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Shell Malaysia realizes dreams of local SMEs

Wherever Shell has been operating, it always cares about the communities around it and in Malaysia, Shell Malaysia has constantly been looking for ways to uplift local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In August last year, the company started its “Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell” programme to help local SMEs expand their reach with an opportunity to sell their products through the Shell Select stores located at the stations.

With Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell, Shell looks to partner with SMEs who supply snacks, confectionaries, non-alcoholic beverages, and ready-to-eat meals. The initiative is open for Malaysians aged 18 and above, and the selected SMEs will have the opportunity to promote their products at a national, regional, or specific site listing as decided by Shell.

The company has now announced an expansion of Select store offerings to include products from 29 selected entrepreneurs of the programme, alongside essential groceries available at the stores. Shell Select shelves in Malaysia are now stocked with a wider selection of snacks, confectionaries, non-alcoholic drinks, and ready-to-eat meals from the local SMEs, including Joe Flizzow x deli2go’s gourmet chicken burger, murtabak ayam with lava cheese, murtabak kambing and locally sourced pineapple juice.

In addition, customers can also find essential groceries such as flour, sugar, cooking oil, biscuits, sauces, sardines, noodles, coconut milk, and various beverages. In the spirit of Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, customers can enjoy special promotions at selected Shell stations until the end of this month.

Shell has always opened its doors to local SMEs and provided them with an avenue to promote their products at Shell Select stores. ‘Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell’ will give Malaysian entrepreneurs an extra boost and the opportunity to scale up their businesses. In the month of October this year, Shell Malaysia will be participating in the Ministry of Domestic Trade, and Consumer Affairs Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia to continue to help raise the economic prosperity of SMEs in Malaysia.

“We’re happy to welcome on board the entrepreneurs of ‘Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell‘. We currently have 29 local partners selected through the programme that are supplying their products to Shell Select stores, among which include newly appointed Shell Private Label local partners. This, ‘for Malaysians by Malaysians’ effort exemplifies our commitment to meet the daily needs of our community, which combine local SMEs’ innovative offerings and our extended essential groceries of quality and variety,” said Seow Lee Ming, General Manager Mobility, Malaysia & Singapore.

Ms. Seow also gave assurance that the well-being of customers is a No.1 priority for the company. “We strive to provide a safe and comfortable environment at our stations with strict SOPs while continuously improving our products and services in line with our commitment to make life’s journey better. Kita jaga kita,” he said.

The Shell outlet that does not sell fuel or lubricants

UMW Toyota Motor welcomes return of normal business activities

With the closure of retail outlets for almost 3 months due to suspension of activities by the government, there has been a clear impact on new vehicle sales and bookings. To boost sales in the remaining months of the year, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) will be having sales promotions.

For the month of September, customers can enjoy the lowest instalment for the Toyota Yaris from RM493 a month with EZ Beli, while those who buy a Toyota RAV4 can get a cash rebate of up to RM10,000. Customers can save money until the end of 2021 as the sales tax exemption applies to all new models, including imported CBU models. For the popular Toyota Alphard MPV, the savings amount to RM17,391.

Last year, UMWT reported total sales of 59,320 vehicles, consisting of 58,501 units from the Toyota brand and 819 units from the Lexus brand. The total sales volume of new Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the month of August was 2,524 units, 56% lower than for the same month in 2020. However, when comparing the first 8 months of 2021 with the same period in 2020, the total sales volume of Toyota and Lexus vehicles was 38,085 units in 2021 and 31,734 units in 2020. This was due to the continued strong sales momentum that started last year.

“It has certainly been challenging for us, but we understand the necessity of the actions taken by the Government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. On our part, we have made sure that our workforce has been vaccinated so that we can safely resume and continue our activities at our facilities around the country,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran. K.

“Our loyal customers are also not forgotten and we will soon announce a new program that will reward them for their loyalty to the brand over more than five decades,” Mr. Ravindran added.

He gave assurance that all sales and service outlets will follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specified by the Health Ministry. Customers and visitors will be required to have temperature scans and register their visit using the MySejahtera app, as well as use hand sanitizers and facemasks at all times. The employees at all facilities will likewise follow SOPs for protection and safety.

Meanwhile, production activities have resumed at the two assembly plants in Selangor. While there is a small backlog of orders to meet due to the shutdown, UMW Toyota Motor expects to be able to deliver new vehicles to customers within a reasonable time-frame.

*Assembly Services Sdn Bhd in Bukit Raja, Selangor, one of the two vehicle assembly plants of UMW Toyota Motor.*

“We thank our loyal customers for their patience, support and understanding. It is a challenging time for everyone and we have been doing our best to assist customers by maintaining communication channels for them to use if they have a problem with their Toyota or Lexus vehicle. Now that activities can resume, we hope they will ensure that their vehicles continue to have maintenance service carried out,” added Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

UMW Toyota Motor to invest RM270 million for assembly of Toyota hybrid models

2022 Citroen C5 X – a multi-design SUV

While SUVs are still very popular around the world, the designs have settled on a few common forms, depending on the segment. For Citroen, which has long designed its cars with a degree of uniqueness, looking for a new styling concept was the challenge given to the designers. The new model would have to combine the modernity and appeal of an SUV, the elegance and status of a saloon, and the versatility and practicality of a station wagon.

SUV with alternative design concept
Their proposal is the new C5 X which meets the expectations of customers wanting large tourers and those who are also looking for a more modern and stylish alternative to more traditional SUV’s, saloon and stationwagon models. “With the all-new C5 X, Citroen is revisiting the spirit of touring – the ability to travel in an elegant, refined car and set off to discover the world with complete peace of mind,” said Vincent Cobee, CEO of Citroen.

The bodystyle of the C5 X is muscular with optimised aerodynamics to reduce fuel consumption, with a streamlined profile drawing inspiration from aeronautics. The fluidity of the bodystyle is emphasised by the car’s tight, muscular volume. The extended bonnet, the high beltline and the rear wheel flare give it distinction, dynamism and sturdiness, common among Citroen’s larger vehicles.

The streamlined profile combines with a raised ride height and large diameter alloy wheels to give a more commanding view than would be available in a saloon or stationwagon. Around the wheel arches, vertical surfacing detail enhances the vehicle’s character. They highlight the large-diameter wheels while ensuring that air flows along the length of the body.

Coupe-inspired roofline
The elongated coupe-inspired sloping roofline ends with a ‘floating’ aerodynamic spoiler to further enhance the dynamic silhouette. The impression of a ‘floating roof’ is further enhanced through gloss black a-pillars, door pillar trims and dark tinted rear. As an option, customers choose a bi-tone Perla Nera Black roof for a more stylish appearance.

The LED V-shaped lighting signature representing Citroen’s new identity echoes the 3D rear light signature for greater consistency. The upper chevrons highlight the end of the bonnet and stretch right up to the LED daytime running lights, highlighting the width of the front end. The lower chevrons stretch up to the LED headlights and daytime running lights for a high-tech look.

A close look at the lighting signature will reveal real attention to detail. Small light veins create a graphic chevron design in the headlights that highlight the car’s look and reinforce the signature, particularly from the front three-quarter view.

The bonnet is long and horizontal, and positioned fairly low with pair of large scalloped design details, reminiscent of the latest C4 and C5 Aircross SUV. The lower air intake, highlighted by a chrome strip, has a highly geometric design – one that draws inspiration from chevrons – and houses the main radar used for the car’s driving aids.

Stationwagon practicality at the rear
To the rear of C5 X, dual spoilers combine to give a very dynamic look. This, combined with the steeply raked tailgate window design, helps to continue the flowing silhouette. Further details – such as the crisp lines around the lower part of the tailgate and bumper coupled with the lower chevron pattern and the chrome decoration around the reflectors – emphasise the vehicle’s width.

The rear of the car is also designed to be practical and provide more volume for the driver, offering stationwagon levels of modularity. The tailgate provides a wide and functional opening with a low loading sill.

Plug-in hybrid powertrain
The powerful 225 ps plug-in hybrid powertrain is claimed to give a range of up to 55 kms. Combustion engines will still be available but Citroen is not providing information on them yet.

Other technical details available at this time include Citroen’s Advanced Comfort Active Suspension system, with the cabin having a lounge-like interior space and Advanced Comfort seats

Production of the C5 X will start towards the end of this year with first deliveries starting during the first quarter of 2022.

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Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Allianz General offers motorcyclists more than just insurance coverage

Just like drivers of cars, motorcycle riders are also users of public roads and they also pay roadtax. However, things seem different for them as everything from infrastructure and poorly maintained motorcycle lanes to a lack of roadside assistance appears to ignore their needs which are no different from drivers.

Furthermore, we see most insurance companies giving all the extra benefits to car drivers but most of the time, motorcyclists get just the basic coverage. Not anymore as last month, Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad introduced free roadside assistance for its policyholders who take comprehensive coverage for their motorcycles (below 250cc).

Nationwide value-added service

According to Allianz General’s CEO, Sean Wang, the company’s introduction of the roadside assistance service for motorcycles means that riders have everything to gain with heightened value-added service. The service, available to Allianz Motorcycle Plus (Comprehensive) and Allianz Motorcycle (Comprehensive below 250cc) policyholders nationwide, includes emergency towing assistance (free for up to 50 kms, round-trip), fuel delivery, battery, and flat tyre service. It will be provided by the Allianz Road Rangers.

“We have all seen motorcycle riders left stranded or worse, involved in an accident, and every single time, it is fellow riders that are at the scene offering assistance. Now, with our roadside assistance services, our own riders know that come rain or shine, we will be just a phone call away,” said Mr. Wang at the ‘Crash, Boom, Bang! Part II #Roger’ Allianz Media Roundtable today.

“As an insurer, we should be there for our customers. It is as simple as that. While many others have shunned away from such a service simply for not being financially lucrative, sometimes, there is no harm in giving a little more. This is our way of saying thank you to our customers and letting them know that we are here for them in times of need,” he added.

Allianz Road Rangers ready to assist

The Allianz Road Rangers service for motor comprehensive policyholders was introduced in the Klang Valley in 2017 as a first within the General Insurance industry. The following year, it was available nationwide.

Taking a leaf out of the existing Allianz Road Rangers service, Allianz General Head of Claims, Damian Williams, said there are the following touchpoints:

♦ 24-hour helpline assistance – in the event of an accident, policyholders can call 1-800-22-5542 to have a technician or tow truck dispatched to their location for assistance, repair work, or to provide towing services.

♦ Allianz Road Rangers Tow trucks – the Allianz Road Ranger will provide riders emergency towing assistance (free for up to 50 kms, round-trip), fuel delivery, battery, and flat tyre service.

♦ E-hailing vouchers – the policyholder will also receive e-hailing vouchers that they can use to get home from the accident site and back to their home (where the service is available).

According to Mr. Williams, it was crucial that the service was able to nullify a rider’s pain points and offer flexibility in terms of towing options. “Our goal was simple – provide quick solutions to common issues like fixing a flat tyre or delivering petrol that would allow riders to continue their journey and should the need arise, provide them with towing assistance to get them to a workshop or their preferred location and get them home safely,” he explained.

“Everything that we do at Allianz General, at the end of the day, is about our customers, and this service is solely about taking care of the rider. So we took extra care in ensuring that our touchpoints offer thoughtful assistance,” he added. “Plus, having an established towing assistance service in the Allianz Road Rangers meant we already have 190 tow trucks at our disposal and we could hit the ground running.”

How to lower motorcycle accident numbers

At the roundtable, there was also discussion about the best way to curb the high rate of motorcycle accidents is with rider attitude and cultural change, according to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS). On top of being grossly underserved, motorcyclists also suffer the most accidents and fatalities in Malaysia. According to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) statistics for 2020, while road accidents dropped by 26% last year, largely due to movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet there were still 418,237 road accidents and 4,634 fatalities, with most accidents involving motorcyclists with 3,118 deaths.

MIROS Director of the Road User Behavioural Change Research Centre, Azhar Hamzah, revealed that on average, motorcycle accidents stood at around 20%, but motorcyclists and pillion passengers were most affected in terms of injuries, with more than 60% of the deaths each year. He also quoted a recent PDRM statistic which indicated that the highest percentage of motorcycle deaths, at 36% percent, involved riders aged 16-25 years old.

“Users (80.6%), the environment (13.2%), and vehicles (6.2% percent) are the three main factors involved in accidents. The changing of behavioural habits and heighten awareness of safety is the quickest way to get rides to be safer on the roads. Simple, doable changes such as speed control, adhering to traffic rules like stopping at red lights, and just overall riding etiquette can make a huge difference,” said Encik Azhar.

“Motorcycles provide very little physical protection. So, for injury prevention, protective equipment like a proper-fitting, SIRIM-approved helmet can safeguard the head on impact while, riding jackets and closed-toe footwear can help reduce injury risks such as abrasion. These are readily available items that riders should consider incorporating into their ride to keep themselves safer,” he said.

Lotus to offer competition-spec GT4 version of Emira

RML Group

Even before the Emira is ready for delivery to customers, Lotus has been developing the model as an all-new competition-spec GT4 challenger. While it will be the last model from the British carmaker that will use a combustion engine, it also marks the start of a new era in performance GT racing for Lotus.

The race-ready concept follows the July launch of the Emira and its dynamic debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed and is developed in collaboration with project partner RML Group. Like almost all modern Lotus road cars, each customer car will be a homologated performance machine, hand-built with lightweight motorsport components and equipment to meet the latest safety regulations.

The development team has focused on precision engineering to deliver outstanding dynamics and high-speed stability. The advanced composite bodywork makes the car exceptionally lightweight and, coupled with Toyota’s race-proven engine and optimized GT4 aerodynamics derived from the road-going Emira’s advanced exterior design.

Limited number for 2022 season
The Emira GT4 will be officially launched later this year and only a limited number will be built in time for the 2022 season. Additional cars will be built for 2023 in line with global demand.

“The all-new Emira GT4 is an exciting next step following the hugely successful launch of the Emira road car. We have worked hard with the team at RML Group to ensure this next-generation of Lotus GT car will deliver race-winning performance,” said Richard Selwin, Race Programme Manager at Lotus.

Lotus Sports Car Architecture
The Emira has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, technology pioneered by Lotus, and which remains part of the company’s sportscar DNA. Known as Lotus Sports Car Architecture, it debuted with the Elise. However, for the Emira, every dimension is different to any previous Lotus chassis and it is fabricated in an all-new facility as well.

While the GT4 car will use only familiar Toyota-source, Lotus-engineered supercharged 3.5-litre V6, customers who buy the 72,000 euro (about RM354,000) production model will also have a second option of a Mercedes-AMG 2-litre turbocharged unit, the M139. This is currently the world’s most powerful production 4-cylinder unit. Depending on the state of tune done by Lotus engineers, the German engine could provide up to 416 bhp and will come with AMG’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

2022 Lotus Emira — *The production Emira for sale in 2022.*

Jenson Button, former F1 World Champion, has driven the Emira and had this to say: “You always expect a Lotus to have good mechanical grip through the low-speed corners but there was plenty of downforce in the high-speed corners too. That means the feeling of great balance is the same no matter how you’re driving it. It’s exceptional and I’m a big fan. I’m still in shock at the price. Starting at under £60,000, it’s fantastic and means so many people are going to have the opportunity to experience it first-hand. It’s being called a ‘junior supercar’ but it would give a lot of supercars a run for their money… and it’s more comfortable than most of them!”

*The JBXE team electric SUV in action in Senegal during the Extreme E event.*

The return to world motorsport is a key pillar of the company’s transformation. Earlier this year Lotus Engineering, the consultancy division of the business, became technical partner to JBXE, the Extreme E race team led by Button.

Lotus Vision80 plan to transform company on journey of global expansion

BHPetrol Syngard 8000 Eco meets latest API SP service standard

Engine technology is constantly advancing and improving, not just as an ‘evolutionary’ process but also to meet consumer demands and also increasingly strict regulations. Consumers want to have better economy and better performance, while regulators want to reduce pollution and set tougher exhaust emission standards. As engines become more advanced, the oil for lubrication also needs to make technological advancements and reformulated to ensure that the new targets are met.

The petroleum companies are therefore constantly conducting R&D to improve their products and they are guided by the various standards that technical organizations like the American Petroleum Institute (API) set. These standards or service ratings are developed in consultation with engine makers (usually the carmakers) to determine what the oil needs to do for the improvements or changes.

Boustead Petroleum Marketing, which has been marketing BHPetrol fuel and lubricants since 2006, is also constantly monitoring the changes in the industry. It ensures that its products are up to date technically and meet the latest standards in the industry. Last year, the API upgraded its familiar service classification to the new ‘SP’ designation and BHPetrol quickly began to discuss with its additive supplier overseas on upgrading the formulation for its SynGard engine oil for passenger vehicles. This led to the new fully synthetic Syngard 8000 Eco that is now available which meets the new API SP standard.

The new standard is in response to the new generation of engines and technologies and help the carmakers to meet tougher environmental standards. There was the issue of Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) that can occur in turbocharged petrol engines with direct fuel injection technology. Such engine technology is adopted as it allows for an engine with a smaller displacement – and the industry has been downsizing – to develop roughly the same output as a larger one.

*Engine with direct injection fuel delivery.*

However, these engines can have LSPI which is abnormal combustion. LSPI occurs when the engine is under high load but driven slowly. In such a condition, the spray of fuel from the nozzles can lose its atomization and the petrol will enter as a large droplet rather than a fine mist. These droplets will then ignite at the wrong time and the effect can become damaging over time. In extreme cases, connecting rods and pistons can be severely damaged. Specialized additives, used in Syngard 8000 Eco, can prevent LSPI and prevent shortening of engine life.

The other issue in many modern engines is due to the use of Start/Stop Engine Technology. This technology allows the engine to stop automatically when idling is long and then start again automatically when it is time to move off. The aim is to reduce idling which is one of the periods when fuel consumption is at its highest because the engine is burning fuel but the car standing still.

The constant starting and stopping, especially in today’s congested traffic conditions, can lead to increased sludge formation and varnish deposits. Both of these are not good for the engine and another group of additives help to control this, along with better oxidation stability.

Each new API standard has provided improved protection and reduced wear of parts. One area that received much attention for API SP was the timing chain. Carmakers are shifting towards the use of timing chains instead of timing belts as the chains, which are of metal, are more durable. However, they tend to wear out too and stretch over time, affecting the precise timing of valve opening and closing. The new standard requires the engine oils to minimize timing chain elongation.

Companies which market their products stating that they meet API standards are required to have their performance verified by the organization which will then licence them to use the API markings and wording. Besides the usual tests for certification, the API added 7 new tests for this more stringent new standard – all of which the new Syngard 8000 Eco have passed.

After studying the Malaysian market, BHPetrol chose the 0W-20 viscosity for its new SynGard product. This is a viscosity that will be suitable for many modern engines, as specified by carmakers. The new SynGard 8000 Eco has a recommended price of RM196.

Although the new SynGard 8000 Eco is ‘backward compatible’ and can be used for engines that require API SN oil, there may be engines that cannot due to the viscosity issue. In this case, BHPetrol has Syngard 8000 which is also a fully synthetic oil with a viscosity of 5W-40. This meets the API SN Plus standard which is an enhanced SN standard to provide better performance with turbocharged engines and also address the LSPI issue. Another alternative of equally high quality is semi-synthetic Syngard 6000 Eco oil which meets the API SN standard.

Along with other BHPetrol lubricants and ancillary products, both the new Syngard 8000 Eco and Syngard 6000 Eco can be purchased from BHPetromarts, selected workshops and spare parts shops. The engine oils are also available at selected shops in East Malaysia.

For more information on BHPetrol lubricants and fuels, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.

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