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Updated Proton Iriz and Persona debut online

The auto industry is still having most of its normal activities suspended, as ordered by the government, but for some, new model introductions need to go ahead as planned. Proton is one of the companies that planned to launch the new versions of its Iriz and Persona, and has gone ahead to do so today using online channels (which can also be used to make bookings).

Updating exercises for both models
The two new models are well established products but have been in the market some time so updating is needed. Proton DESIGN has incorporated new styling elements which continue to use the Infinite Weave with Ethereal Bow grille. As with such updating exercises, the designers have also taken the opportunity to restyle the bumpers and some areas of the lighting units. Such cosmetic changes do not require changes to sheet metal so they are less costly to do.

On the Iriz, the grille has a new profile with a red highlight whilst the Persona’s comes has more chrome for greater distinctiveness. The top versions of both models also have black roofs.

The LED headlamps (not available for the standard variants) have the convenience of automatic on/off as well as a ‘follow me home’ function which keeps them on for a while after the engine is switched off. This is to provide illumination while walking to the front door of the home.

Other new features include new styling for the 16-inch alloy wheels and new finishing on the rear combination lamps. There are also new body colours – Space Grey for the Persona and Citric Orange and Passion Red for the Iriz, which would be aimed at younger buyers.

Concept finally becomes a production model
The Iriz finally gets the sporty Active variant which was shown as a concept some 7 years ago. Back then, there was a trend towards adding ‘SUV elements’ to cars and Proton DESIGN came out with the concept. According to the Head of Proton DESIGN, it was one of those ‘skunkworks’ projects that the design team did quietly in their studio.

*The Iriz Active concept which the designers at Proton DESIGN created as a ‘side project’ of their own.*

“It wasn’t in the development timeline of the then freshly launched Iriz, so the whole premise was to project the future. Based on foresight and a hunch, I believe it achieved what it was created to do,” he recalled

Sportier lifestyle image
Though having the same shape and dimensions, the hatchback has moulding that runs around the body to add distinctiveness. A black roof with roof rails adds the ‘SUV touch’, while the 16-inch wheels have a new design.

The cabin of the Iriz Active has red highlights using embroidery on the front seats, door trim and carpet mats, as well as red stitching on the steering wheel and seatbelts with red straps. Red is also used on other areas to highlight the different forms. There are also aluminium sport pedals for a sporty look and feel.

More premium cabin for Persona
While the Iriz Active has a sporty interior, the new Persona Premium gets seats and door trim upholstered in brown leatherette (in the same shade that debuted on the Proton X70) to complement the enhanced interior design and give a more premium image.

A noticeable change to the interior of both the Iriz and Persona is the new 8-inch floating infotainment display panel. This ‘command centre’ has voice command functions that have been updated to control the air-conditioning system and driver’s window. Starting off with ‘Hi Proton’ and then saying certain commences, actions can be executed without lifting the hands off the steering wheel.

The display panel is located at the top of the dashboard for easy access, and the air vents have been repositioned accordingly. The controls for the air-conditioning now come with a digital display as well. Between the front seats, the centre console has been redesigned to provide an armrest and improved storage space.

Cleaner, healthier cabin air
Since last year, following the initiative by the Geely Group which Proton is part of, more attention has been given to ensuring that the air quality in the cabin is healthy. This led to the fitment of a N95 Cabin Filter which is standard in the cars. The N95 Cabin Filter, as the name suggests, can remove 95% of particles that are larger than 0.3 microns. Additionally, it can remove 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates, which is important to promote respiratory health. Apart from effectively filtering smoke particulates, dust and bacteria; the N95 filter can help to promote an allergy-free environment by reducing allergens from pets, aphids and pollen.

Both cars come with a comprehensive list of features and equipment and among them are no less than 6 USB ports around the cabin. One is even thoughtfully located behind the rearview mirror for easier connection to power a dashcam, instead of having the cable dangle down to the dashboard.

Tops in safety
Proton models are top scorers in ASEAN NCAP tests and the Iriz and Persona have scored the maximum of 5 stars from the safety organization. Crash tests have shown that the reinforced body structure using Hot Press Formed steel provides very good protection in collisions, while active safety systems such as Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control System help the driver retain control of the car in slippery conditions. Airbags are, of course, standard as they are required by law as are seatbelts for every occupant.

“The Proton Iriz and Persona have won many fans since their introduction, so we took a measured approach to updating them. The styling changes and addition of a new Active variant for the Proton Iriz will help boost their visual appeal while the changes we have made to the interior and infotainment system ensures they deliver better comfort and connectivity while retaining Proton’s trademark driving experience,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.

A Launch Package (with applicable terms and conditions) is offered with both new models. This consists of a Warranty Package (5 years or maximum of 150,000 kms); Service Package (free labour service for 3 times); and a Data Package for 5 years with 1GB each month (new Iriz Active and Persona Premium only).

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52% drop in new Honda vehicle sales in Malaysia from May to July year-on-year

Honda Malaysia reports that the ongoing restrictions of the Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) have impacted its business significantly, with sales of new vehicles falling by 52% during the May to July 2021 (compared to the same period in 2020). In compliance with government orders, the Company has suspended its business operations. These include closures of showrooms, its marketing and sales office as well as the assembly plant in Pegoh, Melaka.

However, aftersales services are allowed to operate at selected authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. Conditions for operations are that only minimal manpower is allowed and appointments must be made in advance. The HondaTouch app provides an easy way to make an appointment. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must also be observed and customers can only go to a service centre if it is within 10 kms of their home.

*Showrooms cannot conduct business activities but selected authorised service centres (below) are permitted to provide aftersales support and emergency assistance.*

Only 5,700 units sold in 3 months

“With only certain aftersales services allowed and sales and manufacturing operations halted, it is no surprise that sales have plunged. Honda Malaysia saw a decline of 52% in car sales for the year-on-year period of May to July 2021. We sold about 5,700 units in this period compared to close to 12,000 units sold in the same period last year when the country was under a Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and then Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO),” said Madoka Chujo, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO.

She added that the company fully supports the Malaysian government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the restrictions. However, there is concern that a ‘domino effect’ is occurring on all 101 authorised dealers who face financial difficulties. There is the uncertainty of employment for sales and service advisors as well as other staff. The sales advisors, especially, have been severely affected as their income is largely dependent on commissions earned through vehicle sales.

Salespeople in car companies are especially affected since much of their income comes from commissions for new vehicle sales. Right now, they can’t do any selling activities as showrooms remain closed.

Helping Honda associates

“Honda Malaysia understands the hardship that the dealers and Honda associates are going through, and hence, the company is trying to do its best to assist them during the difficult times. One of the efforts is by registering Honda associates under the Public-Private Partnership Industrial COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PIKAS) to expedite the country’s rate of vaccination,” she said.

The company targets to achieve 100% of first dose vaccination for all its associates by mid-August 2021. As Malaysia has one of the world’s fastest vaccination rates, the company hopes to achieve its vaccination target and subsequently the nationwide vaccination programme will help create a safer environment for Malaysians. “Honda Malaysia is appreciative of the hard work of all the frontliners who have been working tirelessly to help fight the pandemic,” Ms. Chujo added.

*The Honda Malaysia assembly plant in Melaka is presently shut down in compliance with the FMCO.*

Effect on local suppliers too

She also revealed that the prolonged business closure has impacted Honda Malaysia’s new model production due to no testing conducted in the manufacturing facility. Furthermore, the company’s supply chain and export of parts are also affected.

“The automotive industry supports a wide network of local components and parts suppliers that comprises a few tiers. These suppliers might not be able to sustain their operations and this will subsequently affect the overall supply chain. The current extended lockdown and no visibility on business resumption timeframe have impacted planning and overall investment of the automotive marques,” she explained.

Honda Malaysia hopes that early resumption of the automotive sector activities will be possible under strict SOPs and guidelines set by the government. This can avoid the long-term impact such as retrenchment of employees and can help to prevent potential business closures among the supply chain.

Honda Malaysia and its suppliers distribute essential goods to 6 charity homes

Exclusive ‘Albert’ Speedtail by McLaren Special Operations pays homage to first prototype

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has built a very exclusive model in the 106-car Speedtail range which pays homage to the first Speedtail attribute testing vehicle from 2018. Known as the ‘Albert’ Speedtail, its name refers to that the 1992 McLaren F1 test mules, which were named after the Albert Drive premises in England where the F1 was designed and built.

The original ‘Albert’ prototype vehicle was developed to validate the concept of the Speedtail’s central seat driving position, testing driver ergonomics and visibility and rearview camera positions. Built with the front panels from a 720S, the ‘Albert’ prototype was the first Speedtail to be driven on public roads.

“The name ‘Albert’ has a special resonance with MSO as we are the custodians of the McLaren F1 and are based at the Albert Drive premises that McLaren Cars occupied in the 1990s. The Speedtail experience has been an exciting journey for our customers, from visualising their imaginations to realising these inspirations and sharing their delight when unveiling the finished product. ‘Albert’ brings this project to a conclusion and we are thrilled to finish on a high note,” said Ansar Ali, MD of McLaren Special Operations.

When the original ’Albert’ travelled outside McLaren’s premises in public, it was camouflaged. The exterior design ‘camouflage’ was achieved by a simple 2-metre vinyl body wrap with design lines printed to represent the optimised airflow over the car.

The ‘Albert’ Speedtail carries on this legacy, which is one of the most complex paint themes ever completed by MSO. The colours selected for the ‘Albert’ homage are Magnesium Silver – the colour used for the F1 roadcar first shown at the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix – and Ueno Grey, the colour of the F1 GTR that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. The full design treatment is closely based on the 2018 vinyl ‘camouflage’ wrap.

The new ‘Albert’ was built in the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) with a 1K gloss visual carbonfibre body. Due to the incredibly complex and detailed nature of the paintwork design, the MSO team completed test panels first to understand process feasibility and worked alongside the visualiser team to refine renders.

In total, ‘Albert’ would require a 12-week post-build modification at MSO’s facility to reach completion. This included 2 week’s masking, 6 weeks of painting and the remaining time to dry and reassemble the vehicle after spraying.

Referring to large-scale print-outs of the renders, the livery masking was completed by two specialist paint technicians. This had to be completed on the built car, with wheels fitted, to ensure accurate cross-panel alignment of the design as it flows around the vehicle. The masking of the livery required almost 2 kms of fine line-out tape to complete the initial design layout.

The 6-week painting process required the car to be disassembled to ensure complete accuracy and flawless finish. The paint blend effect was located on the door applique’s outer body panels with the front painted in Ueno Grey and rear in Magnesium Silver. After the first paint application, all body panels were treated and refitted to ensure perfect alignment and only after this the final clearcoat was applied.

Based on the form of a teardrop, the most aerodynamically efficient shape found in nature, the Speedtail is the ideal streamlined hypercar, a 3-seat hyper GT that became the third car in McLaren’s Ultimate Series line-up. With its 1,070 bhp hybrid powertrain, the Speedtail is claimed to be able to cover 112 metres each second when travelling at its top speed of 402 km/h, making it the fastest McLaren roadcar to date.

The 2021 ‘Albert’ Speedtail will be unveiled to the public this weekend in Los Angeles. ‘’As one of the very last Speedtails to be built at the McLaren Production Centre, it was very important to us at McLaren Beverly Hills that ‘Albert’ honours the brand’s rich heritage, particularly paying tribute to the icon that is the McLaren F1,” said Parris Mullins of McLaren Beverly Hills.

“We worked alongside MSO through every stage, including concept ideation, to produce a truly bespoke and beautifully detailed car that celebrates the innovation and design excellence behind the fastest McLaren roadcar to date. We are fortunate to have been able to procure ‘Albert’ for one of our top clients and are absolutely thrilled with the finished result,’’ he added.

McLaren celebrates 1995 victory at Le Mans with 5 exclusive Senna F1 GTRs

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.

Fuel Price Updates For August 5 – August 11, 2021

Honda to offer NSX Type S as farewell model for the supercar, only 350 units for worldwide sale

The Honda/Acura NSX is in its final year of production after having been launched in 2016 as the successor to the world’s first mass-produced car with an all-aluminium monocoque body. Like the first generation, which was produced from 1990 to 2005, the second generation also pushed the boundaries of engineering and sportscar dynamics.

The current NSX, made at Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Centre in the USA, was the first supercar to utilize three electric motors. It also introduced a number of industry firsts, including the first production 9-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) for a passenger automobile (and is still the only car having it).

First Type S officially sold outside Japan
As a prelude to the end of production by December 2022, Honda has announced that it will offer a NSX Type S version. Only 350 units will be available, of which 30 are reserved for the Japanese market and 300 for the US market. This is the first time that a Type S version is officially sold outside Japan and the first unit will be displayed at the Monterey Car Week event in California on August 12, 2021.

The NSX Type S is destined to join the ranks of unique and collectable first-generation NSX models. These are models such as the 1999 NSX Zanardi Edition (51 units produced) and JDM variants like the NSX-R (483 units produced between 1992 and 1995), NSX Type S (209 cars built between 1997 and 2001) and NSX Type S-Zero (no more than 30 produced between 1997 and 2001). To date, second-generation NSX sales total more than 4,000 units globally.

Unit No. 1 to be auctioned for charity
The first NSX Type S with VIN #001 will be sold to the highest bidder at a Mecum Auction’s Monterey event in California. All proceeds from the sale of the supercar will benefit charity, including an innovative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) education program for underserved youth nationwide in partnership with the Centre of Science and Industry (COSI).

The event, to be held on August 14, marks the return of the NSX to the auction scene. The first production version of the second-generation 2017 NSX was auctioned for a record US$1.2 million (about RM5.07 million) through the Barrett-Jackson auction house in January 2016.

While the NSX is celebrating its final year of production, Acura will continue to pursue sportscars in the electrified era. “Acura is a performance brand, a company of enthusiasts, and we will continue moving forward, actively investigating what the next generation of sports cars should be in an electrified era,” said Jon Ikeda, Vice-President and Acura Brand Officer.

Acura Type S Concept sets the stage for return of Type S performance variants [w/VIDEO]

No charges for scheduled servicing during first two years of Ford Ranger ownership

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is constantly looking for ways to give its customers a better deal and for those who are interested in buying a new Ford Ranger WildTrak or XLT Plus model, there is now free scheduled servicing for the first two years of ownership.

Available for 2021 model year units, the 2-year free servicing package (terms and conditions apply) is available on a first come, first served basis (while stocks last). As with all Ranger models, the WildTrak and XLT Plus are backed by Ford’s new 5-year/160,000 kms manufacturer’s warranty.

“We’re constantly evolving to find ways to deliver more value-add to customers. The 2-year free service offer aims to provide peace of mind for customers, especially in these challenging times,” said Turse Zuhair, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

“Additionally, virtual consultations with a Ford Ranger Specialist not only ensures customer safety amidst the ongoing pandemic, it also raises the level of personalised experience and convenience that customers are looking for,” he said.

He was referring to the company’s recent enhancement of its customer service with the introduction of the Ford Ranger Specialists. These are dedicated experts on the products who can help new and existing customers to be more familiar with the many vehicle features and benefits. By knowing more about their vehicle, they will be able to get the most out of their Rangers and enjoy using the pick-up truck.

There are two powertrain choices – a 213 ps/500 Nm 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission with the Ranger Wildtrak, and a 180 ps/420 Nm 2-litre Single-Turbo diesel engine with the Ranger XLT Plus.

Besides refinement that is above average for a pick-up truck, the Ranger Wildtrak also comes with very high safety standards. The smart safety technologies include first in-class features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning and Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking. There are also convenience features such as keyless entry with pushstart button and the Easy Lift Tailgate.

For more information, visit www.sdacford.com.my or send a WhatsApp message to +6019 204 1200. A Ford Ranger Specialist will respond to the message and provide assistance and information. Test-drives and viewing at showrooms are not available at this time due to ongoing MCO restrictions.

2021 Ford Rangers get 5-year warranty as standard

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