Subaru car showcases at Empire Shopping Gallery Subang Jaya!!!

Today at Empire Shopping Gallery, Motor Image Sdn. Bhd. the official distributor of Subaru cars in Malaysia has held its showcase of a range of Subaru cars at the Center Court area of Empire Shopping Gallery. Among the car that was on the showcase is the new Subaru Legacy 2.5GT and the Subaru Forrester 2.5XT.

The showcase will last till this Tuesday 31^st of May 2011 and for any interested buyers to the Subaru model, Motor Image Sdn. Bhd,. will offer a discount of RM 8,500 for each new car purchases. Besides that, there also many other things that can be negotiated, so if you are itching to have a brand new boxer car engine, made in Japan with price less than RM 300K, head down to Empire Shopping Gallery and make your inquiry with the sales person. Enjoy the pics that I have taken during the showcase.

Autobacs Super GT final countdown event at Empire Shopping Gallery!!

Today at Empire Shopping gallery in Subang Jaya, JPM Motorsport held its final countdown for the Autobacs Super GT Round 3 that will be held at Sepang International Circuit on June 17 to June 19 2011. It has been fun filled events where this will be mimicking the same theme that’s going to be showcase during the 3 days event in Sepang.

There were a GT car display during this event and also one of the main attractions of Super GT will be the GT queens, where there is a meet and greet with Ayami Sasaki, the Japanese GT queen pairing with a Malaysian GT queen. Besides the race queen, there is an array of Renault Megane car lining up showcasing its true beauty where there car will also be competing in the Renault Megane Cup which is one of the three support races during the race weekend. According to JP Performance Motorsport Managing Director TJ Chin “It is the first time the Renault Megane Cup is organised and fans can get closer to the car and know more about it as it is arguably among the fastest of its kind”. Besides the Megane car showcase, a fleet of Mazda RX 7 was also there congregating to show its support for the Autobacs Super GT countdown.

Edaran Tan Chong Motors Sdn Bhd launched the "Limited Edition" Nissan Navara King Cab 4x4 - Full Press Release

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) today announced the arrival of the Limited Edition Nissan Navara King Cab 4X4. This new body-style is a first for the Pick-up segment in Malaysia, catering to users who require both in-cabin and rear cargo storage.

To facilitate its class-leading in-cabin storage capabilities, the Nissan Navara King Cab comes with rear access doors that enable items to be stored from either side of the vehicle. These unique rear access doors also open wide (up to 90°). Along with pillar-less door openings, access to the cabin is very easy. Compared to the Navara Double Cab, the new King Cab also has a larger rear cargo bed.

Like any Navara 4X4 M/T model, the new King Cab also features the electronically controlled “Shift-on-the-Fly” 4WD system which allows the shifting between 2WD and 4WD modes without having to stop the vehicle, as well as a 6-speed Manual Transmission.

“We are introducing the Nissan Navara King Cab to challenge the perception that two-seater Pick-Ups are utilitarian workhorses. Through a combination of secure interior storage, good looks, class-leading power and cabin comfort, we expect the King Cab to set new benchmarks in the Pick Up segment,” said Azman Badrillah, the Director of Auto Dunia Sdn Bhd the authorized importer.

“2010 marks a significant milestone for the Nissan brand in Malaysia as we achieved our highest sales record for the past 25 years with 32,998 units delivered to our valued customers” said Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, the Executive Director of ETCM, adding that the company is expecting to further increase its sales in Malaysia with the introduction of more new models this year.

UMW Toyota Motors launched the Toyota Eco Youth Programme- Full Press Release

UMW Toyota Motor on Wednesday held a launching ceremony of the 11th Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) programme. This year’s programme will have a new challenge that takes the TEY beyond the school boundaries to involve the community surrounding the schools.

The 11th TEY programme was officially launched by Tuan Hj. Muhamat Roli Bin Hj. Hassan, Director of Co-Curriculum and Arts Department, Ministry of Education, Mr. Takashi Hibi, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor and En. Ismet Suki, President, UMW Toyota Motor.

Environment conservation and efforts towards greening the earth has always been close to UMW Toyota Motor. The TEY programme was first conceptualized in 2001 and since its inception, UMW Toyota Motor has been able to inculcate a sense of conscience towards the environment amongst school students.

Through the years, TEY programme has received good response with support by the Ministry of Education. In total, there were 138 schools involved, comprise of over 1,500 students, principals and teachers. Since the inception of TEY, UMW Toyota Motor has spent over RM 4 million to organize and run this programme.

Peugeot to extend the operation of service center for 1 month-Full Press Release

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, will launch an extended hours service campaign from May 27, 2011 until June 26, 2011.

This new campaign will see selected Peugeot service centres open for extended hours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the campaign period.

For Fridays and Saturdays, these Peugeot service centres will extend their operating hours to 8:30 am to 8 pm. For Sundays, these Peugeot service centres will be open from 8:30 am to 7 pm.

“This initiative, which runs in tandem with the school holiday period, will provide our customers with more flexibility when it comes to servicing their cars,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, COO of Nasim.

The extended hours service campaign is only for standard servicing while all customers who send their car in during this period will receive a free 20-point check-up.

There will also be mystery gifts for customers who send their cars in for an oil change during the campaign period while customers who spend over RM100 will also receive a free Peugeot Racing umbrella.

Toyota New Year, New Drive, New Prize winners announced!!!-Official Press Release

It was definitely an unforgettable day for three lucky customers as they drove home a new Toyota each after winning the “New Year, New Drive, New Prize" contest. The prize presentation ceremony was held at UMW Toyota Motor head office in Shah Alam last April.

The contest was organised in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive season with the objective of creating touch points with its customers who placed order and invoiced their Toyota vehicle between 1st January 2011 till the 28th February 2011.

The ‘New Year, New Drive, New Prize’ contest required the customers to answer simple three questions related to Toyota’s models. The contest had received an overwhelming response from Toyota customers.

Presenting the prizes to the winners was En. Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor. Also present at the ceremony was Mr. Khong Man Cheong, Director, Vehicle Sales Group, UMW Toyota Motor.

The grand prize winner for this contest is Mr. Chan Huan Hian, who won himself a Toyota Altis 2.0(V). While Cik Nur Haslinda Bt Yusof, brought back home a Toyota Vios TRD as she won the second prize while the third prize winner, Mr. Chan Guan Kien, wins himself a Toyota Avanza 1.5(S).

Other consolation prizes such as a trip to Japan for 5 couples, 10 units of 42 inch Panasonic Full HD LED TV and 88 units of 3G Apple Ipad 16GB will be given out to a total of 108 winners.

The grand prize winner, Chan Huan Hian from Kuala Lumpur said that he was thrilled and surprised when notified that he has won a Toyota Altis 2.0(V). Chan had purchased a Vios 1.5G during the New Year, New Drive, New Prize promotion.

Nur Haslinda from Sungai Petani, Kedah, the second prize winner had booked a Toyota Vios 1.5E during the promotion. She was really shocked when she was told about winning a Toyota Vios TRD as this was her first time to win a lucky draw.

Meanwhile, the third prize winner, Chan Guan Kien from Kuala Lumpur said that he was rather surprised and thought that he never stood a chance to win the Toyota Avanza 1.5(S). He had booked a Toyota Avanza 1.5G during the promotion.

The winners were selected based on the correct answers, which in turn qualified them for the lucky draw and the results were announced in April 2011. Prizes were awarded on a lucky draw basis and results were witnessed by auditors from Ernst & Young.

Edaran Tan Chong offers special low interest hire purchase rates on selected Nissan models!!

Despite Malaysia’s Central Bank raising its the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) to 3 percent recently, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) will continue to offer special low interest hire purchase packages till 31st May 2011. Throughout this promotion period, Nissan customers who purchase a NISSAN GRAND LIVINA, SYLPHY or NAVARA (for private registration only, valid for both Peninsular and East Malaysia) will enjoy a special low interest rate starting from 0.88% per annum. The details are:

Nissan Models

(All Variants)                        Tenure(Years)              Special Interest rate (per annum)

Grand Livina, Sylphy & Navara        1 -2                              0.88%                                                  

                                                        3-6                               1.98%

                                                        7-9                               2.38%

Teana, X-Trail, Latio,Sentra,

Serena & Urvan WV                        1-2                                  1.98%

                                                        3-5                                   2.38%

This special value-added promotion provides Nissan customers with an opportunity to benefit from one of the lowest interest rates in the market today.

"This is in line with our commitment towards providing our customers with innovative, valuable, rewarding promotions such as our on going ‘test drive and win a Nissan’ and special low interest hire purchase packages that exceed their expectations," said Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of ETCM.

JPM Motorsport will features a multiple pack action during Sepang Super GT race- Official Press Release

This 17-19 June, the Sepang circuit will play host to the SUPER GT Round 3, the only SUPER GT race held outside Japan, and it promises to be nothing short of a spectacular weekend of entertainment.

In their debut role as race organisers, having acquired the rights and awarded the contract to organise the event for 2011 and 2012, JP Performance Motorsport (JPM) is pulling out all the stops in creating a weekend of excitement that appeals to not just racing fans, but fans of cars, music, dance, fashion, food, anime and all things Japan.

“The SUPER GT races are one of most popular sports in Japan, and that is because it is more than just car racing. It is an entire package of adrenaline-pumping entertainment – from the support events, the sideshows and carnivals, music and entertainment, and of course, the very beautiful GT Queens as well,” said TJ Chin, Managing Director of JPM.

“We believe we can achieve the same kind of success here in Malaysia, perhaps even greater. We are, after all, in Kuala Lumpur – one of the most prolific entertainment hubs of the world – and we want to bring the cool city life we have down to the hot Sepang track.”

The following is a detailed guide on the various electrifying races and entertainment slated for the SUPER GT weekend at Sepang as well as other activities that are already ongoing.

UMW Toyota to resumes operation as normal- Official Press Release

UMW Toyota Motor would like to announce that its vehicle production at Assembly Services Sdn Bhd will resume back to 2-shift operation from 23rd May onwards as parts supply from Japan improved after the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011.

En. Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor said, “We are delighted that with the strong efforts taken by our principal, Toyota Motor Corporation and all related parties including our suppliers, we can resume to normal production earlier than expected.”

He also said, “Our commitment to our customers remains topmost in our priority. We will continue our efforts to deliver vehicles to customers at the earliest possible timing. We appreciate our customers’ and business partners’ kind understanding during this difficult time. We will update all our customers on their vehicle delivery status individually.”

Peugeot RCZ launched details-Live pictures!!

After revealing that the Peugeot RCZ will be launching this week through its press release last week, Nasim Sdn. Bhd. has finally reveal the much anticipated sexy looking Peugeot RCZ at Bangsar Shopping Center this evening. Nasim has brought in 2 model variants mainly the manual version and automatic gearbox version. Both variants were imported from Magna Steyr’s Plant in Graz Austria.

Both cars have been installed with the same power plant extracted from the Prince engine, but it was tune with in a different state to differentiate the manual and the auto tranny version. The 2+2 coupe of the automatic variant will be powered by the Prince 1.6 Liter THP engine with 156hp and 240Nm of torque blasting from as low as 1,700RPM and mated to a new 6 speed sequential automatic gearbox the “AT 6” source from Aisin that features a technology that can reduce the fuel consumption and also optimizing the CO2 emissions. With this set of engine and gearbox working in harmony, the rated fuel consumption is 7.3 liters/100km while only emitting 168g/km of CO2.

The other transmission variant is the all new 6 speed manual gearbox that is also mated to the Prince 1.6 liter engine but this engine has been tune to have 200hp of power and maximum blasting torque of 275Nm that can propelled the car to a century sprint in 7.6 second while sipping much leaner fuel of 6.9 liter of fuel and emitting 159g/km of CO2. This amazing numbers of performance is achievable through employing a twin scroll turbocharger unit, direct injection and variable lift of the intake valves adding from the current technology of VTi. I did manage to start both cars on the stage, but the grunt of the engine note of the manual variant is much livelier as compared to the automatic variant. To isolate the addition growl of the engine, Peugeot has specially developed an enhance acoustic technology dubbed “Sound System” which will deliver different harmonics according to the rate of acceleration.

Features wise, both variant comes with dynamic xenons with washers, a dynamic rear wing with two levels of deployment of 19 degree angle for speed of more than 85km/h and at speed of excess 155km/h, a 34 degree angle of rear wing will be deployed. Besides that, both cars features a 19 inch alloy wheel with a silver accent alloy rim for the automatic variant and a black accent alloy rim for the manual version. To further add the luxurious amount of kit, Peugeot has skinned the dashboard with Nappa leather to enhance the ecstatic appeal to the car. The other standard kit are electric seat with 3 memory setting and a six speaker JBL source audio system blasting from its 240W of AMP, a Bluetooth and AUX connectivity.

Feature wise, the Austrian made RCZ comes with dynamic xenons (with washers), dynamic rear wing with two levels, 19-inch alloys, auto headlights and wipers, Nappa leather (dashboard is leather lined as well), electric seats (with memory for driver) and a six-speaker JBL audio system (with 240W amp). For the manual variant, since this car is much more expensive, the money is well spend on a smaller diameter steering wheel, a larger 340mm brake disk to reduce the fade and enhance the bite of braking and also a lower anti collision bar and special hub carriers that are claimed to offer a much sharper handling.

In terms of safety features, both variants of RCZ is equipped with four airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, EBA, anti skid regulation and dynamic stability control. In terms of colour choice, Nasim Sdn. Bhd has brought in only two colours variant mainly the Pearlescent White or Haria Grey. Once again as stated on my previous blog post, the price of Peugeot RCZ auto gearbox version is RM 218,888 and for the manual gearbox version it retails at RM 223,888 and all the prices are including the insurance of the car. The car comes with 3 years warranty from Nasim Sdn. Bhd. and Nasim expect to sell about 100 to 150 units for this whole year. So far Nasim has managed to secure 35 bookings for this car with 70% of the bookings is for the automatic gearbox variant. If you are itching to see the RCZ live, Nasim will be showcasing the RCZ at Bangsar Shopping Center from May 20 to May 22.

Peugeot RCZ launched in Malaysia-Price starting from RM 218,888

Nasim Sdn. Bhd today just launched the sexy Peugeot RCZ at Bangsar Shopping Center here in Klang Valley. I was there during the launch and Nasim has priced the car at a very attractive price from RM 218,888 for the Auto version and the other version that Nasim has brought in is the manual version which retails at RM 223,888. Both of the cars is power by Peugeot 1.6 liter THP engine that produce 156 hp for the auto version and 200hp for the manual version. A full update about this all new Peugeot RCZ will be up soon. Stay tune!!

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Official Press Release: Naza Kia to conduct test drive event-chances to win Forte 1.6EX!!!

Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Kia Motors vehicles in Malaysia, will host a series of test drive events this year which could see one lucky customer winning a Forte 1.6EX.

Dubbed Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011, Naza Kia Malaysia will host a total of four test drive events over the next six months. The test drive campaign includes stops in the Klang Valley, Penang and Johor Bahru.

Kicking off the Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011 will be a five-day test drive campaign at the One Utama Shopping Centre from May 11 to May 15.

Customers will be given a chance to test drive the top-selling and multiple-award winning Forte 1.6SX, the all-new Sorento and the Rondo MPV.

Naza Kia Malaysia recently introduced the Forte 6-Speed which features several new premium features that are set to further strengthen the sedan’s position in the market.

The Forte was recently the recipient of the Debut Model of the Year award at the 2011 Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Excellence Awards. To-date, Naza Kia Malaysia had sold over 7,200 units of the Forte.

“The launch of the Forte 6-Speed and the Sorento has created a new wave of excitement in the market for products from Kia and the Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011 campaign is the perfect platform to build on that excitement,” said Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, chief operating officer of Naza Kia Malaysia.

The Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011 at One Utama will be from 11 am to 9 pm daily at level LG Oval from May 11 to May 15 and customers who participate in the test drive or make a booking at the roadshow will be in the running to win a Forte 1.6EX from Naza Kia Malaysia.

The lucky winner of the Forte 1.6EX will be announced following the completion of the Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011 in October. Besides One Utama, the Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011 will have stops at the Queens Bay Mall in Penang (Aug 17 – Aug 21), Jusco Tebrau in Johor Bahru (Oct 4 – Oct 9) before ending at The Curve in Mutiara Damansara (Oct 12 – Oct 16).

The Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011 leg at One Utama will also include mystery gifts for customers who participate in the test drive or sign up to be a Kia Malaysia fan on Facebook at the venue. For more information on the Test Drive Kia On Tour 2011, please call 1-800-888-542

source: Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Weststar Maxus V80 commercial vans launched at 14th Auto Shanghai 2011!!

Weststar Maxus, local distributors of the highly popular and versatile Maxus commercial vans, on Monday received the latest Maxus V80 van model from their new Chinese principal, Shanghai Motor Commercial Vehicle (SMCV), a division of the Shanghai Automotive Group (SAIC).

Weststar Group MD, Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, was on hand to officially take delivery of the van from SCMV President Lan Qingsong during the worldwide launch and handover ceremony held at the 14th Auto Shanghai international automobile exhibition.

“Today's launch of the new Maxus V80 marks a new and exciting milestone for both companies, and for China, Malaysia and the ASEAN region,” announced Qingsong.

SAIC, a Fortune 500 company, and one of the leading automobile companies in the world with an annual turnover of over US$50 Billion, also reported that they have received over 80,000 orders for the new Maxus in China alone.

Weststar, who made history by becoming SAIC's first ever overseas joint venture partner, will begin receiving the CKD vehicles beginning August this year and assemble them at their facility in Port Klang with an initial capacity of 10,000 units annually.

“The MAXUS van already has a strong and respected presence in Malaysia, as it is utilised by various governmental and commercial entities such as the Fire Department, Health Ministry, Armed Forces, Youth & Sports Ministry and as ambulances. We are pleased to be bringing the latest V80 model to Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region very soon,” said Tan Sri Syed Azman.

Weststar Maxus has been the Malaysian distributor for the full range of Maxus commercial vehicles since 2006, supplying close to 2,000 units to Government Agencies and retail customers.

Weststar Maxus, who also holds the distribution rights for the entire Asia Pacific region, including Japan, plans to launch the Maxus van in Indonesia and Thailand in early 2012, with offices in those countries having already been set up.

Tan Sri Syed Azman expressed confidence that the new range will exceed sales of 2,000 units annually in Malaysia and close to 10,000 units annually within in the region.

The new Maxus V80 boasts an exciting new European designed facelift and the latest 2.5L TDCI Euro4 engine, while the body features new and strict design principles, including the "2mm Body Gap" tolerance, a first in the commercial vehicle segment, further adding to the sturdiness and safety of the vehicle.

A number of other giant global automakers also took the opportunity to launch new models during Auto Shanghai 2011, including Audi, Chevrolet, Mini Cooper and Volvo, amongst others.

Since 1985, the biennial Auto Shanghai motor exhibition has become one of the industry’s most important events, with the 2011 edition being the biggest ever, covering an area of 230,000 square meters and attracting up to 700,000 visitors. This year’s event began on April 21 and concludes today.

source: Official press release of Weststar Group of Companies

Motul Autech GT-R wins the season opener of 2011 Autobacs Super GT in Fuji Speedway!!

The 2011 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Series kicked off with Round 2 FUJI GT 400km RACE at Fuji Speedway (one lap 4.563 km x 66 laps) in Shizuoka Pref. on May 1. The come-from-behind winner in the GT500 class was the 6th-place qualifying MOTUL AUTECH GT-R driven by Satoshi Motoyama and Benoit Treluyer.

This race was scheduled as the second round of the 2011 series, but became the season opener when the first round at Okayama originally scheduled for April 3rd was postponed to 21 and 22 May 2011 because of the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster. Also, the race distance was shortened from the originally planned 400 km to 300 km.

The race started under the worst of conditions with heavy rain and strong winds, which meant that everything hinged on the teams' choice of tires. Bad tire choices by a number of teams, including the pole-sitting (first qualifying) DENSO SARD SC430, and spin-outs in the wet conditions hampered one team after another. One driver who seemed to be unaffected by these bad conditions was Benoit Treluyer, who started from 6th position on the grid in the MOTUL AUTECH GT-R. In the early stages of the race he moved up steadily to take the lead.

Before returning to the pit and turning the wheel over to teammate Motoyama, Treluyer managed to build up a lead of 16 seconds over the 2nd-place machine. Motoyama continued to stay in control in the lead during his stint until the rain increased in fury with about 10 laps remaining in the race. Judging the conditions to be too dangerous to continue the race, the officials stopped the competition with six laps remaining. Eventually, that signaled the end of the race and the finishing order was that at end of the 59th lap. This gave the MOTUL AUTECH GT-R team the first win of the season.

This victory extended Motoyama's record of most wins for a driver in the GT500 class to 13.

The GT300 class race became an impressive runaway victory for the pole-starting HANKOOK PORSCHE driven by Masami Kageyama and Tomonobu Fujii. The team's Hankook tires fit the track conditions perfectly and enabled the drivers to build a 30-second lead over the field by the end of the race.

(Spectators: 36,000)

Round 3 of the SUPER GT will take place in the Sepang International Circuit on 18 and 19 June 2011.

Tickets for the SUPER GT in Sepang are priced at RM100 (for two day Grand Stand passes). JP Performance Motorsport, the event organisers are currently offering an early bird price of RM 88 per ticket. The SUPER GT tickets can be conveniently purchased at all 7-11 outlets nationwide. For more information on the SUPER GT or on how to get your tickets, log on to www.supergt.com.my / www.facebook.com/SUPERGT.my

Source: Official Press Release from JPM Motorsport

Ferrari explains the features of Ferrari 458 Italia multipurpose steering wheel!!!

As an ardent Ferrari fan, every car coming out from the Maranello doors are a magnificent piece of engineering and nothing beats the successor of the Ferrari F430 which is the Ferrari F458 Italia. This magnificent prancing horse was full of F1 inspired features and the most noticeable features is the multipurpose steering wheel with tons of controls on it ala F1 steering wheels. Ferrari has made this video to the owners of the all new Ferrari F458 Italia, and what most mortals like us can do, is just drool all over our screen and keyboards. Watch the video and keep playing with your hand catching the drooling of your saliva!!!

Lamborghini Aventadors strolling the roads of Italy!!!

Looks like the Lamborghini has beef up its promotional activities of the new Aventadors with more clips showing the car in its flesh roaming the roads of Italy. Showed below are the two clips of the new Aventadors gracefully attacking the bends and accelerating towards the countryside of Italy. Now what’s a Ferrari action against the raging bull? Bring it on Ferrari FF

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon full theatrical trailer!!

Looks like Micheal Bay will be cashing a lot of money on this new Transformers movie, the third installment Dark of the Moon, shown below is the full theatrical trailer of the movie and boy I couldn't wait this July to watch this lates installment. Seems like mankind going to need some miracle to be on the upper hand towards defending the earth and fighting the evil Decepticon!!!. Enjoy the trailer below :)