NEWS: Perodua Bezza Prices Starts From RM37K!!!

Perodua officially open bookings for its first Sedan, the Bezza, with prices ranged from RM37,300 for its 1.0L standard G (Manual transmission) to RM50,800 for its 1.3L Advanced variant (Automatic Transmission).

“We expect the Perodua Bezza to be one of our best volume sellers with a sales target of 7,600 per month this year,” Perodua President & CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

He said that the Perodua Bezza was targeted for replacement car buyers, specifically newlyweds and young families, who need a larger boot space in line with the new stage in their lives.

“Based on the feedback from our customers, we learned that after reaching a certain stage in life, they needed a vehicle that could accommodate their travelling needs, we believe that the Perodua Bezza would meet those needs,” Aminar said. 

“The public can visit any of Perodua’s 181 sales showrooms nationwide to know more about the Bezza and those interested, a booking fee of RM300 is required,” Aminar said.

The “A” segment compact sedan is the first Perodua vehicle which upper body was fully designed by Malaysians which began in 2014.

“The Bezza took RM300 million to develop and has 95% local content,” Aminar said.

The Perodua Bezza is produced at its’ EEV-certified plant, the Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, which is a highly modern facility with over 75% automation rate (the same plant which produces the Perodua Axia).

“The sedan name takes inspiration from the word ‘Beza’ in Bahasa Malaysia, which means ‘different’. And that is exactly what Perodua’s first EEV sedan is – distinctly different,” Aminar said. 

It breaks all conventions when it comes to what you expect from a compact sedan. The double ‘Z’ in the name, which somewhat resembles the number ‘22’, also subtly alludes to the fact that Perodua has been in the market for 22 years.

The ‘Beyond Compact’ tagline also communicates that the Perodua Bezza goes beyond drivers’ expectations of what a Malaysian sedan offers. The advanced technology, amazing usability and affordability, built upon Perodua’s trademark of quality, reliability, value and care.

The sedan comes in 5 variants, the 1.0L Manual Transmission & Automatic Transmission; the 1.3L “Premium X” Manual & Automatic Transmission; and the 1.3L “Advanced Version” Automatic Transmission.

The Perodua Bezza 1.3L Advance variant comes equipped with a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) which is a safety function that detect and reduce skidding hence allows the driver to maintain stability while driving.

This variant also comes with Brake Assist (BA) and Traction Control (TRC) which allows the driver to maintain traction on a slippery road. It also has the Hill Start Assist (HSA) that prevents the car from rolling back on slopes when the brakes is released, giving the driver time to switch to the accelerator pedal.

In addition to these safety features, the Perodua Bezza variants come equipped with ABS, EBD and also intermittent operated windshield wiper which changes speed in-line with the vehicle’s acceleration (speed sensing wiper).

This will further improve the car’s safety features as it improves visibility when driving in the rain.

Following Perodua’s signature design, the sedan is made with quality, comfort, spaciousness, reliability, affordability and looks in mind. The car is based on customer feedback and preference. The respondents were from both urban and rural areas nationwide. 

“The result is that potential buyers were looking for a sedan which has global features but at the consumers’ price,” Aminar said.

“This sedan car has one of the biggest boot spaces in the market with 508 litres available in its class.” 

“It is also versatile enough with the foldable rear seats configuration (60:40) which result to 8 +1 seating configurations to allow for maximum flexibility to address a variety of situations for the customer. It does not compromise the interior which has plenty of leg room for a compact sedan,” he said.

The Perodua EEV sedan is a first of its kind for the compact car company as the car comes in a new 1.0 litre 1KR-VE engine with VVT-i and a 1.3 litre 1NR-VE engine with Dual VVT-i. The manual transmission has 5 speeds while the electronic automatic transmission (E-AT) has 4 speeds.

The Perodua Bezza 1.0 litre engine may reach up to 22.8km per litre for its manual transmission, while the automatic transmission can potentially travel 21.3 kilometres per litre with eco driving.

“This feature is part of the model’s fuel saving technology adapted to Malaysian weather - another first for Perodua and a first for a national carmaker,” Aminar said. 

Meanwhile, the eco driving 1.3 litre’s manual transmission variant can potentially travel 21.7 kilometres per litre, while the automatic transmission can travel 22 kilometres per litre with ‘Eco Idle’ System which available in the Advance variant only. The full tank can potentially travel up to 792km driving.

The ‘Eco Idle’ system will automatically stops the engine when the car is idle and restarts upon release of the brake, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Drivers can deactivate this feature if they wish. 

“The Perodua Bezza improvements to the exterior design also result in the best drag coefficient (CD) in Perodua history,” Aminar said.

Another first for Perodua is the push start/stop button and smart entry with smart key which available in the 1.3L variants only.

On the multimedia paraphilia, the Perodua Bezza 1.3L Advance variant is equipped with a multimedia-mobile link device where a user can access social media and entertainment features of their Android gadget when the vehicle is static. 

Users can also interface navigation applications such as Waze and Google Maps through this “Smart Link” feature.

On top of these features, back passengers can also charge their devices at a USB port located at the rear centre console.

“We believe that convergence between mobile technology and the car is inevitable. With that in mind we want our customers to use this technology as safe as possible when travelling,” Aminar said.

The Perodua Bezza variants is packed with amazing features such as shark fin antenna, remote boot release, one-touch power window with jam protection, front & front corner sensors, reverse camera, reserve sensors and many more.

“With features available in luxury vehicles incorporated into the Perodua Bezza plus its attractive design, smooth ride, quality at affordable pricing, increasing our export footprint will become a reality,” Aminar said.

The car comes in 6 different colours, which include Sugar Brown and Ocean Blue for 1.3L variants, which are new metallic colours for Perodua, as well as existing colours of Lava Red, Ebony Black, Glittering Silver & Solid Ivory White. Perodua uses eco-friendly water based paint which also provides a better finish.

NEWS: UMW Toyota Motor Provides Easy Checking Of Vehicle Inclusion For Special Service Campaign

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd acknowledges that over the time, some vehicles may have changed ownership and any Special Service Campaign notification may not reach the current Toyota owners. 

In view of this, the company has added a new section to its website that enables Toyota owners to easily check if their vehicle is included in a Special Service Campaign. Owners could visit www.toyota.com.my/owners/special-service-campaigns and follow the easy steps solutions. 

With this new facility, it hopes to improve the reach to those owners of Toyota vehicles who are no longer on its database.

UMW Toyota Motor urges its customers to periodically use the system to check on the latest Special Service Campaign and serious attention should be given to any announcements initiated by the company to ensure the safety of Toyota owners. 

Besides this online status checker, Toyota owners can also find out about on-going Special Service Campaigns by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

NEWS: Perodua’s First Sedan, The Perodua Bezza, Now Open For Booking!!!

 The much awaited Perodua first Energy Efficient Sedan (EEV), which is fully designed by Malaysians, with a strong support from Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan, will be open for booking at all over 181 showrooms across the country from 16th July.

“The long wait is over as we will soon launch our very own sedan on 21st July 2016. This sedan is the culmination of decades of technology collaboration and technology transfer with our partner Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd,” Perodua President & CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

“It is with their guidance that we are now able to stand on our own with this ground breaking new model and it is the sedan that fits every Malaysian needs,” he said.

“This Perodua sedan, named Bezza, is our second transformation model (after the Axia) and our first global-ready car with the 1.3L Advance variant packed with advance safety features,” Aminar said. 

The Perodua Bezza is produced at its’ EEV-certified plant, the Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, which is a highly modern facility with over 75% automation rate (the same plant which produces the Perodua Axia).

“The sedan name takes inspiration from the word ‘Beza’ in Bahasa Malaysia, which means ‘different’. And that is exactly what Perodua’s first EEV sedan is – distinctly different,” Aminar said. 

It breaks all conventions when it comes to what you expect from a compact sedan. The double ‘Z’ in the name, which somewhat resembles the number ‘22’, also subtly alludes to the fact that Perodua has been in the market for 22 years.

The ‘Beyond Compact’ tagline also communicates that the Perodua Bezza goes beyond drivers’ expectations of what a Malaysian sedan offers. The advanced technology, amazing usability and affordability, built upon Perodua’s trademark of quality, reliability, value and care.

The sedan comes in 5 variants, the 1.0L Manual Transmission & Automatic Transmission; the 1.3L “Premium X” Manual & Automatic Transmission; and the 1.3L “Advanced Version” Automatic Transmission.

The Perodua Bezza 1.3L Advance variant comes equipped with a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) which is a safety function that detect and reduce skidding hence allows the driver to maintain stability while driving.

This variant also comes with Brake Assist (BA) and Traction Control (TRC) which allows the driver to maintain traction on a slippery road. It also has the Hill Start Assist (HSA) that prevents the car from rolling back on slopes when the brakes is released, giving the driver time to switch to the accelerator pedal.

In addition to these safety features, the Perodua Bezza variants come equipped with ABS, EBD and also intermittent operated windshield wiper which changes speed in-line with the vehicle’s acceleration (speed sensing wiper).

This will further improve the car’s safety features as it improves visibility when driving in the rain.

Following Perodua’s signature design, the sedan is made with quality, comfort, spaciousness, reliability, affordability and looks in mind. The car is based on customer feedback and preference. The respondents were from both urban and rural areas nationwide. 

“The result is that potential buyers were looking for a sedan which has global features but at the consumers’ price,” Aminar said.

“This sedan car has one of the biggest boot spaces in the market with 508 litres available in its class.” 

“It is also versatile enough with the foldable rear seats configuration (60:40) which result to 8 +1 seating configurations to allow for maximum flexibility to address a variety of situations for the customer. It does not compromise the interior which has plenty of leg room for a compact sedan,” he said.

The Perodua EEV sedan is a first of its kind for the compact car company as the car comes in a new 1.0 litre 1KR-VE engine with VVT-i and a 1.3 litre 1NR-VE engine with Dual VVT-i. The manual transmission has 5 speeds while the electronic automatic transmission (E-AT) has 4 speeds.

The Perodua Bezza 1.0 litre engine may reach up to 22.8km per litre for its manual transmission, while the automatic transmission can potentially travel 21.3 kilometres per litre with eco driving.

“This feature is part of the model’s fuel saving technology adapted to Malaysian weather - another first for Perodua and a first for a national carmaker,” Aminar said. 

Meanwhile, the eco driving 1.3 litre’s manual transmission variant can potentially travel 21.7 kilometres per litre, while the automatic transmission can travel 22 kilometres per litre with ‘Eco Idle’ System which available in the Advance variant only. The full tank can potentially travel up to 792km driving.

The ‘Eco Idle’ system will automatically stops the engine when the car is idle and restarts upon release of the brake, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Drivers can deactivate this feature if they wish. 

“The Perodua Bezza improvements to the exterior design also result in the best drag coefficient (CD) in Perodua history,” Aminar said.

Another first for Perodua is the push start/stop button and smart entry with smart key which available in the 1.3L variants only.

On the multimedia paraphilia, the Perodua Bezza 1.3L Advance variant is equipped with a multimedia-mobile link device where a user can access social media and entertainment features of their Android gadget when the vehicle is static. 

Users can also interface navigation applications such as Waze and Google Maps through this “Smart Link” feature.

On top of these features, back passengers can also charge their devices at a USB port located at the rear centre console.

“We believe that convergence between mobile technology and the car is inevitable. With that in mind we want our customers to use this technology as safe as possible when travelling,” Aminar said.

The Perodua Bezza variants is packed with amazing features such as shark fin antenna, remote boot release, one-touch power window with jam protection, front & front corner sensors, reverse camera, reserve sensors and many more.

“With features available in luxury vehicles incorporated into the Perodua Bezza plus its attractive design, smooth ride, quality at affordable pricing, increasing our export footprint will become a reality,” Aminar said.

The car comes in 6 different colours, which include Sugar Brown and Ocean Blue for 1.3L variants, which are new metallic colours for Perodua, as well as existing colours of Lava Red, Ebony Black, Glittering Silver & Solid Ivory White. Perodua uses eco-friendly water based paint which also provides a better finish.

Perodua is inviting the public to come for Perodua Raya Open House at all showrooms and service centre nationwide on 16 July 2016 from 9am -5pm. Do join us and celebrate the raya together!

NEWS: Volvo Trucks’ Asia Pacific VISTA Competition Empowers Staff To Perform Beyond World-class Standards

Volvo continues to shine a spotlight on strong teamwork and problem-solving skills through this year’s Asia Pacific VISTA Competition that concluded this month with more than 18,500 aftermarket personnel participation worldwide. The 2015-2016 installment of the international competition roped in more than 4,000 participants from Asia Pacific alone, doubling the number of entry from the region in the previous competition. 

Mr Jacques Michel, President of Volvo Trucks in Asia Pacific said, “We are extremely proud that the number of participants doubled in this year’s competition. Our aftermarket professionals are our frontliners who meet and interact with our customers each and every day. They are arguably the most important people when it comes to delivering customer satisfaction and we recognise that.”

Began in 1957 as a local competition aimed specifically at Volvo’s mechanics in Sweden, VISTA has outgrown its initial purpose to become the global benchmark for aftermarket professionals to meet and exceed by cultivating a desire to improve skills and form strong bonds amongst employees from around the globe. In other words, Volvo provides employees the opportunity to simply be better at what they do every day through this competition.

“VISTA is not merely a competition. It has a strong heritage and is a very effective competence development tool where teams are tested also on their ability to work together, solve problems together and meet Volvo’s required standards,” Michel elaborated.

VISTA is an effective way of motivating and inspiring employees, while also providing a competitive stage for them to learn and develop. It is also a way for Volvo to show workshop personnel how the company values the hard work carried out in its workshops across the world, and how it invests in them to perform beyond world-class standards.

Michel explained, “VISTA embodies the aspirations that we as a company have. We strive to be leading in our customer satisfaction and also constantly pursue to be the most desired employer in our industry.”

Every Volvo personnel that takes part in VISTA benefits from the experience by acquiring new knowledge and development of their existing skills which has led to an overall increase in performance applicable to their day-to-day interaction with customers. Participating teams also receives the opportunity to strengthen the image of their respective workshops and improve customer satisfaction. In essence, everyone wins.

Mr Filip Van den Heede, Vice President Aftermarket of Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific is delighted with the competition, “Everyone who takes part in VISTA is guaranteed to come away from this experience with improved skills and new knowledge, which is why we encourage all our employees to participate. Everything that the participants learn while competing has a direct impact on the quality of services we provide to our customers.”

For more information about VISTA, please visit http://vista.volvo.com.

NEWS: Lexus Malaysia Invites Lexus Owners For An Exclusive Golf Event!!!

For the 10th consecutive year, Lexus Malaysia is inviting its owners to join in an exclusive golf event – the Lexus Golf Invitational 2016 – which will be held in July and August. This friendly golf tournament is a run-up to participating in the Lexus Cup 2016 which will be held at Montgomerie Links Danang, Vietnam. 

There will be three venues for the Lexus Golf Invitational 2016 to make it more convenient for Lexus owners to join. The three venues are as follow: 

20th July, 2016 at Bukit Jawi Golf Resort, Penang (North) 

2nd August, 2016 at Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, Nusajaya Johor (South) 

25th August at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club, Kuala Lumpur (Central) 

This year, four winners will be invited to compete in the Lexus Cup 2016 at Montgomerie Links Danang, Vietnam. The champion from each region and the best runner-up (by score) of the Lexus Golf Invitational 2016. This golf course, designed by 2010 European Ryder Cup Captain and 8-time European Tour Order of Merit winner, Colin Montgomerie, is rated as being of best golf courses in Vietnam. 

This will be the sixth year that the Lexus Cup will be run since being inaugurated in 2012. It is hosted by the Lexus Asia Pacific Division in partnership with its regional distributors. In 2015, participants from Malaysia were the champions at the event which was held in Bali. 

Commenting on the Lexus Golf Invitational 2016, Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd said: “Golf is popular among Lexus owners, hence the running of the Lexus Golf Invitational annually in Malaysia since 2007 when Lexus Malaysia began operations. We believe this event complements the lifestyle of our customers and also provides them with the opportunity to interact with other Lexus owners.” 

“The four winners will get to go the Montgomerie Links Danang in Vietnam to join other Lexus owners in the Lexus Cup 2016. Last year, Malaysians were the champions and it would be nice if this year’s representatives do equally well,” he added. 

For more information on the Lexus Golf Invitational 2016, please contact any Lexus dealership in Malaysia or call the Lexus Malaysia toll-free number 1800-88-53987 (LEXUS).

NEW LAUNCHES: ETCM Launched The Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Tuned by IMPUL

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) recently launched the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Tuned by IMPUL, adding a sportier and more sophisticated outlook to the popular and versatile MPV.

The Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Tuned by IMPUL is now available in two additional variants; the 2.0L IMPUL Highway Star, priced at RM145,578.59 and 2.0L IMPUL Premium Highway Star, price at RM155,863.43 (OTR price including GST without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia).

IMPUL designers have custom-tailored an All-New Full Front Bumper with a bold and exclusive appearance, which is further enhanced by Rear Bumper Spoiler, Side Skirts and a Roof Spoiler; giving the MPV a stylish profile, accentuated with fine details that define its charismatic traits. 

The IMPUL design concept is embraced by IMPUL Chrome Sport Ducts and Chrome Bonnet Fin that give added aesthetic appeal which complement the overall sporty look with a touch of elegance. The Serena S-Hybrid Tuned by IMPUL is kept safely in control with 18’’ IMPUL Aura SX-50 Alloy Wheels in gun metallic and gloss finish fitted with MICHELIN Pilot Sport 3 Tyres.

Exclusively for 2.0L IMPUL Premium Highway Star, the Serena S-Hybrid offers diamond-stitched combination leather seats with IMPUL logo embossed to the front seats.

Mr Tan Keng Meng, Director of Marketing and Product Planning said, “The Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is very popular amongst Malaysian families. To adapt to the current trend where MPV are tuned with even more style and sophistication, ETCM has introduced to Malaysians the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Tuned by IMPUL. We believe that this fresh appearance will bring added value to Nissan vehicles as IMPUL is now made possible not only for sedans, SUVs and crossovers, but MPVs as well”.

IMPUL is a Nissan dedicated tuning company from Japan with a rich motorsports heritage and complements aesthetic and performance parts via its team of IMPUL engineers. Team IMPUL’s latest motorsports achievement was an overall second placing in the Super GT 2015 season in the GT500 class fielding the Calsonic IMPUL GT-R.

Existing customers and owners of the CKD Nissan Serena S-Hybrid who are interested to pamper their vehicles may also opt for an upgrade to the IMPUL package by calling the IMPUL division at +603 4047 8786 or email impul@tanchonggroup.com.