Lexus Malaysia recently opened the doors to its refurbished flagship Lexus facility in Mutiara Damansara, marking its further elevation beyond being just a premium automotive brand. Guests can now experience the exquisite Lexus luxury lifestyle in a facility that truly elevates all the five senses and more.
Through liberal use of high-tech digital innovation and technology, the new facility is able to create an unparalleled Lexus experience for every guest who visits the new outlet be it for a brand new Lexus automobile, quality after-sales care, a high-quality certified pre-owned vehicle or simply to purchase Lexus Lifestyle merchandise.
In presenting the new Lexus Mutiara Damansara, Ravindran K., President of Lexus Malaysia said that the enhancements to the facilities allowed Lexus Malaysia to redefine its core brand values and to clearly showcase them with a truly exclusive Lexus experience.
“Not by any means is the Lexus brand and its products deemed conventional. Neither then should the retail experience be. By designing innovative ways to excite and change the world, Lexus remains the visionary luxury brand that anticipates the future for people and society,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia.
Part of the challenge for a luxury lifestyle brand is to remain in step with the customer and at Lexus, this challenge is amply met through its omotenashi mantra by anticipating and fulfilling customers’ needs at every touch point.
Highlights of the new Lexus Mutiara Damansara include:
The Lexus Centre will delight all the senses beginning with the Lexus Signature Scent of Wild Earth greeting visitors.
Seamless and wireless sales and service experience where customers and prospects are able to receive precise, consistent and updated information via the Lexus Touch tablets.
Coffee is of the highest quality and sourced from Cafés Richard, a highly sought-after French brand synonymous with high-end Parisian cafés.
A highly-digitalized experience with surround LCD displays, digital vehicle information consoles, real-time service status and digital reading materials available throughout the building.
A Mark Levinson audio system is installed in an acoustically tuned room for guests to experience the kind of audiophile-quality sounds they can enjoy in select Lexus vehicles.
The flagship outlet boasts a retail space offering an array of well-stocked premium quality Lexus Lifestyle Collection merchandise allowing customers to fully enjoy their lifestyle aspirations.
The new Lexus Centre features a Zen Room where guests can enjoy a few moments of tranquility relaxing to soft music on massage or lounge chairs while their vehicles receive expert care.
The new Lexus Mutiara Damansara facility on Jalan PJU7/2 (after IKEA) is open daily showcasing brand-new and pre-owned Lexus models as well as offering quality care for all Lexus vehicles. For more details, visit Lexus.com.my.
For the 20th consecutive season, BMW M GmBH returns to the racetrack at the 2018 MotoGP World Championship to lead the world’s best motorcycle riders with its fleet of vehicles at the front. Every season, BMW M GmBH creates new highlights with its Safety Car. The latest models and impressive technical innovation are what makes the BMW M MotoGP Safety Cars of the past, present and future so special.
Prior to the high-octane event in Malaysia, the new spearhead of the Safety Car fleet – the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car with BMW M Performance Parts – will make appearances across Kuala Lumpur on a convoy with the BMW M5, BMW 530i M Sport, BMW S 1000 RR, and the BMW S 1000 RR Safety Bike.
The convoy will make a pit stop at Bangsar Village II, where a meet and greet session with BMW M MotoGP expert and three-time World Champion, Loris Capirossi will take place. Fans can also participate in the BMW S 1000 RR Safety Bike puzzle challenge and stand a chance to win main grandstand tickets to the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, happening from 2nd to 4th November 2018.
PROTON announced recently that it has received over 10,000 bookings for the Proton X70 SUV during the official launch of Ming Heng Motor Sdn Bhd, a new 4S dealer in Setapak. The Company also confirmed that it exceeded its 3S/4S outlet submission approval target of 109 and that more applications to open such outlets were still being received. PROTON’s highly anticipated first SUV, the Proton X70, was made available for prelaunch bookings from 8 September. Interested parties were invited to place a deposit at a PROTON outlet but since 17 October, they have also been able to use an online booking platform, allowing bookings to be made from anywhere with an Internet connection.
To date the response from Malaysians has been very encouraging as total bookings now total over 10,000 units of which nearly 2,000 were made online, thus confirming the Company made the correct decision to develop and launch the platform. “We are thankful to all Malaysians for the support they have given to PROTON since we started accepting bookings for the Proton X70. Despite our need to control the flow of information prior to its launch, the response has been very encouraging as we have received over 10,000 bookings with those placed online via our booking platform exceeding our expectations. We were unsure how customers would react to this new method to book a car but its success points to how cars might be sold in the future” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON (above).
“Now we ask for a little bit more patience from everybody as we make the final preparations for the launch of the Proton X70. This will be the first Proton SUV as well as the first car to be jointly developed by PROTON and Geely. We are working hard to ensure it meets the expectations of buyers and are also investing heavily in our outlets and dealerships so that we have the necessary sales and after sales resources to support such an important product,” he added.
Target for 3S/4S outlet approvals achieved…
Having stated its target to achieve 109 submission approvals for 3S/4S outlets earlier in the year, PROTON announced it has now exceeded the target amount. To date, 113 outlet submission approvals have been recorded, accounting for a 104% achievement against the set target. “We are very proud of this achievement as it means the market has responded well to the PROTON brand by deeming it as a good investment. I commend the efforts of our existing dealers who took the opportunity to stay invested with us as well as the new dealers for their faith and vision to see the potential for PROTON in the current and future automotive market,” added Dr Li.
“When JD Power released their 2018 Sales Satisfaction Index ranking (SSI) for mass market automotive brands, it showed PROTON had improved to sixth in the table with a score of 782 points. While we are not satisfied, we still managed to surpass the score of some of our major rivals, which is a sign our customers have responded positively to our efforts to serve them better. I believe with a concerted effort, we can achieve our target to be ranked in the top-3 by 2019,” he added.
New 4S outlet opens in Setapak… Ming Heng Motor Sdn Bhd (Ming Heng) is the newest 4S dealership to join the list of PROTON 4S outlets. Situated along Jalan Genting-Klang, the facility has a built-up area of 3074 square meters and cost RM6 million to build. On-site facilities and amenities include 14 work bays with 12 service hoists, a customer lounge, coffee area, free Wi-Fi, kids’ play area, laptop and mobile charging facilities as well as prayer rooms for the convenience of customers. The body and paint shop is still being commissioned and will be operational by December 2018.
“The decision to apply for a dealership was made because Ming Heng is confident of the potential the PROTON brand has for the future. We are thankful our proposal was accepted and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship that is focussed on delivering the best products and customer service to all customers,” said Eric Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Ming Heng Motor Sdn Bhd.
EFKON Asia Sdn Bhd, the Austrian technology provider of the Infra-Red Toll Collection System on Malaysian highways, has reassured the more than four million“SmartTag” users in the country that the company will continue to provide sales and service support for the system, since Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd recently announced that it would stop selling the SmartTAG devices through its channels. Long story short, yes, you can still use your SmartTag device in the given lane, and you can still buy a new one to install your TnG card into, only it’s not called a “SmartTag” anymore, it’s called a E-TAG. Same device, same price, different name.
A media briefing was held recently to allay any fears or suspicions that any might have in regards to this ‘new’ TnG card reader replacing the SmartTag, which actually looks very much like the SmartTag device we are all used to. In fact they are identical. Think of them as Big Apple and J-CO donuts, same thing, different branding.
The good news is that these devices are serviceable, so even if your current SmartTag has ‘lost’ its digital display readout (a major gripe among users of this device), EFKON can fix them for free if they’re still under warranty. A slight charge applies if they’re past their warranty date. This month, EFKON Asia plans to have in place a nationwide sales and service network to ensure wider availability and convenience to highway users who wish to purchase or service the Infra-Red E-TAG device, starting with SHELL petrol stations along major highways.
More on EFKON: Plans & availability…
Moving forward, the Infra-Red TAG device will be available under various brands which will be fully compatible with the current Malaysian toll system. MaxTAG by Sigma Technology Sdn Bhd is already on sale on the e-commerce platform, www.lazada.com.my and www.11street.my. In a firm endorsement of the device’s effectiveness, EFKON’s product has been incorporated as a built-in device in several new car models by major automotive manufacturers in the country (Perodua Myvi for example) at a rate of hundreds of thousands of units a year.
The TAG, which is manufactured in Malaysia, is also exported to Vietnam and Indonesia with a fast-expanding user community. Developed in 1997 and rolled out across the country in 2005, the Infra-Red Toll Collection System developed by local companies together with EFKON has proven to be the most reliable and efficient system in facilitating traffic flow on Malaysian highways.
According to EFKON the reason for the digital display in the previous SmartTag failing was the use of hot-glue instead of proper spot-soldering to connect the digital display to the main board. This glue didn’t hold up very well to our climate. We were assured that the new E-TAG devices are better made.
According to EFKON Asia director Helmuth Blasch, (above) the company’s Infra-Red Toll Collection System is also ready and suited for multi-lane traffic free flow. “In Germany, a similar Infra-Red System has proven to be effective and reliable in multi-lane traffic free flow environment for speeds above 120 km/h. We have also successfully replicated this test in Malaysia. In contrast to simple solutions, the Infra-Red DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communication) System also provides high security and protection from cloning the TAG for misuse. We are confident that this Infra-Red TAG System with its 13-year track record and more than four million satisfied customers in this country, will continue to prove its worth as an efficient, convenient and cost-effective cashless toll collection system,” he said.
“Infra-Red TAG devices are cost-effective solutions for frequent highway users. Each device is robustly-built with a high-impact resistant casing. As it can be kept inside a vehicle and not subject to external environment conditions and vandalism, one can easily last 15 years or more,” he added. “In Germany, the Nationwide Truck Tolling System that EFKON installed on all highways in a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) configuration has proven to be highly effective, catering to more than two million trucks travelling at up to 100 km/h. In the Netherlands’ Westerschelde Tunnel, an initial plan to replace the Infra-Red System with RFID was scrapped after it was proven difficult to accurately direct microwaves at specific stickers, especially with the presence of large reflective metal surfaces such as tankers and containers nearby,”
From now till Sunday 28th October, Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor and custodian for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia is showcasing the New Peugeot 308 THP to the Malaysian public at Peugeot’s Motion & Emotion Roadshow at 1 Utama Shopping Mall. Built for people inspired by stylish design, engineering excellence and pure driving pleasure, Peugeot’s latest model will most certainly bring Ultimate Thrills to its driver and passengers.
“The New 308 THP exudes European flair and function, and is an upgraded variant of the best-selling Peugeot model in Malaysia. It was designed for the charismatic Malaysian with a passion for speed and being in control with its state-of-the-art technology and exemplary road handling. With that, we believe that the New 308 THP will become one of our best-selling models alongside the impeccable 3008 SUV,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.
An evolved icon of refinement, the New 308 THP displays the latest Peugeot design language and dons a dynamic new look with a re-profiled front bumper, bonnet and radiator grille, incorporated with the iconic Peugeot Lion emblem. Inside, the stylish new car features the signature Peugeot i-Cockpit ergonomically designed to ensure safety and comfort with its compact steering wheel and 9.7-inch HD touchscreen, as well as a heads-up display positioned at the driver’s optimum eye level and raised centre console. The New 308 THP also offers advanced connectivity features such as Mirrorlink, Android Auto and Apple Carplay for seamless pairing with smart devices. Additionally, the 180° Reverse Camera with auto zoom enables easier parking and reversing.
Compared to the pre-facelift model, the New 308 THP is edgier and more responsive thanks to the proven award-winning 1.6 litre THP engine mated to a 6-speed auto transmission with Quickshift Technology. With a more efficient and powerful engine that is 15 PS more than the pre-facelift model, the New Peugeot 308 THP achieves an output of 167 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm at 1,400 rpm of peak torque. The sporty car also has a top speed of 211 km/h while keeping fuel efficiency in check with a range-topping 800 km on a single tank. Peugeot’s latest model is also perfect for thrill-seekers, installed with a Sport mode which allows the driver a spirited drive.
Crafted with safety and comfort in mind, the Peugeot 308 THP is 140 kg lighter, more compact and sturdy with a lower centre of gravity as compared to its predecessor, for added stability. The car is also packed with safety systems including Peugeot Hill Start Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) which makes it the ultimate road companion for manoeuvring through the congested Malaysian city traffic.
Available in five elegant colours Pearl White, Ultimate Red, Artense Grey, Magnetic Blue and Nera Black, the New Peugeot 308 THP is available for viewing from today until 28th October 2018 at the 1 Utama New Wing alongside award-winning Peugeot models – New 308 GTi, 3008 SUV, 5008 SUV and 208 Puretech.
Concurrently, Peugeot’s Motion & Emotion Roadshow is featuring the on-going Year-End Autovaganza Campaign with exciting deals and great savings of up to RM 12,000. Limited-time deals include the New Peugeot 308 THP at a starting price of RM 129,888 and Peugeot 3008 SUV from RM 141,888. Meanwhile, the Peugeot 5008 SUV retails for RM 172,888 and Peugeot 208 Puretech goes for RM86,888.
Peugeot fans can experience Peugeot’s Motion & Emotion Roadshow at Ground Floor, High Street, 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Get exclusive deals only at the roadshow and test drive your favourite Peugeot model; choose the 208 Puretech, 3008 SUV, 5008 SUV or New 308 THP.
All Peugeot models include a 5-year peace-of-mind or 120,000 km warranty, together with Nasim’s existing 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service and complimentary access to ‘SkyLounge by Naza’ at Subang Skypark. For more information about Peugeot models, log on to www.peugeot.com.my.
The Ford Motor Company, together with its local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) has launched the new Ford Ranger… NINE variants to be exact – an even more capable pick-up with a freshened lineup that combines class-leading technology, safety and convenience features. The new ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger builds on the capabilities and off-road credentials that perfectly complements, and enables a wide range of customers’ work and lifestyles. But not the Raptor… this was just a preview. The official Raptor launch happens at KLIMS next month (see video below)…
The new Ranger lineup in Malaysia consists of nine different variants, including the XL, XLT, new XLT+ Wildtrak, and the much anticipated Ranger Raptor. The Raptor will be launched officially at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 this November. Pricing for the new Ranger Raptor has not been announced but it’s quite possible that the Raptor could be the first ‘lifestyle’ pick-up truck in Malaysia to breach the RM200,000 mark.
“With the new advanced features and the new generation powertrain offering even greater capability, the new Ranger will build on its already strong and widening appeal in the market,” said Truong Kim Phong, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. “The new Ranger will help continue to revolutionise the pickup truck segment, and we are proud that so many customers are choosing Ford.”
“We know that Malaysian customers want their pickups to have the toughness of a truck as well as the comfort and advanced features of a passenger vehicle. We are confident that the new Ranger lineup will offer customers unmatched versatility, helping them achieve more, whether at work or with their family,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (below).
More on the new Ford Rangers…
Advanced Powertrains for Proven Performance, Cutting-edge Technology
The new Ford Ranger offers a choice of three diesel powertrains to deliver greater versatility and to match consumer demands for a wider variety of requirements. These include the new generation 2.0L Single-Turbo and 2.0L Bi-Turbo engines, and the Ranger’s proven Duratorq 2.2L.
Ford’s new generation of diesel engines uses advanced materials and boasts sophisticated construction. Compact, lightweight, powerful and efficient, they feature common-rail direct fuel-injection, an integrated intake manifold, and a belt-in-oil primary drive. Available exclusively on the Wildtrak 4×4 (and Raptor) is the new-generation 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel engine, coupled with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission to bring greater torque, improved flexibility and a quieter, more comfortable drive.
The 2.0L Bi-Turbo takes advantage of sequential turbocharging to deliver greater responsiveness, drivability and maximum efficiency. A pair of turbochargers are employed for maximum performance and efficiency. A variable geometry turbocharger is employed to deliver greater throttle response and eliminate lag by spooling up quickly at low speeds. The second unit is a fixed geometry turbocharger with a high flow capacity to deliver maximum power and performance.
With 500Nm from a low 1750rpm, the Bi-Turbo engine delivers a greater torque spread, with the 10-speed’s close ratios reducing gaps in power and acceleration to make steep, slippery hill-climbs much easier. The Wildtrak model optioned with the new engine maintains Ranger’s equal class-leading payload and 3500kg towing capability. The 2.0L Single-Turbo engine, available on the Wildtrak 4×2 and new Ranger XLT+ variants, is also mated to Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver 180PS and an impressive 420Nm of torque. The XL and XLT variants are equipped with Ranger’s proven 2.2L turbodiesel engine, which offers 160PS/385Nm and comes with a six-speed automatic and manual transmission.
Tougher, Smarter
Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist feature using Inter-Urban Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection is available on the new Ranger. The system is designed to detect pedestrians as well as vehicles to bring the Ranger to a complete stop to help mitigate potential rear-end collisions and road-traffic collisions with pedestrians. The system functions at speeds above 3.6km/h.
The First and only in-class Lane Departure Warning & Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning will carry over to the new Ranger. Ford’s segment-first Semi-Automatic Parrallel Parking (SAPP) is available on the Wildtrak 4×4. The driver need only to apply the gear changes and brakes, and the system will automatically steer the Ranger into the parking space.
Loading is easier than ever on the Wildtrak and XLT+ models with the introduction of the first and only in-class, Easy Lift Tailgate. With a new internal mechanism, the Ranger’s tailgate is now lighter to lift, with a 70 percent reduction in initial force required to raise it for closing. Not only does this system require less effort to lift, it also means that it’s easier to lower. Check out the video below for a “one-finger” operation demonstration of the easy-lift tailgate (skip to the 2m20sec mark for the demo)
The Ranger has added the light and nimble Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) to the entry level XL variant – making it the first-in-segment to offer this feature as standard across all models – and providing even more capability to these workhorse trucks that tackle the daily demands of construction sites and agricultural fields across the country.
Ranger’s Fresh Face
The new Ranger’s rugged good looks see styling changes that carry on the off-road stance and visual appeal of the current model. Lead by a cleaner new grille, which features the distinctive ‘nostrils’, the more distinctively chiselled lower bumper now offers a broader intake for a more balanced look. Ranger Wildtrak and XLT+ boast LED daytime running lights and HID headlights for better visibility. The Wildtrak variants will also come fitted with LED front fog lamps.
“A successful design should communicate its intent at-a-glance,” said Ford Asia-Pacific Director of Design, Todd Willing.“With Ranger’s reputation as an amazingly capable and versatile vehicle, it is our responsibility to create a design that clearly signals those attributes in combination with a handsome and appealing aesthetic.” There is also clearer distinction between models visually, with bumper treatments and colours reflecting the unique character of each model – be it a hardworking Ranger XL or a go-anywhere Wildtrak. Chrome brightwork on the Ranger XLT and Monument accents on the Ranger Wildtrak reflect each model’s unique position in the line-up. Exclusive to Wildtrak is the new ‘Saber’ hero colour, a rich orange with blonde accents which contrasts strongly with the dark grey grille surrounds. The Wildtrak’s sports-bar and two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels further differentiate it from the pack.
Mission Control
The Ranger is now equipped with keyless entry and push-start button on the XLT+ and Wildtrak. Its interior hosts an array of upgrades to help tackle the working week, the long weekend road trip, and the off-road adventure. With durable, tactile surface finishes ensuring a long lifespan, the spacious Ranger now sports a black themed interior. Contrasting detail elements including shadow chrome and silver accent stitching help give its interior a premium feel.
SYNC® 3 on the Ranger XLT+ and Wildtrak is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and includes Bluetooth and an 8.0-inch full colour touchscreen. The Wildtrak is also equipped with in-built satellite navigation system for when the Ranger is beyond mobile coverage areas.
On-road Comfort, Off-road Conquered
The new Ranger’s suspension had been upgraded for improved control roll, to enhance the driving experience when fully-laden and when towing. The new packaging also enables geometry changes for an improved ride, a reduction in body roll as well as improved steering precision. The suspension changes do not impact on Ranger’s equal class-leading towing and payload capabilities.
“We’ve further improved how Ranger behaves when carrying a load, towing a boat or when taking a caravan around the country,” said John Willems, Chief Program Engineer, Ranger.“The Ranger is now better to drive when it’s working at its hardest. It is easier to handle, so you can really make the most of its payload and towing capabilities. It helps reduce fatigue on long trips, too.”
Pricing, Colors and Service
The following variants of the new Ranger are available at the following prices:
Wildtrak – two variants, from RM134,888.00
XLT+ – one variant, from RM124,888.00
XLT – two variants, from RM109,888.00
XL – three variants, from RM90,888.00
The Ranger is available in eight exciting colors, including the three new; Saber (Wildtrak only), Magnetic and Lightning Blue colours, as well as Cool White, Meteor Grey, Aluminium Metallic, Frozen White and Absolute Black.
As an early bird offer,the first 888 customers who register their new Ford Ranger will each receive an electrical goods voucher worth RM1,000. The early bird offer ends either when the 888th registration is reached or at 31 December 2018, whichever comes first*. On top of that, Sime Darby Auto Connexion will be offering new Ranger customers up to 2 years free maintenance or up to 40,000km for customers who successfully register before 31 January 2019, whichever comes first*.
Through liberal use of high-tech digital innovation and technology, the new facility is able to create an unparalleled Lexus experience for every guest who visits the new outlet be it for a brand new Lexus automobile, quality after-sales care, a high-quality certified pre-owned vehicle or simply to purchase Lexus Lifestyle merchandise.
In presenting the new Lexus Mutiara Damansara, Ravindran K., President of Lexus Malaysia said that the enhancements to the facilities allowed Lexus Malaysia to redefine its core brand values and to clearly showcase them with a truly exclusive Lexus experience.
“Not by any means is the Lexus brand and its products deemed conventional. Neither then should the retail experience be. By designing innovative ways to excite and change the world, Lexus remains the visionary luxury brand that anticipates the future for people and society,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia.
Part of the challenge for a luxury lifestyle brand is to remain in step with the customer and at Lexus, this challenge is amply met through its omotenashi mantra by anticipating and fulfilling customers’ needs at every touch point.
