Piston.my

Honda Malaysia

Honda’s popular HR-V Sport Hybrid has received updating with revised lighting units front and rear, a new exterior body colour and some interior enhancements. The crossover SUV is priced from RM113,954.82 (excluding insurance) with full exemption of sales tax until the end of this year.

New lights, new colour
The revisions to the lighting units see a change to LEDs which should provide longer service life while drawing less electrical energy. The new exterior colour is Platinum White Pearl (with a surcharge of RM272.72), a distinctive finish which joins the other choices of Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic. The door handles are also finished in chrome for this updated model.

For the interior, the HR-V Sport Hybrid now comes with a 7-inch colour display with large icons for easy management. The infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so compatible smartphones can be easily connected. There are also two USB ports available for recharging of portable electronic devices, while a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel is now provided.

8-year warranty for battery pack
The hybrid version of the HR-V, which was first introduced in 2015 and then updated in 2019, uses the i-DCD hybrid powertrain. Developed with Earth Dreams technology, this consists of a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine with Direct Injection combined with 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission and Integrated High Power Motor. Electricity is supplied by a high-power lithium-ion battery pack and the combined system output is 152 ps/190 Nm, which is comparable to a conventional 2-litre engine. The battery pack has a warranty of 8 years and unlimited mileage, 3 years longer than the warranty for the rest of the vehicle (which also has unlimited mileage).

Over 103,000 units on Malaysian roads
Over 103,000 units of the HR-V have been sold in Malaysia and it has accounted for 18% of Honda sales in this country in 2021. According to Honda Malaysia, it continues to be the leader the non-national compact SUV segment with a 71% market share (as of June 2021).

“The HR-V has remained Malaysians’ favourite Compact SUV with its versatility, spaciousness and stylish exterior appearance. Having considered market feedback and demands, we have introduced exterior upgrades to the hybrid variant. With the overall package and attractive pricing, we believe it will be the preferred choice for customers who are seeking a Compact SUV body type with a thrilling hybrid performance,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.

Authorised Honda showrooms are open again, and customers can also book online at prebook.honda.com.my or use the HondaTouch application on their smartphones. More information is also available at www.honda.com.my.

Honda Malaysia introduces HondaTouch application for owners and customers

StayAtHome

Honda Malaysia reports that the ongoing restrictions of the Full  Movement Control Order (FMCO) have impacted its business significantly, with sales of new vehicles falling by 52% during the May to  July 2021 (compared to the same period in 2020). In compliance with government orders, the Company has suspended its business operations. These include closures of showrooms, its marketing and sales office as well as the assembly plant in Pegoh, Melaka.

However, aftersales services are allowed to operate at selected authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Conditions for operations are that only minimal manpower is allowed and appointments must be made in advance. The HondaTouch app provides an easy way to make an appointment. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must also be observed and customers can only go to a service centre if it is within 10 kms of their home.

Showrooms cannot conduct business activities but selected authorised service centres (below) are permitted to provide aftersales support and emergency assistance.

Only 5,700 units sold in 3 months

“With only certain aftersales services allowed and sales and manufacturing operations halted, it is no surprise that sales have plunged. Honda Malaysia saw a decline of 52% in car sales for the year-on-year period of May to July 2021. We sold about 5,700 units in this period compared to close to 12,000 units sold in the same period last year when the country was under a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and then Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO),” said Madoka Chujo, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO.

She added that the company fully supports the Malaysian government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the restrictions. However, there is concern that a ‘domino effect’ is occurring on all 101 authorised dealers who face financial difficulties. There is the uncertainty of employment for sales and service advisors as  well as other staff. The sales advisors, especially, have been severely affected as their income is largely dependent on commissions earned through vehicle sales.

Salespeople in car companies are especially affected since much of their income comes from commissions for new vehicle sales. Right now, they can’t do any selling activities as showrooms remain closed.

Helping Honda associates

“Honda Malaysia understands the hardship that the dealers and Honda associates are going through, and hence, the company is trying to do its best to assist them during the difficult times. One of the efforts is by registering Honda associates under the Public-Private Partnership Industrial COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PIKAS) to expedite the country’s rate of vaccination,” she said.

The company targets to achieve 100% of first dose vaccination for all its associates by mid-August 2021. As Malaysia has one of the world’s fastest vaccination rates, the company hopes to achieve its vaccination target and subsequently the nationwide vaccination programme will help create a safer environment for Malaysians. “Honda Malaysia is appreciative of the hard work of all the frontliners who have been working tirelessly to help fight the pandemic,” Ms. Chujo added.

The Honda Malaysia assembly plant in Melaka is presently shut down in compliance with the FMCO.

Effect on local suppliers too

She also revealed that the prolonged business closure has impacted Honda Malaysia’s new model production due to no testing conducted in the manufacturing facility. Furthermore, the company’s supply chain and export of parts are also affected.

“The automotive industry supports a wide network of local components and parts suppliers that comprises a few tiers. These suppliers might not be able to sustain their operations and this will subsequently affect the overall supply chain. The current extended lockdown and no visibility on business resumption timeframe have impacted planning and overall investment of the automotive marques,” she explained.

Honda Malaysia hopes that early resumption of the automotive sector activities will be possible under strict SOPs and guidelines set by the government. This can avoid the long-term impact such as retrenchment of employees and can help to prevent potential business closures among the supply chain.

Honda Malaysia and its suppliers distribute essential goods to 6 charity homes

In challenging times like these, Honda shows that it’s not just a company that makes and sells cars but also cares about the local community. In Malaysia, the company has demonstrated its corporate social responsibility in many ways, and the most recent activity is helping the local communities in Melaka who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Honda Malaysia has a special relationship with Melaka as its factory is located in the state. Recently, together with the Honda Malaysia Suppliers Club (HMSC), close to RM40,000 worth of essential goods to 6 charity homes in the state to help alleviate the burden brought about by the pandemic and total lockdown as well as to uplift their spirit through this gesture.

The 6 charity homes include old folks homes, welfare centres and orphanages. At the same time, this initiative also provided an opportunity for the company and HMSC to mutually strengthen with  relationship.

“2021 continues to be a challenging year for Malaysia with the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases, and the country was placed under a nationwide lockdown since June 2021. The near total closure of the economic sectors has resulted in difficulties in sustaining livelihoods, especially among the communities that need support, thereby bringing adverse impact on their everyday life. We understand their situation and believe in order to overcome the challenges, we must move forward “Together As One” and help each other in every possible way,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.

“Striving to be a Company society wants to exist, we collaborated with HMSC in an initiative to help ease the situation especially for the elderlies, orphans, people with disabilities and the homeless. As the nation is implementing Phase One of National Recovery Plan (NRP) in several states, the charity homes are even more difficult to get aid from the public. Hence, this initiative enabled Honda Malaysia to reach out to them,” she said.

Essential supplies that were distributed included rice, flour, eggs and cooking oil, as well as hygiene products such as disposable diapers, detergent and shower gel to charity homes in the vicinity the  Melaka plant. Also provided were clothes for adults, as well as colouring books and small toys for the children.

“We hope the contributions from Honda Malaysia together with the aid from public donations and Social Welfare Department can provide some relief to their burden as well as joy and hope to the residents of the homes. We are also hopeful that the ongoing vaccination programme will help to curb the spread of COVID-19 and bring a safer environment for all of us in Malaysia,” Ms. Chujo added.

The 6 charity homes were Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Dan Warga Emas Alor Gajah, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Warga Emas Dan Anak Yatim Victory, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Harapan, Persatuan Kebajikan Sri Murni Insan Istimewa, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna and Pusat Jagaan Pertubuhan Villa Harapan. A total of more than 300 people are residents at these homes.

Honda Malaysia constantly thinks of ways to help the less fortunate and even on media drives, they have organised charity distribution activities to bring supplies to needy homes.

Meanwhile, on the business front, Honda Malaysia’s plant and authorised dealer showrooms remain closed. However, owners can still obtain support services for preventive maintenance, repair work and towing assistance. Appointments must be made in advance before visiting a service centre, and in accordance with regulations, the service centre should be within 10 kms of the owner’s home. For information and assistance, call 1 800 88 2020.

Honda’s IGNITION program helps start new businesses proposed by employees

Did you know that Honda introduced a solution to traffic jams in the 80s?

This involved a foldable mini motorcycle that could be placed at the back of the Honda City Turbo.

It was Honda’s solution to urban mobility back when it was not even an issue. Talk about fore sight.

In this video we drive the Honda City Turbo 2 then we ride the Honda Motocompo and try folding and unfolding it to see what it was like.

With a full lockdown Movement Control Order (MCO) to run from June 1 to June 14, 2021, many businesses are required to stop operations and these include car companies. In connection with this directive, Honda Malaysia has announced that its main business operations will remain closed for the period.

The business operations involved are the company’s  assembly plant in Pegoh (Melaka), sales office and authorised dealer showrooms nationwide. However, aftersales services are permitted so owners can send their vehicles to authorised Honda service centres nationwide. Aftersales services available are preventive maintenance, Body and Paint (BP) and towing assistance.

Showrooms will be closed for 2 weeks (tentatively) but service centres will continue to operate.

Honda Malaysia encourages owners to use the HondaTouch application to make their appointments at the service centres. They should not just go to the service centres without a prior appointment as this will not be entertained so appointments must be made in advance. It should also be noted that there is a restriction on the range that they can travel which is 10 kms from their home, so they should locate the nearest authorised service centre.

All Honda dealerships strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specified by the health authorities for the safety of Honda customers and company associates as well as to provide customers  peace of mind when visiting the dealerships.

To locate a Honda dealership near you, visit www.honda.com.my/dealers.

A number of models are being recalled by Honda Malaysia to replace a fuel pump as a precautionary measure. This follows an announcement last year in connection with a global recall by the carmaker, with 55,354 units of Honda vehicles assembled in Malaysia in 2018 and 2019 being affected. Now, Honda Malaysia says that an additional 77,708 vehicles have also been added to the recall list. The latest models currently on sale are not affected.

The affected models added to the recall list are shown below:

Honda Fuel Pump Recall
The earlier recall list issued in June 2020.

No incidents reported so far
Honda Malaysia believes this recall is necessary as a preventive measure to address the possibility of difficulty in starting the engine, loss of engine power or vehicle stalling. So far, there are no incidences of crashes or injuries caused by this issue reported in Malaysia. However, as customer safety is Honda Malaysia’s top priority, the company will continue to uphold transparency and stringent controls for all its customers.

Owners of affected vehicles will be informed via notification letters which will include details of the recall. Owners can also check if their vehicle is affected in the fuel pump recall using the HondaTouch application or visit www.honda.com.my/productrecall.honda.com.my.

If you are not the original owner
It is possible that some owners may not receive notification letters as they are not the original owners whose details are on Honda Malaysia’s database. In this case, they can obtain assistance from an authorised Honda dealer to check on the status of their vehicle, or call Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020.

Honda Malaysia urges all affected owners to contact any authorised Honda dealer to make an appointment upon receipt of the notification to replace the fuel pump, subject to parts availability. The replacement of the affected fuel pump is free of charge and all costs related to this activity will be borne by Honda Malaysia.

Over 55,000 Honda vehicles assembled in Malaysia recalled for fuel pump replacement

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

Honda Malaysia today concluded its ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign celebrating the achievement of 1 million vehicles sales with the presentation of the final three ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition models to the lucky winners. The presentation ceremony was done together with the brand partners for the campaign – CUCKOO, Shopee and Watsons.

“Thanks to the excellent leadership of my predecessors, the strong commitment of our Honda associates and dealers as well as the support from the Malaysian government has led Honda Malaysia to achieve many remarkable milestones. Today, I am very privileged to be here celebrating this outstanding achievement with all of you and presenting the final three ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition models to the lucky winners from our brand partners,” said Madoka Chujo, Honda Malaysia’s new Managing Director & CEO.

The three exclusive models
The three exclusive Honda models were the BR-V, HR-V and latest City and the winners were Mohd Aisamuddin bin Mohd Azilah, Muhammed Faisal Adnan and Megawati binti Affendi, respectively.

Additionally, Ahmad Sirwan Bin Mat Tuselim who was the customer who made the 1 millionth vehicle purchase – a Civic – was presented with a token of appreciation worth more than RM8,000 from Honda Malaysia together with the three brand partners.

Ahmad Sirwan bin Mat Tuselim (centre) , the 1-millionth customer, with Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo (right) and President & COO, Sarly Adle Sarkum (left).

Exclusive features inside and outside
Four other models – the Civic, CR-V, Accord and Jazz – were presented to winners earlier at a Grand Finale held at the Bukit Jalil Stadium outside Kuala Lumpur. Each of the models had exclusive features such as a Dual Tone Exterior, Front Fascia with Red Highlights, Sporty Red Line Side Mirrors, Black Painted Alloy Wheels with Red Highlights and ‘1 Million Dreams’ Signature Emblems on both front fenders of the cars.

Inside the Special Edition models were ‘1 Million Dreams’ Embossed Leather Headrests on the front seats as well as a Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel with Red Stitching and Centre Mark. Each winner also received a ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition Leather Key Pouch.

The ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign, which included a number of activities, started on February 25, 2021 and submission of entries closed on March 24. Members of the public were invited to participate in the activities to obtain entry forms and those who had registered on the Honda Touch app got 5x more entries. Besides requesting for a test-drive at any authorised Honda dealership, there were 5 other ways for them to obtain entries. According to the company, over 155,600 entries received in just one month.

To know more about Honda products and services in Malaysia or to locate a showroom for a test-drive, visit www.honda.com.my.

Honda stays at No.1 position in Non-National segment for 6th year

Honda Malaysia is strong in its gender equality and especially in product planning, teams have been led by women. Now the company can add having its first female Managing Director and CEO, Madoka Chujo to the list. While she is not the first female heading a car company in Malaysia, she is still one of the few to date.

Ms Chujo takes over from Toichi Ishiyama who returns to the head office in Japan. She was previously Vice-President at Honda Canada Inc. since 2019. She has been with Honda Motor Company for 23 years and has held various roles in Japan, China, Spain and Canada. Her expertise and experience are in the area of sales strategy which she applied in her previous positions.

Commenting on her new role at Honda Malaysia, Ms. Chujo said: “Malaysia is indeed an important market in the Asia and Oceania region with Honda Malaysia achieving various significant sales milestones and has become one of the leading automotive brands in the country. I am looking forward and excited for my first assignment as the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia and, at the same time, I am also eager to explore Malaysia as the country is unique and a melting pot of diverse cultures and people, with enormous potential and of course, a fast-paced work environment.”

During Mr. Ishiyama’s term as MD and CEO, he introduced a number of new models including the latest Honda City. He also maintained the brand’s No. 1 position in the Non-National segment.

Mr. Ishiyama, who was with Honda Malaysia since November 2017, oversaw the continued growth of the company as it passed 900,000 unit sales in 2019 and then reached the 1 millionth sales unit in March 2021 (the numbers are taken from the time Honda Malaysia was established). During Mr. Ishiyama’s term, Honda Malaysia has also continued to maintain its position as the No. 1 Non-National car brand for six consecutive years. The achievements are noteworthy, especially with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic since March last year.

Honda Malaysia has many women who lead product teams developing new models, like Nadzirah Azli, who was involved in the fourth generation of the City.

Honda stays at No.1 position in Non-National segment for 6th year

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

Honda Malaysia has a close relationship with the state of Melaka as its own assembly plant is located in the state at the Pegoh Industrial Park. The plant began operations in 2003 and assembles a wide range of models which also have a high degree of localisation.

One of the latest models is the all-new Honda City RS e:HEV which entered showrooms this year. Part of the new City range, the RS e:HEV is powered by a highly efficient 2-motor hybrid system with Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD). With a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine as part of the powertrain, the e:HEV system can deliver an impressive 253 Nm of torque with 109 ps of power. It will certainly be a game-changer in its segment.

Latest Honda City RS e:HEV

Recently, in connection with its association with Melaka, Honda Malaysia presented one unit of the City RS e:HEV to Invest Melaka Berhad (IMB). The presentation was in collaboration with SOCAR Mobility Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (SOCAR) and in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of Melaka State Development Corporation (PKNM).

Commenting on the presentation, Sarly Adle Sarkum, President & COO of Honda Malaysia said: “We are delighted to be a part of the celebration by Invest Melaka Berhad and to be able to contribute to the development of our local automotive industry. Honda began operations at Pegoh Plant in Melaka over 17 years ago and currently has two production lines with a production capacity of up to 100,000 units of vehicles per year. We are committed to the Malaysian market and the growth of the automotive industry here. We would like to thank the Malaysian Government, the State Government of Melaka, Invest Melaka Berhad and all our valued customers for their continuous trust which enables Honda to be the company that society wants to exist. With the strong support received, we have recently celebrated our remarkable milestone of 1 millionth sales unit. Honda will continue to be committed in giving back to all Malaysians through various initiatives.”

Honda Malaysia’s assembly plant in Melaka.

Visit any authorised Honda dealer to view, test-drive or purchase the new City. To locate a showroom, visit www.honda.com.my or call Honda’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020.

Get Ready to be Excited by the New Honda City RS e:HEV

The wait is over for the thousands who submitted entries for Honda Malaysia’s ‘1 Million Dreams’ campaign where seven lucky winners will each get a Special Edition Honda model as a prize. The campaign started on February 25, 2021 and submission of entries closed on March 24, with the draw held at the Grand Finale today.

They are Shaiful Rezza bin Abdul Razak, a policeman who won the Jazz Special Edition which was reserved for frontliners to win; Chuah Sze Yong, who won a Civic Special Edition; Lim Lye-Gaik, who gets a brand new CR-V Special Edition; and Abdul Hakim Bin Mohd Radzi, who will be driving now owns an Accord Special Edition.

There are three more ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition models which are the BR-V, All-New City and HR-V, and the winners will be announced by campaign partners CUCKOO, Shopee and Watsons in early April 2021.

The event is the culmination of the various activities organised to celebrate the 1 million vehicle sales milestone achieved by Honda Malaysia since its establishment. The campaign, which has the seven Special Edition models as the highlight, saw over 155,600 entries received in just one month.

Member of the public were invited to participate in the activities to obtain entry forms and those who had registered on the Honda Touch app got 5x more entries. Besides requesting for a test-drive at any authorised Honda dealership, there were 5 other ways for them to obtain entries.

“I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to all the lucky winners. The seven winners will be the only seven people in Malaysia who own these one-of-a-kind Special Edition cars, which were uniquely designed to celebrate this major milestone,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

“In addition, Honda Malaysia allocated the Jazz ‘1 Million Dreams’ Special Edition specially for frontliners to win. This is our initiative to say thank you to all the frontliners who have been working tirelessly over the past year to protect the health and safety of everyone in Malaysia,” added Mr. Ishiyama.

“The 1 millionth sale unit is an important milestone for Honda Malaysia since we began our sales journey in 2001. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all Honda customers, members of the media, our dealer partners and the Malaysian Government for their unwavering support for Honda Malaysia. It is this strong support that has driven us to achieve the 1 millionth sale unit,” he said.

Honda Malaysia invites all Malaysians to visit the ‘1 Million Dreams’ Grand Finale Funfair which is on today and tomorrow from 10am – 10pm at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium (car park C) on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. At the event are a Ferris Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, Bumper Cars, Paratrooper ride, Instax Photo-Booth, with free gifts for visitors and food trucks on-site to fill hungry tummies after all the excitement. There are also test-drives of various Honda models available.

Admission is free but the public is reminded of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specified by the health authorities. Be sure to have a facemask on, use hand sanitizers and practice social distancing. You will also be required to check-in with the MySejahtera app and have your temperature taken as the carpark is a public area. Honda Malaysia will be providing basic necessary protective items to all visitors if they require them, and will also ensure that sanitization is carried out frequently.

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube