31 cents. Yup, that’s how much less RON 97 will be come 1st Dec 2018. So drive frugally for the next few hours! From RM2.81 per litre, RON 97 will be only RM2.50 per litre tomorrow. Here are the official prices for fuel from 1st to 31st Dec 2018:
Another day, another roadtrip! Following closely on the heels of the one recently organised by BHP (<–link), Petron Malaysia recently organized an exclusive media drive to demonstrate its advanced additive formulation performance, TriAction Advantage in its best-selling and popular everyday fuel, Petron Blaze 95. Yup, you read that right, only Petron’s RON95 would be used for this run.
Dubbed the Petron TriAction Advantage Performance Run Media Road Trip, 14 of us motoring media, including yours truly, travelled approximately 280 kilometers on a 7-hour journey starting from the Petron MRR2 Selayang service station in Kuala Lumpur (near Batu Caves), with stopovers at Kuala Gandah and Temerloh before concluding the trip at Gambang, Pahang. And thanks to the use of B-roads, we had the chance to really experience Petron Blaze 95 formulated with TriAction Advantage.
That being said, I did mention to the good people at Petron that in order to really feel any difference, it would have been better to use our own cars, because the Honda CR-V that I drove (Car 4, below) was just epically good on this drive, so I’m not sure if it was because of the Blaze RON95 petrol, or the fact that the new CR-V is just so damn good! Petron said they would consider my suggestion for 2019, so fingers-crossed.
“We are thrilled to have our annual media road trip for the participants to experience our most popular everyday fuel Blaze 95 and our advanced fuel additive technology, TriAction Advantage. This will be our fifth consecutive road trip with the media as part of our fuel happy promotion of our innovative fuels and the first-rate customer service at our stations,” said Choong Kum Choy, Head of Retail Business.
One of the key messages imparted by Petron during this event was the fact that all its grades of fuel, be it Blaze RON 95, 97 or 100 (photo below) all have the TriAction Advantage formula, which includes a Synthetic Detergent that cleans and keeps the engine clean within 2 full tanks, a Friction Modifier that reduces the friction between the piston and cylinder wall, and a Combustion Enhancer that results in a cleaner, more complete and more efficient burn.
The 2-day TriAction Advantage Performance Run Media Road Trip was only powered by Petron Blaze 95 while the participants’ rides were furnished exclusively by well-known car companies Euromobil Sdn Bhd, Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd. Driving through the ‘backbone’ of the central Peninsula, the convoy cruised at a comfortable speed of 60-110 km/h (Hahaha! No we didn’t! especially the Myvi… – CW) in their Audi A6 and Q3, Honda CRV and Perodua Myvi. Changing from two-way to single-lane roads and maneuvering between winding mountainside roads, the media had the opportunity to test the power and efficiency of Petron Blaze 95 with TriAction Advantage.
Stopping at Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary for a quick break, the road trippers continued their journey until Temerloh for the authentic traditional Patin Tempoyak meal. The vehicles refueled at Petron KM 3.5 Mile Jalan Gambang. “The media road trip highlights Petron’s superior Blaze 95 RON fuel which is powered with our advanced additive technology, TriAction Advantage that gives better engine protection, better mileage, and better power,” said Choong.
UTM gets involved…
To highlight the efficiency of Blaze 95, Petron collaborated with the Automotive Development Centre from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Engineering Faculty to measure and validate (above) the fuel performance and consumption of each participating car. In a product sharing session, participants were introduced to the Petron Technical Service team headed by Chew Choy, who shared product information of Petron products, namely Petron Blaze 100 Euro 4M, Petron 97 Euro 4M, Petron Blaze 95 and the TriAction Advantage formulation. You can see the official results below, tabulated from Petron Selayang to Petron Gambang 3.5 stations.
(Please note that Car 4: Honda CR-V that I drove is in second most fuel-efficient place! – CW)
“The TriAction Advantage formulation provides better power, better mileage, and better engine protection as it comes from the combined action of the detergent, friction modifier and organic combustion enhancer additives in the fuel,” said Chew Choy, Senior Technical Service Advisor at Petron. The detergent in TriAction Advantage helps clean up and keep the engine inlet system clean, enabling the vehicle’s engine to operate at maximum efficiency. Vehicles can experience better power and fuel consumption with TriAction Advantage’s friction modifier which helps reduce friction between the piston and cylinder wall.
TriAction Advantage also contains an organic combustion enhancer, a metal free and ashless organic compound to improve the combustion of gasoline fuel. It creates a catalytic reaction, which breaks down long molecular chains, enabling more oxygen to combine with the carbon molecules, thus resulting in the fuel to burn completely, giving better mileage and less harmful emissions.
Choong added, “Petron’s Blaze 95 reaffirms our goal to provide innovative products to enhance our customers’ driving experience. Our fuels provide better protection, better economy, and reduced harmful emissions to the environment. We want to continue delivering world class fuels and services to all of our customers.” The annual Petron Road Trip event is a fun and enjoyable long-distance journey for exclusive press members to experience the world-class products and personalized services offered only at Petron service stations.
While testing the performance of the fuel, guests will be taken on exhilarating highway and cross-country drives with stop-overs at some of the country’s best places to visit. The first Petron Road Trip was in 2015 held in line with the introduction of the Petron Blaze 97 Euro-4M gasoline nationwide. To-date there are 620 Petron stations nationwide.
The latest Ferrari one-off project, the SP3JC, has been officially consigned to its owner. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the SP3JC was commissioned by a Ferrari client and collector whose brief set out to create a pure, uncompromising roadster using the chassis and running gear of the F12tdf.
The sole one-off car to be commissioned on this limited-series special, the SP3JC is the maximum expression of open-air motoring, harking back to Ferrari’s epic V12-engined spiders of the 1950s and ‘60s. The striking one-off makes an important and individual styling statement and represents the outcome of over two years of intense work, with close involvement from the client throughout the process.
The SP3JC features a very muscular stance with dynamic sculpturing on the flanks designed to emphasise the front-engine layout, a distinctive air intake outline at the front, and a dramatic rear fascia with horizontal slashes contributing to a wider stance. The client’s passion for Pop Art is reflected in the strong graphics, and the unique combination of the Azzurro Met and Giallo Modena livery over the main Bianco Italia colour scheme underlines the car’s sensual volumes.
The sporting theme is reinforced by specific detailing such as split glass inserts on the bonnet to show off the 780cv V12 engine, a flying bridge between the fairings of the integral carbon-fibre roll hoops and a brushed aluminium external fuel filler cap. The seats are trimmed in blue leather with a white insert. The blue leather extends to the lower dashboard and the colour is picked up in the contrasting stitching to the rest of the interior trim.
Isuzu Malaysia recently delivered a total of 141 units of their commercial trucks to City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd, during an official handover ceremony held at City-Link Express’ ‘Super Hub’ facility in Bandar Saujana Putra, Selangor. The handover comprised of 128 units of the ELF 4-wheeler (NLR77UEE) model, eight units of the ELF 6-wheeler (NPR81UKH) model and five units of the GIGA (GXR) model.
The recent handover is in continuity of the mutual trust and longstanding relationship between both companies, since its first fleet deal made back in 2011. The latest purchase has further strengthen City-Link Express’ existing fleet of vehicles, in line with plans of branch expansions throughout the country, while providing fast delivery and customer satisfaction.
The handover also saw City-Link Express’ first purchase of the Isuzu GIGA Prime Mover Trucks as part of their expansion growth. These container trucks are targeted for long distance deliveries and long haul usages, in addition to its high rigidity chassis design and aerodynamic cabin design. The GIGA truck offers outstanding engine output and torque, ensuring high fuel efficiency, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking cost-effective transportation.
Due to both companies’ established partnership, Isuzu Malaysia will carry out training sessions for the drivers on product knowledge and basic maintenance of the GIGA GXR model. These sessions are expected to provide attendees with vital knowledge and understanding of the key features of the GXR model, while achieving economic and safety driving. For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my.
The Ford Motor Company recently hosted its 13th Annual Global Caring Month where thousands of Ford employee volunteers around the world venture out into their communities and lend a helping hand to those in need. Ford volunteers from Sime Darby Auto Connexion, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, joined hands with the National Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Malaysia – Rumah Ozanam and Pusat Jagaan Darul Sakinah, to provide service and moral support, as well as to organise a series of activities to create equal opportunities for orphaned and underprivileged children. The activities included a trip to Kidzania, purchase of school uniforms and distribution of household supply vouchers.
Ford Global Caring Month is the signature annual event of the employee-driven Ford Volunteer Corps. Since its launch in 2005 by Executive Chairman Bill Ford, Ford Volunteer Corps members have contributed more than 1.5 million hours of community service in 50 countries, representing more than $40 million of in-kind community investments.
“We are proud to be part of the Ford Global Caring Month, and are truly inspired by all the work that Ford employees, dealers and local partners are doing across the globe,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (above). “Together with Ford, we are committed to moving forward and improving the quality of life for people in our communities where we live and work.”
In Asia Pacific, thousands of Ford volunteers will participate in various projects in China, India, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, as well as in eleven countries in Ford’s Emerging Markets business unit. In addition to the volunteer activities in Malaysia, Ford Global Caring Month projects in the Emerging Markets include:
In September 2018, the Ford Volunteer Corps tackled hundreds of projects in cities, towns and villages on six continents. The Ford Fund – the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company – has contributed more than $700,000 in grants to purchase tools and supplies for many of the global projects.
In the 4×4 world, there are a few events that garner anyone who’s ever participated instant respect from off-road enthusiasts; The Dakar Rally and The Camel Trophy are two of the most infamous overseas events, while here at home, the Rainforest Challenge and the Borneo Safari are two local 4×4 events that aren’t to be taken lightly. Only the skilled need apply, and oft-times, experience alone doesn’t guarantee success. It’s very much man & machine versus the elements, and here’s the official (un-edited) news from Isuzu Malaysia, reproduced as received, who were once again sponsors of the event…
KOTA KINABALU, 16 NOVEMBER 2018 – The 28th annual Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge organized by Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) has just completed with Isuzu as the Diamond Sponsor for 12th consecutive years. This year Isuzu sent in three units of off-road capable Isuzu D-Max to meet the challenge.
In this installment of Borneo Safari, the organizer has prepared two routes namely Super Hardcore and Hardcore over the 8 days challenge. All three units of Isuzu D-Max Monster stormed into super hardcore section without a second thought and emerge from this extreme terrain track after 5 days.
The terrain conditions inside super hardcore track consists of numerous obstacles including “bungee jump”, uphill driving, V-Gulley as well as rough rocky terrain, condition worsens with the constant rain. Certain terrain consists of few obstacles with steep descend and hill climb that required winching for safety reason.
All three unit of modified Isuzu D-Max has conquered Super Hardcore section of Borneo Safari, Malaysia largest and most renowned extreme off-road 4×4 challenges. The challenges were completed without any modification to the standard 2.5L and 3.0L engines.
Out of the 3 units of D-Max, two of them was built in 2013 and has completed Borneo Safari challenges for six straight years. It is a testament indeed for Isuzu’s core values for outstanding durability and reliability. In a speech during the closing dinner, Isuzu Malaysia Light Commercial Vehicle Chief Operating Officer Mr Masayuki Suzuki expresses his gratitude for the strong relationship has been built between Isuzu and SFWDA:
“Borneo Safari International Off-Road Challenge is the best platform to showcase the toughness and durability of off-road vehicles. Our Isuzu D-Max has proven to withstand extreme terrains in the past Borneo Safari Challenge.”
A total of 399 vehicles have participated in 28th Borneo Safari International Off Road Challenge 2018, which consist of 1030 of participants and 27 competitors. This is also first time in Borneo Safari has a participating team from Russia. Other competing teams came from Japan, Indonesia, Ireland, Philippine, Vietnam and Brunei as well as local teams in Malaysia.
This 8 days 4×4 off road expedition covered 400KM distance between Kota Kinabalu, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud area, both sealed and gravel road, giving participants a very memorable and unforgettable experience. For more details on Isuzu’s range of vehicles, please call 1-300-88-1133 or visit www.isuzu.net.my/pickup/. – ENDS –
In July this year, Piston.my was invited to Monte Carlo, Monaco to review the all-new Peugeot 508 (below), which in itself is one of the most remarkable D-segment cars ever, and destined to be launched in Malaysia in Q1 2019. You can read more about, view photos and videos of the 508 sedan here.
Now one really good thing about attending the Bangkok International Motorshow (<—link) as part of the international media contingent is getting to meet fellow motoring scribes from around the globe, and having kept in touch with all of them, yesterday I discovered that my friend Alfonso Rizzo from Ruote In Pista (<–link) Italy, was out reviewing the sibling of the 508, the Sport Wagon, in both First-Edition and GT guise!
I’d only managed to catch a glimpse of the Sport Wagon (SW) during the media presentation of the 508 sedan fleetingly, the slide showing what was to come in the near future was flashed up for no more than 10sec; the organisers probably didn’t want us asking too much about the SW, preferring that we concentrate on the sedan that we were there to review instead.
Despite the briefness of the slide being presented though, the image got stuck in my head, because it really is one of the most stunning wagons I’d ever seen, and thanks to Al – who is actually driving the 508 SW right now – you too get to see just how spectacular it is! He just sent me this short video clip below from Cascais, Portugal. I’d messaged him saying I wish I was him… and he responded with this, freaking hysterical!
Thanks Al, you lucky devil! Now the best news of all…. it seems that Nasim, the official importers and Peugeot brand custodians in Malaysia, are indeed going to bring the 508 Sport Wagon GT into the country! We can’t wait, seriously. Nice one Peugeot, and thanks again Al! – Chris Wee.
Peugeot 508 Sport Wagon Photo Gallery (Photos courtesy of Alfonso Rizzo @ Ruote in Pista)
The second electric Porsche from Zuffenhausen is going into series production! At a meeting on 18 October, the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG gave the green light for series production of the concept study Mission E Cross Turismo. The sports car manufacturer will create 300 additional jobs at its headquarters in Zuffenhausen for production of the vehicle, which was presented at the Geneva Motor Show 2018.
The road-ready concept study Mission E Cross Turismo was a highlight in Geneva and was well received by both visitors to the show and the media. The four-door Cross Turismo has an 800-volt architecture and is prepared for connection to the fast charging network. It has a system output of 600 hp and a range of 500 km (NEDC). The vehicle is a derivative of the Taycan.
The first purely electric Porsche will be launched on the market in 2019. The introduction of the Taycan is generating 1,200 new jobs in Zuffenhausen. Great importance is attached to sustainability in production, which will therefore be carbon-neutral. Porsche plans to invest more than 6 billion euros in electromobility by 2022.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBM) together with authorised dealer partner Hap Seng Star (HSS), today unveiled its 11th Autohaus, the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus (HSS Setia Alam). Complementing the German marque’s eclectic product offerings, the Autohaus launch reflects the brand’s continued drive for holistic automotive excellence, bringing the Best Products, Best Service and Best Customer Experience to its ever-growing customer fan base.
“It gives us great pleasure to celebrate yet another significant milestone with our authorised dealer partner, Hap Seng Star, the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus. Driven by our customer centric strategy, we continue to expand our customer touchpoints for an unrivalled Mercedes-Benz experience, keeping the Malaysian market, our customers and fans in mind,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia President and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner (above, right).
With the addition of HSS Setia Alam, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia maintains its leading position as the largest retail network in the premium segment with 35 authorised dealerships from nine dealer groups. The result of a successful partnership between principal and authorised dealer, HSS Setia Alam, with a RM2.8 million investment, is part of the on-going RM294 million total investment by Hap Seng Star to enhance customer touchpoints nationwide. Strategically located in Setia Alam, the Autohaus extends the Mercedes-Benz brand reach to an ever-growing customer and fan base in the vicinity of Setia Alam, Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, Tanjung Karang and Sekinchan. HSS Setia Alam is a brand new full-fledged 3S centre managed by 39 certified personnel well-versed in sales and after-sales.
With eight work bays installed and manned by Daimler AG certified professionals, the Autohaus is capable of servicing up to 500 vehicles a month. Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad Group Chief Operating Officer and Hap Seng Star Chief Executive, Mr Harald Behrend (below, left), said, “Throughout our nearly 50 years of collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we have been dedicated and passionate in providing exceptional service and best customer experience to our valued customers. Today we remain as dedicated and passionate as we first started. Our strong commitment continues with this new investment in Setia Alam.” An interim facility, HSS Setia Alam embraces the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) design concept and occupies a built-up area of 10,730sq ft. Equipped with state-of-the art facilities, the complete range of Mercedes-Benz special tools and Service Differentiation, every Mercedes-Benz fan and customer can expect a seamless experience in sales, financial services and aftersales, guided by certified professionals.
Able to accommodate six showroom vehicles, the dynamic, convenient and attractive facility also offers fans and customers an up-close and personal experience with all their favourite Mercedes-Benz cars. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Setia Alam Autohaus also houses a Star Lounge, taking customers’ comfort into consideration, and ultimately, delivering a holistic experience to each and every one who walks into the Autohaus.
The launch of HSS Setia Alam, brings the total of Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Autohauses to 11 locations across the nation, reflecting a strong and thriving partnership. Hap Seng Star’s other locations in Peninsular Malaysia include HSS Kuala Lumpur, HSS Kinrara, HSS Balakong, HSS Jalan Ipoh, HSS Bukit Tinggi Klang, HSS Puchong South, and HSS Iskandar Johor. HSS Kota Kinabalu, HSS Kuching and HSS Miri are located in East Malaysia. HSS Setia Alam is located at Lot 5, Jalan Setia Murni U13/AH, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor. For more information, please visit www.hapseng.mercedes-benz.com.my or call +603-3359 5585.
Now driving more than 1,000km just to test fuel might sound like overkill to some, but I’m definitely not one of them. You see in this line of work, some might think that we have more than enough of driving, and as such a roadtrip like the one recently organised by BH Petrol from KL to Hatyai and back might not be something we’d want to participate in, but that’s where you’d be very wrong…
Okay, so maybe I don’t speak for all the media, but I personally relish any opportunity to hit the road, so when BHP invited Piston.my to try out its new Infiniti petrol, it didn’t take me very long to respond with a ‘yes’. The plan was to drive from KL right into Hatyai, using Haval H1 (above) & H2 cars that were provided by the organiser. We’d also be joined by BHP customers and car & motorbike club members for the drive, some of whom were driving some very serious metal (below).
Introducing the new Infiniti petrol available in both RON 95 & RON 97 at the flag off, K.T. Tan, Managing Director of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd, said, “Since the launch of BHPetrol in 2005, we have consistently aimed to offer best quality petroleum products to motorists. Our association with one of the global leaders in fuel additive technology, based in Germany, has enabled us to develop advanced formulations for ‘Infiniti’ petrol that deliver better performance, improved fuel economy and cleaner exhaust emissions.”
The journey to the Malaysia-Thailand border at Bukit Kayu Hitam was one of the smoothest I’ve ever recalled, not just in terms of traffic, but also in terms of how effortless the prepared vehicles using BHP Infiniti fuel were standing up to our abuse, and it was the same way for the journey home 2-days later. What happened in-between though was a very pleasant surprise.
Normally, organisers try to eke out every possible moment with activities surrounding their brand or product, but on day 2, BHP decided to organise a treasure hunt around Hatyai for us with a difference. Instead of using the cars we drove up in, we’d be using Tuk-Tuk’s instead. No really, it was very much like an Amazing Race, solving puzzles and answering typical treasure hunt questions all around Hatyai.
It was a great way to see the town, in fact, even having visited Hatyai several times in the past, I found myself in areas that I’d never seen before, like the old train-station for example. I didn’t even know there was a train station in Hatyai before this. And yes, we were required to take ‘selfies’ at certain spots as part of the hunt, so those photos in the gallery were actually part of the submitted answers after the hunt, which by the way Team 5 won, us. Yes, my team won.
So all in all it was a fantastic media drive with BHP testing their new fuel (see below), we got to have a great road trip, as well as see parts of Hatyai we’d never seen before. I’m keeping my fingers crossed we’ll get invited for the next one, but this time, I’d like to drive my own car. – Chris Wee.
The new ‘Infiniti’ petrol has an advanced formulation using the latest generation of additives. The major elements of the new additive package include a new Friction Modifier, an enhanced Corrosion Inhibitor and superior Deposit Cleaning Agents. The dosage of the additive is 800 ppm, which is twice the minimum treat rate recommended by the additive company. It is provided at no extra cost to motorists as a value-added feature to take them further and with a smoother drive.
With the new Friction Modifier, internal friction is further reduced and this means more of the energy can be used to power the vehicle, thereby increasing performance. Lower friction levels also enhance engine efficiency leading to better fuel economy. A clean engine runs more efficiently but during the combustions process, certain chemical compounds are formed which can deposit on internal engine surfaces.
The superior Deposit Cleaning Agents in the additive package remove these deposits and if BHPetrol ‘Infiniti’ petrol is used regularly, the engine will maintain its cleanliness to achieve optimum performance. To help the engine last longer, the enhanced Corrosion Inhibitor provides a layer of protection on metal surfaces. With this protection, corrosion is reduced and the engine will maintain its recommended performance longer.
BHPetrol, a leading brand on fuels technology, announces the latest version of its premium ‘Infiniti’ petrol. Available at no increase in retail prices (based on the prices announced by the government), the new Revolutionised Infiniti petrol is available in both RON95 and RON97 grades.
“Over the years, in tandem with the advancements in engine technology, we have also improved the formulation of ‘Infiniti’ petrol so as to maintain the high level of performance and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, to maximise the benefits to our customers, we enhance our ‘Infiniti’ petrol with 800 parts per million (ppm) of additive which is double the minimum treat rate recommended by our additive supplier,” added Mr. Tan.
“Today, we are proud to once again announce even better ‘Infiniti’ petrol with a further improved formulation which results in increased power and mileage, while also keeping the engine running clean,” Mr. Tan said. With effect from today, the new Revolutionised ‘Infiniti’ petrol is available at all BHPetrol stations, currently numbering 380, of which 275 include a BHPetromart convenience store.
Customers and the public wishing to know more about the new Revolutionised Infiniti petrol and other BHPetrol products and services are invited to visit the website www.bhpetrol.com.my.
