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Perodua resumes free Tweckbot inspections with new safety measures

Tweckbot – the long-running complimentary vehicle inspection service by Perodua – has resumed operations. A team will be station at Tesco Extra Bukit Tinggi Klang in Selangor this weekend (September 12 and 13) from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

The free service will also be available at two other locations in Selangor – Tesco Puncak Alam (September 19/20) and Tesco Extra Ampang (September 26/27), also from 9 am to 5 pm.

“As Malaysia Day nears, we foresee many Malaysians taking vacations or returning to their hometowns. For their safety and peace of mind, it is crucial that their Perodua vehicles are in good working order,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Tweckbot personnel will inspect over 50 points on a Perodua vehicle. These include the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension and electrical system.

New Normal operating procedures
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to prevent its spread, comprehensive health and safety measures have been adopted for the protection of its valued customers and staff. Dato’ Zainal emphasised that these safety measures will be the new normal operating procedures for Tweckbot moving forward.

All Tweckbot customers will be required to undergo temperature checks and will need to comply with contact tracing protocols as mandated by the government. Tweckbot stations will have a more spaced-out layout with demarcated areas for waiting, consultation and vehicle inspection to minimise movement, and the entire station will be evacuated and sanitised twice a day.

“Our technicians will wear face shields at all times and every vehicle will be thoroughly sanitised before and after inspection. Physical distancing and the wearing of face masks apply at all times,” Dato’ Zainal said.

He added that for the protection of the public, the number of vehicles inspected has to be limited to slots on a first-come, first-served basis.

20% discount on parts/accessories
Customers who inspect their vehicles with Tweckbot will get a 20% discount voucher, redeemable for the purchase of selected parts and accessories at any authorised Perodua service centre (terms and conditions apply).

Visit www.perodua.com.my for more news and to know more about the model range available.

Perodua expands on public protection initiative

Three additions to Mercedes-Benz SUV range in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the latest Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe and Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe with the flagship GLS 450 4MATIC to be available in early 2021. The new models join the brand’s SUV range which includes compact GLA, GLC and G-Class.

“The new GLE Coupe seamlessly blends the unrivalled power of an SUV with the agility and elegance of a coupe. Every function and every detail aims to offer an incredibly enchanting experience in its segment,” said Michael Jopp, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
The GLE 450 4MATIC Coupe is priced from RM661,009.42, while the GLE 53 4MATIC Coupe price starts from RM787,357.88, both prices without insurance but with relevant sales tax deducted until the end of 2020.

The GLE 450 Coupe is powered by the 3-litre turbocharged in-line 6-cylinder engine that produces 367 bhp/500 Nm, giving it a claimed acceleration capability of 5.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. The similar engine size and type in the GLE 53 Coupe generates 435 bhp/520 Nm, which can take off another 4/10ths of a second in the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time.

Both models ride on AIRMATIC air suspension system with adaptive adjustable damping. The system uses highly complex sensor systems and algorithms to constantly adapt damping characteristics to road and driving conditions for optimum comfort levels.

The interior of the new GLE Coupes shares many common features with the other models in the SUV range family with a clear emphasis sportiness while maintain the premium image. Large 12.3-inch screens complement the instrument panel, horizontally divided by a trim element tier, tom provide the driver with all the important information while on the move.

As with all the latest Mercedes-Benz model, the GLE Coupe comes with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. The latest generation of MBUX has a more intuitive operating structure and high visual quality.

Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC AMG Line
The GLS 450 4MATIC AMG Line is expected to be priced from RM899,888 when it goes on sale in 2021. As it will be after the sales tax-exemption period, the indicated price includes sales tax of 10% (unless there are changes when the new Budget is announced in October).

Described as the ‘S-class among Mercedes-Benz SUVs’, the latest version of the SUV will offer more of everything – space, comfort and luxury. It will come with an in-line 3-litre 6-cylinder engine with electrification by 48-volt technology. Maximum output is 367 bhp/500 Nm which is transmitted to all four wheels by the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission.

The GLS 450 features an upright radiator grille, chrome-plated underguard with the bone-shaped air inlet grille and two powerdomes on the bonnet. LED lighting technology is used front and rear for maximum illumination at night.

The level of luxury within is enhanced by leather appointments and high quality materials. Styling elements are unified with the dashboard support flowing into the door panels and the integral trim element likewise extending to meet the doors.

Convenience features include electrically-adjustable seats with an EASY-ENTRY system for getting to the third row. The seats in the second row can also be moved forward to give extra legroom to those sitting in the third row.

The MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System is available for the 7-seater SUV. Like in aircraft, the content on each screen can be selected by each occupant. This personalisation extends to movies, music and the integrated web browser, with two wireless headsets that come with the vehicle.

Mercedes me connect (Mmc)
Mercedes me connect is a connectivity system for Mercedes-Benz owners to stay connected and also remotely manage some functions of their vehicles using a dedicated app. The connected service, available in all the SUV models, enables unlocking their car, starting the engine remotely, getting customer support or even checking the level in the fuel tank from inside the home. Other features are remote vehicle diagnostics, pre=entry climate control, predictive navigation, parked vehicle locator.

Mmc includes an emergency call facility (E-call) that could make the difference between life and death should an accident occur. With a dedicated button on the roof panel of the vehicle’s cabin, drivers and other occupants can make an emergency call to a dedicated emergency response centre. The vehicle’s location will already be known which will help rescuers reach the vehicle faster.

Enhanced insurance and takaful packages from Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia

Fuel Price Updates For September 12 – 18, 2020

Kia Seltos launching soon, bookings now accepted

As car companies start to execute launch plans postponed by the MCO suspension of activities, we’re seeing new models coming into the market. Soon, the Kia Seltos will also be in showrooms in Malaysia and those who want to be among the first to own it can start placing their bookings at 11 selected outlets in Peninsular Malaysia.

The Seltos, which is about the same size as a Honda HR-V, is an all-new addition to the Kia range in Malaysia. It will be available in EX and GT variants. Both variants will be available in Glacier White Pearl or Gravity Grey exterior colours, with the GT trim being Intelligency Blue.

The price is not mentioned yet nor the specifications and from the 6 engines that are available for the model, a 1.4-litre turbocharged or 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine could be offered. Most likely, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will be fitted.

The Seltos made its debut in mid-2019 in Korea and has been progressively launched in some markets. It is also produced in India and China (where it is sold as a KX3). Last year, about 90,000 units were sold in the 6 months following the model’s introduction.

All-new 4th generation Kia Carnival goes on sale in Korea

F1: Vettel to join Racing Point which will be renamed Aston Martin

It was already known that Sebastian Vettel would not get another season with Ferrari, the team he has driven for since 2015. So who he would be with in 2021 was the question in the air, and it’s been answered – Racing Point.

The 33-year old driver who has won 4 championships in his 13 years as a F1 driver is expected to be with Racing Point – to be renamed Aston Martin – for at least 3 years, although the team has not indicated the contract period.

“It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter. The energy and commitment of Lawrence [Stroll] to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together,” said Vettel.

Though Vettel has had a lousy season this year and is 13^th in the current championship standings after 8 rounds, he remains one of the top drivers and a good catch for the team. “On a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level,” said Otmar Szafnauer, CEO & Team Principal of Racing Point.

*Sergio Perez (left) and Lance Stroll, the current drivers in the BWT Racing Point Team*

Perez departs
However, a team can have only two active drivers which has meant that the services of Sergio Perez won’t be needed in 2021. Lance Stroll, 21, being the owner’s son, obviously would not be the one to be ejected…

Perez revealed that his notice only came the day before Vettel himself announced that he will join Racing Point but suspected something like that would happen. The 30-year old Mexican driver, nicknamed ‘Checo’, has been racing in F1 for 9 years, having started with Sauber in 2011. He has been with Racing Point since 2014 when it was known as Force India. At this time, he said that he is uncertain whether he will join another team though he is keen to remain in F1.

*Aston Martin is currently involved in motorsports through a partnership with ProDrive.*

Racing Point’s change of name is more than just that and it will be an official Aston Martin works team. The intention is to run the team for at least 10 years, and it will be the first time the carmaker has been directly involved in motorsport in many decades although it currently has a partnership with ProDrive in Aston Martin Racing.

Who is Lawrence Stroll?
The move does not surprise observers since Racing Point’s owner, Lawrence Stroll, is Aston Martin’s Executive Chairman (after making a £182 million investment via a consortium and getting a 16.7% stake).

Stroll (the father), who is a Canadian billionaire, is well known in the fashion industry, with shares in Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors. He is a car-lover with a collection of vintage Ferraris and has been involved in F1 via brand sponsorships for many years.

*Returning drivers: Daniel Ricciardo (left) goes back to Red Bull Racing, and his place at the Renault team will be taken by Fernando Alonso who returns after 9 years.*

Movements so far
There are still 9 races to go on the revised 2020 calendar and team owners may well be having private discussions with drivers. At this time, the confirmed movements are Fernando Alonso joining the Renault team which will be known as the Alpine F1 team, and Carlos Sainz, Jr. going to Ferrari to join Charles Leclerc. The vacant seat left by Sainz at McLaren will be taken by Daniel Ricciardo, which means Red Bull Racing is looking for a partner for Max Verstappen.

4 more rounds added to F1 calendar, making it a total of 17 for 2020

Malaysian Army chooses Honda Civic for Military Police duties

Following the supply of Honda Civic to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) fleet, Honda Malaysia has announced that it has also delivered 40 units of the same model to the Malaysian Army.

This is the first time that the Malaysian armed forces are known to officially use a Honda model and the cars will be used for law enforcement and policing duties by the Royal Military Police Corps. The Civic variant delivered to the Malaysian Army has a 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine which produces 141 ps/174 Nm. Army personnel using them will benefit from the 5-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP.

“Previously, the Royal Malaysian Police had also chosen the best-selling C-segment as their new mobile patrol vehicles and we are currently delivering more than 1,000 units of the Civic 1.8S to them to be used for their enforcement duties. Honda Malaysia is proud that the Civic has once again been selected as our frontliners’ vehicle of choice. The Civic will be used by the Royal Military Police Corps for enforcement duties and it is our hope that the ideal model selected will complement and assist the Royal Military Police Corps in their daily commute for their assigned tasks,” said the Managing Director & CEO of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama.

The Civic, which has been sold in Malaysia since its first generation was introduced in the mid-1970s, has been one of the more popular models of the brand in the market over the years. It has been assembled in Malaysia from the first generation, initially at Oriental Assemblers in Johor and then, from 2003, at Honda’s own plant in Melaka.

The Civic originally began as a compact entry-level hatchback model but evolved over the years into a larger and more sophisticated sedan. The latest generation is the tenth and has Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Safety Technology.

Since being launched in February 2020, more than 5,000 units of the updated 2020 Civic have been sold according to Honda Malaysia. The company also states that it is No.1 in the C-segment with a 78% market share as of July 2020. It is currently the second best-selling Honda model in Malaysia with prices starting from RM109,326.

To know more about the Honda range of models available in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.