Sime Darby Motors and e-Commerce partner SpareXHub is having a 10-day long clearance sale with discounts up to 90% on selected aged genuine Ford and Hyundai vehicle spare parts. The virtual sale is taking place online at www.sparexhub.comuntil June 10, 2021.
“Our partnership with SpareXHub acts as a vehicle for Sime Darby Motors to provide our loyal customers access to over 3,000 Hyundai and 4,000 Ford genuine aged spare parts, ranging from service items such as filters and sensors, to body parts, such as bumpers and windscreens,” said Alan Scott Gascoyne, Head of Aftersales, Malaysia Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors.
“Sime Darby Motors has embarked on the digital transformation journey in many aspects of our business and is integrating digital retail options into our existing operations. This hybrid initiative with SpareXHub helps us meet the needs of online customers and aftermarket players to purchase selected genuine aged spare parts,” added Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail and Distribution for Malaysia, Sime Darby Motors.
Mr. Gan added that aftersales is an important part of the company’s business, and this initiative will allow customers to continue to maintain their vehicles with the manufacturer’s recommended genuine spare parts even after the warranty period has expired. “Additionally, customers can continue to enjoy the performance, comfort and safety aspects of their vehicle without compromise due to parts pricing,” Mr. Gan said.
Get genuine rear suspension parts for less money.
About SpareX Hub
SpareXHub is a trusted e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts. With more than 100+ years of combined experience, the team can curate and pick the right spare parts for customers seamlessly. Using the B2B2C approach, SpareXHub is ready to cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and even individual vehicle owners. There is no compromise on quality as all the parts are 100% genuine and original, ideal for those vehicles that have finished their warranty period.
For more information on product and pricing and to take advantage of this grand clearance sale, visit www.sparexhub.com or leave a message on SpareXHub’s website or Facebook page.
The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.
The Elva is a very exclusive model from McLaren – only 149 units are being built and the first customers will receive their cars towards the end of this year. You too can have one in your home – and 6 months earlier than the first owner – as the newest collaboration between the supercar maker and LEGO sees the launch of the Speed Champions McLaren Elva this month. You’ll also pay a lot less as the car is priced at £17.99 (about RM105) on LEGO.com, LEGO stores, and other retailers globally.
“As a forward-thinking luxury brand, it is important to us at McLaren Automotive that who we work with reflects and echoes our passion for innovation and technology and also the value that we place around inspiring future generations through great design. This is why the collaboration between McLaren and the LEGO Group is such a natural fit, with both brands using creativity and learning to inspire and develop the builders and engineers of tomorrow,” said Gareth Dunsmore, Chief Marketing Officer at McLaren Automotive.
The LEGO version of the Elva and the full-sized model (below).
Close cooperation from conception stage
The LEGO team worked closely with McLaren to create the model right from conception of the idea when the real Elva was still in early development, all the way through the design process. They received initial sketches and early digital renders of the car, which is why it is already in the market before the real car.
Inspired by the lightest and most innovative McLaren supercar yet, this latest model offers those who build it a different from of enjoyment from the driver engagement and ultimate driving enjoyment the full-size Elva will give its owner. The LEGO Speed Champions McLaren Elva measures over 4 cm high, 16 cm long and 7 cm wide.
Authentic detailing
The Elva has no roof, windscreen or windows (although there will be a variant with a windscreen), making for an unforgettable driving experience like that of being on a motorcycle. Its Active Air Management System (AAMS) uses aerodynamics to control the airflow, creating a ‘bubble’ around the occupants and sheltering them from the blast of the oncoming wind.
Just like the real thing, the 263-piece LEGO set comes with a wide chassis, incorporating the 2-seat open cockpit, and authentic detailing including the AAMS vents that make the Elva so innovative and unique.
Also included in the kit is a McLaren driver minifigure, complete with racing suit, helmet and wrench, inspired by McLaren Automotive’s Principal Development Engineer for the Ultimate Series, Rachel Brown. Rachel has worked on incredible vehicle projects like the McLaren Senna GTR, and also supported the design and creation of the LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR released in January this year.
Her role follows McLaren Ultimate Series models, including the Elva, all the way from concept to production and managing elements such as track and aerodynamic wind tunnel testing.
“It is amazing to have witnessed the Elva go from a boundary-pushing concept drawing all the way to final vehicle production. It feels even more special now to see all of that hard work transformed into the LEGO Speed Champions Elva model for us to share with children and fans across the world,” she said.
The petrol station of today has evolved through many decades from being just a small shack by the roadside with a fuel pump, to a spacious facility that not only sells fuel but also has a convenience store and motorists can have their cars washed as well. The layout of these facilities is pretty much standardised, apart from the buildings which may be more than mere blocks.
With the increasing number of electric vehicles – fully electric and plug-in hybrids – the role of the station will have to change and besides supplying fossil fuels, facilities for recharging will also be expected. However, because recharging at this time still takes a while, the concept of such facilities will need to be adapted.
Pilot project with new concept
Audi, which plans to have a range of more than 20 fully electric models by 2025, is also looking at this aspect since the key to success of electrification greatly depends on the charging infrastructure. The carmaker has come up with a concept which will be assessed in a pilot project in the second half of the year.
The concept is the Audi Charging Hub with high-power charging (HPC) stations that can be reserved in advance to provide a high level of planning security. A lounge area directly nearby will provide an attractive, premium place to pass the time.
Cubes form the foundation of the Audi Charging Hub and these flexible container cubes fulfil various technical requirements and house charging pillars as well as used lithium-ion battery packs for energy storage. The use of second-life modules from disassembled development vehicles doesn’t just give the battery cells a new, sustainable purpose – it also provides a great benefit in their suitability as ancillary storage for direct current. This makes complex infrastructure with high-voltage lines and expensive transformers unnecessary.
Thanks to this huge interim storage – roughly 2.45 Mwh – the 6 charging stations, which will have a charging output of up to 300 kW, only need a standard 400Vt high-voltage hook-up. That makes output starting at 11 kW per cube sufficient to be able to fill the three storage modules with a total capacity of 2.45 MWh continually and to charge them overnight.
Premium lounge area
Different electric vehicle models will have different charging times for their battery packs. The latest Audi models take a little longer than a coffee break; the e-tron GT, for example, can be recharged with enough energy for up to 100 kms in about 5 minutes, with a charge from 5% to 80% taking roughly 23 minutes under ideal conditions. Audi customers need not stand around waiting as the pilot facility will have a lounge for them to relax in, with amenities commensurate with the premium image of the brand.
Photovoltaic modules on the roof will provide additional green energy. This not only makes it easier to selection possible locations, but it also reduces the planning time required and the costs while also saving resources. In addition, the modular concept provides maximum flexibility and scalability. The hub can be transported, installed and adapted to the individual location quickly, largely independent of local network capacities.
“The charging hub embodies our aspiration for the electric era and highlights Audi’s commitment to ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’ A flexible high-performing HPC charging park like this does not require much from the local electricity grid and uses a sustainable battery concept. Our customers benefit in numerous ways: from the ability to make exclusive reservations, a lounge area and short waiting times, thanks to high-performance charging. This is consistent with the premium concept,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development of Audi AG.
Trials and practical test
The search for a location in Germany for Audi’s pilot project and talks with possible partners are currently underway. It is planned to go into operation in the second half of the year. The findings about day-to-day operations and customer acceptance generated from this will be decisive for further implementation of the concept.
“We are testing what the optimal technical solution is in a very realistic way. The focus in doing so is firmly on the needs of our customers,” said Hoffmann. ”The plan for the pilot phase also calls for drivers of other brand cars to be able to use charging stations that are open and not reserved as well as parts of the lounge.”
The approach being taken by Audi could be a practical way in the transition period as vehicles with combustion engines are gradually phased out (which will take some time). The Audi Charging Hub can complement the existing fuel station infrastructure and could be set up adjacent to an existing station, if the space is available.
They say that many good things happen at a bar. And I would agree to that, many good things have taken place at many watering holes. And one of those good things is the topic of this article.
There were three of us at a bar in Petaling Jaya, and one was no other than Malaysian rally legend himself – Karamjit Singh.
We were discussing many things that day, from how rally life was like back then, to how a mechanic forgot to add engine oil during a race, forcing Karamjit out of the race. And to how, despite being 59 years old now, he is faster today than he has ever been, you can watch Karamjit talking about that in the video below.
And then it came in the form of an email, the invite to drive one of the fastest electric cars ever built – the Porsche Taycan. And it struck me, why not get Karamjit to drive it, he was already sitting opposite me anyway.
“Bro, how would you like to drive an electric Porsche at Sepang,” I asked Karam.
The look he gave me was one of disbelief, the type that couldn’t believe I had just asked that question.
“Of course la, I have never driven an electric car before, what more an electric Porsche at Sepang. Im in,” was his reply.
The reply from our friends at Porsche was also of disbelief.
“You sure you want to send Karamjit ah? He will still have to drive like any other member of the media you know, he has to follow a pace car. He won’t be able to drive the car to its limit.”
Yes, Yes, I know, but it will be interesting to see what a rally champion has to say about the Taycan.
A couple of days passed, and I found myself picking up Karamjit and heading to Sepang Circuit at about 8am.
“I usually do the driving,” said Karamjit to me.
“Kinda in a hurry bro, you drive on the way back?” – was my nonchalant reply to this multiple time rally champion, only to realise what I had said a few moments later.
Nevertheless, I got some good driving tips all the way to Sepang.
“It is smaller than what the photos make it look like,” was Karam’s first comment upon seeing the Taycan for the first time.
“It is actually smaller than the Panamera,” was mine.
The Taycan is indeed smaller than the Panamera, and is one of the reasons why it is outselling the Panamera in some markets like the UK. And this is giving rise to speculation that the Panamera could be discontinued if this trend continues and the shift towards electric cars gets stronger.
But that’s a different story.
After breakfast, an introduction to the overall drive program as well as the instructors, all of whom have either worked with Karamjit in a racing capacity, or at some point or another, we got on with the drive.
First up, sitting position. This is where lead Porsche instructor Admi Shahrul demonstrated the ideal sitting position when driving the Taycan or any other car.
From my vantage point (because I was not given a drive seat since I chose to give up my seat for Karam), I found Karam listening attentively. I thought that was incredibly gracious of him, considering he probably understands the importance of sitting positions better than anyone else there that day.
After that came the acceleration test, a part that had some Malaysian motoring journalists and youtubers giggling like girls (insert eye roll emoticon here) after experiencing what is said to be one of the fastest acceleration in a production car this side of a hypercar.
The two cars on hand were the standard Taycan 4S as well as the Taycan Turbo (there was no Turbo S for us to experience that day).
I didn’t expect Karamjit to be fazed by the acceleration, after all this is the man who said that the most powerful car he had ever driven was the Ford Escort Cosworth Group A rally car, which is a proper fire breathing monster that puts out over 300hp at the wheel in a lightened and strengthened body (pictured below).
“The acceleration difference between the two cars is huge,” said Karamjit. There is zero wheel spin despite the Taycan 4S putting out 650Nm of torque (with Performance Battery Plus, and 640Nm without the dearer battery) while the Turbo puts out 850Nm. Of course this is due to the Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control playing a role in keeping the wheels in check during hard acceleration.
There is no telling how the car would have felt with all the electronic safety nets turned off, and if there is anyone that could have tamed an out of control electric car, it would be Karamjit. But there were strict instructions to not turn anything off.
When asked what he thought of the acceleration, Karamjit had this to say, “The Turbo is fantastic, the G-Force is amazing, there is no drama, it accelerates very fast in a straight line and it doesn’t twitch. It is an easy car to drive fast. I love the instance response.”
The next program was a classroom session that explained the intricacy of the Taycan, but after that there was the track drive and that is where Karamjit got to drive both the Taycan 4S and the Turbo around the north track of the circuit.
“You do feel some body roll in the Taycan in normal mode, but in Sport mode the handling is very impressive for such a heavy car. The brakes are not so bad either, this is a car that weighs over two tons so you have to brake much earlier.”
“I also took some corners at over 160km/h and it does feel like you’re driving a race car around some parts of the circuit, this is still a proper Porsche.”
When asked about whether there is anything he didn’t quite like about the Taycan, Karamjit simply pointed out that excessive body roll in normal mode (but perfectly fine in Sport and Sport Plus), and his concerns about charging the car.
“I like this car, there is no doubt that this is a sports car you can drive everyday, but the disadvantage it has is charging it.”
“You have to plan your route very carefully to ensure there are charging points. You then have to spend 20-30 minutes while the car charges up and then point the car towards the next charging station.”
“But in terms of driving, the Taycan is a fantastic experience. I really like the fact that it has four-wheel steering. This minimises the turning circle and makes such a heavy car feel quite agile in corners. I just don’t understand why people need four-wheel-steering to help them park the car.”
But ultimately, what does a rally legend who has spent a huge part of his life with internal combustion engines think of the paradigm shift towards electric cars?
“Electric cars are the future we have to accept that, I used to worry but this is a great example of how awesome an electric car can be. It drives well, it accelerates well, it stops well, and it is still very much a Porsche, and a great Porsche at that.”
With a full lockdown Movement Control Order (MCO) to run from June 1 to June 14, 2021, many businesses are required to stop operations and these include car companies. In connection with this directive, Honda Malaysia has announced that its main business operations will remain closed for the period.
The business operations involved are the company’s assembly plant in Pegoh (Melaka), sales office and authorised dealer showrooms nationwide. However, aftersales services are permitted so owners can send their vehicles to authorised Honda service centres nationwide. Aftersales services available are preventive maintenance, Body and Paint (BP) and towing assistance.
Showrooms will be closed for 2 weeks (tentatively) but service centres will continue to operate.
Honda Malaysia encourages owners to use the HondaTouch application to make their appointments at the service centres. They should not just go to the service centres without a prior appointment as this will not be entertained so appointments must be made in advance. It should also be noted that there is a restriction on the range that they can travel which is 10 kms from their home, so they should locate the nearest authorised service centre.
All Honda dealerships strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specified by the health authorities for the safety of Honda customers and company associates as well as to provide customers peace of mind when visiting the dealerships.
The Prime Minister tonight announced that the exemption of Sales Tax (SST) which began on June 15, 2020 and was due to end at the end of 2020 but was then extended till June 30, 2021 has again been extended. This time, the extension continues till the end of 2021. The exemption is provided as one of the measures to help support business sustainability in these difficult times, especially with another imposition of a total lockdown forcing many businesses to close from June 1 to June 14.
The exemption conditions are unchanged: for all models assembled locally, full exemption of the 10% tax will be given while for models imported in XBU (completely built-up) form, the exemption will be half, ie 5%. While the savings for low-priced models may not be significant, they can be amount to quite a lot for the more expensive models.
The sales tax exemption has not been provided for pick-up trucks as they are classified as commercial vehicles, and the government is already providing other forms of support to the commercial sector.
