PRESS RELEASE: VW WRC Rally Team Wins Rally Of Finland!!!

A great day for Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila, a great day for Volkswagen, and a great day for Finland: for the first time in four years, a Finnish duo triumphed in their home event in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), giving their compatriots reason to celebrate with abandon. Latvala/Anttila won ‘their’ rally in the Polo R WRC in what proved to be a veritable thriller all the way to the finishing line, clinching victory over their teammates Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) by just 3.6 seconds. Volkswagen’s excellent team success in the toughest rally of the year was rounded off by Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (N/N) finishing in fourth place overall. Volkswagen has therefore equalled its best team result to date in the WRC, which it set at Rally Argentina in May. The rally known as ‘Formula 1 in the forest’ marks the twelfth consecutive rally win for the Wolfsburg-based team, and is also its eighth win in the current season. Ahead of Rally Germany, Volkswagen therefore has match balls to clinch all three WRC championship titles – for the manufacturer, the driver and the co-driver.

“It’s been a fantastic weekend at Rally Finland,” said Dr Heinz-Jakob Neußer, Volkswagen Board Member for Technical Development, who was in Finland to support the Volkswagen team. “Both Jari-Matti Latvala and Sébastien Ogier dominated 25 of the 26 special stages and the final day of the rally couldn’t have been more exciting. There was no knowing who would actually win the rally until they finally crossed the line. The Power Stage once again demonstrated what the team and the Polo R WRC are capable of. We are very happy with the result in Finland and congratulate Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila on this huge success in front of a home crowd.”

Recipe for success: good self-confidence and a healthy dose of ‘sisu’

The Finnish word ‘sisu’ is the most accurate way to describe the key to Jari-Matti Latvala’s success in his home event. ‘Sisu’ is said to be untranslatable, but can be loosely translated as power, stamina or tenacity, and also intransigence or fighting spirit. And Jari-Matti Latvala demonstrated all of these during Rally Finland. On the second day of the rally, Latvala, who is second in the championship, dominated the proceedings in the morning, but had something of a setback in the afternoon. Having hit a large pothole during the 20th special stage, a damaged brake line left him with no braking power on the front right-hand wheel, which caused him to lose around 27 seconds of his lead. Latvala therefore tackled the final three special stages on Sunday with a very slim lead of just 3.4 seconds, and demonstrated not only his driving skills, but also his mental strength.

Since the start of the 2014 season, Jari-Matti Latvala has also been drawing on the support of mental trainer Christoph Treier. Latvala was therefore relaxed during the special stages in his home event, in spite of the huge public expectations and his extremely high motivation. And this resulted in success, with Latvala/Anttila securing 14 of the 26 possible fastest times in the rally. 

Prestige duel to the very last metre: Latvala vs. Ogier

Rally Finland, which is considered to be the mother of all WRC rallies, was very much all about Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila and their Volkswagen teammates Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia this year, with 25 of the 26 possible best times being scored by one or the other of the two Volkswagen duos. The only rivals who were able to keep pace were Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle (GB/IRL, Citroën), who picked up one fastest time and finished in third place overall. The Latvala vs. Ogier duel narrowed to a difference of 3.7 seconds ahead of the final Power Stage, and was then reduced further to 3.6 seconds at the finishing line. On multiple occasions during their high-octane duel, Latvala and Ogier hit a top speed of 200 kilometres per hour, at which point their speed was kept in check by the speed limiters. With countless jumps, some as far as 60 metres, and also plenty of blind hill crests and corners, the WRC drivers had to deliver maximum precision. And for the 38th time in the history of the WRC, a rally was won with a margin of less then ten seconds.

Great success, part two: match balls for Volkswagen head of home event in Germany

Thanks to its one-two victory in Finland, Volkswagen has extended its lead in the manufacturers’ standings in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) to 175 points over their closest rival Citroën. This therefore gives Volkswagen its first match ball ahead of the brand’s own home event, Rally Germany: if it succeeds in defending a 172-point lead, the manufacturers’ championship title will go to Wolfsburg for the second year in a row. The German rally could also be a decider in favour of Volkswagen in the drivers’ standings too: following Rally Finland, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia have a lead of 121 points over the best non-Volkswagen duo, Mads Østberg/Jonas Andersson (N/S, Citroën). If they still have a lead of 112 points after Rally Germany, it will definitely be a Volkswagen duo who will celebrate victory in the drivers’ and co-drivers’ standings. Ogier/Ingrassia are currently in the lead on 187 points, followed by their teammates Latvala/Anttila (143 points) and Mikkelsen (95 points).

Facts, facts, facts: actual and potential records

With Rally Finland now over, Volkswagen has racked up a total of 19,996.66 kilometres during 391 special stages since it joined the WRC with the Polo R WRC in January 2013. This is equivalent to driving half way round the globe – at a rally pace, of course. During this period, Volkswagen has scored 269 fastest times and a total of 618 top-three times. Volkswagen has celebrated victory 18 times out of 21 WRC rallies, twelve of which it has scored in succession across two seasons. And by winning in Finland, Volkswagen has matched the previous best of eight wins in the same season, which Citroën achieved in 2011. For Volkswagen, the eighth rally of the season gave it its fifth one-two win of the year, and the seventh such win overall. Jari-Matti Latvala celebrated his 44th podium finish in the WRC, twelve of which he has achieved with Volkswagen. It was also his eleventh outright win, and his fourth such win in the Polo R WRC.

The icing on the cake: bonus points for Volkswagen drivers in the Power Stage

To date, Volkswagen has picked up Power Stage bonus points on 37 occasions – in the 20 Power Stages held so far. In addition, Ogier/Ingrassia gave Volkswagen its 15th consecutive Power Stage win in Finland. Latvala, the winner of the 2014 Rally Finland, has won five Power Stages in his WRC career, two of which with Volkswagen. Ogier meanwhile has a tally of 15 Power Stage wins, eleven of which with Volkswagen. And Mikkelsen also has one Power Stage win to his name, a victory he scored in the Polo R WRC.

source: VW Media Services

PRESS RELEASE: VW Malaysia Awards The Winner Of "Win a Polo Sedan" Campaign!!!

Volkswagen Malaysia recently announced the winner of the “Win a Polo Sedan” campaign in conjunction with the “Onefootball Brasil” app that was kicked off in May this year. As a fervent football and Volkswagen fan, Tee Jee Hung was doubly thrilled to find out that he was the grand prize winner of a brand new Volkswagen Polo Sedan. 

Earlier this year, Volkswagen kicked off the football season by introducing the “Onefootball Brasil” app to give fans worldwide an elevated football experience. Volkswagen Malaysia also held a contest that ran from 22 May to 13 July with the main prize of a brand new Polo Sedan up for grabs. Football fans and discerning motorists alike were invited to visit any Volkswagen dealer showroom nationwide and test-drive any vehicle from Volkswagen’s extensive range in order to stand a chance of winning the German-engineered sedan.

28 year-old Tee Jee Hung was among the thousand contestants who took their desired Volkswagen vehicle for a test drive and managed to emerge as the winner of the football-driven contest. During this period, Volkswagen’s OneFootball app also garnered more than 26,000 downloads in Malaysia.

“Winning a Volkswagen Polo Sedan was indeed an exciting surprise to me! I downloaded the Volkswagen ‘Onefootball Brasil’ app to keep updated on the 2014 FIFA™ World and one of its features directed me to the nearest Volkswagen dealership. I took the opportunity to test drive the Polo Sedan since I’ve been considering of getting the car for some time now, but I really never thought I’d win the exact car I wanted. Thank you Volkswagen for this incredibly exciting opportunity, this win truly wraps the football season!” exclaimed the IT programme consultant from Seremban. 

Petra Schreiber, Director of Marketing and Communications, Volkswagen Group Malaysia shares, “We are pleased to reach out and present an exciting and emotional moment with Malaysian in conjunction with the 2014 World Cup. Much like the national German football team that just won the 2014 World Cup, the Polo Sedan we are giving away epitomises the highest of performance, quality and efficiency. We trust that Tee Jee Hung who is always been a Volkswagen fan will enjoy the true Volkswagen brand experience.” 

Launched in 2013, the German engineered - Malaysian assembled Polo Sedan boasts a spirited performance with the best-in-class torque of 153Nm at 3,800rpm whilst possessing extraordinary fuel efficiency; offering a combined fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100km, allowing drivers to go a distance of 15.4km per litre. Not content with just offering great drivability, the Polo Sedan also comes with impressive safety features including dual front airbags and dual side airbags, Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), anti-pinch windows in all four doors, standard 3-point safety belts for rear outboard occupants, child seat anchor (ISOFIX system), anti-theft alarm system and anti-lock braking system (ABS).

PRESS RELEASE: UMW Toyota Embarks To Year Long Road Safety Campaign!!!

UMW Toyota embarks on a year-long road safety campaign to raise awareness of road safety among consumers with series of activities at their selected outlets. The road safety outreach initiative, themed ‘Safety is Love’ is meant to enhance the car manufacturer’s image as a car manufacturer that cares. 

“As a caring automotive company, safety is an essential element throughout our company’s entire operations,” says Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor. To begin with, he elaborates, every Toyota vehicle is fitted with safety features, making Toyota a preferred choice for many families. Yet, road accidents can still happen due to other factors such as driver’s behaviour, road condition and other distractions.

It is our social responsibilities to carry out road safety activities to ensure we have reliable vehicles and promote a high level of safe behaviour on the road. The road safety initiative is meant to complement the efforts by the Road Safety Department to reduce accidents and encourage all road users, whether pedestrians, passengers or drivers, to practise more care when on the road. 

To achieve this, buntings bearing important road safety messages are displayed at all Toyota outlets throughout the year to remind customers to always practise safe travelling. Apart from the buntings, a series of talks on road safety were also conducted.

These two activities are carried out according to specific themes. The first two quarters of the year had focused on seatbelts – ‘Buckle Up, Stay Safe’, and speeding – ‘Watch Your Speed’, while the current theme is on fatigue (exhaustion) – ‘Too Tired to Drive?, Take a Rest!’, followed by distractions – ‘Stay Alert, Arrive Safely’ for the last quarter.

Four talk sessions were conducted earlier at Central and Sabah Regions by an experienced trainer. A few more sessions are planned to coincide with the impending holiday seasons. Participants will not only be exposed to common causes of road accidents, safe travel tips and others, but also gain real-time insights on what to do during an accident or emergency while on the road.

“The response to the talks was positive,” says Datuk Ismet. “Many of the participants found the sessions to be very interesting, interactive and informative, which makes us feel that we are able to deliver the message of practising safe travelling”. 

Ultimately we want everyone to remember that safety is love, stresses Datuk Ismet. “Imagine the pain and suffering of someone who was waiting for their loved one to arrive, only to be told that they have perished in an accident in transit. Be careful and safe all the time, if not for your own sake, for the sake of your loved ones.”

source: UMW Toyota Media Services

PRESS RELEASE: Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Spreads The Joy To Student Of SK Sg Judah!!!

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile (SMA) brought smiles to the faces of students of SK Sg Judah today. In light of the ongoing fasting month and upcoming Hari Raya festivities, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile invited students and teachers from the government school for Orang Asli based in Pulau Carey, as well as its staff members for a buka puasa event here at Laman Qaseh.

Staying true to Hari Raya traditions, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile distributed Duit Raya packets to the students of SK Sg Judah. It also made a contribution to the school to aid with the development of existing school facilities as part of the company’s ongoing long-term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program with the school.

Present at the buka puasa event was Mr Keiichi Suzuki, Managing Director of Suzuki Malaysia Automobile Sdn Bhd. “In line with Suzuki’s DNA, ‘Way of Life!’, we are committed to long term CSR activities such as our involvement with SK Sungai Judah. We are gathered here today to highlight our relationship with the school as well as with all the SMA staff and members of the media. We cherish these solid bonds and hope they last for many years to come,” he said in his welcome speech.

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile’s relationship with SK Sungai Judah began in February 2012 when it ‘adopted’ the school and highlighted its intention to give back to the community by enriching the education experience of the Orang Asli students who attended the school. The company has since provided aide in the form of upgrading its IT facilities, LED TVs for interactive learning and organising unique events such as giving students the exciting experience of escorting players at matches during the AFF Suzuki Cup.

In its most recent CSR contribution to SK Sungai Judah, Suzuki Malaysia Automobile sponsored a Suzuki APV to the school to broaden the students’ learning possibility and enhance their mobility. All of the contributions made by Suzuki Malaysia Automobile thus far are in line with the brand’s commitment to aiding in the development of a more knowledgeable, dynamic and motivated community.   

Suzuki Malaysia Automobile was also delighted to announce the launch of their new website today. The company’s new online portal goes live after several months of planning. Designed for greater user-friendliness, the new website features a better look and feel with more functions and easier end-user navigation. For more news and updates on Suzuki Malaysia Automobile, visit www.suzuki.net.my .

PRESS RELEASE: Malaysian Futsal Team In Brazil Stunts!!!

Kia Malaysia’s Champs to Rio futsal tournament champs Dani KSL FC took the world by storm in Brazil at the Champs Into The Arena 2014 World Championship organized by Kia Motor Corporations. The underdog team from Malaysia brought down futsal bigwigs from around the world before taking the defeat from Jordan at the finals of held in Salvador Brazil recently.

Dani KSL FC from Malaysia was one of only two teams from Southeast Asia, the other from the Philippines, that was pitched against futsal giants from Chile, Argentina, Italy and Germany at the international futsal tournament held alongside FIFA World Cup in Salvador Brazil. The 19 nations which took part in the tournament were: Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

The Malaysian team managed by Aizul Rohan Anuar, showed amazing fighting spirit and skill, and made an indelible mark in the international futsal arena as they rose through the tournament, beating Philippines at the Group stage with 7-2, Argentina 2-2, and Germany 7-3. At the semi-finals Dani KSL FC crushed France’s dreams with a 1-0 win, only to be defeated by Jordan at the Finals with 7-3. 

Through it all, the team made up of players Mudhairi Musa, Muhammad Fauzi Abdul Hamid, Hazizi Mansor, Mohammad Naim Mohammad Zainal, Rizwan Ahmad Wahid and Zahrin bin Ismail (Captain) were ecstatic at overcoming their greatest hurdles, Argentina and Germany at the Group stage.

The winning teams were awarded with a trophy and skybox tickets to the World Cup quarterfinals match between the Netherlands and Costa Rica.

Prior to the international championship in Brazil, Dani KSL FC competed in Kia Malaysia’s Champs to Rio in May, a round-robin futsal tournament amongst 38 of the best teams in Malaysia. Coming out Champs, they were chosen to represent Malaysia at the Kia Champs Into The Arena 2014 World Championship in Salvador, Brazil on 4-7 July. In addition to the all-expenses paid trip to Brazil, the whole team received RM20,000 in cash, a champion cup, champion medals, exclusive jerseys and tickets to the Quarter Finals of World Cup 2014.

Champs to Rio was a local initiative by Naza Kia Malaysia for Malaysians to experience and be a part of the excitement and energy of World Cup 2014, one of the biggest sports events of the year. Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, Chief Operating Officer of Naza Kia Malaysia said the company sees the global partnership with FIFA World Cup as a great opportunity to deliver the excitement of the brand to football-mad fellow Malaysians.

“Our Malaysian team has certainly done us proud by playing in the finals in one of the world’s most challenging futsal competitions. Their performance was outstanding and beyond expectation and like Kia, they have shown us the “Power to Surprise”!,” said Datuk Hafiz.

Source: Naza Kia Media Release

SPYSHOTS: New Mercedes Benz C Class Caught On Trailer!!!!

Looks like the guys at Mercedes Benz Malaysia is very busy at work and I'm sure one if it is preparing the launch of the all new Mercedes Benz C Class which was caught on camera being transported near Guthrie Corridor Highway yesterday.

Based on the pictures that I caught, only one variant can be seen with the C200 badge post on the boot lid without any taping to cover it which is unusual for car makers not to hide their badges especially for product that was not launched yet

Anyhow based on the picture, we can see that Mercedes has package the car with sport configuration as per what being offered in the United Kingdom which is the middle model between the SE and AMG model. This car comes with 17 inch five double spoke rim design together with integrated silver trim diffuser with exhaust and lots of chrome trim parts on the lower section of the car body

With the evidance, it looks like MBM might be launching the car soon, perhaps after Hari Raya celebration or in September which is the last 3 quarter of the year. Stay tune for more updates!!!!

PRESS RELEASE: VW Malaysia Crowns The Winner Of "Safe & Stylish Balik Kampung" Campaign!!!

Volkswagen Malaysia and renowned fashion designer Melinda Looi saw both brands unite to offer Malaysians a chance to drive home a brand new German engineered Polo Sedan this festive season in conjunction with the “Safe & Stylish Balik Kampung” campaign.

The month-long campaign, which kick-started concurrently with Melinda Looi’s 2014 Raya collection ‘emel by Melinda Looi’, saw an overwhelming response from fans of both the fashion and automotive scene.

Emerging the winner from over 6000 entries, Ahmad Amirul Ehsan bin Alias was the winner of the “Safe and Stylish Balik Kampung” campaign and was presented a mock key at the prize presentation ceremony, held in conjunction with the ‘Volkswagen On Tour’ brand showcase in Paradigm Mall at Kelana Jaya.

Ahmad, who hails from Rawang could barely contain his excitement at winning the prize, saying “I was really surprised and excited when I found out that I had won a brand new Volkswagen Polo Sedan. I’ve been eyeing a Volkswagen car for a while now, so it is amazing that my dream has come true this Raya. I am so grateful for getting this opportunity to own my very own Volkswagen.”

Petra Schreiber, Director of Marketing and Communications, Volkswagen Malaysia shares, “We embarked on a campaign themed around style and safety as these two elements are in line with the Volkswagen brand. We are truly delighted to be able to share the joy of owning and driving a Volkswagen with this lucky winner in conjunction with this joyous festive celebration.”

Launched in Malaysia in 2013, the locally assembled Polo Sedan boasts a spirited performance with the best-in-class torque of 153Nm at 3,800rpm. The German Engineered Polo Sedan possesses excellent fuel efficiency – offering a combined fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100km or 15.4km per litre making it the perfect vehicle for daily urban commuting or out-of-town drives.

The Polo Sedan comes equipped with impressive safety features including dual front airbags and dual side airbags, Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA), anti-pinch windows in all four doors, standard 3-point safety belts for front and rear outboard occupants, child seat anchor (ISOFIX system), and an anti-theft alarm system for maximum safety all the time.

source: VW Malaysia Media Servives