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Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 to deliver ‘purest track experience’

“With Essenza SCV12, we wanted to elevate not only performance and driving pleasure but also the experience off the track.” And with that promise, Stefano Domenicali, CEO & Chairman of Automobili Lamborghini, unveiled the Essenza SCV12, a track-only hypercar in a limited edition of 40 units.

Developed by Lamborghini Squadra Corse and designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile, the Essenza SCV12 is the direct descendant of cars such as the Miura Jota and Diablo GTR. It is propelled by 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.

“Essenza SCV12 represents the purest track driving experience that our brand can offer, an engineering feat that highlights the inextricable link between our cars and the asphalt of the track. Lamborghini is a brand constantly looking to the future and searching for new challenges, but we never forget our roots and who we are: Essenza SCV12 is the perfect combination of our unconventional spirit as a super sports car manufacturer and our true passion for motorsport,” said Mr. Domenicali.

Born for the track
The Essenza SCV12 was created for exclusive track use, with engineering solutions derived from racing. The V12 engine can generate over 830 bhp, with a significant power uplift from the RAM effect at high speeds. The exhaust pipes were designed by Capristo to reduce the back pressure, improving performance and emphasizing the unique sound of the engine.

The power is handled by a new X-trac sequential 6-speed gearbox as a structural element within the chassis, combined with rear-wheel drive to ensure compactness, structural continuity, and greater torsional stiffness.

Not surprisingly, the Essenza SCV12 has an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 1.66 bhp/kg, thanks to the lighter weight of the new-generation carbonfibre monocoque chassis without internal rollcage. It is also the first GT car developed in accordance with FIA prototype safety rules.

To ensure maximum agility and stability on even the most demanding tracks, kinematic solutions inspired by racing prototypes have been adopted. These include the pushrod rear suspension installed directly on the gearbox. Specific slick Pirelli tyres are mounted on magnesium rims (19 inches in front, 20 inches at the rear), which frame the brake discs and calipers developed by Brembo Motorsport.

“Essenza SCV12 is the ultimate expression of the V12 naturally aspirated engine, the symbol of our brand since 1963. It is a project in which we combined the pursuit of engineering perfection with refined aerodynamics, futuristic design, and innovative solutions such as the carbon monocoque without internal roll-cage. The result is an engaging and uncompromising car, born to race and to showcase on the track the characteristics that have made Lamborghini famous worldwide, guaranteeing unique and special emotions for both the driver and onlookers,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini.

Aerodynamics from racing experience
The aerodynamics benefit from Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s GT racing experience to ensure a level of efficiency and higher downforce levels than a GT3 car, with a value of 1,200 kgs at 250 km/h. The front bonnet has a double air intake with a central rib, typical of the Huracan racing cars, which separates the hot airflow coming from the radiator and conveys the cold air to the airscoop located on the roof.

The front features a splitter and two lateral elements; on the sides, the flows for engine and gearbox cooling have been optimized through the use of vertical fins situated on the side sills. The aerodynamic package is completed by the large adjustable double-profile rear wing.

Lamborghini DNA in design
The sleek yet taut and dynamic lines combine the appeal of 1970s prototypes and elements typical of Lamborghini’s DNA, like the hexagonal geometry that characterizes the front headlights, and the roof airscoop and air vents that frame the steering wheel. There is also the unmistakable “Y”, the stylistic feature repeated on the livery and in the cockpit, where each element represents the best compromise between lightweight, functionality and design.

The instrument panel and dashboard are supported by an asymmetrical carbon ‘Y’, a load-bearing and stylistic element that frames the cockpit, designed to put the driver at the centre of an absolute driving experience.

Exclusive driving experience for owners
Essenza SCV12 customers 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.

The facility also houses the Lamborghini Squadra Corse Drivers Lab by Tecnobody to offer athletic training programs similar to those followed by the official Lamborghini racing drivers.

The top comes off the Lamborghini Sian Coupe with a Roadster variant

New Volvo 3S centre opened in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

In its aim to increase its presence in the country, Volvo Car Malaysia has not forgotten East Malaysia. Last November, it appointed Sebangga Mitsinbo Sdn. Bhd as a dealer-partner in Sabah and recently, the same business partner opened a new 3S (Sales, Service & Spare Parts) centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Sebangga Mitsinbo Sdn. Bhd. (part of the Sebangga Group and formerly known as Sebangga Auto) joins Volvo Car Malaysia’s network of 13 dealers across the country. It is the sole authorised Volvo car dealer for the state of Sabah.

“Volvo Car Malaysia and the Sebangga Group share the same vision of protecting what is important, which is why we are honoured to have Sebangga Mitsinbo as our 14th 3S centre in Malaysia. As a brand, we want to enable a dynamic driving experience for our Sabahan customers, as they journey on the road, in life and with the brand, while also caring for the planet through a more sustainable drive with Volvo Cars,” said Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia.

“With the establishment of a 3S centre in Kota Kinabalu, it reinforces our commitment to make roads safer – our vision is that no one should be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo car. With this partnership, our hope for this new dealership is to make premium, safe and quality vehicles accessible to the Sabahan community and from there, spur a movement of being safe on the road,” he added.

Volvo Retail Experience
Inspired by the brand’s Scandinavian-inspired ideals and heritage, the Sebangga Mitsinbo 3S Centre adheres to Volvo Car’s retail standard – the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE). The open space and minimalistic-but-functional furniture are part of the Volvo design language which creates a contemporary luxury experience.

The two-storey space features a showroom at the ground floor, a service centre, a Volvo Car Lifestyle Collection and an Accessories showcase. Volvo’s latest models will be on display and visitors can request for test drives of the XC40, XC60, XC90, S60 and S90.

Volvo XC40 — *XC40 – one of the Volvo models in the current range.*

“This partnership with Volvo resonates well with our vision, in that we, too, value life above all. With Volvo being the pioneers in automotive safety, we are proud to carry the brand under our group and continue to strengthen their position as well as our mutual goal in protecting what is important. The addition of this 3S centre here in Sabah is part of our journey together with Volvo to help make roads safer for passengers and vehicles,” said Dato’ Arif Ambrose Ng, Chairman of Sebangga Group.

“At Volvo Cars, we understand that the value, quality and accessibility of services are just as important as the car, which is why we remain committed to ensuring that all of our customers experience a seamless and premium journey of acquiring and owning a Volvo car,” said Mr. Nalin.

Volvo Car Malaysia introduces Volvo SELEKT for those who want pre-owned Volvos

The Petrol Subsidy Program has been cancelled

Throughout much of last year, the subject of ‘targeted’ fuel subsidies was discussed because the government wanted only the groups that need fuel at subsidized prices get them. The approach was finalized and announced in early October with a planned implementation date at the beginning of 2020. However, in late December, it was announced that the Petrol Subsidy Program (PSP), as it was known, would be postponed. The reason – to allow ‘fine-tuning of the implementation process’ by the Ministry of Finance.

A new date of implementing the PSP was not given and the postponement was used to provide more explanation and clarification to ensure people fully understand the PSP. In any case, the postponement did not have any immediate effect for those who would have been entitled to receive subsidies as the mechanism provided subsidies only once every 4 months. Eligible motorcycle and car owners in Peninsular Malaysia were to receive RM12 a month and RM30 a month, respectively.

The PSP is’dead’
You will note that we are using the past tense and that’s because the PSP is ‘dead’. It was announced by the Deputy Minister for Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs today. He said one reason the government made the decision to abandon the PSP approach after considering the price difference of fuel between the Peninsula and East Malaysia.

Other reasons were not given although it seems likely that the unexpected economic challenges faced by the government this year would have provided a persuasive argument to not use the RM2.4 billion that had been allocated for the PSP this year.

Motorcyclists would have received RM30 a month under the subsidy program.

The program would have provided direct assistance to 8 million motorists in the lower income groups, while those who did not qualify would pay prices for fuel at rates determined by the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) with no subsidy. This has been the case with RON97 petrol which has been priced according to a ‘managed float’ that is adjusted on a weekly basis.

So what happens now?
Presumably, the current arrangement will continue until such time that a new approach of using subsidies more effectively can be planned. Last month, the ceiling prices for petrol and diesel were removed, which led consumers to believe that the prices of RON95 petrol and diesel will go beyond the levels that they were capped at.

*The last time that subsidies were applied to offset higher cost of fuel prices was in early February this year.*

Under the PH government, it was decided that the prices of the two grades of fuel would not exceed RM2.08 and RM2.18 a litre, respectively. If they did (according to the APM), then subsidies would be used to offset the additional cost to keep them at those levels.

However, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ministry quickly issued a statement to say that the action taken with the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering (Determination of Maximum Retail Price for Petrol and Diesel) (No. 8) (Revocation) Order 2020 was for enforcement purposes. It would allow the Finance Ministry to ensure that prices set would be adhered to (although there has not been any reported case of stations not following the designated pump prices).

What are the ceiling prices?
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs minister clarified that the ceiling price was not revoked. But since early March, the government has not had to use any subsidies to maintain the price levels as global oil prices kept falling. They are slowly increasing though still well below the ceiling prices. It should be noted that the statement by the minister did not specifically say that the original ceiling prices would be maintained nor that subsidies would be applied. He only said that the pump prices would follow the APM so we won’t know what will happen until RON95 petrol reaches RM2.08/litre or diesel reaches RM2.18/litre.

3-month extension on loan moratorium for those who are still unemployed

With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of businesses for an extended period, the government managed to convince the banking industry to allow a moratorium on loans, including hire-purchase (H-P) loans. For a 6-month period up to the end of September 2020, monthly instalments did not have to be paid and no penalty would be imposed.

However, this did not mean the 6 months of instalments were deducted; what the move was meant to do was to give some breathing space to those who had been affected by pay cuts or worse, loss of employment and faced difficulty making the monthly payments. They would, however, have to resume making payments from October and their loan tenure would be extended by 6 months. No additional interest would be charged.

Today, the Prime Minister announced that there will be a further 3-month extension provided on the moratorium, which takes it up to the end of December 2020. But before you breathe a sigh of relief, there’s a condition: the extension is for those who lost their job in 2020 and are still unemployed.

For others who have H-P loans, payments will have to commence in October although those who have financial difficulties can discuss with their respective banks on various solutions that are available. For example, they could extend the repayment period so that the instalments are lower.

For other types of loans besides H-P loans, there can be adjustments to the instalment amounts for those who continue to be employed. They will have to discuss with their banks to work out a revised schedule of payments. One bank offers a Repayment Assistance Programme with flexible repayment terms which includes reduced monthly instalment and extension of loan/ financing tenure.

To apply for the extended moratorium, you will need to get in touch with your bank and provide them with the relevant documents to show that you qualify for the extension. If you require a long period, it will be up to the bank to consider the request. The PM said that the banks have expressed a willingness to extend assistance to anyone who appeals.

Finance Ministry says banks agree not to charge any extra interest on H-P loans

Proton Used Car Management division sees increasing business

According to the President of the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), sales of used vehicles saw significant growth during the first 6 months of this year. While sales of all vehicles, new and used, were suspended for some months due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) and closure of businesses, when sales activity resumed, many people headed for used car lots to look for lower-priced vehicles.

The reason for this new buying pattern is believed to be concern about using public transport which has risks of COVID-19 infection due to the crowded environment. As such, many people would rather have their own transport and are buying a used car which would be more affordable than a new one.

While Proton’s main business is making and selling new vehicles, it also realises that the used car business represents a critical component of the automotive value chain. Therefore, as part of its overall strategy, it started to develop a Used Car Management (UCM) department so as to streamline the sales and distribution of used cars in support of new car sales.

Pilot project began at 8 outlets
The UCM division began operations in 2019 with a pilot project consisting of 8 outlets located in various dealerships. The initial period was used to establish operating procedures and to train used car inspectors who would manage transactions in each outlet. In 2020, the goal is to have operations established at 36 3S/4S outlets nationwide.

“With Proton’s sales growing quickly and expected to increase over the coming years, the role of used car management has become more important as we assist customers who need to dispose of their used vehicles. When we started the UCM division in 2019, the goals set were to support new car sales and to improve the resale value of Proton cars,” explained Brian Cheah, Head of Used Car Management.

The target set for UCM is for replacement sales, where a current owner trades in a Proton model for a new one, to account for a minimum of 10% of the volume for outlets with UCM operations. The company has also established programmes to help achieve the target such as Proton Xchange, designed to encourage current owners to replace their current cars with the latest Proton model.

Proton Certified Pre-Owned
With regard to the sale of trade-ins, cars sold by UCM will be marketed under the Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) banner. All PCPO vehicles undergo a comprehensive 201-point inspection and are guaranteed to have never suffered any flood or major structural damage due to accidents. They also get a 1-year extended warranty covering the engine and transmission and are eligible for a one-time free service (engine oil and oil filter only) up to 6 months after their registration date.

“In the future, UCM will set up a dedicated Proton used car portal with an online selling platform to attract tech- savvy used car buyers. Potential customers will be able to view our stock remotely and they can also browse the website to get estimated valuations for their current cars,” said Mr. Cheah.

UCM outlets get more sales
Despite being relatively new to the market, the UCM outlets have already had a positive impact. “We started the UCM program in October 2019 and it has helped our Sales Advisors to close deals as we can now offer competitive trade-in value for used Proton cars,” said Ryan Lai, MD of LHM One Stop Car Service Centre, a PROTON 4S dealership in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.

Judith Yam, MD of Atiara Johan, a 4S outlet in Puchong, Selangor, revealed that the dealership has recorded over 130 trade-in transactions. “Since it was established, UCM boosted our sales by offering special incentives for customers who are current Proton owners. they see as a value-added service that allows them to easily purchase a new Proton,” she explained.

Revised Proton prices with additional ‘Tax Holiday’ Promotion

Perodua expands on public protection initiative

Continuing its role as a good corporate citizen, Perodua has expanded on its public protection initiative with the recent distribution of a further 10,000 face shields within the Hulu Selangor district and Selayang municipality.

Recipients in Hulu Selangor, where the Malaysian carmaker has its headquarters and manufacturing complex, included the District Health Office, community and dental clinics, enforcers from the District Council’s (MDHS) Licensing Department, plus various morning and night market hawkers.

The carmaker also contributed face shields to the Selayang Municipal Council’s (MPS) Licensing and Enforcement Departments, and through them, hawkers and street sellers in the area.

“Perodua’s face shield contributions are our way of giving back to the surrounding communities who have supported and made us feel at home for the past 27 years,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

“As a People First company and a good corporate citizen, Perodua cares very much for the safety, health and well-being of the general public in these COVID-19 times. We have given out over 21,000 face shields to date; we hope they will be worn conscientiously and diligently by those going about their daily duties, bravely continuing to give all of us the services, healthcare and provisions we need,” he added.

Last month, prior to schools reopening, Perodua gave out some 11,000 face shields to secondary schools in Putrajaya and Hulu Selangor.

The face shields, manufactured by an associate of Perodua, feature a fog-resistant visor made of polyethylene terephthalate for optimal visibility, sponge cushioning that hugs the forehead to act as a barrier against airborne droplets, and an adjustable elastic band for a snug and comfortable fit.

“We are not out of the woods yet in our battle against COVID-19. We hope Malaysians will continue to adopt and adapt to the new normal by exercising caution and complying with all the government’s health and safety guidelines,” advised Dato’ Zainal.

Visit www.perodua.com.my to know more about other Corporate Social Responsibility activities of the carmaker.