PRESS RELEASE: Proton Search For Foreign Strategic Partners (FSP) Still Ongoing To All Bidders!!

DRB-HICOM Berhad (DRB-HICOM) wishes to state that the search for a foreign strategic partner (FSP) for PROTON Holdings Bhd (PROTON) is on-going and that, as we stated in February, we aim to complete the process by the end of the second quarter 2017.

We also confirm that all bidders are still in the running, and we are now evaluating these bids. We have also stated that the process is a complex one, and DRB-HICOM intends to ensure that the chosen FSP will result in a win-win situation for all parties. The nature of negotiations is such that each party will look to secure the most beneficial deal that aligns with their own plans. It is a common process of negotiations that the bar is raised and lowered throughout the process, depending on what is put on the table. 

DRB-HICOM intends to see through the evaluation process and bring on-board a FSP that is able to both improve PROTON’s future and benefit from PROTON’s owns strengths and capabilities. We will make the announcement as soon as this process is completed.

PRESS RELEASE: Naza Kia Handed The Keys To The All New Kia Sorento To PDRM

Naza Kia Malaysia yesterday had a handed over ceremony of the keys of a brand new Kia Sorento to Polis Di Raja Malaysia (PDRM) to be used by the force. 

On hand to receive the all new Kia Sorento was the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar at a handover ceremony held at the Police headquarters in Bukit Aman Kuala Lumpur. En SM Nasarudin Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd, presented the Kia Sorento to the IGP. Accompanying En SM Nasarudin was Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, Naza World Group of Companies, En SM Faliq Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Deputy Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director, Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd and Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.

"We hope this gesture will further assist the men in blue, and we thank them for their sacrifices and contribution to our nation,” said En SM Nasarudin.

“This also provides the opportunity for the Police Force to experience the Sorento’s uncompromised safety features, performance, handling and overall drivability.” he added.

Fitted with class-leading safety features and designed for maximum protection, the Kia Sorento comes with six airbags, vehicle stability management (VSM), electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brake system (ABS) and hill-start assist control (HAC) among many others. These safety features provide practical road handling and high performances functionality. 

The Kia Sorento diesel variant is equipped with an R 2.2 CRDi engine which produces 200 PS and 441.3 Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Recognised for its excellence worldwide by automotive juries since its international introduction, the All-New Sorento boasts a full mantle of awards. Its safety features helped the All-New Sorento achieve five star ratings from Euro NCAP and NHTSA NCAP as well as was selected as IIHS’s Top Safety Pick. Other awards the highest ranked midsize SUV in initial quality by JD Power, Best Family SUV at Australia's Best Cars Awards, Car of the Year at the CarsGuide Car of the Year Awards and International SUV of the Year at Road & Travel Magazine's International Car of the Year (ICOTY) Awards.

PRESS RELEASE: UMW Toyota Opens New Showroom At Segambut

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the sole importer and distributor for the Toyota vehicles in Malaysia has officially opened a new showroom in the Segambut area of Kuala Lumpur. The new showroom is located at Pusat Komercial Jalan Kuching, Jalan Kepayang off Jalan Kuching, Kuala Lumpur.

The new showroom serves as an outlet for sales of new Toyota vehicles while the present 2S (service and spare parts) outlet at Kawasan Perusahaan Segambut is being renovated to meet greater demand for aftersales services. This is necessary in view of the much larger number of Toyota vehicles since the facility was established many years ago.

“The growing number of Toyota vehicles required us to expand our facilities and from our studies, the existing 2S outlet in Segambut requires additional capacity to cope with this greater number of customers. Therefore, we are expanding the outlet to cater for the aftersales and in the meantime, opened this new showroom to cater to those who wish to view and purchase Toyota vehicles,” said Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor.

The new showroom was developed at a cost of about RM1 million and incorporates Toyota’s Next Generation Showroom concept. Customers will enjoy a more vibrant and customer-friendly atmosphere. The showroom can display up to three models at any one time with shaded delivery bays. There’s also a comfortable lounge for customers with various amenities including free wifi.

“Toyota’s Next Generation Showroom concept is intended to re-invent the way car showrooms are designed, with the customer as the foremost priority,” explained Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor. “Customers will now have an experiential environment that is related to the type of vehicle on display”.

Toyota currently has close to 100 sales and service outlets in Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia, Labuan and Langkawi. As the number of Toyota owners grows in coming years, the network will continue to be enhanced and expanded to ensure the company deliver customer care that amazes and whole new personalised experience to customers.

To find out more about the sales, service outlets and other facilities of the Toyota network in Malaysia, please visit toyota.com.my for more information.

PRESS RELEASE: Care That Amazes “A 10-Star” Personalised Experience For Toyota Customers

Toyota has long been well known for its reliable, durable and fuel-efficient products. Since the 1960s, many generations of Malaysians have enjoyed the personal mobility provided by Toyota vehicles which have also contributed to the motorisation of the nation.

As always, Toyota has strived to not just meet the expectations of its customers but to exceed them, and this applies to the entire ownership experience. From the time a customer visits a showroom to view the latest models to the time he or she becomes the owner of a Toyota model, and then through the many years of ownership, Toyota will ensure that the experience is nothing but the best.

More than ever, the focus of UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is on customer service and how to serve customers better. Over the years, various features and benefits have provided peace of mind for Toyota owners and continue to do so for the many new customers who join the Toyota family each day.

It’s ‘Care that Amazes’ with services that are top-class and enhance the ownership experience for every Toyota owner. Care that Amazes starts from the time a customer expresses an interest to purchase a new Toyota vehicle. They can visit closed to 100 Toyota showrooms around Malaysia to view the latest models. When the decision is made, virtually every aspect of the buying process is handled by UMWT and should financing be required, Toyota Capital Services and other financing institutions in our panel offer various solutions for the individual as well as company.

New Toyota vehicles come with a 5-year warranty and unlimited mileage subject to terms and conditions so, the owner enjoys the full 5 years of coverage, providing greater peace of mind. What’s more, this warranty can be transferred to another owner should the vehicle be sold off while the warranty is still in effect. This also enhances the resale value of the Toyota vehicle.

Owners can also enjoy the exclusive Toyota 24Seven Road Assist service which provides support in an emergency anywhere in Malaysia. It’s complimentary for the first year with every new Toyota vehicle and is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Toyota vehicles are reliable but sometimes the unexpected can occur – like a flat tyre or an unfortunate accident. In such situations, one call will get assistance which includes towing services to the nearest authorised Toyota service centre.

Throughout the ownership of the Toyota vehicle, the owner can call on UMWT to assist in renewal of roadtax and insurance. Should he or she fancy adding Toyota Genuine Accessories, these are also available while any damage to the vehicle can be professionally repaired at any of the nationwide Toyota Body & Paint Centres. All repairs come with a 1-year warranty for the parts used, subject to terms and conditions.

The authorised Toyota service centre network covers the entire nation to choose from for the convenience of customers. A Customer Support team is also available to provide assistance in special situations so that disruption to the owner’s mobility is minimised.

While many think of UMWT for new Toyota vehicles, TopMark (a wholly-owned subsidiary of UMWT) also offers top-quality pre-owned Toyota vehicles. This is the best place to purchase pre-owned Toyota vehicles as they have been thoroughly checked (even to the extent of whether there are any encumbrances like unsettled H-P ownership) and are almost as good as buying a new unit. A 1-year warranty (subject to term and conditions) is also provided for extra peace of mind, something which is not always offered to used car buyers.

In this connected age, most people now rely on smartphones not just to make calls but to get information via the internet. UMWT provides all the necessary information via its free mobile app known as Toyota Drive which is applicable for both iOS and Android smartphones. For those who register with UMWT, there is also access to their service history and they can conveniently make appointments for servicing while on the move.

For information on Toyota product and services in Malaysia, please visit Toyota.com.my or call the TOYOTA FREEPHONE: 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682)

REVIEW: My Personal Experience With Konica Minolta ICE-µ Car Window Tint Film!!

Hi, all readers of Auto Insider Malaysia. If you remember, couple weeks ago, I published an article regarding the technology behind Konica Minolta ICE-µ car window tint film. If you missed the article, you can find it here. 

Today, I will be sharing with you my personal experience using the latest Konica Minolta ICE-µ car window tint film. My car was tinted with the latest RS series by the sole distributor of Konica Minolta ICE-µ, Jasa Sarjana Sdn. Bhd. For review purposes, Jasa Sarjana Sdn. Bhd. installed two types of RS Series - RS70-100 for the side and front windscreen and RS40-38 for the rear windows and rear windscreen. For your information, these window tint films are made in Japan, thus you can be assured that the quality and the technology behind it which I have mentioned in my previous article.

Allow me to share with you the installation in 5 steps. 

Step 1 - The technicians will conduct a physical assessment on the car. Once completed, another assessment will take place to ensure that there are no additional scratches or dents.

Step 2 - The technicians will cover the seats and other important interior parts to prevent any damages during the installation.

Step 3 - They will remove the old window tint films (which was installed 3 years ago).

Step 4 – They will clean all the windows and install the new window tint films.

Step 5 – The technicians will conduct a final assessment to ensure that the films are installed properly especially at the edges.

FUN FACT! All the technicians (installers) in Jasa Sarjana are specially handpicked by the management and each has more than 5 years of working experience in the window film industry (I heard that’s the main requirement if you want to be an installer here). 

Removal of the old films is not difficult. However, to remove the old film from the rear windscreen where the demister wires are placed, that’s a bit tricky. Despite that, the technicians managed to remove the old films with ease (skillful + experience).

The whole installation took around 2-3 hours (for my Honda Jazz). After the installation, there are a few things to take note during the first week. DO NOT wind down the car window and DO NOT use the rear demister. WHY? This is to allow the films to ‘settle down’ on your car windows.

After 2-3 weeks, I noticed some difference while driving my car. Firstly, the view from the car’s interior is super clear. If you look from the outside, you can see that the window film has its dark characteristic based on the percentage of Visual Light Transmission (VLS). However, the view from the car’s interior is simply amazing. The view is even more pronounced after washing my car and removing any remaining solution residue on the windscreen. 

As compared to my previous window tint film, even though it has a similar dark characteristic, the visual view is totally different. Unlike Konica Minolta ICE-µ, the old tint film’s dark characteristic also darkens the view from the car’s interior. The tint film from Konica Minolta ICE-µ, on the other hand, really brings out the clear view from inside the car without compromising the dark characteristic on its exterior. It is hard to explain how clear it is as you will need to experience it for yourself.

The next best thing about this new Konica Minolta ICE-µ tint film is the clarity during night drive. As per my previous tint film, sometimes I will experience scattered light source projecting into my eyes from the headlights of incoming cars, and this intensifies during rainy days. As I have astigmatism, the scattered light source projecting into my eyes makes it more difficult to drive. 

Fortunately, this issue did not occur with the new Konica Minolta ICE-µ tint film. Now, the light sources are less scattered and there is a notable reduction in the glaring during my drive at night or even rainy days. The technology behind the Konica Minolta ICE-µ really shows its strength here as not only offering crystal clear view during daytime driving, but night time as well. 

The next thing I want to talk about is the heat rejection of the Konica Minolta ICE-µ tint film as this is the most important thing when choosing a car window tint film. It is pointless to spend your hard earned money if the product does not stand up to its main purpose. I can gladly say that the Konica Minolta ICE-µ does its job really well. 

My experience with the old tint film is rather disappointing as it does not stand up to its claims relayed in the product page. After leaving my car for a few hours under the bright afternoon sun, with the old tint film, it felt as if the car’s cabin has turned in an oven. Even with the car door left open to allow the heat to escape and having the air cond on full blast, it took at least fifteen minutes for the car’s cabin temperature to reach a bearable level. 

With the Konica Minolta ICE-µ tint film, the experience is totally different. Under the same condition, you can still feel the heat escaping from the inside upon entering the car and the car’s interior such as the seats are significantly cooler. Leaving the door open for a moment is no longer necessary and you can drive away almost immediately. With the air cond on full blast, it only requires less than five minutes for the cabin temperature to reach a bearable level and within eight minutes, you will enjoy the full blast of cold air throughout the car’s cabin. Besides that, if you are the type of driver who likes to place their arm on the upper side of the door trim during a drive, you will appreciate that with Konica Minolta ICE-µ tint film, you will hardly feel any heat emitting through the windows.

All in all, based on my experience after reviewing the Konica Minolta ICE-µ tint film, I am truly satisfied of its technological superiority to provide a clear view of driving during day and night, rejecting the blazing heat from the sun and eliminating any electronic wave interference when using mobile phones, GPS or Smart Tag. I can assure you that the investment to install this tint film is worth your money as the Konica Minolta ICE-µ tint film is simply an amazing product that delivers its promises.

NEW LAUNCHES: Kia Grand Carnival Launched In Malaysia. Prices Start From RM154K!!!

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, launched the highly acclaimed and much awaited All-New Grand Carnival today.

“The sophisticated All New Grand Carnival appears sleek and bold with striking features and design that makes it stand out among other MPVs”, said Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer, Automotive, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.

“This stylish 8-seater MPV is designed to appeal not only to the trendy and contemporary fashionable seekers but customers of all ages and families that are drawn to very active outdoor lifestyle”, he added.

The All New Grand Carnival, with Kia’s catchy and recognizable bold face, appears sleeker, measuring 5,115 mm long, a longer wheelbase of 3,060 mm, a height of 1,740 mm and 1,985 mm wide giving it a wider looking stance portraying a more refined and sophisticated profile.

The front has a wide, upright ‘tiger nose’ grille, a Peter Schreyer trade mark, a wrap-around headlamps and framed fog lamps that gives it a look of modernity with an imposing appearance.

The rear of the All New Grand Carnival features with wide rear lamps and broad metal surfaces thus giving it a solid character. It also features a smart powered tailgate which opens automatically when the key is sensed in close proximity and two power sliding-doors which opens with a touch of a button.

The interior of the All New Grand Carnival is well designed, fitted with high quality materials and up-to-date technological features. The cabin has a wide dashboard emphasizing spaciousness with a modern appeal. The dashboard is fitted with two glove compartments, one lying above the other. The look and feel of the interior of the All New Grand Carnival was designed with a feel of a first class airplane as its key influence. Fitted with individual leather wrapped seats, the front and second rows are treated with overhead consoles and tri zone fully automatic air-conditioning ventilators for the best comfort of its passengers.

The All New Grand Carnival is also equipped with a range of multimedia entertainment systems such as MP3 CD player with six speakers, USB and AUX-in connectivity. It also comes with a 4.3 inch TFT LCD colour display touchscreen and fitted with a rear view camera. For parking assistance, it has a front and rear parking sensors. It is also fitted with a tilting and telescopic steering wheel, foot parking brake and auto cruise control.

The novelty of the All New Grand Carnival’s interior design is its large capacity for space. Complementing its high quality interior, the masterful crafting of the interior use of space is done with efficiency and flexibility for its passengers. The third row seats can be folded completely to a flat position providing for a larger baggage space. The second row is more flexible with an extra seat added or removed thus providing additional space for the third row passengers.

Fitted under the front armrest is a space large enough to fit a handbag, a diary or even an iPad. The front passenger has access to two glove compartments on the wide dashboard and at the rear are compartments fitted for more storage space providing comfort and convenience.

The interior of the All New Grand Carnival has increased legroom space for its passengers. It also has a higher headroom space due to the lower seat cushions and by design, the roof of the All New Grand Carnival no longer slopes to the tailgate, this allows the third row passengers more headroom as well.

The All New Grand Carnival is available with a 2.2-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel engine technically designed for efficiency and performance. It is also fitted with a torque converter six-speed automatic transmission for power and smooth driving. This 2.2-litre CRDi engine produces 190 horsepower with 440 Nm of torque answering the calls for both powerful and economical people mover.

The All New Grand Carnival maintains from its predecessor the MacPherson front suspension and the multi-link rear suspension. With the hydraulic rebound spring, stiffer suspension bars and cross-member bush mountings, it improves its bump absorption thus enhancing a more comfortable ride for its passengers. It also comes with an 18; alloy rims.

Other improved safety features are its Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist System, six airbags further enhancing passenger safety and HID head lamps with Daytime Running Lights.

Some of the alluring accolades of the All New Grand Carnival are the JD Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award, Top Safety Pick from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the 2015 Ward’s 10 Best Interiors award. 

The on-the-road price with insurance for the All New Grand Carnival 2.2D EX is RM185,888 while the All New Grand Carnival 2.2D KX is RM165,888.

Naza Kia Malaysia has introduced a new smart financing package, the Kia Value 5 Plus which ensures more savings for Kia owners. This is an additional option for customers to take advantage of the benefits that comes with smart financing.

NEW LAUNCHES: New Ford Ranger WildTrak In Jet Black Launched!!!

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) recently revealed the new colour limited edition of its tougher, smarter, more efficient Ford Ranger WildTrak in Jet Black, available in Ford showrooms nationwide.

With its unmatched blend of capabilities, the Ford Ranger WildTrak’s safety and suite of new technologies are complemented by a stylish, smart and functional new interior, as well as best-in-class water-wading, towing and payload capabilities.

“The new limited-edition in Jet Black is classy yet rugged and bold to show-off that toughness in you,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion. “The Ford Ranger WildTrak is built to perform to give you the peace of mind to help jump-start your working day for any job, anywhere.”

Syed Ahmad emphasised that the safety features in the pickup truck variants in the Ranger variant is unrivalled in this country.

The smartest of its kind

Equipped with an array of smart technologies, the Ranger’s intuitive features make any task a breeze. The high performance WildTrak variant now features improved infotainment system SYNC 3, the latest generation of Ford’s in-car connectivity system that boasts an eight-inch colour touchscreen to operate phone, entertainment and climate control using a simple voice command system. 

Advanced safety features 

Ford’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ISOFIX child safety mounts also come standard, making Ranger the only pickup truck in the Malaysia to offer these two important safety features across all variants. ESC is an active safety system that improves driver control under all conditions and maximises vehicle traction and stability both on- and off-road, and automatically reduces engine torque and/or applies a braking force to individual wheels if it senses the vehicle is turning more or less than intended. 

Other smart technologies across all variants include Hill Launch Assist – which holds the Ranger in place for up to three seconds when the driver removes the foot from the brake – Adaptive Load Control, which maximises control when carrying heavy loads, and Emergency Brake Assist.

Pricing 

Official on the road pricing for the Ranger WildTrak Jet Black in Malaysia is RM141,588.00 inclusive of GST. 

For more information, please visit www.sdacford.com.my.