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CLASSIC FEATURE: The Fullerton Concours d’Elegance @ Singapore – A Treasure Trove Of Classic Cars Displayed [+Full Photo Gallery]

The eagerly anticipated inaugural Fullerton Concours d’Elegance has come to a close, and what an epic event it was. A unique three-day celebration to mark the 90th Anniversary of the Fullerton
Building, home to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, it took place from 29th June to 1st July 2018 across The Fullerton Heritage precinct.

The iconic building was gazetted as a National Monument on 7th December 2015 in recognition of its pivotal role in Singapore’s history. Built in 1928, the Grande Dame has borne witness to many historical events and milestones.

All roads lead to the Fullerton Building…
Paying tribute to the Fullerton Building’s roots as ‘Mile Zero’, the point of reference for measuring all road distances in Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore unveiled a commemorative plaque, which was embedded into the hotel grounds during the Opening Ceremony. Measuring 1.2 metres, the plaque features the milestone system adopted circa 1909, with the Fullerton Building marked as ‘Mile Zero’, from which key roads and other milestones were mapped out.

The location of the plaque is especially significant, as it is located at the former entrance of the General Post Office. The unveiling ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour Mr Lim Eng Hwee, CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Deputy Chairman of Sino Group, Mr Daryl Ng. Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Deputy Chairman of Sino Group Daryl Ng said, ‘The Fullerton Building is an iconic location which holds a special place in the nation’s history, and in the hearts of people of Singapore. It has served as a key point of reference for Singapore 90 years ago, and has been a part of various milestones in this nation. The plaque is engraved with an old milestone map of Singapore and pinpoints significant markers. No matter the distance one has travelled, no matter the length of time, we continue to welcome guests and invite them to create special memories of the Grande Dame with our 90th anniversary celebration and the Fullerton Concours d’Elegance.’

Iconic cars debut in Southeast Asia and a display of one-of-its kind in Singapore…
26 classic cars owned by discerning private collectors in Singapore and Malaysia will be competing in the preeminent Concours d’Elegance. The cars will be judged on criteria including originality and authenticity, restoration quality, design and styling, and elegance in three categories, namely Pre-World War II Vintage,
Post War Classic (1945 to 1960) and Modern Classic (1961 to 1983).

Presiding over the Concours d’Elegance was Chief Concours Judge, renowned vintage car enthusiast and President of the Malaysia & Singapore Vintage Car Register (‘MSVCR’), Dr Ivor Thevathasan. Other esteemed Concours judges include Mr Alain Li, Regional Chief Executive of Richemont Asia Pacific and Mr David Thomson, former president of the MSVCR. They were complemented by a team of Honorary Judges, including Ms Larissa Tan, CEO of home-grown brand Vanda Electrics, and Mr Oliviero Bottinelli, former Managing Director of Audemars Piguet Asia Pacific.

Visitors will had an opportunity to view some of the private collection of cars owned by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Sultan and Sovereign Ruler of the State and Territory of Johor Darul Ta’zim. They were displayed alongside rare and exquisite timepieces from Audemars Piguet that correspond to the manufacturing years of the cars. Here is the gallery of His Majesty’s cars:

Car enthusiasts were also in for a treat – the Bugatti Chiron Sport will make its debut in Asia at the event and three cars were on public display for the first time in Southeast Asia. These are the Rolls-Royce Celestial Phantom, Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge as well as a recently restored Rolls-Royce Phantom II.

Among the stellar line-up of more than 90 cars curated for the event, visitors were able to admire several unique automobiles that are one-of-a-kind in Singapore. This includes the 1926 Rolls-Royce Connaught Tourer, 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K [Right-hand drive (‘RHD’)], 1938 McLaughlin-Buick 90L Ltd, 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster (RHD), 1972 Ferrari Dino 246GTS Convertible and 1990 Aston Martin Lagonda.

The Winning Cars Photo Gallery… These are the cars that took top-honours at the inaugural Fullerton Concours d’Elegance recently:

Fullerton Concours d’Elegance FULL Photo Gallery…

The gist…

• Unveiling of the commemorative ‘Mile Zero’ plaque on the 71st National Monument grounds
• One of the largest showcases in Southeast Asia; more than 90 vintage, classic and super cars in
the heart of Singapore
• Commencement of the preeminent Concours d’Elegance and fund-raising in support of the
President’s Challenge
• A magnificent 3-day event held across The Fullerton Heritage precinct – art and photography
exhibitions, heritage tours, family activities, culinary delights, gala events and yacht displays

Volvo Car Malaysia Expands Dealer Network With New Batu Pahat 3S Centre

Volvo Car Malaysia recently launched Volvo Batu Pahat together with its newest dealer, AJ Premium Motors Sdn Bhd. The full-fledged 3S centre (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) will give customers in the Southern Region more options and greater access to the Volvo brand.

Since Volvo Car Malaysia had started its sales and aftersales transformation programme, Volvo’s network has grown from four to now nine dealerships, including this new Volvo Batu Pahat, with more dealerships slated within this year.

“There is growing interest for our models in Malaysia and we are actively setting-up dealerships in strategic areas around Malaysia to better service this need,” said Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Stegland adds that the sales and aftersales transformation programme is not just about expanding Volvo’s dealership network but also to improve the competency level of its current dealerships to better service its growing customer base.

“It is an absolute requirement for all new dealerships to adhere to the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) standards, consistent with our dealership standards in Europe – it is not just an aesthetical guideline but also dictates the level of service rendered in our dealerships,” said Stegland.

Volvo Batu Pahat is no exception – with a showroom built in adherence to VRE and fully-equipped service centre, it will surely bring great value to Volvo owners and fans in that region. “Our presence in Batu Pahat makes it more convenient for owners from the surrounding areas of Muar, Kluang and Segamat to service their cars or for prospective customers to view new Volvo models,” said Jacky Ong, Managing Director of AJ Premium Motors Sdn Bhd.

True to VRE, the 3S centre will feature a Scandinavian-inspired ‘living room’ where customers can relax in the cosy ambience filled with warm lighting and clean air while being attended by a sales representative or while waiting for the vehicles to be serviced.

The Volvo Showroom in Batu Pahat opens from 9:00 am till 6:00 pm on Monday to Saturday and from 11:00 am till 5:00 pm on Sundays and Public Holidays. For further information about the showroom, contact 07 4312222 or you can e-mail the Branch Manager, Patrick Teo, at patrick@ajpremium.com.

Mini Malaysia lancar Mini Cooper S 2018 – Dari RM226,888

Mini Malaysia baru sahaja melancarkan Mini Cooper S 2018 dengan varian 3 Pintu dan 5 Pintu.
Mereka juga telah melancarkan Mini John Cooper Works dengan 231hp dan 320Nm tork maksimum.
Harga generasi terbaharu Mini bermula dari RM226,888 hingga RM RM283,888.

Mini Malaysia baru sahaja melancarkan tiga model terbaharu mereka iaitu Mini Cooper S 3 Pintu dan Mini Cooper S 5 Pintu. Model ketiga yang merupakan model Mini yang paling menarik merupakan Mini John Cooper Works yang menawarkan rekabentuk yang lebih moden, ganas dan tampan. (more…)

CLASSIC CARS: The Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show Is Back For 2018! Mark Your Calendars!

The Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show returns to Langkawi for the second time with a bigger and better show at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) this August. The Island of Langkawi will once again play host to a fleet of Vintage and Classic Cars in a one-of-a-kind classic car show and concours.

This show is the only classic car show in Malaysia to receive a royal accolade. It is organised by MY Classic Cars in collaboration with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA). The Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show will be held from 10th to 12th of August 2018 at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) or better known as “Dewan LIMA” to locals.

The Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show 2018 will see over 50 Vintage and Classic Cars on display. In addition to the display, the proud owners of these cars will be competing for a show and shine competition that offers “money can’t buy” trophies and prize money of up to RM30,000. Two (2) special awards will also be up for grabs – Langkawi Cup and the coveted Sultan’s Choice Award, an award unique to The Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show.

5 categories have been determined for this year’s competition namely Vintage (before 1945), Classic 1 (1946-1960), Classic 2 (1961 – 1975), Modern Classic (1976 – 1990) and a new addition to this year’s show – Japanese Classics also known as JDM (up to 1990).

Visitors to the car show can also expect so see some very rare car makes and models from as early as 1925. This year’s highlights includes a display of Porsches from 3 eras – Porsche 356, Porsche 964 and the 944 S2 Convertible, a display of the ever famous Minis –Mini Traveller, Mini Pick Up, MK3 and a Mini Moke, dressed up in a truly Malaysian style.

Visitors will also be able to catch a glimpse of the Rolls Royce 25/27 manufactured in 1925, deemed as the most desired luxury car make of yesteryear. A Volkswagen Kombi that made a journey from Malaysia to Germany covering some 26,000km, as well as a Ford Capri which did a 11,000km journey (below) from Malaysia to Sri Lanka will also be featured during the show.

This year’s show is proudly sponsored by Ricca Ventures Sdn Bhd, Pickles Asia Sdn Bhd, Zeeb Sdn Bhd, Neuhealth, Zoom Nine G Sdn Bhd, Datford Classics Sdn Bhd, Unicar Auto Works and Aseania Resort & Spa as the retuning hotel partner.

About the The Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show…

RLCCS is an international standard car show aimed at bringing together Vintage and Classic Car owners, collectors and enthusiasts from across the nation and regionally especially from neighboring countries like Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia under one roof. The show is poised to be an annual calendar event after a successful debut in 2017 placing Langkawi and Malaysia on the international classic car show calendar and a premier meeting point for Vintage and Classic Car owners both regionally and beyond in the next few years. The showcase is open to the general public, with free admission from 10th to 12th August 2018.

For more information on The Royal Langkawi Classic Car Show 2018, log on to www.lada.gov.my or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theroyallangkawiclassiccarshow

MINI Malaysia Introduces The New MINI 3 & 5-Door! [+Video]

MINI Malaysia has introduced the New MINI for the very first time for the generations of the New Malaysia. Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The New MINI represents the latest and finest of the technological and design excellence of a car brand that has had an iconic and illustrious appeal that has been transcending generations since 1959. The MINI of this generation is the perfect companion to explore every corner of a new and progressive country with unparalleled ease, meeting modern and premium needs with style to stand out and be noticed”.

Kidd Yam, Head of MINI Malaysia, meanwhile said, “Since the introduction of the third generation MINI in 2014, we have seen more than 1,500 units delivered in Malaysia, accounting for more than half of the total deliveries of MINI vehicles here. Malaysians clearly love the thrill of the Go-Kart Driving capabilities that is signature to the MINI brand, combined with the current and modern enhancements built harmoniously into its iconic premium compact design which elevates its appeal further”.

The very first Mini was created in 1959 and immediately became a design icon with celebrity-like appeal in the history of pop culture and motorsports. With its deeply human appeal in its looks, visceral driving experience and accessibility, the Mini was invented with the creative use of space, coupled with the thrilling go-kart driving feeling and a design that has left a lasting impression until today.

The New MINI stays faithful to these legendary roots but is now also a current and contemporary icon, setting new benchmarks once again for emotive, premium design, clever functionality and its signature go-kart handling.

For the price and full specifications sheets of both models, click here to download:

MINI Cooper S 3 Door_Spec Sheet_Peninsular Malaysia

MINI Cooper S 5 Door_Spec Sheet_Peninsular Malaysia

More on the New MINIs….

New MINI: New Benchmarks.

The New MINI 3 Door and the New MINI 5 Door are introduced with the latest engines and transmissions from the BMW Group which complies with the latest Euro 6c standards for increased driving excitement and even lower fuel consumption. The New MINI also sets new benchmarks for emotive, signature design elements such as the new MINI Logo Projection, LED Headlamps and Union Jack Tail lamps with Day Time Running Lights, and new logo elements on its body to distinguish the car further from its previous iterations.

The New MINI engines have been revised for increased driving excitement and even lower fuel consumption. Additionally, with an engine cover that has been made 13% lighter with the progressive use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), the New MINI now offers engines that have an overall reduction of up to eight kilograms in its total weight, improving its fuel consumption radically and fully meeting the latest Euro 6c Standard.

The Coasting experience which was previously only available via the GREEN mode is also now possible in the MID mode with The New MINI. The feature intuitively shifts the engine to idle when the foot is off the accelerator pedal when cruising. The New MINIs are also equipped with LED headlamps and taillamps with New Daytime Running Lights for the very first time. The front beams are powered by Bi-LED lights, and at a flick of the indicator will switch the LED daytime running lights to the LED indicators. The energy-saving rear lights sport a new and stylised Union Jack that is sure to make heads turn, making no mistake to the heritage of the MINI. All headlights are enhanced with full LED technology that has been redesigned for greater brightness than the previous models.

Additionally, for the first time ever in South East Asia, MINI Malaysia introduces the award-winning MINI Yours Customised Accessories which allow retrofit components such as side scuttles, cockpit facia, LED Door Sills Finishers and LED Door Projector to be produced according to the customer’s personally designed specifications. The German Design Council recently awarded the prestigious German Innovation Award in Gold to this unique customisation offering, describing it as the ‘next level of individualisation’. The MINI Yours Customised Services can be designed and ordered at www.yours-customised.mini, choosing between various colours, patterns, surfaces and icons as well as adding their own text to the design.

The classic MINI logo has also been refreshed for all models with subtle modification and a sharper contrast. The re-interpretation of the existing logo now features a two-dimensional “flat design”, reflecting the new brand identity with its focus on the essentials – driving fun, distinctive design, premium quality and emotional appeal. Also, with the MINI Logo Projection, drivers are now greeted by the new logo beamed on the ground every time they step in and out of their MINI.

Seven Gears for Increased Riding Fun and Enhanced Comfort.

The New MINI Cooper S 3 Door and the New MINI Cooper S 5 Door are the first MINIs in the family to be equipped with the 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission and an electronic gear shifter. The 7-Speed Dual Clutch Steptronic Sports Transmission consist of two sub-transmissions to ensure no delays and thus more comfort in shifting gears. With sub-transmission 1 aligned for gears 2, 4, 6, and the reverse, and sub-transmission 2 for gears 1, 3, 5, and 7, such optimum efficiency means the next gear will always have been pre-engaged on the other sub-transmission.

The new transmission type is helped by the purely mechanical function of the torque converter. The expanded gears and bigger gear shift spacing also contribute to less fuel consumption and CO2 emission. Additionally, the newly designed electronic selector lever ensures that the gear always returns to its original position after changing between driving mode D, neutral position N, and reverse mode. The New MINI Cooper S 3 Door and the New MINI Cooper S 5 Door are powered by the 2.0-litre 4-Cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine. Both deliver up to 192HP and 280Nm of torque, with a top speed of 235km/h. So yeah, get used to this view of the new Mini…

The New MINI 3 Door goes from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds with a combined CO2 emission of 125 g/km and combined fuel consumption of 5.5L/100km. Meanwhile, the New MINI 5 Door sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds. The New MINI 5 Doors’ combined CO2 emission is 128 g/km and its combined fuel consumption is 5.6L/100km.

The New MINI 3 Door.

The New MINI 3 Door stands out with the 17” Cosmos Spoke in Black, where a coat of special black paint provides a more dynamic look that gives the rims a high-gloss finish and deep black paint effect. The New MINI 3 Door prioritises digital sophistication with its Touch Screen Display with Navigation, a high-resolution screen in the MINI Centre Instrument that puts a wealth of information at your fingertips. The New MINI 3 Door comes with a 6.5” display, which can be operated via the MINI Controller or touch screen. To enhance technological offerings, the New MINI 3 Door features MINI Connected which enables owners to integrate their smart phone, smart phone apps and the MINI Connected App into their MINI. The MINI Connected App enables owners to easily check Fuel Consumption, Fuel Range and Last Known Location.

The challenges of reversing in and out of tight spots are now a thing of the past as the New MINI 3 Door is newly installed with the Rear View Camera. A complement to the existing Park Distance Control, the Camera provides a clear picture of what is behind and even guidelines to steer in the right direction.

The interior of the New MINI 3 Door comes with the backlit MINI Yours Illuminated Cockpit. The display lights up with a stylised Union Jack, offering 12 colours that are sure to suit every mood of every driver. The interior finish of the New MINI 3 Door keeps up the MINI comfort and sophistication by being fitted out with Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black. The New MINI 3 Door comes in seven colours – Chili Red, Pepper White, Solaris Orange, White Silver, Starlight Blue, Thunder Grey and British Racing Green paired with Black Roof. Alternatively, Chili Red can also be paired with White Roof.

The New MINI 5 Door.

The wheels for the New MINI 5 Door impress with the stunning high gloss 17” John Cooper Works Track Spoke in Black, exclusively developed for optimum weight support and fitted with run-flat tyres. An attractive new standard feature for the New MINI 5 Door is the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit which confers the New MINI with the eye-catching rear spoiler, while ensuring the vehicle’s power stays exactly where it belongs – on the road.

As with the New MINI 3 Door, digital components such as MINI Connected, the Touch Screen with Navigation with a 6.5” display, and the Rear View Camera are all available with the New MINI 5 Door. In terms of interior finish, the New MINI 5 Door offers Leather Cross Punch Carbon Black and the Black Chequered Interior Style. The New MINI 5 Door comes in six colours – Chili Red, Pepper White, Emerald Grey, White Silver, Starlight Blue and British Racing Green paired with Black Roof. Chili Red can also be paired with White Roof.

MINI Roadside Assistance.

The New MINI models are covered by MINI Malaysia’s 5 Years Roadside Assistance programme, available for all new MINI vehicles with a comprehensive list of services that include a 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200KM from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services. The MINI Roadside Assistance programme can be accessed by contacting 1800-88-8808.

MINI Service Online.

Making a service appointment has never been easier. The new online service programme will now allow customers to schedule their service needs directly at their preferred MINI Authorised Dealerships via https://service.mini.my The New MINI models are available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide from 14^th July 2018. More information on the New MINI can be found at www.mini.my.

New MINI Photo Gallery…

HMSB Introduces New Honda HR-V “RS” Variant Coming In Q3!

72,000. That’s how many HR-V’s Honda Malaysia (HMSB) has sold since it was first introduced here in 2015, and it is HMSB’s second best-selling model. They also recently announced that a new variant called the HR-V RS will be coming soon, but is now available for booking starting 12 July 2018 at all 95 Honda authorized dealers nationwide, with a targeted Q3 launch date.

“The compact SUV, HR-V was first introduced in 2015 and since its introduction, this Honda model has received overwhelming interest and response from customers. This Honda model retains its No. 1 position for three consecutive years in the compact SUV segment and has sold more than 72,000 units as at June 2018. The HR-V is also Honda’s current second best-selling model, contributing 16% of overall sales as at June 2018.” – HMSB.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Toichi Ishiyama said, “On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like to thank Malaysians for their continuous trust and support towards Honda. We have received overwhelming bookings during the zero-rated GST period of June 2018. Due to the surge in bookings, waiting period for certain Honda models is between 3 to 4 months. Rest assured, Honda Malaysia is working hard to deliver the new vehicle to all the owners.”

Mr. Ishiyama further added, “We believe that the New HR-V can attract customers who desire for a sportier appearance. The enhancement in terms of exterior, features and also safety has resulted this model to be a complete package for customers”. The New HR-V is powered by a familiar 1.8L SOHC i-VTEC engine combined with Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) that delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

More on the HR-V RS…

Honda has also added a new variant into its HR-V family – the RS variant which exudes a bold and powerful expression made possible by the overall exterior design. The RS variant appears sportier and attractive with an exciting new exterior featuring, Honda’s Signature design, the ‘Solid Wing Face’ concept and sporting a new set of headlights including the newly designed LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED fog lights and Rear Combi LED guide lights.

Further enhancing its sportiness, the RS variant comes with a New Sporty 18-inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels, Sport Design Front Grille, New Front and Rear Bumper. New detailing such as a dark chrome outer handle, black chrome license garnish, sport black side sill and even mesh fog garnish provides a fresh and vibrant feel to the RS variant. Honda Malaysia has introduced a new colour for the New HR-V, the Passion Red Pearl, which is the first in Honda Malaysia’s colour line-up.

The HR-V maintains the effortless Multi-Utility Cargo Space by keeping maximum space utilization in mind. The large trunk space can be adjusted through versatile rear seat configuration modes known as the Utility Mode, Tall Mode and Long Mode. These modes allow the New HR-V users to obtain their desired space for their daily and long distance travel usage.

Safety will always be Honda’s top priority. To further enhance safety in HR-V, the RS variant is fitted with the Honda LaneWatch, a camera system mounted on the passenger side mirror. The passenger side view of the adjacent lanes next to the vehicle including blind spots will be displayed on a display system in the car. This allows a better viewpoint and provides safer driving condition for the driver.

The HR-V comes with standard safety features such as Six Airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Additionally, the New HR-V also offers Multi-Angle Rear-View Camera for the convenience of the driver. It’s loved by Malaysians for its spaciousness, user-friendliness, practicality and functionality in its features, offering total comfort for passengers while bringing the Joy of Driving to the drivers. Honda customers can now enjoy more value-added features with this HR-V, appealing to customers with a desire for space during travels, providing convenience and practicality for everyone in the family.

The new HR-V is targeted to be launched in Q3 of 2018. To appreciate Malaysian customers for their continuous support, Honda Malaysia will be rewarding all customers who place a booking for the new HR-V with a Petronas Gift Card worth RM1,000*.

Customers can also visit any of Honda’s 95 authorised dealers to place a booking for the HR-V from 12 July 2018 onwards. For more information, call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my