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Toyota to start selling second generation of Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle in late 2020

Toyota introduced its first commercially-available hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) – the Mirai – in 2014. Technically sophisticated with its advanced technology, the Mirai has served as a catalyst for increasing global awareness of how a future clean and sustainable hydrogen society might be achieved.

Now, 5 years later, after real-world usage and further developments in fuel cell technology, the second generation is due for introduction towards the end of this year. It will be available initially in Japan, North America and Europe.

At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota provided an early glimpse of the advances it is making across the board with the new Mirai, in terms of technical excellence, dynamic performance, and desirable design. Efficiency is still a critical area, and Toyota is targeting a 30% increase in the Mirai’s driving range (around 500 kms with the first generation model) through improvements to the fuel cell system and the use of larger on-board hydrogen tanks.

The new Mirai sits on Toyota’s latest rear wheel drive modular platform (TNGA-based) which has been engineered to accommodate different powertrains – including a hydrogen fuel cell – at the outset. It further gives the new Mirai a higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower centre of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.

There will be three tanks – one long, two short – which together increase the fuel capacity by around one kilogram of hydrogen compared to the current model. As well as extending the potential driving range, improvements in the performance of the fuel cell system give more linear, smooth response when moving off. Handling is also said to be light and easy on winding roads.

2015 Toyota Mirai FC — *First generation of the Mirai. Some 10,000 units have been sold since 2015.*

2021 Toyota Mirai FCEV — *Concept model of second generation which was shown last year.*

The big change for the new Mirai’s is its exterior design, with low lines and a sleek, taut bodywork with large, 20-inch diameter wheels that together generate a powerful and distinctive look.

The interior has been conceived as a simple, modern space with a warm, comfortable ambience that adds to the sense this is a car that’s genuinely enjoyable to drive and travel in. Key elements include a 12.3-inch centre display and an instrument panel that wraps around the driver. The platform and intelligent packaging allow for five seats to be provided in place of the current Mirai’s four.

“We have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, the new Mirai’s Chief Engineer who also headed the team for the development of the first generation.

“I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai not just because it’s an FCEV, but because I simply wanted this car; it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai, we will be a leader in helping realise a hydrogen energy society,” he added.

Fuel prices for January 25 – 31, 2020

Mercedes-Benz continues to be leading premium luxury brand in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) closed another year as the leading brand in the premium luxury segment with a total of 10,021 passenger vehicles (including SUVs) sold. That captured a 1.8% market share and overall 7^th position.

“We wrap up the decade on a great note as we continue to grow our customer base and set our footing in the country. 2019 was a year where we placed great emphasis on expanding our product offensive with innovative technology and emotional design, catering to the needs of our customers. Through a solid leadership and vision, we reaffirmed our commitment to the Malaysian market and our customers in delivering the ‘Best Product and Best Customer Experiences‘,” said MBM President & CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.

“Despite facing headwinds, we ended the year on a strong note to cement our position in premium automotive segment. We delivered 10,021 vehicles to our Malaysian customers signifying a continuous mark of confidence towards our brand. We are fully confident that 2019 has set up a great tone as we power up a great momentum for the new decade,” added Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at MBM, Michael Jopp.

Key launches that took place includes the E-Class with the debut the E 350 AMG Line, E 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde and E 300 Exclusive Line; A-Class sedan (A200 and A250); latest GLC and GLE SUV models, Mercedes-AMG A35, the Mercedes-AMG GT R and GT C, plus the new GLC 200, 300 and 300 Coupe SUV models. The AMG line-up also broadened with the inclusion of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé, and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.

MBM also introduced its first ever S-Class Plug-in Hybrid, the S 560 e, while the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand experience was presented with the highly-anticipated Southeast Asian premiere of the all-electric EQC. The EQ range signifies a new era of mobility in the country without compromising on luxury, comfort, quality, design and driving dynamics for which the German brand is well known.

*Mercedes-Benz assembly line in Pekan, Pahang (archive image)*

MBM’s Pekan Plant in Pahang rolled out its 100,000^th vehicle during 2019. Currently, the plant assembles 13 variants from 5 model lines and Mercedes-AMG models are included as well. Exports to the Philippines also began last year with the C 180 left-hand drive variant. This is the first stage of export activities for the plant and there will be similar initiatives within the ASEAN region in coming years.

Throughout 2019, MBSM financed 5 out of every 10 new Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold and has a concrete servicing portfolio of RM2.6 billion. The financial arm of MBM recorded new contracts worth over RM1 billion and introduced new financing and insurance solutions such as Mobility Plus, the first-of-its-kind car replacement program in Malaysia’s auto financing industry along with Lease@Ease, an all-in-one lease payment plan with value added services such as Tyre & Rims and Comprehensive Insurance with Service and Maintenance.

20% discount on toll charges on PLUS highways and LPT2 tomorrow (Saturday)

If you are travelling on PLUS and LPT2 highways tomorrow (Saturday January 25), your toll charges will be 20% less as a discount is being offered from 12:00 am till 11:59 pm. The 20% discount is only for privately-registered passenger vehicles.

Applicable highways are the North-South Expressway, the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Seremban-Port Dickson Expressway, the North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE), Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Highway (Linkedua), Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), Penang Bridge and the East-Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2).

There is no discount for those passing through the toll plazas at Tanjung Kupang. Motorists who are currently enjoying the existing Penang Bridge 20% toll discount via their Touch ‘n Go cards will also not be entitled to the discount.

To facilitate a smoother traffic flow during the festive period when millions of vehicles will be travelling on the highways, all toll plaza reload facilities on the entry lanes to PLUS-operated highways will be closed to customers from January 22 until February 3, 2020. This move is aimed at reducing traffic congestion due to the long queue at reload lanes at the toll plazas.

PLUS advises motorists to plan their journey in advance and most importantly, to reload their Touch ‘n Go card before starting their journey and make sure their card has sufficient balance to cover all toll charges along the way. There is no Touch ‘n Go card reload service provided at the exit lane of all PLUS toll plazas. However, certain toll plazas do have reload services at the PLUS customer service centres.

*Most petrol station stores like the BHPetromarts along the highways offer TnG reload services. Top up extra since you can also use the same card to pay at many carparks.*

Motorists can top-up their cards at 11,000 reload centres throughout the country, including Touch ‘n Go Spots which are located at 34 petrol stations along the PLUS highway and also Self-Service Kiosks which located at 67 locations at selected R&R areas, lay-bys and toll plazas.

During this festive season, PLUS is expecting a total of 2 million vehicles to utilize its highways, especially during the peak periods which are from January 22 – 24; January 27, 28 and 31; and February 1 (which is a holiday in the Federal Territory).

From February 1, 2020, toll charges on PLUS-operated highways will decrease by 18%, as reported earlier. There will be no change in toll rates on PLUS highways until 2058 but PLUS has its concession period extended by 20 years beyond 2038.

PETRONAS wants to help you #Celebratelikeneverbefore this Chinese New Year

It’s the Chinese New Year festive season again and, beginning today, PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) adds joy for customers, providing them with a seamless and frictionless traveling experience to make their journey a more rewarding one.

With the theme of #Celebratelikeneverbefore, there are exciting promotions and discount vouchers on PETRONAS merchandise, Kedai Mesra items, Setel, Tealive, Dunkin’, Shopee and Touch ‘n’ Go.

“Exclusive to PETRONAS customers only, PDB wants its customers to celebrate like never before and be delighted by the privilege extended to them during this celebration,” said Azrul Osman Rani, PDB’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer said, “This year, we want to reward our customers in a big way. Together with our partners, we are pooling together our resources to throw in a galore of rewards that will appeal to all customers.”

Rewards Curated for the Best Traveling Experience
With a big influx of motorists anticipated driving into petrol stations this festive season, the Setel app enables a motorist to skip the queue (without upsetting others, of course) and save on travelling time. To encourage usage of Setel, PDB is offering RM5 cashback for new users who register with Setel and perform a top-up of RM30 in the e-wallet.

You can also refer a friend, who will get to enjoy RM5 cashback as well when they fuel up a minimum of RM30 at a PETRONAS station. Once fueled up, rewards can be claimed at the Kedai Mesra counter, depending on the fuel amount purchased.

For a minimum of RM30 fuel, customers will receive exclusive PETRONAS angpow packets and enjoy RM2 discount off any Tealive beverage at selected participating PETRONAS stations. They are also entitled to RM6 discount on the specially designed Formula One 6-time World Constructors’ Championship t-shirt.

*F1 6-time World Constructors’ Championship t-shirt*

For those who spend RM50 and above on fuel, they will also receive a complimentary coffee from Dunkin’ besides the abovementioned rewards. All customers will also receive a special Shopee promo code.

While at the Kedai Mesra, be sure to stock up on drinks and snacks for the long drive. Check out the Prosperity Deals where selected items from 26 participating brands are being offered at special prices. There’s also the special edition Star Wars tumbler for only RM49.90 when you spend a minimum of RM10 or if you buy the PETRONAS Syntium (4 litres) lubricant, a complimentary Syntium thermos bottle and backpack come with it.

Need to top up the Touch ‘n Go card? Between January 23 and 29 2020, the 50-sen charge will be waived when you reload at any PETRONAS station not just along highways but also nationwide.

PETRONAS Coffee Break
The PETRONAS Coffee Break is a yearly tradition for PDB and offers complimentary Nescafe coffee and snacks. This year, 160 station are participating and besides the coffee to perk you up, there are also other F&B goodies from, Julie’s Marketing Sdn Bhd, Delfi Marketing Sdn Bhd, and Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd.

On top of that, to help travelers stay safe on the road, PDB will also be offering motorcycle inspection in partnership with Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn Bhd as well as health screening by St. John Ambulance Malaysia (SJAM) at selected stations. The campaign’s partner, the Road Safety Department (JKJR), will also be carrying out an advocacy programme which offers tips to stay safe on the road.

Additionally, PDB is also sponsoring fuel for 50 of SJAM’s ambulances. The vehicles will be stationed along highways to provide emergency assistance to motorists, should they require it.

More Rewards!
Don’t forget that there’s also the Mesra Bonanza campaign which is ongoing till January 31, 2020. To participate, customers need to only spend a minimum of RM30 on fuel or Kedai Mesra items to be in the running for the monthly prizes where 1,000 winners will be rewarded with 20,000 Mesra points (equivalent to RM200).

For the cash prizes that will be awarded every 2 months, customers need to spend a cumulative amount of RM500 within a period of 2 months. Prizes include three Grand Prizes of RM100,000 each with another 14 winners being rewarded with RM3,000 cash each.

For more information on the promotions, visit www.mymesra.com.my where you can also locate PETRONAS stations nationwide.

One of the world’s largest automotive image libraries opens its digital doors

The Motoring Picture Library (MPL) at the home of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in England has opened its digital doors to one of the largest motoring picture collections in the world. A new improved website is making access easier to over a million historic motoring images which span from the 1880s to the present day.

MPL has over 120,000 colour images and nearly a million black and white photographs filed and catalogued, with thousands of digital originals. Its subject matter includes cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, covering the motor industry, motorsport, the social history of motoring and a huge range of motoring and motor sport personalities. It also includes spectacular motoring art in the form of sales brochures, posters and paintings.

MPL — *The digital images cover decades of automotive history, mainly in Britain. There are even 3 images of the Proton Satria in the collection.*

Celebrated highlights include the Bill Brunell collection, depicting motorsport and social history from the 1920s and 1930s, and the specialist Formula 1 photography of the 1950s and 1960s by Maxwell Boyd.

Established 50 years ago
Since it was established over 50 years ago by Edward, Lord Montagu, the library has grown to become one of the most comprehensive sources of motoring photographs, supplying pictures globally to enthusiasts as well as for commercial ventures, publishing, broadcast and advertising industries.

“The aim of MPL is to offer a fast, efficient and competitive service to every user, whether they be a major publisher or advertising agency, a public service, broadcaster, car club or motoring enthusiast. In every case, we are here to make sure you have the best chance of finding what you are looking for,” said Picture Library Manager Jon Day.

MPL also has nearly a million further motoring images which are still to be digitised, so it welcomes calls to source specific images. Picture researchers are welcome to visit in person, by prior appointment. A fully equipped drive-in studio is also offered in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, which is available to hire for photographic shoots.

Beaulieu MPL — *The image collections include record-breakers that extended the performance envelope over the years.*

Film Library with 40,000 items
A Film Library was also established in 1979, with an initial aim to collect and conserve film on all aspects of motoring for future generations. The film library includes private collections – including those of Ford, Vauxhall, the Rootes Group, Metropolitan Police, the AA and Dunlop – and now comprises of nearly 40,000 items. It has installed its own broadcast standard telecine facility for transferring film to video in-house, as well as a High Definition Spirit telecine to transfer film to full HD.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum — *The British National Motor Museum at Beaulieu was opened in 1952.*

The picture library is just one element of the National Motor Museum Trust’s work to preserve motoring history. The museum’s collection of over 280 vehicles is world-famous, along with its extensive range of motoring artefacts and specialist reference library. For more information about the Motoring Picture Library, visit www.motoringpicturelibrary.com.

BHPetrol holds annual celebration to welcome Chinese New Year

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive season, BHPetrol had a celebration today to welcome the Year of the Rat. The celebration, attended by customers, business partners and staff of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd which distributes and markets BHPetrol, was held at the BHPetrol station in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

As in previous years, the company took the opportunity to use the occasion to also send safety messages, particularly important during this period when Malaysians will be driving long distances on highways. In this connection, BHPetrol invited Wong Yau Duenn, Deputy Director-General of the Road Safety Department (JKJR), to offer advice on road safety.

BHPetrol 2019 CNY celebration — Wong Yau Duenn, Deputy Director-General of the Road Safety Department (JKJR), checking on a childseat to ensure it is properly installed. Since January 1, the law requiring compulsory use of childseats has come into effect.

“To all our customers, especially those who are celebrating, we wish you a prosperous Chinese New Year. Be safe in whatever you do and enjoy the festive season with your loved ones. Remember to stop at any BHPetrol station to refuel your vehicle with Infiniti petrol or diesel for extra mileage or pick up snacks and refreshments at the BHPetromart during your journey,” said Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, Acting CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing.

Also following past tradition, Ir. Azizul and his colleagues handed out complimentary goodie bags of snacks, drinks and mandarin oranges to customers visiting the petrol station. The customers also received angpow packets with BHPetrol vouchers inside. Food and beverage suppliers to the BHPetromarts also joined in with free offerings as well.

The BHPetrol brand has been continuously strengthened since being established in February 2006. Its fuels are available through a retail network of around 400 stations located throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Besides the high quality Infiniti fuels, BHPetrol also offers LPG (BHPetrogas) for household and commercial purposes as well as Syngard automotive lubricants.

Many BHPetrol stations also have BHPetromart stores which provide food, drinks and snacks as well as other services for the convenience of motorists. These services include reloading of Touch ‘n Go tollcards, cash dispensation from ATMs and even recharging stations for electric vehicles at certain stations.

To know more about BHPetrol products and services or to locate a station, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.

Click here to read other news and articles about BHPetrol.

Perodua warns of scam relating to its 28th anniversary

Perodua has issued a statement to warn the public that it has not made any announcement of 28 units of the Perodua Aruz being given away free on its 28^th anniversary. Referring to a message that is circulating on several mobile messaging and social media platforms, the carmaker said it did not originate from Perodua and it appears to be a scam.

“We are now taking all the necessary actions to combat further spread of this scam message,” said Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO of Perodua. Noting that the message has a link inviting the public to register interest, he advised everyone to always be wary and cautious of any suspicious claims.

“Please deal only with staff at our authorized sales and service outlets, and refer to information on our official social media channels and official website at www.perodua.com.my,” he added.

The links to Perodua’s official channels are:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Perodua
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/PERODUA/
YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/myperodua1
Twitter – https://twitter.com/perodua

Click here for other news and articles about Perodua at PISTON.MY.

Buy Goodyear tyres and you could also get free petrol

With the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday period this month, long-distance travel likely to be done by many people. In conjunction with this, Goodyear Malaysia is reminding road-users to be safe on the roads by encouraging the replacement of worn-out tyres through a campaign in January and February.

Up to RM1,688 of petrol
The campaign will allow customers who purchase a pair of tyres that are part of Goodyear’s Worry-Free Assurance (WFA) programme to win petrol giftcards worth up to RM1,688. All customers need to do is register their newly purchased tyres and complete a slogan. Every entry ending with the numbers 8, 88 and 888 will stand a chance to win RM68, RM168 and RM1,688 worth of petrol giftcards, respectively.

*Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance SUV*

The Goodyear WFA programme covers the following tyres – Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2, Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV, Eagle F1 Asymmetric SUV AT, Eagle Asymmetric 2 SUV, Eagle EfficientGrip, EfficientGrip Performance, EfficientGrip Performance SUV, EfficientGrip SUV, Assurance TripleMax 2, Wrangler TripleMax, and Optilife.

Alex Ng, Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia said: “We have always been strong advocates of road safety and every festive period, we encourage consumers to make the necessary preparation for the long drive. Tyres are the most important aspect because it is the only thing that separates the road and the car. With good tyres, the chances of being affected by hazards become significantly lower, which is why Goodyear is once again encouraging drivers to opt for tyres covered under our Worry-Free Assurance programme to ensure peace of mind while driving. Through this Chinese New Year campaign, we are able to minimise road safety risks and, at the same time, give them an opportunity to win some great prizes.”

The WFA Programme
Goodyear’s WFA programme was developed and implemented to advocate tyre health and road safety while driving. Through WFA, Goodyear offers free replacement tyres within 6 months if there is damage to the tyres as a result of road hazards such as punctures, cuts, bulges and other impacts during the course of normal driving. In addition to that, WFA also provides a 5-year limited warranty on tyres for any manufacturing defects.

How The Malaysian new vehicle market did in 2019

♦ The Total Industry Volume (TIV) in 2019 was 604,287 units, the first time that the volume of sales crossed the 600,000 level since 2015. The achievement was helped by a boost in December with total sales of 54,842 units, the second highest monthly volume in 2019.

♦ While sales of passenger vehicles rose by 3.2% compared to the year before, the opposite was the case for the commercial vehicle segment (which includes pick-up trucks) as it saw a decline of 17.4%. The uncertainty of the fate of major projects in the first half of the year as well as a general slowdown of the economy had companies holding back on capital expenditures.

♦ Sales of 4WDs and SUVs grew noticeably (8.4%) at the expense of passenger car and MPV segments, the former contracting by 3.9% and the latter by 4.5%. Nevertheless, passenger cars (sedans and hatchbacks) still accounted for the largest share of passenger vehicle sales (69.4%), while 4WDs/SUVs had a 22.6% share.

♦ Sales of pick-ups, once a popular segment, fell significantly from 44,443 units in 2018 to 35,121 units in 2019, a reduction of 21%. Nevertheless, these vehicles – which are used for personal transport as well as for business purposes – accounted for almost 65% of commercial vehicle sales.

♦ Local production of vehicles totaled 571,632 units in 2019, a modest 1.2% increase over the output in 2018. While more passenger vehicles were produced (+2.6%), the plants cut back on production of commercial vehicles by 15.6% in the light of uncertain demand.

From 2020 to 2024
♦ Looking ahead, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) does not expect the market to grow substantially in 2020 and has forecast a TIV of 607,000 units, just 0.5% more than the 2019 figure. As in the past, this will be reviewed after the first 6 months of sales.

♦ Looking further ahead for the period from 2021 to 2024, the MAA sees the market improving a bit and forecasts annual TIV growth of 2% to 2.3%, reaching 660,920 units by the end of 2024. With sales in Indonesia and Thailand currently around 300,000 units greater, Malaysia will remain at No.3 position in ASEAN.