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Toyota’s IMV models – Hilux, Fortuner and Innova – get upgrades

The Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and Innova are collectively referred to as the IMV models, referring to the ‘Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicles’ project in the early 2000s which was one of Toyota’s biggest industrial investments. The project established an optimal production and supply system for the three models almost entirely outside Japan for the first time in the company’s history.

The first generation of IMV models debuted in 2005 and since then, they have undergone constant improvement and upgrading and in 2019, the latest Toyota Hilux pick-up range gets upgraded features as well as a new variant. The Fortuner SUV and Innova MPV have also received enhancements.

Order-taking for the new models begins at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide from today (August 16, 2019).

New Hilux variant
For the Hilux range, a new Black Edition replaces the Hilux 2.8 L-Edition. This new edition has a bolder appearance with an exterior colour theme of black and dark grey. A glossy black finish is applied to the door handles, foglamp covers, wing mirrors and on its 18-inch alloy wheels, while dark grey is used for the bumper guards. Dark grey is also used for the grille with contrasting black to make it even more outstanding.

The Hilux 2.8 Black Edition sits the top of the range with a selling price of RM139,888 in Peninsular Malaysia (private registration, without insurance). Other Hilux variants available include the 2.4 Single Cab M/T, 2.4 STD M/T, 2.4 G M/T, 2.4 G A/T and 2.4 L-Edition A/T, priced between RM90,000 and RM124,888.

The new variant also gets a new infotainment system with 6.75-inch display for a clearer view and easier operation. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available as standard, seamless connectivity is possible for all compatible smartphones (with the required software is installed). This gives the driver access to favourite apps (Waze, Spotify, etc) right on the dashboard, enhancing motoring pleasure.

UMW Toyota Motor is also introducing a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which is strongly recommended. The 3-year subscription fee is free if the customer also purchases the Toyota insurance package. In addition, there is a Rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to supplement the one installed at the front. This additional DVR can provide useful evidence in the event of a rear-end collision.

Customers can also include with their purchase optional Advanced Safety & Security features such as the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) on the wing mirrors and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) to detect vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out.

Upgrades for the Fortuner
The Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and 2.4 VRZ now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, together with a large 9-inch display for the infotainment system. These provide seamless connectivity with most smartphones that have the required software installed. The large display makes viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

The Fortuner 2.4 variant now has 7 airbags as well for added occupant protection all round. The additional airbags cover the side windows, enhancing protection during side impacts as well as reducing the possibility of occupants being ejected from the cabin.

Customers can add a rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to complement the standard front unit with their purchase of a new Fortuner. The devices are professionally installed by UMWT’s own personnel who have been specially trained to ensure that the quality of workmanship is as high as the rest of the vehicle.

The price of Fortuner 2.7 SRZ A/T and 2.4 VRZ A/T has not changed. However, the 2.4 A/T is now priced at RM171,500 (Peninsular Malaysia, without insurance).

Innova upgrades
Like the Fortuner, the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G variants now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard along with the new and larger 9-inch display for its infotainment system. This will make viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

The Blind Spot Monitor system (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) are available as an option to owners. These two active safety systems can help to reduce collisions with other vehicles which may not be visible to the driver in certain circumstances.

Customers can also include optional Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) at both the front and rear of the cabin (pictured below) . By ordering them prior to purchase, installation can be done at UMWT’s own Accessories Centre. Furthermore, the cost of the accessories can be included in the total financing package.

There are 3 variants of the latest Innova to choose from, all powered by an efficient and proven 2.0-litre petrol engine. The variants are the Innova 2.0X A/T, Innova 2.0G A/T and Innova 2.0 E A/T. There are no price changes for the MPV.

More information on the latest models can be found at toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

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Fuel prices for August 17 to August 23 2019

“PUSPAKOM Ready to Help!” campaign to give public better understanding of services

“Avoid using middlemen, deal only with PUSPAKOM officials!”

That’s the message which the vehicle inspection company wants to get across to the public during its campaign entitled “PUSPAKOM Ready to Help!“. The program will be on at selected PUSPAKOM branches throughout the country from August 19 until October 2, 2019, 9 am to 4 pm.

Information direct from PUSPAKOM officers
The public can obtain information on all vehicle inspection matters from authorised and authoritative sources as PUSPAKOM officers will be on hand to answer the questions. The aim of the campaign is to prevent incidents of vehicle owners being misled by unscrupulous middlemen (not authorised by PUSPAKOM) who have been known to give incorrect information about the vehicle inspections.

“The campaign is intended to provide customers with understanding and knowledge on vehicle inspection services offered by PUSPAKOM so that they can deal directly with PUSPAKOM and not through middlemen. Often, PUSPAKOM receives feedback where customers prefer to use a middleman because they do not understand the vehicle inspection process. This is an important campaign for PUSPAKOM to provide correct and factual information,” said PUSPAKOM’s CEO, Shukor Ismail.

Middlemen may cheat on promise of ‘sure pass’
He added: “We hope customers understand the process and information of what goes on during an inspection at PUSPAKOM before they choose to use a middleman service. This is because some customers who use the middleman service have been paid a high service charge and even been cheated on the promise of a ‘sure pass’,” Encik Shukor revealed, adding that PUSPAKOM charges only between RM20 to RM90, depending on the type of inspection and vehicle.

Naturally, PUSPAKOM carries out its inspections professionally and with full integrity so there would be no such thing as ‘sure pass’ if the vehicle fails to meet any test standards. This is especially crucial when it comes to tests on safety systems and no compromises are permitted.

In addition to the advisory services provided, PUSPAKOM officers can also assist clients in managing the MyPUSPAKOM online registration and how to use it. There is also the recently introduced e-wallet service available for those who wish to use it.

During the program, there will also be other activities and customers will receive a free exam handbook. There will also be a ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Mix & Match’ games with exciting prizes to be won.

For more information, call PUSPAKOM’s toll-free number 1-800-88-6927 or use the private message channels on the company’s official Facebook page. There is also a Live Chat service at www.puspakom.com.my.

More public recharging stations than petrol stations in Britain now

In Britain, there are now more public places to recharge electric vehicle (EVs) than station selling petrol or diesel. In fact, the difference is almost 1,000 – 9,300 EV charging locations compared to 8,400 fuel stations.

This is the finding of Nissan’s UK subsidiary, based on available data and the company says that the crossover actually happened more than a year before Nissan’s 2016 prediction of August 2020. It is believed to be the result of the accelerating adoption of EVs amongst British motorists.

Fuel stations are everywhere
The global fuel station network today is a product of some 100 years of expansion. Places where vehicles can refuel can be found even deep inside the jungles of Africa or the mountain passes of the Himalayas. In Britain, the first fuel station was opened in November 1919 and as the vehicle population grew, so too did the number of stations to meet demand.

However, since 1970, almost 80% of the stations have closed, whilst the number of EV charging locations has increased from a few hundred in 2011 (when the Nissan LEAF went on sale) to more than 9,000 in August 2019.

‘Range anxiety’ can be dismissed
Of these locations, more than 1,600 provide ‘rapid charging’ which can recharge a typical EV battery pack to around 80% capacity in under an hour. According to Zap-Map, two new rapid charge devices came online every day in the last month. Almost all UK motorway service stations now have charging stations installed, the majority of which provide a rapid charge option. So it would be possible for owners of EVs such as the LEAF to travel around the country without ‘range anxiety’.

Transport for London has installed more than 1,000 EV charge points in the last year alone, as supply of fossil fuel within the capital city is becoming scarcer. One of the country’s oldest stations, the Bloomsbury Service Station which had been in operation since 1926, was closed in 2008.

“We’ve moved beyond the early concerns of range anxiety with EVs now exceeding the vast majority of customer’s daily driving needs. The next challenge is for charging infrastructure to keep pace with the number of EVs on the road, and that the experience of recharging is as enjoyable and effortless as that of all-electric driving,“ said Kalyana Sivagnanam, MD of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd.

Since Nissan launched the first mass-market electric vehicle – the LEAF – in 2010, EV technology has continually improved, with the latest models both affordable and practical for the majority of new car buyers. As a result, Britain is experiencing unprecedented growth in the demand for battery-powered personal transport.

Click here to read more about the latest Nissan LEAF

Adding momentum to Honda’s 900,000th unit in Malaysia campaign

Sometime in the third quarter of 2019, Honda will deliver its 900,000th vehicle in Malaysia. It’s a significant milestone for the brand which has been a household name among Malaysians for decades and Honda Malaysia intends to celebrate the milestone in a big way.

The campaign with its tagline ‘Terima Kasih 900K’ was launched last month and builds the momentum towards achieving the milestone. Today, the company announced a collaboration with three major brands – Astro Radio, Tealive and unifi – on the ‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’.

The ‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’ campaign will see lucky Malaysians driving home 9 new Honda models. Three of the models will be given away to participants in contests organised by Astro Radio, Tealive and unifi.

Collaboration with homegrown brands
”The collaboration with these homegrown brands is a first for Honda Malaysia and will offer more value to Malaysians. We are very excited about this campaign as it provides an excellent opportunity to reward Malaysians for their unwavering support. It is a gesture of appreciation for the customers’ trust that has helped make each of these brands, including Honda, a sought-after brand in Malaysia,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“I am pleased to note that we have been receiving encouraging participation in the ‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’ Campaign. We believe this campaign will further elevate the Joy of Owning a Honda car for our customers,” Mr. Ishiyama added.

Honda 900K — *Honda Malaysia’s management team (left and right) with the first winner of campaign, Mohamad Adib Fida’iy bin Mohamad Hanapi and his family.*

Honda Malaysia today also announced the campaign’s first lucky winner who will be driving home a Civic 1.5 Turbo. The announcement was made at a ceremony held at a Honda dealership in Kelantan. The winner, Mohamad Adib Fida’iy bin Mohamad Hanapi, will receive his car during the campaign’s Grand Event at the end of September 2019.

How to participate
Eight Honda models are still up for grabs in the campaign which all 90 Honda sales dealerships in Malaysia are participating in. Participation can also be done through the ‘Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone’ campaign nationwide tour which started in East Malaysia and will move throughout Malaysia this month and next month. The locations are listed at www.honda.com.my as well as the Honda Malaysia Facebook page.

To participate in the campaign, customers can register their details through a QR code or visit the campaign’s website before taking part in the activities or contests to earn giveaway tickets. The more tickets collected, the higher the chance to win the Honda models! To register or to get more information, visit honda.com.my/microsite/900k .

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