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Naza Kia Malaysia Introduces Facelift Optima, Sorento & Grand Carnival + Enhanced Rio Gets 6-Speed Transmission!

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, today unveiled the facelift of the all-popular Optima, Sorento, Grand Carnival and enhanced Rio models with a host of upgrades for the Malaysian market. “After receiving overwhelming market response of our four best-selling models, we at Naza Kia Malaysia are proud to introduce the facelift versions of Optima, Sorento, Grand Carnival and enhanced version of the Rio. We are confident with the advanced automotive technologies and upgraded features, our vehicles will provide a more refined driving experience and satisfaction to our customers,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.

The New Optima GT 2.0L’s on-the-road presence receives a boost, making modifications to the exterior such as the new aggressive front grille, LED fog lamps, rear combination LED lamps while retaining the 18-inch alloy wheels. For added style, the New Optima GT now features new ambient lighting around the dashboard and car doors. The infotainment system is now paired with a 7-inch touch screen with Around View Monitor (AVM) camera. The system 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 facelifted Optima GT’s seat design features a new two-tone red and black leather, with the front seats embroidered with the GT signature logo. Available in five exterior colours – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Gravity Blue, and the newly introduced Silky Silver and Platinum Graphite, the New Optima 2.0L GT is available at RM169,888 on-the-road without insurance.

The sophisticated and bold-looking Kia Sorento received upgrades too and is now reintroduced as the EX for the 2.4L petrol variant and SX for the 2.2L diesel turbo variant which comes equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission providing smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. Both the New Sorento 2.4L EX 6AT Petrol and Sorento SX 2.2L 8AT Diesel now feature Triple-barrel LED headlamps with Dynamic Bending Light System and LED fog lights to improve driving conditions and safety precautions. The LED combination rear lamps also received a design update to refresh the exterior finish of the New Sorento.

On the interior, the powerful SUV now comes with Bluetooth activated by voice recognition, memory seat package and a wireless smartphone charger for a hassle-free experience. The New Sorento 2.4L EX is fitted with new design 18-inch alloy wheels while the New Sorento 2.2L SX rides on new design 19-inch alloy wheels. The colours available for the New Sorento are Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black, Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, and Rich Espresso. The New Sorento 2.4L EX 6AT Petrol is priced at RM169,888, while the New Sorento SX 2.2L 8AT Diesel is priced at RM179,888 on-the-road without insurance.

The New Kia Grand Carnival’s facelifted KX and SX variants’ versatility and style epitomises the perfect blend of day-to-day practicality and high-end luxury. The 8 speed automatic transmission of the KX and SX variants provides 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. The KX variant’s exclusive look on the front also features a new projector headlamps design with LED daytime-running lights and fog lamps.

Also, the SX variant’s front face receives new LED projector headlamps with auto-levelling and LED daytime-running lights as well as a new ‘Ice Cube’ LED projector foglamps. Additionally, this variant comes with Blind Spot Detection System (BDS), Integrated Memory System for driver’s seat and side mirrors, including a wireless smartphone charger. Among the colours available for the New Grand Carnival are Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl Silky Silver and Panthera Metal. The 2.2-litre KX 8AT Diesel is priced at RM155,888, while the 2.2-litre SX 8AT Diesel is priced at RM184,888 on-the-road without insurance.

The latest Kia Rio also received a major transmission system upgrade as now the B-segment hatchback is enhanced with 6-speed Automatic Transmission. Other features upgrade in Rio includes Auto Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, Blind Spot Detection System (BDS) and Electrochromic Mirror with Auto Dimmer. As far as safety features are concerned, BDS in Rio is the first to be introduced in its class. For a smooth drive on the road, the New Rio 6AT runs on 16-inch alloy wheels. The colours available for the New Rio 6AT are Signal Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Smoke Blue, Deep Siena Brown, Clear White and Platinum Graphite; and is available at RM78,888 on-the-road without insurance.

For the FULL Price List on each vehicle, click to download these:

Price List Rio

Price List Optima

Price List Sorento

Price List Grand Carnival

Kia Photo Gallery…

New Porsche Macan Launched in Europe [+Video]

The new Porsche Macan now comes with an efficient 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with improved combustion chamber geometry. It delivers a performance of 185 kW (252 hp) and has a maximum torque of 370 Nm. In combination with its seven-gear PDK dual-clutch gearbox, the compact SUV can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 225 km/h. Its consumption rate is 8.1 l/100 km according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). With the model having received a full makeover, the most prominent new features in terms of design, comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics include the three-dimensional LED light panel at the rear and the new fully interconnected Porschecommunication management system with 10.9-inch touchscreen inside the vehicle. Check out the video!

Newly tuned chassis for enhanced balance
The vehicle dynamics of the Macan remain its core feature. The overhauled chassis increases comfort and makes the Macan even more enjoyable to drive. As is typical for a sports car, it comes with mixed-size tyres, enabling the driver to take full advantage of the benefits of the intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system and adopt a dynamic driving style. Newly developed tyres with improved performance characteristics allow for even better lateral dynamics. The wheel diameters range from 18 inches as standard to an optional 21 inches.

A more streamlined design with full LED lights and new colours
In keeping with Porsche’s design DNA, the new Macan features a three-dimensional LED light panel on the rear of the vehicle. The brake lights with their four-point design are another excellent embodiment of the brand’s identity. LED technology is incorporated as standard into the newly designed main headlights, while the PorscheDynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) option can be used to control light distribution adaptively. The Macan’s front end has been thoroughly redesigned and now appears wider. Drivers now have more scope to express their personality thanks to the addition of four new exterior colours – Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue and Crayon.

Fully interconnected: the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system
The Macan offers a range of digital possibilities through the use of the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. The full-HD touchscreen is now 10.9 inches in width (previously 7.2 inches). As in the Panamera and Cayenne, the user interface can be adapted to suit personal requirements via predefined tiles. Fully interconnected as standard, the new system features mobile phone preparation, two audio interfaces and intelligent voice control.

New options: GT sports steering wheel, air ioniser and traffic assistant
An expanded range of options with enhanced assist systems is available to choose from with the new Macan. The optional GT sports steering wheel echoes the style of the Porsche 911. A mode switch integrated into the steering wheel – including sport response button – is part of the optional sport chrono package that can be fitted in the Macan. Porsche has extended the list of options designed to enhance convenience, which now includes a heated windshield and an air ioniser that – together with the fine particulate air filter (fitted as standard) – improves the quality of the air inside the vehicle.

Available for enquiry now: the new Macan with more features included as standard
The new Macan is now available for enquiry at Porsche Centre Glenmarie, Sungai Besi, and Penang. The range of standard features has been expanded to include LED main headlights, the new PCM with online navigation and Connect Plus, and an anti-theft alarm system with interior surveillance.

2019 Toyota Camry Launched In Thailand, Malaysia Soon!

Thanks to our friends in The Philippines at AutoIndustriya.com, have a look at the all-new 2019 Toyota Camry that’s just been launched in Thailand! Available 4 variants including a Hybrid, the entry-level G model is powered by a 2.0-liter engine that churns out 167 PS and 199Nm of torque, while a new 2.5-litre engine in the V variant makes a healthy 209 PS and 250Nm of torque.

Top of the line would be the Hybrid model, and thanks to the addition of electric motors, it has a combined output of 211 PS. “All three engines have different types of transmissions. The 2.0G has a six-speed automatic, while the 2.5-liter gets bumped up to an eight-speed unit. As for the Hybrid, that uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT)” – AutoIndustriya.com.

“Under the design inspiration of ‘Sensual-Smart Confidence’ the all-new Camry has been reborn as ‘Modern Sport Luxury’ car that has never been seen before. We have also enhanced the Camry’s driving dynamic thanks to Toyota New Global Architecture or TNGA, which includes a newly developed platform, a powerful but efficient Dynamic Force Engines. Besides that, the fourth generation Hybrid System has been re-engineered to offer both a fun drive as well as fuel efficiency,” said Michinobu Sugata, president of Toyota Motor Thailand Company, Ltd.

“Seeing that Thailand is our close neighbor, equipment levels are possibly close to the version that will be sold there. All Thai models get power seats, leather, remote keyless entry, rear sun blinds, wireless charging, and a digital multi-information display. Features such as ventilated seats, head-up display, power lumbar support, triple-zone climate control, and a JBL sound system is reserved for the top of the line variant” said AutoIndustriya.

For the FULL article, click this link and head over to AutoIndustriya.com

2019 Toyota Camry Photo Gallery (photos courtesy of AutoIndustriya.com)

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Announces Year-End Cash Rebates 2018!

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, is offering attractive cash rebates for the upcoming Year End festivities 2018. From now until end of December 2018, customers who book and register a new Mitsubishi

Outlander – the Outlander 2.0-litre and Outlander 2.4-litre will get Year End cash rebates up to RM8, 000. The Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4-litre is currently selling fast and has limited stock. The Outlander 2.0-litre is priced at RM137, 888.00 while the Outlander 2.4-litre is priced at RM152, 888.00. The Mitsubishi Outlander recently won ‘Best Family Ride’ at the CarSifu Editor’s Choice Awards 2018 and ‘Family SUVs of Malaysia’ award at the Cars of Malaysia awards 2018.

Customers who book the Mitsubishi Triton pick up truck will enjoy Year End cash rebates up to RM8, 000. Year End promotions for all Triton variants are as follows:

No	Model/Variant	Price (RM)	Year End Cash Rebate (RM)	Warranty
1	Triton Athlete	129,650.00	8,000	All Triton variants except Triton Quest: Five years warranty or 200,000km Triton Quest: Five years warranty or 100,000km
2	Triton VGT Adventure X	129,270.00	8,000
3	Triton VGT AT Premium	118,560.00	8,000
4	Triton VGT AT GL	105,990.00	8,000
5	Triton VGT MT	109,600.00	8,000
6	Triton MT	95,610.00	5,000
7	Triton Quest	78,890.00	5,000

The Mitsubishi Triton recently received the ‘Pick Up Trucks of Malaysia’ award at the Cars of Malaysia awards 2018. Last but not least, customers who opt for the Mitsubishi ASX 2WD and ASX 4WD Compact SUV will receive Year End cash rebates up to RM8, 000. The Mitsubishi ASX 2WD is priced at RM 118,866.00, while the Mitsubishi ASX 4WD is priced at RM 133,336.08.

In addition, Mitsubishi Motors customers who service their Mitsubishi cars from 1 – 30 November will receive up to 20% discount on selected parts, additives at an attractive price and a free Popsocket Phone Holder with every service.

· Prices stated are OTR price without insurance (10% SST inclusive) for individual private owners only in Peninsular Malaysia and not applicable in duty free zones.

· Year End Promotions is valid until 31 December 2018 only.

· Terms and Conditions Apply.

Avis Malaysia Celebrates 46th Anniversary – Offers 46% Savings + Contest!

A name synonymous with car-rental, Avis Malaysia is offering customers up to 46 percent savings on published rates for car rental bookings from 15 September to 31 October 2018 in celebration of its 46^th anniversary. The savings are eligible for the rental period from 15 September to 31 December 2018.

Avis Malaysia is also organising a special ‘46^th Anniversary Contest’ in social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter from 19 September to 31 October 2018. Social media fans and customers only need to just like, follow, share, watch a video, and answer simple questions to qualify for the contest.

Free rental of JEEP Cherokee and exciting prices to be won…

Lucky winners will be selected via lucky draw to enjoy a one-night stay at a luxurious hotel in Port Dickson and Penang respectively, along with a complimentary 3-days car rental voucher for a JEEP® Cherokee Trailhawk and many other attractive prizes.

“These activities are carried out to extend our appreciation to all our customers who have supported us all these years and we look forward to many more years ahead of offering quality services on professional mobility solutions in Malaysia”, said Mohammad Shanaz, Chief Operating Officer of Avis Malaysia.

Avis Malaysia began operations as a licensee of Avis Rent A Car in 1972 and has been part of DRB-HICOM Group since 2014. The company provides a wide range of vehicles to cater to business or leisure rental purposes. Avis Malaysia offers quality vehicles from leading manufacturers including Audi, Jeep, Honda, Mitsubishi, PROTON and many more.

More rental stations for customer convenience…

As of September this year, Avis Malaysia has expanded to 13 rental stations throughout the country, including eight (8) located in major airports such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (Klia2), Penang International Airport, Senai International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Kuching International Airport, Miri Airport, Sultan Ahmad Shah (Kuantan) Airport, as well as five (5) downtown stations located at Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Sibu, Pengerang and Johor.

Awarded the Best Brand for Rent-A-Car Solutions…

In the month of May 2018, Avis Malaysia was also awarded the prestigious BrandLaureate Best Brands Award for the “Most Favourite Choice” for the category of “Best Brand for Rent-A-Car Solutions 2017-18 in Malaysia”. This award ceremony took place on 3 May 2018 at The Majestic Hotel. Kuala Lumpur. Avis Malaysia is also certified to comply to ISO 9001:2015 standards, assuring consistent quality and attention to maintaining optimum standards of service and performance.

Berjaya Sompo Unveils Integrated Approach – Top 5 General Insurance Provider By 2020 Targeted!

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad (‘Berjaya Sompo’), a renowned general insurance provider in Malaysia announced its plans recently to become one of the top five general insurance providers in Malaysia. The brand aims to achieve this by developing a detailed growth agenda with key focus areas identified. With a growing network of 20 offices and 2,800 agents nationwide, Berjaya Sompo is committed to being the leading insurer of choice by providing quality solutions and world class services in the best interest of its customers.

(L-R) Mr. Stuart Chua, Chief Distribution Officer of Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad, Mr. Tan Sek Kee, Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad, Mr. Futoshi Hanahara, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

Customer Centricity…

Customers are at the heart of Berjaya Sompo and its approach to customer experience is a vital component of enabling the brand to move towards greater heights in Malaysia. Mr. Tan Sek Kee (below), CEO of Berjaya Sompo said, “Customer feedback is key to product innovation and this allows us to incorporate solutions into products that customers value and want. We execute this by listening to customers and gathering data trends through consumer surveys and market research. Ultimately, Berjaya Sompo is working towards improving the overall experience and journey for all customers across different touch points.”

More…

Berjaya Sompo wants to make insurance simple to understand for the average consumer. As such, it has embarked on the following initiatives:

Thematic Brand Campaign: Silent Guardians

Berjaya Sompo’s latest thematic brand campaign, called ‘Silent Guardians’ is a unique take on storytelling about how Berjaya Sompo aims to foster closer relations with all its stakeholders, leveraging on the brand’s Japanese heritage and history, from Japan to the world since 1888.

Berjaya Sompo is raising up its army of heroes through its ‘Silent Guardians’ via the use of Japanese warriors, ninjas, samurais, sumo wrestlers, karatekas, and kendokas – protecting Malaysians everyday, even without realising. The thematic brand campaign incorporates unique humour to highlight the importance of being insured so that Malaysians are able to live their daily routines freely, without a worry.

Berjaya Sompo’s spokespersons with mascot ‘Sompony’, the ’Silent Guardians’ and Peter Davis, (3rd from left) Mr. Stuart Chua, Chief Distribution Officer of Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad, (4th from left) Mr. Tan Sek Kee, Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad, (2nd from right) Mr. Futoshi Hanahara, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

Sompony: Berjaya Sompo’s Adorable Mascot

Recently, Berjaya Sompo introduced its latest and adorable mascot, Sompony. The brainchild of Berjaya Sompo’s parent company, Sompo Holdings (Asia) Pte. Ltd. (‘SOMPO’), Sompony is a hero, helper and trustworthy companion that Malaysians can count on to guide them as they navigate through Berjaya Sompo’s products and services.

Used across its markets in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, Sompony was created to reshape how the brand connects with consumers in a more human, light-hearted and relatable manner. Sompony adds value to SOMPO with successful character building. It helps internal stakeholders and agents in their storytelling efforts as they educate customers and explain about the unique products and services that Sompo offers.

Product Innovation: SOMPO Motor

Understanding the consumer mindset which changes over time, as well as in response to recent developments regarding motor detariffication in Malaysia, Berjaya Sompo evolves accordingly and continuously looks at ways to innovate and develop solutions that meets the needs of today’s consumer. One example of this: the all-new SOMPO Motor.

SOMPO Motor is a comprehensive motor insurance for car owners which reduces the overall add-on costs without going through the tedious task of including add-on benefits. Further, it has add-on benefits that provides a peace of mind to drivers which include better coverage for older vehicles and full coverage against natural disasters.

The new basic benefits included in SOMPO Motor are as follows:

Special perils coverage, where claim amount does not exceed RM10,000 or 20% of Sum Insured, whichever is lower,
Coverage for all drivers,
Repairs warranty for 12 months,
Emergency towing cost of RM300 following an accident.

“SOMPO Motor has reduced the hassle of going through commonly included add-ons for a comprehensive private car insurance by including them in the basic benefits. New add-on benefits also include better coverage for older vehicles and full coverage against natural disasters. We welcome the implementation of motor detariffication as it enables Berjaya Sompo to compete on a level playing ground, giving the spotlight to the true hero: SOMPO Motor. With this product, our main focus is enhancing the base level features and service level. We want to ensure we have a product that our customers find useful and beneficial,” said Mr. Stuart Chua, Chief Distribution Officer of Berjaya Sompo.

Consumers may also opt for new additional benefits such as full special perils coverage, unlimited towing costs within Malaysia, and waiver of betterment for vehicles up to 15 years. Another new feature of SOMPO Motor is that it provides consumers with the option to choose the Voluntary Excess of the Policy, ranging from 0% to 3% of the sum insured. Voluntary Excess of the Policy gives consumers the option to pay out of their own pocket for each claim, up to 3% of the claim amount, in exchange for a lower premium each month.

In addition, Berjaya Sompo is collaborating with esteemed car brands such as Honda Malaysia, Mazda Malaysia, and Nissan Malaysia to provide bundled insurance packages that are tailored to the needs of car owners.

Digitalization of Berjaya Sompo

In today’s digital-first world, consumers are now expecting and consuming information faster than ever and we need to constantly innovate to stay ahead.

Understanding the consumer mindset, Berjaya Sompo has taken major strides in activating digitalization across the company via a number of key initiatives, including: online product innovation, increasing digital distribution channels, introducing new B2C channels as well as strengthening its digital infrastructure.

Mr. Tan said, “Berjaya Sompo will be investing heavily in digitalization as a key focus area to move the brand forward. One example of this is digital innovation, as we are developing new B2C channels to serve today’s mobile customers, as well as the simplification of our online products across Motor, Travel, Snatch and Home as we make it quicker and easier for Malaysians to purchase our products. In the near future, we will also be looking at strengthening our data capabilities and translating meaningful data that will help us serve our customers better.”

As for brick and mortar stores, Berjaya Sompo has opened a new branch in Petaling Jaya in 2017 and another one in Seremban in September 2018. Beyond this, it has no further plans to increase its branch network – in accordance with Berjaya Sompo’s digital-first approach.

“We are confident that with on our digitalization journey, we can service our customers from any of our current locations, regardless of distance. Furthermore, we anticipate more and more clients moving online to buy, renew and claim insurance in the coming years, hence dependency on physical storefronts will reduce,” added Mr. Tan.

A Robust Talent Strategy

For Berjaya Sompo, building the capabilities of its internal talent pipeline is key. This will ensure that the workforce is motivated and driven to establish customer experience as the number one priority in becoming the preferred insurer, working towards achieving customer excellence.

“Internally, we have various development programmes in place for all levels of our workforce that provides training and practical skills for not only work-related tasks, but also developing intrinsic skills that will shape them for long-term advancement,” said Mr. Tan.

With these plans in place, Berjaya Sompo is fully committed to growing in and with Malaysians, especially at this historic era of Malaysia Baru. As the brand works towards not only fulfilling but exceeding the expectations of its stakeholders, the brand is confident about fulfilling its aspirations of becoming one of the top five general insurers in Malaysia, contributing to the Malaysian economy and serving Malaysians nationwide.