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Castrol starts ‘Hari Mekanik Malaysia’ campaign, to run till September 2020

Castrol Malaysia has announced the launch of ‘Hari Mekanik Malaysia’, an initiative aimed at recognising and giving thanks to the unsung heroes in our lives; our mechanics. This comes following the success of the ‘Castrol Super Mechanic Contest’ which was held in 2017 and 2018 with the primary aim of giving mechanics a platform to upskill themselves whilst competing amongst each other.

Castrol Super Mechanics — *Winners of the Castrol Super Mechanic Contest Asia-Pacific finals in 2018*

“Mechanics play a significant role in not only restoring vehicle performance but also ensuring the safety of the drivers, riders, passengers and pillions in vehicles. This celebration recognises the contributions by mechanics to the automotive industry in the country,” said Keow Mei-Shan, Marketing Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore.

The campaign, which starts in November 2019 and runs until September 2020, includes a series of events such as roving cars visiting workshops in major cities nationwide. Members of the public will be encouraged to nominate their favourite mechanic via an online nomination process. Nominators, under the car & truck category, would win a 1-year free service equivalent to 4 bottles of 4-litre Castrol MAGNATEC 10W-40 if their nomination produces a winner, whilst nominators under the motorcycle category would win 6 bottles of 1-litre Castrol POWER1 10W-40 if their nomination produces a winner.

Castrol offers an exclusive promo of RM30 off the total bill when the car is serviced at any Castrol Auto Service workshop or RM3 off the total bill when the motorcycle is serviced at any Castrol Bike Point workshops through participation of online activities during the campaign period.

The launch of Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia will be held on March 18 2020, marking its first celebration for the mechanics. From the nominations received, 10 mechanics from the car/truck and the motorcycle categories each would be shortlisted based on 3 rounds of short-listing process.

In the preliminary round, the nominated mechanics will be required to answer a series of online questions designed specifically to test their professionalism, attitude and qualities that would qualify them as an ‘Unsung Hero’. The top 20 nominees with the highest score will be shortlisted for the second round and only 15 individuals from each category will be shortlisted into the final round by an automotive professional body after conducting an evaluation with a set of criteria.

In the final round, members of the public will be called to vote and the top 10 winners each from the car/truck and the motorcycle categories would be presented the coveted ‘Castrol Unsung Heroes’ Award and trophies. Winners in the car/truck category will also be rewarded with an automotive training course to elevate their skills, competencies and abilities at the School of Skills.

“We want to acknowledge the importance of mechanics – the unsung heroes who leave a positive impact in our everyday lives. The key areas requiring attention is longevity and continuity and therefore we want to enhance the profile and empower the mechanics community through this campaign. We hope this will inspire others to contribute to the Malaysian community, as mechanics do every single day,” said Ms Keow.

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REVIEW: Mio MiVue 792 dashcam – “The Premium”

It was back in September 2019 when Mio, one of the world’s leading brands in dashboard cameras, decided to give their premium range a try here in Malaysia. Introducing their line-up of high-quality dashcams, the Mio MiVue series consists of entry-level products all the way up to their more premium models, the Mio MiVue 7 Series. (more…)

Perodua revisits Selayang Hospital to contribute more and do more.

Car companies are in business to be successful and give returns to their shareholders, but they do not forget their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) too. With their financial resources, they can help communities in various ways and that’s one of the ongoing initiatives of Perodua.

“As a People First company and a caring brand, Perodua is always looking for long-term and sustainable ways we can help and contribute to the people,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Recently, representatives of the carmaker revisited Selayang Hospital to contribute medical equipment and distribute goodies to patients and staff of the paediatric ward. Perodua last visited the hospital, located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. in February, when it contributed 3 pulse oximeters (oxygen measurement devices) and 6 portable screens, as well as distributed money packets and gift bags to patients and staff.

“This is our small way of thanking the Selayang Hospital paediatric ward staff for their dedication and efforts in caring for the children, and for all the child patients here, we hope we can make their days a little brighter and their smiles a little wider,” Dato’ Zainal said.

Additional equipment
This time, Perodua contributed to the ward another pulse oximeter and 3 more portable screens, as well as distributed money packets and gift bags containing stationery to around 100 child patients.

The children’s play area was also given a new look after volunteers from Perodua cleaned the area, painted the cabinets, replaced the wallpaper and ceiling, installed a smart TV and new flooring as well as bought some new books and toys.

The refurbished play area features graphics with safety and environmental themes – topics which Perodua is passionate about. It plans to educate the child patients about safety and the environment through various activities in the coming years.

More activities planned
“Our efforts do not stop here – we have lots of activities planned for the children in the coming years, including story-telling, movie screenings, puzzle games and origami. We are also looking at doing a book donation drive to populate the play area’s library,” Dato’ Zainal said.

Visit www.perodua.com.my to know more about the products and services available.

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2020 BMW M340i xDrive Sedan launched in Singapore – RM964,605

Singapore has got it good when it comes to BMW cars as the latest 2020 BMW M340i xDrive Sedan was made officially available in the country. Bear in mind as the car was just launched globally at the end of last month with two variants available for different markets around the globe; Saloon and Touring. (more…)

Toyota Outrun raises RM151,100 for the Paralympic Council of Malaysia

The recent Toyota Outrun fun run event organised by UMW Toyota Motor saw over 3,000 people taking part at Bandar Rimbayu, Kota Kemuning, Selangor yesterday morning. The charity event successfully raised a total of RM151,100 collected from the participants’ registration fees were donated to the Paralympic Council of Malaysia. (more…)

All-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E debuts in Los Angeles, priced from around RM183,000

Mustang. Mention of the name brings to mind a musclecar, a legendary sportscar that has tyres smoking and subjects your body to high g-forces. An icon that Steve McQueen used to rocket through the streets of San Francisco in ‘Bullitt’ in 1968. Times may have changed since the Mustang was born in 1965 but it has always remained the epitome of the American sportscar – and it is today also the bestselling sports coupe in the world.

As a musclecar, the Mustang has always had big and powerful engines although, in response to the fuel crisis era, the second and third generations had a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder engine and for the current generation, a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine. Nevertheless, big displacement was synonymous with a Mustang.

So the idea of a new Mustang which did not require petrol and instead ran on electricity; a crossover SUV design instead of a sleek coupe style; and two more doors must have had Ford’s engineers wondering what top management was thinking (or drinking). Yes, SUVs are a growing segment and manufacturers need to offer more environment-friendly vehicles but to change an iconic model so radically?

But the engineers took up the challenge and today, in Los Angeles, Ford Motor Company presented the first ever all-electric Mustang, called the Mach-E (pronounced ‘mark’-E). Bill Ford, the company’s Executive Chairman, says that the Mustang Mach-E will still give ‘the freedom, progress and fast performance it has been known for – with a touch of rebellion too’. In fact, he insisted that if it was to be a member of the Mustang family, those attributes were a must.

For a new generation of Mustang owners
“At the first-ever Detroit auto show, Henry Ford said he was working on something that would strike like forked lightning,” said the great-grandson of the man who founded the company. “That was the Model T. Today, the Ford Motor Company is proud to unveil a car that strikes like forked lightning all over again. The all-new, all-electric Mustang Mach-E. It’s fast. It’s fun. It’s freedom. For a new generation of Mustang owners.”

Developed in a century-old brick building a few blocks away from Henry Ford’s first factory in Detroit, Ford brought the Mustang Mach-E to life through a development process concentrated entirely on customer needs and desires. “People want a car that’s thrilling to drive, that looks gorgeous and that can easily adapt to their lifestyle – and the Mustang Mach-E delivers all of this in unmatched style,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s Chief Product Development and Purchasing Officer.“ 51-year old Thai-Tang, of Vietnamese descent, has served as the chief engineer for the Mustang program, leading the design, development, and launch of the 2005 model year Mustang.

When it arrives in showrooms in late 2020, the Mustang Mach-E will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, the Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 480 kms.

In extended-range all-wheel-drive configurations, the Mach-E is expected to produce 332 bhp/565 Nm of torque – with the standard all-wheel-drive variation having claimed times to 60 mph (96 km/h) quicker than the base Porsche Macan. Ford will also offer two special GT performance versions which can deliver up to 459 bhp and 830 Nm of torque.

In addition to blistering acceleration, the Mustang Mach-E will be available with Brembo’s all-new performance Flexira aluminium calipers, which maintain the functionality of a fixed caliper while being designed with the dimensions of a floating caliper. The GT Performance Edition is equipped with a MagneRide damping system, adaptive suspension technology that lets drivers hug the road while delivering an exciting, comfortable ride.

Hassle-free charging solutions
The Mustang Mach-E will be available with two battery pack options – standard-range (75.7 kWh lithium-ion battery) and extended-range (98.8 kWh battery). Designed for ease of manufacturing, the battery pack is located on the floor between the vehicle’s two axles – and tested at temperatures as extreme as -40 degrees F. The batteries are secured inside a waterproof battery case surrounded by crash-absorption protection. They are liquid-cooled to optimize performance in extreme weather and to improve charging times.

As electric vehicle owners have been found to do 80% of their charging at home, Ford offers a Ford Connected Charging station that can add an estimated average range of 50 kms per charging hour on a 240V outlet, based on extended-range, rear-wheel-drive configuration. The Ford mobile charger, included with the vehicle, can add an estimated average range of 35 kms per charging hour on a 240V outlet, the same used for a conventional oven.

The connected navigation system will provide the latest list of public charging locations during trips and prompt owners to charge at the most convenient points on each drive – all to help ensure they don’t have to be anxious about how much range they have. The FordPass Charging Network – the largest public charging network in the USA – has more than 12,500 charging stations (and more than 35,000 charge plugs) and growing, including DC fast chargers.

New meaning to ‘electrifying’
The Mustang Mach-E delivers three unique drive experiences – Whisper, Engage and Unbridled – with each offering finely tuned driving dynamics packaged with a distinct sensory experience. Features include custom-designed vehicle responsiveness such as sportier steering controls, ambient lighting, sounds tuned for an authentic all-electric experience, and dynamic cluster animations that are tied to driving behaviour.

On take-off, a new all-wheel drive system will be available that can apply torque independently to the front and rear axles to deliver impressive acceleration and improved handling over the rear-wheel drive model. Ford tuned this system to provide excellent traction on the road, rigorously testing the vehicle in wet and snowy terrain to help control for slippery conditions.

Recognisable as a Mustang
The Mach-E is instantly recognizable as a Mustang, thanks to signature elements such as its long, powerful bonnet, rear haunch design, aggressive headlights and trademark tri-bar taillamps. Clever design and engineering delivers surprising rear seat roominess and ample cargo space.

Using Ford’s new all-electric architecture that places batteries inside the underbody, Ford engineers and designers were able to create a car that’s not only true to Mustang but also maximizes SUV space for passengers and cargo.

Along with its all-new propulsion system, the Mach-E holds another surprise under its bonnet – a drainable front storage unit. Providing 136 litres of storage space, the front storage compartment is large enough to comfortably store the equivalent of a carry-on luggage bag. And because it’s drainable, customers can easily pack it full of ice and keep their favourite drinks cold.

Inside the Mach-E
To truly take advantage of the extra space provided by electrification, Ford designers worked extensively with customers to understand how they would prefer to use the interior of their vehicles. Designed with SUV-size proportions to seat 5 adults comfortably, there’s certainly plenty of space for friends, kids and cargo. In addition to the exterior front storage area, the rear cargo space offers 821 litres of space. With the rear seats down, this volume can increase to almost 1,700 litres.

Everywhere inside, the Mach-E represents a fusion of sleek, modern design and smart functionality. Premium available Bang & Olufsen speakers are seamlessly integrated across the front, floating above the air vents like a sound bar. A floating flip-up armrest doubles as a place to store purses or bags.

Even the available panoramic fixed-glass roof has a secret – a special glass coating with infrared protection helps the interior stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. In addition, an inner layer between the glass helps protect against UV rays.

Finally, getting in and starting the vehicle is easy and effortless with Phone As A Key technology, which makes its debut in the Ford brand line-up in this latest Mustang. Using Bluetooth, the system can detect customers’ smartphones as they approach, unlocking the Mach-E and allowing them to start driving without getting their phones out of their pockets or using a key fob. A back-up code can be entered on the centre touchscreen to start and drive the vehicle in the event a phone battery dies.

New-generation SYNC system
Making its debut in the Mach-E is the next-generation SYNC communications and entertainment system, a sleek and modern interface that uses machine learning to quickly learn drivers’ preferences, and gets even better over time, thanks to advanced over-the-air updates. Its 15.5-inch screen and simple interface ditches complicated menus, making it easier to access features with touch, swipe and pinch controls that every smartphone owner will be comfortable using.

As next-generation SYNC evolves to serve customers better over time, Ford has outfitted the Mach-E with the ability to continuously improve through the delivery of secure over-the-air updates that are capable of enhancing vehicle performance, offering maintenance updates and even adding entirely new features. Like your smartphone, your Mach-E will be able to get updated software even without going into the service centre.

Online booking starts
In the US market, the Mustang Mach-E will have prices ranging from around US$43,895 to US$60,500 (about RM182,360 to RM250,350). Buyers will also be able to get tax incentives from the government of up to US$7,500 (RM31,160).

Customers can reserve their spot in line for the Mustang Mach-E by making a US$500 refundable reservation deposit. Those in the USA and Europe who wish to reserve a vehicle can select their desired specification, create a Ford account, select their preferred Ford dealer, and enter their credit/debit card details and address. When the ordering process commences next year, they will be able to finalize their configuration.

Want to buy a traditional Mustang to keep as a collector’s item? Sime Darby Auto ConneXion has some units for sale. Visit www.sdacford.com.my for more information.

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