NEW LAUNCHES: All New 2018 Honda Accord Unveiled!!

Finally, the all new Honda Accord has been launched in the United States with much fanfare. As per all new Honda design language, the redesigned Accord has a unique front fascia with its prominent grille, sculpted hood with a sportier roofline and also a unique kink to the rear quarter panel window. At the back the new Accord features an integrated rear spoiler with LED taillights that also a dual exhaust tips with chrome accents to complete the whole look.

On the inside, the cabin was design inspired of a concert hall, with ambiance that welcomes the passengers. The instrument panel of the new Accord features a full LCD display ala Audi Virtual Cockpit and also an 8 inch free standing Audio System that is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. 

In terms of its dimension, the Accord's exterior were pretty much the same with its overall length being shortened by 10mm (4,880mm) and 15mm lower (1,450mm), 10mm wider (1,860mm) and a longer wheelbase of 55mm (2,830mm) 

Besides that, new technologies has also being features in the new Accord such as wireless smartphone charging, Near Field Communication (NFC), over the air system updates, a six inch head -up display, a 4G LTE in car WiFi, HondaLink telematics which incorporates emergency assistance, remote locking and engine start, remote diagnostic and speed tracking and also up to 10 speaker system pushing 450 Watts of sound.

In terms of engine choices, for the North American market, there will be two engine choices mainly turbocharged 1.5 liter four cylinder engine that pushes 192hp and 260Nm of torque connected to either a 6 speed manual or a CVT gearbox. The other engine choice is a turbocharged 2.0 liter petrol engine that develops 252hp and 369Nm of torque also connected to 6 speed manual or a 10 speed auto transmission. 

Buyers looking for something more eco-friendly car can look forward to the Accord Hybrid which features a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine that paired with two electric motors with performance specifications will be announced closer to launch. 

On the handling side, the 2018 Accord has been equipped with a new MacPherson strut front suspension and rear multi-link setup. Other highlights include an adaptive damper system and a lower center of gravity.

As per all new vehicle, diet on the weight is crucial and Honda has put the Accord on the treadmill which shed 49.9 to 79.8 kg as compared to its predecessor by utilizing ultra-high-strength steel that make its lighter with high rigidity body structure. 

As per current Honda fashion, buyers in Malaysia can roughly estimates the look of the all new Honda Accord that will be launched here in Malaysia as per Honda Civic that was launched in Malaysia which looks almost identical to the North American model. I can safely presume, the based engine for this new Accord will be the 2.0 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a CVT gearbox as per new CR-V that was launched recently and the 1.5 liter turbocharged engine with CVT gearbox serving the mid and high range model. Do expect the Honda Sensing safety net to be installed in the high end model. 

NEWS: Perodua On Target To Achieve 202,000 Sales This Year!!!

Perodua sold 99,700 vehicles in the first six months of 2017, an increase of 2.4% compared to the same period last year of 97,400 units; with the Perodua Axia as the number one model sold for the year so far.

“Based on our internal estimation, the total industry volume (TIV) from January to June this year would reach 284,200 vehicles, which means that Perodua’s market share will be around 35.1% so far this year,” Perodua’s President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

He said that during the first six months of the year, all Perodua models were number one in their respective segments with the Axia selling 32,600 units, followed by the Bezza at 28,300 units, Myvi 24,000 units and Alza with 14,700 units. 

“Also based on our internal observation, the total industry volume has improved by 2.3% to 284,200 for the first half of 2017 compared to 275,500 vehicles in the same period of 2016,” he said.

Aminar said that the increase in sales for the first half of the year was due to aggressive sales campaigns initiated by almost all automotive players as well as new models introduced in the market during the time period. In addition most auto players were also clearing the carry over 2016 stocks with attractive discounts and over trade.

“Despite the improvement in sales, we foresee that the tighter lending guideline is still by far our greatest challenge to overcome as most of our customers are first time buyers,” he said. 

As mentioned during the press conference, Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd, Managing Director, Dato’ Dr. Zahari Husin concur the numbers highlighted by the media members that currently the loan approval of new Perodua buyers is roughly around 50% approval rate.  

Aminar said that for this year, Perodua will focus on its current model line-up by offering attractive promotions for the consumers.

He added the initiatives and plans to improve on Perodua’s after sales will be hasten with the focus to further improve on its customer satisfaction and to deliver the best Perodua experience at every touch point.

“We are encouraged by the support shown to us by the general public; for the immediate future, we welcome the public to visit our showrooms to know about our current promotions.”

“This include our on-going Raya Celebrations ‘Salam Syawal’, which offers amazing offers on selected models as well as Perodua’s celebration of the Myvi’s 12th anniversary,” Aminar said.

He said that the Perodua is also initiating a special campaign for the Myvi which see cash givebacks of up to RM7,500 in celebration of the model’s popularity with Malaysian drivers.

“We welcome everyone to visit the most convenient Perodua Sales showroom to see the amazing deals await you. Also, we invite the public to take part in our Myvi 12-year anniversary which offers a cash prize of up to RM12,000,” Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd, Managing Director, Dato’ Dr. Zahari Husin said.

On the full year sales outlook, Aminar said: “we are cautiously optimistic of achieving our initial sales target of 202,000 this year.” In 2016, Perodua sold 207,100 vehicles. 

On after sales, Perodua saw 1.02 million vehicles coming into its service centre for the first six months of 2017, an increase of 1.2% from 1.01 million intakes for the same period of 2016.

Meanwhile on exports, Perodua shipped 1,854 vehicles to 6 countries for the first six months of 2017.

“The recent introduction of the Bezza in Mauritius and Sri Lanka has been well received with the model selling 8 units and 79 units respectively,” Aminar said.

On production, Perodua produced 96,600 vehicles for the first half of the year and expect to produce 197,000 by year end.

During this press conference, Perodua also mentioned that they are seriously considering of launching an SUV vehicle in its line up. Currently their product planning side is doing the feasibility studies on whether the market is really wanting this segment as it is clearly shows that SUV is the flavor of the day. But Perodua is also cautious as developing a new model takes at least 24 months and by the time the SUV launches to the market, the SUV fever has subdued.

Besides that, Perodua’s President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh also mentioned that the old Perodua plant that currently assembles the Myvi and Alza model will be upgraded to achieve an EEV status plant producing cars with upgrades mainly on the automation side of the plant. 

NEW LAUNCHES: AucNation Synergy Launches Vehicle Inspection Management System (VIMS) For Enhanced Safety, Consistency And Quality Assurance Of Used Vehicles!!!

AucNation Synergy Sdn Bhd (AucNation Synergy), an automotive management solutions provider today announced a Strategic Industry Alliance with the Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) during the launch of a new service by AucNation Synergy – the Vehicle Inspection Management System (VIMS). 

Aimed at uplifting the used vehicle industry in Malaysia, the Industry Alliance between AucNation Synergy and MAI will facilitate a comprehensive inspection training programme at the MAI training facility in Bukit Beruntung. In addition, the two organisations will be working closely to identify protocols in current and future offerings that will address the specific needs of Malaysia's used vehicle industry. In essence, this strategic alliance will lead to more streamlined functions, resulting in a more efficient and reliable vehicle inspection and related services in the country. 

Powered by Japan's Automobile Inspection System (AIS) and supported by MAI, VIMS is designed to provide reliable certification on the quality of used and reconditioned cars through comprehensive visual and diagnostic analyses. 

"Our partnership with AIS, a top inspection company for Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan & Mazda in Japan, allows us to leverage on technology and Japanese expertise to provide in-depth analyses and accurate scoring of the inspected vehicles. Through VIMS, we are able to contribute to the industry in an effective and practical manner, while promoting a more reliable and secure trading experience for businesses and consumers. We have invested ," YBhg Dato’ Nik Izani explained. 

VIMS is a web-based inspection which comprises two analyses – Visual Analysis (VA) using a Pen Based Computer (PBC) and Diagnostic Analysis (DA) using the On-Board Diagnostic 2 (OBD 2) device. VA covers checks on the vehicle's main frame, exterior, interior and the basic mechanical components while DA focuses on Health Check on the vehicle's subsystems including engine and transmissions. 

Data from the analyses are then stored on a web server and are easily retrieved when needed. Customers will also receive a VIMS Certificate of Inspection with a 90-day validity within 48 hours to help them make informed decisions in their transactions. The inspection process takes just 30-40 minutes to complete. 

To support VIMS and future offerings that the company will be introducing, AucNation Synergy has established an IT development entity that focuses on software solutions and data management. 

Commenting on MAI’s involvement in this Alliance, YBhg Dato' Madani Sahari said, "MAI actively identifies strategic partners who can harness technologies and expertise to add value to the used vehicle industry in Malaysia. We are pleased that VIMS’ OBD 2 has been introduced into the Malaysian market as an international car diagnostic system with a capacity to run diagnostics on any car brand system, including our national vehicles, minus the risk of malfunction due to system conflict or virus attack. Together with the dedicated inspection training programme, VIMS has the potential to uplift the used and reconditioned car trade in Malaysia, and we look forward to see the results of our collaboration." 

Specifically designed using official manufacturer codes supported in the English Language, the OBD 2 device is an innovative product resultant from the close collaboration between VIMS and AIS as well as DENSO for technology transfer to be used for the first time in Malaysia. 

MAI also explained that the launch of VIMS is in line with the goals of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) initiative under the National Automotive Policy 2014, where about 300 inspection centres are required around Malaysia and owners are encouraged to send their vehicles for checks to ensure safety. 

The launch of VIMS is poised to pave the way for greater professionalism within the industry with the collaborative partnership from AIS Japan and AucNation Synergy, the training collaboration with MAI and the support from the Persatuan Pengimport Dan Peniaga Kenderaan Melayu Malaysia (PEKEMA), used car association and financial institutions. Enhanced market confidence and increased job opportunities will lead to the positive growth of Malaysia's used vehicle industry. 

Currently, there are 10 qualified inspectors that was trained in Japan to handle all the inspection based on the guidelines that has been established and these 10 inspectors will focus on servicing the Klang Valley customers at the moment. By September 2017, the services will be expanded outside of Klang Valley mainly establishing their foot hold to Penang and Johor.  

Besides that, through the collaboration with MAI, through the initiative of Advanced Car Workshop Transformation Plan that starts in 2015, fifty three registered car workshop under MAI will be the pioneer workshop that will offer the VIMS services to the public which will start very soon. 

As for the charges to have your car checked by the qualified engineers of AucNation Synergy, the normal charges per car is between RM200 to RM300 but for a limited time only, an introductory price of RM175 is being offered now. 

For more information about VIMS by AucNation Synergy or the training programme with MAI, visit www.aismsia.com.

PRESS RELEASE: Hari Raya Open House At All Toyota Showrooms This Weekend!!!

In conjunction with the Hari Raya celebrations, UMW Toyota Motor would like to extend an invitation for everyone to come join the festivities at its Open House, happening at all Toyota showrooms nationwide. The celebration will be happening between 14 to 16 July, from 9am to 6pm. The event provides the public and an opportunity to view and experience the latest Toyota models available in Malaysia.

There will be a variety of interesting activities at Toyota showrooms, depending on location, for the whole family as well as fun activities for children. Customers can also enjoy Hari Raya delicacies such as ketupat, lemang, rendang and many more.

While enjoying the Raya celebration, customers who are shopping for a new vehicle, UMW Toyota Motor has special deals during the month of July which provide good value including additional accessories. To enjoy these special deals, the new vehicles must be registered by 31 July, 2017 (terms and conditions apply).

The special deals include:

● Cash rebates of up to RM5,000 for the Toyota Camry, Corolla Altis, Vios, Sienta, Innova, Fortuner, Hilux and Avanza;

● Free accessories worth up to RM5,700 for Corolla Altis and RM4,000 for Vios.

● Additional duit Raya rebates of RM500 for Toyota Vios; and

● 5 years of free service for the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire.

(All offers are for selected variants and subject to Terms and Conditions, while stocks last).

Additionally, for those who purchase a new Vios, there are also Value Packages with free accessories such as Digital Video Recorder, USB Charging Port, Autofold Door Mirrors and a first-in-class Panoramic View Monitor.

All purchases of the Toyota Corolla Altis during the month of July will come with a Value Package consisting of a DVD AVX with Reverse Camera, Toyota Premium Security & Solar Film, Digital Video Recorder and Illuminated Scuff Plate.

Additionally, from 1 July until 30 September 2017, there is also buy and win promotion where lucky winners can stand a chance to win a trip to Tokyo Motor Show.

Customers who wish to know more about these offers or to locate the nearest Toyota showroom or service centre can visit toyota.com.my for information. Alternatively, they can also call TOYOTA FREEPHONE: 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682)TOYOTA or send e-mail to customersupport@toyota.com.my.

NEW LAUNCHES: Nissan Grand Livina Gets New IMPUL Package!!!

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM) recently unveiled the NISSAN Grand Livina with new IMPUL package, flaunting an aggressive outlook to the ever-popular and versatile MPV.

The new IMPUL version is equipped with a striking new front bumper spoiler, featuring IMPUL’s signature LED Daytime Running Lights, side skirts, rear bumper spoiler and rear wing spoiler. Adding more dynamism are the sports black front grille, wheel arch extensions, and new 17-inch IMPUL HS-10 alloy wheels in dual tone chrome and gloss black finish.

The enhancement also sees a high performance IMPUL suspension system, consisting of absorbers and springs that are designed for a lowered vehicle ride height of 25mm to provide firm handling yet offering a comfortable drive. A stainless steel exhaust muffler in a polished finish with IMPUL logo etched on the tailpipe completes the new NISSAN Grand Livina.

“The IMPUL Grand Livina drives like a sports sedan, fits like an MPV. As more MPVs adopt a SUV styling direction, we believe in a differentiated product concept by offering a sleek, sporty and aggressive styled MPV will also be in demand”, said Mr Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM. 

The new NISSAN Grand Livina IMPUL is factory fitted and available in two packages; the IMPUL Complete Package and IMPUL Premium Package. All package accessories include a 3-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first).

IMPUL COMPLETE PACKAGE (RM12,800*)	IMPUL PREMIUM PACKAGE (RM13,009*)
IMPUL Aerokit (includes Front Bumper Spoiler, Rear Bumper Spoilers, and Side Skirts)	IMPUL Aerokit (includes Front Bumper Spoiler, Rear Bumper Spoilers, and Side Skirts)
LED Daytime Running Light	LED Daytime Running Lights
Sports Black Front Grille	Sports Black Front Grille
Wheel Arch Extensions	Wheel Arch Extensions
IMPUL HS-10 17" Alloy Wheels	Leather Seats (Beige or Black)
IMPUL Blast 2 Exhaust Muffler	Driving Video Recorder
IMPUL Sports Suspension	V-Kool Security Film
Continental ContiMaxContact MC5 Tyres (205/45 R17)

*Inclusive GST

Existing NISSAN Grand Livina owners who are interested may also opt for an upgrade to the IMPUL package by calling +603 4047 8786 or email impul@tanchonggroup.com.my. For more information, please visit www.impul.com.my.

The aerokit, suspension and exhaust muffler are licensed by IMPUL, to be manufactured in Malaysia while the IMPUL HS-10 alloy rims are imported directly from Japan.

NISSAN Grand Livina	1.6L Manual (RM)	1.6L Auto (RM)	1.8L Auto (RM)
Peninsular Malaysia	87,100	91,100	102,800
Sabah & Sarawak	90,800	94,800	106,600
Langkawi	66,000	68,800	77,600
Labuan	66,500	69,300	78,100

*OTR Price inclusive GST, without Insurance

INDIVIDUAL ACCESSORIES	Price incl. GST (RM)
IMPUL AEROKIT W/ LED DRL	6,572.00
IMPUL HS-10 17" ALLOY WHEELS	4,770.00
IMPUL SPORTS SUSPENSION	2,914.00
IMPUL BLAST 2 EXHAUST MUFFLER	1,884.00
CONTINENTAL CONTIMAXCONTACT MC5 TYRES (205/45 R17)	1,822.00
WHEEL ARCH EXTENSIONS	848.00
SPORTS BLACK FRONT GRILLE	742.00

PRESS RELEASE: The Hidden Ingredients That Make a Small Car Fun To Drive!!

Exactly what is it that makes a hot hatch or sports car so much fun to drive? And how can we get a taste of that thrill in a small car that is not only fun but easy on the hip pocket?

There are a number of ingredients in the perfect fun to drive small car recipe. For some people, ‘fun to drive’ is all about a need for speed – either in a straight line or carving through corners. For others, it’s more about acceleration and handling. And for some, it’s about making the journey fun by kitting out a car with the latest high tech gadgets.

More and more people are finding that a small car can offer them all of these things – in fact, someone around the world takes home a new Ford Focus roughly once every 43 seconds, every day of the year.[1]

Here are the ingredients to look for in the perfect recipe for a small car, to make sure it puts a smile on your face every time you’re behind the wheel.

Check out more about how ‘quality ingredients’ in creating a car that’s fun to drive in this series [Video 1] [Video 2] of stop motion animations.

Bake in Power

A powerful engine doesn’t have to be big: in fact, by combining a smaller engine with an advanced turbocharger, many of today’s most exciting small cars not only offer more bang for your buck, they’re also much more fuel efficient.

How do they do this? When cruising around, a small-displacement engine sips fuel. Put your foot down and the turbocharger kicks in, offering the power of a larger-capacity engine. So you get all the power you want, and all the efficiency you need, in a small, light package. In other words: faster, lighter and more fun.

Before your test drive, ask the dealer about power and torque, measured in kW and Nm.

Add A Cup of Awesome Handling

Even if nailing apexes with the perfect racing lines isn’t your thing, you probably still value confident handling from a suspension system designed and engineered to be compliant enough to handle rough sections and potholes with minimal fuss, but firm and responsive enough to give you confidence and control on twisty roads and in emergency situations.

Enhanced handling and steering, and refined driving dynamics, for example, help deliver a more solid and responsive feel by increasing the structural stiffness at the front of the car, revising the suspension geometry, increasing lateral stiffness of “steering-relevant” suspension bushes, and retuning the shock absorbers.

Additional features such as wheel-mounted paddle shifters – which enable drivers to control gear changes while keeping their hands on the steering wheel – combine to make the driver feel even more connected to the road, improving the overall fun-to-drive experience.

“Handling is key when it comes to designing and engineering a small car,” says Grant Greenaway, a dynamics engineer based at Ford’s proving ground outside of Melbourne, Australia.“When you get into the driver’s seat of the Focus, for instance, you instantly recognize that it has been designed with the driver’s needs in mind. It just feels great.”

Sprinkle in a Quiet Interior

The driving experience is further refined with improvements to noise, vibration and harshness, or NVH, the vital but hidden technology used to limit as much as possible unwanted sounds, vibrations or feelings experienced in the vehicle.

Low levels of NVH help deliver interior quietness and contribute to a more relaxing and stress-free environment.

During your test drive, pay attention to how much noise from the road makes it into the cabin.

Lots of Tech: The Icing on the Cake

Smart features including parking assistance, cruise control, hands-free connectivity, touchscreen displays, and an advanced sound system all help to limit the frustrations of daily driving.

“We don’t usually think of these kinds of technologies as making cars more fun to drive,” adds Greenaway. “But by reducing the frustrations and stress of a lot of daily driving, they can go a long way toward making your drive more enjoyable.”

In truth then, the secret of a fun-to-drive car can’t be reduced to a single ingredient. It’s more than likely a combination of power, great handling, advanced technologies and a stress-free environment that make a small car fun to drive.

The proof, as always, is in the pudding.

Book A Service: A complete recipe

While we have all the ingredients for that perfect drive, it is always important to keep your vehicle in its best condition by following your service schedule diligently to receive the necessary updates.

It all begins with a few simple steps to book your service online via the new ‘Book a Service’ form that is available at http://www.sdacford.com.my/book-a-service-form. Having a form online to schedule an appointment makes it a lot more convenient for owners as well as the service staff to provide a better and swifter response time to support you, every step of the way.

Once you send in your particulars via the online form, you will be contacted by your selected outlet to confirm your booking arrangement. It’s a piece of cake!

“As Ford vehicles’ sole distributor partner in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) ensures that every aspect of your service experience is consistent with Ford’s Global Standards, from scheduling a service online, state-of-the-art equipment, to trained technicians,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.

“It is our commitment to offer Ford owners a quicker response time when they plan to bring their vehicles in next,” he continued.

For added convenience, you can now schedule a booking to update your SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated techonology, via ‘Book a SYNC Update Form’ available at http://www.sdacford.com.my/owner/sync-support/book-a-sync-update-form. 

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

PRESS RELEASE: Grab Your Free Tickets To The 29th SEA Games Opening Ceremony by Naza Corporation Holdings & Peugeot Malaysia

Naza and Peugeot have begun its efforts to build the support of the nation to our Malaysian contingent and drive Malaysian fans to the stadiums for the 29th SEA Games by launching two social media contests, organised by Naza Corporation Holdings and Peugeot Malaysia.

The newly launched Peugeot pledge car has begun to make its mark as a mobile bulletin board to call the nation to pledge their support with inspirational messages for Malaysian athletes competing at the KL 2017. 

Launched to a glittering ceremony by Nasim Sdn Bhd, a member of the Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd on May 25, the Peugeot 208 that is used as the pledge car will be touring across the country to draw the public to support our athletes. 

It is also offering Malaysians the chance to win 100 complimentary tickets to witness the opening ceremony of the 29th SEA Games on 19 August 2017 at Bukit Jalil. 

Amongst the first signatures on the car was by our very own Minister of Youth and Sports himself, YB Khairy Jamaluddin.

En SM Nasarudin Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman/Group CEO, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd and national athletes Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, Joel van Huizen, Ziyad Zolkefli and Nauraj Singh were among the others who also signed their messages of support.

The steps to win the Peugeot Malaysia opening ceremony tickets are fairly simple. 

All interested fans have to do is to locate the pledge car at any of the 12 locations nationwide, sign their name with an inspirational message for our athletes, take a selfie of that message with the pledge car and post it online with the hashtag #PeugeotMalaysia #DrivingChampions and #NazaCorp.

The Peugeot 208 pledge car has already been warmly received in its first two locations at the Peugeot Showroom in Shah Alam and also the Shah Alam Ramadhan Bazaar. 

Naza Corporation Holdings, via its #ChampionSpirit contest will also be giving 80 lucky winners a chance to win a pair of tickets to the SEA Games opening ceremony by posting the most creative memes. 

All interested contestants have to do is use the photos provided by Naza Corporation Holdings, add their own creative memes to invite Malaysians to watch and support the SEA Games, and post their memes in the contest’s comment section of the Naza Corporation Holdings Facebook page or Instagram page with the hashtag #ChampionSpirit and #Naza

Upcoming Pledge Car Locations

Fit Malaysia Perak Bangunan UMNO, Bagan Datuk, Perak	July 9
University Malaya KL	July 12
Naza Aidilfitri Open House Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre(MITEC)	July 15
Subang Parade mall	July 17 & 18
Pavilion Mall / 30 day countdown	July 19
The Curve Damansara	July 21-23
Sunway Pyramid	July 27-30
KL bird park	July 31
Naza Tower Torch Run	August 6
Fit Malaysia Bukit Jalil	August 12
Taylor Lakeside University	August 13-16
KL 2017 Sponsors Festival Area	August (19-30)