Sime Darby Bhd has signed a deal to buy Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s (PNB) 61.2% stake in UMW Holdings Bhd for RM3.57 billion in cash, or RM5 per share. Once the deal is confirmed, Sime Darby plans to make a general offer for the remaining 38.8% stake to delist UMW from the stock exchange. This move will strengthen Sime Darby’s position as a major player in Malaysia’s automotive sector, including the addition of Toyota and Perodua brands to its portfolio.
Sime Darby’s CEO, Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson, highlighted the positive impact of the acquisition on earnings per share and shareholder returns. The acquisition is expected to be completed within three months, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
As a result of the acquisition, Sime Darby will own a 38% stake in Perodua and a 51% equity interest in UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd. PNB, the state investment firm, will still hold a 10% stake in the national carmaker and is the largest shareholder in Sime Darby with a 41.56% stake.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has made a global commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, in support the Paris Agreement. As its products are sold in 204 countries and regions around the world, its affiliates also support the commitment in various ways to reduce CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions to an industry-leading level.
In Malaysia, apart from various initiatives that promote practical and sustainable reduction in CO2 emissions, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMWT) and UMW Holdings Berhad (UMW) also carry out other activities. A recent example was a tree planting programme hosted by the Malaysian Nature Society at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. The programme is part of UMW’s Green Shoots Initiative (UGS) in conjunction with the National 100 million Tree-Planting Campaign 2020-2025 which has the theme “Greening Malaysia: Our Trees, Our Life”.
The event was led by Faraed Mohd Sharif, Director of Customer First Group together with UMWT management, UMW CSR team, UMWT staff and students from Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah, Sungai Lang. Together, they planted 1,500 mangrove saplings of the Bakau Kurap or Rhizophora Mucronata species within the mangrove swamp forest.
The 80 participants were taken on an ecology walk through parts of the 296-hectare wide Kuala Selangor Nature Park to learn about the importance of mangroves to the environment and coastal communities. They were also exposed to a seedling and germination demonstration, while learning about the four families of mangroves and 13 different species of mangrove trees.
Greenhouse gas emissions like CO2 are a major cause of climate change issues and a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tonnes of CO2 per year. Mangrove forests can help mitigate the effects of climate change as they act as huge carbon sinks which are able to sequester two to four times more carbon than mature rainforests, in addition to helping shore up our coastlines and reduce the impact of severe flooding while supporting the biodiversity of the area.
Recognising this, UMW and UMWT have planted close to 40,000 trees to date with almost 50% being mangrove trees, in their journey towards offsetting CO2 emissions and realising their Zero Carbon goals by committing to planting some 300,000 trees over the next two years.
“Our initiatives contribute to climate resilience while cementing Toyota’s global commitment towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through activities that offset CO2 emissions. We have also integrated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as part of our operations as a guideline to help us reach carbon neutrality,” said Encik Faraed. “Moving forward, we are focused on providing ‘Mobility For All’, by supporting the creation of more independent, safe and eco-friendly mobility solutions in line with Toyota’s local mass manufacturing plans towards a ‘Clean, Safe and Secure Society.”
Solar panels at the ASSB factory in Selangor are used to provide electricity for operations.
Hybrid electric vehicle technology in the Toyota Corolla Cross is one approach to achieving carbon neutrality which is practical for Malaysia.
“UMW Toyota Motor will continue our active participation with sustainable tree planting activities in two more locations this year as part of the UMW Green Shoots Initiative to inspire more environmental conservation and restoration works within communities as we take steps toward investing in nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration,” he added.
UMWT places high priority on environmental conservation, hence, the company sets a target to achieve CO2 reduction from logistics activities and its assembly facility, as guided by the Toyota environmental action plan, through the installation of 2MW solar panels. The introduction of locally-assembled models with hybrid electric vehicle technology is another initiative towards carbon neutrality.
Toyota Eco Youth Programme has been helping develop strong eco-values and leadership skills among secondary school students since 2001.
The company’s environmental CSR efforts include its Toyota Eco Youth Programme, a collaboration between UMWT and the Ministry of Education that has been run annually since 2001. Through this program, the future generation of youths in secondary schools can develop strong eco-values and leadership skills.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia has announced that its newly launched 2019 Toyota Camry has been awarded with a full 5-star rating at the recent New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) crash test result.
The All New Camry which was launched December last year in Malaysia, received 49.04 points for the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 22.68 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP) and 19.75 point for Safety Assist Technologies (SATs) assessments. With the Camry scoring in all aspects including effective breaking avoidance, seat belt reminders, blind spot technology and advance safety assist technologies, it received 5-Star rating with an overall score of 91.47 points.
Completely redesigned for the 8th generation since it was first introduced for the Malaysian market in the early 1990s, the All New Toyota Camry is available in the 2.5V variant. It is featured with advanced Toyota Safety Sense such as Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) as well as Automatic High Beam (AHB). The styling of the Camry is more futuristic and expressive. Using the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the company had taken a new approach in designing, engineering and developing a Camry that has very responsive handling, tougher vehicle body and other world-class features that provide peace of mind, as well as the pleasure of driving.
The announcement was made at the launching ceremony of the ASEAN NCAP Labelling Compliance Guideline 2019 for Malaysia by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP).
It will become mandatory for manufacturers to display the ASEAN NCAP rating label on their vehicles on sale starting from 1st March 2020, to ensure that consumers are well aware of the NCAP ratings of the vehicle they want to purchase.
And here’s an interesting video on the evolution of the Camry’s crash safety from 2002 to 2018…
For more information and details results if the ASEAN NCAP, visit www.aseancap.org.
Customers who require more information on All New Toyota Camry and other Toyota models can log on to toyota.com.myor visit the nearest Toyota showrooms. For further assistance, call Toyota Freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
Following the preview of the All-New Toyota Vios at the KL International Motor Show 2018 in November last year, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the official distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, announced its official introduction and delivery to its customers recently.
“Since the first model was launched in 2003, we have sold almost half a million Vios, making it the most popular in its segment. Over the years, we have set the standard for this vehicle segment and I am pleased to announce that this new model, the third generation Vios will continue to set the standards for many years to come,” said Mr. Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. In case you’re wondering how much the new Vios costs, check out the official price list below:
As you know Piston.my previously covered the Media Drive of the new Vios here, (<–link) with 2 videos, and below is yet another video we produced during the drive…
“We were also very pleased to have been able to give the public a preview of the All-New Toyota Vios during the KL International Motor Show 2018. We are extremely happy and appreciative of the overwhelming response that we have received from the public. This is indeed an encouragement for us to continue to produce ever-better cars for our customers in Malaysia, especially with the support shown to us by our fellow Malaysians,” he added.
With this latest update, the Vios receives not just refreshing new looks but also many improvements and features which make it more enjoyable and safer to drive. All variants have been rated the maximum five stars by ASEAN NCAP and come with seven SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill-start Assist Control.
Check out our final say of the new Vios in the video below…
Notable changes inside the car are the redesigned dashboard and instrument panel, new seat upholstery and cushioning, redesigned centre console box, addition of USB charging ports and a cabin lamp for rear occupants, improved/added storage spaces and a fully automatic air-conditioning system for all variants. The drive will also be more pleasant as noise and vibrations are lower with the use of improved insulation materials and measures. For the Vios 1.5 G, there are now paddle shifters and 16-inch alloy rims as a standard accessory. This top-of-the-line variant also gets an Optitron meter with colour Multi Information Display and DVD-AVX infotainment system with USB mirroring.
Other standard features include leather upholstery, electrochromic rear-view mirror and a Drive Mode switch. Safety is further enhanced with a Blind Spot Monitor, Panoramic View Monitor, Front Digital Video Recorder and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, features were previously only available on the larger Toyota models. Available for viewing and test-drives at Toyota showrooms nationwide from today, the All-New Vios comes with a 5-year warranty (unlimited mileage). Every new Vios owner also gets a free 24-SEVEN Road Assist membership for the first year. This provides peace of mind to customers who can receive roadside assistance with just a call, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The All-New Vios is the first model to roll out from UMW Toyota Motor’s new manufacturing facility at Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Raja, Klang, Selangor. One of the most modern, most advanced and most efficient Toyota plants in the world, it is built in line with the Malaysian government’s direction of new vehicle production in the country.
“UMW Toyota Motor foresees the auto industry in the country having bigger potential in the future. As such, the company has invested approximately RM 2 billion in this new high-tech and highly efficient manufacturing plant. It is the company’s vision for the plant to be able to produce more advanced energy-efficient vehicles with high technology and high value in coming years to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers in the future,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
“This is the future of Toyota production in Malaysia,” Mr. Takeyama added. “The plant is highly automated to ensure high quality vehicles are produced with better efficiency. Many local engineers and technicians were sent to Japan to undergo production training to upgrade their skills to perform at their best at the new plant.”
For more information, members of the public can visit toyota.com.my or any authorised Toyota dealership throughout Malaysia.
The Toyota C-HR goes into its second year in the Malaysian market with cosmetic updates to enhance its already audacious looks as well as an optional Aerokit developed by TRD exclusively for the compact crossover model. UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd has sold over 4000 units in 2018 and is confident that this new updates will be well accepted by its customers.
To differentiate the 2019 model, the latest C-HR gets a new design for the 17-inch lightweight alloy rims. The bolder dual-tone design has been specially chosen to match the captivating looks of the vehicle which has appealed to trendsetters and enthusiasts alike.
New garnish strips on the front and rear bumpers, and the addition of body mouldings along the sides highlight the emotive surfacing of the body exterior, complementing the Keen Look Identity. These add to the personality of the C-HR which has a strong presence in the growing compact crossover segment.
For those who want even sportier looks, there’s an optional TRD Aerokit which has been developed by Toyota’s high-performance division. The Aerokit adds extensions to the front and rear bumpers which have a metallic finish and overfenders around the wheel arches give a more muscular look.
The TRD Aerokit is manufactured to Toyota’s high standards, just like the rest of the vehicle which is imported in CBU (completely built-up) form from Toyota’s regional production hub for the C-HR in Thailand. Installation is done by professionals at UMW Toyota Motor’s own facility and the parts are also covered by a warranty.
Customers have a choice of 6 fashionable exterior colours with Radiant Green Metallic being a new addition for 2019. The other 5 colours are Metal Stream Metallic, White Pearl, Blue Metallic, Attitude Black and Red Mica. To accentuate its stand-out style, the vehicles in Blue Metallic, Radiant Green Metallic and Red Mica comes with a black roof.
Inside, the cabin retains its ‘diamond’ architectural theme with high quality and attention to detail throughout, underlining the unique value of the C-HR. For an improved user experience, the infotainment system has been upgraded with a new one that has a 6.75-inch display touchscreen as well as Apple CarplayTM and Android AutoTM Connectivity. This means that most of the apps on compatible smartphones can also be accessed from the display screen which has a simpler interface for easier and more intuitive navigation. Voice Recognition also makes it easier for certain operations, allowing the driver to keep his hands on the steering wheel.
The C-HR is powered by a Toyota 2ZR-FBE petrol engine with a 1.8-litre displacement, producing maximum power of 140 ps and maximum torque of 171 Nm. A Super ECT 7-speed automatic transmission with Shiftmatic provides optimal balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The driver can also choose from three Driving Modes – ECO, NORMAL and SPORT.
As with the other new Toyota models, the C-HR sits on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), a platform which structurally transforms automobile design. The TNGA-based platform made it possible for the engineers to meet the company’s aim of offering ever-better cars, with no compromise in design or driving performance.
TNGA also contributes to raising the protection for the occupants, supported by the advanced performance of the functions and safety systems in the C-HR. These include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Monitoring system, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and even a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
All authorised Toyota outlets in Malaysia are accepting orders from 16th January onwards. The 2019 Toyota C-HR has no change in retail prices that start from RM150,000 for private registration. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in February.
Further information on the C-HR and other Toyota models can be found at toyota.com.my or any authorised dealer.
It is said that the new 2019 Toyota Vios is 90% new, and that pretty much classifies it as an all-new car. Today we were given a first-drive of it, before its impending launch on the 24th of January,where the official prices for all three variants – Vios J, E & G – will be announced. Here’s the first video…
But wait, there’s a Part 2 below! It’s only the first day, so do stay tuned for more to come as we delve into the second day of this exclusive media drive thanks to UMW Toyota Motor.
From now until 31 December 2018, customers who want to purchase new Toyota vehicles will have opportunities to win many attractive prizes including four New Toyota Sienta compact MPV as the grand prizes. Announcing its latest campaign – All About The Drive Bonanza – UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd says that customers can participate in three contests prior to becoming a Toyota owner.
The All About The Drive Bonanza starts from the moment a customer visits a Toyota showroom to test-drive any Toyota models available. After the drive experience, he or she will receive Toyota merchandise items and also an opportunity to enter a contest where they are required to answer a simple quiz for a chance to win smartphones and mobile gadgets.
Once the customers book their new Toyota, they will be entitled to join another contest to win holiday packages. Moving on, customers who confirm their bookings will be eligible to enter the final contest to stand a chance to win one of four Toyota Sienta MPVs as the grand prize.
“We welcome our customers to visit our showroom and test-drive Toyota models to experience it for themselves. At the same time, we also want our customers to know that owning a Toyota is always a rewarding experience. The All About The Drive Bonanza is also to show our appreciation for the support given by our customers,” said Mr. Ravindran K. President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Toyota passenger vehicle models come with 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage. Additionally, new owners can enjoy peace of mind with complimentary 24-Seven Road Assist during the first year of ownership. Complete aftersales support is available through a nationwide network of authorised service centres.
Toyota showrooms are open 7 days a week and on October 21 & 22, there will be a Toyota Weekender which will house many activities for the family as well as refreshments and snacks.
Find the nearest Toyota showrooms at toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
Lexus Malaysia, a division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the authorised importers and distributors of Lexus and Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, announces the availability of a new variant the popular RX300 model. This Special Edition shares the specifications and equipment of the RX300 Luxury variant but has additional accessories.
Priced from RM434,000, inclusive of SST (approximately RM10,000 more than the RX300 Luxury variant), the RX300 Special Edition has Lexus-genuine accessories which enhance its external appearance as well as provide additional functionality for motoring enjoyment. At the front end is an additional underbody panel which provides protection from stones and other objects thrown up from the road while along the sides are body mouldings which not only give enhancement to the looks but also add elegance.
The lower side mouldings are integrated with the new one-piece side steps on either side. These steps run along the bottom of the front and rear doors, providing easier movement in an out of the RX300, especially for small children and elderly people. Custom-designed visors have been installed on the tops of the windows to prevent rainwater from entering the cabin if the glass is wound down slightly. They are shaped to have minimal effect on airflow while allowing the glass to be lowered, if desired, even when there is rain.
Those who frequently use the rear cargo space will appreciate the step guard which is installed near the lower edge of the rear door opening. Covering almost the full width of the opening, it provides protection for the upper part of the rear bumper so it will not be scratched or stained when loading or unloading cargo. The Lexus philosophy is all about hospitality and this is reflected in the Welcome Door Lamp which comes on whenever the doors are opened. The lamp illuminates the area near the door so that puddles of water or potholes can be seen and avoided. Additionally, this feature also adds a touch of class with the projection of the Lexus logo on the ground.
Two other accessories included in the RX300 Special Edition are the Touch ’n Go reader/transmitter and a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The Touch ’n Go device is compatible with Touch ’n Go toll-cards and can be used for passage through the SMART TAG lanes at toll plazas nationwide. It offers a neater solution for electronic payment of toll and can be installed inside the cabin. The DVR is a familiar accessory in many cars nowadays, providing motorists with a way to provide visual evidence in the event of an accident. Unlike the third-party accessories which are usually stuck on the windscreen, the one for the RX300 Special Edition is installed securely behind the rearview mirror.
All the accessories which come with the RX300 Special Edition are Lexus genuine accessories and meet the same high standards of quality and reliability as the rest of the vehicle. All accessory installation is done by professionally trained personnel at UMW Toyota Motor’s own Accessories Centre in Bukit Raja, Selangor. The RX model line currently on sale is the fourth generation of one of the most successful models of the brand. Six variants are available from Lexus Malaysia, with the RX300 Special Edition being the seventh. All RX300 variants are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (8AR-FTS) which produces 235 ps & 350 Nm of torque. A 6-speed Super Electronically Controlled Transaxle (6 ECT) automatic transmission is standard along with all-wheel drive.
As with all new models sold by Lexus Malaysia, there is a comprehensive factory warranty of 5 years/Unlimited mileage (whichever comes first after original registration). Complete aftersales support is available at 7 locations in Malaysia (including one in Kuching, Sarawak) where there are professional technicians who have been extensively trained to look after Lexus vehicles.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has announced its involvement into the world of ESports, a first of its kind actually by a Malaysian car company. The company’s first move into the sport is the upcoming Toyota Velocity ESports Championship, the biggest national racing event in Malaysia, which will be held at the Sunway Pyramid Blue Atrium from the 21st to 23rd of September.
Those who are interested to become Malaysia’s quickest and fastest racing simulator drivers are welcome to participate without any fees. Entries are open for up to 400 participants who hold Malaysian citizenship or residency status.
The game? The exhilarating Gran Turismo Sport.
The racetrack? The legendary, Suzuka Japan GT.
The car? The speedy, Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept!
The Prize? Total of RM60,000 (Top prizes 1st=RM20,000, 2nd =RM10,000 and 3rd =RM5,000).
There will also be an exciting exhibition race participated by celebrities from Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival and all of this are not to be missed! “At Toyota, we always have our youth in mind. The Esports is on a steep upward curve and has the potential to become one of the top five sports in the world. This rapidly-rising industry is a new and exciting experience especially for the younger generation and with that being said, we at Toyota would like to be at the forefront of this Championship Series,” said Mr. Ravindran K., President of UMWT.
More details on registration procedures, programmes and a lot more about the exciting event will be announced soon. Log on to www.toyota.com.my to find out more. So watcha waitin’ for? Buckle-up and get your game on with Toyota!
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) the distributor of Toyota and Lexus Vehicles in Malaysia announced its support today towards the government’s seriousness in handling the Takata Airbag replacement issue.
Understanding the urgency of the situation, the Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke, has instructed Road Transport Department (JPJ) offices not to allow the renewal of roadtax if a vehicle has not had the affected module replaced.
The replacement of the Takata SRS airbag system’s inflator module is necessary because of propellant degradation within the module which can cause the airbag to break up when inflating. This may result in sharp metal pieces being sprayed towards the driver and/or front passenger, causing serious injuries or even death. The defect affects millions of vehicles worldwide made over the past 15 years by many different vehicle manufacturers.
“Since 2013, Toyota Motor Corporation has been actively addressing this issue. The affected vehicles have been identified and distributors worldwide have been informed to initiate Special Service Campaigns. During these campaigns, the airbag inflator modules have been replaced at no charge to the owners,” explained Mr. Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
UMWT has reported a high completion rate of 91% for Lexus vehicles that are below 3 years old and 53% for Toyota vehicles that are below 6 years old for the replacement of the inflator modules. It urges owners of older Toyota and Lexus vehicles to come forward to have the affected airbag inflator modules replaced quickly. The vehicle range for affected Toyota vehicles are from 2001–2014 and 2007-2016 for affected Lexus vehicles.
UMWT further assures its customers that efforts have been made to request owners to bring their vehicles to authorised service centres for the free replacement of the module and notification letters have been sent to owners based on their contact details in its database.
“Safety is our highest priority and we have made every effort to contact owners through various means. We are grateful to the Transport Minister for his concern and will fully support this initiative,” said Mr. Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
UMWT urges any concerned parties and customers who have queries regarding this matter to contact them where full support will be given so that there will be no issues with regards to road tax renewals pertaining to non-airbag replacements.
Toyota also has created a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) checker on its website toyota.com.my to allow Toyota owners to check if their vehicles are involved in any special service campaign including the Takata airbag inflator module replacement. Affected customers will have to provide their contact details to enable an aftersales representative to contact them with arrangements for the replacement of the affected inflator module.
Besides the online checker, Toyota owners can also find out about any other ongoing Special Service Campaigns by calling the Toyota free-phone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
