What's Coming From Naza Kia In 4th Quarter Of This Year!!! Kia Rio And Kia Picanto!!

Looks like, we are going near to the end of quarter 3 of this year, and boy we have seen a very exciting year of the automotive industry in Malaysia. So what's next for the quarter 4 of this year. I have some juicy news being spilled to me, a tweetie bird has spoken to some exciting news that will be coming from Naza Kia. The first will be the launch of the all new Kia Rio. We have seen in numerous local auto blog showing pictures of the all new Kia Rio being tested here on the Malaysia road. 

From what i've heard, this new car is going to be launch somewhere at the end of September or early October with the finale of the year will be the launch of the much anticipated the all new Kia Picanto. Why I said the much anticipated model, well according to my blog statistics, the highest search for information is really about this Kia Picanto and I would say, Naza Kia is pointing at the right direction if they manage to introduce this two new model by this year. Fingers cross and let's hope that my tweetie bird is saying the truth!!! 

Yet Another Coach Built Ferrari For a Dubai Businessman!!

Well when money is a no object, one can really pushes the wildest dream that he/she can imagine. This dream has been realise by Mr Cheerag Arya who is a 32 year old businessman in Dubai who has approach Ferrari to coach built a custom made Ferrari which was based on the Ferrari 599GTO and retains much of its original powertrain and powerplant. An avid Tofosi, among the car in his stable are Ferrari 575M Maranello, Ferrari F430 Scuderia, a Ferrari Enzo, a 599XX, 599GTO and the classic F40. Besides that he also owns an SA Aperta. 

Ferrari has presented to him twelve design sketches and he has picked certain aspect of each twelve design to make this dream car into reality. Wouldn’t it be great if we can fiddle our minds and be like him!!! Ehmm....

Interior Of The All New Honda Accord Finally Reveal!!

Well, looks like not only Mazda is showing their new D-Segment car, looks like Honda also would like to steal some limelight out of it. Thanks to the forummers of Temple of VTEC, they have manage to secure the brochure copy of the all new 2013 Honda Accord showing the dashboard design of this new car. Honda has employed a multi layered design of the dashboard with two TFT screens on the center console of the car. The upper screen looks like were used for the Honda’s Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) which shows the navigation and also the trip computer function while at the lower tiered screen will showcase the all new HondaLink infotainment system. 

Well as you may know, the interior design is for the American market, while sadly on this side of the world, we can safely assume that, the lower tier dashboard will employ the normal CD/MP3 combo with lot of button on it as what we get from the outgoing Honda Accord model. 

Beside the two LCD screen, Honda has also design the instrument panel with new meter combi with large center tachometer which were flanked by two smaller gauges and also a new steering wheel design which looks quite similar as what we can find on the all new Honda Civic. 

Shown on this post, is the video of the Honda Accord Coupe that was shoot in the US. Well we can dream about it here though!!! Enjoy the video

source: Temple of VTEC

Mazda Finally Pull The Curtain Of The All New Mazda 6!!!

After numerous teasing and also a video showing its production line off at its Hiroshima production plan, Mazda has finally unveil the all new Mazda 6 in its real flash before the 2012 Moscow Motor Show. With its new design direction of “KODO” which means Soul of Motion, and a full range of SKYACTIV technologies, the new Mazda 6 does have a real great looking D-Segment sedan which will be competing head on with the likes of the new Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, the Korean in guise of KIA Optima and also the Hyundai Sonata. 

Previous shots we can only see the exterior design of the car, but now Mazda has finally unveil the interior design of the new Mazda 6. According Mazda, the interior now employs the use of soft material on areas frequently touched by occupants such as at the door trim and also the upper part of the instrument panel. The size of this car has grown significantly as compared to the outgoing model with the wheel base measuring 2,830mm which is a cool 105mm longer. 

All New Kia K3/Forte Viral Video " The K3 Chaser"!!!

The all new Kia K3 or better known worldwide as Kia Forte was recently launched in Korea few weeks ago and its world debut has been rumored to be launched next year. Nothing much has been reveled about the car yet except its exterior styling. None of the pictures of the interior was officially previewed though some spy pictures has been circulating around showing the interior of this car. Now Kia, has recently launched a viral video titled " The K3 Chaser" in Korea, though there is no full interior pictures of the car, but we can see that, the car has been equip with a Start/Stop button, a full colour center supervision cluster for on the meter combination and also a chrome and rubber grip on all the pedals of this car. 

 Most interesting aspect is the OVU features where you can start the car and set the air-condition of your car remotely using OVU apps on your smartphone. Besides that, the car is also equipped with GPS positioning theft deterrent system where you can call a call center and remotely shutdown your car when the GPS system has detected your car. Though this nice features won't see a day on Malaysian road, I do hope Naza Kia can negotiate to have this features available in Malaysian market. Enjoy the video!!!

100% Malaysian Racing Team Nexus Targeting To Win The Merdeka Endurance Race 2012!! Full Press Release

This month's endurance race, the Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race 2012 will see Nexus Racing (a 100% Malaysian owned and managed racing team) embarking on a brand new challenge, when it begins its assault to win the race. The team enters the series, having won the class' title in 2011 in 1st position and a 7th place overall with a clear 1.5-hour lead over its closest competitor. 

With one of the most competitive cars available, the Aston Martin GT4, Nexus Racing goes into the race at the top-level of sports car racing and will be up against internationally and local Malaysian factory works teams challenging for overall honours. And, as well as acquiring a car that has the potential to win, Nexus Racing has three equally capable drivers: Datuk Adrian Henry D’Silva, Daniel Bilski and Fahrizal Hasan. 

Having driven for Nexus Racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Series (PCCA), Datuk Adrian continues for a second season and brings with him a sports car and endurance-racing heritage that spans 6 years of experience. As well as PCCA, his experience includes seasons in Honda Integra Cup, Asian Touring Car Series and the GT4 Asia Series. 

The Aston Martin GT4 race car has been at the team's technical facility since the last race with the time spent building and preparing the car in readiness for this endurance race. The three drivers will get their first taste behind the wheel this weekend in pre trials. Therefore, the team aims to make the most of the pre-event test sessions. 

Nexus Racing is proud to be sponsored for the 2nd time by Jaeger-LeCoultre who is the official luxury timepiece for Aston Martin. Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin, Sharing common values of integrity, the pursuit of excellence and avant-garde spirit, came together to renew historic ties. Their paths have already met in the 1920s. At that time, Edmond Jaeger was creating an illustrious name for the company in the area of precision instruments in the automotive field. Destined to meet again, the reference in fine watch making and the best in performance in cars have decided to develop a collection of timepieces over several years. The first watch to be presented in 2005 is a gentleman’s watch that clothes precision engineering in a design inspired by a rich past. It draws inspiration from Aston Martin’s remarkable automobile features and understated design and from Jaeger-LeCoultre's legendary performance model, the Memovox 1965. 

Team Quotes: 

Datuk Adrian "We have been working closely with the Aston Martin factory in UK to get the best from the car and our engineers are confident of its reliability and its ability to conquer the straights and corners. It would be great to have a podium result again this year and our team is working overtime to get everything in place for the 31st weekend and I'm encouraged by what's been achieved so far. 

Daniel Bilski "For me, this will be my first time competing with Nexus Racing and it's a very interesting challenge. This year, my success depends on the success of my team mates." I am also very excited with the performance of the Aston GT4 and I am starting to get 'that feeling' again. It's so important for a driver's motivation to be excited and constantly challenged and I certainly feel this is going to be the case this year!" 

Fahrizal Hasan "I have been training very hard, so from the fitness point of view I know I'm in good shape. Even so, it's a big challenge to prepare for a 12-hour race and I think it will be important to take it step-by step-to build up through the test days so we are all comfortable when race day arrives." 

Tong Han Wey (Technical Director and Head of Engineering) "Even as last year’s Champions, it will still be a challenge as there are new cars and more importantly works teams with large budgets and factory engineering to assist. Nexus Racing is a 100% Malaysian race team and we have a great team" The team has worked very hard in the past few weeks to prepare for what we have ahead of us. It has been and I am sure will continue to be for the next few months, a steep learning curve. But, as our racing history has shown, we like a challenge and I'm confident that we'll rise to it with a podium finish."

source: Nexus Racing Team Media Release

Viral Video On The Precise Handling Of The All New Volvo FH Trucks!!

Volvo truck has recently launched a new viral video featuring its latest new Volvo FH line up. The challenge on this video is that Ms Faith Dickey who is the world record-holding highliner will cross a single strand of tight line between 2 speeding Volvo trucks. This viral video was shoot on an unopened highway in Croatia with the help of Hollywood stunt director Peter Pedrero who has directed the stunts in the film of James Bond, Harry Potter and Pirated of the Caribean. For this stunt Ms Faith needs to cross in between this two speeding truck where the challenge lies at the end of the road which is a tunnel opening. Can she make it on time crossing the line. Watch this video and see how this amazing and precise handling of the all new Volvo FH truck

UMW Toyota Introduce Enhance Version of Fortuner!!

UMW Toyota Motor announced the order taking of the Toyota Fortuner Improvement 2012 will start on 13th August 2012 onwards. Below is the summary of the estimated On-The Road price (OTR), colours that are available and optional accessory for the Toyota Fortuner Improvement 2012 variants. 

Colors Availability 

Optional Accessory

Customers may also contact UMW Toyota Motor’s free phone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682) for further information or assistance.

source: UMW Toyota Press Release

UMW Toyota Introduce Enhance Version of Hilux!!!

UMW Toyota Motor announced the order taking of the Toyota Hilux Improvement 2012 will start on 13th August 2012 onwards. Below is the summary of the estimated On-The Road price (OTR), colours that are available and optional accessory for the Toyota Hilux Improvement 2012 variants.

Colors Availability

Optional Accessory

Customers may also contact UMW Toyota Motor’s free phone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682) for further information or assistance.

source: UMW Toyota Press Release

All New Nissan Almera Hits Malaysian Market!!!

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) recently showcased the latest addition to the B segment sedan market, the Nissan Almera, in an exclusive media preview at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur. The Nissan Almera will be introduced in the fourth quarter of 2012 and it will be a complete-knock-down (CKD) model that will be assembled here in Tan Chong’s Serendah plant.

The all-new Nissan Almera will be available in both 1.5L automatic and manual transmission to deliver responsive performance with outstanding fuel economy. The Nissan Almera is Nissan’s Best-Selling Global Sedan with more than 460,000 vehicles sold since its launch in 2010. It is enjoying incredible success worldwide especially in China and Thailand.

“The all-new Nissan Almera has an upscale and spacious design. It also features technologies and amenities that are usually found in more expensive vehicles.” said Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor.

“With its surprisingly roomy interior and class-leading level of comfort, we are optimistic that the Nissan Almera will be a top seller in Malaysia,” Dato’ Dr Ang added.

Members of the public can catch their first glimpse of this global sedan at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur from 10^th- 12^th August. Those interested for more information about the Nissan Almera can register at the showcase in Pavilion and at all other selected venues as follow:-

Dataran Pahlawan, Malacca                          10th - 12th August 2012

Queensbay Mall, Bayan Lepas, Penang          16th - 21st August 2012

Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya, Selangor            23rd - 26th August 2012

Autocity, Juru, Penang                                 30th August - 2nd September

East Coast Mall, Kuantan, Pahang                 31st August - 2nd September

Alternatively, visit www.nissan.com.my to find out more about the all-new Nissan Almera and to register your interest.

source: ETCM Press Release

All New Kia Sportage Test Drive Review Soon!! Watch Out This Space

I'm sure you can recognize the SUV above, yes it is the all new Kia Sportage. Naza Kia recently has provided me a test drive unit for me to review this SUV and to my surprise, the tidal wave of Korean are coming...watch out this space soon as I explain in details what this SUV surprises me!!! Stay tune

UMW Toyota Treats The Underprivileged Children!!

In the spirit of caring and sharing during the holy month of Ramadan, UMW Toyota Motor has brought Hari Raya joy to the underprivileged children from Asrama Damai, Kuang Selangor. This annual programme was organised as part of the Staff Volunteer Programme to inculcate a spirit of volunteerism and community service among the UMW Toyota Motor personnel. Over 30 volunteers from UMW Toyota Motor played host to more than 30 children during a special shopping treat cum breaking of fast treat at One Utama. 

The Ramadhan ‘double joy’ began with a fully sponsored “Baju Raya” shopping spree and led up to a Buka Puasa session at the One World Hotel. The children aged between 7 to 15 years were treated to a lavish spread of Buka Puasa delicacies. As an additional gift they were also given duit raya. This outreach programme was intended to assure these children that they have friends who care and are not alone in this world. 

The volunteers from UMW Toyota Motor were each assigned a child from the shelter. Their task for the day included taking the child shopping for their Hari Raya clothes and shoes as well as enjoying the attractions of the shopping mall since these children seldom get the opportunity to visit such places. This outing was an opportune time for the volunteers to build rapport with the children and foster the Hari Raya spirit of giving and sharing. 

According to Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, “For every family, festivals are a time for joy, togetherness and celebration. Children and adults alike gather for feasting and laughter, putting aside school and work to spend time with loved ones to keep family ties aflame. While most families are celebrating however, it is just 2 another ordinary day for children in welfare homes. This is why we make a special effort to spread a little cheer to charity homes by treating them to a shopping spree during this festive season. We hope to become a part of the ‘family’ that they never had.” 

UMW Toyota Motor has been organizing special events for children in welfare homes during festive seasons since 2002 as part of their social contribution to the less fortunate. Over the years, the festive celebrations have become a much-anticipated event not only among homes but also for staff volunteers. 

“The underlying message is that the disparity between the haves and have-not can be reduced if we all share our excesses. Big corporations have a role to play in driving initiatives like this and the folks at UMW Toyota are happy to be able to lend a helping hand to those who need it”, explained Datuk Ismet Suki. 

The Staff Volunteer Programme is part of the Philanthropic pillar of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). UMW Toyota Motor’s commitment to CSR has been an integral part of its corporate culture since it was established in 1982. Its CSR approach is consonant with its philosophy of ‘A history of service to society’, where UMW Toyota Motor continually seeks opportunities to contribute to the communities where they operate their business.

source: UMW Toyota Media Press Release

Edaran Tan Chong Treats Its Valuable Customer

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) recently conducted two customer events to further strengthen their relationship with Nissan owners. A “City Survival Workshop” was conducted as part of ETCM’s corporate social responsibility whilst the “Nissan Family Day” was organized to bring ETCM and the owners closer together. 

“These customer events were organized as part of our ongoing Customer Relations Management programme to enhance the customer ownership experience. At ETCM, we constantly strive to improve our customer service. We promise to deliver to all our customers an excellent Nissan experience before, during and especially after the purchase of a vehicle. We are very honored when our customers participate in our events and enjoy themselves” said Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, executive director of ETCM.

Nissan City Survival Workshop

ETCM held the exclusive female-customers-only event on July 7th at the Melia Hotel Kuala Lumpur. This programme is approved by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development and covers topics such as how to better respond to emergencies, detect hidden cameras as well as manage cell-phone threats. The turnout to the event was tremendous. “We organized the ‘Nissan City Survival Workshop’ for our female customers to equip them with the required skills and knowledge to protect themselves – especially after reading about the crimes happening in Malaysia these days targeting women” said Dato’ Dr Ang. 

The workshop was conducted by K. Balasupramaniam, the chairman of Malaysian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, and comprised live demonstrations on self-defence. Nissan’s female customers were also given the opportunity to practice the tips and moves taught during the workshop. “Thank you ETCM for organizing this event and for looking out for the safety of your female customers. I definitely feel safer and more prepared to defend myself in case of any emergencies” said Ms. Jackie Joo Moi Hoon., a satisfied participant at the event. Based on the overwhelming response, ETCM will organise two more similar survival workshops in 4th quarter this year.

Nissan Family Day

ETCM also organized its first Nissan Family Day at the Nissan 3S Centre in Kuantan, Pahang. The event was attended by over 400 of Nissan’s East Coast customers and family members on July 14. There ware exciting games and activities, such as the mummy wrapping, jigsaw puzzle and mix & match. The newly launched Grand Livina AUTECH was the “star” in the ‘Spot the Difference’ game. 

There were many prizes offered during the Family Day but the highlight was the grand prize of a new iPAD. “I like how Nissan continues to engage with us throughout our ownership of the vehicle. These activities not only strengthen our relationship with ETCM, but also with other Nissan drivers here” commented En. Suhaimi Bin Yahya, a satisfied Nissan customer. 

ETCM will continue to organize more similar workshops and activities to benefit more people through nation wide which will be announced from time to time. For more information, please logon to www.nissan.com.my

source: ETCM Media Press Release

Free Service Offer For Purchase Of Prius c Till 17th August. Full Press Release

In light with the upcoming Hari Raya celebration, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMW Toyota Motor) will be offering free service package for the first 10,000 km or 6 months of ownership for customers who purchase a Toyota Prius c from the 6th to 17th August. This value added package is offered to customers who choose the Prius c as their preferred hybrid car and to provide the latest and best hybrid technology in preserving the environment. 

The new Prius c have proven that hybrid technology is viable, durable, and one of the best ways to preserve the environment, while at the same time maximizing the natural resources. As a result, hybrid technology is now a mainstream option being adopted by most auto-makers. 

What continues to set the new Prius c apart from other hybrids on the market lies underneath the hood. The new Prius c, utilizes the latest Toyota Intelligent Hybrid Synergy Drive Technology to run independently on either petrol or electric power, or a combination of both. 

UMW Toyota Motor would like to thank all customers for their continuous support and trust in the incomparable Toyota Intelligent Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Not forgetting, wishing all customers Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and happy holiday. 

UMW Toyota Motor will continue to enhance and promote a Toyota Hybrid Community in Malaysia and continue to educate consumers on the benefits and advantage of Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. For more information on the “Prius c Hybrid Campaign”, please call Toyota Free phone 1800 -8 -869682 (1-800-8-TOYOTA)

source: UMW Toyota Media Press Release

Toyota Motor Corporation Rolled Out More Than 200 Million Units. Full Press Release

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that in June its worldwide cumulative vehicle production surpassed 200 million units. 

This milestone took 76 years and 11 months to reach, and began with production of the Model G1 truck in August 1935 at Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd.’s1Automotive Department, which was spun off and later became TMC. As of the end of June, cumulative production in Japan2totaled145.21 million vehicles and overseas production total 55.12 million vehicles. 

Marking the achievement, TMC President Akio Toyoda said: "I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to our customers the world over who made it possible for us to reach this milestone. I also have the most profound respect and gratitude for the efforts of all persons who were involved in developing, manufacturing, and marketing Toyota and Lexus vehicles over the years. We are determined to make our cars even better, to continue to give our customers the best possible product. This is the common goal of our 300,000 Toyota staff members worldwide." 

The most-produced model among Toyota-brand vehicles is the “Corolla”, of which the 11th generation was launched in Japan on May 11. Cumulative worldwide Corolla production total 39.08 million units as of the end of June.

source: UMW Toyota Media Team