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Carsome starts academy to provide automotive technical education to Malaysians

Carsome, Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, has set up its first technical institution in Malaysia, offering Malaysian youths technical education and guaranteed career opportunities.

Known as Carsome Academy, the institution is a Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional (SLDN) training centre accredited by the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources. It offers industry-oriented training programs which combine institutional and workplace training, students will undergo 30% of theoretical lessons at Carsome Academy, followed by 70% industrial training at any Carsome Inspection Centres in Malaysia. Carsome Academy also guarantees a job in Carsome after graduation.

Human capital development initiative
According to Carsome Co-founder and Carsome Academy Director, Teoh Jiun Ee, the academy is a human capital development initiative that aims to create positive social impact in the local communities where Carsome operates.

“We want to build a technical workforce that strives for the best standards in professionalism and ethics to move the Southeast Asian used car industry forward in a meaningful way and to serve our customers better. Carsome has built a trusted platform over the years which we are proud of. Now, we want to bring that pride to more people working in the industry through an accredited and industry-recognized training and assessment, equipped with the best digital tools available,” Mr. Teoh said.

*A Carsome Inspection Centre in Malaysia.*

Over 1,800 hours of training
The Carsome Academy aims to build a sustainable workforce in the automotive industry. This will be achieved through 1,840 hours of industrial training to develop students’ technical skill sets and strengthen their capabilities.

The academy currently offers the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Level 3 in Motor Vehicle Inspection (Roadworthiness) which is recognized by the Malaysian government and technical industries. Its inaugural intake (for only 25 persons), which starts in February 2021, is now open for registration to Malaysians aged below 30 years with a minimum pass in Sistem Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3). The 1-year course costs RM8,000 and is fully refundable upon a graduate’s successful placement and tenure with Carsome. Study loans are also available for students who wish to further their studies at the Academy.

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

Money-saving offers for Volkswagen buyers until end of February

Though representing a German brand, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) ‘acts locally’ and is already preparing for the coming Chinese New Year. For those wanting to start the new year of The Ox with a new car, VPCM is offering special money-saving deals.

Authorised Volkswagen dealers around the country will offer a RM1,000 ang pao rebate for the Passat and Arteon sedans and Tiguan Allspace SUV. There are also additional savings of up to RM4,500 if the purchase is booked through the Volkswagen eShowroom.

Those interested in the Passat range will also enjoy free additional 1-year insurance or RM5,500 savings. For selected Tiguan Allspace and Arteon models, there are additional savings of up to RM3,500. And of course, with the sales tax exemption extended until June 2021, there are also extra savings.

Besides warranty coverage for the full 5 years after original registration, the owner will also not need to pay for scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years (terms and conditions apply). There will also be complimentary Roadside Assistance for the first 5 years, providing peace of mind on long journeys.

Existing owners not forgotten
VPCM doesn’t look at just selling a car but cares about making the entire ownership experience a good one. And during festive seasons like the coming Chinese New Year, Volkswagen owners can also enjoy special deals at authorised service centres. This year, the CNY Aftersales Service Campaign offers savings on replacement parts and genuine engine oil. The Aftersales offerings are listed below:

Additional offerings for owners include complimentary a 5-Star Service Check, up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres, and complimentary Volkswagen ang pao packets. Service appointments can be made online here.

Chinese New Year falls on February 12 this year, but the Volkswagen CNY Sales and Aftersales promotions will be on until February 28, 2021.

For more information or to locate a Volkswagen showroom in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my .

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia introduces additional online aftersales services

Kia introduces new corporate logo as part of bold transformation move

Kia is starting the new decade with a change in its corporate logo, a move to signify the Korean carmaker’s bold transformation. The introduction of the new logo represents the 76-year old company’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.

The logo is a symbol of Kia’s new brand purpose and the values it promises to offer customers through future products and services, and the experiences these enable. “Kia’s new logo represents the company’s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President & CEO. “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”

The new logo has been designed to resemble a handwritten signature. The rhythmical, unbroken line is said to convey the company’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers.

The new logo was unveiled during a record-breaking pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea. The event saw 303 pyrodrones launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized artistic display, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. This set a new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously’.

Its global brand slogan is also changed to ‘Movement that inspires’. With this change, there will also be a new brand strategy but it will only be revealed on January 15. To be through the digital ‘New Kia Brand Showcase’ event on Kia YouTube channel, the global audience will also get to understand the brand purpose and philosophy, as well as application to Kia’s future product line-up.

The launch of the new logo follows the announcement of Kia’s ‘Plan S’ long-term business strategy in 2020. Under Plan S, Kia, among other objectives, has the ambition to take a leading position in the global car market. This is focused on popularizing electric vehicles and introducing a broad range of mobility services, tailored to meet the needs and tastes of individuals and local markets.

Kia aims to achieve leadership position in EVs

Peugeot owners in Malaysia asked to update information with new company handling the brand

With 2021 having started, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) – the new company handling Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia – is preparing itself to provide the necessary services and support to customers and owners. To start off, it is running a customer information update exercise which calls for owners of Peugeot vehicles to provide their details so that the customer database can be updated.

This is important as owners will need to be kept information of service reminders, warranty matters, service campaigns and other news from time to time. Having the latest contact information will enable BAASB to stay in touch with them.

All personal information protected
All Peugeot owners in Malaysia can update their information by visiting the new official Peugeot website at www.peugeot.com.my. To prove ownership, they will have to provide details of their vehicle registration as well as service and warranty booklets. BAASB assured owners that all information collected will be protected in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) law of Malaysia.

BAASB says this is just the first step in is efforts to improve the ownership experience for Peugeot owners. The team at BAASB includes people who have long experience in the auto industry and have taken the Mazda brand to a higher level in the past 10 years. They would certainly be aiming to achieve the same success with the Peugeot brand.

Besides the website, customers and owners can also contact BAASB by writing to customersupport@baasb.com.my. There is also a dedicated Peugeot Customer Support phone number 03-7627 8818, which operates from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 6.00 pm.

Management team of new Peugeot distributor announced

New Bentayga Hybrid – first of two Bentley PHEVs for 2021

Bentley has launched the first of two PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) – the Bentayga Hybrid which the company says is the only electrified true-luxury SUV in the world. It is the third model in the Bentley SUV portfolio and after deliveries start in mid-2021, it is expected to become the best-selling version of latest Bentayga family.

The hybrid powertrain consists of a 94 kW (126 bhp) E Motor which can produce up to 350 Nm of torque. Working together with the electric motor is a 3-litre twin turbocharged V6 petrol engine that provides additional torque as required or when going at speeds above 135 km/h. To warn pedestrians of the vehicle’s near silent movement, a dedicated speaker emits an exterior sound at low speeds.

The 17.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack consist of 168 individual cells with an expected life of 160,000 kms or 8 years, and can be charged to 100% in as little as 2.5 hours (depending on region and charging facilities). The power electronics convert the energy stored from the high voltage battery to supply the E Motor or supplement the existing 12V vehicle electrical infrastructure.

Three E modes
The driver of the Bentayga Hybrid can choose different drive modes for optimum motoring performance and efficiency. A dedicated button allows control over the 3 E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. These will enable the driver to manually manage battery usage during a journey – though this can also be managed automatically by the car.

There is also an Efficiency Accelerator Pedal which provides a pressure point when in EV Drive to denote the boundary between pure electric and hybrid power. This encourages the driver to stay in EV Drive for as long as possible but can also be disabled if required. In pure electric drive, the E Motor continues to function up to speeds of up to 135 km/h.

Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Braking blends seamless integration of braking between the E Motor and conventional hydraulic braking, to provide a conventional feel to the brake pedal for comfort and the driving experience while maximising recuperation of energy.

Real-world usage studies
Bentley’s research shows over 90% of owners use their first-generation Bentayga Hybrid on a daily basis or several times a week, and nearly 100% of them use EV mode, with half of them consistently undertaking journeys of less than 50 kms.

It was also found that 78% of zero emissions journeys (those in pure electric mode) were achieved regularly over a 900-km activity. In a more urban environment, one of Bentley’s development drivers achieved 67% in EV model over 1,080 kms around San Francisco. In the UK, Chris Cole (Project Leader for the Bentayga Hybrid) did 64% with zero emissions commuting to and from the factory. In real-world terms, therefore, the majority of journeys can be achieved completely in electric mode only.

Unified Bentley design DNA
The new exterior and interior design emphasise Bentley design DNA across the entire model range. It has been completely refreshed from the previous generation to create an even more stylish and purposeful car. Every panel at the front and rear of the car has been altered to give it a cleaner and more modern look.

At the front, a larger and more upright new matrix grille allows the Bentayga’s elegant bonnet to sweep down to the very edge of the chrome work. This gives the car a more dominant, upright profile and pushes the new elliptical LED matrix headlamps further apart, raising them 30 mm higher leading to a more muscular aesthetic. The new headlamps also include the marque’s now-signature cut crystal design, which makes them appear to sparkle even when not lit.

Perhaps the most dramatic design changes can be seen at the rear of the car where the new Bentayga range can be clearly differentiated from its predecessor. In line with the Continental GT, it features elliptical tail lamps for the first time.

The new looks are further accentuated with numerous individualisation possibilities, including the contemporary urban appeal of the Blackline Specification that replaces all exterior chrome with black versions.

Re-imagined interior
A quieter and more refined driving experience is promised with the Bentayga Hybrid. The interior has been re-imagined and now contains a modernised combination of luxury materials and intricate craftsmanship. Bentley designers have created an even more relaxing environment for passengers with major changes to the door trims and steering wheel, plus a redesigned centre fascia and digital instrumentation cluster. These are complemented by new seats that further improve on seat comfort.

Two seating configurations are available. The standard 5-seat layout benefits from an all-new seat frame, doubling the travel of the rear-seat recline angle, and the optional 4-seat configuration has two individual rear seats separated by a centre console. The ergonomics of the 4-seat configuration are further enhanced from a 30 mm increase in knee room in the upright seated position, with an improvement of almost 100 mm in the reclined position, making luxury travel even more comfortable.

A new quilting design is included in Mulliner Driving Specification cars, while customers can choose from 8 sustainably-sourced veneers including two straight grained options new to Bentayga – Koa and Crown Cut Walnut.

A next generation infotainment system is integrated seamlessly into the handcrafted, Bentley ‘wing’ dashboard design and features a 10.9-inch display screen with edge-to-edge graphics. The all-new digital display includes super high-resolution and dynamic graphics which are configurable to suit driver preferences.

The latest hardware and software bring all-new navigation with satellite maps, online search and other features. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard for the first time, alongside the existing wired system, along with Android Auto. Rear seat occupants benefit from the introduction of a new, larger touchscreen remote control tablet, similar to that introduced in the all-new Flying Spur.

Connectivity around the car has been significantly improved, with USB-C data ports and a wireless phone charger now standard. The new Bentayga range is now provided with an embedded SIM, as with the latest Continental GT models, meaning My Bentley connected car features no longer require customers to provide their own data connection.

Virtual experience introduces new Bentley Bentayga in Asia-Pacific region

Honda stays at No.1 position in Non-National segment for 6th year

Honda Malaysia has again claimed the No.1 position in the Non-National segment of the Malaysian car market, with a total of 60,469 vehicle delivered in 2020. This is the sixth consecutive year that the company has been in the lead position after the two Malaysian makes.

Announcing the achievement, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The year 2020 may have been challenging but we have managed to maintain our undisputed No.1 position in the Non-National Segment for the sixth consecutive and for that, we are truly humbled by the support we have received.”

City accounted for 34% of sales
Mr. Ishiyama said that the City, being the most popular Non-National B-segment model among Malaysians, was the biggest contributor (34%) to the total volume. “Officially launched in October 2020, the all-new City recorded highest monthly sales in its history with over 5,500 units sold in the month of December 2020. It also received positive response from the market with more than 15,200 bookings to date, making it one of the highest booking figures for a newly launched model in Honda Malaysia in the second half of 2020.

The second best-selling model was the Civic, followed by the HR-V, which contributed 20% and 17% to the total sales volume, respectively.

Mr. Ishiyama also expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government extending the sales tax exemption incentive. “We sincerely thank the Malaysian government for the extension of sales tax exemption until June 30, 2021 which will allow many Malaysians to purchase cars with extra savings. As we move on in 2021, we will continue to support the government’s efforts to curb the pandemic which is still active nationwide,” he said.

City RS e:HEV due this month
While the City S, V and E variants (priced from RM74,191.27, excluding 10% sales tax) with the new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC powertrain have been on sale since October, the all-new City RS e:HEV variant will be available from this month. The RS e:HEV variant is a world-first with its intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain.

*The new City RS e:HEV will be available this month.*

This electrified powertrain is an advanced hybrid powertrain with 2 motors and an Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT). Together with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, the i-MMD powertrain can generate up to 253 Nm of torque, an exceptional output for its size. Maximum power output is 108 ps which can take the City beyond 170 km/h and yet consume fuel at a claimed rate of 26.5 kms/litre.

Test-drives and viewing of the new City can be done at all authorised Honda dealerships nationwide. To locate a dealership, visit www.honda.com.my and bookings can also be made online.