Millennium Welt and BMW Motorrad Malaysia opened doors to its first-ever BMW Motorrad showroom in Seremban and the State of Negeri Sembilan recently.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt said, “We at Millenium Welt have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with BMW and MINI over the years, representing the premium automaker here in Seremban as well as in Batu Pahat and in Kuantan. It was only natural for us to also grow with BMW in their two-wheeled division here in Seremban to offer to premium motorcycle enthusiasts here the opportunity to discover the BMW Motorrad brand.”
Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, meanwhile said, “2017 was another record breaking year for BMW Motorrad in Malaysia. In addition to our successful sales performance, we also added five new premium motorcycles to our portfolio. In 2018, we will continue on this positive growth and it begins with the opening of the New Milennium BMW Motorrad dealership here in the State of Negeri Sembilan.”
Last year, the sales across the BMW Motorrad range increased by 13.2% across the globe last year, with a total of 164,153 units delivered worldwide. In Malaysia alone, 1,052 units of its motorcycles were delivered, charting a 5% increase in sales performance as compared to the previous year.
The new showroom can display up to 10 BMW Motorrad motorcycles and is located along Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail in Seremban. The facility is the 11th BMW Motorrad dealership in the country.
Can you believe it? We’re already in the third month of 2018, almost into the second quarter, and thus far, our first national carmaker has been keeping rather quiet insofar as launches are concerned, so what are they up to? Well, this for starters…
Apart from that, believe it or not, there’s really not much going to happen car-launch wise until the ‘big event’ in the fourth quarter of this year, when Proton unveils its new SUV based on the Geely Boyue. Sources have speculated that buyers will have all the space, performance and kit of a Honda CR-V, but at a HR-V price. That’s pretty good I’d say. Here’s a look at the Boyue in action (dialogue in Chinese):
But February 2018 apparently was a busy month for Proton as the company concentrated on activities aimed at having a successful year ahead. Initiatives for Sales, Marketing and Quality Improvement were put in place, while testing for its first above-mentioned SUV developed together with Geely continue. Here’s some of the local media testing it in China last year (dialogue in Bahasa Malaysia):
These initiatives will carry on in March and beyond, with specific models and areas targeted for improvement, namely:
Global Horizon…
On the international scene the Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Li Shufu, announced he had acquired a 9.69% stake in German company Daimler thus making him the single largest shareholder of Mercedes-Benz and Daimler trucks. PROTON could gain from it via its partnership with Geely who currently owns 49.9% of the total shares of Proton.
The ongoing quality journey…
Ever since the tie-up with Geely was announced, PROTON has undergone a quality improvement programme with its partner by using an assessment system that is based on Volvo’s global scoring criteria. In December 2017, an audit was performed by Geely and showed a remarkable threefold improvement, which is testament to the effectiveness of the ongoing work between the two companies.
Further improvements are gradually being introduced and with the next audit scheduled to take place in March 2018, PROTON is confident of achieving a further improvement of its audit score. These improvements are vital as preparations get underway for the launch of PROTON’s first SUV, currently scheduled for the end of 2018.
Iriz in focus…
Despite the advent of the new MyVi and the runaway success story it has become, for February 2018, PROTON achieved sales that were equivalent to a 9.6% share of the overall Malaysian automotive market. The majority of sales was accounted for by the Saga, Persona, Exora and in particular Iriz, which “continues to attract strong interest due to their design, technology and value for money proposition” (source: Proton). Here’s our video take on the Iriz Premium 1.6:
In March 2018, PROTON’s ‘My Style, My Drive’ campaign hits sales galleries nationwide and for this month, it focuses on the Proton Iriz. Customers are invited to rediscover the award-winning compact hatchback by taking a comprehensive test drive to appreciate the new features that were introduced in the updated model in 2017. You can read our full review with videos on it here.
At the same time, PROTON staff will also engage customers to offer advice on how to best use the various smart features of the car while select showrooms are equipped with a safety corner to demonstrate the safety aspects of PROTON’s 5-star ASEAN NCAP rated hatchback. Here’s my final say on the car…
This roadshow is still on-going so head over to your nearest Proton showroom to check it out.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced its return to the 2018 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTDL) as the official automotive partner. Volkswagen’s previous involvement with LTDL was in 2016.
For this year’s LTDL, VPCM will be providing a total of 180 units of Volkswagen cars from its current model line-up, comprising of the Polo, Vento Highline, Passat Trendline, Passat Highline and the Tiguan Highline. The vehicles will be used throughout the race by riders, safety marshals and officials. You can see some of them in this short video leading the LeTour cyclists…
As the official automotive partner, VPCM is also will be presenting the White Jersey to the competition’s Asian Champion. Commenting on the partnership, Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that Volkswagen is honoured to once again be part of Asia’s most prestigious cycling event.
“We are delighted to be able to support the race with our range of Volkswagen models, and we look forward to the amazing display of endurance, agility and strengths from the world-class riders taking part. On behalf of Volkswagen, we wish the participants all the very best,” he added.
Held since 1996, the Le Tour de Langkawi is a multiple stage bicycle race that has gained multiple accolades and is now recognised as a highlight in the global competitive cycling calendar, attracting the world’s top riders.
BMW Malaysia will introduce the much-anticipated BMW X2 in Malaysia this week. The first-ever Premium Compact Sports Activity Coupe from the premium automaker goes above and beyond any rival past and present in the segment, bringing new dynamism and sheer driving pleasure to set a new and bold definition of cool to the segment. On that note, BMW Malaysia is Looking for Rebels with the First-Ever BMW X2 – The Ones Who Dare to Be Bold, Loud, Strong and Different.
The First-Ever BMW X2 is slated to be introduced on 21st March 2018 but the Newest Premium Compact Sports Activity Coupe from the premium automaker can now already be pre-booked online with a chance to win one of a kind and exclusive experiences.
Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above) said, “We look forward to further boost the BMW X range here with the extroverted BMW X2. Our newest Premium Sports Activity Coupe will stand out from the crowd in any setting and will set a very distinct impression on the roads around the country. The First-Ever BMW X2 is for the Cool Rebels, the ones who will break boundaries and challenge the status quo further.”
Have a look at just how much fun this new X2 Coupe from BMW is, thanks to this video from EVO Aurizn, who drove the car in Portugal recently… presenter Beng is a bit of a rebel herself actually, how apt!
The First-Ever BMW X2 can be pre-booked at app.bmw.com.my/x2 from 16th March to 20th March 2018 with a booking fee of RM3,000.00. Successful applicants will also be in the running to win One of a Kind and exclusive experiences from BMW Malaysia, such as an opportunity to travel to the BMW Alpine xDrive Driving Experience in New Zealand, a place at the BMW M Track Day at the Sepang International Circuit and a spot in the Advanced Module Course of the BMW Driving Experience at the Sepang International Circuit.
Grand Prize – BMW Alpine xDrive at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds.
The Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds is an award winning automotive proving ground located in the South Island of New Zealand. The facility is one of the key locations in the world for the winter testing of vehicles.
BMW Malaysia is offering successful customers who pre-booked their New BMW X2 online and financed their vehicles through BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia a chance to win a trip to the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds, New Zealand, from 26th June to 28th June 2018 for the BMW Alpine xDrive Experience. Check out the videos below:
The highlights of the programme include a helicopter ride from the Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown to the grounds, a full day BMW snow driving experience which includes drifting, slalom, technical hill descents, ice driving, drag racing, and hot laps with qualified BMW Driver trainers.
Additionally, should the winner finance their first ever BMW X2 with BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the premium automotive financing company will also provide the winner with its Assurance Shield Programme, a complete life insurance product for the vehicle owner with the addition of coverage for the financing of the vehicle.
Tobias Eismann, CEO of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia in explaining the Assurance Shield Programme further said, “The insurance offering is attached to the vehicle owner in his or her registered name and offers not only complete life insurance protection but also protection for the payment of the vehicle for the security of the spouse and the family in the event of unfortunate circumstances.”
First Runner-Up – BMW M Track Day: Also up for grabs is the chance to drive a selection of BMW M vehicles on the Sepang International Circuit in conjunction with the upcoming BMW M Track Day programme later in the year. Check out the action thanks to AutoBuzz in the video above…
Second Runner-Up – BMW Driving Experience: An introduction to more skillful driving on the Sepang International Circuit. The Advanced Module of the BMW Driving Experience combines technology and driving skills to assess and overcome potential hazards in an exhilarating driving programme created to share safety and responsible driving techniques as part of BMW Malaysia’s Safety 3600 Programme. Have a look at what’s in store for you thanks to the video above by EVO Aurizn.
The inaugural Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival is building up to a climactic finale as the championship crown in each of the Vios Challenge categories remain up for grabs until the chequered flag is waved for the final time this season at the Technology Park Malaysia (TPM) in Kuala Lumpur.
The decider that will be held on March 24th and 25thwill see all three class races of the Vios Challenge go down to the wire as the search continues for the very first champions of the series. You can read our previous coverage of the TGR Johor Bahru Round here.
“The essence of one-make racing has been reflected in the results we see today in the Vios Challenge. Newcomers, privateers and seasoned professionals have all had their share of the spoils in the winner’s circle, providing motor racing fans with some of the best high-quality racing we’ve seen in the country,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor Mr Ravindran K.
The battles in the Sporting and Super Sporting classes will be the most keenly watched with numerous drivers in contention for bragging rights as well as a shot at the brand new Toyota Vios that is being offered as the champion’s prize for each category.
Nineteen-year-old sensation Brendan Anthony who did not join the first race in Batu Kawan, Penang has consistently chalked up points in his subsequent races and is now just four points behind the sporting class championship leader and namesake Brendon Lim.
Rally sensation Kenneth Koh managed to stay out of trouble in the third Vios Challenge event held in Medini City, Johor in January has scored two useful podium finishes. He is a mere 12 points off the leader’s tally of 75 points. With 20 points awarded for a win, Koh has every chance of snatching the trophy from the Anthony and Lim.
In the Super Sporting Class, Tengku Djan survived various incidents in both his races at Medini City, Johor to hold a slender four-point lead in the championship over nemesis William Ho.
William also enjoyed a good run in Johor as he came away with one win and a third place, moving him up to second with 72 points. Third in the class is M7 Racing Team’s Syafiq Ali who put in some brilliant performances in Johor and sits 16 points behind Djan.
In the Promotional Class, Shawn Lee chalked up wins in almost every race except for one in MAEPS. While he enjoys a commanding lead in the series, he could still be overhauled by the on-form Shukri Yahaya who trails by 18 points. A non-finish in any of the final races by the beat-boxer would easily level any advantage he currently enjoys.
Despite facing less pressure to prove their worth as racing drivers, celebrities including Danny Koo, Diana Danielle, Fattah Amin, Geraldine Gan, Janna Nick, Shukri Yahaya and Venice Min have all shown renewed determination in Johor. Their on-track challenges have shown no lack of quality and can be expected to spoil the party for Shawn.
Entrance to the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival’s Season 1 Finale remains free and there will be lots of activities, food, games and prizes throughout the weekend. To keep up to date on the developments of the Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival and the Vios Challenge, members of the public should follow Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor on their homepage, FB and instagram. Check out the Drift Show at the JB round in January!
Boasting 21.2bhp and 22Nm of torque from a ‘Quasar’liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 278cc, 4-stroke, 4-valve engine, Naza Premira, the official importers of Vespa scooters in the country has just launched the GTS Super 300! Here’s the walk-around video:
Still holding true to the unique and much-loved Vespa styling, the GTS 300 comes with a host of modern tech including a 4-stoke engine with immobilizer, Bike Finder, adjustable twin-shocks, 2-channel (front & rear) ABS, Anti-slip Regulation Traction Control, USB ports for charging, electronic remote saddle opening, LED headlight and single-arm front suspension.
Riding on 12-inch wheels, the GTS 300 weighs only 160kgs, and retails for RM28,202 on-the-road including insurance. Stay tuned for our review of this attractive new scoot coming soon! – Chris Wee.
