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Inside Proton Parts Centre: Strengthening Parts Supply Chain for Market Demands

The media visit to Proton Parts Centre Sdn Bhd (PPCSB) provided insight into the company’s robust warehousing ecosystem and outlined the latest developments in Proton’s parts supply chain warehousing improvement plan for 2024. Located in the Hicom-Glenmarie Industrial Park, Shah Alam, Selangor, PPCSB has been a key player in the worldwide trading of motor vehicle components, spare parts, and accessories since its inception in 1992.

Facts and figures presented during the visit shed light on PPCSB’s extensive customer base, which includes 354 Body & Paint, Stockist, and Authorised Service Dealers, along with 26 overseas distributors. Notably, PPCSB has significantly expanded its warehouse space by over 35% in the past two years, reflecting a strategic investment to enhance stock holdings and ensure timely market supply across all regions.

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Planning on Changing The Rims on Your Honda CR-V e:HEV RS? Think Again

Most car enthusiasts love modifying their brand-new cars, knowing that doing so may affect the warranty. One common modification is a rim change to give their rides a more “sporty” look. However, with the new Honda CR-V e:HEV RS, doing so may take away one important feature that the SUV has: the wheel resonators, also known as noise-reducing wheels.

Continuous noise emitted by tyres while driving on highways can become a source of irritation for drivers. This noise results from resonance occurring within the hollow spaces of the tyres when encountering uneven surfaces on the road. For automobile manufacturers aiming to offer a smooth and quiet driving experience, this has posed a significant challenge. To address this issue, noise-reducing wheels have been developed, employing hollow resonators to dampen unwanted resonance and ensure a serene and comfortable ride.

The noise produced within the tyre resembles the resonant sound of bouncing a basketball or volleyball on a hard surface. In cars, this pipe resonance, along with accompanying vibrations, travels from the wheels through the suspension and into the cabin, creating undesirable and bothersome noise.

Honda embarked on a mission to mitigate this noise problem. Recognising that the frequency of pipe resonance varies based on the shape and volume of the air enclosure—similar to the differing sounds produced when bouncing different types of balls—led to the realisation that tyre size determines pipe resonance frequency. Armed with this understanding, Honda devised a method to counteract pipe resonance by generating sound waves that neutralise this specific frequency.

To achieve this, Honda explored the concept of Helmholtz resonance, where sound is produced when air is blown across the opening of a container, such as an empty bottle, with the container’s shape and air volume dictating the resulting frequency. Leveraging this principle, Honda devised a resonator encircling the wheel, capable of emitting sound waves matching the frequency of pipe resonance generated by the tire. This innovative design effectively suppresses unwanted noise, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Now, you may have the idea that you can purchase the wheel resonators separately and apply them to your new rims, but during a recent press conference, Honda stated that it is not possible to do so. Mr. Sarly Adle Sarkum, President and Chief Operating Officer of Honda, stated, “Someone had tried to purchase the resonators and apply them on the lower variant CR-Vs, and that’s just not possible because it would not fit.”

When Piston Malaysia asked Mr. Yujiro Sugino, Executive Coordinator, and Mr. Eisuke Sato, Large Project Leader (CR-V), about the wheel resonators, as well as the Bose sound system being introduced into the lower variants, they stated, “There is a possibility of doing so, but we would need to consider the model positioning and what is required for those models.” Sugino also stated that “The resonators were designed specifically for the hybrid variant for higher noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance, which is why the other variants do not have it.”

On another note, since the Honda City now comes in five variants rather than the previous four since the petrol versions now also have their own RS model, we asked if the same concept would be applied to the new CR-V, and Sugino replied with a simple “As of now, no.” It would be a nice touch if Honda did so.

When asked about the introduction of the AWD hybrid variant, similar to the one offered in Thailand, Sugino said that “If we were to do so, we would be adding another option of variant, which would give customers more choices but at the same time it would not be optimal for efficiency in production, which is why we decided it was best to go with the 2WD option.”

Bugatti Prepares to Unleash Next Hypercar with Hybrid V16 Power

Bugatti is gearing up to unveil its next hypercar, slated to replace the iconic Chiron, in June this year. To whet the appetite of enthusiasts, the company has released a tantalising video featuring the unmistakable sound of its upcoming V16 engine, set to be housed within a carbon fibre-laden chassis. As hinted previously by Bugatti officials, this combustion engine will be part of a hybrid powertrain, marking a significant technological leap for the brand.

While Bugatti remains tight-lipped about specific details, previous reports suggest that the new engine, developed in collaboration with Cosworth, boasts a massive 8.3-litre displacement. Speculation also surrounds the engine’s configuration, with rumours suggesting it might be naturally aspirated and capable of revving up to a spine-tingling 9,000 rpm. Coupled with three electric motors, the powertrain is rumoured to deliver a staggering combined output of 1,800 horsepower. However, Bugatti has confirmed only that the powertrain is a hybrid V16, leaving other details subject to speculation until official disclosures in the coming months.

Interestingly, Bugatti’s exploration of a V16 engine is not entirely novel. The marque previously teased the idea with the 18/3 Chiron concept in 1999, featuring a colossal 6.3-litre W18 engine. The automotive world has seen other attempts at V16-powered vehicles, including the Cadillac V-16 from 1930 and modern concepts like the Rolls-Royce 100EX and the Devel Sixteen, though production versions remain elusive.

Beyond its powertrain, Bugatti’s upcoming hypercar is anticipated to be an all-new model, departing from the evolutionary path of its predecessors. Designed under the guidance of Bugatti Director of Design Achim Anscheidt, it marks the culmination of an era before future models are overseen by a new design team led by Frank Heyl.

Despite the excitement surrounding its imminent debut, prospective buyers will need to exercise patience. Production and deliveries are not slated to commence until 2026, as Bugatti prioritises existing projects like the Mistral roadster and the track-focused Bolide. Nevertheless, Bugatti promises that its next hypercar will be “incomparable in every detail,” embodying the marque’s DNA for eternity.

2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV Makes Debut In America with 434km of Driving Range

The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV may appear similar to its conventional counterparts, but its distinguishing feature lies in its plug-in hydrogen setup, as indicated by the two fuel caps. Unlike traditional plug-in hybrids, this CR-V combines a fuel cell setup with a battery pack, making it a unique offering in the market.

Referred to as the only fuel-cell electric passenger vehicle made in America, the compact SUV boasts a sophisticated powertrain configuration. It features a front-mounted electric motor generating 174hp and 310Nm of torque. The compressed hydrogen gas tank, with a capacity of 4.3 kilograms, provides an EPA-certified driving range of 434km. Additionally, the separate 17.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack offers an EPA-estimated 46km of electric range.

Incorporating bidirectional charging capabilities akin to conventional plug-in hybrids and battery EVs, the CR-V e:FCEV includes a power supply connector that can deliver up to 1,500 watts of power through a standard 110-volt outlet. This feature enables users to power various appliances, camping equipment, tools, and even portable air conditioners.

Given the unique weight distribution of the SUV, Honda has completely re-tuned the suspension system at both the front and rear axles. The CR-V e:FCEV utilises a MacPherson strut front and a multi-link rear suspension setup. Improvements in rear lateral and torsional rigidity, up by 10 percent and 9 percent, respectively, over combustion engine models, are achieved through the implementation of new stabiliser bars, dampers, and springs.

This model marks Honda’s debut of the second generation of its fuel cell module, co-developed with General Motors and manufactured in Michigan. Notable enhancements include increased efficiency, durability, refinement, and cost-effectiveness compared to its predecessor. Production costs for the fuel cell have been substantially reduced by two-thirds compared to the discontinued Clarity Fuel Cell.

Visually, the CR-V e:FCEV features distinct design elements to set it apart from its non-hydrogen counterparts. Changes to the front fenders, bumper, partially black tailgate, clear taillights, and 18-inch black alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design contribute to its unique aesthetic. Underneath the SUV, a fully closed underfloor improves airflow for enhanced efficiency.

For the 2025 model year, the CR-V e:FCEV will be exclusively offered as a Touring trim level, boasting a comprehensive list of standard features. From electrically adjustable heated front seats to a 12-speaker Bose sound system, the Touring trim includes luxurious amenities such as dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, a power tailgate, and a wireless charging pad. Standard technology features include a 9-inch touchscreen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Scheduled for lease availability in California later this year, the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV represents a significant step forward in Honda’s commitment to sustainable mobility and innovative technology.

smart Malaysia Celebrates 100 Days of Customer-Centric Excellence

smart Malaysia is elated to commemorate its first 100 days in the market, coinciding with a rare leap-year occurrence. As the company marks this significant milestone, it reiterates its unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding products and services to its esteemed customers.

During its inaugural 100 days, smart Malaysia organised the smart Tech Insight Day, a tailored event designed to enrich the understanding of existing smart #1 customers regarding their ownership experience. Covering crucial topics such as warranty details, product features, the convenient charging ecosystem, and real-life owner anecdotes, this event set the stage for future engagements aimed at nurturing the smart community. Furthermore, customers benefitted from enhanced convenience through the Hello smart App platform, where they could readily access FAQs to swiftly address their queries.

Looking ahead, smart Malaysia will roll out more events, including driving experiences for smart owners and enthusiasts, providing them with the opportunity to explore the dynamic driving characteristics of the smart #1. This initiative seeks to deepen engagement and cultivate a robust network of smart enthusiasts.

With a notable expansion of its dealer network from 10 operational dealerships in 2023 to soon-to-be 13, including the forthcoming establishment of the first-ever centre in East Malaysia, smart Malaysia continues to broaden its footprint. The smart #1 BRABUS remains the preferred choice among the customer base, underscoring its enduring appeal and exceptional performance. Additionally, smart #1 Premium and Pro owners appreciate the simplicity and efficiency offered for city driving.

smart Malaysia is dedicated to expanding its charging infrastructure and forging partnerships in response to the growing demand for EVs nationwide. With 70% of charging station data already integrated into the Hello smart app, EV owners can anticipate even broader coverage as collaborative efforts with key stakeholders in the EV ecosystem progress. This collaboration aims to facilitate convenient access to charging facilities nationwide, further bolstering the adoption of electric vehicles. Additionally, the updated app now facilitates debit or credit card payments, enabling owners to conveniently pay for charging sessions or purchase in-car internet data directly through the app.

Stellantis Malaysia Introduces One-Stop Call Center for Peugeot, DS, and Citroen Models

Starting from March 1, 2024, Stellantis Malaysia National Sales Company (Stellantis Malaysia) will inaugurate a comprehensive one-stop call centre dedicated to Peugeot, DS, and Citroen vehicles in Malaysia. This initiative is part of Stellantis’ strategic shift towards consolidating sales distribution and enhancing the ownership experience of its vehicles under Stellantis Malaysia’s management, aimed at providing seamless customer care throughout this transition period.

The newly established call centre will serve as a centralised hub for all customer support services, catering to both sales and after-sales inquiries, as well as addressing any complaints or concerns. Owners of Peugeot, DS, and Citroen vehicles can conveniently reach out to the call centre through the following channels:

– Toll-Free Number: 1800-18-STLA (7852)
– Email Address: customersupport.my@stellantis.com

Operating hours for the call centre are scheduled from Monday to Sunday, spanning from 8:45 AM to 5:45 PM. Furthermore, to ensure continuous assistance during emergencies, Stellantis Malaysia will extend 24-hour support for accident and breakdown cases, underscoring their commitment to providing prompt and reliable customer service.