BMW Group Malaysia Archives

Auto Bavaria takes over BMW/Mini dealership in Tebrau, Johor; to start operations on July 15

The BMW dealership in Tebrau, Johor, which was taken over by Auto Bavaria, will commence operations from July 15, 2020. As a 4S centre, it will offer the full range of services and systems for the BMW, BMW Motorrad, and MINI brands, as well as and BMW Premium Selection (pre-owned vehicles).

The Auto Bavaria Tebrau dealership (formerly managed by a unit of Wearnes) has a large built-up space of 63,000 square feet, capable of displaying up to 10 units of BMW and BMW Motorrad vehicles, six MINI cars as well as 8 vehicles from the BMW Premium Selection portfolio.

Auto Bavaria Tebrau Johor — *The car showroom was the first one in Malaysia to have an escalator. It takes visitors upstairs to the motorcycle and MINI sections.*

It will start off with a dedicated staff count of over 80 to serve customers of the various brands. As with other dealerships, there will be a Customer Lounge, Isetta Bar, BMW Lifestyle & Accessories, Handover Area and RATC (reception at the car) Service.

The Dealer Principal of Auto Bavaria Tebrau, Andy Tian, said: “A new journey is ahead of us in the southern region to deliver the premium ownership experience to more customers here. We continue to stay true to our promise of providing not only the best in customer service, but to exceed expectations in delivering what BMW has always stood for – providing Sheer Driving Pleasure.”

Auto Bavaria, a unit of Sime Darby Motors, was previously the importer and distributor for BMW vehicles, having taken over from BMW Concessionaires in 1988. It steadily developed the brand in the years that followed until BMW Group Malaysia was established in 2003 to manage assembly, marketing and distribution activities for the various brands. Nevertheless, Auto Bavaria, part of the Sime Darby Motors group, has continued to be the leading dealer chain representing BMW and Mini.

The Boss has arrived in Malaysia

Visit www.bmw.com.my or mini.my for more information on products and services of the respective brands.

MINI and BMW prices with Sales Tax exemption

2020 BMW PRICES X SALES TAX — Note: Prices are for private registration and do not include insurance premiums and PUSPAKOM inspection charges. Tax exemption (until December 31, 2020) only applicable to 2020 models – 5% for imported CBU models, 10% for locally-assembled CKD models.

BMW 7-Series — *Most expensive BMW model assembled locally – the 740LE xDrive – is almost RM30,000 cheaper when no Sales Tax is included.*

2020 MINI PRICES X SALES TAX — Note: Prices are for private registration and do not include insurance premiums and PUSPAKOM inspection charges. Tax exemption (until December 31, 2020) only applicable to 2020 models – 5% for imported CBU models, 10% for locally-assembled CKD models.

BMW Group Malaysia extends BMW and MINI PHEV battery pack warranties

BMW Group Malaysia has been a driving force in electrified vehicles for many years. This mirrors its global electrification initiatives not just in products but also in related activities such as battery pack manufacturing. It’s therefore not surprising that many of the BMWs on the roads are electrified, with plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The cost of battery packs replacement has been a concern of many owners who buy hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Though designed to last a long time, the battery packs might have problems and the cost of replacement can be high as they are specialised and sophisticated units, not like the common small lead-acid battery in the engine bay.

*BMW battery pack is sophisticated and advanced energy storage system, which is why it costs a lot to replace.*

To provide peace of mind to owners, the BMW and MINI brands in Malaysia now offer an extended PHEV battery warranty programme. This new programme extends – by an additional 2 years or 60,000 kms – the existing programme to 8 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms.

*BMW 740LE XDrive – one of the electrified PHEV models in Malaysia*

The New Battery Warranty Programme is also available as an extension via the BMW and MINI Aftersales Upgrade Programmes for the BMW 330e, BMW X5 xDrive 40e, BMW 530e and MINI Countryman PHEV at RM2,200 as well as for the BMW 740Le at RM7,600.

However, this PHEV Battery Warranty Programme is available only from now until December 31, 2020.

Production of High-Voltage Batteries for BMW Hybrid Vehicles underway in Thailand

BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage digitalise premium ownership experience

Along with MINI Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has also introduced new online platforms – the BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage – as a way to digitalise the premium ownership experience for customers in Malaysia. This is particularly useful at this time with the Movement Control Order (MCO) restricting customers from visiting showrooms.

BMW Engage, a first-of-its-kind online financing platform introduced by BMW Credit (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., complements the BMW Shop Online. It provides a contactless experience, enabling customers to apply and get pre-approval for their financing requirements from the comfort of their home via a simple and seamless application process.

With the new online touchpoints, the company is also driving its ‘Unplug & Play’ campaign with online-exclusive offers for the BMW 530e Sport and BMW 530e M Sport. This campaign aims to increase the uptake of electrified vehicles in the country.

The ‘Unplug & Play’ online-exclusives for the 530e can also be found on BMW Shop Online with cash rebates from RM10,000 and RM20,000 for the 530e Sport and 530e M Sport, respectively. Additionally, there is an interest rate of 0% for both models. New owners will also receive a complimentary BMW i Wallbox when booking the 530e Sport online. Customers taking up the offer will be in the running to drive home an i8 Coupe.

Online booking of both the models gets new owners a BMW ChargeNow card, that grants straightforward access to partner charging stations like ChargEV by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation. With the, owners can enjoy 24/7 support and access to all charging locations in ChargEV’s growing network which now offers more than 270 charging facilities nationwide. New owners of the BMW 530e M Sport will also receive the BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable.

*Customers who make online bookings for the 530e Sport and 530e M Sport have a chance to win one BMW i8 Coupe.*

The online-exclusive offer is available from now until June 30 2020. Customers can make bookings for the 530e Sport and 530e M Sport with just RM1,000 via the BMW Shop Online. For financing pre-approval before shopping, they can visit BMW Engage.

2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport arrives in Malaysia – online

BMW Group Malaysia continues to contribute to electromobility in the country

Of the 11,567 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad (motorcycle) vehicles that BMW Group Malaysia delivered last year, 3,148 were electrified models with all-electric or hybrid powertrains. These joined the total of over 17,000 electrified vehicles delivered by the company since 2015.

On a global scale, a total of 145,815 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles were delivered worldwide in 2019, contributing to half a million such vehicle vehicles delivered to date.

2019 also marked the third consecutive year BMW Group Malaysia expanded the infrastructure for electromobility in the country, having introduced 18 new BMW i Charging Facilities across Malaysia. This brings the number to over 30, set up within 3 years.

Sales by brand
The BMW brand saw 9,300 new owners in Malaysia last year, with more than a quarter (2,514 units) having chosen the 3-Series. Another key contributor in 2019 was the 5-Series, with over 2,000 units delivered nationwide.

The X Family recorded total sales of 3,985 units and the X3 sold in the largest volume (1,354 unit), followed closely by the X1 (1,331 units). The electrified X5 xDrive40e accounted for 24% (975) of total deliveries, making it the third bestselling BMW X model in 2019.

MINI delivered 1,142 vehicles last year, with the Countryman version accounting for more than half the number (685 units). Worldwide, MINI brand deliveries totalled 346,639 units in 2019.

Exports from Malaysia
Having made big investments in its production facilities at the Inokom plant in Kedah, BMW has also exported some of the production. Including engines, to other ASEAN markets. It has been exporting the 5-Series to the Philippines and is also preparing to export other models in future, including the 7-Series. Vehicles imported to other ASEAN markets can enjoy duty-exemption under the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement, enabling distributors to sell them at more attractive price levels.

BMW 5-Series — *The 5-Series assembled at the BMW facility in Kedah, as well as engines also produced there, are exported to neighbouring countries and enjoy duty-free importation under the AFTA agreement.*

Financial services
With a range of flexible financing plans, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia also achieved a strong business portfolio, having financed half of the new BMW and MINI vehicles delivered last year. Its Easy Drive financing solution provides flexibility as well as affordability to customers.

New sales records in 2019 make BMW M GmbH most successful manufacturer in its segment

BMW Group Malaysia invites other companies to join in childseat subsidy initiative

Since the year began, the law making it compulsory for small children and infants to be placed in childseats when travelling in cars has come into effect. While the Transport Minister has said that, during the first 6 months of 2020, summonses will not be issued to those who do not comply, it doesn’t mean that the matter should be ignored either.

Meanwhile, one car company has taken the initiative to help in promoting the use of childseats. As reported earlier, BMW Group Malaysia has a subsidy programme as part of the BMW Safety 360° initiative. In its first phase, the car company, Childline Foundation and Safe ‘n Sound made 150 units of certified infant carrier car seats available at a subsidised price of RM100 each for parents in the B40 income group.

Not unexpectedly, response was great and over 25,000 parents made applications within 2 weeks of registrations being accepted. The infant carrier seats, which retail for RM199, were recently presented to parents from the Klang Valley region, while the remaining seats will be sent to recipients across the nation.

From the big response, it is clear that parents are aware of the need to provide the seats for their little ones. However, one company alone cannot keep subsidising the cost and BMW Group Malaysia invites other companies to join in the initiative. “There is an urgent need for us to come together and take action. The overwhelming response to the first phase of the subsidy programme shows that more parents are now aware of the need for child car seats and are quick to adopt its usage given the opportunity. As such, to all partners and companies who have the means to help subsidise these infant carrier car seats, we welcome you to join in the subsidy programme to prioritise child safety in cars for all,” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications at BMW Group Malaysia.

Interested parties can be part of the subsidy programme by writing to bmw@voxeureka.com with the name of the participating company and the amount of subsidy (in Malaysian ringgit) they would like to commit by February 13, 2020.

150 units of infant carrier carseats available at a subsidised price with BMW Malaysia’s support

BMW Group Malaysia’s offers for Chinese New Year

This coming Chinese New Year will start the Year of the Rat, which is also the beginning of a new cycle of the Chinese zodiac. For those who are planning on buying a new car, this could be a good time to join the BMW or MINI family.

BMW Group Malaysia is having Chinese New Year offers which include cash rebates with financing solutions to make it easy to purchase a new BMW or MINI model. The offers are available at all authorised dealerships nationwide.

Deals for BMW
Until March 31, 2020, customers can obtain attractive financing interest of 1.38% for the 530e M Sport, and 1.88% for models including the 330i M Sport, 530i M Sport, 520i Luxury, 740Le xDrive LCI, 630i GT, X1 sDrive20i, X3 xDrive30i Luxury and X3 xDrive30i M Sport.

During the promotion period, new owners of the BMW 330i M Sport will also receive a complimentary BMW Ultimate Protection Programme for one year. It is described as a first-of-its kind insurance plan that covers both the owner and their BMW vehicle. Owners of other models mentioned will also enjoy the same benefit, with the added advantage of a one-year complimentary BMW Comprehensive Insurance.

*BMW ChargeNow card provides easy access to public charging stations in many locations across Malaysia.*

Additionally, those who choose the 530e M Sport or 740Le xDrive LCI and have it registered by March 31, 2020 will receive a complimentary BMW i Wallbox and BMW ChargeNow card. The former will enable recharging of the battery pack to be done at home while the latter will provide easy access to public charging stations in many locations across Malaysia.

If you prefer a MINI
MINI Malaysia’s ‘Springs Into Action’ campaign has festive offers which will be available up to the end of March 2020. These include monthly instalments starting from RM2,388 and cash rebates of between RM8,000 to RM22,000 on selected models.

Additionally, for the first 20 owners of the MINI 3 Door or MINI 5 Door (during the campaign period), there will be an exclusive invitation to the exciting MINI Track Driving Experience. This will enable a new owner to immediately understand why the MINI has been so highly regarded for its go-kart handling.

2020 MINI Clubman unveiled – RM298,888

BMW Group Malaysia’s initiative to bring festive cheer to children at Shelter

The festive season is a time when people can take a break and celebrate; in this case, Christmas for those who celebrate it and the coming of another New Year. It’s also a time to think of the less fortunate who may not be able to enjoy the festive spirit and for those at Shelter, a local children’s home, BMW Group Malaysia is undertaking an initiative to bring them some cheer.

The company has set up a ‘Joy of Giving’ box inside the spacious boot of a BMW X7 on display at the Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can help fulfil a wish by purchasing an item off the Shelter children’s list and dropping the item in the box. In doing so, they will also be entitled to enter a lucky draw and receive an exclusive BMW Christmas gift wrapper.

“As we approach the end of 2019, we wanted to give thanks for all that we have achieved at BMW Group Malaysia this year. To share this gratitude with our customers who have remained loyal to the brand, we are inviting them to a month of celebration with us at the Bangsar Shopping Centre. This year is especially unique as well because we have partnered with Shelter, a local children’s home to spread the ‘Joy of Giving’, to the underprivileged children of Malaysia,” said Harald Hoelzl, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.

There will also be opportunities to test-drive the new BMW X3 and 530e. Those who go for the test-drives will also be entitled to join the lucky draw to win exclusive BMW merchandise as well as get a special and exclusive BMW Christmas gift wrapper. If they purchase more than RM200 worth of items (in a single receipt) at Bangsar Shopping Centre, they can also receive the exclusive gift wrappers and get an entry for the lucky draw.

BMW Malaysia wants you to use child car seat ‘From Day One’

150 units of infant carrier carseats available at a subsidised price with BMW Malaysia’s support

With the mandatory usage of childseats in cars coming into effect next month, parents have to start making the purchases to ensure they do not commit an offence (although summonses will not be issued during the first 6 months of the year). For 150 qualified parents, there is an opportunity to buy such seats at subsidised prices, thanks to BMW Malaysia, Safe ‘n Sound and Childline Foundation.

“With only 30% of drivers using child carseats for their children, it became more imperative for us as automakers to press on for child safety, regardless of the challenges we encounter in the fight for its education and accessibility. It is encouraging to see the Ministry of Transport take a definite step into making child carseats mandatory in the year to come, but at the same time, recognise that there are parents who may have limited access to them – therefore providing tax breaks and reduced excise fee for child carseats. In support of that, we are now bringing the subsidy programme online to make infant carrier carseats accessible to households with income less than RM3,000 a month,” said Harald Hoelzl, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.

BMW Malaysia aims to accelerate the adoption of child car seats through the subsidy programme as part of the BMW Safety 360° initiative. In collaboration with Childline Foundation and Safe ‘n Sound, 150 units of infant carrier carseats will be made available at a subsidized price of RM100 each.

BMW Malaysia and Safe ‘n Sound will be subsidising 150 snskidz Ace infant carrier carseats at RM100 each. The rear-facing infant carrier carseat, which retails at RM199, can be used from birth to 13 kgs and carries the ECE R44-04 certification.

How to register
Parents can register for the subsidised infant carrier car seat at www.safensound.com.my/pages/child-car-seat-subsidy-programme from now until December 15, 2019. Applicants eligible for the subsidy will be notified, after which a payment of RM100 must be made prior to the collection of the carseat.

“Parents will also be educated on the proper ways of choosing and installing the child carseats to ensure the utmost safety of their children upon collection of the infant carrier carseat. By educating them, we hope that they, too, will become advocates for child safety.” Said Datin Wong Poai Hong from Childline Foundation.

BMW childseat — *BMW also offers a range of child carseats to suit different budgets of its customers.*

“While the BMW Safety 360° Programme has been running for over 5 years now, we hope to see more partners take active roles to ensure that child carseats are a norm in Malaysia, be it through education or increasing accessibility to them. Partners can also engage with Childline Foundation to further advocate for child safety. For both parents and partners, there is no better time than now to take action and they should not wait until the ruling comes into effect before considering child safety,” added Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications at BMW Group Malaysia.

REMINDER: Child seats mandatory starting year 2020

Ride-Drive event gives potential customers experience of MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid

To provide current and potential owners with an experience of the latest MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, Auto Bavaria recently organised ‘The Auto Bavaria MINI Ride’. The by-invitation only event enabled its participants the unique experience of stage cycling with the support of the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, very much like at an international multiple stage bicycle race.

The MINI Ride event began at dawn with participants meeting at Auto Bavaria showrooms across the Klang Valley and beginning their journey driving the new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid with their personal bicycles mounted on top. They headed to the start location of the ride at Plaza Batai in the Damansara Heights area of Kuala Lumpur, gaining personal impressions of the car.

To provide the riders the proper energy and hydration needed for the maximum elevation climb from Plaza Batai towards TTDI Park, the MINI Ride participants were treated to fruits, juices and energy bars at start starting point. Led by a pacer, they then rode to a maximum elevation of 137 metres in between the route from Plaza Batai to TTDI and a 1-km MINI sprint challenge stop at TTDI park before cycling back down to the Yellow Brick Road cafe for brunch.

Then it was back into the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid for the drive back to an Auto Bavaria showroom where they received more insights on its features and capabilities. For those who have active lifestyle, especially cyclists, the user-friendliness in mounting and carrying bikes as well as having the ability to provide the cargo space to carry all the necessary gear for the day out were appreciated.

As a plug-in hybrid, the car has a powertrain with an electric motor as well as a petrol engine. The lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged at home using the 240V household socket or a dedicated electric car charging point. With a fully charged battery pack, the claimed electric-only driving range can be up to 42 kms, with a total mixed driving range of up to 500 kms on a full tank of fuel. The advantage of a hybrid over an all-electric vehicle is that you can still run on the petrol engine if the battery pack cannot be recharged so there doesn’t need to be ‘range anxiety’.

In 2018, Malaysia was the first country in Southeast Asia to locally assemble the MINI Countryman at the BMW assembly facility in Kedah. Following its successful launch and in line with BMW Group Malaysia’s strategy for electromobility, the company then introduced the Plug-In Hybrid variant which is priced at RM268,888 (excluding insurance).

(more…)

Piston.my