Race starts at 2:10 pm in Japan/1:10 pm in Malaysia
Race starts at 2:10 pm in Japan/1:10 pm in Malaysia
On October 24, Volkswagen will have the attention of the motoring world when it unveils the 8th generation of the Golf. The event will take place at its home city in Germany, Wolfsburg. Prior to the event in 12 days, the carmaker has released these sketches as teasers.
One of the bestselling cars for decades, the Golf has evolved continuously from one generation to the next, meeting the changes in society and demands of consumers. For the new generation, Volkswagen says there will be more digitalisation and connectivity than ever before, packed with innovations and sporting a highly expressive design.
New range of efficient engines
In the new model, the strengths that have made the Golf a worldwide bestseller will be complemented by a new range of efficient engines (which will undoubtedly include hybrids). Enhanced suspension technology will provide a boost in terms of agility.
From the sketch, it can be seen that the exterior design is more dynamic – and yet instantly recognisable as a Golf from all sides. On the inside, fresh colours and fabrics define the look of the new model as well as a new digital cockpit.
Will it be assembled in Malaysia?
Following its debut, the first deliveries of the new Golf Mk.8 will commence in December. Now that the assembly facility in Pekan, Pahang, has the MQB platform for the Tiguan, it would be easier to put the Golf Mk.8 on the line as well, allowing a more competitive price. This could then allow the Malaysian facility to become a regional production hub for the model to be distributed using AFTA privileges. However, we have heard that although Volkswagen has been keen to export cars, certain duty issues have yet to be sorted out.
Government support for Malaysian carmakers has not been confined to providing various forms of funding and incentives as the government, being the country’s largest fleet owner, has also purchased thousands of vehicles from Perodua and Proton over the years.
First government agency to use Aruz
The most recent example was the purchase of 55 units of the Perodua Aruz by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP). This is the first fleet deal for the 7-seater SUV and KPDNHEP is also the first government agency to purchase the Aruz.
“We thank KPDNHEP very much for choosing the Perodua Aruz and in doing so, supporting the Malaysian automotive supply eco-system, as over 90% of the Aruz’s components are locally sourced. The same is true of all our current models,” Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Explaining how the Aruz would be beneficial to the operations of the ministry’s enforcement officers, Dato’ Zainal said: “We understand KPDNHEP’s enforcement officers often take long road journeys in the course of duty. The Perodua Aruz is durable, dependable, spacious, practical, easy to drive and due to its many seating configurations, very versatile. Not forgetting conveniences such as the built-in toll card reader, integrated dash cam, HDMI, Smart Link, Bluetooth and navigation.”
Safe and fuel-efficient
The occupants will also be well protected with the Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0, 6 airbags and Vehicle Stability Control, which have contributed to the Aruz being rated the maximum of 5 stars by ASEAN NCAP.
“It is also an Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) with a best-in-class rated fuel efficiency of 15.6 kms/litre, contributing to low running costs,” he said, adding that over 23,000 units have already been delivered out of over 33,000 bookings received to date since its launch in January.
To locate a showroom to view or test-drive the Aruz, visit www.perodua.com.my.
BHPetrol, the Malaysian petroleum brand, has been tirelessly working on efforts to raise road safety awareness among primary schoolchildren for some time now. And in 2019, for the tenth consecutive year, BHPetrol has spread the interest and focus of the local community in the centre of Kuala Lumpur.
This year’s awareness programme was held in SK Kementah Kuala Lumpur where over 1,000 students participated in various road safety activities which complements the current road safety education curriculum taught in schools.
Part of BHPetrol’s Corporate Social Responsibility
The programme, which was carried out recently, is part of BHPetrol’s Corporate Social Responsibility and focuses primarily on the importance of being visible on the road. The idea behind the programme originated in 2010, when BHPetrol felt that there was very little awareness on road safety initiatives for young children particularly in the non-urban areas.
Since then, the Cerah Ceria programme has travelled extensively within Peninsular Malaysia to schools in Sabak Bernam, Hulu Langat, Pelabuhan Klang, Muar, Temerloh, and the latest in Kementah Kem Kuala Lumpur. Thousands of primary schoolchildren have benefitted from the programme.
Focus on being visible
The focus on visibility stems from the fact that young children are physically small and not easily visible to drivers, in particular, drivers of huge vehicles such as petroleum tankers. The program stresses the importance of seeing and being seen as well as equipping children with essential road safety skills and knowledge.
Aptly named ‘Cerah Ceria Bersama BHPetrol’, the program uses the firefly as its road safety icon to convey to children and adults signifying that despite its size, it is bright and visible from afar.
Practicing safe behaviour on the road
All 9 activities for children help them to understand the importance of being visible and practicing safe behaviour on the road. Some of the activities include stopping distance of vehicles, 5 steps to cross safely, physical limitations, wearing bright clothing and cycling safely. BHPetrol employees were involved in the activities.
Every year, as part of the programme, a short road safety talk is also given by the local district Traffic Police or by the road safety department. This year, Azharul Izwan Puaadi, the Federal Territory Director of Road Safety Department, addressed the students on the importance of being safe on the roads and following traffic rules.
The event was also attended by Fardzi Shah Razali, General Manager, Operations and HSSE of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd, and Leftenan Kolonel Azizul bin Abdul Kadir, Kem Kementah Commanding Officer.
“Over the last 10 years, we have continuously inculcated the importance of safety amongst the schoolchildren through Cerah Ceria Bersama BHPetrol programme. We hope the activities organized have increased the students’ understanding to become more cautious towards their safety at all times,“ said Encik Fardzi Shah Razali.
Essential part of the children’s learning
The programme has been warmly received as an essential part of the children’s learning and educational process. The annual programme dedicated to school children has been creating a lasting impression in the minds of young students, parents and teachers.
BHPetrol firmly believes that the programme develops these young minds to be ever more conscientious in practicing safe behaviour on the road which may contribute significantly towards reducing road deaths and injuries among primary schoolchildren.
As some of you may already know, the Drive 4 Paul Malaysia ‘Tribute to Paul’ car show was held at Bandar Malaysia earlier today where hundreds of cars gathered to pay tribute to one of Hollywood’s finest stars, the late Paul Walker aka “Brian O’Conner” from the Fast & Furious movie franchise. (more…)
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