PRESS RELEASE: Daniel And Dany Make A Racquet In Malaysia

In terms of competitive spirit there are few athletes with quite as big a will to win as Formula One drivers, so when on the eve of recent weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix weekend we set Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat the challenge of taking on one of the world’s finest squash players in a battle to see which Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver could make the biggest racket on court (racquet, geddit), then there was no stopping them.

After making the journey from the Sepang Circuit to nearby Marina Putrajaya, Dan and Dany were introduced to their opponent, Malaysia’s Nicol David, the world’s number one women’s squash player.

Nicol, who won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year, is currently in training for the British Open in Hull which starts on 11th May, so is firmly at the top of her game.

The boys were thus challenged to see which of them, Dan or Dany, could survive on court the longest before Nicol reached a score of 11 points.

After a warm-up led by Nicol, Dany was first on court. The young Russian reckoned he had a sneaky advantage over his team-mate having been an occasional player during the time he spent living in Milton Keynes during his junior racing years.

The Russian Rocket gave it his all, bringing his A-game to the contest. He was momentarily hampered by having to use a racquet unbalanced by the attachment of a Go-Pro camera but he was soon back in the swing and put in a stellar, sweat-drenched performance.

It wasn’t long before Nicol reached the 11-point mark, however, and that meant Daniel, who’d been busy courtside picking up tips on Nicol’s game, was thrown into battle.

Nicol is famed across Malaysia for her constant broad smile, so pitting her against the ever-smiling Australian resulted in gales of laughter from both as Daniel, who later confessed to also being an occasional player some years ago, pushed himself to the limit to try to stay in the game.

Once again, though Nicol raced to the 11-point mark and it was time to call a winner. And after careful deliberation it was Daniel Ricciardo who emerged victorious.

“It was pretty cool playing with Nicol,” said the victorious Daniel afterwards. “I’ve played squash a few times and I do like my racquet sports but it’s more been tennis and table tennis. I think the last time I played was in the UK about four or five years ago. But it's easy enough to get your eye back in. But squash is really demanding. It’s very intense, very high heart rate. I only played for about five minutes but it felt like I’d been playing for an hour. Nicol made us work for it and I do feel that she was going easy on us. I’m sure she was! It was nice to build up a bit of a sweat and do something different. We’ll be out at the track for the next three days, so it’s really nice to break it up with some other activities and to meet other top athletes.”

The Aussie star was also pleased with his on-court performance.

“I felt I did OK – not on the scoreboard, but I think it was alright! Dany and I played here and it was down to whoever lasted the longest. I narrowly beat Dany and… I won’t lie, I’m pretty happy about that!”

PRESS RELEASE: Perodua Calls On Owners, Drivers To The “Myvi Nation, The Biggest Myvi Gathering”

Perodua is issuing a call to all Myvi owners and/or drivers to assemble as well as celebrate Perodua’s most iconic model’s anniversary at the “Myvi Nation, the Biggest Myvi Gathering” event on 24th May 2015. 

“We are hosting a public celebration in conjunction with the Myvi’s 10th anniversary or “Myvi 10niversary Celebration”, which will be held to mark this historic occasion in Setia Alam City Mall, Shah Alam,” Perodua President and CEO, Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said. 

To participate, a Myvi owner and/or driver must register at Perodua’s official website www.perodua.com.my from 21st April to 10th May with a minimal fee of RM50. 

Those participating must bring their Myvi to the full-day event to receive a certificate and an exclusive gift pack worth over RM400, as well as be in the running to win a special 10th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Myvi car.

“We are very happy to celebrate this very important milestone with our customers and as a big thank you, in addition to the gathering, Perodua invites the public to join our 2-day Myvi 10niversary Celebration, on 23rd and 24th May, at the same venue,” Aminar said. 

The public will be able to enjoy special deals, many games and fun activities, which will be announced during the event itself. The public will also be treated to a star-studded concert; fireworks display, or opt to watch movies under the stars after hot air balloon rides.

Those wishing to learn more about the event are encouraged to visit Perodua’s website for details.

The “Myvi 10niversary” is part of Perodua’s “Myvi, Love of the Nation” initiative which started in December 2014 and will end in December 2015.

The Perodua Myvi is the best-selling model in the country since it was launched on 25th May 2005, with more than 830,000 units on the road to date.

NEW LAUNCHES: Naza Euro Motors Launches The Award- Winning CITROEN GRAND C4 PICASSO

Naza Euro Motors has unveiled the award-winning Citroen Grand C4 Picasso in its Petrol variant. The MPV was first previewed in Malaysia in June last year. The following October saw the introduction of a now sold-out Diesel variant where it won in the MPV category at the NST-Maybank Car of the Year Awards 2014

“Naza Euro Motors finished 2014 strong not only with a local Car of the Year victory for the Grand C4 Picasso but also recording over 110% sales growth compared to 2013.

“We will continue to ride on this wave of momentum by taking a step forward with the award-winning Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. According to MAA reports, MPVs are the second biggest sub-segment of the market in 2014 with a share of 16%. It is safe to say the Grand C4 Picasso will be our main volume driver,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Chief Operating Officer of Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd.

With equal opportunity in mind, the Grand C4 Picasso will be available to test-drive at all Citroen outlets nationwide on April 18 and 19. 

Klang Valley residents can pop by the Grand C4 Picasso roadshow at MidValley Megamall running from April 16 to 19 for an up close and personal look at the multi award-winning MPV. They will also be treated to coffee served by the Mobile Citroen Parisian Café, a distinctive touch by Citroen.

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

This uniquely styled 7-seater MPV is impressive in terms of design and features a pioneering balance between interior space and engaging exterior styling. The award-winning Grand C4 Picasso harnesses all the efficiency of the new EMP2 platform to provide the best combination of versatility, cabin space and accessibility.

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 rear 3D LED lights not only look good but are truly practical as well.

The loft-inspired interior delivers an uncluttered feel and comfort for passengers. The panoramic windscreen and large glass roof combined with a long wheelbase provides comfort and versatility for up to seven occupants. Occupants can relax on the luxurious Cuir Nappa bi-tone leather upholstery.

Brimming with 'créative technologie', the award-winning MPV comes with innovative features such as a 7-inch touch screen driver interface, 12-inch HD panoramic screen with navigation system, Park Assist System, Active Cruise Control, front and rear parking assistance, 360 degree system, rear view camera and massage function in driver and front passenger’s seats. 

The award-winning Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is packed with technologies to provide assistance as part of a safe and relaxed driving experience. These safety features include Collision Risk Alert, Hill Start Assist, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Monitoring System and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). The Electronic Stability Programme consists of Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD), Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Under the hood, the award-winning Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is powered by a 1.6-litre e-THP 165 engine that produces 165 PS with 240 Nm of torque. Matched to a six-speed automatic gearbox, it gets to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 201 km/h. 

The award-winning Citroen Grand C4 Picasso’s new e-THP 165 engine’s specifications include improved fuel efficiency of 17.3km/l and performance, gaining 10 hp in the process and cutting CO2 emissions to 129 g/km.

The front suspension is fitted with Macpherson Struts to improve ride quality while the rear suspension is fitted with a flexible transverse beam. Other features include electric tailgate, anti-theft alarm, front fog light with cornering function and reverse dipping door mirrors with LED indicators.

The stylish Technospace 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' in the UK Car of the Year Awards and 'MPV of the Year' two years running at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2014 and 2015.

Available in four exquisite colours, Noir Onyx (Black), Blanc Banquise (White), Blue Telese (Blue) and Rouge Babylone (Red), the award-winning Citroen Grand C4 Picasso strikes an ideal balance between agility, response and unequalled comfort that is low in fuel and high in specs.

The award-winning Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is priced at RM179,888 (on-the-road) and comes with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

PRESS RELEASE: Perodua Launches “GearUp” Accessories Brand

Perodua recently launched a new accessories brand called “GearUp” for its model line-up to give better personalisation that meets its customer’s lifestyle needs.

The accessories offered include both exterior and interior cosmetic enhancements suitable for all Malaysians with accessories packages ranging from RM260 to RM3,600.

“This new entity caters to the unique taste of our customers that wishes to have his or her own special Perodua even before it is sold,” Perodua President & CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said today.

He said the name GearUp was chosen because it calls to its customers to take action and upgrade their favourite Perodua models according to their taste. The accessory will be introduced for Axia in April and Myvi in May 2015, with other models by phases in future.

“Customers can order the accessories for their Perodua vehicles and its cost can be included with the hire-purchase package. The cost added will have a minimal effect to the monthly payment amount,” Aminar said.

“Perodua is also providing warranty coverage for the accessories purchased as quality and safety are great concern for us,” Aminar said.

The accessories will also be available in special packages. Customer can enjoy better pricing (excluding labour and GST) through accessory package that offer to customers. 

There is also an introductory price as low as RM2,200 for our customers to take advantage of between 16th April and 31st August this year.

The accessories will be available at all Perodua 182 sales and 183 service centres nationwide beginning 17th April. 

As of 31st March 2015, Perodua has delivered its 60,000 Axia since it was launched in September 2014. Bookings have also been overwhelming at 100,000 units between 15th August 2014 and 13th April 2015.

PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Dream Car Art Contest

It is once said that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. This is exactly what our young Malaysian budding artists have articulated in their artwork which was submitted to the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, organised for the ninth consecutive year by Toyota Motor Corporation. 

The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest with the recently concluded Malaysian National Phase, saw a total of 1,358 entries from 5 November 2014 to 13 February 2015. There are three main categories, namely, Under 8 years old, 8 to 11 years old and 12 to 15 years old.

Organised by Toyota Motor Corporation since 2004 on a global scale, the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest saw a growing participation to 75 participating countries with over 662,000 entries. 

Nine art pieces by nine young local participants from Malaysia have been selected on the national level and their art pieces, themed “My Dream Car” have been submitted in March to compete in the World Contest Phase, which will be held in the metropolitan city of Tokyo in August 2015. Judging will be carried out between April and August 2015.

For each category at the National Phase, the Grand Prize is one iPad Mini, the 1st runner up receives an iPod Nano and MPH cash vouchers, while the 2nd runner up wins an iPod Shuffle along with MPH cash vouchers.

Under Category 1 (Under 8 years old), the winning entry went to Liew Wei Teng, aged 7. He described his entry as: “My extreme MPV can travel to any mystery planet as it can avoid and survive in any natural disasters.”

Evonne Tan Wei Ni, aged 11, stole the hearts of the judges when she came up with a futuristic car called Beyond Bounds Vehicle when her work was picked as the Gold winner under Category 2 (Age 8 to 11 years old). Her art piece dwells on this Beyond Bounds Vehicle, a vehicle that takes its passengers reaching uncharted territories on earth and beyond. In these places such as deep underwater, passengers can explore the area with more details and free movement within the transparent bubble.

As for Category 3 (Age 12 to 15 years old), Lee Sin Yin, aged 13 emerged the Gold winner with an art piece that says it all under the wrath of Mother Earth. The vehicle, called the Earth Saver Car helps to forecast the occurrence of natural disasters. It helps to save lives from volcano explosion, earthquake, flood, drought, etc. Besides, it can also help to locate missing flight as well as helps as a role model and promotes recycling. 

Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, said he was amazed and mesmerized with the entries, even more with the top three winners’ entries of each category. 

“The children’s art pieces presented to us exude confidence and the feeling of joy and freedom in creating something that goes beyond one’s imagination,” he said.

He said whilst Dream Car Contest was aimed at giving the children throughout the world the opportunity to develop an interest in cars, it also allowed them to express themselves in the work of art freely and with joy. 

“When our children are carefree and non-restrictive in their creative mind, it will help them feel the joy to etch a dream in their beautiful minds. It is very true that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

“Who knows one day, cars can do more than taking man from point A to point B. Futuristic vehicles will have the complexity with various multi functions use for human beings, in the true sense of the word. This is what you find in the dreams of these children as depicted in the drawings,” he added.