September 12 was ‘National Videogames Day’ in the USA and it’s been an annual event for a while. A guy named David Earle is said to have started the day in the early 1990s. There is confusion about the actual date as there is another date which is July 8.
Anyway, this year, Nissan celebrated ‘National Videogames Day‘ on September 12 with concept esports gaming chair sketches inspired by the Armada SUV, GT-R NISMO sportscar and all-electric Nissan LEAF.
With videogaming and esports now some of the fastest-growing activities on the planet, Nissan has invested in the trend. Earlier this year, the automaker inked partnerships with two of the most popular gaming teams in the world, Faze Clan and OpTic Gaming.
Esports players spend hours perfecting their skills, and gaming rigs are an essential part of each player’s identity. However, esports players often have to choose between aesthetics and comfort – but Nissan’s chairs could offer both. With decades of experience in seating comfort and design (with notable innovations like the Zero Gravity Seat found on many Nissan vehicles), these three conceptual designs are sure to draw the interest of gamers across the globe.
Nissan GT-R NISMO: Inspired by Nissan’s most iconic vehicle, this seat is constructed from lightweight carbonfibre and aluminium. Shaped like a racing seat for ultimate performance, it features red leather and synthetic suede seating surfaces.Nissan Armada: Inspired by Nissan’s full-size rugged but refined SUV, this seat is finished with Platinum Reserve black and brown leather upholstery and configured as a Captain’s Chair. It has climate-control (heating and cooling) so the player will stay comfortable for long hours. Lumbar support will also help keep fatigue away and maintain alertness.Nissan LEAF: This seat is inspired by the world’s best-selling electric vehicle and it has Gun Metal painted surfaces. The leather upholstery is light gray with electric blue inserts. USB charging ports are integrated in the frame for supplementary power and integrated leg rests help to reduce the strain on the lower body.
Currently, Nissan has no plans to build any of the chairs – it’s not in that business. But maybe some specialist in such products might be interested to team up and manufacture them. Wouldn’t you want one in your room?
Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad has achieved a remarkable feat, scoring a perfect score of 100% for the second time, in Daimler AG’s stringent ‘Centre of Competence’ certification for its Batu Caves Body & Paint (B&P) Facility in Kuala Lumpur. The company, which has been associated with Mercedes-Benz since 1951, also achieved 98% and 96% for its Johor Bahru and Bukit Tengah facilities, respectively.
“Our network of Body & Paint repair facilities scoring above the global median is the result of Cycle & Carriage’s investment into our people, sites, and systems. With Daimler AG’s stringent evaluation criteria, the excellent performance that our facilities continue to demonstrate is a testament that we are moving in the right direction in support of Mercedes Benz customers in this country. We are honoured to receive this certification from Daimler AG, and we intend to continue excelling in the delivery of premium automotive experiences to our customers,” said Cycle & Carriage CEO, Wilfrid Foo.
Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves is an authorised B&P Repair Facility with the expertise to conduct structural repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles while upholding global safety standards to provide customers peace of mind.
Handling up to 130 vehicles monthly
Covering over 45,000 sq ft with 22 body and paint work bays, the facility has the capacity to service up to 130 vehicles every month. Meanwhile, the Johor Bahru and Bukit Tengah facilities collectively have 20 body and paint work bays and the capacity to service 120 vehicles every month. Cycle & Carriage currently has the largest network of Daimler AG certified B&P Repair Facilities in Malaysia.
Obtaining the ‘Centre of Competence’ certification involved an evaluation on Cycle & Carriage’s workshop equipment for both, body repair and paint areas, auxiliary material, repair processes and administration practices. To remain up-to-date with the latest automotive innovations and technologies, Cycle & Carriage employees undergo regular up-skilling training at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has a Training Academy in Glenmarie, Selangor which provides regular up-skilling training so technicians stay abreast of latest technologies.
Globally certified technicians
“Representing a marque brand that is a beacon of automotive excellence, we are proud to match this with exceptional after care service and expertise. Our facilities are home to state-of-the-art tools, globally certified and skilled technicians equipped to restore and care for an extensive range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia. This reflects Cycle & Carriage’s complete ecosystem that takes care of our customers every step of the way,” said Mr. Foo.
“Congratulations to the dynamic team at Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves, Johor Bahru and Bukit Tengah for constantly raising the benchmark of retail and service, going the extra mile to understand and meet our customers’ needs. This is the backbone of ‘Exceptional Journeys’ we promise customers,” he added.
Another high point in 120th year
This certification is another feather in the cap for Cycle & Carriage as it continues its year-long 120th anniversary celebration. The celebration kicked into high gear recently, with the premium automotive retail and aftersales leader taking time to record its appreciation for the years of loyalty and dedication from employees at a special townhall session and simultaneous movie screenings at locations in the Klang Valley, Ipoh, Penang and Johor.
Cycle & Carriage has been in business for 120 years and brought the Mercedes-Benz brand to Malaysia in 1951. It also began local assembly of the German cars in 1965.
“Our people have laid a solid foundation over the years, forming the bedrock of the Cycle & Carriage heritage. We continue to empower our people to experience growth and fulfillment both professionally and personally. Empowered employees go on to deliver the genuinely Exceptional Journeys our customers experience and associate with our Cycle & Carriage identity,” explained Mr. Foo.
The company’s passion in empowering people extends into uplifting marginalised youth by promoting the Technical and Vocational Education and Training agenda. Cycle & Carriage announced its inaugural Cycle & Carriage Study Grant Programme this year, a grant to help youth from low income Malaysian families gain access to quality technical and vocational education. Furthermore, Cycle & Carriage also donated computer equipment for the benefit of vocational institute, Montfort Boys Town’s Computer Maintenance Programme trainees earlier this year. Cycle & Carriage’s involvement in the social development of the local community is an indicator of its commitment to the community in Malaysia.
Commemorating its 120-year legacy in premium automotive excellence, Cycle & Carriage also launched a regional campaign to give away 120 exceptional journeys of specially curated trips to three enticing destinations: Mongolia, Nepal and Korea. The campaign embodies the brand’s commitment to deliver exceptional people-focused experiences.
Ten lucky customers who purchased and registered a new Nissan vehicle during the ‘Festive Bonanza Hari Raya’ campaign by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) recently received a GINTELL DéSpace Star Massage Chair worth RM13,988 each.
The models purchased by the winners from various parts of the country during the campaign period in May and June 2019 were the Nissan X-Trail, Serena S-HYBRID, Navara and Almera.
Buy a new Nissan vehicle before the end of this year and you could win an apartment at The ERA, Duta North Kuala Lumpur.
‘Buy Car Win Home’ Grand Contest still ongoing
Additionally, each winner qualified for the ‘Buy Car Win Home’ Grand Contest where Nissan customers stand a chance to win a brand new 2+1 rooms serviced apartment (worth up to RM665,000) in The ERA, Duta North Kuala Lumpur.
This contest is a unique collaboration between ETCM and JKG Land Berhad. The ‘Buy Car Win Home’ Grand Contest started in December 2018 and ends on December 31, 2019. Customers who purchase and register a new Nissan vehicle during this period qualify with a contest entry.
Experience the all-electric Nissan LEAF
Incidentally, during this weekend and the next, ETCM is having the Nissan Electrifying Drive Carnival at selected Nissan showrooms across the nation. Members of the public can experience the latest Nissan LEAF, the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle. Many attractive prizes can be won and there are also fun tech activities like the Tech Drive Virtual Reality Experience.
Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, many fuel economy runs were organized by clubs and leading car companies would participate to demonstrate how economically their models could run. However, on the matter of fuel consumption, most Malaysian motorists didn’t seem to take much interest as the price of petrol was low. So, before long, economy runs faded out but for the car companies, there were other selling points to promote.
Now Proton is reviving the economy run activity with new approaches. The inaugural edition of the event that was known as the ‘1 Tank Adventure’ last year focused mainly on routes in Peninsular Malaysia but the 2019 competition will feature 2 rounds in East Malaysia (one each in Sabah and Sarawak). The Grand Final will see participants embark on a journey from Kota Bharu to Johor Bharu using just a single tank of fuel.
This second running of the ‘1 Tank Adventure’ invites Proton owners to experience the sights, sounds and cuisine of Malaysia while driving economically. It will commence on September 14, 2019 with 3 preliminary rounds and a Grand Final. The participants will consist of owners of the 2019 Proton Iriz, Persona and Saga as well as invited media members and celebrities. Over RM100,000 worth of prizes are waiting to be won this year.
Scenes from last year’s event
Demonstrate real-world fuel efficiency
One of the main aims of the ‘1 Tank Adventure’ is to demonstrate the real-world fuel efficiency of the current range of Proton cars. Participants will be required to drive their cars over a variety of roads and traffic conditions to deliver fuel economy figures that can be replicated by other owners on a daily basis.
“Proton would like to demonstrate the efficiency of our cars by embarking on some epic journeys around the country. These figures won’t be obtained in a controlled environment but in driving conditions owners experience every day. Ultimately, we will prove the current range of Proton cars can deliver fuel economy figures that will help keep running costs low,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Proton’s CEO.
Showcasing improvements
The ‘1 Tank Adventure’ will also showcase the improvements Proton made to the Iriz, Persona and Saga, models updated and launched in 2019. From incorporating the ‘Hi PROTON!’ voice command system, improving build quality, adding Internet connectivity and creating a variant with the most comprehensive safety equipment list for a car priced below RM40,000, each model has a unique set of characteristics to appeal to its target market.
As in last year’s event, the participants will get to experience the driving dynamics of the latest models
Additionally, the participants will get to test the dynamic capabilities of the cars during driving sessions held at each round. They will perform maneuvers in a safe and controlled environment and for many, it will be the first time they experience the limits of tyre adhesion. The aim of the exercise is to show the participants what their own cars are capable of, thus reinforcing the message about Protons having class-leading dynamics.
“We would like to use the ‘1 Tank Adventure’ to remind Malaysians there are many factors to consider when buying a car. Proton has updated its entire range in 2019 and this is a great opportunity to travel around the country to show everyone the result of our hard work. With revised styling, improved quality, better handling and ride comfort as well as higher equipment levels and value for money, we have models to suit every budget and need,” added Dr. Li.
For more information and updates on the event, visit www.proton.com.
For other articles and news about Proton in PISTON.MY, click here.
It’s almost the year 2020 and what better way to showcase a manufacturer’s Super GT entry than unveiling an ultra-unique 2020 Honda NSX with its engine at the front! Why? New Class One regulations have stated that all race cars will be adopting a front-engine setup. (more…)
