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BMW Group Malaysia maintained leadership position in premium segment in 2021

Having delivered 8,439 BMW passenger vehicles and 978 MINI vehicles, BMW Group Malaysia captured the leading position in the segment last year. Of the number, 16% were electrified, bringing the total number of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles on Malaysian roads today to just over 21,600 units.

“2021 was the year of our electrification-offensive, for us as well as the BMW Group worldwide, and with the amazing response we have received in Malaysia for the all-new BMW i models, we are confident that the Electric Future we envision for Malaysia will soon become reality. We are ready for it and so is Malaysia as we now steer and drive into 2022 fully electrified,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

3-Series most popular
The 3-Series accounted for 28% of total BMW deliveries with over 2,400 units in 2021, the most popular model being the 320i Sport. The 2-Series overtook the long-favoured 5-Series for the very first time, with over 1,270 cars delivered to customers. For this model, the 218i Gran Coupe introduced in October 2020 was the bestseller. The 5-Series, which is the second oldest BMW model line assembled in Malaysia, followed closely behind with 1,150 units.

*Bestselling BMW model in Malaysia in 2021 was the 3-Series.*

Throughout 2021, the BMW X family of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) remained popular, with over 3,200 vehicles delivered. The X1 continued to be the top-seller over 960 units, followed by the electrified X5 which had over 850 units delivered, a 22% increase from the previous year.

More electrified MINIs sold
The MINI brand saw a 5.6% growth in 2021, led again by the MINI Countryman. Over 68% of MINI sales were of this model, the largest in the range. Like the BMW brand, MINI too has seen increased sales in its electric models. In 2021, over 16% of all MINI vehicles delivered were electrified, compared to 2020 where the figure stood at just over 7%.

*There is increased interest in electric vehicles, as evident by growing sales of the MINI Electric.*

Over 50% of all BMW and MINI vehicle (and also BMW Motorrad motorcycles) delivered last year were financed by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. The digitalisation of the customer journey also continued with the expansion of the BMW Engage online financing application to include the BMW Premium Selection brand. Eight out of ten contracts last year were funded digitally, equating to over 4,400 contracts funded via BMW Engage.

Globally, the BMW Group reported 8.4% growth last year, with a total of 2,521,525 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered to customers worldwide. BMW vehicles accounted for 88% of the number and for fully electric models, there was a 133.2% increase (for all brands), which is an indication that electric mobility is catching on and growing each year.

100,000 vehicles assembled locally
BMW Group Malaysia will soon set a new milestone at its assembly plant in Kulim when the 100,000 vehicle assembled (from the time BMW itself was involved in local assembly) rolls out. This eventual milestone affirms the carmaker’s confidence in its continued investments towards building and sustaining Malaysia as a regional automotive hub. With growing interest for electrification in Malaysia, the BMW Group has also introduced more powertrain options for its line-up of locally-assembled models.

The 100,000th vehicle assembled in Malaysia since the BMW Group Malaysia was established will soon roll out from the facility in Kedah. (Below) BMW engines are also assembled in the same area at a separate facility.

With range anxiety and infrastructure being the most pressing issues for customers and automakers alike in advancing electromobility in the country, BMW Group Malaysia says it will continue to accelerate the roll-out of its public charging network nationwide. As of January 2022, there are 77 BMW i Charging facilities across the country, with 25 facilities powered by partnerships with local dealers and industry players. This network is complemented with 16 charging points with Shell Recharge & Park Easy as well as 319 charging facilities with GreenTech Malaysia and its ChargEV platform.

Going beyond selling motor vehicles
“We are going beyond delivering premium vehicles that are the Ultimate Driving Machines, but vehicles that are ultimately responsible for the planet and our future generations. We recognise that the time has come for a shared vision for electrified mobility with a shared responsibility by all stakeholders to act and transform our industries into a responsible ecosystem that is built for the future. For us at BMW Group Malaysia, this is an ecosystem where Future Mobility can truly thrive in. This is the future we envision and with the support of our customers, dealers, associates and the Malaysian government here – we are more than optimistic that this ‘Electric Future’ will be a successful one,” Mr. de Visser said.

*BMW Group Malaysia will continue to accelerate the roll-out of its public charging network nationwide.*

BMW Group Malaysia was established in the early 2000s to be directly involved in activities that cover the wholesale of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles, including overall planning of sales, marketing and after-sales. Since starting with just a National Sales Centre in Cyberjaya, the organisation has expanded to include assembly facilities in Kedah, the BMW Group Data Centre and BMW Group Regional Training Centre in Cyberjaya, and the BMW Group Parts Distribution Centre at the Free Industrial Zone of the Senai International Airport in Johor.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

Special Edition of Ford Ranger XLT Plus now open for booking

A new generation of the Ford Ranger may have been announced but it’s not going to be available in Malaysia for a while and in the meantime, for those who want to get a proven pick-up truck, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) offers a Ford Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition. Priced from RM136,888 (excluding insurance), the Special Edition is now open for booking.

Bold Ford grille
The Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition gets enhanced exterior and interior features that not only differentiate it but also provide extra convenience. The front end features the Ford Block-Letter Front Grille design that gives a bolder appearance, while more pronounced fender flares add to the muscular image. The sports bar has also been redesigned to freshen the aesthetics.

On the door sills are new illuminated front scuff plates with the Ranger logo. Installed at no extra charge is a digital video recorder (DVR) which is neatly mounted on the top of the windscreen. This high-quality unit has high-definition (HD) recording, wide-angle viewing, night view recording, and a built-in polarised filter (to reduce reflections).

A 32GB memory card is provided for recording and besides capturing videos of journeys, the recordings will prove useful as evidence in the event of an incident to show what actually happened, and who may have been responsible. The DVR can be connected to a smartphone via a Mobile App which is compatible with both Apple iOS and Android.

Proven turbodiesel with 10-speed transmission
As with most of the Ranger variants, this Special Edition uses the 2-litre Single-Turbo diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 180 ps/420 Nm output of the engine can go to either the rear wheels or all four wheels with the robust 4×4 system which can be operated while the vehicle is moving.

Colours available are Absolute Black, Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Lightning Blue and Meteor Grey. As with the entire Ranger line-up, the vehicle warranty is for 5 years, or a maximum of 160,000 kms after registration.

“The Ford Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition is the ideal work-family-play vehicle for a special breed of drivers – men and women who are business owners and entrepreneurs with a burning drive to defy all odds in life, every day. They pursue success with a passion for life and are constantly pushing boundaries. With this new special edition, they can enjoy more exclusivity while celebrating their achievements,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

*The Ranger’s tailgate is very easy to close as it has an Easy-Lift mechanism to reduce the effort.*

Should you get one now?
Some may feel that getting a model at the end of its life cycle is pointless when a new one is just round the corner. But that’s not always true and there are some benefits too. Some may prefer the current design, and that’s a personal preference. A model in its final years may also have just about everything the engineers and product planners can put in, and the cumulative improvements made over the life of the model. So, in a way, it could be the best of the generation and often, there may also be a reduced price as an incentive.

The public will be able to get a first look at the Ranger XLT Plus Special Edition at Queensbay Mall in Penang where one unit will be on display from today until February 27, 2022. Display units will be in all Ford showrooms nationwide from March 10. To locate a showroom, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

‘Ford Ranger Getaways’ by SDAC-Ford provide owners with ways to enjoy their truck to the fullest

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class now has a price: RM698,744

Following the introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) last December, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia can now provide the price of the model. Only one version is available – the S 580 e Plug-In Hybrid – and it is priced at RM698,744 (excluding insurance), As it is assembled locally at the company’s facility in Pekan, Pahang, it can have full exemption of sales tax until June 30, 2022, which would be big savings for customers.

The flagship of the Mercedes-Benz range has been on sale in Malaysia since the 1970s, with over 18,000 cars sold to date, almost all assembled locally. The model’s history goes back to the W180 of 1954 although it was only in 1972 that it came to be known as the ‘S-Class’. Globally, more than 4 million units have been sold since the early 1970s.

The W223 is the seventh generation and as with every generation before, the new S-Class brings with it advanced technologies. In fact, this model has often introduced many new technologies, especially in the area of safety, that it shows ‘the future of motoring’. For example, in 1980, the W126 generation was the first production car in the world to be equipped with an airbag system.

With Mercedes-Benz now putting its full commitment to electrification during this decade, the S-Class also leads the way and for the Malaysian-assembled model, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is the only one offered. Hybrid powertrains are not new to Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and have been available with some models (including the S-Class) over the past 8 years.

*Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has its own plant in Pekan, Pahang, where the latest S-Class and other models are assembled. (File image)*

For the latest S-Class, the model is designated S 580 e but its engine not 5.8 litres. It is actually an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine of 3 litres and works with an electric motor which generates 110 kW with 440 Nm. The engine’s output is 367 bhp/270 kW with 500 Nm of torque and the combined output can propel the S 580e from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds and up to a top speed of 250 km/h.

If conditions permit, it is possible to run only on electricity for up to 100 kms. When the lithium-ion battery is empty, ‘refuelling’ will take up to 2.5 hours, depending on the charging method. One concern owners have is the cost of the battery pack if it needs to be replaced as it is pretty expensive. But for the first 8 years or a maximum of 100,000 kms, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will provide warranty coverage which should offer some peace of mind.

Showcase for new technologies
New for this S-Class is DIGITAL LIGHT, which offers significantly better illumination from the headlamps. Each light module has 3 extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle, allowing highly precise light distribution.

The millions of pixels allow the lighting pattern to be precisely shaped so that maximum illumination levels can be provided without blinding oncoming drivers. Light/shadow graduations and the light distribution of all the other adaptive light functions are also realised with considerably more precision, optimising illumination in all ambient lighting conditions.

Aerodynamic efficiency has always been important for cars as lower wind resistance of the shape means more power can be used to move the car, and fuel consumption can be lower. Low wind resistance is even more vital for hybrid and electric vehicles so extensive wind tunnel research was done and the result is a body that has a Cd of 0.22, impressive considering its size.

Not visible are improvements in aeroacoustics; the new model’s quietness is said to be even better than the e previous generation which already excelled with a very high level of interior noise comfort. The high rigidity of the bodyshell provides the basis for this achievement, and is enhanced with fine-tuning.

Lounge-like interior
These days, car interiors are designed to be like lounges and not just seating spaces inside a cabin. Especially with a model like the S-Class, comfort and spaciousness are high on the list of expectations. With the new generation, the interior has fully evolved into a ‘third place’ for the occupants, between the home and workplace. So it has to be able to provide not just comfort but also be functional enough for those who want to get some work done while on the move.

The seats qualify as technological benchmarks for long-distance comfort. The complex technology inside each seat uses multiple motors for adjustments in the tiniest dimension. The flowing, 3-dimensional layer design theme gives an impression of lightness with its nappa leather upholstery. The adjustment range and angle of the front passenger seat in the chauffeur configuration and the reclining seat behind it have been improved as well.

MBUX – the Mercedes-Benz User Experience – is a big thing for the brand and has appeared in every new model since the current A-Class was launched in 2018. Since then, it has continued to evolve and gain more sophistication, with the second generation of this learn-capable system making its debut in the new S-Class.

The possibilities for personalization and intuitive operation have become far more extensive, especially in the rear. Both the hardware and software have made great advancements with brilliant displays on up to 5 large screens (in part with OLED technology). The new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time – a real 3-dimensional effect without having to wear 3D glasses.

The voice assistant ‘Hey Mercedes’ is constantly learning, by activation of online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions (like accepting a call) can be performed even without using ‘Hey Mercedes’ which, incidentally, can also be activated from the rear.

With digital and graphic displays nowadays, it’s possible to have multiple displays and not end up like the cockpit of a 1970s fighter jet. The screens can be individualized with a choice of 4 display styles and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service), so the driver can choose whatever information is most important to him or her when driving. Furthermore, this new version of MBUX uses 27 fewer buttons and switches, underscoring the minimalist appearance of the interior.

Rear airbag – world first
As mentioned earlier, an earlier S-Class was the first production car in the world to be fitted with an airbag. This pioneering position in safety continues with the latest generation and is demonstrated by having the world’s first rear airbags. These are integrated into the backrests of the front seats and deploy in a severe front impact. They deploy gently and protect strapped-in outer rear seat passengers against contact with the front seats.

Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD 4MATIC comes with protection against bullets and explosives

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Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

2nd Generation Ford Ranger Raptor – tougher, more powerful and more capable

While the Ford Ranger has just entered its fourth generation, its high-performance variant – the Ranger Raptor – is just getting into its second generation. The Raptor suffix, as you would know by now, is what Ford puts on its most powerful variants of the production Ranger and F-150 (and more recently, the Bronco too). These are developed by Ford Performance and have been setting the performance benchmark for pick-up trucks.

With the new generation, the Ranger Raptor gets smarter technology controlling tougher, next‑generation hardware. While raw power is still the name of the game, technology also has a big role in using all the performance available.

“We’ve really focused on delivering a genuine performance truck with the Next-Gen Ranger Raptor,” said Dave Burn, Ford Performance chief programme engineer for new model. “It’s significantly faster, looks incredible, is packed with new features, and it’s the toughest Ranger we’ve ever made.”

2020 Ford Ranger Raptor — *First generation of the Ranger Raptor.*

New 3-litre V6 petrol engine
As speculated, there is a new powerplant and it runs on petrol. This is an all-new twin-turbo 3-litre V6 engine from Ford’s EcoBoost family. Tuned by Ford Performance, it is expected to produce up to 288 ps/491 Nm. The engine has a tough compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, which is around 75% stronger and up to 75% stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings.

The engineers have tuned engine to deliver immediate response to throttle inputs, and have installed a race-bred anti-lag system similar to that first seen on the Ford GT road car and Focus ST which enables rapid delivery of boost on demand. The system, available in Baja mode, keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to 3 seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or through the gears when the driver steps back on the accelerator. In addition, the engine is programmed with an individual turbocharging boost profile for each of the advanced 10-speed automatic transmission’s gears, for optimised performance.

The new powertrain has an electronically‑controlled active exhaust system amplifies the engine note in 4 selectable modes to adapt its vocal character. Drivers can choose their preferred engine sound by pressing a button on the steering wheel, or by selecting a drive mode that uses one of the following settings – Quiet, Normal, Sport, or Baja. In the Baja mode, intended for off-road use only, the exhaust behaves more like a straight-through system.

*2-litre EcoBlue bi-turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine will also be available for the new Ranger Raptor, but from 2023.*

The 3-litre engine may be bigger than what is practical for the Peninsular Malaysian market and Ford says it will continue to offer the 2-litre EcoBlue bi‑turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine in some markets. However, it will only be available from 2023.

Hardware for the hardest conditions
The chassis of the new Ranger Raptor differs from that of the new Ranger. It has mounts and reinforcements in certain areas to give the truck greater capability to handle more punishing off-road conditions.

Ford engineers also completely redesigned the suspension. There are new tough yet lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long‑travel front and rear suspension and a refined Watt’s link rear end, all to deliver more control across rough terrain at high speeds.

The suspension upgrades in the Ranger Raptor make the most of the new FOX Live Valve dampers. The suspension adapts in real-time to enable exceptional on-road body control while absorbing corrugations and bigger ruts off-road with ease, ensuring maximum control and performance.

The next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve internal by-pass shock absorbers feature advanced control technology offering position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever fitted to the Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon‑infused oil that reduces friction by around 50% compared to those on the first generation. While the hardware is FOX, the tuning and development work was carried out by Ford Performance using a mixture of computer-aided engineering and real-world testing.

Linked to revised selectable drive modes, the Live Valve internal by-pass system has been developed to provide better on-road comfort and off-road ride quality both at high and low speed. In addition to working with the drive modes, the system works in the background to prepare for different conditions. As the shocks compress, different zones within the by-pass system give exactly the amount of support needed for the travel being used, and work in reverse as the shocks rebound back to full height.

To provide protection against severe bottom outs, race-proven FOX Bottom-Out Control provides maximum damping force in the last 25% of shock travel. Similarly, the system can stiffen the rear dampers to prevent Ranger Raptor from squatting under hard acceleration, improving vehicle stability.

The new Ranger Raptor gets some serious underbody protection. The front bash plate is almost double the size of the one in standard new Ranger, and is made from 2.3 mm thick high-strength steel.

All-terrain control
For the first time, the Ranger Raptor gets an advanced full-time 4-wheel drive system with an all‑new electronically‑controlled on-demand 2-speed transfer case. This is combined with front and rear locking differentials which is something that will be greatly appreciated by hardcore off-road drivers.

With 7 drive modes, the truck’s character can be optimised for anything from smooth roads to mud and ruts. Each selectable drive mode adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering and throttle response. In addition, the gauges, vehicle information and colour themes on the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen change with the selected drive mode.

Trail Control is something like cruise control but for off‑roading. The driver simply selects a set speed below 32 km/h and the vehicle will manage its acceleration and braking while the driver concentrates on steering through difficult terrain.

Tough and athletic
Looks-wise, the new Ranger Raptor has similarities with the new Ranger but gets a bolder appearance with more visual muscle. The matrix LED headlights with LED daytime running lights raise lighting performance to new levels, featuring predictive curve lights, glare-free high beam and auto dynamic levelling.

Functional vents, aero features and tough, grippy cast-aluminium side steps enhance the look and functionality of the truck. At the rear, LED taillights provide a signature styling link to the front, while the Precision Grey rear bumper features an integrated step pad and towbar that is tucked up high to avoid compromising the departure angle.

Inside, the theme continues to emphasize off-road performance. The cabin features all-new, jet fighter-inspired sports seats in the front and rear to increase comfort and offer more support during high-speed cornering.

The Code Orange accents on the instrument panel, trim and seats are mirrored by the ambient lighting which bathes the interior in an amber glow. Occupants will also benefit from the latest digital technology such as a 12.4‑inch all-digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

To locate a showroom to view and test-drive Ford trucks in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my.

‘Ford Ranger Getaways’ by SDAC-Ford provide owners with ways to enjoy their truck to the fullest

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