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Chrysler (FCA) ‘re-marries’ to form another mega corporation with Groupe PSA

In the late 1990s, Chrysler and Daimler merged (at least that’s what the German side called the union, although it was not really so) and created a ‘mega corporation’ in the auto industry. The move had a significant impact on the industry, beginning a rush of consolidations as companies realised that big numbers were vital for survival.

But within just 3 years of the creation of DaimlerChrysler, Chrysler was losing US$3 billion each year and cultural differences didn’t help in the trans-Atlantic marriage either. The Daimler people felt that their way was best for corporate culture, and of course, that created friction. In the end, the two sides parted company in 2007 and Chrysler rebuilt itself.

7 years later, Chrysler again ‘re-married’, and again, it was a European partner – the Fiat Group. The merger created the FCA Group with all the brands from Fiat (except Ferrari) coming together with Chrysler’s Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram Trucks brands.

Merger negotiations began in 2019
Though operating more globally then if Chrysler stayed single, FCA still faced strong competition and in 2019, FCA announced that it would merge with Groupe PSA on a 50:50 basis. With the need to gain approval from regulators and then the restrictions caused by the pandemic, the completion of the merger took a while and has finally taken place.

The merged entity is known as Stellantis, which we are told comes from the Latin word ‘stello’, and means ‘to brighten with stars’. The name will be used exclusively at the group level as a corporate brand, while the individual companies will continue to use their existing brands.

The company’s total workforce of 400,000 employees will be managed by an 11-member Board of Directors that has the grandson of Giovanni Agnelli (who headed Fiat from 1966 – 2003) as Chairman, John P.J. Elkann. The one who will run the show will be CEO Carlos Tavares, who has been heading Groupe PSA. Like Toyota’s Akio Toyoda, Tavares, who worked with Carlos Ghosn in the Renault-Nissan Alliance, is also a racing driver.

*Carlos Tavares, the CEO of the new company, is a real car-guy and like Akio Toyoda, he also goes racing!*

Auto industry pioneers in group
Stellantis will leverage the strengths of the two groups to design, develop, manufacture, distribute and sell vehicles and mobility solutions around the world. Both companies have roots that go back to the early days of the auto industry; Dodge started in 1900 while Peugeot produced its first car in 1889. So there is a long heritage to boast of, which may or may not prove useful in this age of ‘disruptors’ coming into the industry.

The number of brands is certainly quite extensive with Groupe PSA having brands like Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, Vauxhall (and might have had Proton too but Geely won the pitch instead). It’s the second time that PSA is involved with Chrysler as back in the late 1970s, it bought over Chrysler Europe for US$1 + debts.

*FCA and Groupe PSA have a combined portfolio of many brands that cover virtually every segment of the global market.*

The brands in Stellantis cover the full spectrum of market segments from luxury, premium and mainstream passenger vehicles to pick-up trucks, SUVs and light commercial vehicles. As with most of the major carmakers, there are also mobility, finance and parts and service brands.

Global reach and synergies
Stellantis sees itself as starting from a position of considerable strength, claiming leading positions in North America, Europe and Latin America. It expects synergies to be the key to growth and further success. Besides a well-established presence in Europe, North America and Latin America through different brands, it aims to tap potential markets such as China, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and India. By the end of 2021, it plans to have at least 39 electrified vehicles available in its range.

2021 Peugeot 3008 — *The group will have at least 39 electrified models by the end of next year.*

Commenting on the Stellantis’ journey ahead, Tavares said: “One year after we announced this project, Stellantis is born, notwithstanding the unprecedented societal and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This demonstrates the agility, creativity and adaptability of our company, which aims to be great rather than big, determined to be much more than the sum of its parts. It is also a further signal of the new company’s determination to be a leading player in the automotive industry in this ever-changing environment. Stellantis is dedicated to ‘pursuing greatness’ and enhancing the well-being of its employees.”

Will Alfa Romeo be allowed to live under the new FCA+PSA merger?

Gone in 33 days!

*To know about other promotions, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

Those who have driven the new Toyota GR Yaris have nothing but praises for it, impressed by its handling and power. It’s a ‘Homologation Special’ which means it’s ready to be used for international motorsports competition – mainly rallies – right out of the showroom.

To satisfy homologation requirements by the FIA (the body which governs international motorsports), a manufacturer must produce at least 25,000 units of the model in identical form. Toyota, with its resources and also the enthusiastic support of a President who is a racing driver, decided to do this, and enthusiasts around the world have been delighted.

The 25,000 units are built at the same plant that made the Lexus LFA and exported globally for sale. The exceptional demand for the GR Yaris has also been evident in some countries. In Australia, for example, 1,000 units were sold within just one week.

For the Malaysian market, less than 200 units were imported by UMW Toyota Motor and they are now all sold out.

Toyota WRC — *Development of the GR Yaris has used all the experience gained from competing in the World Rally Championship.*

Potential great for Malaysian market
“When we were informed of the new Toyota GR Yaris by Toyota Motor Corporation, we knew it would have great potential in the Malaysian market, especially with the increasing motorsport and motorsport-related activities organized by UMW Toyota Motor,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“The enthusiastic fans were eagerly awaiting the launch of the model and wasted no time booking one right after we launched the car on December 17, 2020. And now, just over a month since its launch, we received such overwhelming response. We thank customers for their enthusiastic support,” he said.

The world’s most powerful 3-cylinder engine (261 bhp/360 Nm) and the lightest and smallest 1.6-litre turbo unit currently in production. It comes only with a 6-speed manual transmission and the new GR-Four 4-wheel drive system.

Available only from exclusive dealers
Priced from RM286,896 (excluding insurance, roadtax and sales tax exemption), the GR Yaris has been offered only through a limited number of dealerships in Malaysia which have the GR Garage. This is a dedicated sales channel for GR products such as the GR Supra, GR Yaris and Vios GR-Sport as well as performance items.

Explaining the GR brand, Akio Takeyama, UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman and GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, said: “The GR brand harnesses the experience gained by pushing the limits in motorsport and applies it to a whole new generation of high-performance cars from Toyota. The result is models like the GR Yaris that are fine examples of how we are making ever-better cars that are rewarding and fun to drive. Further to that, we are also more than pleased that we will be introducing even more GR models to the in the near future.”

Will there by additional units?
While each of the units imported to date now has an owner, there is a hint that some more might be available as Mr. Ravindran suggested that ‘keen parties continue to register their interest with our GR Garage Dealers nationwide’.

For information on the GR Garage network and GR products, visit toyota.com.my/tgrmalaysia/gr garage/.

The story behind TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and why it was created

Nissan NV350 Office Pod Concept

*To know more, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

Over the past year, with lockdowns forcing many people to stay home and still have to work, some have found motorhomes useful for getting around, treating them as mobile offices for certain situations. Nissan’s designers may have picked up on this trend and have developed an office on wheels with its NV350 van.

For the remote working lifestyle
Referred to as the Office Pod concept, it offers dual purpose functionality that will make the remote working lifestyle more enjoyable. The customised van incorporates a ‘pod’ that is a workspace, complete with everything needed to get a job done – including a coffee station. Ambient edge lighting provides relaxing illumination and the floor is of polycarbonate so you can see the ground below (perhaps to feel ‘connected’ to the outside world).

While its name has ‘office’ in it, the concept vehicle can also be used for recreational purposes. The pod can slide further out so you can sit in the open even when it rains, or go on the roof which has a balcony.

For journeys away from the highway too
The NV350 Office Pod also has some exterior modifications which allow the vehicle to be driven a bit further off the highway if desired. Extra overfenders protect the bodywork from flying stones, while a simple stairway can be neatly tucked in the sliding door opening.

*The NV200 Concept which was displayed at the 2007 Tokyo Motorshow.*

Similar concept in 2007
This year’s concept vehicle for the Tokyo Auto Salon follows the concept that was used in 2007 two years before the NV range of light commercial vehicles was introduced. Nissan displayed a NV200 Concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show which was presented as a ‘smart business tool of a new generation’. It had a customisable cargo area housing a pod that could be configured for different business needs.

The display vehicle was intended for use by a professional ocean photographer. The work area was equipped with a remote control panel for a spider camera, as well as equipment for organising and editing photographs and images while on assignment.

Visit www.nissan.com.my to know more about the NV200 range as well as well other Nissan models available in Malaysia.

How the new Nissan Almera Turbo is contributing to road safety

BMW Group Malaysia lowers BMW and MINI prices with shorter warranty periods

Cars today are generally reliable and durable, able to last a longer period of time with no major problems. This is due to better manufacturing processes, engineering, materials, etc. so the warranty is really for peace of mind, at least during the initial years of ownership. In fact, warranties typically cover manufacturing defects and wear and tear parts are not covered.

Back in the 1970s, the typical warranty for a new car was a year, or a maximum of 20,000 kms of mileage after original registration. European manufacturers, perhaps understanding that their customers (in Europe) travelled long distances each year, generally didn’t put a mileage limit.

Longer periods as a selling point
Over the years, the warranty period and mileage limit became longer and longer, more as a selling point than anything else. The cars were more durable, but a long warranty period suggested the carmaker had a lot of confidence in its quality, and owners felt better to have the coverage for a longer period.

‘Win-win’ for both sides?
BMW Group Malaysia is now ending that escalation in warranty periods with a new approach that it says will ‘enable greater customer personalisation of their ownership experience’. It’s a win-win situation for both sides; the customer can enjoy a lower price while the company reduces its long-term exposure to warranty claims.

However, there may still be customers who like the peace of mind that a longer warranty period gives and for them, BMW Group Malaysia offers a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty Package or 5-years/100,000-km Service Package as extra-cost options.

*RRP: Recommended Retail Price. Prices shown do not have sales tax exemptions.*

Available for MINI too
The new pricing approach applied to MINI vehicles as well. Customers of this brand can opt to add a 4-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service (Extended Warranty & Service Package) at the same cost as before. Alternatively, those who prefer to purchase their vehicle at the recommended retail price paired with either the 4-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty Package or 4-year/60,000-km Service Package can do so at a more attractive rate.

In the event that the owner decides, after a year or maximum of two years, that he or she would prefer a longer warranty period, there is still the possibility of purchasing the extended packages which range in price from RM5,900 to RM9,400 (RM2,500 to RM5,600 for MINI), depending on the model. The only thing is that the cost will have to paid as a lump sum rather than being included in the financed amount at the time of vehicle purchase.

Other ownership benefits still included
Regardless of which warranty they choose, all vehicles purchased from authorised dealerships will still come with access to the BMW or MINI Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card, MINI Black Card, and BMW and MINI Service Online.

BMW Group Malaysia’s move is an interesting one and it remains to be seen whether it will have an effect on the rest of the industry. It could be a smart move that customers appreciate, or it might be viewed negatively. Nevertheless, with the trade-off being a lower purchase price for the vehicle, there may be positive response at this time when many people give more serious consideration to how much they can or should spend on a new vehicle.

More information on products, services and pricings can be found at www.bmw.com.my or www.mini.my. Personalisation of a vehicle purchase can be done via BMW Shop Online or MINI Online Shop.

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia extends services to customers

Samsung Digital Cockpit continues to evolve with new ideas (w/VIDEO)

‘How far can we take vehicle technology?’ is a question that Samsung researchers constantly ask. While we can’t really predict the future with great accuracy, it is possible to look at innovations and advancements in technology for clues. One of the areas that company looked at is the cabin and combining Samsung Electronics’ latest advancements in telecommunications, semiconductors and display technologies with HARMAN’s automotive expertise, the Digital Cockpit 2021 was created.

Constantly evolving
This is actually the second Digital Cockpit that has been presented at the CES (Computer & Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. Since the first one in 2018, the concept has been constantly evolving with new types of innovations.

The Digital Cockpit 2021 is designed with a focus on simplifying communication and delivering fun on-the-go experiences. Its Drive mode is optimized to present drivers with a variety of information without obstructing their view of the road.

Panoramic display
The latest solution combines a wide, 49-inch QLED display with a sound system that makes content feel much more immersive. These technologies allow users to enjoy a customized entertainment experience, while also enabling them to communicate with the world around them.

The various displays, which are customized for various use cases, transform the vehicle into a versatile and convenient all-purpose space. One of the greatest strengths is its 5G technology, which enhances users’ experience by allowing them to utilize these features without interruptions.

Multi-role layout
Samsung’s team considered the car as a mobile office and with the Digital Cockpit, this is possible with tools that help users maximize their productivity when they’re on the move. The solution makes it easy to manage all kinds of work, supports video conferencing, and even includes tools for editing video clips.

In the centre of the steering wheel, where most vehicles would feature a car horn, the Digital Cockpit features a driver-exclusive screen. It’s yet another example of how the Digital Cockpit takes the traditional automobile interior to the next level. Rather than using physical buttons to activate the horn or stalks for the turn signals, drivers can utilize an 8.8-inch touchscreen LCD display.

Automotive Samsung Health
Of course, safety is always important in a vehicle and complementing the usual vehicle safety systems is an expanded version of the Samsung Health service that’s found in the brand’s smartphones and TVs. The version developed for automotive application analyzes passengers’ conditions utilizing a combination of cameras and wearable and mobile devices installed in the vehicle.

The service, known as Automotive Samsung Health, can analyze passengers’ health status even before boarding. It also regularly monitors passengers’ stress levels and will adjust the vehicle’s lighting, scent, or music in an effort to help them relax.

In addition, by analyzing their sleeping patterns and the movement of their eyelids, the service can help ensure that drivers remain awake and alert when on the road. This is another approach to reducing accidents while driving.

The Digital Cockpit’s Control Display on the rear centre armrest includes a touch-based control pad that allows passengers to manage a variety of environment-related functions via simple and intuitive gestures. The controls automatically disappear when passengers aren’t using them, enhancing the interior’s modern look.

Combining immersive entertainment with next-level safety functions and productivity tools, the vehicles of the future will be so much more than a means to get from Point A to Point B. Samsung will be continuously updating its Digital Cockpit solution, and some ideas will certainly make it into production vehicles in future.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia

All Volkswagen outlets nationwide remain open for business

*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 service of 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.