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Advanced Modern Apprenticeship at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy now open for applications

As the auto industry in Malaysia keeps growing, the need for a bigger workforce grows likewise. However, there has to be a pool of human resources from which companies can draw from, and in order to build this pool. Some companies provide training programmes to incubate young Malaysians who aspire to start a career in the auto industry.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is one of them and has a Training Academy which has been in operation since 1984. More than 900 apprentices have graduated from this academy and they are working with the brand’s authorised dealers in various positions across different specializations. On average, the programme has been receiving 500 applicants annually since 2017.

“As the technology of Mercedes-Benz vehicles continues to evolve, gearing for Battery Electric Vehicle readiness and the acceleration of dealer network expansion locally, we want to continue training and growing our skilled workforce to meet this demand,” said Edmin Naidoo, Vice-President of Customer Services, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Malaysia & SEA II.

One of the programmes is the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship, a 3-year course which covers a wide range of globally approved syllabuses and training guidelines by Mercedes-Benz Global Training with Mercedes-Benz Competence elements to ensure trainees continue development with the brand. The programme incorporates International Qualifications up to Level 3 and is recognised by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources.

*With electric vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz EQA now being introduced, the academy will also include training for Electric Vehicle Specialists.*

As part of the brand’s strategy and global direction to lead in electric, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new profile for the Electric Vehicle Specialists, known as Expert in High Voltage (EHV) which will make its debut in the programme this year. This new syllabus will be added on the existing modules as part of the brand’s efforts to train and equip talents to be future-ready for the demands of mobility of tomorrow.

By the end of the Advanced Modern Apprenticeship programme, participants will gain certification in NDTS Level 3, C&G VRQ Level 3, Qualified Maintenance Technician (QMT), Qualified System Technician (QST)/Qualified Service Advisor (QSA)/Expert in High Voltage (EHV), depending on the specialisation chosen. They will also be fully equipped wide range of skills including presentation, critical analysis, decision-making, systematic thinking as an automotive technician for systems and high-voltage technology.

The programme also guarantees employment upon completion with guaranteed minimum salary in the first year with incremental opportunity thereafter. The entire course will be held at the purpose-built Mercedes-Benz National Training Academy in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong, Selangor.

*Since 1984, more than 900 technicians have graduated from the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy with various specialisations.*

Applications are open from now till July 31, 2022 and those who are interested can find out more at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy Open Day happening this June 25, 2022 (from 9 am till 12 noon) at Wisma Mercedes-Benz in Puchong, Selangor. The minimum requirement is 3 credits in SPM or equivalent with a pass in English.

“Education is power and we want to invite and tap into Malaysia’s brightest young talents to join us through our Mercedes-Benz Global Training programme. This is a great platform for us to recruit, nurture and develop talent that will become an integral component of delivering a seamless luxurious retail experience to our customers and further grow our presence in the country. There is a national demand for highly skilled talent in the automotive industry and through this apprenticeship, we are able to offer Malaysians an exciting opportunity and career with us,” said Sagree Sardien, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, and Head of Region, Southeast Asia II.

Mercedes-Benz to have regional After-Sales Logistics Centre in Malaysia from 2024

Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain gets additional features and new colours

For car companies, volume is crucial to the success of the business. One way to get volume is to cover many segments of the market so the bigger companies will have a broad range of products to compete in almost every segment. Of course, the products must also be appealing and sell well too.

So it’s impressive that Isuzu Malaysia, with just the D-MAX pick-up truck as its primary product (plus commercial vehicles), it has been among the top 10 brands in Malaysia. In fact, since being established in 2005, the company has mainly sold the D-MAX which has been locally assembled. And with each new generation being improved in many ways, annual sales kept rising.

Despite ongoing production issues for the whole industry, record sales of the D-MAX were achieved with 1,233 units delivered around the country in March this year. That was the company’s highest ever monthly sales volume in 18 years, and a big jump from the previous record of 885 units recorded in December 2014.

Following the debut of the latest generation a year ago, demand for the D-MAX has continued at high levels and like other companies, supplies are still not as much as Isuzu Malaysia would like. Nevertheless, the orders keep coming in and although it is not yet in the middle of its production cycle, the company has added enhancements to its flagship X-Terrain which already has an impressive list of features.

“The new-generation Isuzu D-Max remains our source of pride as it bridges the gap between how pick-up trucks should perform and what customers desire. The flagship D-MAX X-Terrain, in particular, sought to ensure customers enjoyed some truly stand-out features that make their motoring safer and more pleasurable,” said Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO, Shunsuke Okazoe.

For the latest D-MAX X-Terrain, there are now two more exterior colours – Silky Pearl White and Onyx Black. These join Valencia Orange, the distinctive finish that makes the D-MAX stand out even more among other pick-up trucks.

Another key addition is the Around-View Monitor that provides a 360˚ view on all sides of the vehicle. Using small camera around the vehicle, the imagery captured in real-time is merged into a simulated image that looks like the camera is above the vehicle. The view appears on the 9-inch display panel whenever reverse gear is selected, and there is a 3D guide to help the driver maneuver and position the truck. No more white knuckles parking the long vehicle!

For those who have new smartphones that can recharge wirelessly, there is a charging pad in the D-MAX now. Apart from being convenient as no cable is needed, the phone can be left on the pad and kept charged while having uninterrupted Bluetooth connectivity for music or maps without draining the phone battery.

Isuzu Malaysia has also added a welcome light, which gives a touch of class. LED lamps beneath the vehicle illuminate the surrounding foot areas when the doors are unlocked. When used in tandem with the follow-me home lights, the driver and passengers can move around the vehicle at night confidently as the ground will be well lit.

Finally, exclusive lighted scuff plates are provided and not only help protect the sills from minor scratches but also offers an added touch of elegance to the D-MAX X-Terrain. What we also hope Isuzu Malaysia will provide again are those ‘stealth’ side steps which automatically slide in and out.

“The popularity of the Isuzu D-MAX range, particularly the X-Terrain variant, remains healthy with many first-time owners reveling in life with a modern pick-up truck. Its inspiring safety, comfort and go-anywhere, do-anything versatility has led to a gradual migration of saloon car owners. I believe that with these new added features and colour choices, the D-MAX X-Terrain will continue to appeal to many more who will be tempted to convert,” said Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo.

The updated Isuzu D-MAX X-Terrain is available for booking from today at all authorized Isuzu showrooms, with deliveries beginning from mid-July. The revised price for this version is now RM146,938.40 (without insurance), which is slightly more than before.

To know more about the latest D-MAX, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my or https://www.facebook.com/ISUZU.DMax.Malaysia/.

New Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain: Why other pick-up truck brands should be worried

Bentley S model gets a hybrid powertrain for the first time ever

Following its recently launched Continental GT S and GT S Convertible, Bentley has now added the new Flying Spur S to complete its new driver-focused S range. This is the first time that Bentley’s historic ‘S’ badge has been applied to a product with a hybrid powertrain, and is another step towards Beyond100, Bentley’s vision of the future and sustainable pathway forwards.

Suited to those who are city-based or environmentally-focused, the smaller 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine works with an advanced electric motor. Total system output is 544 ps/750 Nm which can send the Flying Spur S from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.1 seconds. With a fully charged battery pack, it can travel up to 41 kms on just electricity.

The Flying Spur Hybrid S (whilst in Sport mode) features ingenious sound enhancements in the engine bay that match the more sporting character of the car for the driver while maintaining low sound levels in the rear cabin.

Besides the hybrid powertrain, there is also a second choice for customers who are not particularly concerned about fuel prices. This is Bentley’s 4-litre V8 engine developing 550 ps/770 Nm. This can send the car from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4 seconds, and on to a top speed of almost 320 km/h.

Purposeful, understated exterior
The black brightware of the Flying Spur S models creates an athletic and understated look, whatever the chosen exterior finish. With the absence of bright polished metal highlights, the eye is ‘encouraged’ to take in the vehicle’s form and perceive it as lower and wider – the essence of a sporting Bentley.

The effect is complemented by gloss black lower bumper grilles, dark tinted headlamps and rear lights, black quad tailpipe finishers and distinctive S badging on the front fenders. The grille is black gloss with vertical vanes and black gloss surround. Only the winged Bentley badge and lettering on the bootlid stand out with their bright chrome finish.

Performance focussed interior
Customers can choose from a variety of performance-focused two-tone colour splits, handcrafted in Bentley’s leather shop using a combination of smooth hide and soft-napped Dinamica. This suede-like material is used for the heated steering wheel, gearlever, seat cushions and seat backrests while leather hide is employed on the seat bolsters, door pads, along the instrument panel and around the console.

The S design seats are fluted, with quilting available as an option, and the ‘S’ emblem is embroidered on the headrest of each seat. Driver instrumentation takes its inspiration from motorsport chronometers, with the same graphics as the Continental GT Speed. There are also finishing touches that include a metal S signature badge on the fascia and illuminated Bentley treadplates with the ‘S’ device replacing the Bentley Motors Ltd plaque.

Bentley to launch 5 new hybrid models in 2022, first EV in 2025

Lunaz rebuilds a classic Jaguar model as EV using ocean rubbish

Lunaz is a young (in existence since 2018) British company which remanufactures and electrifies vehicles, and it claims to be the world’s leading creator of upcycled, restored and electrified classic cars. Models which it has electrified include the Jaguar XK120, 140 and 150, Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Rolls-Royce Phantom V, Bentley Continental, and Range Rover Classic.

The company typically does work on commission, and it has three divisions providing all the necessary services that further the legacies of the most celebrated cars in the world. Its most recent project which has been completed is a 1952 Jaguar XK120.

The car presented a world-first for a project of this type – a leather-free interior that utilises ocean clean-up materials. This includes carpets that are woven from reclaimed nylon sea-fishing nets. Additionally, the backing of these carpets is upcycled from marine plastic pollution such as plastic bottles.

The process of reclaiming waste materials from the ocean is already being successfully utilised in the worlds of fashion, fine furniture making and high-end watch manufacturing. Global demand for these kinds of sustainable materials is driving significant positive environmental impact: for every tonne of the raw material produced to make the materials that make Lunaz’ carpets, 7 barrels of crude oil can be saved and nearly 7 tonnes of carbon will not be emitted.

In handing over this beautiful electrified and upcycled Jaguar XK120, we conclude a project that has empowered our designers to re-imagine the traditional classic car material palette. We are proud to take materials and create processes that significantly reduce the global impact of enjoying these cars by unlocking the power of upcycling,” said David Lorenz, Founder & CEO of Lunaz (which has David Beckham among its investors).

While such a car is already exclusive, Lunaz’ customers would expect to be able to personalise their cars further and this is handled by an in-house design department. The team works in close collaboration with customers to understand their aesthetic and personal sensibilities. In the case of this very special build, the customer visited Lunaz throughout the commissioning and specification process to understand the way that alternatives to leather and innovative upcycled materials perform from a visual and comfort perspective.

This led to a decision (by the customer) to create an entirely leather-free interior specified to complement the bespoke Obsidian Blue exterior colour scheme. This was painted in-house at Lunaz’ home in Silverstone, UK and is one of the limitless palettes of colours available to every Lunaz customer.

This very close collaboration yielded an interior finished in an innovative blend of textiles, traditional woods and upcycled materials. For example, the seat frame is constructed from recyclable aluminium. This offers both a contemporary aesthetic and an alternative to traditional classic material palettes while delivering the functional requirements of the seat.

The seats are finished in a super-high-quality fabric material. Subtle reference to the driver-focus of this particular car is made through the addition of a black stripe to the driver’s seat.

The Burr Walnut veneer wood has a contemporary aesthetic through a satin lacquer. Wherever possible, material from the 70-year old car was painstakingly restored to minimise the requirement to create new materials. This extended to the substrates which were then re-veneered in sustainably sourced timber.

Lunaz’ team of engineers subtly integrated the latest infotainment and audio technology into the car. This includes the discreet placement of a screen installed with Apple CarPlay to operate the customer’s preferred navigation and music streaming apps.

The Lunaz modular powertrain used in the Jaguar was developed by a team of engineers drawn from some of the leading names in automotive design and technology and under the leadership of Jon Hilton, former Technical Director of Renault Formula 1.

Lunaz’ proposition has created unprecedented global demand from both new classic car owners and existing collectors seeking to rebalance their collections in line with shifting global sensibilities. An independent environmental audit found that once a Lunaz vehicle undergoes the brand’s process of re-engineering and electrification, it reclaims more than 80% of the embedded carbon of the original car’s manufacture.

Therefore, this approach represents a sustainable means to keep the most celebrated cars in history on the road while addressing the other key barriers to classic car ownership, usability and reliability.

Lunaz turns 1960s Aston Martin DB6 into electric sportscar for more than US$1 million

First locally-assembled Euro 5 MAN trucks now in operation on Malaysian roads

In support of the moves to reduce air pollution and improve efficiency of powerplants, MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia) introduced its new truck generation with low-emission engines that meet Euro 5 standards. These standards set very low levels of sulphur content (among others) which is not only better for the engine but also the air we breathe.

Its trucks are assembled at its own plant in Serendah, Selangor, and the first batch of the New MAN Truck Generation was recently handed over to the first operators in the country. These operators are six transport companies, of which two are first-time MAN Truck customers.

At the handover event of the seven trucks, MAN Malaysia Managing Director Andrew O’Brooks thanked the customers for joining the sustainability journey with MAN. “In November 2021, MAN became the first truck manufacturer in Malaysia to offer Euro 5 engines as standard across its entire product portfolio. It was a bold move as we were challenging Malaysian transporters to join the journey and take the lead in reducing carbon emissions.”

Mr. O’Brooks said the company was delighted that the Malaysian transport companies took up the challenge, with overwhelming market response. “This clearly demonstrates that transporters in Malaysia are more than willing to do their part as the nation aims for carbon neutral status by 2050. They know that with our New MAN Truck Generation, they can attain both profitability and sustainability,” he said.

The six companies to use the new trucks are LTS Distribution (M) Sdn Bhd, Sim Aik Chan Trading Sdn Bhd, Sea Hawk Global Lines Sdn Bhd, Timur Permai Haulage Sdn Bhd, Rani Transport Sdn Bhd and Globonus Sdn Bhd.

The models available have varied specification to suit different transport requirements. There are 5 variants which can be used for three main applications: 4×2 and 6×2 for haulage/container; 6×4 for construction and heavy-duty use; and 4×2 and 6×2 with ADR (Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) specifications.

Customers can choose from 2 engine options. The 4×2 and 6×2 variants for haulage and transport of dangerous goods are powered by the proven and reliable MAN D20, 10.5-litre, 6-cylinder inline Euro 5 diesel engine. The heavy duty-oriented 6×4 variant has the bigger but equally efficient 12.4-litre D26 engine. Both engines are coupled to a smooth and quiet 12-speed MAN TipMatic intelligent gearbox with advanced software and selectable driving programmes for different applications.

Meeting the Euro 5 emission standard means significantly lower emissions of toxic nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases. This is achieved through the use of low sulphur Euro 5 diesel and AdBlue exhaust treatment. Euro 5 diesel, available in B7 and B10 grades, has been available in the Malaysian market since 2014, with BHPetrol having been the first company to offer it.

Newly developed consumption-reducing driveline and software components also ensure a new level of efficiency to deliver improved fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The improved aerodynamics of the new vehicle design also play their part in this reduction.

According to Mr. O’Brooks, the New MAN Truck Generation was a transformational product that marked the evolution of MAN Truck & Bus from a vehicle manufacturer to provider of intelligent and sustainable transport solutions. “It is the most ambitious project by MAN Truck & Bus in 20 years. It is the answer that our customers expect us to provide in face of increasingly diverse and complex challenges confronting the transportation industry all over the world, including here in Malaysia,” he said.

The digital and electric evolution of MINI design for the next generation revealed

In the 1950s, when Sir Alec Issigonis began to think of a small city car that would become the legendary Mini, styling was probably of a low priority compared to the design. How it looked would largely follow what was required of it – form follows function. And he certainly followed that design principle which could be traced back to the 19^th century.

Form follows function
Quite simply, he wanted to create a small car which had the largest possible interior on the smallest possible footprint. Applying ‘form follows function’ strictly to automotive construction, he came up with a car that would be revolutionary. The spatial concept of the Mini was unique, and transversely mounting its engine made significant waves in the motoring industry at the time.

The brilliant design of the original Mini which strictly adhered to the ‘form follows function’ principle. Inset shows the actual sketch that its designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, drew on a napkin in 1956.

When the BMW Group continued the Mini story, it fully respected not just the history but also the design language that would provide guidance for the 21^st century version. The original design philosophy was revised in keeping with the times, while simultaneously preserving the essential Mini character. While form continues to follow function, innovative technical solutions allow this principle to be applied to a greater degree.

Evolution continuation
The modern MINI appeared in 2001 and has undergone evolutionary continuation of the legendary formal language that defined the original Mini. The systematic expansion of the model family also show how new life has been introduced to the brand’s fundamental values and, building on this, to open up authentic and intriguing perspectives for the future of the brand.

*The modern MINI and the original classic Mini in 2007.*

Digital and electric influences
Now the MINI team is again looking ahead at the next generation of models and this time, there are strong electric and digital influences. The MINI models of the future will bring together a modern and purist exterior and an interior design that focuses on the essentials, just as it always has.

The new design language also exploits the opportunity of electrifying the powertrain to generate the driving pleasure you expect from MINI entirely without local emissions. “Purely electrically powered models from MINI give us a unique opportunity to rethink our design. At the same time, we retain the attention to detail, sense of tradition and passion for innovation that MINI is renowned for,” said Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.

The architecture for the new MINI model generation has been developed for purely electric mobility from the outset. This differs from previous generations where the electrified version used a platform that was developed to also be able to take combustion engines. As such, every centimetre of the available installation space is used even more efficiently. This means that it will be possible to continue to offer the ideal combination of a small footprint and available interior space in the future.

Concept model to be shown in July
The core of the brand will also be embedded in the future model generation of the MINI 3-door – purely electric and consistently geared towards urban driving pleasure. The successor to the current Countryman will also have purely electric drive and a concept model (shown camouflaged in this pictures) of this will be shown at the end of July.

“The MINI Design DNA will clearly come through in every model of this new generation, leaving its brand affiliation in no doubt whatsoever,” declared Heilmer. “At the same time, the MINI design team has successfully created strong product features with individual accents that more than ever before underscore a sense of independence.”

‘Charismatic Simplicity’
Creation of independent vehicle personalities is one of the central features of the new design language. ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ gives each member of the future MINI model family its own individual charisma that is unmistakably based on the brand’s core, reinterpreting it confidently and in its own way. The authentic reference to the essential values of MINI is expressed in a very modern design language featuring clearly and cleanly modelled surfaces.

Charismatic Simplicity reduces the number of components and concentrates on essential elements, helping the design of future MINI models achieve an emotional, intuitively perceptible identity. “We combine the core of the MINI DNA with innovative, aesthetic and technological inspiration in our new design language,” explained Heilmer. “For example, innovative LED technology gives the typical Union Jack design of the MINI combination rear lamps a variety of forms, creating an individual light signature for each model.”

Combining tradition and progress
The combination of tradition and progress will be evident in the interiors of future models. The key to this is both in advanced digitalisation in operation and connectivity, and in a clearly designed interior with intuitive functionality.

In the cockpit of future models, ‘reduction’ does not mean having to do without. For example, the OLED technology for the fully digital display and control unit (shown in the MINI Vision Urbanaut concept) means significantly more functions can be combined in a single control unit. This is presented in the archetypal circular central instrument in the middle of the dashboard.

MINI is the world’s first car manufacturer to offer a touch display with a fully usable round surface. The innovative display technology paves the way for a new user interface design. At the same time, the design retains analogue control units such as the toggle switches below the central interface. These embody the attention to detail and distinctive design features that transform intuitive functionality into an emotional experience.

“The future of MINI design is based on the courage and determination to shape change and stamp a distinctive and inimitable profile on the brand,” said Heilmer. This also includes a range of materials with a focus on sustainability. The new model generation will move completely away from leather surfaces and also reduce its use of chrome components to almost zero. A minimal ecological footprint is deeply anchored in the brand’s tradition and is incorporated more comprehensively than ever by MINI Design into the new model generation.

MINI STRIP – showing a sustainable approach to automotive design and manufacturing

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