Goodyear continues to gain increasing preference in the motorsports world as it is chosen as Official Tyre Supplier. Following its appointment by the FIA as tyre-supplier for the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) and British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), the international governing body has now also made Goodyear the official tyre supplier to the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and European Le Mans Series (ELMS).
A multi-season contract between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the FIA World Endurance Championship and Goodyear was agreed following ACO’s decision to appoint a single tyre supplier for this highly competitive Le Mans Prototype class.
The contract, to supply all the WEC teams in the LMP2 class, begins with the 8-round 2020/2021 season which starts at Silverstone in September, before continuing across four continents around the world. its climax will be the 24 hours of Le Mans in June 2021, a race which Goodyear-equipped cars have won outright on 14 occasions.
“Goodyear has a long and remarkable history in motorsport. In addition to our unbeaten record in Formula One with 368 Grand Prix wins, we have 14 overall wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This partnership allows us to showcase our technology, durability and performance in the most famous endurance race in the world. We are proud to have been chosen for this challenge,” said Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Consumer EMEA at Goodyear.
The LMP2 official tyre partnership with ELMS, the world’s leading continental endurance racing series, will begin in April 2021. In ELMS, the LMP2 category is the top tier of a multi-class championship that races at six of Europe’s top circuits.
The partnership means that all LMP2 entrants in the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans, including cars from outside of WEC and ELMS, will benefit from the latest developments in Goodyear Racing tyres. In addition, Goodyear will also increase its brand visibility on and off the track to support its launch of the latest range of Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres, featuring motorsport-derived technology.
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has scored a first in the local auto industry with its move to e-commerce. The company, which represents Renault in Malaysia, has launched the new Renault E-Store on its website at www.renault.com.my .
Adding on from never having to visit a physical showroom with the Renault 3-hour test drive offering via GoCar, customers can now enjoy ultimate convenience and a hassle-free way to buy or take a subscription plan for a Renault. This fully digital process eliminates the time-consuming and tedious process that car-buyers have had to go through for decades.
Now, with the Renault E-Store, they can shop from the comfort of their home or office – just as they do shopping for other good online which is a growing trend nowadays. They don’t have to feel pressured by over-attentive salespersons and they can learn more about the model they are interested in at their convenience. They can also arrange for a test-drive and TCEC says that the process extends right to delivery of the registered vehicle.
To celebrate the launch of the new Renault E-Store, TCEC is extending a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offer to the first 50 customers who make their purchase online. Each of these early bird online customers will receive a free 6-month subscription (transferable among family members) for the Captur crossover.
Besides the Captur, the Koleos and Megane R.S. are also available for purchase at the Renault E-Store.
“We are proud to be an e-commerce first automotive brand. With the new Renault E-Store and more new offerings to come, we believe that we are leading the charge in digitalising the customer journey and, at the same time, disrupting the industry,” said Nicholas Tan, Chairman of TCEC.
The upgraded 2020 Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire models will be in Toyota showrooms in Malaysia soon and pre-launch orders are now being accepted. UMW Toyota Motor, the importer and distributor of the vehicles from Japan, is pricing the latest premium MPV models from RM383,000 for the Vellfire (one variant) and RM465,000 for the Alphard (two variants).
The latest Alphard and Vellfire have been upgraded with advanced systems being added in two areas – Safety and Connectivity. This is in line with UMWT’s 360-T New Brand Experience Strategy that emphasizes Safe-T and Connectivi-T.
The new or enhanced systems are Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), Parking Support Brake System, 9-inch AVX Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-Ready Connectivity, Front & Rear Digital Video Recorder, Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
TSS is a suite of advanced systems that provide driver assistance to avoid accidents or reduce their severity if they occur. These include Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control – All Speed. The latter is more advanced than normal cruise control systems as it can vary the cruising speed when necessary for safety.
With Parking Support Brake System added in the 2020 models, drivers have the support of an intelligent parking system to detect objects in the surrounding areas of the vehicle during the parking process. Should any object be detected, the brakes will be automatically applied and the engine power cut back so that collisions can be avoided. Even if a collision does occur, the early action of the system can reduce damage.
Alphard dashboardInterior of Vellfire
Besides the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) that enables the driver to view all round the vehicle, the front and rear DVRs constantly record the views ahead and behind. Apart from recording the scenery on a holiday journey, in the event of an incident and dispute, the recordings would be useful evidence for the vehicle owner.
The Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) for the Vellfire and Alphard is a connectivity feature that uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times. This can aid recovery by the police if the vehicle is stolen. VTS can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other operating conditions that the vehicle has been subjected to, with data sent by email to a designated user.
No design changes are mentioned to the two models for the new model year but there are 4 exterior colours to choose from – Luxury White Pearl CS GF (only for Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge and Alphard 3.5L); Burning Black CS GF (only for Vellfire 2.5L); and White Pearl C, Graphite Metallic and Black (available for both Alphard and Vellfire).
Vellfire headlightsThe Alphard has a 3.5-litre V6 engine while the Vellfire uses a 2.5-litre engine.
As with all other models imported by UMWT, owners of the Vellfire and Alphard will enjoy a full factory warranty, with availability of genuine replacement parts when required. Aftersales support is also assured with personnel trained to service the models using the necessary special tools and equipment.
Customers can locate the nearest showroom by visiting toyota.com.my or calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
Of the 11,567 units of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad (motorcycle) vehicles that BMW Group Malaysia delivered last year, 3,148 were electrified models with all-electric or hybrid powertrains. These joined the total of over 17,000 electrified vehicles delivered by the company since 2015.
On a global scale, a total of 145,815 electrified BMW and MINI vehicles were delivered worldwide in 2019, contributing to half a million such vehicle vehicles delivered to date.
2019 also marked the third consecutive year BMW Group Malaysia expanded the infrastructure for electromobility in the country, having introduced 18 new BMW i Charging Facilities across Malaysia. This brings the number to over 30, set up within 3 years.
Sales by brand
The BMW brand saw 9,300 new owners in Malaysia last year, with more than a quarter (2,514 units) having chosen the 3-Series. Another key contributor in 2019 was the 5-Series, with over 2,000 units delivered nationwide.
The X Family recorded total sales of 3,985 units and the X3 sold in the largest volume (1,354 unit), followed closely by the X1 (1,331 units). The electrified X5 xDrive40e accounted for 24% (975) of total deliveries, making it the third bestselling BMW X model in 2019.
MINI delivered 1,142 vehicles last year, with the Countryman version accounting for more than half the number (685 units). Worldwide, MINI brand deliveries totalled 346,639 units in 2019.
Exports from Malaysia
Having made big investments in its production facilities at the Inokom plant in Kedah, BMW has also exported some of the production. Including engines, to other ASEAN markets. It has been exporting the 5-Series to the Philippines and is also preparing to export other models in future, including the 7-Series. Vehicles imported to other ASEAN markets can enjoy duty-exemption under the provisions of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement, enabling distributors to sell them at more attractive price levels.
The 5-Series assembled at the BMW facility in Kedah, as well as engines also produced there, are exported to neighbouring countries and enjoy duty-free importation under the AFTA agreement.
Financial services
With a range of flexible financing plans, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia also achieved a strong business portfolio, having financed half of the new BMW and MINI vehicles delivered last year. Its Easy Drive financing solution provides flexibility as well as affordability to customers.
After cumulative sales of more than 3 million units since 2002, Kia’s Sorento SUV will enter its fourth generation this year with the world premiere of the model at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show early next month.
The Korean carmaker’s flagship global SUV will be the latest addition to the brand’s reinvigorated SUV line-up. The new model also marks the first-time adoption of hybrid power in the Sorento range.
The first vehicle based on Kia’s new-generation midsize SUV platform, the Sorento is said to raise standards in its segment for practicality, offering space on a par with larger vehicles.
Kia aims to outdo competitors in the global SUV market by applying a range of innovations to the new Sorento. These include advanced driver assistance systems and progressive connectivity and infotainment features.
Three generations of the Sorento have been produced since 2002.
The Megane has been one of Renault’s more successful models, with 7 million units sold globally since 1995. Over 4 generations, it has come to be a full range and, like the Volkswagen Golf with its GTI, has had a powerful variant in the R.S. line.
For 2020, the range includes a first for Renault in the compact segment – a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It uses technologies developed by the Alliance and the Renault Engineering Department and benefits from the electric-vehicle expertise acquired by Groupe Renault over the last 10 years, as well as its experience in Formula 1 racing.
The New Megane’s exterior design has gained sculpted and more dynamic lines in keeping with the Renault brand identity to offer even more character and sophistication. Its headlights now feature LED Pure Vision technology said to improve and increase the headlamp beam by nearly 30%, offering greater visibility, safety and driving comfort.
The headlamps, tail lights and fog lights are now all LED. The contour lines of the new rear lights have been raised to display a new trim design and the indicators have become dynamic. The New Megane also features a new, more sophisticated lower panel while the design of the wings is more pronounced, and they also feature door-handle lighting.
The revamped and modernised driver’s ‘techno cockpit’ has a new 9.3-inch screen for the multimedia system and a 10.2-inch screen for the dashboard. The 9.3-inch screen provides a display area twice the size of the 7-inch version. This vertical tablet fits perfectly into the dashboard and gives the passenger compartment a very modern look. The Renault EASY LINK multimedia system, inspired by smartphone codes and uses, aims to be more ergonomic, functional and user-friendly.
Renault’s Multi-Sense technology can change the characteristics to one of several different. The driver can choose settings that adjust the engine mapping, steering, ambient lighting and configuration of the digital display that replaces the dials to offer a personalised driving experience
Powertrains
Renault will continue to offer petrol and diesel engines since there will still be demand in many markets outside Europe where internal combustion engines may be preferred. The petrol engine displacement will be the Alliance 1.3 TCe which can be offered in outputs ranging from 115 bhp to 160 bhp. At the end of the year, the New Megane will also be available with the Alliance 1.0 TCe engine with a manual transmission.
The latest Megane Diesel will use a 1.5-litre Blue dCi engine adapted to new anti-pollution standards. Customers have the option of choosing the 95 bhp eco version with a 6-speed manual transmission or the 115 bhp version with a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission.
2020 Renault Megane E-TECH Plug-in, estate version.
The highlight is of course the new E-TECH Plug-in hybrid powertrain which combines with a 4-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and uses an innovative multi-mode clutch-less gearbox transmission which optimises gearshifting.
The design draws on the experience of the Renault F1 Team, which shared its energy-management expertise (energy recovered during deceleration and braking is used to recharge the battery outside charging cycles) to enable the New Megane to operate with maximum energy efficiency. It is paired with a braking system developed by Renault’s electric vehicle experts.
The battery pack has an energy capacity of 9.8 kWh (400V) battery which can enable the New Megane to run on full-electric mode for up to 50 kms and up to a top speed of 85 mph (135 km/h), it is claimed.
New driver assistance systems
The New Megane’s driver-assistance systems include the Highway & Traffic Jam Companion, a Level 2 autonomous system that provides comfort and peace of mind while driving. Level 2 autonomous capability has adaptive cruise control (which can vary the speed to maintain a safe gap as well as operate from standstill) and lane-centering or lane-keeping control. It’s available in many cars today and can make driving easier but the driver still needs to pay attention to what is happening.
The New Megane R.S.
The high-performance New Megane R.S. adopts a range centred on the Sport chassis and the same single 300 bhp 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine as the TROPHY version. Torque has been increased by 30 Nm to 420 Nm on EDC transmission models and 400 Nm on manual transmission models. The exhaust system now includes a mechanical valve to adjust the ‘soundtrack’.
The hallmark features of the Megane R.S are still present, including the 4CONTROL frame for maximum agility in sharp turns and stability in fast curves, and a new R.S. Monitor (optional) which displays many car settings in real time, such as acceleration, braking, steering-wheel angle, 4CONTROL system operation, temperatures and pressures, etc.
The New Megane R.S. TROPHY, a benchmark for ultra-high-performance hatchbacks, is designed for racing. It stands out for its now-exclusive Cup frame; compared with the New Megane R.S.’s Sport chassis, the chassis Cup features a mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential which improves cornering control and driveability when exiting corners. Its shock absorbers and suspension springs have been retuned for increases of 25% and 30% respectively, and the anti-roll bar has a 10% higher setting than on Megane R.S.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently stated that the coronavirus outbreak meets the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and therefore appropriate actions are to be taken by governments and other organisations worldwide. Public events where many people are in close proximity would need have the risk factor reviewed and such events include motor racing.
Last week, the FIA (the international organisation governing motorsports) said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation concerning the coronavirus with relevant authorities and its Member Clubs, under the direction of FIA Medical Commission President, Professor Gerard Saillant. The FIA will evaluate the calendar of forthcoming races around the world and, if necessary, take any action required to help protect the global motorsport community and the wider public.
The FIA says it will evaluate the calendar of forthcoming races around the world and, if necessary, take any action required to help protect the global motorsport community and the wider public.
In view of the continued spread of coronavirus and after close consultation with the relevant departments of Hainan Province and Sanya Municipal Government, Round 6 of the Formula E all-electric championship is cancelled. The Sanya e-Prix was scheduled to be run at the Haitang Bay Street Circuit on the island of Hainan on March 21.
“Given the current growing health concerns and with the World Health Organisation declaring the coronavirus an international emergency, Formula E has taken the necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of its travelling staff, championship participants and spectators, which remains of paramount importance,” the FIA said in a statement.
“We are working closely with our regional partner and the local authorities in Hainan Province and Sanya Municipal Government, to continue monitoring the situation as it develops. All parties will take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates should the situation improve,” it added.
The Formula 1 round at the Shanghai Circuit in China, scheduled for April, would also be under review.
Obviously, other events are being reviewed with those that will be held in China being at the top of the list. In April, the third round of the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship calendar is to be held at the Shanghai circuit and that too may have to be cancelled or postponed.
During the second half of the year, there are also two rounds of the World Touring Car Cup (September and November). However, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) calendar does not include a round in China this year as the Kyalami circuit in South Africa is reinstated. The Monza 6 Hours will take the weekend that the Chinese WEC round at Shanghai has traditionally been held on.
Of course, given every country’s concern about the virus and preventing its spread, all public events which would have large crowds would be reviewed by local authorities and organisers, not just motorsports.
Authorised Volkswagen dealers nationwide are having an Open House this Saturday (February 8) and they have offerings which follow the tradition of ‘wong’, Volkswagen’s Chinese New Year’s theme that focuses on the Chinese character “旺”. This means good luck and prosperity, which Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is giving to new and existing owners through rebates and aftersales offerings. And not forgetting a CNY feast complete with ‘yee sang’ and other exciting activities for the whole family.
The newly launched Passat 2.0TSI Elegance, priced from RM187,990, will be a highlight of the event. Featuring a redesign of the exterior and interior, improved connectivity and updated lighting signatures, it also comes with the first year of insurance coverage paid by VPCM (limited time only).
Another offering which comes with one year of insurance paid by VPCM as well as a year’s supply of petrol is with the Tiguan variant (Highline, JOIN and Sound & Style).
Note: Savings applicable to all model variants. Monthly calculation based on 9-year H-P loan tenure with 10% downpayment and based on 2.5% interest rate. Subject to terms & conditions, while stocks last.
All new Volkswagen models come with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, 5 years warranty with no mileage limit, and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance.
Existing owners are not forgotten
Volkswagen owners are also invited to book a slot for complimentary 20-point vehicle inspection while they are at the showroom. They can also enjoy up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres.
Those with free maintenance vouchers who spend a minimum of RM388 will receive a free fluid top-up consisting of coolant, windscreen cleaner and engine oil, while those without a voucher will only need to spend a minimum amount of RM488 to take advantage of the offer.
VCP (Volkswagen Care Plus) customers can enjoy the same with a minimum spend of RM288. This offer is subject to terms and conditions and is valid till February 29, 2020.
BMW’s high-performance unit, BMW M GmbH, concluded its 2019 financial year with a new sales record of 135,829 performance/high-performance automobiles sold. Compared with the previous year, the number of newly registered M automobiles increased by 32.2%. With this result, the BMW Group subsidiary, which has the status of an independent automobile manufacturer, claims the leading position as the most successful company in its competitive environment.
“We are very proud of the fact that we have been able to acquire market leadership in the performance/high-performance automobile segment for the first time in the almost 50 years of the company’s history,” said Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “This success is the result of a continuous growth strategy and shows how much BMW M, the authentic character of our products and the unique driving experience inspire performance-oriented customers all over the globe.”
The most M automobiles introduced in 1 year
The company’s record year was characterised by an unparalleled model offensive. Never before were as many new M automobiles introduced within a single year. With the X3 M, X4 M, and each respective Competition model, high-performance automobiles became available in the midrange Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) segment for the very first time.
Furthermore, with the introduction of the M8 Coupe, M8 Convertible and the corresponding Competition models, a new generation of luxury sportscars designed for the high-performance segment was launched.
M8 MotoGP Safety Car
The US market took the most M automobiles, followed by Germany and the UK. The share of M automobiles in BMW’s total sales volume has steadily increased over the past years. In parallel with the continuously rising demand, the dealership network for M automobiles has expanded by more than 90% during the past 5 years with around 1,200 certified companies worldwide.
World premieres in 2020
During 2020, the M8 Gran Coupe and the corresponding Competition model will be available from dealers. Moreover, the new editions of the X5 M and X6 M (including Competition models), as well as the M2 CS are scheduled to be launched during the coming months. 2020 will also see the world premiere of the new M3 Sedan and the new M4 Coupe.
“With the latest product offensive, we have managed to attract new target groups to experience that unmistakable M feeling,” said Thomas Felbermair, Head of Sales and Marketing at the BMW M GmbH. “We are confident that through the market launch of numerous further attractive models, we will continue to forge ahead on our path to success in 2020.”
Almost a million vehicles sold with M Sport Package
Sales of the M Sport Packages, now available for all BMW Model series, also achieved a new record high in the 2019 financial year. Almost a million vehicles were delivered with model-specific components in the areas of aerodynamics, suspension, exterior and interior set attractive accents. This unprecedented number equals an increase of more than 25% compared to the previous year.
Bentley Motorsport is contesting a specially prepared Continental GT at the 2020 GP Ice Race in the Austrian town of Zell am See this weekend. Following on the British brand’s history of setting Ice Speed Records in 2007 and 2011, the W12-powered Continental GT is ready to continue Bentley’s heritage of high performance on ice at the spectacular showcase event.
The Ice Race Continental GT will be running in livery that pays homage to its record-breaking compatriot from the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2019 and shares the same factory-built W12 twin-turbocharged TSI engine.
The 6.0-litre unit delivers 635 ps/900 Nm and is claimed to be able to go from standstill to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, and then on to a top speed of 333 km/h. The car’s 3-chamber air springs, 48V active anti-roll control system and iron brakes are entrusted with keeping the car running at its best on the purpose-built ice track.
Junior World Rally Championship driver Catie Munnings will be at the wheel of the Continental GT in Zell am See. The FIA European Rally Championship Ladies Trophy winner, former host of the CBeebies television programme ‘Catie’s Amazing Machines’ and daughter of a former rally driver, will be the first female driver of the modern era to competitively race for Bentley Motorsport.
“The opportunity to race with Bentley at Zell am See is one that I couldn’t miss. I’m completely blown away by the car, and I actually still can’t believe I’m getting let loose in a Bentley to do an ice race. I spent some time on ice in the car just before Christmas. At first, I thought it would feel heavy, but I was amazed by how dynamic, nimble and responsive it is. It can dance like a lightweight rally car, and I can’t wait to race it at such an iconic event,” she said earlier in the week.
The car has been kept as close to production standard as possible, with minimal changes for safety compliance including a rear roll cage, on-board fire suppression system, racing seats and harnesses. Modifications beyond standard include an increase to the nominal ride height to give greater ground clearance, arch extensions to accommodate a 15 mm increase in track width, studded Pirelli Scorpion Ice Zero2 tyres, a row of Lazer high-performance lights, and a custom exhaust system from Akrapovic. The roof has a bespoke rack, fitted with a pair of Bomber for Bentley Centenary Edition skis.
Consisting of two days of motorsport in unpredictable conditions, the GP Ice Race was first run in 1937 and revived last year. The event features an array of historic and modern race and rallycars. Entrants compete in various vehicle categories over a 600-metre frozen racetrack carved from the snow, and involves two tests – standard racing, and an exhibition of skijoring. Skijoring is a competition whereby a skier is towed by a car over a track of snow and ice, and dates back to the Olympic Winter Games 1928 in St. Moritz, when skiers were drawn by riderless horses.
