Toyota Corolla, The World's Most Popular Car. (Official Press Release)

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) recently announced that cumulative global sales of the Toyota “Corolla”, the world’s most popular car, surpassed 40 million in July, reaching 40.01 million units.  This milestone marks another historic achievement for the Corolla, Toyota’s perennial global car.

In November 1966, Toyota opened a new plant in Takaoka, Aichi Prefecture, dedicated solely to Corolla production.  Two years later, with an emphasis on providing region-specific vehicles, production began in Australia and Malaysia.  From 1965 to 1968, Toyota more than doubled its total annual production from 480,000 to 1.1 million vehicles—a testament to the Corolla’s significant contribution to the growth of the company.

The Corolla currently produced at 15 plants worldwide, accounts for one in five vehicles sold in Toyota’s 76-year history.

Corolla exports to North America began in 1968 and early sales success in this market helped global cumulative sales of the car reach 1 million units just four years after launch.  In 1997, the Corolla became the world’s best-selling nameplate, with global cumulative sales exceeding 22.65 million units.  More than a million units have been sold each year since 2002; last year, a total of 3,180 Corollas were sold every day across more than 150 countries and regions.

Marking the milestone, Corolla Chief Engineer Shinichi Yasui said: “I feel this car has been nurtured by people all over the world and I am very proud to have contributed to its foundation and grateful to all those who have owned and loved their Corollas. The key to the Corolla’s success is the faithful passing down of its original development concept from Tatsuo Hasegawa: that the Corolla must bring happiness and well-being to people around the world.”

The Corolla was originally designed to meet the changing needs of Japanese commuters in the mid-1960s.  Then-Chief Engineer Tatsuo Hasegawa recognized that with Japan’s industry expanding, most consumers’ daily commuting time was increasing.  The need to get around in a personal vehicle was therefore growing and this insight led Hasegawa to conceptualize the first Corolla, with his guiding principles defining the vehicle ever since: always evolving and designed to meet consumer needs in each market.

When the first Corolla rolled off the production line, many basic safety features were still optional.  Later, to meet the needs of families, Toyota decided to include many of these features as standard. Toyota’s commitment to pursue higher and higher levels of quality and continue adding new standard features to the affordably priced Corolla has helped ensure that families around the world continue to choose it more than any other nameplate.

The history of the ever-evolving Corolla, filled with examples of technology and quality improvement, is emblematic of Toyota’s efforts to anticipate customer needs and provide ever-better cars.

source: UMW Toyota Malaysia

Nasim Launches New Dealership in Klang. (Official Press Release)

As part of its on-going nationwide network expansion exercise, Nasim Sdn Bhd is set to re-launch Peugeot Klang on Sept 28.

Peugeot Klang has now been relocated to Jalan Remia 3 in Bandar Botanik from Jalan Bayu Tinggi previously. The new showroom will serve as a Peugeot sales outlet for the following markets: Pelabuhan Klang, Bandar Klang, Pulau Indah, Pulau Lumut, Pulau Ketam and Pulau Carey.

“So far this year, we have launched five new outlets and in the coming months, we will launch five more which will bring the total number of Peugeot outlets in the country to 30.

“The new Peugeot Klang is better positioned to tap into the growing market in Klang and its surrounding areas,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, COO of Nasim.

The new Peugeot Klang measures 5,000 sq. ft. and features free Wi-Fi and a lounge for its customers.   

So far this year, Nasim has launched outlets in Butterworth, Georgetown, Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu and Batu Pahat. Including Peugeot Klang, Nasim and its dealers have invested RM17 million on new Peugeot outlets this year.

In the coming months, the company will launch three more outlets in the Klang Valley, an outlet in Johor and one in Pahang. As of July 31, Nasim has recorded sales of 3,590 units in 2013, up 7% from the same period in 2012. The sales growth has been led by the 408, 508 and the all-new 208.

To commemorate the launch of Peugeot Klang on Sept 28 and in conjunction with the upcoming Diwali festive celebrations, several activities will be held at the outlet from 10 am to 2 pm including designing a ‘Kolam,’ lighting up lamps to celebrate the festival of lights, test drives and refreshments. On Sept 29, there will be test drives and refreshments at the outlet.

In addition, Nasim has launched the Peugeot Diwali Campaign which offers free monthly instalments of up to eight months for selected award-winning models. The offer is applicable to the 408 range, 508 range, 3008 SUV, 5008 MPV, 308 Turbo and the 308 Griffe. The campaign began on Sept 16 and runs until November 5, 2013 and is available at all Peugeot outlets nationwide.

All Peugeot models come with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage, 24-Hour Peugeot Assistance, Peugeot Privilege and complimentary access to the Peugeot Lounge. 

source: Nasim Sdn. Bhd.

UMW Toyota Extends Free Service Packages For The Month Of September!!!

In its quest to provide customers with more value for their purchase and to reward them for choosing Toyota brand as their preferred choice, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMW Toyota Motor) announced recently that it will be extending the free service package for the first 10,000 km or 6 months of ownership that was offered for Toyota Prius c is now extended to Toyota Prius (all variants) for the month of September.

The Toyota Prius September Treats offer customers with a special free service packages for the first 10,000 km or 6 months of ownership for customers nationwide who purchase a Toyota Prius (all variants) and Toyota Prius c.

For more information on the “Prius and Prius c September treats”, please call Toyota Free phone 1800 -8 -869682 (1-800-8-TOYOTA)

source: UMW Toyota Media Release

Win Exclusive Backstage Passes to Maroon 5 Overexposed Tour 2012 Thanks To Nasim Sdn. Bhd.

Peugeot will be the official car for Maroon 5 when the band brings its Overexposed Tour 2012 to Malaysia on Sept 20, 2012. Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Peugeot in Malaysia, will provide Maroon 5 with units of the 508 GT and the 508 Premium as the band’s official vehicles during their stay in the country. 

In conjunction with the show, Nasim will also offer local Peugeot fans and customers a chance to catch the band, known for hits such as “Moves Like Jagger” and “This Love,” live at its show at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sept 20. 

To top it off, one lucky winner will win a pair of backstage passes, in addition to a pair of concert tickets, to meet the members of Maroon 5. 

“Maroon 5 is one of the biggest pop acts of today and their highly-anticipated concert in Shah Alam will be an exceptional night. “We recently launched a campaign that offers Peugeot owners and fans a chance to win tickets to the show,” said Dato’ Samson Anand George, COO of Nasim. 

Nasim’s Maroon 5 campaign runs until Sept 15 and throughout the campaign period, a life-size cutout of the band will be displayed at one of Peugeot’s showrooms in the Klang Valley. To enter the competition, participants will need to submit a photo of themselves with the life-size cutout and a Peugeot model at the showroom along with a creative caption. 

The life-size cutout of the band will be moved from showroom to showroom and participants will need to become a fan of Peugeot Malaysia’s official Facebook page and check the social media page regularly to find out location of the life-size cutout. 

In total, 16 pairs of tickets will be given away during the campaign. For more information and terms and conditions for the contest, check out Peugeot Malaysia’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/peugeotmalaysia or visit www.peugeot.com.my. 

Los Angeles-based Maroon 5 is currently on tour in support of its fourth album, Overexposed, which features the hit single, “Payphone

Volkswagen's CEO Admits, 12 Brands Is Enough!!! Is It?

It has been confirm that Volkswagen will stop is buying spree for now. It has been reported by Handelsblatt, Volkswagen CEO Dr Martin Winterkorn quoted saying "We have enough to do at the moment in taking out twelve brands to where we want to be" The piece of news means the CEO himself has dismissed the rumors of buying Proton. The current focus now for the Volkswagen Group is integrating some of their newer purchases such as Porsche, Ducati, Man and Scania into the company's portfolio. 

So what happen next to Proton and Volkswagen saga. Well we have to look at see the next development though. I have heard some rumors from my own reliable sources that few month ago after the DRB acquisition of Proton, some top level Volkswagen officials have visited Proton numerous times. Does that mean Volkswagen are hiding something from us. We know that Volkswagen is relatively week in the South East Asia market, thus a manufacturing plant is needed to capitalize the AFTA agreement and position their cars closer to the Japan makes. I do hope this plan will be materialize soon. 

Citreon Unveils The All New DS3 Cabrio!!

Citroen has just recently release an official information of the all new Citreon DS3 Cabrio, a B-segment hatchback prior to its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show. This model is basically based on the its cousin the DS3 hard top model which was launched two years ago.  The obvious changes we can see from this model is the folding canvas top with the rest of other body specification remains the same as the hard top model.

There will be three design of canvas to choose from which is Black, “Infini Blue” and also DS Monogramme with the potential buyers  can pick from ten different body colours options.  The canvas can be open with a push of a button on the ceiling console and the canvas will take about 16 seconds to open or close and it can be operated at speed of up to 120km/h. There will be three set position of the canvas mainly fully open, horizontal and intermediate.

 As we know, having a soft top means having to sacrifice the noise insulation of the car, but Citreon engineers has managed to overcome that with innovatively design the sound proofing material to be acoustically comparable like the hard top version. As for the interior theme, buyers can opt to up to six different interior trims and it has added structural reinforcements around the boots area which added 25kg to the overall weight of the car and the boot measures at 245 liters.  You can a clearer view of the car with this video. Enjoy!!

Lexus Malaysia Will Showcase 3 Models At Selected Location Nationwide!!!

Lexus Malaysia is going to have its nationwide road shows at selected hotspot starting this week in the Klang Valley. You can catch up the road shows at KLCC, Kuala Lumpur where it will be held from 1st till 5th September, followed by Sutera Mall, Johor Bharu from 21st till 23rd September and Gurney Plaza Penang from 27th till 30th September. There will be 3 models on display namely the recently launched Lexus GS, the hybrid Lexus CT200h and the improved and facelifted Lexus RX. 

During the road show it will showcase the historical perspective of Lexus as well as an insight into the brand’s success and model line-ups. Besides that there will be some interesting activities to ensure that Lexus guests and their family have a 360 degree experience that is informative yet enjoyable. 

For more information about the showcase information, you can visit Lexus website www.lexus.com.my or call Lexus Freephone:1800-88-LEXUS (1-800-88- 53987).

source: UMW Toyota Media Release