backbone of the brand for many years. Castrol HMM 2022 will be a fully virtual experience, with various activities planned, including social media contests, jersey giveaways and engagement with influential KOLs (key opinion leaders).
To take things a step further, Castrol HMM 2022 marks the first-ever collaboration opportunity ith the English Premier League (EPL), in line with the theme. As the most-watched football league in the world, the EPL is broadcasted in 212 territories to 643 million homes, with a potential TV audience of 4.7 billion viewers. The league brings together millions of fans worldwide like no other; and Malaysia is no exception.
This collaboration explores the dynamics of mechanics and footballers as kindred spirits, with the same drive and hard work to strive to live their passion and achieve their goals. Mechanics, like the rest of us, love and enjoy football, which has been a big part of the Malaysian lepak culture for years. Castrol hopes to alleviate the love and respect the people of Malaysia have for our mechanics via this partnership with the EPL.
To commemorate the event, Castrol will be giving away exclusive Castrol X EPL merchandise, which include jerseys, caps, and flasks. This merchandise will also be a part of the social media contest. With an aim to provide social media users an avenue to channel their loyalty to Castrol and love for football, Castrol hopes to get to the masses with a nationwide reach, therefore encouraging more participants to celebrate our local mechanics. Participants of the contest will have to snap a photo of themselves in their favourite football jersey or Castrol t-shirt with either their car or bike and with the background of any Castrol branded workshop; and proceed to post their photo on Facebook or Instagram with the caption of thanking or appreciating their mechanic.
The most liked Facebook or Instagram post with the hashtags #CastrolHariMekanik and #CastrolEPL will win exclusive Castrol X EPL merchandise.
“Castrol is proud to have selected “The Game Changers” theme for 2022 as a tribute and respect to our local mechanics. This year’s celebration is extra special for us, as we have EPL joining us in honouring our mechanics. In the past few years, the pandemic has affected the lives of many of us. The mechanic community, despite facing the loss of livelihood due to various economic restrictions, soldiered on and performed their duty in attending to our vehicles with dedication, and meticulousness. We are grateful to Malaysia’s mechanic community, along with the other frontliners, for having our back during trying times,” said Keow Mei-Shan, Marketing Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore.
“We hope our event will bring more awareness to the dedication and selflessness of mechanics in our country, and via this online campaign, we look forward to having as many Malaysians join our cause,” she concluded.
To find out more about Castrol and its products, visit www.castrol.com/my .
