Six Malaysian interior design firms have been picked as the winners of the 2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge. The event, which began in May this year, required participants to submit their most creative ideas which could bring Scandinavian philosophy of human-centric design to the fore, focusing on functionality and sustainability to bring out the natural and organic beauty of a product.
For 2020, the Swedish car brand has collaborated with duduk (a brand by Eco World Development Group Berhad) and lifestyle publishing house Aurizn. This year, participants had the opportunity to join an online briefing with Jonathan Disley, Head of Design at Volvo Car Asia Pacific and Owen Ready, Head of Strategic and Brand Design of Volvo Cars, where they learned how to consider Volvo Cars’ Scandinavian philosophy to inspire their designs.
In addition to designs that display a high level of originality and understanding of Scandinavian aesthetics, this year’s submissions were also judged based on functionality, material quality, the emotional quotient that the space brings, and sustainability – all of which shape Volvo’s design philosophy.
Public involved in voting
From the 50 entries received, 22 submissions passed initial evaluation on budget compliance and completeness of inventory. These were then put online for the Malaysian public to vote for their favourite designs, where the votes had accounted for a portion of the total score given by the panel of judges. The 10 designs with the highest online voting scores were shortlisted for final judging, out of which the six highest scorers were announced winners.
Among the 10 shortlisted designs, A&A Concept Design & Contract Sdn. Bhd., Forfar Design Sdn. Bhd., IQI Concept Sdn. Bhd., Orb Group Sdn. Bhd., Kort Studio and Studio BEVD Sdn. Bhd. were chosen by online voters and the judging panel.
Winners of the 2020 Volvo Cars & Aurizn EcoDesign Challenge
A Volvo for 6 months
The winning firms will each have usage of a Volvo S90 T8 Inscription Plus for 6 months and, more importantly, they will be awarded contracts to furnish the top three floors of two duduk by EcoWorld projects. In total, the six contracts are worth a combined value of RM4.5 million across both developments. This represents the first occasion in which a new property development is available for purchase with interior design inspired by Volvo Cars’ philosophy.
“Scandinavian design at its best is often understated yet stands out by the mere presence of its simplicity,” said Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia. “This functional, open and minimalistic design language can be seen in all Volvo cars. On the outside, we have clean and proportioned lines that look and feel just right; and inside, careful craftmanship, attention to details, and quality, earthy materials that create an open, uncluttered space. The six winners today succinctly captured Volvo’s design philosophy and translated them into Malaysian homes, and for that, they have my heartfelt congratulations.”
♦ With the government exempting Sales Tax and car-buyers able to save money, new vehicle purchases have started rising, with July increasing by 29% over the June Total Industry Volume.
♦ The Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 57,552 units comprised 52,119 passenger vehicles, and 5,433 commercial vehicles (including pick-up trucks).
♦ Compared to the same month in 2019, this year’s volume was 13% higher.
♦ However, cumulative sales after 7 months of 232,245 units are 33% lower than for the same period in 2019 which was 347,171 units.
♦ To achieve the MAA’s 470,000-unit forecast for 2020, the industry must sell an average of 47,551 units, or a total of 237,755 units, in the remaining 5 months.
♦ Production also rose as plants shifted into higher gear and compared to the same month in 2019, the total output was only 3% lower. Cumulative production is, however, 36% lower than for the same period last year.
Three years after being shown to the world for the first time, the development of the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE hypercar is entering a new phase as several pre-production models are now clocking fast laps at the company’s own proving ground and technology centre. Testing is now largely transferred from the test stands to concentrate more and more on actual running.
For the first time, the project leaders have also authorised testing of the comprehensively electrified and highly complex hybrid power unit with its full output of more than 1000 hp. The objective of reaching a new dimension of driving dynamics and performance for a road-going vehicle with the Project ONE and thereby setting a new milestone in automotive history is thus gradually drawing closer for Mercedes-AMG.
Along with the dynamic test programme and some refinements to the car’s driveability, development work is also focused on its active aerodynamics. The complex interplay between the various active components such as the louvres, the air outlets in the front fenders or the large rear aerofoil is now confirming its effectiveness even outside the wind tunnel as a means of delivering the car’s exceptional lateral dynamics.
Making the Project ONE road-legal
The adaptation of a complete Formula 1 drive unit for a road-legal hypercar must also deliver perfectly in terms of everyday performance and be able to drive in all-electric mode, This represented a tremendous challenge; as far as many aspects were concerned, such as noise level, the development team ventured into uncharted territory with this project and had to find solutions that could be developed for production cars.
In parallel to the extensive dynamic testing being undertaken with the project vehicles, the attendant development work also continues. The various vehicle systems are put meticulously through their paces on the engine test beds and in the in-house simulator. The next step in this extensive programme of testing and development – testing on the north loop of the Nurburgring.
All 275 units – each priced from 2.28 million euros (around RM11.38 million) – that will be made already have customers waiting and the first one will get their hypercars sometimes in 2021 (originally 2019).
Although our Merdeka celebrations are, unfortunately, subdued this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still promotions in conjunction with the event and one of them is the Merdeka Promotion by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia. The promotion offers savings as well as extras for the full range of Mitsubishi models.
Customers looking to trade-in their current vehicle for the ASX compact SUV can get RM8, 888 as additional trade-in top-up support from authorized dealers. This promotion also comes with 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled maintenance. Available in two variants, the ASX 2WD is priced at RM111,628 while the ASX 4WD is priced at RM125,182.
Mitsubishi ASX, available with 2WD and 4WD
If you prefer something bigger with 3 rows of seats for 7 persons, there’s the Outlander with either a 2-litre of 2.4-litre petrol engine. For those who choose the Outlander 2.0, priced at RM133,491, there’s a cash rebate up to RM4,000 and 2 years of free scheduled maintenance. Those who opt for the Outlander 2.4, priced at RM147,762, will get a cash rebate up to RM2,000 as well as 2 years of free scheduled maintenance. All Outlanders come with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Mitsubishi Outlander, available with 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre engines
The pricing of the ASX and Outlander is exempt from sales tax till the end of 2020. As both models are assembled locally, they can have full exemption of the 10% sales tax. For the ASX, this saves buyers up to RM8,000 while for the Outlander, the savings are up to RM4, 000.
Low interest rates for Triton
As for the popular Triton pick-up which is imported from Thailand, customers can enjoy a low hire-purchase interest rate of 0.88% per annum or cash rebates of up to RM4,000 (Triton VGT Adventure X, Triton VGT AT Premium and Triton VGT MT Premium). The special interest rate is only for H-P finance packages from Maybank or Public Bank.
Mitsubishi Triton
Those who buy the Triton VGT with manual transmission during the promotion period can enjoy a cash rebate of RM6,000, while the Triton Quest 4×2 has a cash rebate of RM4,000. All Triton variants except for Triton Quest comes with a 5-year warranty or maximum of 200,000 kms. Prices range from RM78,488 to RM121,000.
The Merdeka Promotion is on until the end of September 2020 and available at all 51 Mitsubishi Motors showrooms nationwide. More information on the models can be found at www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my .
An all-new Kia Carnival (also known as Sedona in some markets) has been revealed, marking the beginning of the fourth generation of the brand’s flagship MPV. Based on Kia’s new midsize platform, the Carnival has been dubbed a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ and is said to offer more refinement, efficiency and space compared to its predecessors in the model line which began in 1998.
Current Carnival
“The Carnival has been well-regarded by buyers for a long time and has become Kia’s flagship family-friendly vehicle. The fourth-generation Carnival is a significant new vehicle for us, as it demonstrates every strength that makes Kia so popular around the world,” said Thomas Schemera, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group, which Kia Motors has been part of since 1998.
“It improves the quality, versatility and usability of its predecessors, while making travel far more relaxing and more enjoyable for families. With a sophisticated design and cutting-edge technologies to provide owners greater value in their daily lives, the new model solidifies Kia’s role in the minivan segment. It is a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ that sets a new standard for MPVs,” he said.
SUV-inspired form
The new Carnival represents a design evolution for Kia’s flagship MPV and its SUV-inspired form and surfaces bring a stronger, more stylish presence to the MPV segment as a result. “The design of the new Carnival presents a concept focusing on two essential points. First, as a minivan with a great exterior design that feels like a premium SUV; second, maximized interior space satisfying our customers’ needs, and maybe even surprising them with more intuitive and positive experiences,” explained Karim Habib, Senior Vice-President and Head of Kia Global Design.
“The new Carnival’s design has a great sense of solidity with a stable stance and powerful proportions. Detailed and futuristic elements further amplify its confident presence. We believe the all-new Carnival will be a fantastic looking vehicle and a great partner to our customers’ lives.”
Compared to the outgoing model, the new Carnival has a shorter front overhang, with the base of the A-pillar moved backwards to create a longer bonnet. The new ‘tiger-nose’ design spans the width of the vehicle, integrating LED daytime running lights (DRLs), headlamps and grille, giving a futuristic new look and unique light signature. The sculpted bumpers and lower air intake at the front are matched with metallic trim and a black lower bumper – a treatment evident on the brand’s SUVs.
A single character line runs the length of the MPV, with bold wheel arches and sharp lines giving a more modern, sculpted appearance. A key design highlight is its new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A- and B-pillars beneath a body-colored roof. An eye-catching new C-pillar signature design also stands out, with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern. Another element of its SUV-inspired design is the metallic lower skidplate at the rear.
Longer wheelbase, more cabin space
Its increased wheelbase contributes to greater space throughout the cabin which is based on the concept of ‘Spatial Talents’. Besides roominess, combined with a sense of modernity and style, the interior has higher quality than its predecessor, with a futuristic new cabin.
The hub of vehicle connectivity features a high-tech twin digital display. This links Kia’s latest 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system under a single seamless piece of glass. The dual-screen display creates a panoramic, widescreen user experience, with many infotainment functions controlled via touch-sensitive buttons around the screen.
There is a similar haptic control panel further down the center console for climate control. A compact shift-by-wire dial for the transmission is located at the base of the centre console, freeing up space and falling easily to hand. The infotainment system also enables users to connect two smartphones via Bluetooth at the same time, enabling separate phones to be used for phone calls or media.
A new ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature enables front passengers to check on rear-seat occupants with a small camera linked to the infotainment system, instead of turning around in their seat. It also lets front occupants communicate more easily with other passengers, as the system amplifies their voice through the rear-seat speakers. Should front occupants allow, a new ‘Rear Passenger Voice Recognition’ technology also lets occupants in the second row issue voice commands to control the infotainment system.
Depending on the market, the Carnival can have three or four rows of seat, with space for up to 11 occupants. This is possible with the 30 mm longer wheelbase (up to 3090 mm) and 10 mm wider body (up to 1995 mm). The overall length has increased by 40 mm to 5155 mm, with a 30 mm longer rear overhang (up to 1130 mm), creating more space for passengers in the third row and best-in-class luggage space.
New ‘Smartstream’ powertrain technologies
The new Carnival has Kia’s latest ‘Smartstream’ powertrain technologies to enhance efficiency and performance. It has been engineered to use up to three different powertrain types. The most powerful engine is a 3.5-litre GDi direct injection V6, producing up to 294 ps/355 Nm. There’s also a 3.5-litre MPi V6 producing up to 272 ps/332 Nm which features the new integrated thermal management system like its GDi counterpart.
The new 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ turbodiesel engine is said to be one of the cleanest diesel units that Kia has ever made. Producing up to 202 ps/440 Nm, this new engine replaces its predecessor’s cast iron block for a 20-kg lighter aluminium block. All engines are paired as standard with 8-speed automatic transmissions.
ADAS technologies
The new Carnival comes with a range of passive and active safety and driver assistance systems. Kia’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) help to reduce many of the inherent hazards and stresses of driving.
The bodyshell has different grades of high-strength steel, maximizing torsional rigidity while keeping body weight low. The shell of the new model features newly reinforced pillars, and contains a higher proportion of Advanced High-Strength Steel and hot-stamped steel than its predecessor, again increasing torsional rigidity and adding strength. The more rigid bodyshell reduces road vibrations and enhances occupant safety in the event of a collision.
Pre-order record in Korea
The new Carnival has just gone on sale in Korea and prior to its sales launch, it set a new one-day pre-order record for any vehicle in Korea. The company said it received 23,006 bookings, breaking the previous record of 18,941 bookings set by the latest Sorento SUV in March this year. Exports to global markets will commence later in the year.
2020 is the tenth year of Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) as the representative of Porsche in Malaysia. As the sole authorized importer and distributor of Porsche vehicles and parts, the company has developed a robust dealer network around the country.
Since 2010, SDAP has launched no less than 36 models and constantly offered more dynamic driving experiences, upgraded its current state-of-the art facilities to match the products sold, and even introduced the Porsche Pre-Owned and Porsche Approved programmes.
“We can’t help but feel a little nostalgic on all the Porsche moments we’ve created with our supporters and enthusiasts throughout the decade. From modest beginnings and only one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie at our inception, we’ve invested substantially to continue to grow our dealer network in major cities across the northern, central and southern region to bring new levels of quality customer and ownership experience. We hope to continue to achieve greater heights of sports car fascination and evolve the brand in the country even more with our iconic sportscars,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of SDAP, who has been with the company from its very first day.
“SDAP has remained committed to develop the sportscar dream of enthusiasts across the country, and this is only the beginning. Delivering first-class customer service within all aspects across our dealer networks: this is our promise for the journey in developing the Porsche fascination for the next decade to come. With the upcoming opening of our new flagship Porsche Centre Ara Damansara as well as the debut of the Taycan locally in the near future, the evolution of the brand and our progression into the new era of electromobility is inevitable,” he added.
Sime Darby Auto Performance began with one Porsche Centre in Glenmarie, Selangor, and over 10 years, it has grown the Porsche network nationwide.Over 10 years, SDAP has organised 50 driving programmes for owners and customers to enjoy the Porsche Experience.
Offers and activities to celebrate anniversary
To commemorate this milestone, SDAP is having a #10YearsSDAP celebration campaign with various activities. Between now and September 17, 2020, customers who place a booking for new or pre-owned Porsche model, or make a Service Appointment from the dealer webpage, will receive (while stocks last) the 10 years SDAP special edition Porsche Driver’s Selection polo tee shirt.
There will also be a creative contest on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in conjunction with the anniversary. To participate, visit any Porsche Centre in Malaysia and take your most creative selfie with a Porsche vehicle in the showroom, add a creative congratulatory wish to SDAP for its 10th anniversary and you could win a 1:18 911 GT edition diecast model from the Porsche Driver’s Selection.
Visit www.porsche.com.my to know more about the products and services available in Malaysia and the locations of Porsche Centres.
