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Honda Malaysia Reveals Mugen HR-V!

In a surprise move, HMSB has unveiled a Mugen kitted Honda HR-V! Priced at RM118,000 (RM300 extra for pearl white paint), it sports a full Mugen kit including pedals and a special Mugen emblem in the cockpit and on the exterior. Here’s the 360° walk-around video…

There are 2 colour choices and we recommend the white, which shows off the kit a lot better. Check out the gallery of Mugen parts included in the HR-V below:

Click this for the full press release: HONDA HR-V MUGEN LIMITED EDITION NOW AVAILABLE TO THRILL MALAYSIANS

Naza Corp. Holdings & Groupe PSA Announce Joint Venture

Naza Corporation Holdings and Groupe PSA have announced the signing of a share sale agreement and a joint venture agreement, officially establishing shared operation of the Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant in Gurun, Kedah, as the first manufacturing hub in ASEAN for Groupe PSA. In attendance to witness the event was the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak.

Groupe PSA, as a global automotive player and the second largest carmaker in Europe, is confident and committed to the Malaysian and other ASEAN markets, holding majority stake in the business operations of Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM). The Naza Group will have sole responsibility for the distribution of Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles in the domestic market and, with Groupe PSA, will explore distribution prospects in other ASEAN markets to address the potential 680 million customers in the region, where the automotive equipment rate is growing.

With this agreement in effect, Groupe PSA and Naza will jointly produce Groupe PSA branded cars for Malaysia and other ASEAN markets. Further opportunities will also be explored beyond ASEAN, with a potential to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economy.

This strategic partnership will benefit from the strong and qualitative supplier network implemented in the region. The Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant has been operational since 2004, has a workforce of close to 450 people and boasts a 50,000-vehicle production capacity, operating in line with the highest international quality standards.

Naza Group and Groupe PSA are now strengthening their partnership, established in 2008, to develop a sustainable and profitable business in Malaysia and in the rest of the ASEAN region. Groupe PSA’s investment in the Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant will see the implementation of its EMP2 modular platform dedicated to C and D segments – taking the partnership and Naza’s commitment to another level.

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA, commented: “The creation of the ASEAN hub in Gurun, Kedah is a significant leap forward for Groupe PSA which will lead to the development of a profitable business in the region as part of our Push to Pass strategic plan. We are pleased to partner with Naza Corporation Holdings and continue leveraging our historical relationship.”

“We are grateful for Groupe PSA’s support and confidence in Naza Corporation Holdings as we take our longstanding partnership to greater heights. With this collaboration, there is enormous potential for Kedah to be the leading automotive manufacturing hub in Malaysia,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman/CEO, Naza Corporation Holdings.

Together, both Groupe PSA and the Naza Group are poised to achieve a stronger footing in the automotive industry within the ASEAN region.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan – Best Seats In The House! [+Video]

As the arrival of Cullinan nears and final preparations are made, Rolls-Royce has offered a glimpse into what will undoubtedly be the best seats in the house.

So much more than an SUV, Crossover or Off-roader, Rolls-Royce Cullinan will be Effortless, Everywhere, delivering effortless luxury everywhere its owner chooses to venture. Such boundless luxury will be enhanced through a suite of features only the designers, craftspeople and artisans at the Home of Rolls-Royce can imagine and create.

The first of these authentic Bespoke features is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Viewing Suite. Designed and engineered at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, the Rolls-Royce Viewing Suite is automatically deployed at the touch of a button. Two rear-facing, beautifully contemporary, finest leather chairs and a cocktail table gracefully emerge from within the rear compartment of Cullinan.

It is from this luxuriously comfortable viewing platform that a Cullinan owner may take in the world’s most breath-taking vistas or view a sports event or even watch their children take part in their school sports day.

Wherever one ventures, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Viewing Suite guarantees the best seat in the house. This approach is a first for both the automotive and luxury industries and comes from a deep understanding of the lifestyles and expectations of the most demanding clients in the world – Rolls-Royce customers.

“From the day we conceived of Cullinan we were focussed on offering a truly authentic and luxurious Rolls-Royce experience to our customers through fascinating surprise and delight features,” comments Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce.

“The beauty of Cullinan’s Viewing Suite, the manner in which it deploys so effortlessly, the attention to detail, the finest leathers that match the interior of the customer’s Cullinan, and how it all comes together to bring beautiful furniture to the most remote places, all bear testimony to the unequalled Bespoke competence of the designers and craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce. It is a beautiful piece of furniture. Indeed, it is the best seat in the house.” he added.

BOSCH: Only 1% Of Women In Malaysia Can Troubleshoot Their Cars Without Assistance

In a surprising find, a Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Survey has revealed that only one percent of women indicated that they are able to troubleshoot their vehicles when they experience a breakdown, as compared to 48 percent of men…

The survey, conducted by Bosch – a leading supplier of automotive components for the aftermarket, polled 350 Malaysian drivers aged between 18 and 55 to glean insights into car battery management habits among Malaysian drivers, which also revealed battery failure as the main cause of vehicle breakdowns.

“Our survey shows that 70 percent of vehicle breakdowns were caused by battery malfunction. This can pose not only an inconvenience but also a safety risk to all drivers, especially women if they are stranded all alone” said Pang Yoon Kong, country manager of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket in Malaysia.

The survey also found that 84 percent of women turn to family and friends while 12 percent of them call auto assist organizations when their cars stall due to battery failure. “According to the survey, there are still many female drivers who are not aware of how they can prevent car breakdowns caused by car batteries. At Bosch, we strongly believe in empowering drivers, especially women, to possess more knowledge about their cars and be able to identify early signs of battery failure,” said Pang.

Five signs of a failing car battery:

Slow engine crank

The cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start

Dashboard Warning Light

When the battery power is weak, the engine warning light on the dashboard appears

Having to jump battery

Replace the battery if the vehicle has been jump-started more than three times in a week

Swollen battery case

Car battery exposed to excessive amounts of heat may swell and results in shorter life span

Smells like rotten eggs

As a car battery contains sulphuric acid, it may vent a foul smelling gas, much like rotten eggs, when it has been internally shorted, frozen, or overcharged. Have the battery inspected as soon as possible as the sulphuric acid leakage may damage other car parts.

29 percent of women drivers, compared to 22.6 percent of men, are still using lead-acid batteries as opposed to maintenance-free ones, as the survey revealed.

“More drivers now prefer maintenance-free batteries, compared to lead-acid batteries which require constant and regular maintenance on the driver’s part. Maintenance-free batteries have more advantages as they typically have higher cranking power and charge capacities, recharge faster, and last longer. Drivers are able enjoy a stress-free driving experience without worry about battery water levels at different states of charge,” added Pang.

Bosch batteries are available at authorized dealers nationwide, log on to http://startwithbosch.com/my

Featured Image from GarageWireUK.

Supplementary Image from FireStoneUK.

Whatever Happened To SsangYong?

Remember the S.Korean car brand SsangYong? They sold the Rexton, Stavic, Kyron, Actyon Sport and Musso SUV here some time ago, but seem to have disappeared completely from our shores. Well, in the global scheme of things according to Auto Express, they are making a comeback, and will hit the 2018 Geneva Motor Show with an all-electric concept car called the e-SIV (above) along with the new Musso pick-up (below).

“Called the e-SIV, the images here preview the design of the all-electric concept, which SsangYong envisions as being capable of up to 280 miles on a single charge. The name e-SIV stands for Electronic Smart Interface Vehicle, and the concept is intended to showcase the brand’s commitment to develop electric vehicles and autonomous tech for the future.”

At the front, a large hexagonal grille as seen on the latest Rexton (below) is present, which is topped by new, thin headlights connected by an LED strip spanning the width of the bonnet….

….and there’s plenty of SsangYong in the car’s profile too – the exaggerated shoulder line over the rear axle is plucked straight from the Rexton and smaller Tivoli. – Auto Express.

All Images & Info from Auto Express.

8-Series Concept Previewed At BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion [+Video]

BMW Malaysia has presented the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion in Malaysia, happening from Thursday, 22^nd February 2018 to Wednesday, 7^th March 2018. Unveiling a new brand presence and fascination for its luxury segment vehicles for the very first time in the country, BMW M’sia also took the opportunity at this ‘experiential event’ to reveal the BMW Concept 8 Series for the very first time not only in Malaysia, but in South East Asia…

Quite a stunner isn’t it? “The BMW Concept 8 Series is BMW’s take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine, a slice of pure automotive fascination. While it is immediately recognised as a BMW, it also displays new design ideas and form-building techniques. The BMW Concept 8 Series showcases a new approach to the use of forms, reflected particularly prominently in the car’s surfacing. A handful of crisp lines mark out clear surfaces, and the car’s volumes are powerfully sculpted. Together, these elements equate to an outstanding model brimming with character” – BMW.

Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above, right) said, “It is an absolute pleasure for us to be able to share our new brand presence and expression for our luxury cars here at the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion. From Toronto, Canada to Malaysia, we hope to share our vision of the luxurious appeal of our brand through this one of a kind experiential programme, further demonstrating how we have redefined the idea of modern luxury in the auto industry.”

On the BMW Concept 8 Series, Han added that it serves as a taster of an upcoming BMW model – the new BMW 8 Series Coupé, which is slated for launch this year as part of the biggest model offensive in the premium automaker’s history.

“The number 8 has always represented the pinnacle of sports performance and exclusivity at BMW and this exclusive concept sports car exudes Passion, Power and Performance. The upcoming BMW 8 Series Coupé is certainly one to look out for, but for now, the BMW Concept 8 Series will express our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine created in the tradition of large sporty coupes.” Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW Group AG, Harald Krüger said.

BMW’s new expression and brand presence can be experienced exclusively at the BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion from Thursday, 22^nd February 2018 to Wednesday, 7^th March 2018.

The BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion is also presented by partners Dior, Hugo Boss, Moet Hennessy Diageo, Jaeger-Le Coultre, Wei-Ling Gallery, Leica, illy Coffee and SPACE.

BMW Luxury Excellence Pavilion Photo Gallery…