The war on COVID-19 has not ended and our dedicated frontliners continue the fight to protect us and save those who are infected. The hospitals continue to need medical supplies, a large portion of which has to be disposed daily as they are part of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) personnel must wear. At the same time, the hospitals also require other equipment for patients who may be undergoing intensive care or recovering.
Support for war on COVID-19
Perodua has always been supporting key public institutions nationwide in various ways, more so in the past year when it made major contributions in cash and supplies to help in fighting the pandemic. Recently, the Malaysian carmaker contributed an additional RM80,000 worth of medical supplies to Hospital Sungai Buloh, a key medical facility that handles a large number of COVID-19 cases.
The medical supplies included 5,000 face shields, wheelchairs equipped with safety belts, commode chairs, transfer boards, bed railings, rehabilitation chairs, walking frames, walking sticks and a therapy tilt table.
35,000 faceshields donated nationwide
The face shields, manufactured by an associate company of Perodua, were also contributed to various organisations in Malaysia over the past year. The latest contribution brings the total number to 35,000 pieces. Recipients of the face shields have been schools, clinics, local government offices and councils, and even hawkers at markets in Perodua’s surrounding community.
Faceshields donated to a school in Hulu Selangor last year.
“We will continue to communicate with key public institutions to see where Perodua may contribute strategically in supporting the nation. We thank and salute our brave men and women who work tirelessly to serve us all,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Opel, a brand more familiar to older Malaysians, has brought back the iconic Manta as a one-off all-electric special to celebrate the coupe’s 50th anniversary. Called the Manta GSe ElektroMOD, it reflects the growing trend of transforming classic cars like into so-called ‘RestoMods’ with modern components and powertrains.
Change of ‘heart’
The first electric RestoMod by Opel (once a GM subsidiary and now part of the Stellantis Group), the Manta GSe has an electric powertrain with an output of 108 kW (147 ps) and 225 Nm of torque. It uses the original 4-speed gearbox, allowing drivers to manually change gears, or alternatively, engage the fourth gear and drive automatically.
With a 31-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Manta GSe has a claimed range of around 200 kms, with regenerative braking to improve range. Full recharging with a 9-kW onboard charger can be completed in just under 4 hours.
Design elements from Vauxhall
The Manta GSe also uses some of the latest design elements from Vauxhall, the British brand that is also part of the Stellantis Group. These include the brand’s Vizor-styled front end with Pixel technology allowing it to issue messages, such as ‘I am on a zero e-mission’, followed by the silhouette of a manta ray gliding over the Pixel-Vizor.
The original Manta in 1973
The front end also features LED daylight running lights, while the iconic circular rear lights come with a striking three-dimensional LED design. The yellow paintwork is contrasted by the signature black bonnet, with the wheel arches housing specially designed 17-inch Ronal alloy wheels with 195/40 tyres at the front, and 205/40 tyres at the rear.
Digital tech inside
As expected of a modern RestoMod, the interior features the latest digital technology. The classic round instruments have been replaced by a Pure Panel, with two driver-oriented 12-inch and 10-inch digital displays. The sound system has also been modernised with a new unit that has connectivity which was not available in the 1970s.
The sports seats come with a yellow centre line and have a modern structure for improved comfort and support. The steering wheel has a classic 3-spoke design (no airbag as this is only a showcar) and features a yellow marker in the 12 o’clock position for an added sporty touch.
Surfaces in the cockpit and door panels are matt grey, matching the neo-classic’s other yellow and black coloured elements. The ceiling of the passenger compartment is lined with fine Alcantara and completes the stylish ambience.
Lim Tayar, a member of the CKL Group, an automotive services group, has launched the Lim Tayar Family (LTF) licensing programme for the aftermarket industry. The programme enables tyre retailers and car workshop owners to upgrade their business for growth and profitability. With the LTF programme, tyre retailers as well as car workshop owners will be able to get the expertise and support to drive and manage their business from Lim Tayar, which has been in the tyre servicing business in Malaysia since 1985.
Alternative to legacy dealership model
According to Clement Lim, Joint Managing Director of CKL Group, the pandemic which started last year has brought to light the struggles of the dealership model in Malaysia. “Hence, we have specially curated this programme to offer assistance to these owners who are looking for a better option than the legacy dealership model. This programme will also cater to those who wish to upgrade their business under the umbrella of a trusted and reputable vehicle servicing chain store,” he explained.
“Lim Tayar is one of the largest one-stop car service chains in Malaysia. Together with our sister company, School of Skills which offers technical vocational training, we are confident we will be able to help our partners to build up the skills of their current workforce and also to mitigate the skilled manpower shortage faced by the industry,” he added.
35 years of experience
Under the programme, the licensed workshops or tyre retailers will have the support of a Lim Tayar which has been acquired over 35 years of experience in the industry. Other benefits include inventory support like tyres, engine oil, spare parts, batteries, marketing, as well as a comprehensive business operations solution, which includes a point-of-sale system, a fixed price list and a ready-to-move in business premise located at a strategic location.
The LTF Programme will offer similar benefits as that of a franchise. However, the partner workshops will also have the flexibility to offer additional services or other areas of expertise, apart from what Lim Tayar has to offer. There will also be a flexible financing plan for the programme, which includes an installment plan for the licensing fee as well.
Complementing Lim Tayar’s network
The licensing programme will also result in an expansion of Lim Tayar’s services and network nationwide. Currently, the CKL Group owns 18 Lim Tayar outlets in the Klang Valley and one outlet in Seremban. “With this nationwide expansion, we will be able to offer the same experience through our licensed partners to our customers all over the country,” Mr. Lim said.
Gulf Oil was one of the original ‘Seven Sisters’, the biggest oil companies in the world which dominated the industry up till the mid-1970s. Like many companies in the oil industry, Gulf Oil used motorsports as one of its marketing tools, sponsoring Ford and McLaren in major international races like the Le Mans 24 Hours.
It ceased to exist after the mid-1980s but various spin-off businesses continued in various fields. One of those companies, known as Gulf Oil International, signed a multi-year multi-year strategic partnership with McLaren in July 2020 which will see the name and iconic colours on the British sportscars as well as business associations in other areas.
Various partnership activities
For example, Gulf is now the preferred lubricant supplier to McLaren Automotive, with all cars filled with Gulf Oil and fuel optimised for its high-performance engines. Gulf branding will also be displayed at McLaren Automotive’s PURE customer events that take place around the world, at retailers and on team kit.
In addition, a small and exclusive number of customers will be given the option to have their car hand-painted by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the firm’s bespoke division, in Gulf colours which echo the famous F1 GTR Le Mans car that raced in the 1990s. In October last year, an Elva Gulf Theme by MSO was unveiled during the Goodwood SpeedWeek in England.
Senna GTR LM in Gulf colours
MSO project
This month, MSO reveals a bespoke 720S in the iconic Gulf racing colours, the hand-painted livery having taken 20 days to complete. Having trialled several iterations to create the perfect finish from McLaren Automotive paint technology partner AkzoNobel’s exhaustive pallet of premium automotive paint hues.
In addition to the iconic racing blue and orange colours, MSO has echoed the Gulf solid orange colour on the brake calipers, with the bespoke interior of this 720S featuring matching blue and orange stitching with Gulf logos embroidered on the headrests and painted on the sills.
The famous McLaren steering wheel incorporates a centre band to match the exterior stripe in Gulf solid orange and Gulf solid dark blue on the visual carbon fibre spokes. Matching key shells are also provided to the customer.
Technical specs similar to other 720S models
Technically, the 720S remains the benchmark supercar with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing up to 720 ps/770 Nm to give a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds and an unrestricted maximum speed of 341 km/h.
Its carbonfibre Monocage II contributes to a class-leading lightest dry weight of 1,283 kgs, while Proactive Chassis Control II suspension and active aerodynamics provide the outstanding performance on both road and track.
The 720S is the culmination of a joint project between MSO and Gulf to ensure a perfectly colour-matched range of paints in metallic and solid finishes that capture both of their unique identities. “McLaren Automotive has firmly established itself as the pioneering supercar company within just 10 years, but the McLaren brand has a remarkable history before this and it is always great to see customers embracing famous liveries on modern McLaren supercars,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive.
“The 720S in Gulf colours celebrates two high-performance brands who draw on a deep automotive and racing history that have embarked on a new strategic partnership to excite customers and fans around the world. This project is a showcase of MSO’s capabilities and echoes the recent full restoration of the McLaren F1 GTR 25R, a car raced in the 1990s. The 720S in such an evocative livery and interior finish, created in close association with Gulf, which perfectly shows the potential for our customers to work with MSO’s skilled team to personalise their McLaren,” he said.
The Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) Program began 20 years ago and has become an annual event which UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) continues to run. Even the ‘new normal’ brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic did not dampen UMW Toyota Motor’s efforts to cultivate environmental consciousness among Malaysia’s younger generation.
Spirit of inclusivity and freedom of ideas
For its 20th year, the event has an aptly coined theme – Reimagining Mobility – to promote the spirit of inclusivity and freedom of ideas as the foundation for creation of safe and eco-friendly mobility, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Digital/online platform
In view of the pandemic conditions, the format has been revised to run on a fully online platform. Launched in January 2021 (for secondary school students aged 13 – 16 years old), it attracted the participation of 282 teams from 177 schools, the highest ever participation recorded by the program.
The adaptability of the program into a digital/online platform has included interactive e-learning lessons and workshops which proved to be highly effective. All in all, school teams were able to showcase their ideas through impressively produced videos and online presentations.
Since last December, 16 shortlisted teams have been formulating their proposals which were posted in social media channels for the public to view. Additionally, each team developed a podcast episode presented on Spotify.
The final judging phase in April saw 10 finalists being selected and the winning teams will be chosen after making their respective ‘pitches’ through live presentations on May 29, 2021.
Waste and recycling themes
Addressing the issue of waste and recycling were popular themes for the proposals. Showcasing impressive capability for innovation and advanced technology, many schools put forward ideas for digital smart tools, supported by carefully built prototypes.
Prize money doubled
“As always, we are highly impressed by the quality of the projects and the innovative ideas proposed. It is never easy for our judges to choose the best as everyone is a winner in their own way,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K.
This year, UMWT has doubled the prize money to further reward ingenuity amongst the youth. Winning teams stand a chance to win cash prizes from a RM64,000 prize pool.
About the Toyota Eco Youth program
The program began 20 years ago in collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Education. Over the course of two decades, 258 schools, 1,910 secondary school students and 762 teachers. Have participated.
Each year, challenging and interesting themes have been provided, and participants have come up with innovative solutions and proposals applicable to their school or community. Over RM7 million has been spent by UMWT to run the program annually.
An annual event that has the participation of secondary schools from all over the country.
“Toyota Motor Corporation and UMW Toyota Motor are proud to be playing a part in cultivating environment consciousness and innovative thinking for the young generation. This year, we are pleased to share our vision for mobility with these students. It is assuring to know that the next generation will be ready to face new challenges that arise as we all strive to make our planet a more mobile and inclusive place for everyone,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.
The Hyundai Pony (which was never sold in Malaysia) is a significant model in the history of the Korean auto industry. As the first mass-produced and exported model, its significance to Koreans is similar to what the original Proton Saga is to Malaysians. It was with the Pony that the Korean auto industry accelerated onto the world stage over 45 years ago.
Retro-modern model
Recently, Hyundai Motor Company revealed the Heritage Series Pony, a retro-modern reconstruction of the original Pony and placed it at the new Hyundai Motorstudio Busan in South Korea as part of its ‘Reflections in Motion’ exhibition.
Legacy features in design
The Heritage Series Pony combines distinctive legacy design features –the work of legendary automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro – with modern touches to offer a glimpse of the future. Its exterior is marked by a matte, shimmering surface of silver throughout front to rear part of the vehicle, hatchback silhouette.
Notable features include camera-based, fender-mounted exterior mirrors to the fore of the windshield, pixelated round headlights and U-shaped taillights made of LED lights. The pixelated round headlights and U-shaped taillights embody the company’s ‘Pixel Road Trip’ design approach that incorporates pixels and 8-bit graphics also utilized in the IONIQ 5 and 45 concept car.
Premium materials, classic feel
The interior has a string of chic and modern features, including doors made of premium materials that exude a classic feel, a modern lighting system, a speed-gauging instrument panel made of lighted vacuum tubes as well as other stylishly retrofitted design elements. It also contains future-oriented elements, not only retro style.
Examples are the digital touch transmission, cradle space for mobile phone and voice-activated steering wheel. In the boot is a last-mile mobility device with a stainless steel case, representing Hyundai Motor’s human-centered design commitment.
About the original Pony
The Pony made its debut in October 1974 in Turin, Italy, and went on sale by the end of the following year. There were various bodystyles, including something like a pick-up, with the 5-door hatchback being popular as such a bodystyle gained wide acceptance in that decade.
While the platform was based on the Morris Marina, the powerplants were 4G engines from Mitsubishi Motors with sizes from 1.2 litre to 1.6 litres. The car was exported to many countries, introducing Hyundai Motors in many cases although the name was not unfamiliar as Hyundai was already well known in shipbuilding and construction.
The Pony went through two generations by which time Hyundai Motors’ product range had widened considerably and other models were introduced. Quality was an issue which was understandable at the start, but the carmaker worked hard to improve quality. In fact, the Chairman of the company said that even if they could not beat Toyota on sales volume, they should at least beat it in quality.
