Piston.my

Latest News

Naza Automotive Group, the automotive division of the Naza Group of Companies, will make an appearance at the 9th edition of the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 which is set to showcase a range of motoring machines from passenger and commercial vehicles, to motorcycles, accessories and more at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Naza Automotive Group will showcase an impressive line-up consisting of European marques Peugeot, DS and Citroën and Korean brand Kia at the largest automotive industry event in Malaysia.

Peugeot: Motion & Emotion

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor and custodian for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia will be displaying their dynamic range of SUVs and sporty hatchbacks that personify ‘Motion & Emotion’. As the most innovatively modern SUV in its class, the ‘European Car of the Year 2017’ Peugeot 3008 SUV was built on the principles of design, advanced technology and function. The 3008 SUV is adorned with a powerful and refined style that provides convenient versatility unrivalled in its segment.

The Peugeot 5008 SUV (above) makes a smooth transition from its MPV predecessor and breaks new ground as a large, expressive 7-seater SUV in the C-segment. As a new contender in this competitive segment, the 5008 SUV breathes new air in this segment with its blend of space and practicality of an MPV and the dynamic appeal of an SUV – combining the best of both worlds in one modern automobile, giving users the attractive combination of status, sophisticated technology, impressive practicality and driving emotions.

Expressive, high quality, sporty and designed by speed enthusiasts, the Peugeot 308 GTi (above) is a successful model that was engineered and designed by Peugeot Sport – Peugeot’s motorsport division devoted exclusively to developing the marque’s most high-performing models, consisting of a team of expert engineers sharing the same passion. The compact sports car exudes an athletic allure for the ultimate driving pleasure, perfect for the adventurous souls with a desire for exhilarating driving experiences. Meanwhile, the New 308 THP, an upgraded variant of the best-selling Peugeot model in Malaysia, will make a grand addition to Peugeot’s range on display at KLIMS 2018.

Visitors to the Peugeot booth will get to try out a racing simulator and Virtual Reality experience, apart from being able to take advantage of their Autovaganza year-end promotions with rebates up to RM12,000 and free gifts with purchase. Sadly though, the amazing new Peugeot 508 (above) will not be present at KLIMS 2018. We’ll just have to wait a bit longer for that, but you can read about and watch videos of it here.

DS: Spirit of Avant-garde

Visitors to KLIMS 2018 will also get to experience the premium automobile marque of Groupe PSA, DS. Making its very first appearance on Malaysian soil is the All-New DS 7 Crossback, the New Luxury SUV by DS Automobiles. Naza Euro Motors picked KLIMS 2018 as the perfect platform to preview the All-New DS 7 Crossback, (above) ahead of its local debut in 2019.

As a Crossback, the DS 7 is beautifully crafted to be an object of desire right away. The DS 7 Crossback is immediately recognisable by day or by night, from the front or from the rear. The DS 7 Crossback comes loaded with premium features such as DS Active LED Vision, FOCAL HIFI Speakers, a clock by luxury watch makers BRM and more. Also making an appearance at the DS booth will be the DS 5, the brand’s global best-seller vehicle of avant-garde styling, allying dynamic behaviour, refinement and attention to detail with a selection of advanced technologies.

Citroën: Inspired By You

Naza Euro Motors, which is also the official distributor for Citroën brand in Malaysia, will preview the New Citroën C3 Aircross (below) to the Malaysian public for the very first time at KLIMS 2018. A new-generation SUV, the New Citroën C3 Aircross’ unique styling with a robust SUV design commands attention everywhere it goes. Powered by a Puretech Turbo engine under the hood, the New Citroën C3 Aircross delivers 112 PS and 205 Nm of torque. Despite delivering more performance, the New C3 Aircross is more fuel-efficient at 900km on a single tank. In addition, the spacious boot space is exceptional for its segment at 410 litres in capacity.

A fun and vibrant display reflective of the brand’s global identity, Citroën’s booth at KLIMS 2018 will be one to watch out for. Visitors to the booth stand a chance to be prominently featured on their special ‘media wall’ when they pose and snap a photo with the New C3 Aircross. Also making a presence at the Citroën booth is the newly-launched New Grand C4 Spacetourer 7-seater MPV.

Designed with space, versatility and innovation in mind, the Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer is a feature-packed 7-seater MPV that turns heads on the road. The MPV’s enhanced design, unique experience of comfort and latest-generation technologies presents a modern, user-friendly and family-oriented drive that allows drivers and passengers to travel in style and comfort.

KIA: The Power to Surprise

The official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, Naza Kia Malaysia, will be going all out at KLIMS 2018 showcasing its full product line-up ranging from A-segment to D-segment vehicles. KIA’s fastest automobile yet, the Kia Stinger (below) ushers in a new era of innovation for the Korean marque as a supremely designed gran turismo purebred, having earned a global recognition for its blend of high performance and best-in-class comfort. The sport sedan sets a revolutionary benchmark for the future of Kia vehicles and has been well received by car enthusiasts worldwide.

Visitors to KLIMS 2018 should also watch out for Kia’s newly introduced models – the New Optima GT, New Sorento, New Grand Carnival – and upcoming GT-Line models the New Sportage GT-Line and New Picanto GT-Line.

The facelifted New Optima GT now features a new aggressive front grille, LED fog lamps and rear combination LED lamps while retaining the 18-inch alloy wheels. Its feature-packed infotainment system is now paired with a 7-inch touch screen with Around View Monitor (AVM) camera, which uses cameras at the front, rear and sides of the vehicle to provide the driver with a 360-degree view of their surroundings, making it easier to complete low-speed parking manoeuvre. The New Optima GT’s sleek seat design dons a new two-tone red and black leather, with the front seats embroidered with the GT signature logo. One of Kia’s best-selling SUVs in the country, the sophisticated and bold-looking Kia Sorento comes equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission providing smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.

On the other hand, the New Grand Carnival’s versatility and style epitomises the perfect blend of day-to-day practicality and high-end luxury. The 8-speed automatic transmission of the both variants provide a smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with other new upgrades such as the Electronic Parking Brake and 18-inch alloy wheels in Light Metal Silver for KX variant and in Dark Grey Two Tone for the SX variant. Fan favourite Kia Sportage GT will also appear at Kia’s booth at KLIMS. Designed and engineered to appeal to those looking for a sportier driving experience from their Sportage, the GT-Line specification delivers all the versatility of the Sportage while adding greater visual and dynamic appeal to those who desire it.

Kia’s New Picanto GT-Line (below), a racing-inspired variant and flagship of the all-popular Picanto range, is set to impress at the KLIMS 2018. Boasting new features designed to give the car a sportier look and feel, the New Picanto GT-Line features it’s the iconic GT-Line sport package with colour accents on the full body kit that are unique to the GT-Line variant. Completing the muscular expression are Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille at the front and sporty-looking dual exhaust pipes that lend an aggressive vibe. Despite its size, the A-segment vehicle packs a punch with performance and class-leading safety standards.

KIA is also slated to give a sneak preview of a future Kia model that will make an appearance at KLIMS 2018. Catch what Peugeot, DS, Citroën and Kia has to offer at the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 held from 23rd November until 2nd December 2018 at MITEC.

I’ve never liked KLIMS. No, really, to me it was without a doubt the worst motorshow of the region. Badly organised, always in a shambles and no-one (especially the media) knew what was going on and when. But the biggest, most obvious error in judgment was its physical location. The PWTC or Putra World Trade Centre is a great building, but holding a massive motorshow within its confines was never going to be a good idea. This was akin to holding the World Cup in a futsal stadium. Here’s a good example below from KLIMS 2013: where in the world have you ever seen an International Motorshow with a ceiling that low?

The floor area was just too small, and crowd underestimation always meant wall-to-wall visitors with little or no breathing space, much less photographic opportunity. Covering this show from a media standpoint was borderline impossible. And nowhere else in the world did one have to cross a river to get from one show hall to the next… and let’s not even talk about parking smack-dab in the middle of the city.

That being said, after a 5-year hiatus, on paper at least KLIMS 2018  (<– link) is looking better already. For starters it’s going to be held at MITEC, or the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre in KL (Full address: 8, Jalan Dutamas 2, Kompleks Kerajaan, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur. Waze: MITEC). Boasting 50,000 square feet of floor space and more than 100 participating companies, KLIMS will be on-going from 23rd November to 2nd December 2018.

“KLIMS is Malaysia’s most established and significant automotive event. The motor show is trailblazing towards its 9th presentation after a five-year hiatus, on the theme of “Beyond Mobility” – Malaysia Automotive Association, MAA.

A few carmakers are using KLIMS 2018 as a platform for some important announcements, including our very own Proton, who are using the show to reveal the official price of its much-hyped new X70 SUV.

Ford Malaysia is bringing in the new Mustang, and will also reveal the price of the new Ranger Raptor 4×4.

UMW Toyota will unveil the new ViosCamry, the latter being revealed (<– link) late last month in Thailand.

Boon Siew Honda will launch their electric PCX scooter, new Goldwing & Fireblade at KLIMS 2018, while Kawasaki Malaysia has something up its sleeve too.

We have high-hopes for KLIMS 2018, let’s see if this time around they get it right. After 5-years and countless visits to other regional motorshows like BIMS and Gaikindo, (<– links) let’s hope the organisers have learned a thing or two (and more) about how to properly run a motorshow. For more info log on to the KLIMS 2018 Facebook (<– link) page, because the KLIMS website doesn’t seem to be responding at time of publishing…

Stay tuned as Piston.my will be there on the ground to cover KLIMS 2018!

 

What’s taking others SO long? Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors have already announced plans to introduce solar charging technology on selected Hyundai Motor Group vehicles. Electricity-generating solar panels will be incorporated into the roof or the hood of vehicles, and will support internal combustion, hybrid and battery electric vehicles with additional electrical power, increasing fuel efficiency and range.

The solar charging technology is being developed to support the vehicle’s main power source, improving mileage and reducing CO2 emissions. It can charge batteries of not just eco-friendly vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicles, but also of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Hyundai Motor Group is developing three types of solar roof charging systems: The first-generation silicon solar roof system, the second-generation semi-transparent solar roof system, and the third-generation lightweight solar-lid on the vehicle’s body.

The first-generation solar roof system, which will be applied to hybrid models, includes a structure of mass-produced silicon solar panels that are mounted on an ordinary roof. This system can charge 30 to 60 percent of the battery per day, depending on the weather condition and the environment. The second-generation semi-transparent solar roof system will be applied to vehicles with internal combustion engines, for the first time in the world. Differentiated from the first-generation system, the second-generation system provides transmissive panel options, also satisfying consumers who desire a sense of openness. The semi-transparent solar panels are applied to a panoramic sunroof, maintaining transparency whilst charging an electric vehicle’s battery or an additional battery mounted on an internal combustion engine vehicle.

Applying solar charging systems to internal combustion engine vehicles will contribute to the increase in vehicle exports, by enabling vehicles to adhere to global-scale environmental laws that regulate CO2 emissions. The third-generation lightweight solar-lid system, currently in the process of pilot study for applying to eco-friendly vehicle models, includes a structure that mounts solar panels on a bonnet and roof combined, in order to maximize energy output. The solar charging system is composed of a solar panel, a controller, and a battery. Electricity is produced when solar energy from the sun touches the solar panel’s surface, which converts this by using photons of light from the sun and then creating the electron-hole pairs in silicon cells to generate solar electricity.

When a 100W solar panel is equipped, in 1 Sun standards (Summer noon, 1000 W/㎡ intensity of radiation) it produces 100Wh of energy per hour. In the controller, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which controls voltage and current to increase efficiency of the electricity collected in the solar panel, and source transformation take place. The electricity from this process is transformed to the standard voltage by the controller, then stored in the battery or utilized to decrease loads of a vehicle’s Alternating Current (AC) generator. Hyundai Motor Group took not only efficiency but also design into account while developing the solar charging system.

“In the future, various types of electricity generating technologies, including the solar charging system, will be connected to vehicles. This will enable them to develop from a passive device that consumes energy to a solution that actively generates energy,” said Jeong-Gil Park, Executive Vice President of Engineering Design Division of Hyundai Motor Group, who has developed this technology. “The paradigm of the vehicle owner will shift from that of a consumer to an energy prosumer.” Hyundai Motor Group will launch the first generation of this technology into its vehicles after 2019 to help meet global regulations targets and improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

The Proton X70, the first SUV from PROTON, has successfully achieved a 5-star rating after being tested by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). Details for the latest round of ASEAN NCAP tests have been released, showing the newest Proton model sits near the top of its segment for occupant safety. With a proven track record for manufacturing cars that obtain a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating to defend – the Proton Iriz, Proton Persona, Proton Preve and Proton Suprima S are all 5-star rated, PROTON’s engineers and designers paid close attention to every detail to ensure the Proton X70 would obtain a high score based on the latest 2017-2020 testing protocol. Under the new protocol, safety assist technology is now taken into consideration and counts for 25% of the overall score.

PROTON introduced Hot Press Forming (HPF) body structures, used to form the passenger cell of its cars, in 2012 and the same technology is one of the reasons why the Proton X70 is able to provide a high level of protection to its occupants. The HPF cell is supplemented with six airbags for all variants, ISOFIX child seat mounting points as well as seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. By combining these elements, the Proton X70 received a perfect score for the side impact test as well as for head protection technology.

The SUV is also PROTON’s first model to be equipped with a number of safety assist features. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) are all part of the advanced driver assistance system introduced with the Proton X70. Thus equipped, the SUV was able to obtain a high score for safety assist technology. For the FULL report from NCAP on the Proton X70, click to download this: Proton X70 ASEAN NCAP Report FULL

“Thanks to the diligent efforts of PROTON’s designers and engineers, the Company has managed to extend its reputation for building cars capable of protecting their occupants in the event of an accident. Aside from the advanced driver assistance system that is making its debut on a Proton model, the Proton X70 is also fitted with various convenience features such as voice command, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) and a 360 camera for safe manoeuvring in tight spaces,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON Edar.

Proton X70 to be shown at KLIMS
Following a series of closed-door previews for invited guests and media, the Proton X70 will be making its public debut at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS). Five units of the car will be put on display and visitors are encouraged to get up close and personal with the first C-segment premium SUV from a Malaysian automotive brand. There will also be special display areas to highlight the technology, safety and performance aspects of the vehicle.

“PROTON is now ready for our SUV to meet the Malaysian public. Visitors to KLIMS will be given full access to our show cars and we encourage everyone to explore the various design, technology, safety and performance aspects of the Proton X70 by spending some time at our interactive areas to get to know it better. There are a lot of technological and specification firsts for PROTON with this model so we want to make sure all our customers are able to fully appreciate what we hope will be a game changer for the Company,” said Abdul Rashid Musa.

KLIMS will be held at the Malaysian International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from 23 November to 2 December 2018. The Proton X70 can be viewed at PROTON’s display located on Level 1, Hall 1 and at Booth 1007.

Thanks to a strong third quarter, Porsche AG once again increased its operating result, revenue, deliveries and number of employees in the first nine months of 2018. The operating result compared with the same period in the previous year grew by around 11 per cent to 3.3 billion euros, with revenue increasing by 12 per cent to 19.1 billion euros. The return on sales was 17.4 percent. Deliveries grew by six percent, with the company handing over 196,562 vehicles to customers by the end of September. The workforce grew around eight per cent to reach 31,753 employees.

“The Panamera and our icon, the 911, enjoyed a particularly noticeable increase in demand,” says Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG (above). “Behind all of this is our strong workforce, which is expanding towards a record level of 32,000 total employees. Around a quarter of the 1,200 jobs for our first purely electric sports car, the Taycan, have already been filled. Now that the Supervisory Board has given the green light for the Taycan Cross Turismo – the series-production version of our second electric sports car – we plan to take on an additional 300 people,” adds Blume.

According to Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Member of the Executive Board, Finance and IT at Porsche (above), the result for the third quarter is attributable in particular to positive mix effects and increased volume. A negative impact was caused by unfavourable currency fluctuations and high investments in electrification, as well as the development of new business fields.

“This result gives us momentum for the year-end sprint, which will be very challenging for us,” says Meschke. “In addition to economic and political uncertainties, we also have to deal with the changeover to the new WLTP test cycle and gasoline particulate filters, as well as the farewell to diesel.” The new emissions legislation has been in force in Europe since 1 September. As part of the changeover, the new models will be introduced in stages, resulting in a temporary restriction of the product range.

Porsche recorded particularly strong growth in deliveries in Europe in the first nine months of 2018, with an increase of nine percent to 66,551 units. Overall, the sports car manufacturer increased deliveries by six percent to 196,562 vehicles. In Germany alone, deliveries increased by 13 percent to 24,709 vehicles. Growth in China, the largest single market of Porsche, was also up four percent with 56,254 vehicles delivered.

In terms of the model ranges, the Panamera showed the largest percentage increase: up to the end of September, deliveries of the four-door sports car increased by 60 percent. In Europe, more than 60 percent of these vehicles were equipped with a plug-in hybrid drive. The 911 also saw double-digit growth with an increase of 19 percent. The highest-volume model ranges remain the Macan with 68,050 delivered vehicles and the Cayenne with 49,715 units.

Porsche expects deliveries for 2018 as a whole to reach the record level of the previous year again; in 2017, the sports car manufacturer delivered 246,375 vehicles to customers. Despite the major challenges in the fourth quarter, the company expects an increase in revenue for the 2018 fiscal year compared with the previous year due to improved mix effects. The aim is to achieve a stable operating result compared with the previous year. The strategic goal of an operating return on sales of 15 percent remains unchanged.

To end the year on a positive note and in conjunction with the 2018 Year End Promotions happening nationwide, Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor for Haval SUV in Malaysia, is running the HAVAL 2018 Year End Sale Promotion on all Haval models.

The promotion is effective from 15 November until 31 December 2018 and offers new and existing HAVAL customers with savings worth up to RM6,300 with additional of HAVAL merchandises giveaways; exclusive for the Haval H2 model. Aside from the current promotion, the Company will be organising another HAVAL mall roadshow at IOI Citymall, Putrajaya from 29 November – 2 December as part of the ongoing Reimagine Campaign which began earlier this year. In addition, exclusive for Haval H2 customers who books the model during the roadshow would be entitled to 3 free services (which includes parts and labour) worth RM900.

 

“With our Year End Sale Promotion, we hope that Malaysians are definitely given the opportunity to be able to own SUVs at competitive prices – HAVAL ensures those demands and opportunities are met,” said Executive Director of Go Auto Group, Dato’ SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal. “In addition, our final HAVAL mall roadshow this year will be taking place at IOI Citymall end of November and I strongly encourage and invite everyone to see our SUVs and enjoy our current offerings in addition to the fun-filled activities we have prepared. In addition, we shall be launching our commercial Van – GO AUTO Higer Ace, our very first go auto brand for commercial vehicle on 28 November at the mall, a day before our roadshow begins,” Dato’ Azli added.

 

For more information on reimagine campaign visit HAVAL’s microsite http://reimagine.haval.my/. Customers can contact Customer Care at 03-5569 7332 or email us at customercare@goauto.com.my. Customers can also visit www.haval.my or its official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/havalmy or instagram page at www.instagram.com/havalmy.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube