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Perodua sees sales numbers from a different perspective, but expects to meet 2021 target

As some car companies report their sales figures for May, significantly higher numbers are evident this year compared to a year ago. But the second quarter of 2020 was a very unusual period, even unprecedented for the car industry as sales and production in one month fell to almost zero. So when you are comparing to almost rock bottom, any number this year will look better.

This was acknowledged by Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad, who said: “While Perodua’s year-to-date May sales of 96,281 units is 82% more than the 52,920 units sold in the same period last year, this achievement is distorted as the first Movement Control Order was in place from March to May last year.”

*All sales outlets nationwide will be closed for the duration of the FMCO.*

Compare to 2019 instead

He explained that a fairer comparison would be against 2019, when Perodua sold 105,745 units in the first 5 months – 8.9% more than it did in the same period this year. This perspective takes into account not just the impact of the pandemic but also the semiconductor shortage that has affected carmakers globally. “It can be seen in the 12% sales reduction from April’s 20,399 units to May’s 17,973 units,” noted Dato’ Zainal Abidin.

“Despite these challenges and barring further uncertainties moving forward, we believe we will be able to meet our 240,000-unit sales target for 2021 as demand remains strong for all of our models,” he added.

Service operations

As required by the FMCO, all showrooms must be closed but for service centre operation during the lockdown period, Dato’ Zainal advises Perodua owners to contact their nearest service outlet for the latest information. The contact numbers of the authorised service centres nationwide can be found at www.perodua.com.my/locate.html.

Fuel Price Updates For June 10 – June 16, 2021

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

Fifth generation Kia Sportage revealed – to be locally-assembled in 2022?

Kia Corporation’s popular Sportage model enters its fifth generation with a new design philosophy called ‘Opposites United’. The first official images released show a departure from previous designs with the SUV gaining a more dynamic image.

According to Karim Habib, Kia’s Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Design Centre, the new Sportage isn’t just one step forward but instead moves on to a different level in the SUV class. It’s the result of a collaborative effort between Kia’s global design network which has studios in Korea, Germany, the USA, and China.

“When you see the all-new Sportage in person, with its sleek but powerfully dynamic stance, and when you sit inside the detailed-oriented cabin with its beautifully detailed interior and first-class materials, you’ll see we have achieved those goals and set new benchmarks. In the all-new Sportage, we believe you can see the future of our brand and our products,” he said.

New design philosophy
Revealed earlier this year, ‘Opposites United’ influenced every aspect of its appearance and character of the new Sportage., The principles of this new design philosophy will also guide all future Kia designs, giving them the same basic DNA, strengthening the connection with Kia’s new brand direction, ‘Movement that inspires’.

The front of the new SUV features a detailed-orientated black grille graphic stretching across the width. Like an intricate web, the technical graphic pulls together the main frontal, crafting an imposing front volume. The elongated grille links Kia’s modern signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille –the visual focal point of the car – to the distinctive futuristic-styled boomerang-shaped daytime running lamps adjacent to the headlamps.

The side profile shows clean and refined body surfaces that blend the contrasting volumes together. A first for the Sportage range is a black roof, contrasting to the body colour, to accentuate the sporting profile and highlight the architecturally dynamic C-pillar that encompasses a deconstructed look.

At the rear, broad shoulders give a strong road presence as the muscular swooping fastback flows into the rear lamps. They appear as if they cut into the body with fine precision, forming the outline of the rear lamp graphic and the main section of the tailgate.

Sculpted curved display
Inside, there is a sculpted integrated curved display with a slim touchscreen pad which sweeps almost across the cabin. Finely detailed 3-dimensonal air vents mimic the air flowing from them. Further enhancing passenger convenience, at the rear of the driver and front passenger seats are integrated hanger-type designs within the slim headrests, allowing clothing and handbags to be easily and conveniently hooked into place.

The high-tech touchscreen pad along with the advanced integrated controller act as the nerve centre for driver and passenger connectivity, functionality and usability needs. Both systems have been created to be easy-to-use, highly intuitive and soft to touch while a shift-by-wire transmission dial makes operation easier.

To be assembled in Malaysia too?
The global market launch will take place later this year with progressive introductions in various markets. This new model could well be among those that the new representative of Kia in Malaysia – Bermaz Auto (BAuto) – will assemble locally next year. A subsidiary of BAuto, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd (DMSB), will act as the sole distributor of the Korean vehicles. Newly-formed Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Kia Motors, will manage the assembly operations which will be at the Inokom plant in Kedah.

In the meantime, Kia owners are urged to provide their contact details to DMSB so that they can be contacted in future. This is especially important for those who have vehicles that still have warranties in effect (which will continue to be honoured). To register contact information, click here.

*First and second generation of Sportage (above), and the third and fourth generation (below).*

Toyota and Lexus owners assured of assistance and support during FMCO

Like many companies in various industries across the country, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is abiding by the requirements of the full Movement Control Order (FMCO), which started on June 1, 2021, by temporarily suspending all its sales and manufacturing operations. However, while all non-essential services remain closed, Toyota and Lexus owners can still be assured of support for vehicle emergencies and breakdowns.

Assistance and support for owners
“The past few weeks have been challenging for all of us. During these difficult times, we at Toyota and Lexus stand with all of you in solidarity in our fight against the pandemic. We have temporarily shut down our non-essential services. At the same time, we understand that during this time of uncertainty, we can still be of assistance and support. This is why we continue to be here for vehicle emergencies and breakdown,’ said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

*Although Toyota and Lexus outlets are closed in compliance with the FMCO, owners can still get emergency assistance by calling the Hotline number below.*

Warranty will be extended
He added that all vehicles purchased from UMW Toyota Motor or its authorised dealers nationwide which have warranties that are expiring during this period will enjoy a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.

“We are extremely grateful to the Government for taking numerous intervention measures to not only safeguard Malaysians from the threat of the pandemic, but in introducing financial and industrial policies to ensure that the pandemic does not have a too severe impact on the economy. This includes a further extension of the SST (Sales & Service Tax) exemption which we believe has, and will continue, to contribute significantly towards restoring consumer purchasing confidence,” added UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman, Akio Takeyama.

Recovering consumer purchasing confidence
UMWT has seen clear signs of consumer purchasing confidence improving with the sales of its Toyota and Lexus vehicles rising for many months now. In May, 7,595 units of vehicles from the two brands were delivered. The volume was largely driven by models such as the Vios sedan which accounted for 32% of sales, followed by the Yaris hatchback (25%) and the Hilux pick-up truck which contributed 21% of the units sold in May.

*Vios was company’s bestselling model in May, accounting for about a third of total sales.*

Mr. Takeyama added that the impact of the pandemic has been both unpredictable and unprecedented, but the introduction of several new models throughout the year combined with the SST incentives for consumers has helped the local automotive industry to navigate the storm in a position of strength.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ravindran said the company will continue to extend service excellence to all customers and continue to introduce numerous sales and aftersales initiatives to assist with savings in these difficult times. “We are here for you. This is an effort that is not only solely on the shoulders of the government, but it involves everyone and all stakeholders. We thank our customers for their continued support and in return, rest assured that we will continue to support you through these challenging times,” he said.

Toyota Boshoku UMW — *Last year. a subsidiary of UMW Toyota Motor made Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontliners who needed them urgently.*

‘Thank you’ to frontliners
UMW Toyota Motor encourages everyone to stay home, stay safe and to take care of one another. It assures all customers that support, where necessary, will be provided during this period. “To all of our healthcare workers and those upholding peace and order in every way big and small, we owe each of you a profound debt of appreciation and gratitude for your selfless service. We would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ you to all of you,” said Mr. Ravindran.

Nissan ‘Great Rewards’ campaign offers special deals besides savings on sales tax

With the exemption of sales tax extended till the end of 2021 (from its original date of June 30), car-buyers will be able to save money on their purchases. Besides enjoying these savings, they can also get special deals from Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) when purchasing new Nissan models.

The company’s latest Nissan ‘Great Rewards’ campaign offers sales tax savings, low monthly instalments with Flexi Financing program and accessories or maintenance packages.

For example, the latest Almera 1.0 Turbo now comes with an Urban accessories package worth up to RM5,500 and with the Flexi Financing offer, the instalment will be RM530 each month (terms and conditions apply).

There is also a new Special Civil Servants Promotion for the Almera 1.0 Turbo VL variant with a starting price from RM71,906.

2020 Nissan Almera Turbo — *Almera Turbo*

Those who have want a more versatile and tough off-road capable vehicle can consider the latest Navara. The 4×4 2.5-litre Turbo Double-Cab Pick-up comes with many best-in-class technologies, including an array of Nissan Intelligent Mobility driver-assist features and safety systems. The monthly instalment for this model can be from RM960 using Flexi Financing.

Other Nissan models with special models are the X-Trail and Serena S-Hybrid. For the X-Trail, ETCM is offering an IMPUL or Aero Edition accessories package (worth up to RM5,600) and Flexi Financing that starts from RM1,020 monthly. The Serena S-Hybrid comes with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance and service with parts and labour included. Using Flexi Financing means the instalment can be RM1,080 monthly.

As showrooms are presently closed, interested customers can visit the Nissan Flagship Store at Lazada where they can not only find out about the many models available but also make bookings for just RM250 to initiate the purchase process.

Other channels for information on Nissan products and services in Malaysia are the Nissan Online Showroom as well as the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline 1800-88-3838.

Track-only Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 with full carbon chassis meets FIA Hypercar safety standards

With 30 years of experience in using composite materials in the automotive field, it’s not surprising that Lamborghini is the first carmaker to have a car on the market with a carbonfibre roll-cage homologated according to the FIA Hypercar safety standards. The model is the Essenza SCV12 which was developed by Lamborghini Squadra Corse and designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile as the direct descendant of cars such as the Miura Jota and Diablo GTR.

‘Laboratory of ideas’
“The Essenza SCV12 was born as a ‘laboratory of ideas’. This allowed us to use technical solutions usually found in racing prototypes, such as the suspension installed directly on the load-bearing gearbox, which is an innovative solution for a GT car. In addition, it features the new carbonfibre monocoque chassis without steel roll- cage, resulting from technical collaboration with the FIA, thanks to which we’ve started a process that will lead to an exponential improvement in safety for GT racing drivers in the future,” said Giorgio Sanna, Lamborghini’s Head of Motorsport.

Rigorous testing to meet standards
The carbonfibre chassis has been subjected to the testing required by the FIA for chassis homologation. This testing is extremely rigorous, involving both static and dynamic tests, and required Lamborghini Squadra Corse technicians to extensively modify the structure of the production chassis from which the Essenza SCV12 chassis is derived.

The carbonfibre monocoque was reinforced in several points, having to withstand forces of over 12 tons during the FIA homologation tests without presenting significant deformations. There are more than 20 static tests which, in addition to the chassis, involve the pedals, seatbelts and fuel tank. The dynamic crash tests, on the other hand, involve impacts at speeds of up to 14 metres/second. In this type of test, the chassis must not be subjected to any intrusion of external elements that could come into contact with the driver, and the fuel tank must not leak.

Saving weight and space
The decision of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse technicians to maintain the carbonfibre structure, ie not mounting a steel roll-cage, was a benefit in terms of overall weight, along with the use of innovative laminated foams inside the chassis (ROHACELL 71 XT). This also provided a significant increase in cockpit space for optimal driving comfort.

In the Essenza SCV12, the driver sits on an OMP FIA 8862 homologated seat, mounted on carbonfibre cradles designed by Squadra Corse and produced in Lamborghini’s CFK laboratories. The seat has been lowered compared to the road models and the driver and passenger are protected on the door side by two side impact guards, also made of composite material, which replace the classic steel tubes found in racing cars.

Another new solution is the cradle situated in the rear part of the monocoque, which houses the engine perfectly positioned on the longitudinal axis, while the gearbox has a load-bearing and structural function. This characteristic also made it possible to achieve torsional stiffness values 20% higher than those of the Huracan GT3 EVO.

“Along with the aerodynamic load of over 1,200 kgs at top speed, the torsional stiffness of the car contributes to ensuring extraordinary driving precision,” explained Marco Mapelli. “This makes it possible for the driver to tackle curves at speed without any appreciable correction of the steering angle. Essenza SCV12 is a very fast car, thanks to the extraordinary thrust of the 830 bhp engine, and it’s relatively easy to drive.”

Only for track use
The track-only hypercar, limited to 40 units, has the most powerful V12 naturally-aspirated engine ever developed by Lamborghini, combined with aerodynamics inspired by racing prototypes and new technical solutions designed for the ultimate driving experience.

The first units of Essenza SCV12 were delivered to customers about 2 months ago and the dedicated program of track events will start at the end of this month. Essenza SCV12 owners will become part of an exclusive club that will give them access to special programs to drive their hypercar on the most prestigious circuits in the world. The program includes storage service in a new hangar built in Sant’Agata Bolognese for the Essenza SCV12 club. Each car will have a personalized garage and dedicated services, including webcams to allow customers to monitor their cars 24 hours a day using an app.