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The PROTON 1-Tank Adventure for the Central Region ended successfully on 18 July 2018 with a total of 36 participants in 18 cars covering a total distance of 640km on just one tank of fuel. Participants including media, celebrities, key opinion leaders, and public drove either a PROTON Saga 1.3 CVT, Persona 1.6 CVT or Iriz 1.3 CVT from PROTON Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam to Ipoh and back to Setia Gemilang Auto, Shah Alam on just one tank of fuel without any specific driving restrictions.

The Journey across 640km

The journey began on a highway where participants drove at a speed between 80km/h to 100km/h before driving 60km/h to 80km/h on alternative roads with traffic, road works, lorries and road conditions that were similar to daily driving conditions.

Participants went on a free and easy drive via Kuala Selangor, Teluk Intan, Bukit Gantang R&R, Weil Hotel, Kellie’s Castle before arriving at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) for their Dynamic Driving Experience. They even enjoyed famous local cuisine such as Mee Udang Galah, Mee Rebus Mastan Ghani, Nasi Vanggey and durians along the way.

In order to capture real time fuel consumption, participants are encouraged to drive freely with the air-conditioning, without removing any safety items (i.e. the spare tyre).

Central Region End with Successful Results

As a result, all cars achieved 640km in just 1 tank and the results were verified by scrutineers from the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF). The best achievements were from the Public category led by Saga 1.3 CVT at 3.57L/100km (average fuel consumption for Saga Group is 4.5L/100km), followed by Persona 1.6 CVT at 4.00L/100km (average fuel consumption for Persona Group is 5.09L/100km), and Iriz 1.3 CVT at 4.75L/100km (average fuel consumption for Iriz Group is 5.55L/100km).

The last activity before the finishing line was the Dynamic Driving Experience where participants got first-hand experience of the exhilarating ride and handling of PROTON vehicles as well as 5-Star ASEAN NCAP active safety features in the Persona and Iriz, such as the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

The 3 cars featured in the event were:

Saga: Safe, Stable, Spacious

Proton Saga is spacious and it comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (TC) system, giving it an outstanding driving experience (compared to its competitors in the same category, the driving performance ensures great driving experience, stability at high speed cornering; leading to better safety) and value for money with low maintenance cost which is an important consideration for the consumers.

PersonaPower, Practicality, Proven Safety

Persona has internationally recognized ASEAN NCAP 5 star ratings with its outstanding safety which includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), 6 airbags and body structure made with HPF technology. It offers spacious interior with a 510L boot space, and practicality with keyless entry and reverse camera. Competitively priced in its category, the Persona is equipped with 1.6VVT engine that ensuress powerful performance for great driving experience.

Iriz: Reinforced Safety, Responsive Driving, Refined Design

Iriz presents a tough and sturdy characteristic with its body structure made with HPF as well as other advanced technology equipment including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-hold Assist that is standard across all variants. In terms of performance, Iriz is equipped with 1.3L and 1.6L VVT engine, which has proven outstanding drivability through the Sepang 1000km race. Additionally, Iriz offers design that cater to youths with its distinctive two-tone colour body kit and black roof design that catches people’s attention. For interior, the steering, upholstery and carpet mat with fine tailoring technology and striking colour combination accentuate its sportiness. Now, it is equipped with a new meter display and multi-touch infotainment display system as well as glossy finish for its gear and dashboard that uplift the fine design in the interior.

Registration has closed for the next round at the Southern region, but recruitment for the Northern region round is still open. For details, terms and conditions, please visit PROTON official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ProtonCarsOfficial

Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) who was very recently replaced by Mike Manley due to failing health, has died. He was 66.

WXYZ-TV Detroit shares this video report.

Another report from CNBC Television honours the man that brought FCA back from the brink…

Rest in Peace Sergio, thank you for all you’ve done.

From EVO’s to Outlanders, Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) recently acquired 15 units of Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4 contributed by PLUS Highway for the traffic laws enforcement on the highway. The handover ceremony of the new “Peronda Lebuhraya” cars was held at Persada PLUS, Subang Jaya. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia was there to witness the handover ceremony.

These vehicles were contributed to PDRM to be used as Expressway Mobile Patrol Vehicle (EMPV).  The SUVs will be known as ‘Police Highway Eagle’ which will enhance the effectiveness in enforcing traffic laws during festive seasons, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun. Each of the 15 Outlanders has been upgraded with Mitsubishi EVO X engines featuring a special twin-turbo AWD system with anti-lag, which pushes output to 470bhp. That last line is a complete lie, I just wanted to see if you’re paying attention. They’re all stock-standard.

Being there to witness the handover ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi (above, left) said “Safety is the Mitsubishi Outlander’s strongest suit, befitting its role as a family vehicle. But now, we are delighted to know that besides being one of the best safety specced vehicles on the road, the Outlander is meeting every requirement of PDRM to assist them with the enforcement of traffic laws on the highway.”

He elaborated, “With many years of winning experience in the grueling Dakar Rally under its belt, Mitsubishi is also a specialist in rugged 4WD vehicles. So with the Outlander’s safety function, power and stability, we are confident that the Outlander will do its part in assisting our policeman to eradicate traffic offences and eventually lower the risk of road accidents.”

In a separate ceremony, PDRM also acquired eight Mitsubishi cars consisting of Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4-litre (above) and Mitsubishi ASX Compact SUV contributed by ANIH Berhad. The contribution made by these two highway concessions were valued at an estimation of RM3 million.

The Mitsubishi Outlander recently received the Family SUVs of Malaysia award at the Cars of Malaysia awards 2018.

The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group has announced that the company has moved up a whopping 76 places in the Global Fortune 500 ranking, after posting revenues in excess of US$41.1 billion in 2017.

This is the 7th year in the row that Geely has been listed in the prestigious Global Fortune 500, and for full details you can download this: ZGH 7 Years in Fortune 500 Press Release

In other news, the inaugural PROTON After Sales Service Competition 2018 will be held from 20 July to 19 August 2018. Hundreds of after sales personnel from PROTON dealers and branches will be put to the test to prove their skills, speed and accuracy in their areas of expertise. This is part of PROTON’s talent management initiative.

Designed as a platform for all after sales personnel around the country to showcase their ability and quality of work in handling customers’ cars, the competition offers an incentive trip and cash prizes worth RM50,000 to the winners. “The PROTON After Sales Service Competition is part of PROTON’s continuous effort to enhance the skills of our technicians to serve our customers better and also to reward those who show exceptional ability.

“Winners will be rewarded with an incentive trip to Shanghai, China, where they have the opportunity to visit Geely Headquarters and Geely Research Centre. This will be an eye opener for our local technicians to explore the full breadth of capabilities at Geely from design to development of the complete vehicle,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON Edar.

“Exceptional after sales service is the key to retain our existing customers as well as attracting new ones. When we provide good quality services to them, we are able to increase customer loyalty and benefit from them spreading the news via word-of-mouth. Technicians or mechanics play an important role in ensuring this to happen. Throughout the Competition, our technicians will compete against each other, helping them improve their skill level. Ultimately, this assists to build the quality of our after sales services and take it to a higher level to be on par with global standards,” he added.

The pre-qualifying round for PROTON After Sales Service Competition 2018 will be held in 5 regions starting from 20 July. Top three participants at the regional level will compete in the Final at COE, Subang Jaya on 13 – 15 September.

During the regional level competition, participants will be given an Engine Overhaul task where they are required to dismantle and assemble a Proton VVT engine within three hours. They will be judged based on their speed, accuracy and troubleshooting competencies throughout the process. “With improvement in sales and quality month by month, we are confident that PROTON is on the right track to grow. We recognise that good quality products allow us to sell more cars, but great service goes a long way to retain and grow our customer base so this is what PROTON is striving to achieve,” Rashid added further.

Volvo Trucks has appointed Mitch Peden (above) as its new Managing Director for Malaysia, with an aim to further strengthen Volvo Trucks’ position in the commercial vehicle market, and to bring the company to greater heights than ever before. Hailing from Australia, Mitch started his career at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Mitch took his first step into the automotive sector in 1994 when he joined General Motors.

Since then, Mitch has worked in a number of automotive companies before joining Volvo Trucks in 2005. Mitch has been a member of the Volvo Trucks management team, helming a few positions in sales and marketing area throughout his career, prior to being appointed as Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s new MD.

Mitch will be taking over from his predecessor, Mats Nilsson, who after working in Volvo Trucks Malaysia for 5 years, will be moving to the Renault Organisation in France within the Volvo Group.  As the new managing director, Mitch will be responsible for growing the trucks sales and aftermarket business in Malaysia and Brunei.

“It is an exciting time for Volvo Trucks today with so many new developments in Malaysia. Volvo Trucks will continue introducing new technology and innovation as we head into the future and to provide better quality services and products to our customers here. I am excited to continue on the footsteps of my predecessor and fellow colleague, Mats Nilsson, who has done a brilliant job in raising Volvo Trucks Malaysia to where it is today. I am very confident that, with the strong commitment of the team here in Malaysia, we will be able to continuously offer the best to our customers.” said Mitch.

With over two decades of industry experience, 13 years of which were with Volvo Trucks, Mitch is truly an industry veteran who is tasked to take Volvo Trucks Malaysia to greater heights. Mitch graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and also holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Bond University.

Volvo Trucks Malaysia Photo Gallery (Truck images from Volvo Trucks M’sia Webpage)

 

The Naza Group announced it will contribute RM1,000 towards Tabung Harapan Malaysia for every car sold by the Group, from 1st June to 31st August 2018. The Naza Group is an importer and distributor for a diverse range of international automotive brands such as Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Kia in Malaysia.

SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman and CEO, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd said, “The Naza Group is proud to play its part by contributing to Tabung Harapan Malaysia as a responsible and patriotic corporate citizen. Our contribution is also our way of thanking the Government of Malaysia for the stable economic and political landscape and most of all for the 3-month tax holiday which has spurred sales of cars to achieve record levels this year.”

 

“As a homegrown company, it is our obligation and responsibility to assist wherever possible for the betterment of our beloved nation, especially as we soon celebrate our 61st anniversary of Merdeka and 55th Malaysia Day,” added SM Nasarudin.

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