To know more about promotions at BHPetrol stations, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.
Once again, the Movement Control Order (MCO) is in force, and businesses have to adjust to stricter conditions. However, this time round, there isn’t a total shutdown in the economic sector and where the auto industry is concerned, outlets and service centres can remain open. However, owners are limited by a 10-km range from their house during the MCO period.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) confirms that all its authorized dealerships and service centres remain operational nationwide. Owners are advised to book their service appointments online here.
Safe Hands initiative
The Volkswagen service centres follow strict guidelines under the ‘Safe Hands’ initiative, which includes contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitisation before and after service, cashless payments with e-invoicing and contactless car collection/return.
Additionally, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, stringent hygiene processes are followed, including regular sanitising of premises and vehicles, proper safety screenings, MySejahtera app check-ins and temperature checks.
Complimentary home delivery
Those who are shopping for a new Volkswagen can do so from home. They can obtain information at the Volkswagen eShowroom which is open 24 hours. Special deals are offered when booking online and home delivery serviceof the new vehicle is complimentary (within a 20-km radius from the preferred dealership).
The Roadside Assistance service that is enjoyed by owners also remains operational, although owners should not be travelling much at this time. Nevertheless, it would be a welcome service if the vehicle battery dies while it is parked at home.
For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my or contact any authorised Volkswagen dealership.
Trends in car ownership are evolving and these days, there is growing interest in what are known as subscription plans. Customers choose a model, and a fixed instalment is paid each month over an agreed period of a few years. The amount includes maintenance costs, insurance and even roadtax so it is convenient.
But there is a catch: ownership of the car is not the customer’s at the end and he or she can either return it or negotiate to buy it over, or even start a new subscription. It’s a good opportunity to upgrade to a new car every few years, and no hassles of having to sell off the old one first.
First in the world
A number of companies in Malaysia offer this approach and the latest to join is Toyota with its KINTO ONE scheme. Introduced by Toyota Capital Malaysia, KINTO ONE is a global financing scheme which the carmaker has introduced in many countries, and it already has a very big presence in the Europe. For Malaysia, it is the first-in-the-world Islamic based car medium-term subscription program.
Originating from the Japanese word kinto-un, which means ‘flying nimbus’, as the future image of mobility, the name is in line with the spirit of providing services that quickly appear when necessary, enabling mobility as per the user’s wishes, and are kind to the environment.
All-inclusive instalment
Unlike the traditional hire purchase (H-P) financing facility, KINTO ONE is an all-inclusive, fixed monthly payment, car subscription plan. The fixed subscription covers registration costs of the vehicle, annual comprehensive insurance coverage and roadtax, as well as scheduled maintenance and preventive maintenance costs. At the end of the term, which can be 2 years or 3 years, the customer can return the car.
Some of the Toyota and Lexus models available under the KINTO ONE plan. The monthly amounts may appear high but remember that they include costs like roadtax, insurance and servicing – which you would have to pay anyway. So all an owner really has to pay for is fuel, paking and toll charges – and fines.
“KINTO ONE is the direct translation of a strategic partnership between Toyota Capital Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor and is a distinctly curated response to the new generation lifestyle seeking mobility. It is about the shift of consumer behaviour from car ownership to car usership. It is about Toyota’s vision of ‘Mobility for All’,” said Thomas Chai, President of Toyota Capital Malaysia.
Good for corporate sector
Mr. Chai added that KINTO ONE is also aimed at the corporate sector which wants to be ‘light in their assets’ but still require the functionalities of being mobile. The full range of aftersales and support services will be handled by authorized Toyota dealers nationwide, with 24-hour emergency assistance also provided.
“It all seems new and revolutionary for KINTO ONE aiming to cater to the newer generation of car owners seeking for freedom and mobility through its all-inclusive fixed monthly subscription plan, but KINTO ONE has already been introduced in many parts of the world. While it is newly launched here in Malaysia, we are starting with our learning curves way past the introductory stages. With strong support from Toyota Motor Corporation and the abundant availability of intellectual discourses amongst KINTO operators around the world, it has made our market introduction journey a very enriching one,” said Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
KINTO ONE is exclusively available online via the website (www.kinto-my.com) where customers can view the car models available, decide on which subscription plan suits them and then apply online. The subscription plans also cover Lexus models available in Malaysia.
To know more about promotions at BHPetrol stations, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.
Retro models have a certain appeal to the young and of course to the old, who remember the originals. Perhaps they bring back memories of happier times or of what is perceived to be more adventurous periods in automobile history.
Car designers often look to previous models for inspiration and sometimes use certain elements in a new model. Sometimes they may even recreate or, in the more popular term used today – reimagine – a model in the 21st century.
Reimagining a cult model
Understanding that the soul of a brand is in its roots, Renault’s designers have chosen to reconnect with the past and draw inspiration to find the spirit of the glorious times. They have created the Renault 5 Prototype, a model that immediately brings to mind the cult model from Renault’s past, the R5.
The role of the Renault 5 Prototype is to show that Renault will democratize the electric car in Europe with a modern approach to the popular and essential car. Like its predecessor, it is a compact and cute city car but with a modern, 100% electric twist.
The modern approach is evident in the chosen finishes and materials, which are inspired by the worlds of electronics, furniture and sports. It has also kept the fun, anti-crisis and mischievous side with the pop of yellow highlights.
Urban, electric, attractive
This prototype embodies modernity relevant to its time – urban, electric, attractive – and is immediately recognizable. With a modern treatment of lines and flush surfaces with futuristic detailing (lights, front face, etc, the result is resolutely in the spirit of the current times.
The styling elements taken from the original design in a modern way hide very modern functions. For example, the bonnet air intake hides the charging hatch; the rear lights include aero flaps, and the foglamps in the bumper are daytime running lights. There is even a hint of the original ‘5’ on the side grid, the wheels and the rear logo.
French in many ways
The front end and the textile roof drawn from the world of furniture are full of ‘French charm’, a hint of mischief, character that pulls on the heartstrings. The front and rear logos light up, bringing the car ‘to life’. The French flag in the rearview mirrors to underline the “invented in France” side of the electric vehicle, while the headrest lights and the name displayed on the small transparent screen on the dashboard, invite you to hop in for a ride.
The fenders extend a bit and those who remember the potent R5 Turbo of the 1980s. It had a more aggressive widebody appearance and the engine was actually in the middle. It won four times in the WRC and is a collectors item today.
‘Renaulution’ strategic plan
Renault has not said anything about this prototype going further and unveiled it in conjunction with the announcement of its ‘Renaulution’ strategic plan. The plan calls for about a third of Renault sales to be electric vehicles by 2025, by which time the company will have launched at least 7 EVs. This could be one of them.
The original R5 actually started off as an idea penned by a Renault designer in his free time. When his bosses saw it, they liked it and authorised developing it into a production model. It was produced between 1972 and 1985 and sold worldwide, including the USA. It cost about RM10,800 in Malaysia in the mid-1970s. During the 1980s, a powerful variant known as the R5 Turbo (below) was developed, primarily as a homologation special for use in rallies. It was quite a different car as the 1.4-litre engine was mid-mounted and produced 160 ps/21 Nm, which went to the rear wheels instead of the front wheels.
The Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program, organised and managed by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) for the past 19 years, will continue into its 20th edition with a longer program. Unlike previous years which have been completed within a year, the concept for this year’s TEY program is that it will run for 3 years. For this 20th edition of TEY, the winners will return as facilitator in the 2nd year to mentor the new batch and establish a TEY Apprentice Online Club. The winners will then continue with proof of concept and Intensive Prototype Development.
283 teams registered to participate
To date, it has involved 258 schools, 1,910 secondary school students and 762 teachers throughout the country. The program is open to secondary school students aged 13 – 16 years old and there is unlimited school participation. For this year, 283 teams from 177 schools have submitted registrations but only a maximum of 16 teams from schools will take part.
In the 19 previous years, the teams have set up displays of their work but for this 20th edition, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the whole program will be conducted online.
“The Toyota Eco Youth has been running continuously for 20 years and we hope that those who have participated continue to grow their creativity help propagate a greener future for all of us,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
For the 20th edition of TEY, UMWT is again collaborating with the Ministry of Education and will run state and national level competitions. Additionally, for this year, the Leaderonomics Community also joins as a working partner.
Activities conducted online
In view of the present COVID-19 pandemic situation, the official launch of the National-level competition took place online recently. UMWT Executive Director of Sales, Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, announced the teams which come from all over the country, including Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
Encik Mohd Shamsor also introduced Agent M (Mobility), consisting of 3 – 4 members per team. Each Agent M will select a C.A.S.E. (Clothing, Apps, Smart Tools or Eco-Friendly Vehicles) and present solutions to environmental issues. Their solutions will be presented in a video uploaded for judging and public viewing.
‘Reimagining Mobility’ is the theme
The format of this program will be fully online, and the 16 teams will be equipped and trained with project management skills that incorporate Toyota’s Problem Solving Methodology. They will then be required to build a prototype solution based on the theme of ‘Reimagining Mobility’. This theme depicts the creation of safe and eco-friendly mobility solutions for the nation with a dual-pronged approach to ensure that they are both theoretically and practically comprehensive which includes the interactive e-learning lessons and workshops.
The final judging phase will require the team to showcase their progress through social media and livestream channels. The prize money has been doubled with the total pool of cash prizes amounting to RM64,000.
Some of the winning teams in the 2019 event.
“Since the inception of Toyota Eco Youth, UMW Toyota Motor has spent over RM7 million on the program,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “In spite of pandemic, we will not diminish our support for such programs as they are an important part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
For further information on the 2020/2021 Toyota Eco Youth Program and updates, the public can visit www.toyota.com.my/toyotaecoyouth.
Earlier this month, Kia unveiled its new corporate logo with the new brand slogan of ‘Movement that inspires’. This slogan replaces ‘The Power to Surprise’ which has been in use since 2005 (although the US also had a new slogan in 2019 – ‘Give It Everything’). With the new slogan also comes a new strategy which the Korean carmaker will probably use throughout this decade, or into the next one.
Signalling the brand breaking away from its traditional manufacturing-driven business model, the corporate name will now be Kia Corporation, instead of Kia Motors Corporation, though the public has usually used just ‘Kia‘ anyway.
Beyond vehicle manufacturing
The strategy will see the company go beyond vehicle manufacturing to create sustainable mobility solutions for customers. According to Ho Sung Song, President & CEO of Kia Corporation, the company’s vision is to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies globally.
“At Kia, we believe that transportation, mobility, and movement represent a human right. Today, we start putting the company vision into action with the launch of our new brand purpose and strategy for the future,” he said.
New brand purpose
Kia’s new brand purpose emphasises that movement is at the genesis of human development. Movement enables people to see new places, to meet new people, and to have new experiences. This connection is the essence of Kia’s new brand – to enable human progress by providing innovative in-car spaces, exciting new products, and meaningful, convenient services that inspire customers and free up time for the activities that they enjoy the most.
Kia has been in the ‘movement’ industry for more than 75 years, starting with Korea’s first domestic bicycles and then manufacturing motorcycles and delivery trucks. As in past decades, it will meet changing customer expectations about how they move, and how their movement impacts the world around them.
The broader vision for sustainable mobility
Reflecting the brand’s broader vision for mobility, Kia is expanding its business to encompass EVs, mobility solutions and services, purpose-built vehicles, and more. Alongside these efforts, Kia will simultaneously promote more sustainable production through the usage of clean energy and recyclable materials.
The company is focused on popularising battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plans to reinforce its global product line-up with the introduction of 7 new dedicated BEVs within the next 6 years. These new models will be in several segments, each incorporating advanced technologies for long-range driving and high-speed charging from Hyundai Motor Group’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
Purpose-Built Vehicles
Kia is also developing a range of new Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) for corporate customers. These specialised vehicles will be based on flexible ‘skateboard’ platforms, with modular bodies designed to meet the specific mobility needs of a broad range of corporate and fleet customers. Partnerships with the likes of Canoo and Arrival will mean Kia PBVs can offer different bodies mounted on top of an integrated modular ‘skateboard’ platform, tailored to users’ functional requirements.
Demand for PBVs is expected to grow 5-fold by 2030 due to rapid and sustained growth in e-commerce and car-sharing services. Bespoke Kia PBVs will be tailored to meet the needs of corporate and fleet customers. For instance, these could include car-sharing vehicles, low-floor logistics vehicles, and delivery vehicles.
The change in the company’s corporate name also means transforming the organisation’s working culture. “Changing our corporate name and logo is not only a cosmetic improvement. It represents us expanding our horizons and establishing new and emerging businesses that meet and exceed the diverse needs of our customers worldwide. More importantly, it also means adapting our working culture, enabling the creativity of all our employees and establishing an inspiring work environment,” President Song explained.
First dedicated BEV coming soon
With its growing range of BEVs, Kia is targeting a 6.6% share of the global BEV market by 2025, and global annual sales of 500,000 BEVs by 2026. The first of Kia’s next-generation BEVs will be revealed in the first quarter of 2021, embodying Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification.
Based on new E-GMP technology, this dedicated BEV will boast a crossover-inspired design, while offering an electric driving range of over 500 kms and a high-speed charging time of under 20 minutes. This will also be the first global model to bear Kia’s new logo.
Since the Dakar Rally began in 1979, MINI has won it 5 times, adding a sixth overall title this year. While not matching Mitsubishi’s 12 wins, XRAID MINI JCW driver Stephane Peterhansel has the record of 14 wins in the event with his latest this week. His total of 14 wins over 30 years of participation in the event, includes winning 6 times on a motorcycle.
Consistency was the secret of success
The event this year was held in the deserts of Saudi Arabia with 12 stages that took the participants from Jeddah on January 2 in a clockwise route of 7,646 kms to finish in the same city 13 days later. Driving a XRAID MINI JCW Buggy, Peterhansel, with Edouard Boulanger, successfully defended the title won in 2020.
While Peterhansel was fastest only on one stage, his consistency in remaining among the top runners throughout the event showed kept him within sight of victory, finishing with a lead of 14 minutes 51 seconds.
“The pressure was immense since we were leading the overall standings for much of the race. You can only lose in that situation. But I have to say, we drove almost a perfect Dakar without any major errors and once again that was the key to success. Things were perfect between Edouard and me, and I was delighted to have him sat next to me. He couldn’t have done anything better,” the French driver said.
Stephane Peterhansel, 55, has won the Dakar Rally 14 times, using motorcycles for the first 6 wins.
In addition to Peterhansel, a third MINI crew finished in the top 10. Vladimir Vasilyev and Dmitry Tsyro crossed the finish line in sixth place in a MINI JCW Rally. A total of eight MINI cars competed in Saudi Arabia this year, 6 of which reached the finish line.
Nasser Al-Attiyah, Toyota GAZOO Racing Hilux, finished second between Peterhansel and Sainz.
Toyota finishes between two MINIs
The MINI was in close competition with Qatari driver, Nasser Al-Attiyah, who won 5 stages. However, difficulties with finding the route and a few punctures lost him a lot of time and by the finish, he could manage only second place with his Toyota Hilux.
Reigning champion Carlos Sainz (the father of the F1 driver) – who last year won the event – was unable to repeat the achievement as mechanical issues dogged him. Putting in a strong effort and winning the final stage got him third overall position, but his total time was an hour behind Peterhansel and Al-Attiyah.
