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BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia contributes over RM20,000 to BMW Safety 360° subsidy programme

In October last year, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia pledged, on behalf of their customers, to donate RM100 to the BMW Safety 360° subsidy programme for every contract funded via its online financing platform (BMW Engage). The total amount raised was over RM20,000, which the company, a subsidiary of BMW Group Malaysia, contributed to the subsidy programme

“We are pleased to announce that we will be able to subsidize over 300 more child car seats for families in need, from donations raised on our platform in the last three months. We are especially grateful to our customers who have played a key role in contributing to this fundraising initiative. Although there is less travel during this period, we want to continue accelerating the adoption of child safety seats to ensure children are safe on the road when travelling is allowed again,” said Tobias Eismann, MD of BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.

First introduced in December 2019, the BMW Safety 360° subsidy programme received over 25,000 applications from parents in the B40 income group – signalling an urgency for such seats to be available in Malaysia, more so in view of the imposition of mandatory usage.

*One of the recipients of the subsidised child seats being advised on the proper installation and placing of the child.*

In the first phase, recipients were selected based on their qualification for the B40 income group. This is mainly determined with a monthly household income of below RM3,000. The second phase serves to work with the remaining list of registrants from the first phase, to equip as many of the eligible registrants as possible with child safety seats.

Other supporters of the programme
The programme also gained support from Shopee who came on-board as the Exclusive E-Commerce Partner; baby and children goods brands, KU.KU Duckbill and Otomo; educational toys and games distributor, Mideer; food storage sealing solutions provider, Ankou as well as car performance parts and accessories provider, Kakimotor.

Each child car seat is made available with a RM50 subsidy and a RM13 delivery subsidy, in addition to a discounted price from Safe ‘n Sound that is exclusive for recipients of the subsidy programme. As such, recipients of the subsidy programme will receive a unique Shopee voucher worth RM113 which can be applied upon checkout at its dedicated microsite.

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A shared responsibility
“Despite the delay on the ruling for child car seat enforcement, BMW Group Malaysia continues in our effort to promote the adoption of child car seats via the BMW Safety 360° Programme. We believe this is a shared responsibility not just amongst our partners, but the parents and the community around them as well, that can help ensure the highest level of safety on the road – even if travelling is restricted in the current climate,” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications at BMW Group Malaysia, adding that registrations for the subsidy programme closed in December 2019.

“We hope more individuals, partners and companies will reach out to us to make more contributions to the programme. Only then will we be able to open registrations for a new batch of families in the B40 income group,” he said.

BMW Group Malaysia invites other companies to join in childseat subsidy initiative

Final Edition models of Lotus Elise and Exige to mark end of an era

2021 marks the end of an era for Lotus Cars, with production of the iconic Elise and the genre-creating Exige ending after 25 and 21 years, respectively. In honour of these two legendary models, the British carmaker has announced a range of five Final Edition models with enhanced performance, greater standard specification and – in true Lotus style – light weight.

To be built in limited numbers, these cars are the ultimate versions of the Elise and Exige, the pinnacle of technical development to showcase more than two decades of engineering excellence.

A slice of history with 5 variants
Five new variants – two Elise and three Exige – have been created and Lotus is anticipating high demand from global markets as customers rush to buy a slice of history. They are available with unique paint colours, new exterior decals, new wheel finishes, new trim and Final Edition badging.

The improvements continue under the skin, a fact reflected in new names which reveal higher power outputs on three of the five – the Elise Sport 240, Elise Cup 250, Exige Sport 390, Exige Sport 420 and Exige Cup 430.

Lotus Elise Final Edition
The Elise is a truly iconic Lotus and 2021 would be its 25th year of production. The Final Edition cars retain all the core values and features that have made the Elise such an iconic car – a small, light and agile two-seater powered by a supercharged and chargecooled 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder mid-mounted engine.

Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition — *Elise Sport 240 Final Edition*

As standard, both cars receive the most extensive list of interior and exterior features ever. The biggest change is the all-new TFT digital dashboard with the choice of two screens, one with a conventional set of dials and the other a race car-style with digital speed read-out and an engine speed bar.

The Elise Sport 240 Final Edition gains an extra 23 bhp from a revised calibration and so replaces the Sport 220. Delivering 240 bhp/244 Nm, the engine has been tuned to provide stunning real-world performance and class-leading efficiency.

The car comes with 10-spoke Anthracite lightweight forged alloy wheels as standard (6J x 16 front and 8J x 17 rear). They’re 0.5 kg lighter than the wheels on the Elise Sport 220 and shod with Yokohama V105 tyres.

Further weight savings can be achieved with an extensive range of optional carbonfibre panels, including sill covers and engine cover, lithium-ion battery plus a lightweight polycarbonate rear window. With all the lightweight options chosen, the mass of the Elise Sport 240 reduces further from 922 kgs to 898 kgs.

Key to the Elise Cup 250’s performance are its aerodynamics and downforce linked to its power and light weight. With aerodynamically optimised components such as the front splitter, rear wing, rear diffuser and side floor extension, this Final Edition car produces 66 kgs of downforce at 160 km/h.

The extensive list of standard equipment includes Bilstein sport dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars, to help maximise the aerodynamic downforce available and boost grip whilst maintaining the legendary Elise handling. Also fitted as standard is a lightweight lithium-ion battery and polycarbonate rear window.

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Lotus Exige Final Edition
The Exige range is celebrated in its final year of production with three models – the Exige Sport 390, Exige Sport 420 and Exige Cup 430. Like the Elise, new equipment for this final year of production includes unique paint choices, new decals and two new wheel finishes. All versions of the Exige also come with the TFT digital dashboard, Final Edition build plaque, new steering wheel, plus new seat trim and stitch patterns.

All models are powered by a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with a baffled sump, mounted in a lightweight and rigid chassis that provides thrilling acceleration and instant response. Pure unassisted steering offers exquisite feedback and vivid communication at all speeds.

The Exige benefits from a bespoke version of Lotus’ pioneering bonded aluminium chassis, a unique rear subframe and forged aluminium double wishbone suspension at the rear.

The Exige Sport 420 Final Edition gains an extra 10 bhp, with 420 bhp/427 Nm output. With its light weight of 1,110 kgs, the supercharged and chargecooled V6 engine coupled with a flat torque curve and maximum power available to maximum revs, the Exige is regarded as the most complete driving car of its class.

Lotus Exige Sport 420 Final Edition — *Exige Sport 420 Final Edition*

When production of the Elise, Exige and Evora end later this year, the final combined production total will be in the region of 55,000 cars. Together, they account for more than half of Lotus’ total road car production since the first Lotus in 1948.

Lotus Elise celebrates 25th anniversary this year

10 years later, the Lexus LFA legend lives on

It was 10 years ago that production the Lexus LFA was born. Like the Toyota 2000 GT many years before it, the LFA was an authentic supercar from Toyota’s luxury brand. For all its exclusivity and rarity – production was to be limited to just 500 units (only 351 units of the 2000 GT were built) – the LFA left a legacy that has influenced every car Lexus has built since.

The story of the LFA actually began 10 years earlier, in early 2000, as a research and development project to produce a thoroughbred supercar. A Lexus Chief Engineer, Harahiko Tanahashi, was given free rein and the chance to work with new materials and processes. This ‘clean sheet’ approach echoed the way Lexus rewrote the luxury car rulebook with the flagship LS sedan that launched the marque 10 years before.

In 2001, Master Driver Hiromi Naruse joined the team and his skills would prove key to the LFA achieving its handling and performance goals. In the early stages, 500 key assets were identified, from the suspension design to the shape of the steering wheel; every detail had to be perfect.

The first prototype was completed in 2003 and a year later, it began running its first laps of the Nurburgring Nordschleife, the legendary racetrack that would be the cradle of the LFA’s development. The supercar pioneered new powertrain and materials technologies and exemplified the takumi hand-crafted approach to manufacturing and design that has become a brand-defining quality for Lexus.

The world had its first glimpse of what Lexus was planning with the reveal of a design study at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, followed by a closer-to-production concept car two years later. In 2008, the LFA – still a work-in-progress – made the first of 4 annual appearances in the gruelling 24 Hours of Nurburgring. This was the toughest possible test of the car’s performance and quality, prior Lexus confirming its production at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Manufacturing began at Lexus’ state-of-the-art Motomachi plant at the end of 2010. Such was the dedication to precision engineering, production was at a rate of just one car per day with each engine assembled and signed off by a single technician, complete with an engraved plate bearing the car’s production number.

The LFA was rich in revolutionary features. At its heart was an all-new, naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V10 engine, produced in a joint venture with specialists Yamaha. The company, well known for its motorcycles, had also been involved with Toyota with the 2000 GT as well as various high-performance engines.

Even though it was smaller and had fewer cylinders than some supercar rivals, its performance was exceptional, delivering a maximum 560 bhp at 8,700 rpm. Front-mounted, the engine power went to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automated sequential gearbox positioned on the rear axle. The LFA could rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and on to a 325 km/h top speed, as those who tested it confirmed.

Keeping the car’s weight down was essential to its performance, achieved by switching from the aluminium used for the original concepts to carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). This strong but lightweight advanced woven composite material was used for most of the bodywork, the passenger cell and the transmission tunnel and has since been used in other Lexus models (such as the GS F and RC F, members of Lexus’ exclusive F-performance car stable). Stopping power had to be as effective as the drive, hence the use of high-performance ceramic brake discs.

Lexus also developed an ultra-exclusive Nurburgring Package, a version re-engineered to maximise the car’s track potential. Drawing directly from the car’s racing experience, it gained stiffer suspension, lighter forged alloy wheels with performance tyres and extra aerodynamic features, including a new front lip spoiler, front winglets and a fixed GT-style high rear wing to maximise downforce. With ride height reduced by 10 mm, the car also hugged the ground more closely. To compensate for the extra drag, engine power was increased to 570 bhp.

Production of this very special edition was to be just 50 cars, with each owner given professional instruction and a year’s driving pass to the Nurburgring. Its superlative performance was confirmed in 2011 when it set a new lap record at the track for a production car. Although the LFA never won the Nurburgring 24-Hour outright, in 2012 and 2014, LFAs claimed much-deserved class wins.

LFA ownership was the privilege of just a very people and because of the limited number, many units were sold or auctioned for charity. On December 14, 2012, LFA production came to an end and all 500 cars had been completed in two years – a production rate of one per day.

Another LFA in future?

There is always a desire within Lexus to build ‘another LFA’ but President Akio Toyoda was circumspect in commenting on this matter. “In Japan there is the Ise Shrine,” he said in 2019. “It is rebuilt every 20 years as part of the Shinto belief in the renewal of nature. The purpose of its rebuilding is to pass on skills to a new generation.”

“In the 1960s, we built the 2000GT sportscar; in the 1980s, we had the Supra. In 2000, the 20-year cycle should have continued but too many people at the time were interested in volume and sales, not in a special car. So we missed the turnover and now it has been 30 years. We will never catch up but in 20 years’ time, we will come up with another new supercar. It will serve as a challenge for the next generation.”

New Lexus IS introduces ‘The Lexus Driving Signature’

Abarth offers UK customers a chance to virtually test-drive the 595 Scorpioneoro

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my to find out more about promotions at BHPetromart.*

Before the COVID-19 pandemic made lockdowns a part of life, some car companies were exploring retail activities online. They had their websites and as customers’ needs changed, they provided the necessary features and functions on their website to meet those needs. Then came the lockdowns and suddenly, customers could not visit showrooms so the online ‘business’ accelerated. ‘Contactless’ interactions were promoted, and unless absolutely necessary, the customer didn’t have to be at the showroom.

While a lot of information can be presented online, the one thing that is important to some customers is the test-drive. For this, they have to go to the showroom or as many companies are doing now, the salesman can bring the vehicle over. In spite of advanced simulators available that even make e-racing possible, it seems that this is something that the auto industry has still to provide.

First in the world
Nevertheless, Abarth (part of the new Stellantis Group) Abarth is first car brand in the world to offer ‘test drives’ from the comfort and safety of a customer’s home. They can experience a ‘test drive’ in the new limited edition Abarth 595 Scorpioneoro, a limited edition model with only 2,000 units available globally.

The ‘test drive’ takes place on iconic driving roads in North Wales, hand-picked by Abarthisti as some of the best driving roads in the UK. While nothing will ever compare with test driving an actual car in the real world, the VR ‘test drive’ provides customers and their families a fully immersive alternative.

Undergoing trial in England first
For now, the virtual test-drive is undergoing a trial with one Abarth dealership in the UK offering it. If this initial trial, which began yesterday, proves successful, it could be rolled out to additional retailers across the UK.

During the trial period, an expert representative from the dealership will deliver an Abarth crate to the front door of the customer (taking into account all government SOPs). Inside the crate will be the VR headset pre-loaded with the ‘test drive’ footage and a pair of Bose headphones to ensure customers can fully experience the famous growl of the Abarth exhaust. Abarth-branded items including a Bluetooth speaker and baseball cap are also included. In addition, a brochure is included providing drivers with all the detail they need on the Abarth range.

Guidance by automotive influencer
When ‘drivers’ put the headset on they will be greeted by Abarth owner and automotive influencer, Stef Villaverde, who will host and guide them on the virtual experience. Stef will give customers all of the key product information about the car before taking them on a ‘drive’ of some of the UK’s best driving roads.

The VR experience transports viewers ‘seated’ in the Italian sportscar instantly to the sweeping bends of the Great Orme, the lakeside vista of Llyn Ogwen and off-road adventures on Black Rock Sands. These roads were specifically chosen by Abarth’s online community of owners who deemed North Wales to be the prime spot to experience an Abarth.

With the uncertainty around ever-changing restrictions, business closures and other measures to combat the pandemic, the VR experience gives customers the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of ‘driving‘ an Abarth while staying in the comfort and safety of their home.

Chrysler (FCA) ‘re-marries’ to form another mega corporation with Groupe PSA

Lewis Hamilton confirmed as driver for Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team

The suspense is over: Lewis Hamilton has signed on the dotted line (too bad, George) to establish a new contract with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team which he has been with since 2013. Until now, there has been a lot of speculation about Hamilton’s demands and salary expectations (though none were officially confirmed to the media) and the possibility the George Russell – who drove in his place for one race last year – might instead be taken on.

Greater diversity and inclusion
A significant part of the new agreement builds upon the joint commitment to greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport that was made last year by Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-AMG. This will take the form of a joint charitable foundation, which will have the mission of supporting greater diversity and inclusion in all its forms in motorsport.

*The Hamilton and Wolff duo will continue to be together.*

“We’re very happy to keep the most successful F1 driver of the current era in the most successful F1 team of the current era,” said Markus Schafer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research, Mercedes-Benz Cars Chief Operating Officer and Non-Executive Chairman of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.

“Lewis is not only an incredibly talented driver; he also works very hard for his achievements and is extremely hungry. He shares his passion for performance with the entire team which is why this collaboration has become so successful. But Lewis is also a warm-hearted personality who cares deeply about the world around him and wants to make an impact. As a company, we share this sense of responsibility and are proud to launch a new, joint foundation to improve diversity in Formula One. Opening the series to under-represented groups will be important for the sport’s development in the future and we’re determined to make an impact,” he said.

Strategic steps for future success
Retaining Hamilton in the team is an important step for the future success of the Mercedes works team. Over the past 12 months, Daimler AG and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team have established several key strategic pillars to lay the foundations for a bright future of the Mercedes F1 works team.

In March 2020, the company announced a new sustainability strategy for its motorsport teams, which includes cutting the CO₂ emissions of the F1 team in half by 2022 compared to 2018 and achieving a net-zero carbon footprint from 2020 onwards. The sustainability commitment of the team goes far beyond that of the wider sport and aligns closely with Daimler’s global sustainability strategy.

In June, the team made a commitment to greater diversity and inclusion within the team and the wider sport which was symbolised by the new black base livery of the car. Later in the year, the team launched its programme ‘Accelerate 25’ to honour the commitment. Part of the programme is the objective to continuously raise the standards of entry and initially aim for at least 25% of all new starters at the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team to come from under-represented groups until the end of 2025.

In October, Daimler AG announced a new strategic course which includes a closer partnership between the Mercedes F1 works team and the Mercedes-AMG performance division. Both partners are united in their pursuit of performance and cutting-edge technology.

At the end of 2020, INEOS became a new shareholder in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, which is now owned in three equal parts by Daimler AG, INEOS and Toto Wolff. At the same time, Wolff’s contract as Team Principal & CEO of the team was extended and ensures his continued leadership in the coming years.

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In addition to these important strategic pillars, the new financial regulations in Formula 1, which came into effect on 1 January 2021, will help F1 teams on their journey to financial sustainability in the years ahead.

“2020 was a difficult year for Formula One, but we’re happy the series was able to go racing and produce a thrilling season,” said Schafer. “Despite the challenges, we were able to not only defend both championship titles, but also make some very important strategic decisions for the future of the team. We’ve aligned the sustainability efforts of our Mercedes works team more closely with those of Daimler, both in terms of the environmental impact and the economic value for the team’s shareholders.”

Technology transfer to the next level
He added that the closer collaboration between the F1 team and AMG ‘creates an exciting opportunity for both sides and will take our technology transfer from the racetrack to the road to the next level’. “Formula One is one of our biggest global marketing platforms and the steps we’ve taken in the last 12 months ensure that this platform stays highly attractive for us. We remain strongly committed to the sport and are excited to see what the future holds for our Mercedes works team,” he said.

Hamilton will again be partnered by Valtteri Bottas (above) who announced that he will continue racing together with the team until at least the end of 2021. It will be his fifth year with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team after joining in 2017.

Opening F1 round in Australia postponed, Chinese GP date to be rescheduled

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia pushes ahead with enhanced brand experience

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For many years now, one of the industry events early in years has been a presentation of the previous year’s performance by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM), and a look at its plans for the new year. Unfortunately, with the MCO and concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, physical interactions have to be minimized and events with big groups are out of the question.

Virtual showroom
So this year, the presentation is done in the good old fashioned way with a press release. The New Normal ties in with the launch of its e-commerce platform, a virtual showroom that allows customers to find out more about the German models online.

*Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Virtual Showroom*

“2020 placed great demands on us as a society. Despite the challenges, the situation also presented us with an opportunity to be more resilient and agile in this new technology-led environment. While the safety and of our customers is our top priority, we explore innovative ways to optimize our offerings. The virtual showroom is an example of our pursuit in continuous digitalisation effort to bring the best experiences for our customers,” said Dr Claus Weidner, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

In 2020, MBM hosted its first ever digital premiere car launch for the latest Mercedes-AMG compact cars, with the digital debut of the new all-new A 35 hatchback, A 45 S and the CLA 45 S. The company also hosted its first regional digital premiere of the all-new GLB SUV for Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, and ended the year ended with a virtual launch of the new GLA.

*Detailed quality checks at the assembly plant in Pekan, Pahang.*

The models assembled locally at the plant in Pekan, Pahang, still stand at 13 variants from 5 model lines – C-Class, E-Class and S-Class sedans; GLC and GLC Coupe SUVs; as well as two Mercedes-AMG models, the C 43 and the GLC 43 Coupe. That’s certainly a big difference from the period before MBM started when only 3 model lines (and a couple of variants) were assembled – the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class. The company plans to localise additional models in the compact car and SUV segment this year.

In the continuous pursuit of the Best Customer Experience initiative, Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Alor Setar and Kuala Lumpur were also renovated substantially to be more luxurious. This saw the transformation of a conventional point of sale to a place where a customer can encounter the brand family and immerse themselves in a fascinating car purchasing and ownership journey. The first of its kind Mercedes-Benz Lifestyle Accessories and Collection Boutique was also opened.

One-stop solution for customers
Despite the pandemic, customer services providing customers with aftersales support saw a throughput of over 140,000 vehicles in 2020. This achievement was supported by various service differentiation offerings including extended service and warranty grace period (due to the MCO), Express Service, Drop&Go, Door-to-Door, Star Mobile, and the implementation of Mercedes-Benz Star Shield Programme, covering comprehensive safety measures across dealerships nationwide.

*Star Mobile is managed by Cycle & Carriage in the northern region.*

Other highlights included the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz Original Tyre Programme, which makes its dealer network now a one-stop service provider, and the implementation of various contactless convenience include the Mercedes me Adapter and Online Appointment booking.

Mercedes-Benz Financial services
Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia (MBSM) has been offering a range of comprehensive and innovative finance and insurance solutions for Mercedes-Benz customers when purchasing their new vehicles. MBSM financed more than 50% of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold by authorised dealers in Malaysia and reached a concrete servicing portfolio of RM2.27 billion. It also recorded new contracts worth over RM717 million and introduced new financing and insurance solutions, the Star Protect and Star Protect Plus programme.

Going forward
MBM has a comprehensive strategy to further enhance its position in current luxury and performance segment. Amidst a challenging year ahead, the company intends to build a strong momentum by offering desirable and innovative products by leveraging its strength as a luxury brand and grow local economic value.

“We are cautiously optimistic about the auto industry’s recovery in 2021. Geared with our comprehensive customer-centric strategy, we are confident it will be an interesting journey as we innovate new ways we communicate and conduct businesses in the future together with our partners,” said Dr. Weidner.

“We want to assure our new and existing customers that we are with them throughout their ownership. We have accelerated most of our efforts to combine physical and digital touchpoints for a seamless customer journey. From dealerships with luxurious brand presence to digital launches and virtual showroom– it is all now easily accessible from anywhere. This new and improved presence is meant to simplify processes and enhance our brand experience by leveraging data and technology in this era,” added Michael Jopp, Vice-President of Sales & Marketing.