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ETCM offers free Tomei Aero Package for Nissan Almera Turbo

For a limited period (while stocks are available), every new unit of the Nissan Almera Turbo will come with a free Tomei Aerokit Package worth RM8,000. Tomei, a well-known tuner in Japan, collaborated with Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) to develop this package exclusively for the sedan.

The Tomei Aero Package is available for all three variants of the Almera Turbo with the top VLT version having all the items. These are a 5-piece aerokit consisting of a front and rear (two sections) bumper spoilers, side skirts, sport pedals with footrest, door handle protectors (4 pcs), kickplate for the door sills. Door visors, and ICE Cool Tinting.

The other two versions come with the 5-piece aerokit and a bootlid spoiler, ICE Cool Tinting Film and the sport pedals with footrest. All bodykit items come in a 2-tone colour scheme.

A Tomei GT Wing (shown below) specially designed for the Almera Turbo is also available, price at RM1,400 (inclusive of installation). For a limited period, ETCM is offering the Tomei GT Wing to Early Bird buyers with a 50% discount.

All the items are factory-fitted to ensure the same high quality as the rest of the car. Each item also comes with a warranty against manufacturing defects for a period of 3 years/100,000 kms (whichever comes first).

Downsized but performance not sacrificed
The Almera Turbo’s powerplant is a good example of how downsizing engines, an industry trend, has been achieved without sacrificing performance and yet giving better fuel efficiency. The HR10DET engine generates 100 ps/152 Nm – comparable to a 1.5-litre engine – but owners have reported being able to get up to 49.5 kms/litre! Should the price of RON95 petrol (currently subsidised by the government) go up, Almera owners will be happy that they have a fuel-sipping engine.

A closer look at the Nissan Almera Turbo’s engine

The Almera Turbo range is priced from RM83,888 to RM95,888, with the Tomei package free while stocks last. For more information, visit the Nissan Malaysia website at www.nissan.com.my. Test-drives are available at all Nissan showrooms throughout Malaysia. For those who are not able to visit a Nissan showroom, they can still experience the car by requesting for a test-drive at their home or office. The request can be made at the Nissan Online Showroom at nissan.com.my/onlineshowroom/.

Incidentally, Via the Lazada Nissan Flagship store, a booking fee (RM250) can be paid online to start the purchase process. A sales representative will then be in touch to assist in completing the rest of the process.

How the new Nissan Almera Turbo is contributing to road safety

Acura Precision EV concept shows new design language for EV future

Acura, Honda’s brand of premium models mainly sold in North America, is transitioning to a new design language and a preview of this is given in the Precision EV Concept unveiled in California this week. This is the brand’s third design concept since 2016.

Created by the Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles, the SUV concept model showcases a future vision of electrified vehicles with distinct manual and full driving automation experiences. Its design focuses on performance through design, with inspiration drawn from luxury Italian powerboats.

A special feature is the theatrical lighting approach that previews an electrified powertrain through a dramatic illuminated evolution of Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille, Chicane DRL signature and new ‘Particle Glitch’ lighting on the front and rear facias.

Dual driving modes
Inspired by the cockpit of a Formula 1 racing car are the low-slung driving position, high-performance driver sightlines and a 2-grip yoke-style steering wheel. The interior space of the Precision EV concept features dual experiences – an Instinctive Drive mode for the performance experience and a calming Spiritual Lounge mode during autonomous operation.

The Instinctive Drive mode elevates the dynamic connection with the car with racing-style digital instrumentation and invigorating red ambient and pipe lighting. In Spiritual Lounge mode, the steering wheel retracts and as it does so, the cabin transforms into a warm, calming experience with soothing scents and restful ‘underwater’ animated projection so the driver and occupants can relax and recharge.

The SUV cabin is crafted with sustainable, environmentally-responsible materials creating premium, unique finishes including marbled recycled plastic trim and 100% biomass leather. All the aluminium used, as well as the dimensional green cast acrylic that forms the steering wheel secondary controls, were made from recycled materials. Milled FSC certified wood, harvested from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits, adds warmth and a connection to nature.

Next-generation HMI
The Precision EV Concept also previews the next generation of Acura HMI (Human-Machine Interface) with an intuitive and easy to use hyper-wide, curved transparent display and haptic touch response. ‘Particle Glitch’ boot-up graphics mirror the signature exterior detail, visually harmonizing the experience.

“As the definition of premium and performance evolves to include the application of sustainable materials, we are looking at new and innovative material technologies to inspire our customers while both reducing our carbon footprint and enabling the Acura brand to reshape the perception of quality,” said Gypsy Modina, Principal Designer – colour, materials and finish..

“The Precision EV Concept is a look into our future direction and continues the Acura Precision Crafted Performance design language with a modern expression of performance” said Dave Marek, Acura Executive Creative Director. “The Acura Precision EV Concept will be our ‘North Star’ as we move into an exciting electrified future, and you will see these design cues translate over to future production models.”

A new Acura Integra returns after 21 years

New vehicle sales in July fell 23%, as expected

As expected, sales in July 2022 fell and the Total Industry Volume (TIV) dropped 23% to 48,922 units. The reason was partly due to June being exceptionally high as many people rushed to buy their new vehicles before the sales tax exemption ended. Whatever stocks companies had were quickly exhausted during the month and the TIV might have been higher if there had been more supply.

For those who managed to confirm their bookings by the last day of June 2022, the sales tax exemption will still apply for their new vehicle, provided it is registered not later than March 31, 2023. That should be ample time for the assembly plants to supply the vehicles.

Looking back at 2021, the TIV this year is certainly higher. In July last year, due to the MCO and restrictions, sales fell to less than 7,500 units for the month. On a cumulative basis, the TIV has reached 380,595 units after 7 months, 48% higher than the volume for the same period in 2021.

On the production side, from January to July this year, 369,994 vehicles were assembled locally, almost 126,000 units (52%) more than for the same period last year. However, the chip and parts shortages continue to slow down output as vehicles cannot be completed. This affects both locally assembled as well as imported models since the chip shortage is global.

The Malaysian Automotive Association expects August sales to be at the same level as July. The association revised its annual forecast upwards by 30,000 units to 630,000 units. This means that average monthly sales will have to be about 50,000 units in the remaining 5 months.

The situation at the moment is not a true picture of the state of the market as the number of registered vehicles reported to the MAA is largely dependent on whatever stocks are available from the plants or from overseas. Until the supply situation stabilizes, it will be hard to ascertain the demand since every available unit is delivered as soon as it arrives at the showroom.

First new Honda HR-V delivered to customer in Selangor

Honda Malaysia has begun delivering the new Honda HR-V and the first customer to receive the new crossover SUV was Nurul Hafida binti Mohd Jais. Cik Nurul Hafida received her new vehicle at MJN Motors Sdn. Bhd. in Cheras, Selangor, where she had booked the RS e:HEV version with a red finish.

As the first HR-V owner in Malaysia, she received some extras as token of appreciation from Honda Malaysia. These were Honda Authorized Accessories, Ultra Glass Body Coating and Honda official merchandise valued at RM5,700.

Explaining the reasons why she chose the new Honda, Cik Nurul Hafida said: “I did my research even before the official launch of the All-New HR-V in Malaysia. The exterior styling and looks caught my attention and that’s when I decided to book the model the moment it was opened for booking. I have been anticipating the delivery of my new car and was pleasantly surprised when I found out that I was the first customer to receive the car!”

“What’s even more exciting is the additional surprise of receiving gifts from Honda! I am looking forward to taking my family out and about on my new ride,” she added.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Hironobu Yoshimura, said: “The response we have received for the All-New HR-V has been overwhelming and we believe this new model will be sensational once again as it did in the past. Today, we are excited to deliver the All-New HR-V to the first owner, Cik Nurul Hafida. In addition to this momentous occasion, Honda Malaysia will deliver over 1,300 units of the All-New HR-V within one month of its launch. We would like to take this opportunity to convey our sincere gratitude to all our customers for their continuous support to the Honda brand.”

Demand for the new HR-V is high, according to Wan Hazmi bin Dato’ Wan Mustafa, owner of MJN Motors Sdn. Bhd. “We are so honoured to be the dealer to deliver the first HR-V to our beloved customer! We are committed to continue providing our customers with excellent service in all aspects,” he said.

Read more about the new Honda HR-V here.

The new HR-V is available with a choice of three 1.5-litre powertrains. The RS version has the e:HEV system with Honda’s unique 2-motor hybrid system which generates 131 ps/253 Nm and the other two are a VTEC turbocharged engine (181 ps/240 Nm) and a naturally-aspirated i-VTEC engine (121 ps/145 Nm).

For this second generation, a more modern feel is evident and features available (depending on version) include leather upholstery, sports pedals, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning with an Air Diffusion System, and a Hands-Free Power Tailgate with Walkaway Close function. Honda SENSING, the suite of active safety systems, is standard across the range.

For more information on the latest HR-V or any Honda models, visit any of the 102 authorized Honda dealerships nationwide or www.honda.com.my.

All-new Honda HR-V launched in Malaysia with a choice of 4 variants and 3 powertrains

Proton Edar to sell electric vehicles from Q4 2023

Proton will begin selling its first electric vehicle (EV) from Q4 of 2023 via its marketing arm, Proton Edar, which has been appointed as the importer, distributor, and dealer for smart New Energy Vehicles (NEV). Besides the Malaysian market, Proton Edar will also be handling the brand in Thailand (from 2024).

The EV is the new smart #1 (referred to as ‘hashtag 1’) which was launched in April this year. The smart #1 is the first product of a joint venture company, smart Automobile Company Ltd. which was established by Mercedes-Benz AG and the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in 2019. It is a ‘descendant’ of the original smart company which started in the 1990s as a low-cost concept of Nicolas Hayek, creator of the Smart watches.

The EV will not be in Proton showrooms and there will be separate outlets dedicated to the brand. Expect a different, more digital environment at these outlets as they will be modelled along the same concept as smart outlets in other markets. Whether aftersales support will be shared with Proton or be separate is something being studied at the moment although it may be better to have dedicated facilities. Just because EVs are electric vehicles doesn’t mean that the ‘wireman’ at the workshop will be qualified to handle them!

All-new smart #1 EV gives brand a ‘second wind’ after early struggles

As the brand image is youthful and ‘lifestyle’, the smart #1 is targeted at younger customers. However, the smart #1 is a premium product and its price would therefore be unlikely to be under RM150,000 with the present tax exemptions. This would make it difficult for young customers in Malaysia to afford but according to Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar and Deputy CEO of Proton Holdings Berhad, there is a segment of young and affluent customers whom the company expects will be interested in such a product.

The marketing of smart EVs is seen as the first phase of collaboration between Proton and smart and could possibly see other ventures. The company will also be looking at EV models for other segments, although these could come from other brands in the Geely group (eg Emgrand and Zeekr). This is one of the advantages Proton has by being part of such a large group as it has access to models and technology which can be adapted for its products.

Certainly, it will provide Proton with useful experience and insights into selling and servicing EVs to Malaysians in preparation for its own electrified products in future. In fact, the carmaker has already established a New Energy Vehicle division to look into all aspects of the future business.

Well aware of the issue of ‘range anxiety’ and access to recharging facilities, Proton Edar will also be looking at ways to develop its own recharging network as well as public facilities. Additionally, there is also the possibility of a mobile recharging service which could be offered in rural areas where the recharging network might not cover adequately.

Initially, the annual volume is expected to be 800 to 1,000 units in Malaysia, with a forecast of 10,000 units by 2027. Bookings might be accepted from May next year as the first shipment of cars is expected during the second quarter.

Fuel Price Updates For August 18 – August 24, 2022

Fuel Price Updates for coming 7 days see another 5 sen reduction in RON97 petrol to bring the price per litre to RM4.35. New fuel price effective after midnight today.

Fuel saving tips

Slow and steady: You don’t have to drive at a crawl to save fuel but if you just drive more frequently at 80/90 km/h instead of 100/110 km/h, you could save 10 to 15% in fuel. Keeping a steady speed rather than ‘pumping‘ the pedal will also save on fuel.

Right tyre pressures: Under-inflated tyres will cause more rolling resistance (not to mention faster wear) which will worsen fuel consumption. Be sure they are inflated to the minimum recommended by the manufacturer and a bit more might also be better.

Service the engine regularly: Engine parts wear out or get dirty over time and reduce the operating efficiency of the engine. Regular servicing ensures that adjustments are set correctly and periodically, parts like filters or sparkplugs need to be replaced.

Switch off the engine more: Many motorists do not fully realize that the engine is burning fuel every second it is running. They will keep the engine running for long periods while waiting for someone to buy things or waiting for their children to come out from school. This is very wasteful and running the air-conditioner at the same time wastes more fuel. Switch off the engine when you are going to be stationary for more than 5 minutes and you’ll find your fuel consumption improving.

Plan trips: If you have different places to go on a single journey, spend a few minutes to think about the route so that you avoid congested areas. You may have to travel a few extra kilometres using a less congested route but you will actually use less fuel because the car won’t be stuck in a jam burning fuel going nowhere. Plus you will probably be less stressed out when you reach your destination.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight: The less weight your car has to move, the less hard the engine has to work. So whatever you do not need to keep in the boot should be taken out. This includes those golfbags.

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ETCM offers free Tomei Aero Package for Nissan Almera Turbo

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