Initially a ‘secret project’ between Geely Holding Group and Volvo Cars, Lynk & Co was revealed to the world at an event in Germany exactly 5 years ago. Not only was it a new premium brand but it also adopted a new business model appropriate to the internet era of shared experience and connectivity. Interacting directly with its users, the brand’s products are sold directly online and delivered straight to their doors. New and varied solutions for vehicle and mobility accessibility are offered – from traditional ownership and leasing, to mobility-based membership and sharing.
Nearly 600,000 vehicle users
Users are provided with an ever-expanding range of connected technologies in the vehicles, all aimed at making life easier. In just 5 years, Lynk & Co has accumulated nearly 600,000 vehicle users, with app registrations reaching an even higher number of 1.57 million. Average active monthly users on the app exceed half a million whilst average daily users have reached 120,000.
01 – the first Lynk & Co model.
From the very beginning, all advanced modular architectures from Geely Holding and its subsidiaries have been developed from scratch to support electrification. As the first brand to utilize Geely Holding’s new generation of advanced modular architectures, electrified powertrain options are made available across Lynk & Co’s line-up.
Geely Group’s advanced architectures
The advanced architectures available have been the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture), BMA (B-Segment Modular Architecture) and SPA (Scalable Product Architecture). The 09 is SPA-based and as with the other models, it was designed in Gothenburg, Sweden and carries Lynk & Co’s ‘Megacity Contrast’ design concept. This concept is inspired by the lifestyle of youthful urbanites from megacities such as London, New York, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo, and offers users a bold and tech-laden mobility experience.
Brand’s first large SUV model
The 09 is the first large SUV from Lynk & Co and offers 6 or 7-seat accommodation. It is one of the first models to be available as a hybrid only – either with a mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid, both powertrains using a 2-litre turbocharged engine, 8-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Full details are not available yet but the 09 can be considered technically related to the latest Volvo XC90 which also uses SPA.
Since rolling out its first vehicles in 2017, Lynk & Co has delivered nearly 600,000 units. While it uses direct selling in China (through 319 sales and experience centres), its approach in Europe has been to establish ‘Lynk & Co Clubs’ where members and users meet, hang out, and share experiences. The Clubs, which represent a new first in industry ‘Mobility Membership’ business model, are presently in Belgium, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, with plans to expand into Spain, France and other countries in the near future.
The brand will appear in the Gulf region in the fourth quarter of 2021 and will begin Asian market expansion thereafter.
A Lynk & Co Club in Europe.
“Our end users aren’t just satisfied with a good product experience; they also demand a sense of participation and recognition. The boundary between a brand and its users is being eroded each day and we at Lynk & Co must continue to have direct communications with end users – this communication must be two-way, allowing users to have a say on our R&D, design, production, sales and service. Ultimately, understanding the user’s needs, wants and desires is key to our success both in China, and in Europe,” said Geely Auto Group CEO, An Cong Hui.
Mercedes-Benz has finalized the planning for a regional After-Sales Logistics Centre in Malaysia which will start operations from 2024.The German carmaker has signed a long-term lease agreement for the location and will partner with Tiong Nam Logistics Solutions Sdn Bhd to establish the new facility in Senai Airport City outside Johor Bahru.
The warehouse size of the planned location will be approximately 1,000,000 square feet. The building management system of the new warehouse will be equipped with the latest storage and material-handling systems. Operation of the facility will be by Mercedes Benz Parts Logistics Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, a 100% subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG.
Part of global supply chain network
The new distribution centre will be a part of the global Daimler AG After-Sales Supply Chain Network and will serve as a distribution site for spare parts in the Asia-Pacific region and other countries. It will take care of the importation, the storage as well as the regional management of spare parts and accessories distribution.
“With our planned After-Sales Logistics Centre, Mercedes-Benz is committed and will invest to strengthen our foothold in Malaysia. We have found excellent conditions and great support in cooperation with MIDA and the related ministries. Located strategically in Johor Bahru, this new After-Sales Logistics Center will enable us to reaffirm our position as a global and regional distribution hub whilst creating new jobs for the region. Both our customers and our dealer networks will enjoy a good service and high-quality standards through this new infrastructure,” said Thomas Schulz, Vice President Global Service & Parts Operations.
Historically strategic location
Historically, Singapore’s location at the southern tip of the Malayan peninsular has made it a strategic point for trade. It served as an ideal transit point between East Asia and Europe, and even Australia, hence its development as a bustling trading port. Over the years, while Singapore has been an obvious choice for regional storage by various companies, nearby Johor has also become attractive for logistics activities.
Parts from the regional facility are sent to dealers for use at authorised service centres or for retail sale.
In 2003, the BMW Group moved its regional parts storage facility from Singapore to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor and then in 2017, it again relocated the facility to an industrial zone adjacent to Senai Airport. The facility is a logistics warehouse and parts distribution centre serving over 20 countries.
The Volkswagen Group likewise moved its regional parts facility from Singapore to PTP in 2016. It stores tens of thousands of parts for the Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen commercial vehicle brands of the German group for distribution to over 20 markets.
Having a storage facility in Johor (or Singapore) is useful for the carmakers as it can speed up deliveries to customers on this side of the world. Customers will benefit as delivery times can be shortened compared to having them come all the way from Europe. The proximity to the airport as well as the port also mean that logistics can be more efficiently managed.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
It’s always good to use genuine parts when there is a need to replace the various parts of your vehicle. These are parts which are made specifically for your vehicle by the manufacturer of the vehicle, or by a supplier that is approved to make what are known as OEM parts (‘OEM’ stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer). They are reliable and should have the same quality as your vehicle as the quality standards are usually high.
Sourcing and acquiring genuine parts for your vehicle is usually done at authorised service centres. However, it is an open market and many of the same parts may also be available at other places. They may also cost less but there is the danger that they may not actually be genuine. There are lots of fake parts and motorists are often warned to avoid using them as they can cause damage due to poor quality – or even worse, cause an accident if they fail.
Genuine, with discounted prices
SpareXHub was started with the aim of addressing the issues of ensuring that parts are genuine and also at prices which may be lower. Having made a name for itself as an e-commerce platform for the marketing of discounted genuine auto spare parts, SpareXHub is now taking the discounted bit to the next level with a campaign where customers stand to save thousands of ringgit on genuine parts for BMW, Mini or Volkswagen models.
Celebrating their 3rd anniversary this year, they are going a step further by offering any single part or component for just RM3 under the ‘RM3 for 1’ campaign. The condition is that the customer must prove ownership of the vehicle the item is intended for.
“The average BMW, Mini and Volkswagen has approximately 15,000 individual part numbers. Components deteriorate over time. Here’s a chance to pick a genuine part that was originally designed for your car and any minimise any risk with fitting lower quality aftermarket parts,” explained Devindran Ramanathan, SpareXHub co-founder.
Only for genuine vehicle owners
As the campaign suggests, customers will be eligible to purchase any single item from SpareXHub’s vast inventory for the three marques at just RM3. The reason why they must prove they own the vehicle that the part is intended for is to prevent speculators and resellers from abusing the campaign.
“Furthermore, customers will also be eligible to purchase the next part at a 90% discount provided they like the SpareXHub Facebook page and share it with no less than 3 other friends,” added Devindran.
The campaign runs from October 25 2021 to November 5, 2021. During that period, customers can log onto SpareXHub’s website and click on the ‘RM3 for 1’ banner. This will lead them to a form to book an appointment slot to view the item at their storage facility. It is essential that an appointment is made due to social distancing requirements required by the health authorities.
Appointments can be made for 10 am – 5 pm (weekdays) or 10 am – 1 pm (Saturday). The SpareXHub facility is located at 12C, Hedgeford Innovation Park, Jalan Tandang, 46050, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. You may look up for Aramex Jalan Tandang on Google Maps or Waze.
For more information, visit www.sparexhub.com or contact Devindran Ramanathan personally at +6019-241 1471.
At last, after the forced suspension of public activities – including motorsports – the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival can resume and with it, the second round of the Vios Challenge. As with the first round in March, Round 2 will also be run at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend (October 23/24).
Unfortunately, spectators will not be allowed to watch the racing from the stands as the health authorities do not permit such gatherings at this time. Therefore all the action will be broadcast live on the Toyota Malaysia website at www.toyota.com.my, and on the Facebook pages of Toyota Malaysia and Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia.
This second round is part of the fourth season of the popular Vios Challenge, a one-make series that has grown in popularity. As many of the participants have gained more experience with each season, the racing has also become more competitive. And because the cars are all technically similar – and strict inspections ensure that – the racing is close and what matters more is driver skill.
Round 1 brought out the best in all the racers, some going on to stamp an early sign of dominance in the opening races (two per round) of the season, while several newcomers demonstrated talent that have all the makings of emerging champions.
The Vios Challenge consists of 4 classes, including the Rookie Class which has 5 graduates of the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program. These are promising racers who are stepping up from karting and sim racing to racing in a real saloon car for their very first time. There is also the ever-popular Promotional Class which has 10 local celebrities who are closely followed by their thousands of fans across the country.
Some of the local celebrities taking part in the Promotional Class.
The more serious drivers (not to say those in the Rookie Class and Promotional Class are not serious) are in the Sporting Class for amateur drivers and the Super Sporting Class for the veteran and professional drivers.
The battle of the rookies is currently being led by Naquib Nor Azlan, whose transition from sim racing to real racing has had little impact on his dominance on the racing track, virtual or otherwise. Naquib won the first two races of the season, closely chased by 17-year old Amer Harris and Mika Hakimi.
The Super Sporting Class see the dominance of professional driver, drifter and GAZOO Racing Ambassador, Tengku Djan Ley who was victorious in both season-opening races. Other contenders in the running include last season’s runner-up Mark Darwin, last season’s second runner-up Freddie Ang, and accomplished veterans the likes of Boy Wong, William Ho, Kenny Lee, Keifli Othman, Syafiq Ali and former Sporting Class champion Brendan Paul Anthony. Also competing in the class is teenager Hayden Haikal who was last year’s Sporting Class champion and has been upgraded.
An individual who has been equally dominant in the season opener is actor Zizan Razak who, like Tengku Djan and Naquib Azlan, also rejoins Round 2 with a perfect 2-race victory in Round 1 despite being in his first ever season of the Vios Challenge. Others competing in the Promotional Class include actor Shukri Yahaya, actress Janna Nick, presenter Nabil Ahmad and singers Wany Hasrita, Nabila Razali and Khai Bahar. They will be joined by singer/song writer Talitha Tan and television personality Ahirene Ahirudin.
The Sporting Class remains a class that is still too close to call with Adam Khalid and Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin each with one race victory to their name. 19 competitive drivers will be gunning for the chance of collecting more points this weekend and ending the season as champion.
“We are extremely grateful that the season can continue, and I am sure that all the racers are eager to get back into action. I do not foresee the long break having an adverse impact on their performance. Instead, like Round 1, the competition will be even stiffer and closer all the way to the chequered flag,” said GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer, Akio Takeyama, who is also a racing driver himself.
It’s taken a while for the new Land Rover Defender to arrive in Malaysia but that’s understandable. The world has not been operating ‘normally’ since early 2020 which was just after the Land Rover’s new SUV was launched at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. With lockdowns in the UK and in Malaysia, goods were either unable to be shipped or took longer.
Anyway, the first shipment finally arrived in March this year and although Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) had plans to launch it, the imposition of the second long MCO meant that nothing could be done until now. Nevertheless, they were able to get the necessary approvals for the product done and it was a matter of waiting till the country reopened.
Today’s launch of the New Defender took place at the flagship showroom at Sime Darby Motors City in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, as well as online, saw two versions of the model being introduced. Both are the longer Defender 110 and available with either a 2-litre Ingenium 300 ps/400 Nm 4-cylinder engine or a 3-litre mild hybrid powertrain incorporating a 6-cylinder petrol engine generating a total of 400 ps/500 Nm. The latter also get a power boost from a 48V electric supercharger.
Intelligent and advanced 4×4 drivetrain
As with all Land Rovers past and present, all four wheels are powered. Unlike the early 4×4 systems, the permanent all-wheel drive system in the New Defender is also intelligent and optimum traction is provided on all surfaces. The Defender is also the first Land Rover to feature Configurable Terrain Response, which allows drivers to fine-tune a range of settings to suit the conditions more precisely than ever before. A new Wade program optimizes the vehicle for crossing water, with a world-class maximum wading depth of up to 900 mm.
One thing which the hardest of hardcore off-roaders may not be happy about is the departing from the traditional body-on-frame construction. With the New Defender, , Land Rover’s engineers designed the new D7x (for extreme) monocoque structure that is said to be the stiffest body structure the brand has ever produced. Furthermore, it uses aluminium to reduce weight, this material having been associated with Land Rovers from the beginning and contributing to their long lives.
The new body architecture also allows for ground clearance of 291 mm and a wheelbase of 3022 mm, which is 99 mm longer than a Discovery). The introduction of air suspension helps transform the 4×4’s on-road handling and supports its all-terrain capability, providing an off-road ride height lift of 75 mm and ride comfort across all surfaces. An additional 70 mm of lift means the air system can raise the body by a maximum of 145 mm when needed, while the Elegant Arrival mode automatically lowers the body by 40 mm to make getting in and out easier.
Land Rover design DNA
Though everything about the model is totally new (compared to the original Defender), the silhouette in profile has strong elements of the original iconic shape. Gerry McGovern, the Design head and Guardian of Land Rover DNA, made sure that the New Defender would be recognisable by incorporating many ‘trademarks’ of the original.
The design of the New Defender incorporates elements from the previous generation (below).
These include the purposeful upright stance, Alpine roof lights and a chamfered roofline. The tailgate is also side-hinged – not so common on SUVs these days – and the spare wheel is still mounted on the back door. The latter is something that gives authenticity to the model as a 4×4 SUV, something which designers of other models think is no longer necessary.
Functional cabin, 21st century technology
The original Defender’s cabin essentially evolved from the early models. It was thus purely functional and even the last versions still maintained that simplicity which was appreciated by adventurers who did not need unnecessary fitments.
For the New Defender, the interior designers were mindful of this and have cleverly blended the original features – like exposed elements – with 21st century technologies. This approach might even be welcome by those hardcore enthusiasts who used to appreciate simplicity and functionality without complaining about comfort. Today, they are older and it is likely that they too would not complain about not having wind-down windows or manually adjusted seats.
The New Defender is packed with convenience features that every modern premium vehicle has. For example, the advanced Pivi Pro infotainment system is coupled with a Meridian Sound System and the next-generation touchscreen requires fewer inputs to perform frequently used tasks. In addition, Software-Over-The-Air technology, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates, ensures that Defender owners can always have the latest software, wherever they are in the world.
There’s also a Head-Up Display to complement the digital instrument panel. And besides being able to see all round with the 3D Surround Camera system, there is also ClearSight Ground View which makes it seem like the vehicle’s bonnet is ‘transparent’. Thanks to external cameras, the driver can see ‘through’ it and observe the vehicle’s underside and wheels – a great asset on unknown and uneven terrain.
The ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror offers both a conventional reflected image as well as a real-time digital image captured by a small camera on the roof. The digital image can be switched on when needed, eg if the rear view is blocked by passengers’ heads or tall cargo.
In standard configuration, the New Defender is a 5-seater with two rows of seats. Customers can also specify 5+2 seating if they feel that they will carry more people often. The Click and Go System integrated base unit allows for the integration of additional accessories should there be a need.
The cargo area can be expanded varied between 1,075 litres and 2,380-litres with a maximum payload of up to 900 kgs. As the rear door is side-hinged, loading is easy even when the vehicle is close to a wall or tree as the door can be opened a bit and items slipped in.
First shipment already sold out
The New Defender 2.0 is priced from RM798,000 while the 3-litre version starts from RM998,800 (prices exclude roadtax, registration and insurance as well as 50% of sales tax). However, as the entre first shipment has already been taken, those who order one will not be able to enjoy the sales tax exemption given by the government (very unlikely they will extend again) because the next deliveries will only be in 2022.
JLRM provides each Land Rover vehicle sold with the Land Rover Care programme which has a 5-year warranty, 5 years of free scheduled service and 3 years of complimentary roadside assistance. Customers who receive their vehicles in 2021 also get a Land Rover Heritage Watch in celebration of Sime Darby and Land Rover’s 40th Anniversary of partnership (while stocks last).
“The New Defender is now fully equipped with the latest innovations and vast improvements. It remains Land Rover’s toughest and most capable vehicle built for adventure and exploration of the rugged outdoors. By incorporating the latest innovations, the New Defender is ideal not only for 4×4 adventures but also for daily city driving. The upgrades reflect the times and the changing needs of the current generation of drivers,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia.
For more information and to find the location of the closest Land Rover showroom to you, visit www.landrover.com.my.
Mention ‘Land Rover’ and the first image that would usually come to anyone’s mind would be the iconic shape of the original model that the British 4×4 specialist started with in 1948. It was known simply as the ‘Series 1’ and as it was the only model offered, it became synonymous with the brand name. The name itself explained what the vehicle could do – rove the land, regardless of conditions.
The Series 1 was influenced by the American Willy’s Jeep, another equally iconic 4×4 vehicle, extensively used during World II. As the designers of the Land Rover model considered how they would improve on the Jeep’s all-purpose concept, they saw that with the war over, more consideration should be given to comfort for civilian use. This led to the provision of a cabin (although open versions were also available) which gave protection from the elements.
At the same time, however, a rugged go-anywhere capability was still required to make the vehicle useful, especially as it was to be aimed at users in the agricultural and industrial sectors. It also needed to be tough as it would be sold in overseas markets, many of which were just developing in the 1950s.
The Land Rover DNA
Like Sir Alec Issigonis with his Mini, the bodywork was kept as simple as possible for easy assembly. Many parts were flat and straight, which also kept production costs lower. More significantly, due to shortage of steel after the war, the body panels were made of aluminium alloy. Not only did it help to keep the weight lower, especially with the tough steel chassis but would help with better resistance to corrosion, giving longevity to the vehicles. This approach of using the material would remain to this day as a distinguishing feature of Land Rovers
And of course, it had a system to power all the wheels, essential for off-road driving. For this, the engineers developed a transfer case that could send power to the front wheels when required, otherwise all power went to the rear wheels. The system would be improved over time and Land Rover would build up experience in 4×4 systems that would make it a leader in the field.
The Land Rover Series I evolved into new series as the years went by, with the Series II being launched in 1948, followed by the Series III in 1971. By then, the single model had many different various versions to suit different needs. There were two wheelbase lengths and open versions as well as closed versions. Even in those early years, Land Rover saw a market for more comfortable vehicles and developed a Station Wagon version. Before long, even the Queen of England would become a fan of the vehicles, and remains so up till this today.
After the Series III came a new model line, now designated Land Rover 110 and Land Rover 90. The numbers referred to the wheelbase of 110 inches (2,800 mm) and 93 inches (2,362 mm), respectively, with a Land Rover 127 (3,226 mm) coming later on as well.
Continued evolution of the series
This new series, launched in 1983, had a similar silhouette as the Series III and only enthusiasts would spot the cosmetic differences. However, there were significant technical changes that improved the vehicle in many areas. Coil springs were used for the suspension which made the ride better and allowed for better axle articulation. The part-time 4×4 system was replaced by a permanent 4-wheel-drive system (similar to the Range Rover’s) with a 2-speed transfer case and a centre differential that could be locked. This extended the capabilities of the vehicle, especially in very difficult conditions.
The interior was modernized but continued to have its own character that was dictated by the need to be able to cope with rough usage conditions. The new generation of 4×4 vehicles began appearing in the early 1980s, offering more ‘civilized’ cabins with passenger cars features. However, Land Rover stuck with the more functional approach although by then, marketing of such vehicles had started to orient towards being dual-purpose vehicles that could be used like alternative passenger cars. Land Rovers stood out for their ruggedness and capabilities, remaining a popular choice for serious off-road drivers.
In 1970, Land Rover had added a second model to its range which was the pioneer of the luxury SUVs that would come two decades later. While it had a more upmarket image (and appointments), the Range Rover also had superior capability in all conditions. In fact, as the flagship model, it would pioneer many new 4×4 technologies as well. Adventurers would prove this with journeys into the remotest areas of the planet, sometimes accompanied by the original Land Rovers.
As the popularity of the new breed of 4×4 vehicles grew during the 1980s, a team at Land Rover saw the potential for a premium model below the Range Rover. It would have all the well known attributes of Land Rovers but also a stylish design with an interior designed by a specialist firm. It was to be called the Discovery and surprised the world when it was launched in 1989.
The birth of the Defender
The addition of the Discovery to the range meant that the ‘Land Rover’ name could no longer have the dual function of being a product name. Having wheelbase dimensions as model ‘names’ was also not attractive any longer, especially now that there was the Discovery. So the decision was made to rename the existing range and, in 1990, the 90 and 110 models became the Defender 90 and Defender 100, while the 127 became the Defender 130.
The Defender would continue to symbolize Land Rover because of its design, and it would have the longest production run – 26 years – before ending in 2016. After the Discovery, Land Rover had become part of the BMW Group and then the Ford Group. This began an era of broadening its range as well as moving forward with greater technological advancements. New and more modern models were developed and each was to be at the top of its segment.
The Defender remained unique in the range because of its traditional design. Where the new models from the Discovery onwards had as much emphasis on design as capability, the Defender was the rugged reliable workhorse that even armed forces appreciated.
Throughout the production life of the Defender, safety and emission regulations became stricter and for a vehicle that was essentially developed in the 1980s, meeting the regulations became more challenging for the engineers. As the 21st century began, it became clear that it would not be practical to keep trying to engineer the Defender to meet new demands by regulators, even if the public didn’t mind. Furthermore, as a more ‘hardcore’ model, the sales volume was smaller than for other Land Rover models.
Last Defender leaving the line at Solihull in England, marking the end of 68 years of production.
And so, after more than two million vehicles being produced (including the original Series models) since 1948, Land Rover’s owner, Tata Motors, made the decision to end production. It was estimated that more than 70 percent of all the vehicles produced were still in use somewhere in the world .
The New Defender
Land Rover understood that a successor was expected but the world had changed in the past six decades. Consumers wanted comfort and stylishness but being a Land Rover also meant that the renowned all-terrain capabilities had to be present – even if 98% of owners never drove far off the road. By 2019, the new design was confirmed and presented to the world in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was recognizable as a Land Rover and yet could also satisfy the tastes of the new generation of buyers who had many choices of vehicles in the segment now called ‘SUVs’ (Sport Utility Vehicles). The icon was reinvented without ever losing the character and authenticity of the original.
The New Defender is ready to continue the legacy of the model.
“The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it. A distinctive silhouette makes the New Defender instantly recognizable,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer at Land Rover and ‘Guardian of Land Rover DNA’. “This is a New Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”
Land Rover in Malaysia
Land Rover’s presence in Malaysia began almost as soon as exports started in the late 1940s. The Malayan Emergency was declared in 1948 and as British troops carried out operations in the jungles, the Series I Land Rovers proved their capabilities and established the beginnings of the legendary 4×4 vehicles.
The country was also moving towards independence and with it came much development of infrastructure where again, the Land Rovers proved valuable. They were often the first vehicles into newly opened sites in the jungle where roads and new settlements were being created. Public service agencies, like the armed forces, found they could use the vehicles for a variety of purposes and the simplicity of the design meant that maintenance was also easy. It was those early Land Rovers seen on roads and in jungles all over Malaysia that established the brand as the 4×4 leader.
A fleet of Defenders used by the Malaysian armed forces.
When the Malaysian government urged manufacturers to assemble their products locally to help promote industrialization, Land Rover was happy to do so. Champion Motors had a new factory in Shah Alam, Selangor, which could assemble the vehicles and the company also handled distribution, sales and aftersales.
In the early 1980s, when the Defender was introduced, the Land Rover franchise had passed on to the PERNAS-Sime Darby Group which established Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. In 1981. This began a new phase of growth for the brand, supported not only by the large number of orders from the armed forces but also the increasing demand from many other sectors.
Although the Land Rover range gradually widened, the Defender was always present. It had its own following that preferred the traditional features of the model and its truly go-anywhere capability. With the aluminium bodywork, the older vehicles remained in use for a long time, many finding homes in the vegetable farms on the hills of Cameron Highlands.
Just as its principal was unified as Jaguar Land Rover in the UK, so too was the business in Malaysia with the establishment of Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. This joint venture between SISMA Auto and Sime Darby Motors has been the exclusive importer for Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles in Malaysia since 2014. It has seen even greater growth with the opening of purpose-built brand centres around the country to offer the modern range of Land Rovers, including the New Defender.
