ISUZU Malaysia has once again achieved outstanding performance by recording the highest truck sales compared to other brands for the year 2023. This achievement places Isuzu in the number 1 position in the overall truck segment for 10 consecutive years and in the light-duty truck brand segment for 14 consecutive years in Malaysia.
Isuzu’s leading position in the market is reinforced by the overall sales performance of 7,209 units, including light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks for the previous year. This represents a 44.9 percent market share in the overall truck segment in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the light-duty truck segment recorded sales of 6,864 units, marking the highest sales in Malaysia for that segment.
Isuzu Malaysia recorded a growth of 2.7 percent compared to the previous financial year, demonstrating continuous positive growth for Isuzu Malaysia.
In terms of sales, Isuzu Malaysia achieved a positive growth of 11 percent in the medium-duty truck, heavy-duty truck, and prime mover segments for 2023.
Shunsuke Okazoe, Chief Executive Officer of Isuzu Malaysia, said, “We are extremely proud to achieve this remarkable success once again and to remain the best-selling truck brand in Malaysia. Maintaining this success for over a decade certainly exceeds our expectations.”
“At the same time, we are very excited to know that our continued market leadership clearly demonstrates Isuzu Malaysia’s commitment to providing the widest and most advanced range of trucks to our customers, despite navigating changing industry landscapes.”
“The stability of the economy and the recovery of the supply chain have contributed to the positive growth in the commercial vehicle market, especially in the light-duty truck segment. This positive performance further highlights our presence in this market,” Okazoe added.
EDOTCO, the leading telecommunications infrastructure service company in Malaysia, has announced a collaboration with ChargeSini to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the country.
This collaboration aligns with the national agenda outlined in the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030, which aims to have 10,000 public EV charging stations installed nationwide by 2025.
EDOTCO and ChargeSini are expected to support this initiative by planning to install over 200 EV charging stations at indoor building locations within the next two years.
EDOTCO’s extensive experience in telecommunications infrastructure will facilitate this process by providing power supply and parking space at the selected locations.
“With over 13,000 EVs in Malaysia today, we are ready for a sudden increase to half a million EVs by 2025,” said Gayan Koralage, Malaysia Country Director at EDOTCO Group.
“Our infrastructure available at strategic locations such as shopping malls, airports, hospitals, universities, and smart street poles, seamlessly integrates with the growing EV ecosystem,” added Gayan.
Meanwhile, James Goh, CEO and founder of ChargeSini, stated, “This collaboration demonstrates the synergy between EDOTCO’s experience and ChargeSini’s approach to EV charging technology.
“Our collaboration is not only about developing EV infrastructure, it also accelerates the adoption of sustainable mobility in Malaysia,” he said.
Ducati Malaysia today launched the introduction of the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini for the local market. Yes, you read that right.
The latest edition of the Streetfighter V4 combines the power and performance of Ducati with the luxury and elegance synonymous with Lamborghini.
When you look at its color and livery, you will know that the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is inspired by the Lamborghini Huracan STO (Super Trofeo Omologata). Its rims are sleek and aerodynamic, coupled with titanium locking nuts on the rear wheel.
This bike also features a carbon fiber texture like the Huracan STO. Additionally, the front mudguard, belly pan, fuel tank cover, and passenger seat cover resemble the air intakes and exhaust pipes found on the V10 supercar.
Speaking of the engine, the Ducati Streetfighter V4 is powered by a 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine generating 208hp. The engine is also paired with a dry racing clutch and an Akrapovic titanium and carbon fiber exhaust silencer.
The Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini features the STO livery and the number 63, referring to the year of Lamborghini’s inception. The Verde Citrea green color dominates the body of this bike, with contrasting Arancio Dac.
“We are proud to have two of these limited edition motorcycles in Malaysia,” said Dennis Michale, CEO of Ducati Malaysia.
“The Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is more than just a motorcycle; it symbolizes the shared history and passion for innovation between Ducati and Lamborghini.
“This formula brings together the best of two different worlds, resulting in a creation that is sought after by fans and collectors in Malaysia,” he said.
The Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini will only be produced in a limited quantity of 630 units worldwide. Interested? It is available for sale at a price of RM460,900.
The Lokatag, which was previously introduced in 2019 as a toll accessory, today unveils their new product.
Known as Lokatag Pro, it is a toll reader device for Touch ‘n Go (TNG) cards, but also features a built-in digital recorder camera (dashcam), AI functionality, and GPS. All of these features make Lokatag Pro an all-in-one device.
According to Amtel Holdings Berhad, the product is designed to meet the demands of modern drivers.
“We are entering a new era in automotive accessories where safety, innovation, and connectivity are combined in a smart platform known as the ‘Loka Ecosystem’,” said Chester Koid, CEO of Amtel Holdings Berhad.
Lokatag Pro utilizes Efkon infrared technology and supports both new and old generation TNG NFC cards.
For additional safety, the dashcam is equipped with a Sony IMX336 sensor capable of recording up to 2K resolution.
The AI Voice function provides the latest updates on card balances and other notifications, available in three languages: Malay, English, and Mandarin. This AI voice can also provide alerts for insurance payments.
The provided e-SIM in Lokatag Pro offers connectivity services such as GPS, alerts, Over The Air (OTA) updates, and a G-sensor that can identify suspicious car activities.
Lokatag aims to reach 500,000 users within the next three years.
Furthermore, Lokatag has announced a partnership with Zurich Malaysia as an insurance partner. This collaboration is expected to improve the insurance and takaful claiming process within the Loka App, which was also introduced at the same launch event.
Lokatag Pro is offered at a price of RM1,799 and for every pre-order, Zurich is offering a complimentary insurance package. More information regarding this insurance package will be announced soon.
Similar to Ferry Porsche 75 years ago who wanted to build his dream sports car, Krithin Paul Pereira also has a dream.
An artist, designer, and engineer, Krithin also has a deep interest in sports cars. Despite having Cerebral Palsy, he overcomes challenges every day and expresses his passion through unique artistic works.
After making an appearance during the launch of the Porsche Cayenne CKD a few months ago, Krithin is now collaborating with Porsche Malaysia for a special project. He painted the Cayenne on a T-shirt to raise funds for Amirs Therapy Gym – where Krithin receives treatment.
Porsche Malaysia first met Krithin at the opening of the Porsche Club Malaysia office in Sungai Besi. Later, Krithin was invited by Porsche Malaysia to several important events, including the CKD Cayenne assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah, which is also the first Cayenne factory outside Europe.
Krithin’s work also attracted the attention and recognition of Porsche AG, and he received an invitation to visit the company’s factory in Stuttgart. Krithin had the opportunity to interact with designers and experience the sensation of driving the 911 GT3 on the Hockenheimring circuit.
“I would like to thank Porsche Malaysia for this opportunity. Amirs Therapy Gym holds a special place in my heart, where they help me build my physical and mental strength,” said Krithin.
“Despite facing various challenges in life, I always tell myself that I can do it because I am a limitless dreamer. And I also want to help others achieve their dreams in life,” he added.
Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance, representing Porsche Malaysia, said: “Since I met Krithin, he has inspired us in many ways. We gave him the opportunity to be with us for the launch of the Cayenne in Malaysia and now we are excited to continue this journey to inspire others as well,” said Christopher.
Mercedes’ entry-level SUV, the GLA200, has been given a facelift by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM). It features enhancements in terms of appearance, equipment, and technology within the cabin.
The exterior of the Mercedes GLA200 now showcases a new grille with a large logo in the center, black accents, and aerodynamic 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. This compact SUV also receives LED High-Performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam.
Its interior is adorned with a Star Pattern finish for an attractive contrast. The GLA200 2024 is also equipped with dual 10.25-inch screens, Artico leather seats, a multifunction sports steering wheel, and various ways to fold the rear seats to enhance practicality.
The MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Experience) system in this GLA is the latest generation, featuring Navigation Assistance, 64-color ambient lighting, and connectivity with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The GLA200 also comes with five USB-C charging sockets with illumination.
Safety features have also been enhanced. The GLA200 now comes with Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Active Brake Assist, and a Parking Package along with the Mirror Package. Other technologies in this SUV include Keyless-Go, Handsfree Access, Tirefit, and the Easy-Pack power tailgate.
The Mercedes GLA200 is powered by a 1.3-liter engine with an output of 163hp and 250Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7G-DCT), enabling this front-wheel-drive SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.
Dynamic Select is also standard, offering Sport, Comfort, and Eco modes. These settings will adjust the engine response, transmission, suspension, and steering.
The 2024 Mercedes GLA200 is a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) model, offered at a price of RM258,888 (on-the-road without insurance). Buyers can also opt for the new Spectral Blue color for this SUV.
The premium SUV market will once again be enlivened by the presence of the all-new Volkswagen Touareg in the Malaysian market.
This was confirmed by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) through their social media platform, and certainly, the registration of interest (ROI) has also been opened.
Based on the ROI page, the 2024 Touareg will be offered in an R-Line variant, which brings a sportier image compared to the Elegance.
The 2024 Volkswagen Touareg is the third generation launched globally in mid-2023. This SUV will be powered by a 3.0-liter V6 TSI engine with 335hp and 450Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Standard features include LED matrix IQ.Light headlights, air suspension with automatic adjustment, a 730-watt Dynaudio Consequence power audio system, and the IQ.Drive driver assistance system with night vision. The exterior features a new grille, LED headlights with L-shaped DRLs, and a light bar at the front and rear.
As of now, there is no expected price, but according to information from our sources in Pekan, this SUV will be assembled as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit. If true, it will be the first generation of the Touareg to be assembled in the country.
Are there any enthusiasts eagerly awaiting this new generation of the Volkswagen Touareg?
The government is now in the early stages of reviewing and investigating the possibility of establishing a “lemon law,” said Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Armizan Mohd Ali.
Photo: Malay Mail
Speaking to FMT, Armizan stated that Malaysia is actively addressing consumer protection issues related to damaged vehicles and analyzing international practices before adapting them for local use.
He commented on the demand by the Penang Consumers Association (CAP) for the introduction of a “lemon law,” which is a legal remedy for consumers who purchase faulty vehicles, whether new or old, that fail to meet specific quality and performance criteria within a specific period.
The United States, Singapore, South Korea, China, and the Philippines are among the countries that implement such laws.
However, Armizan mentioned that the Consumer Protection Act 1999, which is enforced in Malaysia, also protects consumers from faulty vehicles.
“The Act protects consumers in several ways related to faulty vehicles, even though it is not specifically a ‘lemon law’ and does not offer specific remedies such as repurchasing a car that cannot be repaired. It provides various provisions that can be used to address faulty vehicle issues.”
Recently, there have been two reports of newly purchased vehicles breaking down, which have been widely shared on social media.
A clerk, S Nagakanni, reported that her new Perodua Bezza broke down eight hours after purchase, and she had to continue paying the monthly loan of RM537, even though the car was stranded at the service center.
Noriya Mamat from Terengganu also stated that her newly purchased Honda HR-V was stranded at the service center for months after sending it for servicing one month after the purchase upon reaching a mileage of 1,000km. She mentioned that she had to make monthly payments of RM1,500 for a car that she couldn’t drive at all.
THE Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) has reported that the total industry volume (TIV) of the Malaysian automotive industry rose to a record high of 799,731 units in 2023, representing an 11% increase from the 721,177 units recorded in 2022.
According to MAA President Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, the increase was primarily driven by the passenger cars sub-segment, following a resilient domestic economy and stable socio-political environment.
He further added that the growth was also propelled by tax incentives, new launches including competitively priced electric vehicles, and improved industry supply chain environment.
“The industry’s sales growth last year marked the second annual gain since the downturn in 2020-2021 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was also the second consecutive year the TIV exceeded the 700,000-unit mark,” he said.
The KTM 890 SMT has officially entered the market at a retail price of RM101,800. The introduction of this model was anticipated, with reports of the opening of reservations for eight units being issued previously.
The KTM 890 SMT is powered by an 889cc LC8c twin-cylinder engine, similar to the one found in the 890 Adventure, but this model boasts more power with 105hp and 100Nm of torque.
Although the 890 SMT shares the same platform as the 890 Adventure, it features a different body panel to enhance aerodynamics. As usual, the suspension package consists of adjustable WP APEX front and rear suspension paired with 17-inch wheels.
Additional electronic features offered include:
Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control
5-inch anti-glare TFT meter panel
Motor Slip Regulation (MSR)
Additionally, as part of the early purchase promotion for the KTM 890 SMT, additional features such as Quickshifter+ and Cruise Control will be provided for free.
JAECOO Malaysia today unveiled their first SUV bet for Malaysia, the Jaecoo J7. For those who don’t know, Jaecoo is a brand under Chery, and this SUV is a segment-C model positioned as a premium off-road vehicle.
From several perspectives, the Jaecoo J7 indeed looks more premium compared to its competitors such as the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. The Jaecoo J7 is expected to be officially launched around the second quarter of 2024.
The J7 is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo petrol engine with an output of 197hp and 290Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There are two variant options: front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD).
The Jaecoo J7 has a ground clearance of 200mm with the ability to wade through water up to a depth of 600mm. It is also capable of towing up to 1,300kg, and its roof rack can accommodate up to 75kg.
Standard features of the Jaecoo J7 include layered LED headlights, LED DRLs, 19-inch Aurora rims, leather-wrapped seats, 64-color ambient lighting, seven driving modes, and a 50W wireless charger.
Other features include a head-up display, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.8-inch infotainment system, seats with cooling function, dual-zone air conditioning, and a panoramic sunroof.
Safety features are also quite comprehensive, such as Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Emergency Lane Keeping, Curve Speed Assistance, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, and Parking Assistance.
The price has not been announced yet, but according to Jaecoo, the price of this SUV will be around that of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, which is priced at RM159,800. Can it compete with existing players in the Malaysian market?
Oh yes, the Jaecoo J7 will also be locally assembled (CKD) from the beginning. Interesting?
THE curtains have closed on the year 2023, which seemed like a busy period for the Malaysian electric vehicle market, thanks to the influx of new offerings coming on to the local EV scene.
So without further ado, let’s revisit the 10 most exciting EVs launched in our market throughout last year. Note that the cars in this list is not sorted in order.
Lotus Eletre
There are many reasons to like the Eletre, whether or not you are a fan of Lotus. Firstly, it is the first production SUV for the brand known for its small and lightweight sports cars.
It may be an electric SUV, but the Eletre has what it takes to blow the existing ICE Lotus vehicles out of the water with a total system output of 905 hp and 985 Nm in its most powerful version, the R.
Its rather aggressive exterior design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Eletre’s space-age cabin should leave youe in awe.
Smart #1
After months of teasers, the smart #1 was finally launched last November, offering three variants with selling prices ranging from RM189,000 to RM249,000.
The prices may seem a tad steep but with the #1, you truly get what you pay for. In other words, the #1 is a premium EV with a wide variety of features.
The Pro and Premium variants are equally impressive, with acceleration performance of 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a range of 440 km. If that’s not enough, the Brabus variant offers a sportier look with red trims and two electric motors.
BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is the Chinese EV manufacturer’s second model to arrive in Malaysia, following the Atto 3. With a starting price below of RM100,000, it is also one of the most affordable EVs in the market.
True to its name, the Dolphin’s exterior design is rather adorable, enhanced by attractive LED signature lights at the front and rear. Its interior space looks unique with a funky dashboard design and vibrant color theme.
In addition to the impressive driving range (410 km to 490 km, NEDC), what’s appealing about the Dolphin is the amount of standard equipment buyers get, which include wireless Apple CarPlay, a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, and ADAS, to name a few.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
This ultra-luxurious electric coupe arrived in Malaysia last September as the most expensive EV in the country, with a price starting from RM2 million excluding options.
If V12-powered cars like the Ghost and Dawn are sometimes described as “eerily silent”, imagine a Rolls-Royce without an internal combustion engine.
With a 102-kWh battery, the Spectre can drive up to 520 km on a full charge. Charging from 10% to 80% can be achieved in just 34 minutes via a 195 kW DC charger. Interestingly, the Spectre is the first two-door coupe Rolls-Royce to come with 23-inch wheels in almost 100 years.
BMW iX M60
The first electric SAV model in the BMW M portfolio is powered by two electric motors producing a total power of 619 PS and 1,015 Nm.
If that torque figure isn’t high enough, the Launch Control function will boost it to 1,100 Nm to enable the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is capped at 250 km/h.
A 105.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a driving range of up to 561 km, but with the bonkers ouput, it seems that not many drivers will be able to reach 500 km on a single charge.
THE Proton Arena is among the national car company’s models that didn’t sell well initially, but is now in high demand. The price is still steep, a brief survey on sales websites shows prices are still around RM25,000 to RM35,000.
However, in the United Kingdom (UK), there is a Proton Arena for sale at only £2,500 (RM14,739)! The Arena is known as the Proton Jumbuck in export markets such as the UK and Australia.
Not only is the price quite attractive, but this yellow Proton Jumbuck unit is even ‘copied’ with parts from the Satria GTi!
This can be seen in the front bumper, side fenders, and interior parts such as the dashboard, Recaro seats, pedals, and original GTi carpets. Quite handsome, if I may say so myself…
According to its owner, Paul Atkinson, who advertised the Jumbuck on the Proton gti owners UK page on Facebook, the engine is also from the GTi, a 4G93P 1.8-liter 16-valve unit.
The Proton Jumbuck GTi is painted in a sporty yellow color. It is further given a rally image with items such as WRC side mirrors, mud flaps, 15-inch white Momo rims, and the writer’s favorite, a pair of round spot lights at the front!
According to Atkinson, the Jumbuck is being sold because there have been changes to its design. “Jumbuck’s are getting quite rare now and especially modified ones,” he said.
“It always gets lots of compliments and is pretty quick for what it is (circa 140bhp), early Evo engines do drop straight in.
“MOT until August 2024, 100,000 miles, and the car is in Grantham, Lincolnshire,” Atkinson wrote.
Imagine if this Proton Arena were available in Malaysia, its price would surely easily reach RM55,000. Perhaps even more. This is because its other specifications are also quite tempting.
Below, we list what Atkinson shared:
Modifications:
• Satria GTi engine and gearbox (1.8 16v)
• Hockley exhaust manifold
• Custom stainless exhaust
• Pipercross induction kit
• Satria GTi interior
• Deep dish steering wheel
• Rearview camera
• CB radio
• Satria GTi body kit (front bumper & arches)
• Evo front suspension
• 15” Momo alloys (recently refurbished)
• 195 50 15 Avon ZV7 tires (new)
• WRC-style mirrors
• WRC-style mud flaps
• Rally spot lights
• Truckman cab
• LED rear work lights
• Air horns
• Tow bar
• Rear step
After five years of silence in Malaysia’s rally sports due to the absence of roaring engines in the oil palm plantations, it is now set to make a comeback with the launch of the Malaysia International Rally Championship (MIRC) 2024.
Scheduled to take place in March 2024, this carnival-style event will be held in Paya Besar, passing through the Felda Panching oil palm plantation near the city of Kuantan, Pahang.
The challenging and high-speed rally through the oil palm plantations has given rise to prominent figures in Malaysian rally such as Karamjit Singh. It has become a unique landscape that puts Malaysia on the international rally calendar.
The MIRC race will be organized by the Millennium Motorsport Adventure Club (MMAC) and managed by a prominent event management company, Semenyih Eco-Ventures Resort & Recreation, in collaboration with strategic partners from the Paya Besar Parliamentary Office, Kuantan City Council, Pahang State Government, and Pahang Corporation.
The event is also recognized by the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia.
The Event Director, Dato’ Seri Mohamad Khafey Ikhwan Bin Abdul Latiff, stated, “The organization of this MIRC is distinct from previous organizers. The main event is the rally race itself, which will feature racers and the latest cars from China, Thailand, and Indonesia.
“Furthermore, local racers are sure to anticipate the return of the greatness of rally sports in Malaysia.”
He added, “To enhance the excitement throughout the week, we will also organize a carnival and food festival at two main locations, namely the Felda Panching Carnival Site and the Kuantan City Carnival Site in Pahang.
The rally race will offer a total cash prize of almost RM30,000 to all 4WD and 2WD category winners, including overall motorcycle prizes for each category competed.
Other additional prizes will also be announced later.
Stay tuned for our coverage leading up to and after the race.
NEWLY joining the Idemitsu Super Endurance 600 Southeast Asia Trophy race, the Wing Hin Motorsports team from Malaysia emerged as champions in their class.
In the race at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand, all three cars successfully completed the race, which featured a total of 64 cars.
The Toyota Vios #483, driven by Boy Wong and Dannies Ng, won the D4 Class and finished in 9th place overall.
The Toyota Yaris #338, driven by Naquib Azlan and Mitchell Cheah, finished in third place in the D3 Class, while the Toyota Yaris #339, driven by Amer Harris and Nabil Azlan, finished seventh in the D3 Class.
This victory in the race also marked the third success for Wing Hin Motorsports in Thailand this year. Previously, they clinched the D5 Class title at the Idemitsu Super Endurance 400 Minutes (September) and the Idemitsu Super Turbo Championship Junior.
“This weekend’s race saw us competing in the D4 Class for our engine segment as well as the D3 Class for the overall race and we extremely ecstatic with the results albeit so many uncertainties and nerve-racking moments on the track,” said the principal of the Wing Hin Motorsports team, William Loh.
“Ending the year with a Class win, and to have all three cars finishing in the top 20 is nevertheless a great way to end the racing season. We will definitely be back, and even stronger,” he added.
After 11 days and 3,197km, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy has finally succeeded in completing their zero-emission journey across the ASEAN region.
They commenced their expedition in Singapore, then traversed through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and concluded in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 30, 2023.
This expedition marks the most extensive cross-country tour by electric vehicles (EVs) within ASEAN. Furthermore, the total distance of 3,197km exceeded the original estimate by 446km.
The purpose of this journey was to showcase the Ioniq 5’s capabilities for long-distance travel and its environmentally friendly nature, particularly in a region where the capabilities of EVs are still a matter of skepticism.
Additionally, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 demonstrated cost savings, with an average expenditure of only USD116 (RM537.60) for the entire journey. This represents approximately half the typical fuel expenses for a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
Youngtack Lee, President of Hyundai Motor ASEAN, stated, “Our dedication to making EVs more accessible as a clean transportation solution has successfully propelled us forward.
“With the success of the Ioniq 5 expedition, we are excited to further accelerate our innovations in developing EV infrastructure and ecosystems in this region. While this journey may have concluded, the excitement for electrification has only just begun,” he added.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy consisted of five vehicles, two of which were deployed in Indonesia and the remaining three in Singapore.
The “Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge 2023” (ACSDC 2023) car design competition, which was held for the first time in Malaysia, has seen 93 entries from seven countries for its inaugural program. ACSDC 2023 is a sedan car design competition open to professional designers and design students in Asia, jointly organized by Perodua and the Malaysian Institute of Design (MRM).
“The number of entries from other countries in Asia is encouraging as the exposure to the Perodua and MRM brands outside of Malaysia is significant,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perodua. A total of 93 entries were received from Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Iran, Japan, India, and Malaysia.
For the professional category, Kenny Chan from Malaysia was crowned the champion of the ACSDC 2023 competition with his concept car “Payung.” According to the head judge, Muhamad Zamuren Musa, the dynamic car design with a ‘fastback’ silhouette and a strong and stable vehicle body character makes the car more balanced. Furthermore, distinct details and creative style elements were other factors that led to the selection of this car as the best among all participants.
Meanwhile, Philip Samuel Tandio from Indonesia emerged as the runner-up with the “Out Ride” concept, while Muhammad Izhar Che Shukarno took third place with the “Fastback” concept.
In the student design category, Bryan Teh Yea Quan from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, was named the champion for his unique interpretation of a sporty sedan.
Alfred Han Wen Hao from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Malaysia, was the runner-up, and Muhammad Amin Othman from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, secured third place.
“For Perodua, this competition provides an insight into sedans because the definition and perception of this vehicle type differ from one country to another. Malaysians see it as a practical vehicle, while other countries may view it more as a status symbol. By organizing this competition, we can see where we can combine both ideas into one,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal.
“This competition not only encourages designers to test their talent but also exposes them to different design philosophies from other countries around the world,” said MRM Director, Husaini Ismail.
THE 19th Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) recently concluded, and the prestigious title of Overall Car of the Year was awarded to the Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid.
The annual program which serves as a platform for automotive enthusiasts and experts to recognize and celebrate the best new cars in Malaysia, unanimously picked the Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid for its technology which eliminates power-robbing gearboxes, whether CVT or hydraulic, and for providing the best energy regeneration of all current hybrids in Malaysia.
With 121 new cars nominated for this year’s award, the competition was fierce and represented a diverse range of vehicles. The judging panel consisted of 10 esteemed automotive journalists and two professionals from the legal and medical fields.
These judges evaluated the cars based on several criteria, including design, technology, safety, and value for money. As a result of their analysis, the 121 nominated cars were divided into seven main categories, with 13 winners emerging as the best in their respective segments.
One interesting aspect of the MCOTY program is the People’s Choice award, which is determined through online polling using smartphone to implement one person one vote from a list of 25 cars nominated by the judges and a team from the Malaysia Automotive Robotics IoT Institute.
This year, the Perodua Axia E took home the People’s Choice award in the mass market category, while the BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport won the hearts of the public in the premium market. Interesting to see that Malaysians selected an EV in the premium market segment.
In addition to the winners, the judges also made Honourable Mentions of three outstanding cars that defied convention.
The Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 V6 petrol twin turbo was acknowledged for its outstanding performance, being described as a supercar in pick-up guise.
The Perodua Axia 1.0 E received recognition for its affordability, with its price tag of RM22,000 making it one of the best value-for-money cars in the world. Despite criticism regarding its safety standards, the judges argued that the Axia E is still much safer than motorcycles.
Third, the Chery Omoda 5 was commended for its warranty, as it was launched with an unprecedented 1 million km warranty for the first 3,000 buyers. This imaginative brand-building exercise caught the attention of the judging panel.
Winners of the 19th Malaysia Car of the Year Awards:
A) Sedan and Hatchback:
Below: RM110,000: Toyota Vios 1.5G
RM111,000 to RM249,000: Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid
Above RM250,000: Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line
THIS is hot news, ladies and gentlemen, because the Jaecoo brand has arrived in Malaysia. In fact, two units of the Jaecoo J7 AWD are now in the country for road testing and standardization.
For those who are not aware, Jaecoo is one of the brands under the Chery umbrella, like Omoda. We also made a brief report and introduction about Jaecoo while in China a few months ago.
Jaecoo Malaysia is currently actively conducting exclusive previews for authorized distributors and potential investors ahead of the showroom opening.
It will be introduced to the Malaysian market next year. In addition, the official Facebook page of Jaecoo Malaysia has also been established, so you can visit it for any information and updates from the brand.
The official website is expected to be completed by January 2024. In the meantime, you can obtain further information on Jaecoo’s global website.
The Jaecoo J7 is a five-seater C-segment model, with a length of 4,500mm. It will be in the same segment as models such as the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.
Unlike the units we saw in Wuhu, China, which were front-wheel-drive models, the units that have arrived in Malaysia are both AWD models.
There are no engine details yet, but according to Jaecoo’s official website, the J7 AWD model is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo engine with 194hp and 290Nm of torque, and power is transmitted to all wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The 0-100km/h performance is in 8 seconds, while the fuel efficiency is about 7.48L/100km. Other features of the Jaecoo J7 include LED headlights, a 14.8-inch vertical infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof, Sony audio system, 10 airbags, and ADAS Level 2.5+ functions.
What is your opinion on the Jaecoo J7 and this brand in general? Excited for its launch?
WHAT comes to mind when thinking about driving during festive seasons or school holidays? Traffic congestion and higher accident rates, right? This is due to the increased number of vehicles on the road as many people have plans for vacations with family or friends.
The issue is that most of the congestion or traffic jams and accidents should not occur if our drivers are more disciplined and use common sense while driving, rather than solely relying on instinct. So this time, we would like to share six (6) ‘driving hacks’ that can be adopted to reduce the risk of congestion and road accident risks during the holiday season.
It is important to remember that these sort of ‘hacks’ are not too strange or new, but rather common things that we all already know and have learned. We will simply explain in more depth why practicing them will reduce congestion and the risk of accidents.
1. Maintain a distance from the car ahead
Just another common advice, isn’t it? Before you yawn from drowsiness, let us explain. Do you feel great because you’ve managed to aggressively squeeze in front of the car ahead?
Actually, this aggressive tailgating practice is not the smartest to adopt. Even if you ask professional racers, they do not drive closely on the road.
This is because by driving too close, you are likely to brake suddenly and repeatedly, triggering a domino effect for traffic flow, especially on highways.
Have you ever stopped in the rightmost lane of a four-lane highway? And when you move, you see that nothing is happening? Yes, this is the result of the “great” guy who tailgated 25 cars in front.
2. Avoid driving too slowly in the middle lane
“Hey, why can’t I drive slowly? Where are you in such a hurry to go?” Well, you can drive slowly, no one will be angry, but in the left lane, right? Not the middle lane.
For example, if there are three lanes on the highway, there should be THREE different speeds. But when you drive slowly in the middle lane, at the same speed as the left lane, there are only two different speeds on that highway. This causes unnecessary congestion.
What’s the point of building a three-lane highway if it operates the same as two lanes, right?
Even worse if it’s a four-lane highway, but three lanes with the same speed, only the right lane is a little faster. The reason? The slow driving gang in the middle lane. Congratulations.
3. Don’t be ashamed to sit on the left
This is a continuation of the previous ‘lifehack’, if we feel like driving slowly, chill out, use the left signal, and switch to the left lane. “Isn’t the left lane just for buses and trucks?” Heavy vehicles are prohibited from being in the rightmost lane, but for us ordinary passenger car drivers, it’s no problem to be in the left lane. There’s a difference.
If you feel like driving slowly, want to chat vigorously with the passengers, or ask someone at home to pass you snacks, this is the lane for that. Not the middle lane.
4. Accelerate in the merging lane BEFORE entering the main lanes
This is also an important lifehack. Did you know that the entrance merging lane to the highway is the most underused? Many are in a rush to get to the right lane but are still crawling, causing the cars in the main lane to brake for them.
As a result, another domino effect. You can see examples on the main highway during peak hours or the start of holidays. Traffic congestion near the merging lanes, then flowing smoothly again. Cars from the merging lane rush to enter the right lane even though the lane is still long. Any prizes for who gets to the right lane first?
Ideally, accelerate, signal right, and merge at the same speed. Not signal, merge casually, and then speed up. It’s tiring to teach one by one…
5. Looking far ahead
This ‘lifehack’ is actually one of the defensive driving techniques. Use whatever we can to see far ahead. Perhaps we can look ahead through the front car mirror, or maintain our distance. When we are too close to the front car, it’s more difficult for us to see what’s ahead of it.
For example, we can be prepared to slow down before the car in front hits the brakes. This is crucial for smooth traffic flow. Imagine if all drivers maintained distance, looked far ahead, and avoided sudden braking, surely the traffic flow would be smooth even with many cars.
6. Matching speed with traffic flow
Finally, the key to smooth driving is to drive at a speed that matches the traffic flow. Not too fast and not too slow. Driving too fast in heavy traffic, other drivers will think you’re possessed, and believe me, they’re all cursing you. If it’s an emergency, that’s a different story.
But driving too slowly is also dangerous because other cars have to change lanes a lot to “avoid” you. Like a stone rolling in a fast-flowing drain. Don’t be in your own world, driving as you please, “as long as you don’t exceed the speed limit,” it said. Follow the traffic flow, be aware of the surroundings.
How about the six driving ‘lifehacks’ we shared? If you’re not sure, it’s okay. Take a deep breath, and reconsider while driving during the holiday season. And try to observe the causes of congestion that occur. Drive safely!
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