PRESS RELEASE: VW TSI Engine Won The "International Engine Of The Year Award

TSI technology from Volkswagen today once again received the 'International Engine of the Year Award': the 1.4 litre TSI twincharger, which won for the ninth time in succession in the 1.0 to 1.4 litre cubic capacity category, is thus the most successful engine in the history of this international competition for 

engine technology. 

For several years, the pithy TSI brand has stood for intelligent downsizing from Volkswagen. Despite their comparatively small cubic capacity the TSI engines produce, for instance, levels of power output that until not so very long ago only engines with a considerably bigger capacity were able to offer. 

The TSI engine is currently available in differing cubic capacity classes and levels of power output ranging between 66 kW / 90 PS and 221 kW / 300 PS. The first TSI engine was in 2006 the twincharger, now once again an award winner, which thanks to an additional turbocharger and mechanical compressor has especially high torque and is very efficient. 

The TSI twincharger is available in different power levels from 103 kW / 140 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS and continues to be offered for a multitude of models – in the Beetle, Jetta, Eos, Golf Cabriolet, Touran, Tiguan, Passat and Sharan. 

However, the downsizing is not yet finished: the latest addition to the TSI family is the 1.0 litre version delivering 66 kW / 90 PS in the new Polo TSI BlueMotion. This first one-litre, three cylinder direct injection turbo engine will be making its debut in the second half of the year, featuring fuel consumption of just 4.1 l/100 km and thus a CO2 figure of 94 g/km. Its predecessor, delivering an identical 90 PS, consumed 4.9 l/100 km (equating to 113 g/km CO2). 

With active cylinder management (ACT), Volkswagen has since last year also been offering a technology that enables an additional reduction in fuel consumption by temporarily turning off the second and third cylinder. The award for the 1.4 TSI was presented today in Stuttgart to Carsten Helbing, Head of Application EA888 and Alternative Fuels in the Volkswagen Petrol Engine Development Division. "Our successful TSI engines have for years been impressively demonstrating that the combination of cubic capacity reduction, direct injection and intelligent charging produces great dynamic performance while at the same time delivering low emission and fuel consumption figures," explained Helbing at the award presentation. 

The International Engine of the Year Award is a competition that has been held annually since 1999, in which more than 80 motoring journalists from all over the world give awards to the best engines in a range of different categories. Factors incorporated into the assessment via a special points system include the journalists' personal driving experience, fuel efficiency, engine noise and power output.

Source: VW Malaysia Media Services

NEW LAUNCHES:Toyota FCV Launched. Sales Begin In Japan!!!

Toyota Motor Corporation has revealed the exterior design and Japan pricing of its hydrogen fuel cell sedan, first unveiled as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year.

The car will launch in Japan before April 2015, and preparations are underway for launches in the U.S. and European markets in the summer of 2015.

In Japan, the fuel cell sedan will go on sale at Toyota and Toyopet dealerships, priced at approximately 7 million yen (MSRP; excludes consumption tax). Initially, sales will be limited to regions 1 where hydrogen refueling infrastructure is being developed. U.S. and Europe prices have not yet been decided. Likewise, more detailed information, such as specifications, exact prices and sales targets, will be announced later.

Toyota’s commitment to environment-friendly vehicles is based on three basic principles: embracing diverse energy sources; developing efficient, low-emission vehicles; and driving real and positive environmental change by popularizing these vehicles.

Hydrogen is a particularly promising alternative fuel since it can be produced using a wide variety of primary energy sources, including solar and wind power. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries and is easier to store and transport. In addition to its potential as a fuel for home and automotive use, hydrogen could be used in a wide range of applications, including large-scale power generation.

Toyota has been developing fuel cell vehicles in-house for more than 20 years. Toyota’s fuel cell system includes a proprietary FC Stack, which generates electricity from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. In 2002, Toyota began leasing the “Toyota FCHV”, a fuel cell SUV, on a limited basis in Japan and the U.S.

Significant improvements have been made to the FC system since 2002. The fuel cell sedan Toyota revealed today, for example, features performance similar to a gasoline engine vehicle, with a cruising range2 of approximately 700 km (according to Toyota measurements taken under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s JC08 test cycle) and a refueling time of roughly three minutes. When driven, it emits only the water vapor produced by the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.

Fuel cell vehicles contribute to the diversification of automobile fuels, emit no CO2 or environmentally harmful substances during operation, and offer the convenience of gasoline-powered cars. Toyota believes they have a great deal of potential, and are ideal environment-friendly vehicles for promoting a sustainable mobility society.

Toyota Group companies are also engaging in other hydrogen-related initiatives, such as developing and testing fuel cells for use in homes, and developing fuel cell forklifts and fuel cell buses.

Source: Toyota Motors Corporation Japan

PRESS RELEASE: Volkswagen Malaysia Reaching Out To All Malaysian

Continuing with its commitment to engage with Malaysians, Volkswagen Group Malaysia will be bringing a comprehensive Volkswagen brand experience to various locations across Peninsular Malaysia via the continuation of the Volkswagen On Tour series of roadshows. 

In line with the Volkswagen. Das Auto. Shows and the recent “Volkswagen On Tour”, the no. 1 European automobile manufacturer is once again bringing a compelling Volkswagen experience across the country. Starting with its first stop at One Utama in Petaling Jaya, visitors will be able to get to engage personally with Volkswagen’s fleet of vehicles in Malaysia including all of Volkswagen’s recently launched vehicles including the all-new Golf R, the latest Tiguan, the enhanced Passat and the locally assembled Jetta along with the CC, Polo Sedan and Polo 1.6.

Packed with a full spectrum of activities that reinforce Volkswagen’s core values; whether it’s a test drive of Volkswagen’s range of vehicles equipped with TSI and DSG technology or the interactive racing competition with daily prizes for those who dare to take the challenge, there is something in store for everyone. 

Other activities include the Volkswagen Fotobox photobooth, a trot down the Volkswagen World memory lane and a demonstration where participants will be able to learn more about the importance and technology of child safety seats. Reinforcing the importance of fuel efficiency not just to Volkswagen but to Malaysians in general, Volkswagen’s Think Blue mascot will also make an appearance reinforcing the class-leading fuel efficiency of Volkswagen models.

Visitors also stand the chance to win the Polo Sedan in line with Volkswagen’s “Safe and Stylish Balik Kampung” campaign from now until 10 July. To participate in the Volkswagen On Tour campaign or to find out more, be sure to pop by one of the eight different locations across the country that the Volkswagen On Tour roadshow will be headed to from 18 June to 14 September:-

Stops	Date	State	Venue
1	18 – 22 June	Selangor	One Utama, LG Concourse
2	26 – 29 June	Selangor	Setia Alam Mall, Main Concourse
3	18 – 20 July	Selangor	Paradigm Mall, Walkway, Level G
4	8 – 10 August	Selangor	Tropicana City Mall
5	15 – 17 August	Johor Bahru	KSL City Mall
6	21 – 24 August	Penang	Gurney Plaza
7	28 – 31 August	Selangor	The Curve, Main Concourse
8	9 – 14 September	Wilayah Persekutuan	Aeon, Kepong

source: VW Malaysia Media Services

PRESS RELEASE: ETCM Launched First 3S Centre In Kuching

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM) yesterday officiated the opening of its first 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) Centre in Kuching, Sarawak, marking another successful milestone in its history. The 3S Centre was officiated by Yang Berbahagia Dato James Chan Khay Syn, Mayor of Kuching City South, who was accompanied by the Executive Director of ETCM, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ David Chen. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dato’ David said, “The Kuching 3S Centre is our first 3S Centre in Kuching and our biggest in East Malaysia. We will continue to grow and expand for the benefit of our customers. Here, our customers and the general public will be able to have a complete Nissan experience, whilst remaining true to our commitment to deliver quality, value-for-money products and high level of after-sales service to meet the demands and expectations of our customers.”

The new ETCM Kuching 3S Centre is strategically located at an established automotive hub in Kuching city, and sits on an area of 1.58 acres, with a total built-up area of 42,000 square feet. 

The newly-designed layout of the 3S Centre is fresh and modern, with a spacious showroom that can display up to eight (8) Nissan models at any one time. For customer convenience and comfort, facilities available include a lounge and refreshment bar with WiFi connectivity, as well as a Kid’s Corner for customers with children. Additionally, the workshop is equipped with modern facilities, holding 23 service bays with the capacity to service up to 130 cars per day. At this one-stop centre, customers can test drive and purchase new Nissan models, get them serviced, and obtain spare parts for their Nissan vehicles. 

“In 2013, ETCM sold around 5,000 units of Nissan vehicles in East Malaysia, of which more than half were from Sarawak, with a growth of more than 20% from 2012. As our product line-up continue to grow and improve, it is important that we strengthen our after-sales support for our customers,” added Dato’ David. 

To date, ETCM has an extensive network of 106 Showrooms including dealers, and 59 Tan Chong Express Auto Service (TCEAS) Workshops throughout the nation. More ETCM 3S centres are planned in 2014, including one in Tawau, Sabah and in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. ETCM targets to have 18 3S Centres throughout Malaysia by end of 2014. 

ETCM believes that a life-long relationship with the customer is forged when a purchase is made. Hence it is of utmost importance for ETCM to develop these relationships by providing consistently good services that are of the highest quality. ETCM continues to make Customer Satisfaction its No.1 priority in meeting the growing needs of its customers. 

source: ETCM Media Services

PRESS RELEASE: Perodua Increase Wages, Allowance And Benefits Up To 10% For Its Workers!!

Perodua and its workers’ unions signed a “Collective Agreement” for the former to increase wages, allowances and benefits for its non-executive staff by 10% to help cope with the higher cost of living and to recognise their contribution to the company.

The collective agreement was signed between Pekerja-pekerja Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd and Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd; Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Kesatuan Pekerja-Pekerja Perodua; and Perodua Engine Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Kesatuan Pekerja-Pekerja Engine Manufacturing Sdn Bhd. 

The agreement, which was witnessed by Perodua Chairman Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin and Department of Industrial Relations Principal Assistant Director Tuan Haji Azzal Abu Talib, takes effect from 2014 to 2016, after which, the agreement will be reviewed by both parties.

“Of the 10% increase, at least 5% is in regards to wage increase while the remaining increment is for various allowances and benefits for non-executive permanent staff,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said. 

Perodua has about 9,000 staff under its employment nationwide. Of these 9,000 workers, some 6,700 are non-executive staff. 

Earlier in the year, Perodua also distributed shopping vouchers ranging from RM1, 200 and RM1,500 to all its employees as a one-off project with the aim of assisting staff with school going children to buy much needed supplies.

“It is our hope that our staff will use these assistances wisely and effectively throughout the year,” Aminar said. 

He added that Perodua was also building a masjid and a child day care centre for the convenience of its staff and their children as well as part of the compact car company’s staff retention programme.

“We believe that excellence begins at home and by working with our people to create the best environment, we are fostering the best in everything we do,” Aminar said.

source: Perodua Media Services

PRESS RELEASE: Goodyear Offers Worry Free Assurance Programme

Goodyear Malaysia has backed the quality and durability of its tires by extending its Worry Free Assurance program, designed to help provide drivers with greater peace of mind while on the road. 

For over 115 years, Goodyear has been a leader in tire technology and innovation, with a focus on creating unique products and services that enhance performance. With this in mind, Goodyear Malaysia is delivering greater assurance to drivers by offering its Worry Free Assurance program. This provides replacement tires on selected Goodyear tire patterns for road hazard damage that is beyond repair*. 

“Goodyear Malaysia is constantly striving to meet consumers’ needs, not only with our tire products, but also with the services we offer. Our Worry Free Assurance is part of our efforts to provide added value and assurance to drivers,” said Ivy Peng, managing director of Goodyear Malaysia.

“We are confident in the quality of our Goodyear products and we want our customers to be as well, which is why we are delighted to expand the range of tires covered under our Worry Free Assurance program. We understand that sometimes mishaps occur, and this program is here to help when they do.

“Our Worry Free Assurance program offers purchasers a free tire replacement for damages caused by road hazards when the tire tread depth is at more than 6.7mm. For road hazard damages that occur within 5.5 to 6.6mm of the tire tread depth, a partial credit will be issued for use in the purchase of a new Goodyear tire of the same size and design.”

Goodyear’s Worry Free Assurance program was first launched in Malaysia in 2013 to provide added protection against road hazard damage for drivers who purchased Goodyear Assurance TripleMax tires. The program has now been extended to four more tire patterns in the Goodyear’s passenger and SUV range; including Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, Eagle F1 Directional 5, Eagle EfficientGrip and EfficientGrip SUV. 

Goodyear’s Worry Free Assurance program provides replacement tires on selected models for road hazard damage that is beyond repair, caused by puncture, cut, bruise or impact during the course of normal driving on a maintained road. With a validity period of six months effective from the date of purchase, tires can be replaced at the outlet where they were purchased*.

For more information on Goodyear’s Worry Free Assurance, visit www.goodyear.com.my or contact the Goodyear Customer Care Line at 1300-88-8973.

source: Goodyear Malaysia

SPYSHOTS: Spyshots Galore, Proton GSC and Perodua EEV!!!

Looks like it is a spyshot galore seasons as multiple shots has been release to the net. The first shots was the Perodua EEV for which might be known as Perodua Axia which shared similar underpinnings of the Daihatsu Ayla. Nothing much was revealed about this new Perodua model but as far as I can assume, this model might be launched towards September or October of this year. 

In terms of pricing, I presume based on the latest pricing revision of Perodua Viva, I  reckoned, the new Perodua might be priced at RM 35k to a maximum of RM 48K for the high end model. This will create a sufficient room to position this model in between the Viva and all popular Myvi. 

In term on new Proton GSC, this latest spyshot were captured most probably under going crash test here at MIROS. Based on the picture, we can see that Proton has push a lot of new toys into this highline model, with Front Parking Sensor, Keyless Entry push button and Day Time Running Light (DRL) on the bottom side on the front headlamp. 

Just my point of grouse, the design of the headlamp is great, but upon closer look, you can see that the turn signal light at the front headlamp was somehow look a bit awkward as it flows combining with the garnish grill ala BMW F30 but the design execution here is less flawless. I do hope Proton can look into this matter as it might spoil the stylish front end look. Enjoy this latest spyshot and if any of you have the latest spyshot, you are welcome to email me at autoinsidermalaysia [at] gmail.com

source: Funtasticko and Azelery.com

PRESS RELEASE: Perodua Announces Reductions of RM3000 to RM 5,300 For Perodua Viva

Perodua is reducing the on-the-road price of all its Viva variants by up to RM 5,300 in line with bringing better overall value of ownership to its customers.

In addition to the price reduction, Perodua is giving a RM 800 cash bonus to those who register a Viva between 17th June and 31st August this year; making the new Perodua Viva price package more affordable by up to RM 6,100. 

“On top of these goodies, our customers are also entitled to the 3-year free service package currently offered to all new Perodua customers,” Perodua President & Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

“The price reduction is made possible due to our cost saving initiative which we have conducted since 2011,” he added. 

Aminar said that the price reduction was also fitting as it made the Perodua Viva the most affordable entry level car in the country as well as in line with meeting the government’s aspiration towards creating more affordable cars for Malaysians.

The reduction in price will begin today (17 June) at all 181 sales outlets nationwide.

Approximate on-the-road price reductions for the model (in West Malaysia) are as follows:

No	Variant	Old Price	New price	Reduction
1	AM6BXD	RM 25,000	RM 22,000	RM 3,000
2	AM8EXD	RM 33,200	RM 27,900	RM 5,300
3	AM1BZD	RM 35,200	RM 29,900	RM 5,300
4	AM1GXD	RM 38,200	RM 32,900	RM 5,300
5	AM1EZD	RM 41,300	RM 36,800	RM 4,500

“We believe that the new price will further help motorists nationwide to own a high quality yet affordable vehicle, especially with the upcoming celebrations of Ramadan, Aidil Fitri and Merdeka day,” Aminar said.

source: Perodua Media Services

PRESS RELEASE: SMK Sri Muda Benefits From Participation of Toyota Eco Youth Challenge

When SMK Sri Muda was first selected as one of the participants in the Toyota Eco Youth challenge in 2007, little did they guess that it marked the beginning to a rewarding journey in conservation. The school, which emerged champion in Toyota Eco Youth 2007 and Battle of the Eco Champion 2010, is today a leading name in eco initiatives around the country, especially in the northern region. 

Initiated in 2001, the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY), an annual environmental competition among selected secondary schools, is now a permanent environmental programme in many schools such as SMK Sri Muda. The programme was expanded in 2011 to involve the community surrounding the schools

“TEY 2007 was a major milestone for our school,” reflects Aziah Yahaya, a Physics teacher who has been heading the school’s green initiatives assisted by history teacher Mazlina Abdul Majid, living skills teacher Aliza Abdul Aziz and chemistry teacher Zuraini Zulkefley. 

She adds that the 8-Steps Problem Solving Methodology taught in the programme is not only useful during the TEY challenge but is also used today as part of their teaching process. For instance, the teachers will look into the root cause of a student’s poor academic performance and devise ways to help him or her. 

“TEY is really a one-of-a-kind competition. The students get a holistic learning experience, from problem-solving to marketing, public relation and public speaking. It equips them with skills not found in text-books,” says Aziah, adding that all past TEY participants are doing well in universities, with the 2010 batch striking 10As in their SPM that year.

What the teachers learnt during TEY continue to be taught and passed down to the current batch of students. “The most valuable lesson is that we must be proactive with environmental problems and take efforts to find solutions instead of waiting for help from the authorities or others. The 8-Step Problem Solving Methodology helps us see that we can make a difference if we try hard enough!’ says Aziah.

It all started with three grease traps created in 2007 for the Toyota Eco Youth challenge. Attached to the greywater system of the school canteen, the traps filtered the water before it was released to the drains. Over time however, the system became unsustainable due to increase of cost.

The grease traps were replaced with two newer greywater systems, one using a simple yet effective Density System, while another utilises a 4-stage filtration system using sugar cane waste, banana stems, rice stems and charcoal (for odour control). Once the fibrous materials degrade, they are replaced with fresh materials, while the used ones are piled at the compost area or fed to eudrilus eugeniae (African Night Crawler) earthworms to create vermicompost. 

Ready compost is then used to nourish a vibrant vegetable garden with various vegetables, which are sold to the teachers, or served to visitors during meal times. 

The Recycling Centre which sits close to the school’s main entrance, provides easy access to parents, teachers, students and the public who would like to drop off recyclable items such as used cooking oil, plastic containers, papers and more. These are sold, with a small percentage being shared with the students who bring in recycled goods, while the rest are parked into an environmental education fund.

Apart from being sold, some of the recycled items are given a new lease of life. A Green Room, once an abandoned store room, now houses various upcycled items such as soaps made from used cooking oil, handicrafts from old magazines and newspapers, even reinforced concrete bricks made from rice husks and cement. 

“TEY changed our lives,” concludes Aziah. “We’re grateful to be selected as participants because no other green initiative could impact the students and teachers the same way.”

source: UMW Toyota Malaysia

NEW LAUNCHES: New Suzuki Swift RS Launched. Price Starts From RM80K!!!

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd (SMA) introduced its sprightly new Swift RS to the Malaysian market. Sharing the same DNA as its predecessor, the 1.4 Litre Swift RS is a sporty compact that has benefited from a bright splash of colour and technological enhancements.

This new variant of the popular Swift model delivers the same dynamic performance but with even greater flair. The Swift RS features an eye-catching black and red gradient rooftop, side body decal, stylish red lining on the body-kit with an additional back spoiler, LED Day-Running-Light, 16-inch ‘gun metallic’ aluminium-alloy wheels and the RS emblem to complete the look.

“In line with Suzuki’s brand philosophy of delivering excitement, the Swift RS brings stand-out style to Malaysian streets and appeals to youthful drivers wishing to reflect their vibrant personality in their car’s appearance,” said Mr. Keiichi Suzuki, Managing Director of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd.

The interior of the Swift RS is sporty and fresh with black and red leather seats and red stripe side-door trims. This latest variant also features a 2-Din touch-screen audio system with reverse camera, Bluetooth system with microphone, and True Mirroring with Smart phone* (*additional items required).

“Being such a popular model with the younger Malaysian market, we have customised the Swift to suit the latest trends – with a pop of colour, sporty features and new technology,” added Mr. Keiichi.

This 1.4litre-petrol-engine vehicle has a maximum output of 95PS (70kW)/6,000rpm and maximum torque of 130Nm/4,000rpm. Its standard Swift features are worthy of highlighting too: LCD display dashboard, telescopic steering wheel, keyless transmitter and push-start system and SRS airbags.

The Swift RS is available with Automatic Transmission at the sensational price of RM 79,388.00 – On The Road (OTR) without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia, RM 85,140.00 for Sarawak and RM85,124.00 for Sabah. The Swift RS comes with 3 years warranty or 100,000km (whichever comes first), with the exception of the RS rooftop sticker, which has a 2-year warranty.

source: Suzuki Automobile Malaysia

NEW LAUNCHES: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso Available For Limited Stocks!!!

As part of Naza Euro Motors’ “Pre-Raya Celebration”, the new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso will be available for exclusive preview at all Citroen outlets nationwide on June 14 and June 15 2014. Limited ready stock units of the new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso in its diesel variant are currently available for pre-booking at all Citroen outlets nationwide.

The new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is a uniquely styled MPV that is impressive in terms of design and features a pioneering balance between interior space and engaging exterior styling.

It is elegance personified as an MPV of flowing, elegant lines with a stand-out strong, expressive character. The newly designed front end and robust rear end with its wraparound, motorised tailgate and 3D LED lights not only look good but are truly practical as well.

The interior ambiance of the new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is both attractive and sophisticated. Every element has been carefully design to evoke a first-class on-board experience. Brimming with 'créative technologie', the MPV comes with features such as a 7-inch touch screen driver interface, 12-inch HD panoramic screen with navigation system, rear view camera and massage function in driver and front passenger’s seats. The new Citroen Grand C4 Picasso strikes an ideal balance between agility, response and unequalled comfort that is low in fuel and high in specs. 

The stylish and spacious Techno MPV has won a slew of honours including 'Best Seven-seat People Carrier' in the Fleet News Awards, 'Family Car of the Year' in BBC Top Gear magazine, ‘Best in Category’ in the Automotive and Transport section of the Good Design Awards, ‘Family MPV of the Year’ in Autobild Golden Steering Wheel 2013, 'MPV of the Year' at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2014 and 'MPV of the Year' in the UK Car of the Year Awards. 

The DS line in Malaysia consists of the Citroen DS3, Citroen DS4 and Citroen DS5. The Citroen DS3 is priced at RM117,888 (on-the-road with insurance) and comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage. The Citroen DS4 is priced at RM149,888 (on-the-road with insurance) and comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage. The Citroen DS5 is priced at RM188,888 (on-the-road with insurance) and comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

Naza Euro Motors is the official distributor of the Citroen brand in Malaysia. Visit the Citroen showrooms currently showcasing the Citroen DS3, Citroen DS4 and Citroen DS5 at Citroen Glenmarie in Shah Alam, Citroen Penang Island in Island Glades, Citroen Juru on the mainland, Citroen Johor Bahru and PJ Automall in Petaling Jaya with more showrooms coming soon. 

Call 1800 222 808 visit the official website www.citroen.com.my for more details on Citroen in Malaysia. Log onto the Citroen Malaysia Facebook page and subscribe to the monthly Citroen e-Newsletter to never miss a beat about Citroen.

PRESS RELEASE: UMW Toyota Opens Upgraded Tawau 3S Centre!!!

UMW Toyota Motor marked another milestone in its successful history with the opening of its latest upgraded 3S centre in Tawau, Sabah. The opening ceremony was attended by Tan Sri Asmat Kamaluddin, Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Takashi Hibi, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor and Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Speaking at the ceremony, Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor highlighted that UMW Toyota Motor is focused on providing the Toyota Quality Experience (TQE) to vehicle owners at every point of contact.

The latest branch is a full-fledge comprehensive 3S centre (sales, service and spare-parts) in Tawau to cater for the increasing number of Toyota vehicles and provide convenience for the customer. “UMW Toyota Motor is constantly raising standards of dependability, reliability and customer satisfaction which is part of our commitment to quality”, said Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor. 

The more than RM 9 million facilities sits on a 2.25 acres land with a total built-up area of more than 30,000 square feet is equipped with a spacious showroom that can display up to 6 cars, comfortable customer lounge with WiFi internet facilities and a service center that can service up to 60 vehicles daily. It is operated by 22 well-trained staff in sales and 27 after sales staff under the leadership of Mr. Richard Lo Chee Heung the Branch Manager and Mr. Donovan Constantine Lidong, Manager of Customer Service Operations.

“The new facility is another testimony of our commitment towards our customers. Befitting our "Customer First" philosophy, we always strive to give our customers the utmost priority. Customer satisfaction is best expressed with a smile as in return it promotes a behavior of gratitude and appreciation in all that we do” added Datuk Ismet Suki.

The launch of the newly upgraded Tawau 3S centre is exceptionally important because the Tawau sales branch alone contributed more than 11% to the total sales of the Sabah region in 2013, and serviced over 14,500 vehicles which contributed about 13% of 108,000 vehicles serviced last year. Commenting on the growth of the sales and after sales area in Tawau, Datuk Ismet said, “We are committed to continuously deliver high quality products and provide excellent service in our effort to reaffirm our position as the top selling non-national brand in the country for more than two decades.”

This new investment by UMW Toyota Motor is considered as a Toyota 3S center in the town of Tawau and it is set to provide better facilities for customers. UMW Toyota Motor currently has an extensive network of 92 sales and after sales outlets including dealers, throughout the nation.

“We strongly believe that the automotive industry will continue to grow and UMW Toyota plans to invest more than RM 500 million for network expansion to meet the increasing demand of Toyota vehicles in the country. This will be done through opening of new outlets, refurbishment and upgrading of existing Toyota facilities to provide better convenience and comfort. We will strengthen our operations to meet our sales target of more than 100,000 units in order to achieve market share of close to 15%. In the area of after sales, we will continue to attain more than 1.25 million CPUS,” Datuk Ismet Suki said in closing.

source: UMW Toyota Malaysia

PRESS RELEASE: Lexus Malaysia Expend It Wings To East Malaysia

Lexus Malaysia successfully strengthened its position in the Malaysian luxury automotive market with the launch of its first Lexus 3S centre in East Malaysia at Kuching, Sarawak. To witness the opening ceremony were Tan Sri Datuk Ling Chiong Ho, Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director of the Boulevard Group and Shin Yang, Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Takashi Hibi, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor, Mr Ling Chiong Sing, Chief Executive Director and Managing Director of Boulevard Group and Shin Yang, and Mr James Ling, Executive Director of the Boulevard Group of Companies. 

The opening of the new Lexus Kuching marks the first Lexus 3S centre to open its doors in East Malaysia, which gives Lexus owners there the facilities they need to truly appreciate all the luxuries the brand is synonymous with. The Lexus Kuching is operated by Boulevard Jaya who also just opened their new 3S Toyota facility next door to the first ever Lexus outlet in Kuching, Sarawak. 

The 5-storey state of the art Lexus facility will be able to display up to seven of the latest Lexus models and will also operate a service centre where guests can come back to have their Lexus cars serviced and maintained. It is operated by 20 well-trained staff in sales and after sales under the leadership of Mr. Andrew Law Chin Lik, Sales Manager and Mr. Dennis Ling Bung Cheng, Manager of Customer Service Operations.

All the staffs have been highly trained to attend to Lexus guests by adopting the legendary Lexus Experience. According to Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor,” It is important to note that Lexus is not just a purveyor of luxury cars; we also offer an ownership experience like no other in its class. It is also important to note that the moment anyone walks into this or any Lexus outlet, they immediately become our guest and not just a potential customer. Lexus is known for its world class hospitality, and I am proud to see that everything that the brand stands for can be seen here in Lexus Kuching.” 

“Boulevard Jaya was appointed as our dealer based on their proven track record in the auto industry, strong management capabilities, as well as their dedication and highly supportive of all UMW Toyota initiatives. With an investment of more than RM 52 million into these facilities, Boulevard Jaya has once again shown its commitment and for that on behalf of the management of UMW Toyota Motor, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Tan Sri Datuk Ling Chiong Ho and the staff of Boulevard Jaya under the leadership of Mr Ling Chiong Sing, on the official opening of this Lexus Kuching 3S center,” he added. 

Ever since its inception in 2007, Lexus Malaysia have launched Lexus 3S centres in Mutiara Damansara, Penang, Johor Bahru, Sungai Besi, a showroom at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, and today in Kuching, Sarawak. Lexus Malaysia has invested RM 50 million as part of their network expansion to offer convenience to more of interested guests to indulge in the highly renowned Lexus hospitality. All of these centres offer ultra-luxurious ownership experience for Lexus owners, and there will be two more outlets launched in Ipoh and Malacca by the third quarter of this year.

Over the years, Lexus Malaysia has sold more than 6,000 cars in the Malaysian market and with a wide range of models and the demand is steadily growing; Lexus Malaysia aims to sell more than 1,400 Lexus models this year. “We have an impressive model line-up such as the Lexus IS, ES, GS, LS and RX, all of which will be made available at this dealership and we have more exciting models coming up for the Malaysian market. UMW Toyota Motor strongly believes that the luxury car segment will continue to grow. We will strengthen our operations to meet our sales target for this year,” said Datuk Ismet in his speech. 

Before he ends his speech, Datuk Ismet Suki also took the opportunity to congratulate Boulevard Jaya for the recent upgrade of their Toyota facility to a 3S centre. The all-new Lexus Kuching centre is now fully operational and is located at Lot 872 & 873, Block 16, KCLD, Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli, 93250, Kuching Sarawak.