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FEATURE: GIIAS 2018 – Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2018! [+Videos]

So have you ever had one of those weekends where you didn’t have anything to do and decided to just go somewhere for the heck of it? Of course you have, we all have. I had one of those moments recently, but instead of the usual ‘border run’ on a bike or languishing at home doing bugger-all, only to see the weekend slip by all too rapidly, I checked my calendar and it just so happened to be the last weekend of GIIAS or the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show 2018… hmm.

Well, in the span of 30min, I’d secured my flight and accommodation – the wonders of Expedia & Booking.com – and a quick email to the organisers to inform them of my intended visit soon yielded a response! Despite the fact that media pass applications had closed more than a month ago, the unbelievably accommodating organisers managed to secure a pass for me, to visit the show on the very last day. I took it as a sign that I was destined to visit GIIAS 2018, since I was quite prepared to pay the Rp100,000 to enter…

Arriving on Saturday afternoon, on the second to last day of the show, I was met by the organiser who personally handed me my media pass. Fully expecting to be balled-out for applying and showing up so late – press day was a good 11-days prior – but instead I was warmly welcomed and asked to enjoy the show. Will wonders ever cease. I was also told to “come earlier next time ya” to which I sheepishly agreed.

Here’s my arrival into the show, which was held at ICE or Indonesia Convention & Exhibition Centre @ BSD City Tangerang… Do note that this video was taken hurriedly, while testing a new gimbal, so I really hadn’t gotten my act together yet. Fresh off the plane, awake since 4am, this was just a test. The next video is better…

Well, as I’ve always maintained, nobody wants to read about a motorshow, so let’s just get into it!

Suzuki…

Without a doubt, the non-concept star of the show was the new Suzuki Jimny 4×4, and why not. The Jimny has a very illustrious past, and an amazingly strong following both here, at home and abroad. It’s dubbed ‘the little 4×4 that could’ and it’s easy to see why. Still utilizing a 5-speed manual gearbox, and staying true to its no-nonsense roots, the new Jimny is a brilliant mix of old skool and the modern world, with just the right mix of both to keep it appealing and contemporary. Here’s a short video on the new Jimny, I had to battle a horde of onlookers to get this!

Ok, I’ll be honest with you, my MAIN reason for coming to GIIAS 2018 was to see the new Suzuki Jimny in the flesh, since I never have before. Part of my uncanny interest is the fact that I used to own a SJ413 SWB Jimny many moons ago, and really wanted to see this new one. I chronicled some of the wonderful ownership experience I had with the Jimny in this previous article.

Mitsubishi…

Many have lamented the demise of the Mitsubishi Evo, but here at GIIAS, another ‘Evo’ was presented, in the from of the e-Evolution Concept, a peek into the future of sustainable mobility without any reliance on fossil-fuels. Looks good too! For something more down to earth, the new Mitsubishi Expander seemed to be getting quite a bit of attention too…

Lexus…

This one, well, this Lexus LS+ Concept stopped me dead in my tracks. I gawked, mouth open. Pictures don’t do it any justice, it has to be seen in the flesh to be fully appreciated. It’s simply amazing. Like a work of art on four wheels, and very possibly the shape of things to come for the LS family…

Mazda…

No surprise, all the Mazdas being displayed were Soul Red (except ONE! Hope nobody lost their job for that) and the star of this pavilion was the MX-5 RF. And it’s quite easy to see why. This Roadster is simply gorgeous, adopting the jinba-ittai method of car-making, the designers deserve major recognition for this creation…

Daihatsu…

Why did I stop over at Daihatsu? Well, they showcased a BOON Crossover, which hey who knows, might be a new variant for Perodua to offer us someday eh? As well a Kenari replacement (below) in the form of the TanTo maybe? It has power sliding doors too! C’mon Perodua, you can do eet!

Toyota…

The Toyota stand was very dark for one thing, almost a brooding atmosphere, and perhaps it was to show the darker side of the new Vios, seen here in very sporty trim. One of the best-sellers in Indonesia, variants abound when it comes to the Vios.

Honda…

Small cars do very well in Indonesia, and as such another star of GIIAS 2018 was the new Honda Brio. Likely never to be sold here in M’sia, it’s about the size of a MyVi, and we all know who absolutely dominates that market segment don’t we? Still, it does make me wonder how it would do here if Honda Malaysia brought it in as an entry level car, priced about the same as a Picanto…hmm.

Video…

So moving pictures speak volumes in this day and age, and without further ado, here’s my short walk-about of GIIAS 2018, followed by the photo gallery, enjoy! – Chris Wee.

GIIAS 2018 Photo Gallery…

VIDEOS: Feature – 2019 Subaru Forester Tested On & Off-Road! [+Videos & Mega Photo Gallery]

Motor Image Malaysia can’t build the Subaru XV fast enough! Such is the demand for the XV that this new 2019 Subaru Forester will likely only see the light of day in Malaysia come the second quarter of 2019, and all of them will be in CKD (locally-assembled) form. Here’s the official launch video from Subaru @ Taiwan…

We however, managed to get a hands-on look and feel of the new Forester recently in Taiwan, and following this launch coverage, the next day we headed to an area where Motor Image (MI) had set up both an on-road and off-road course for us to have a go on with the new Forester. Here’s the on-road test drive video, shot hand-held so do forgive the shake…

Next was the off-road sector of the test drive, and here’s where the new Forester really came into its own. For an SUV destined to be used predominantly on-road, it’s quite amazing just how well it handled the rough terrain of this course…

The new Forester utilises a a ‘boxer’ direct-injection 2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, mated to a CVT, and I have to be honest, with 156bhp and 196Nm of torque, I thought the latter was a typo, but it isn’t. Where generally vehicles these days produce upwards of 200Nm, one-ninety-six seemed quite inadequate.

But as can be seen in the first video, and my commentary, it didn’t seem to bother the Forester much as it hurtled around the test course. Active Torque Vectoring – sensors constantly monitor each wheel to gauge traction, actively enhancing or retarding power to each wheel depending on the given driving scenario as well as terrain – ensured that the Forester remained composed despite our best efforts to send it into the bushes.

It was the off-road sector however that really impressed as far as testing the new Forester was concerned, for this is where the benefits of SGP or Subaru Global Platform really came to fore. I’ll give you and example why. Don’t you just hate it when you’ve reached an off-road campsite only to find regular cars and even small mopeds already there? I know I do, and it’s happened a lot in the past.

Well, it’s safe to say that with the new Forester, and given the kind of terrain we traversed during the test, that’s not going to happen anytime soon. There is no way a regular passenger car would be able to tackle the course we put the Forester through without serious damage to it, and its occupants too perhaps. As I said in the second video, my own car would be in pieces halfway through, and would have flipped three times toward the end. With Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode, not to mention a Hill Hold and Hill Descent feature, the Forester revels the occasional off-road venture. You may never find the need for it, but it’s heartening to know it’s there if you need it.

Subaru is also boasting the use of ‘EyeSight‘ in the new Forester. So what exactly is EyeSight? Well, it’s an advanced driver assist technology that includes automatic pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lead vehicle start alert, lane departure and lane sway warning.

It has been confirmed by Glenn Tan, Managing Director, Tan Chong International Ltd, (below, right) that EyeSight will be available in the new Forester when it gets here in Q2 2019, for selected variants, and there’ll likely be three variants in all. “The All-New Forester is now bigger and better with an all-round enhancement to its technology, interior and exterior to create an SUV that boasts performance, comfort and maximum safety” said Glenn. “We are thrilled to launch the new fifth generation Forester and are confident that the model will excite drivers and create amazing experiences with their loved ones.”

At launch, these are four variants of the new Subaru Forester:

– Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S EyeSight
– Subaru Forester 2.0 i-S
– Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L EyeSight
– Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L

Stay tuned to Piston.my as we keep you up to date on the impending launch of the new 2019 Subaru Forester, in the meantime, for more details, click the link below.

2019 Subaru Forester official press release (click to download): Subaru 2019 Forester Press Release

2019 Subaru Forester Photo Gallery…

Go Auto Manufacturing & SIRIM Ink MoU For Strategic Collaboration

Go Automobile Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (GAM), the manufacturing arm of Go Auto Group of Companies and SIRIM Berhad, an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) to form a long-term strategic collaboration and partnership between both parties.

Signing on behalf of GAM was YBhg Dato’ SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal, Executive Director of Go Auto Group and on behalf of SIRIM was YBhg. Prof Ir. Dr. Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani, President and Group Chief Executive of SIRIM Berhad. The signing was witnessed by En Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, Executive Director of Go Auto Group and Ir. Dr. Mohamad Jamil Bin Sulaiman, Vice President of SIRIM Industrial Research from SIRIM Berhad.

The essence of the strategic collaboration encompasses four main areas which are development and improvement of products, technology, people and market or industry. Through this collaboration, it would allow GAM access to the usage of research facilities of SIRIM. Whereas, both parties will be co-operating in technical expertise, technology transfer and technical training with the aim to be able to execute projects or products under this partnership.

“Go Auto is thrilled with the collaboration with SIRIM, as they have over forty years of experience and expertise in research and technology development in the nation. Their advantages in the field of research and development, in addition to ensuring industry standards and quality makes them our idyllic partner for the Company. We look forward to the collaboration as this gives us the opportunity to tap into each other’s strengths which can result in the maximizing development execution of projects for both parties,” said Dato’ Azli.

“Our manufacturing will be able to meet regulatory and market requirements whilst indirectly enabling us to reduce our production and R&D costs. This collaboration is also in line with the National Automotive Policy (“NAP”) which to produce products with features that meet international standards and requirements. SIRIM has a track record which allows Malaysian products and services to achieve worldwide recognition in terms of quality and innovation,” Dato’ Azli added.

President and Group Chief Executive of SIRIM Berhad, Prof Ir. Dr Ahmad Fadzil said, SIRIM is well positioned to spearhead initiatives towards transforming Malaysian industry into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). “SIRIM is excited and looks forward to the partnership with Go Automobile Manufacturing Sdn Bhd to further assist connecting vehicles technology and to transform driving experience in Malaysia. Among the areas of collaboration include development and improvement in capability and capacity of lithium-ion based rechargeable battery to replace lead-acid batteries in the automotive market; development of green vehicle technology which include batteries for bicycles and motorcycles and development of sodium-ion battery as alternative to lithium-ion battery. Other areas include Rapid Prototyping and 3-D printing for MARA TVET students and Vehicle Type Approval (“VTA”) testing facilities in e-mobility as mandated by the Road Transport Department (“JPJ”) and Ministry of International Trade and Industry (“MITI”),” Prof Ir. Dr Ahmad Fadzil further added.

“The collaboration is timely in supporting the government’s aspirations and efforts in transforming the Malaysian businesses to meet the challenges of Industry 4.0. We aspire to leverage SIRIM SME Development Programme and championing pillars of Industry 4.0 in the area of Additive Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Smart Manufacturing and Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices,” ended Prof Ir. Dr Ahmad Fadzil. The rationalisation of the collaboration is expected to be completed within two years after the signing.

Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn Bhd Emerges Victorious In Nissan Service Advisor Excellence Awards 2018

Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn Bhd (TCEAS) recently emerged as Champion in the Nissan Service Advisor Excellence Competency (NISAC) Award Asia Regional Contest held in Thailand.

Mr Ernest Chong Ruichen (below) from Nissan Kuching 3S Centre, who took national honours in the NISAC National Contest held in April 2018, was chosen to represent Malaysia for the regional competition. Being the youngest contestant, Ernest Chong topped the Service Advisor contest, beating other more experienced contestants from Hong Kong, Singapore, Republic of Korea, Philippines, Brunei and Sri Lanka. He was commended for his extraordinary soft skills, Nissan Sales and Service Way handling standards and customer’s centric mindset.

Nissan Service Advisor Excellence Competency (NISAC) Award Asia Regional Contest is a regional competition organised by Nissan Motor Co Ltd. (NML), aimed to recognise and award the best-skilled service advisor from After-Sales and Service divisions. The contest evaluation aspects involved method in welcoming customers, seriousness in meeting customer’s needs and wants, transparency for the customer’s peace of mind, and sincere explanation for customer’s thorough understanding,

“We are extremely proud of Ernest Chong’s achievement as the champion of NISAC. Being the youngest achiever, he will be a role model in setting quality service standards to many other Nissan service advisors here in Malaysia. We will continue to improve the skills and capabilities of our service specialists, and consistently provide our customers with the highest after-sales and service support”, said Mr Michael Yao Tsu-Wei, Head of After-Sales, TCEAS.

Takata Airbag Inflator Replacement Service Campaign

TCEAS together with Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) would like to re-emphasize on the Takata airbag inflator replacement service campaign.

Customers with affected Nissan vehicles are advised to call the nearest TCEAS outlet for Takata airbag inflator replacement appointment. Selected TCEAS outlets have extended its operation hours and now open 365 days, making it easier for customers to service their vehicles on weekends, as well as to alleviate the capacities for the replacement activity. All labour and replacement parts for this replacement service campaign will be at no cost to owners.

TCEAS and ETCM would like to reassure that our customers’ confidence and peace of mind is of utmost importance. We are committed to ensure our customers’ safety, service and satisfaction are of the highest level, and are working together to promptly address this concern.

Customers may call Nissan Customer Care Centre at the toll-free line: 1800-88-3838 for further clarification or visit www.nissan.com.my (click on ‘Owners’ tab followed by ‘Recall Campaign’) to find out if your Nissan vehicle is involved in this recall campaign.

BIKES: Indian Motorcycles – Own A Piece Of American Heritage For As Low As RM79,000!

Harmony Fabulous Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of the legendary American motorcycle brand Indian Motorcycles in Malaysia, has been creating a formidable presence in this side of the world since their appointment to exclusive distributorship in 2011. As America’s first motorcycle company, the Indian Motorcycle brand traces its history from 1901, when it produced America’s pioneer motorcycle and swiftly rose to become the best-selling motorcycle brand worldwide with the introduction of the first V-twin motorcycle in 1907.

Backed by an illustrious legacy of over 100 years, it is one of the most famous, innovative and versatile bikes in history, reimagined with expert craftsmanship in producing exquisite streamlined machines which elude a timeless classic style. A contemporary yet classic interpretation of one of the motorcycling world’s most famous and coveted bikes, the Indian Scout are legendary bikes known to have conquered the infamous “Wall of Death” and carried the legendary “Indian Wrecking Crew” motorcycle race team to multiple victories. Over the course of 30 years of countless innovations, racing wins, world records and industry firsts, the Scout earned its reputation as a versatile, multifaceted bike that appealed to just about every rider and every riding style, with superior handling, balance, performance and craftsmanship.

Boasting advanced technologies, design and engineering innovations, the Indian Scout offers a breakthrough chassis design featuring a lightweight and rigid cast aluminum frame coupled with a low seat height for exceptional comfort, balance and manoeuvrability. Powered by liquid-cooled 1133cc 100HP V-Twin engine with 6 speed transmission, the Indian Scout generates a peak torque of 97.7 Nm at 6,000 rpm – deeming it a powerful yet approachable beast. Its low seat height, ease of handling and lightweight design makes the Indian Scout appealing to riders of various skill sets and abilities while the high horsepower and superior handling make it a bike that will thrill even the most experienced riders. This iconic cruiser is also equipped with ABS for front and rear wheels, gear primary drive and equipped with a 12.5-litre fuel tank.

Another of Indian Motorcycle’s most iconic style is the Indian Chieftain Limited, which delivers a ride like no other as it is powered by the award-winning Thunder Stroke 111 V-Twin engine delivering 161.6 Nm of torque. It also features ABS brakes, push-button power windshield, cruise control, remote locking hard saddlebags, keyless ignition and internally wired handlebars for the rider’s ultimate comfort. The Chieftain Limited is also fitted with superior functionality such as Ride Command™, an industry-leading infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and premium 100-watt of audio system. Exterior-wise, the Chieftain Limited further features an innovative cast aluminium frame, sleek nineteen-inch contrast-cut wheels and sawed-off open front fender.

From now until 31st August 2018, take advantage of the Merdeka Special tax holiday promotions, where fans of Indian Motorcyle can enjoy extra savings ahead of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) implementation. Enjoy special limited-time-only rates for:

  • Indian Scout (model year 2016) in Smoke Silver colour:
    RM79,000 on-the-road without insurance at 0% GST (Normal price: RM111,000)
  • Indian Scout (model year 2017) in Brilliant Blue colour:
    RM88,000 on-the-road without insurance at 0% GST (Normal price: RM111,000)
  • Indian Scout (model year 2018) in Willow Green colour:
    RM99,000 on-the-road without insurance at 0% GST (Normal price: RM111,000)
  • Indian Chieftain Limited (model year 2018) in Thunder Black Pearl Graphics:
    RM204,000 on-the-road without insurance at 0% GST (Normal price: RM233,000)

Every purchase of either the Indian Scout or Indian Chieftain Limited come with a standard two-year warranty package with unlimited mileage, five times free service maintenance worth RM2,500 inclusive of labour charge,  free vouchers worth RM3,000 and an exclusive gift. View the entire Indian Motorcycle range along with accessories and apparel lines at the showroom at Naza Automall, Petaling Jaya from 9:00am to 7:00pm daily.

BMW Malaysia Presents Born Electric: The BMW i Roadshow

“Experience the visionary mobility of the future nationwide in Malaysia”. Driving the future of Electro Mobility further in Malaysia, BMW Malaysia will be showcasing its leadership in electro mobility nationwide at the Born Electric: The BMW i Roadshow. Since introducing the BMW i sub brand in 2013, the BMW Group has celebrated immense success with its visionary mobility portfolio worldwide, having delivered over 100,000 electrified vehicles last year and are now currently on track to deliver another 140,000 e.vehicles in 2018.

This ambition is also being pursued by BMW Malaysia with electro mobility vehicles comprising of 55% of the premium automaker’s deliveries in the country, driving innovation, local assembly capabilities, awareness on new and clean technology for the automotive industry as well as changing the infrastructure for premium vehicles in Malaysia.

“Visionary Mobility and the newest technologies for the automotive industry is already in Malaysia and we have already been successfully developing the technology and the capabilities to support the vehicles in tandem with the changes that are taking place globally. The Born Electric: BMW i Roadshow will demonstrate our progress with the Mobility of the Future here in Malaysia and will introduce new models to our portfolio of premium vehicles.” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above).

Experience the Born Electric: The BMW i Roadshow at the date and locations below:

Klang Valley  
Bangsar Village II 4th to 7th October 2018
1Utama Shopping Centre 17th to 21st October 2018
Paradigm Mall 30th November to 2nd December 2018
Empire Shopping Gallery 5th to 9th December 2018
 

Johor

  
Wetex Parade 12th to 14th October 2018
Komtar JBCC 23rd to 25th November 2018
Paradigm Mall JB 14th to 16th December 2018
 

Kelantan

  
AEON Mall Kota Bharu 26th to 28th October 2018
Kedah  
Aman Central Mall 1st to 4th November 2018
 

Penang

  
Queensbay Mall 15th to 18th November 2018

For more information, visit www.bmw.com.my

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