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Well, hello there! Having seen the Toyota FT-1 Concept at the recent KL International Motorshow 2018, it appears the much-anticipated 2019 Toyota Supra will look pretty similar, as promised. Here are two leaked images, supposedly from a German Toyota distributor who sent them out to prospective buyers, according to AutoExpress.

“The all-new Toyota Supra is due to be officially revealed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January, but these leaked images have revealed the car’s final appearance a month in advance….

The photos, believed to have been sent out in marketing correspondence to prospective customers in Germany by Toyota themselves, give us a clear look at both the front and rear of the fifth generation of the iconic Supra coupe. The images show that the new Toyota Supra’s styling will remain fairly faithful to the FT-1 concept from 2014 – albeit with a narrower body and less prominent snout – with details like the concept’s front splitter and ‘double bubble’ roof making it into the production car”Auto Express.

2019 Toyota Supra Photo Gallery (Photos from AutoExpress)

Yes, you read that right! Manual. 6-speed. Stick shift. Three pedals. Can we get a ‘dayummmm’ right about now?

Thanks to our friends at AutoIndustriya, here’s a few images of the updated 2019 Honda Civic Sport paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The only catch though is that it’s only available in the USA for now, and with only one engine option, the 2.0L petrol that produces 160Ps and 187Nm of torque.

If buyers want a manual Honda with a bit more oomph, there’s only the Civic Type R to opt for after this, which ain’t that bad either as we found out here.

For more details on the 2019 Honda Civic Sport 2.0L, read the full article here.

2019 Honda Civic Sport 2.0L (Images courtesy of AutoIndustriya.com)

Ford and its local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), recently hosted its third safe driver training this year to corporate partners and members of the public through Ford’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme. The training sessions were hosted at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) where more than 60 licensed drivers – including corporate partners and Ford customers  participated in two half-day workshops.

The Ford Driving Skills for Life programme aims to educate licensed drivers of all ages on how to drive safely through practical, hands on experiences which is provided free-or-charge, helping them become safer, more aware drivers. The DSFL workshops address various driver risks, such as dealing with unexpected scenarios, speed and space management, as well as raise awareness on distracted driving caused by mobile phone use or drowsiness.

“Ford is committed to helping raise awareness of road safety and educating drivers on safe driving practices and techniques. We are proud to continue this very practical programme in Malaysia to help raise public awareness on safe driving and driver safety,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (below). An emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also incorporated in every training session. This included having participants wear specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired.

In Asia, Ford DSFL is in its eleventh successful year of training licensed drivers of all ages. In addition to Malaysia, DSFL training is provided in China, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Chevron Malaysia Limited, which markets the brand Caltex®, is ushering in 2019 with a strategic partnership with Malaysian celebrity, Dato’ Hans Isaac. The announcement was made in the presence of Chevron stakeholders and was met with enthusiastic response.

The strategic partnership is a natural one, given that Dato’ Hans Isaac represented Malaysia – and won – in Celebrity Car Wars Season 3, an award-winning automotive reality series which recently concluded its airing on History channel in November.  The show brought together six (6) celebrities across the region to test their skills, endurance, and smarts against each other.

Caltex® believes that just like the celebrities in Celebrity Car Wars who have pushed beyond their limits to complete the given obstacles in the show, the need to always provide high quality products for consumers is a top priority for the brand. “Here at Caltex®, we are built on the foundation of three pillars: people, partnership and performance” said Shahid Ahmed, Chevron Malaysia Country Chairman“People means the people that we serve, our beloved consumers. Partnership, indicating the people we choose to partner with to deliver the ultimate performance, our third pillar. And we believe Dato’ Hans Isaac embodies these three pillars perfectly.”

Excited at the prospect of partnering up with Caltex®, Dato’ Hans Isaac said, “I’m a big fan of the automotive world, and have always been impressed with Caltex for taking one step further and its efforts to be the best in supporting its consumers to have a smooth, safe journey. I’m excited for this and can’t wait to be part of the concrete, high-performing ecosystem that strives for excellence.”

“This is a new chapter for Caltex®, and with Dato’ Hans Isaac on board, we are certain fans can look forward to an exciting 2019,” added Shahid. As Caltex’s celebrity partner, Dato’ Hans Isaac will collaborate closely with the Caltex brand on its 2019 fuels marketing initiatives.

For more information on Caltex® and its products, please visit www.caltex.com/my or follow their official Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/Caltex.Malaysia/ for the latest updates.

Naza Premira Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Vespa brand in Malaysia has launched the Primavera 50th Anniversary Edition, a special series released by Piaggio, in conjunction with the Primavera’s glorious celebration of 50 years since its first introduction in 1968. The Primavera is a legendary model for Vespa, being one of the most spectacular commercial successes in Vespa’s history. With a personality that is youthful, agile, innovative, safe and environmentally-friendly, today’s Vespa Primavera embodies all the values that made it successful, inheriting the freshness and ‘joie de vivre’ of its predecessor.

Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings said, “Originally introduced in 1968, the revolutionary Vespa Primavera is the first version of the iconic Vespa scooters. The legendary Primavera’s small size and nimble performance represents the dream and freedom of the youths and remains one of the most successful scooters in Vespa’s history. Best known for its agility and practicality with an Italian flair, the Primavera for many symbolises a smart and sophisticated way to go about town. Naza Premira is proud to introduce the Primavera 50th Anniversary Edition here to the young and young-at-heart who appreciate a timeless icon for a stylish, free-spirited ride,” 

The Vespa Primavera 50th Anniversary Edition is equipped with a 150 cc engine, latest generation four-stroke engines, with high performance and fuel efficiency. New aspects include the distinctive ‘tie’ featured on the front and the chrome crest on the front mudguard. In addition, the most important new feature comes from the size of the wheel rims: 12 inch, which are made of aluminium alloy with a new five-spoke design, and they are the largest in Vespa’s history. This provides greater stability, improves safety, and strengthens the holding on all surfaces and road conditions. The LED lighting technology, now adopted for both the front headlight and the rear light, helps to boost safety as well.

The latest Primavera stands out with its new Light Blue and Brown (matte finish) colours with coordinated saddles, the sleek grey finish of the five-spoke wheels and of course the elegant logo on the back. As always in the history of Vespa, the new Primavera offers a wide range of accessories to customise your vehicle and improve riding comfort. The top box designed for Primavera is painted entirely in the same colour as the vehicle, is enhanced by the famous chromed Vespa logo in relief, and can hold a full-face helmet. The top box can be finished with a backrest, covered in the same material as the seat. The chromium-plated base where the top box is mounted can also be used as a luggage rack.

Maximum protection is ensured by the anti-chip, high quality, methacrylate windscreen, customised with the Vespa logo, the support rods have a clear finish in line with the other aesthetic details. The Vespa Primavera can also be fitted with a flyscreen – available in both transparent and tinted material – that elegantly completes the vehicle’s design. The chrome-plated front and rear luggage racks are also one of the most classic accessories of every Vespa and testify the great traveller spirit that every Vespa has always possessed. The new Vespa Primavera is no exception. The front side and rear chrome protections elegantly finish the vehicle and protect the bodywork.

The electronic anti-theft device and the mechanical saddle – handlebar anti-theft device are also available for the Vespa Primavera, in addition to a line of other anti-theft devices. The Vespa Primavera cover is characterised by the metal Vespa logo and ensures maximum stability even at high speed. The top box bag, in natural or black leather and fully hand crafted, adds an additional precious touch to the Vespa Primavera. In addition, genuine leather saddles and ‘Elegance’ graphics make the Vespa even more unique.

The Vespa Primavera 50th Anniversary Edition starts at RM16,300 on-the-road without insurance. Naza Premira Sdn Bhd is also offering a fantastic financing package in collaboration with AEON Credit, where the Primavera 50th Anniversary Edition together with all Primavera, Sprint and GTS models can be purchased at a low 6.0% interest rate per annum. On top of that, enjoy a 1-year extended warranty and high margin of financing at 90% for extra peace of mind with every Vespa purchased via AEON Credit. This campaign is valid from 22nd December 2018 until 31st March 2019 and available at selected Vespa authorised dealers nationwide.

Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Executive Officer of Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd was recently conferred the Ordre National du Mérite by the French government, underlining his contributions towards the French nation through the automotive industry. The Ambassador of France to Malaysia, Frédéric Laplanche, conferred the distinguished award to Dato’ Samson at a conferment ceremony held at the Residence of France, Kuala Lumpur.

A French order established by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1802 and restored by decree in 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle, l’Ordre National du Mérite (the National Order of Merit) is awarded by the President of the French Republic and seeks to reward distinguished men and women for their civil or military achievements.

Dato’ Samson (above, right) said of the award, “I am truly humbled and honoured to be conferred the Ordre National du Mérite, a recognition by the government of the French Republic. Our association with France began with the Peugeot 206 CKD project in 2006 and this partnership has since culminated in a Joint Venture that both NAZA Group and Groupe PSA have forged to make Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) in Gurun, Kedah its ASEAN manufacturing hub.”

“We look forward to enhancing business opportunities and greater collaboration with French companies in the automotive industry,” he added.

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