Home - Piston.my

38,000 New Perodua Myvis Delivered, 41.5% Market Share Achieved, Perodua Pilihanku Campaign Announced

Fresh from a high of 41.5% market share in March according to Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) numbers, Perodua has reached a new milestone of 38,000 new Myvi deliveries as of the third week of April.

“We are both humbled and happy to have this result in our hands at the tail-end of April. By our count, the Myvi has garnered 70,000 bookings from 8 November 2017 up to 30 April 2018, and we are overwhelmed by the response,” Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director YBhg Dato’ Dr Zahari Husin said.

According to MAA numbers, from January to March 2018, the compact carmaker sold 55,568 vehicles against a 135,140 total industry volume (TIV), returning over 41% market share. This is an improvement of more than 10.5% over the 50,260 units registered in the first quarter of 2017, making it a record first quarter for Perodua in terms of sales.

The 55,560 sales consisted of 24,473 Myvis, 14,962 Axias, 10,101 Bezzas and 6,032 Alzas. In fact, 18% of all new cars registered in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2018 were Myvis. “We thank our valued customers and all Malaysians for their strong support. We look forward to serving you better and we are continuing to improve ourselves for your satisfaction,” said Dato’ Dr Zahari.

On deliveries, Dato’ Dr Zahari said that Perodua is working on further improving its efficiency to ensure that deliveries would be within an acceptable time frame. He said the current waiting period for the 1.5L Myvi variants is a shade under three months; however, 1.3L variants can be delivered almost immediately at the moment.

Kicking off the festive sales campaign is the Perodua Pilihanku campaign – join Customer Days this weekend (5-6 May) at all Perodua showrooms and service centres nationwide, where free vehicle inspections and cash redemptions of up to RM1,800 for selected models and variants await visitors.

“Grab this opportunity also to take a closer look at the newest member of the Bezza family, the Bezza GXtra, which we launched just last week,” Dato’ Dr Zahari said.

The third-generation Myvi is the most sophisticated and indigenously-designed model in Perodua’s 25-year history, featuring Malaysian innovations such as a built-in toll card reader and digital memory air-con. The Myvi also has a full 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating based on the latest protocol and is Malaysia’s most affordable car with active safety functions, courtesy of its Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) systems. – Perodua.

UMW Announces “Ramadan Bersama Toyota” Campaign

For the month of May and the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, UMW Toyota Motor and its authorised dealers are having a ‘Jalan Cerita – Ramadan Bersama Toyota’ campaign where customers are given special offers including “Duit Raya” worth RM500 (for selected models, see below).

Additionally, customers are also given cash rebates up to RM3,500 as well as other attractive offers such as free service vouchers or free accessories packages for added value of their purchase, as per the chart below.

Find out more about the offers in the details below, valid from now until 31^st May 2018:

Model	Attractive Offers
New Vios	Cash Rebate Up to RM3,500* + Free Accessories worth up to RM4,100* + Free Maintenance Package worth RM2,125 + Duit Raya.
Innova	Cash Rebate worth RM2,000 + Free Service worth RM1,000 + Duit Raya
Avanza	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000 + Free upgraded to 16” rims & tyres worth RM3,062* + Duit Raya
Sienta	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000 + Duit Raya
Hilux	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000* + Free Accessories worth up to RM3,485
Fortuner	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000 + Free Accessories (worth RM2,500)*
Camry	Cash Rebate worth RM3,000 + Body Coating worth RM2,700* or Free Accessories worth RM2,500* + Duit Raya
Corolla Altis	Cash Rebate worth RM1,000 + Free Accessories worth (RM5,790) + Duit Raya

(All offers are for selected variants and subject to Terms and Conditions).

Customers who require a financing plan may also check out Toyota Capital services offers like the Toyota 2-Tier Plan which offers lower monthly instalments for graduates and Toyota Drive financing plan, the first of its kind where customers can save more.

For peace of mind, all Toyota models come with a 5-year warranty and unlimited mileage (except for Toyota Hilux with maximum mileage of 150,000kms). To enhance the value of your Toyota, the warranty is transferable to the next owner within the terms and conditions.

To find out more about these attractive offers, customers can visit any Toyota showrooms where test-drives are also available. Visit toyota.com.my for further information.

Ford Ranger Popularity Continues In 1st Quarter 2018

The ever-popular Ford Ranger pickup truck achieved a strong first quarter in Malaysia with retail sales increasing over 9% from the previous year to 1,451 vehicles. The healthy first quarter performance helped Ranger increase its share of the pickup segment to 15.3%, a gain of 1.3 percentage points from the first quarter of last year.

“The ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger is continuing to attract a wide range of loyal customers across the country,” said Truong Kim Phong, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. Ranger continues to be Ford’s best-selling nameplate in Malaysia and one of the best-selling pickups in the market as strong demand has continued across the entire model line.

“Ranger’s bold design and its unmatched versatility, safety and capability is really helping drive its popularity in Malaysia,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.

The Ranger is available in Malaysia in 10 variants – including the Ranger Wildtrak, Ranger FX4, XLT, XL and Standard variants – allowing it to complement a wide-range of customer’s work and lifestyles. Recently, SDAC launched the much-anticipated and very much asked-for Ranger Wildtrak 2.2, which you can read about here.

“We are confident that the Ranger will continue to drive our momentum in Malaysia. We also plan to introduce more global Ford vehicles, as well as continue to enhance our customer and ownership experience, including the ongoing expansion of our dealer network,” added Muzri. (So when is the Ranger Raptor [below] coming in then eh? Hurry, hurry! – Ed.)

See more of the incredible Ranger Raptor during its unveiling at BIMS 2018 here.

To support Ford’s fast-growing customer base in Malaysia, Ford and SDAC continue to expand the nationwide dealership network both in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Recently, Ford and SDAC announced the opening of a new Ford dealer facility in East Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kuching). Read about that here.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Previews Concept EQ! [+Videos]

As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has now reinvented the automotive industry with the EQ brand, pioneering the direction for future mobility – setting the stage with the Concept EQ…

“The EQ brand from Mercedes-Benz stands for Electric Intelligence, and is derived from the brand values of emotion and intelligence. It encompasses all major aspects of customer- oriented electric mobility, and goes beyond the vehicle itself. As such, EQ offers a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem of products, services, technologies and innovations. As the premium market leader, we are committed to remaing an industry pioneer with state-of-the-art products and innovations. In short, we are boldly flipping the switch – creating tomorrow today by developing the needs for the coming mobility landscape,” said Dr Claus Weidner, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (below, left).

“The Concept EQ is a cornerstone of our new electric mobility brand, EQ. It presents an innovative product approach as part of a holistic and comprehensive ecosystem for future mobility. In every way, this vehicle proudly manifests its claim of being a technology leader – meeting the demands of sustainable and future-driven motoring. We are delighted to be able to showcase the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ here in Malaysia, marking the beginning of a pure-electric product offensive which will wear the EQ badge,” said Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (above, right).

For the FULL details on the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ, click this: Press Information – Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ in Malaysia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzFRQfNB1Qg

If you want to have a look at the Concept EQ, it will be on display from 4th to 7th May at The Waterfront, Desa ParkCity (below).

Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ Photo Gallery (Close-up, Details and Interior shots by Tanes “TJ” Jitsawart)

BMW Group Malaysia & SDAE Open New Engine Assembly Facility In Kedah

BMW Group Malaysia and Sime Darby Auto Engineering (SDAE), a division of Sime Darby Motors today opened the doors to the new SDAE Engine Assembly Facility in Kulim, Kedah.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Datin K. Talagavathi, Deputy Secretary General (Industry) of Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia said, “I am pleased to officiate the opening of the new Sime Darby Auto Engineering Engine Assembly Facility here in Kulim, Kedah today. The new engine assembly facility developed through the partnership and initiatives of Sime Darby Motors and the BMW Group, will not only boost the local capabilities and regional competitiveness of the country but will also create employment opportunities and raise technical competency skills for Malaysians.”

She added that the new engine assembly facility, alongside the assembly plant and the Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Johor by premium automaker BMW Group would promote the exchange of technological know-how, thereby developing a more innovative and talented workforce in line with the transformation aspirations of the country.

Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Senior Vice President, Production Engines and Electrified Powertrains, BMW Group said, “Today is a very special day: together with SDAE we have managed to establish a new engine assembly for BMW engines in Malaysia. Our strong cooperation with our reliable partner comes to fruition with the assembly of 3- and 4-cylinder petrol engines, alongside 4-cylinder diesel engines, as well as the 3- and 4-cylinder combustion engines for the Plug-In Hybrid electric vehicle.”

Echoing her sentiments, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, Chairman of Sime Darby Berhad said, “Sime Darby Motors’ vision is to be the preferred contract assembly partner for the most dynamic automakers in ASEAN. We aim to produce more than 50,000 vehicles as well as the engine parts and components for the vehicles by the year 2020. The new SDAE Engine Assembly Facility opened today takes us one giant leap forward in making this goal a reality.”

Established on a land site of over 6 acres with a built-up area space of 8,500 square metres and with a total investment value of over RM 132 million by SDAE, the new engine assembly facility will support BMW Group Malaysia’s growing demand for locally assembled vehicles with the newest capabilities in engine assembly technology as well as support the premium automaker’s export initiatives to other markets in the region.

Equipped with the newest innovation for engine assembly including EST tightening equipment, Dosing and Bonding Technology (DoboTech) equipment, engine engraving, engine oil filling and test machines for hydraulic valve play compensation, leak tests as well as hot and cold testing, the new facility employs an additional 60-person workforce demonstrating a commitment to increasing employment opportunities and career growth prospects within the local job market in the Kulim Hi-Tech area.

Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above) said, “Malaysia has long played the role of a strategic partner to the BMW Group in South East Asia and this significance is reflected in our business performance here which mirrors our achievements worldwide. In the first quarter of 2018, the BMW Group is already on target for an eighth consecutive year of record sales with a delivery of 604,629 vehicles worldwide, a 3% growth as compared to the same period in 2017.”

(L-R) Mr. Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors; Mr. Jeffri Salim Davidson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Berhad; Dato’ Madani Sahari, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Automotive Institute; Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Wan Abdul Aziz Wan Abdullah, Chairman of Sime Darby Berhad; Ms. Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President of Region Asia Pacific, BMW Group; Datin K. Talagavathi, Deputy Secretary General responsible for Industry, Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia; Ms. Ilka Horstmeier, Senior Vice President of Production Engines and Electrified Powertrains, BMW Group; and Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group Malaysia

Hoelzl added, “The positive performance worldwide echoes in Malaysia, where BMW Group Malaysia has already successfully achieved a 15% increase in the deliveries of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles in the country, delivering 3,000 vehicles in the first quarter of 2018.”

From Zero To RM2.2 Billion In 5-Years – MBSM Celebrates Its Half Decade Achievement!

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBSM) recently celebrated its 5th anniversary. Starting from ground-up to a portfolio of RM2.2 billion in just five years and financing and insuring four out of every ten Mercedes-Benz cars sold; MBSM is raring to go in 2018.

Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia celebrates five years of providing innovative financial solutions (from left) Daimler Financial Services AAP Regional Head SEA, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Mr Thomas Hungerland; Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Managing Director, Mr Mike Ponnaz; and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner, kicking off the celebration with a cake cutting ceremony.

“It’s been five fantastic years! We have so much to celebrate, and one of the reasons for our celebration is the long-term support of our esteemed media friends, who have, and continue, to play an essential role in our success,” said Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, Managing Director, Mike Ponnaz (above, middle).

MBSM was first established in 2012, entering the Malaysian market at an opportune time to support its sister company, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), with innovative automotive financing packages. At that time, MBM had registered a strong sales record of over 6,000 vehicles sold. In 2012 and 2013 MBSM focused on setting up the business, studying the needs of the market in order to begin catering to the aspirations of Mercedes-Benz customers.

After establishing its operations, MBSM progressed into building greater awareness of its role in the Mercedes-Benz customer journey throughout 2014 and 2015. This included retail and corporate customers in the passenger car category as well as customers from the Commercial Vehicles division. MBSM focused on empowering its customers by matching financing options with different financial flexibility needs.

Along the way, MBSM marked other accomplishments namely, its parent company, Daimler Financial Services AG (Daimler Financial Services) was ranked the top five World’s Best Multinational Workplaces in 2016. “Our employees are the foundation of our success and we are committed to cultivating a workplace environment that supports their growth and development and enables them to provide the very best service to our customers,” explained Ponnaz.

MBSM’s keen focus on supporting Mercedes-Benz customers led to its ability to identify the evolving needs and aspirations of customers. Over the last two years, MBSM launched cutting-edge solutions like Agility Financing and Lease2Go that have redefined the process of owning and financing a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

“We have 16,000 active customers, and we recorded contracts worth over RM1billion in 2017 alone. We are very proud of the collective achievement of the team and look forward to growing in line with the remarkable sales achievements of over 12,000 Mercedes-Benz cars sold by MBM, and 2,469 Commercial Vehicles sold last year. Moving forward, 2018 will be a year of strengthening our portfolio and serving our customers better,” said Ponnaz.

Following five years of steady growth, MBSM took the time to personally thank us recently at a special celebration with the members of the Malaysian Automotive Media. Also present at the milestone celebration was Mr Thomas Hungerland, Daimler Financial Services AAP, Regional Head SEA, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Dr Claus Weidner, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, President & CEO.