With the latest Ford Ranger, a lot of effort has gone into making it the most versatile Ranger ever, a transporter for work or for recreation. To achieve that, the project team spent hundreds of hours talking to customers around the world to see how they use their pick-up trucks on a daily basis and what features and capability they expected.
A lot of feedback was acquired and considered, leading to the new Ranger having the versatility inside as well as outside the vehicle. The large and functional cargo box can take large items of all shapes and there are also accessories to close it off for security.
Ford also collaborated with JAC Products to develop a unique Sliding Load Rack and Folding Roof Rack which allow owners to load items spanning the length of the roof and cargo box. Known as the Flexible Rack System (FRS), it can be used for a ladder, timber, a door, canoe, surfboards or even bicycles.
In recent years, you’ve probably been come across many reports about motorists being ‘saved’ by video evidence from a dashcam or digital video recorder (DVR). Where before there might have been a dispute between the parties involved as to who was responsible for the accident, a recording from a DVR would almost immediately end any argument. And the use of DVRs has broadened to not only recording accidents but also the reckless driving behaviour of others which can help police taken action against.
The value of DVRs, which have been available for many years now, has been recognized even by car companies who offer them as standard or optional items in new cars nowadays. Hyundai Sime Darby Motors was probably the first one to do so in Malaysia with the 7th generation Hyundai Sonata it launched in 2015. The DVR was installed neatly with a connection to the power supply so it was like part of the car’s systems.
Today, many other companies also offer DVRs, and some even offer units that are mounted at the rear to supplement the forward-facing one. These units are usually tested for reliability and durability by the distributors and installed by them so they give a warranty as well.
But anyone can also install a DVR in their vehicle and they do not need a specialist as it is easily mounted on the windscreen and a cable connected to a USB port or 12V socket (which used to be for cigarette lighters) provides power. Like GPS route navigation units, prices of DVRs have come down quickly over the years. You can now get a simple unit for around RM100 and for more money, you can get high-tech features and higher quality.
The other features are secondary and in the newer units, even the lower priced ones have them since the features are all programmed together. Some of these features are impact sensors, collision warning, still image capture and so on. But for most people, all that is expected would be the ability to record and that is what every DVR does – though the quality varies.
The more you pay, the better the quality will be and what is important is the image quality. There’s no point having a recording which is not sharp and while you might see the other car hitting you, its numberplate might not be clear enough. The minimum resolution would be what is known as 1080P Full HD and the higher the resolution, the more clarity there can be if small areas need to be enlarged.
There are units which can capture at higher resolutions of 4K and they have very good image sensors (the ones made by Sony are regarded as the best). These can record video with a lot of sharpness but it will also mean that the capacity of memory card to store the video will need to be larger as the file sizes will be much bigger.
The video recordings are stored on memory cards, the popular size being microSD which is the same as what you probably have in your mobilephone. These come in various capacities and while you would need to put in a new SD card when the one in your phone is full, the recordings in the DVR are looped so when it is full, the oldest one will be over-written by a new one. This is usually fine in most cases if the card has a large storage capacity and depending on how much you use the DVR, it might even be good for a few days of recordings.
How many recordings can be stored depends on the file size and besides the image quality being a factor, this can be fixed by selecting the duration (3 minutes, 5 minutes, etc). A 64GB card can store 480 1-minute recordings if taken at 30 fps and 1080P but if at 4K/30 fps, then it can only store up to 144 1-minute recordings before the first one will be over-written.
The reason for not having a continuous recording of your journey is to make locating a specific section easier. The time stamp is shown so you can locate a specific spot on your journey to review when you wish to do so. It’s also easier when you want to download a specific section (to pass to the police or insurance company as evidence). The card can be removed and with an adapter, inserted into a computer for access.
Unless you never drive at night, you will also need the DVR to have night vision capability. All DVRs can record at night but the quality will vary greatly, and this is usually related to the price. The very expensive units may have special software to enhance the image in low light conditions but generally, the cameras have a wide dynamic range which adjusts exposure to maintain clarity and sufficient contrast to make out details.
The frame rate per second (commonly referred to as ‘fps’) also helps in image quality. The more frames per second means the better the details. High-quality DVRs can take videos at up to 60 fps which is pretty good and down to 30 fps, you can still get smooth playback. The cheaper units might record at 20 fps or slower and this can make playback jerky with poor image quality.
The field of view – that’s the area covered from left to right – should be as wide as possible. Currently, the range is between 130 degrees and 160 degrees; the wider it can be, the better so that accidents that may happen on the side (like being rammed by someone who didn’t stop at a red light) can be more clearly seen.
Some DVRs may have ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) features like those provided in Honda SENSING and Toyota Safety Sense. These may detect lane departure, give distance warnings or even alert the driver when the car in front moves off. However, they may not be as accurate as the advanced systems developed by the carmakers.
There are also some units which can keep recording even while the car is parked. The value of this is questionable since the camera is only facing forward but if there are additional cameras, then someone attempting to break in could be recorded. To save power and storage space, some DVRs will only record if there is motion detected.
In the past few years, there have also been dual front-mounted cameras (besides rear-facing cameras). These have one camera recording the view forward and the other recording the view inside the cabin. Not everyone may like or need such a feature and it is more appreciate by taxi drivers who will have strangers in the car and need to have a record for their own protection.
The more expensive DVRs may also have GPS receivers which can include the car’s precise location along with the other information embedded in the recording. With special software, it will be possible to retrace a route on digital maps and even see the speeds the car was running at.
Virtually all DVRs have the ability to also record sound and some people may like it while others would rather not have any record of what is said on a journey. It is usually possible to switch off audio recording if not required. Some units might also accept simple voice commands like ‘TAKE PICTURE’ to record a still image.
Almost all DVRs have a feature to lock files so that they cannot be tampered with. This would be important after an accident has occurred and the driver can either manually lock the file or the impact will activate a lock on a specific file so that the evidence is safely preserved.
Installing a DVR is like buying insurance – you hope that you do not need it but if you have an accident, then you might be very glad you spent the money to put one in the car. Besides recording accidents, DVRs are also useful to record videos of roadtrips where you may have gone through a nice area. Or if you are in the right place at the right time, your DVR might catch other vehicles having accidents or even a meteor shooting across the sky ahead!
R3 is well known among Malaysian motorsports enthusiasts, especially Proton fans. As the motorsport and performance division of Proton, it has been active in ‘Race, Rally and Research’, which is what R3 stands for. Almost 20 years old, R3 has made a name for itself in local and international motorsport events, particularly in rallying.
With R3 now ‘parked’ under Proton Global Services (PGS), a fully owned subsidiary of Proton Edar, there is new impetus going forward and while there will continue to be racing activities, R3 is also diversifying with the addition of a new range of lubricants that would be ideal for Proton cars.
The new R3 range of Premium Genuine Oils has been developed together with Petronas and is available in fully-synthetic (P1) and semi-synthetic (P2) formulations. Both genuine oils are formulated using Petronas’ latest Etro 6+ base oil and are designed to fight excessive heat to ensure better performance for the current generation of direct injection turbocharged engines. With SP and SN Plus ratings, they meet the latest levels of service certification by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
The R3 Premium Genuine Oil is priced at RM208 for the P1 fully-synthetic formulation and RM158 for the P2 semi-synthetic product. Until April 30, 2022, they will be offered at an introductory price of RM178 and RM128, respectively.
“The launch of our new R3 Premium Genuine Oil range is the first step in R3’s rebranding journey. They will be sold to the public via our Premium Merchandise Partners in 20 locations throughout Malaysia. There will be more product launches coming up in the future, including accessories for Proton car owners, which will help us build our connections with R3 fans,” said Lee Yeet Chuan, CEO of Proton Global Services.
Mr. Lee said that there will also be a new range of merchandise to reconnect with fans and expand the reach of the brand as well as bring R3 heritage and products closer to the public. The new range of t-shirts and caps are priced between RM49 to RM60 and will also be available at all Premium Merchandise Partner locations.
When it opened for business in 1895, Cycle & Carriage was a general store offering all kinds of products, from soap to writing paper to screwdrivers and simple machine parts. Four years later, it added bicycles, motorcycles and motorcars. Quite likely, the company would also have sold wheels and tyres during the period at the dawn of motorisation.
122 years later, Cycle & Carriage (C&C) still sells cars – Mercedes-Benz, in particular – and it still also sells Original Tyres and Rims. While all of its outlets can supply the items, it has an Original Tyres and Rims Boutique at its Autohaus in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. C&C is the first and only dealer in Malaysia to have such a boutique to broaden its aftersales service experience.
Optimized for safety and performance
The boutique has the Mercedes Original range of certified original tyres and Mercedes-Benz rims and accessories that are not only styled with good looks but also optimised for safety and performance. Customers can choose from an assortment of tyre and rim combinations with sizes that are suited for each Mercedes-Benz model.
Though made by global tyre companies, every Mercedes Original (MO) tyre is developed and manufactured to the highest quality that meets the stringent requirements of Mercedes-Benz. While the same tyre may also be available in the open market, the MO tyres are the result of a thousand hours of engineering and testing to ensure more specific matching to the cars they are recommended for. This means that the driver can enjoy the full performance levels which the engineers originally designed the car with.
Four types of tyres
The boutique offers four types of high-performance Mercedes Original tyres. Besides Mercedes Original tyres, there are Mercedes Original Extended tyres which enable temporary extended mobility in the case of a flat tyre. There are also Mercedes Original 1 tyres, a selection developed for Mercedes-AMG vehicles and high-performance needs. For customers who want more quietness, there are the Mercedes Original Silent tyres.
The boutique offers an interactive experience where customers can view, touch, and feel the differences of each of the wheels and tyres. Such interactivity allows every customer to learn about the benefits of the products’ effect on performance and driving experience.
“We are excited that our new Mercedes-Benz Original Tyre and Rims Boutique experience can help customers learn more about these high-performance products that add comfort, safety and performance to their vehicles,” said Wilfrid Foo, CEO of Cycle & Carriage. “Being able to offer the Mercedes Original range of tyres and rims at the boutique is an important part of our effort to give our customers the most exceptional journey with their Mercedes-Benz.”
As mentioned in May, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is reviving Ralliart, the motorsport brand of the company. No details were given as to what the scope of the revival would be but an image of a Triton with Ralliart treatment was shown in a presentation on the carmaker’s FY2020 financial results that were made public.
At the 38th Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok this week, the first models of the revived Ralliart brand will be unveiled. These are the Triton Ralliart and the Pajero Sport Ralliart as special editions, based on the popular pick-up and SUV models made at the factory in Thailand.
No performance upgrades yet
For now, it appears that the special editions do not have any performance upgrades and are essentially differentiated from the standard models by Ralliart-themed cosmetics reminiscent of the historic cars in rallies.
Both models feature iconic side decals with red, silver and black stripes, and mud flaps with the Ralliart logo. The front grille and alloy wheels are painted black to differentiate from the standard trim. As for the interior, the floormats have the Ralliart logo and red-accent overlocks are specially fitted.
Exclusive accessories
The Triton Ralliart is based on the low-rider variant of the Triton Club Cab (Mega Cab) and Double Cab. For these two models, in addition to the common cosmetic features are front bumper garnish with a red accent and bedliner with the Ralliart logo. In addition, the two-tone model features black door mirrors, black door handles, black rear gate handle and black rear bumper.
The Pajero Sport Ralliart has front and rear under garnish with red accents and the Ralliart logo. Exclusive to the two-tone colour model are black fender arch moldings, black roof rails, black shark fin antenna and black tailgate spoiler. Two exterior colour options are available – a two-tone exterior with a White Diamond body and a black roof, and Jet Black Mica.
“We are truly honoured to bring back the Ralliart brand products to the fans of Mitsubishi Motors and Ralliart,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, MMC. “Starting from these Ralliart special editions in Thailand, we are planning to introduce more of the attractive items sequentially. We are also considering some exciting activities in the near future, so that the fans can feel and enjoy our Ralliart spirit. Please stay tuned with our revived Ralliart… there is more to come!”
The Ralliart special editions will be available from Mitsubishi Motors’ dealerships in Thailand but no word on whether other markets will get them. Quite likely, distributors in other countries like Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia may offer Ralliart accessories first and then progress to fully-equipped models at a later stage.
To know more about the Triton and to test-drive one, visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my for the location of an authorised dealer in Malaysia.
GAZOO is a name that has been around since the early 2000s although back then, it was known only in Japan. It was the name of a website that was created and supervised by Akio Toyoda, currently. President of Toyota Motor Corporation. At that time, he had just joined the Board of Directors after having served in various roles at different Toyota subsidiaries and digitisation was accelerating.
From being the name for a website (which still exists today) that served as a hub for virtual shops mainly dealing in the auto business, GAZOO began to appear in motorsports towards the end of the 2000s. Being a racing driver and car enthusiast himself, Akio wanted to generate more excitement for the sport among the young and GAZOO Racing was to expand the role of promoting motorsports beyond that of traditional automakers.
Today GAZOO Racing is a major part of Toyota which is responsible for motorsports and high-performance products. Its scope has progressively broadened and in countries like Malaysia, GAZOO Racing (GR) has been established as a new performance brand.
Growing name in Malaysia
“GAZOO Racing is a name that has gained tremendous traction in the Malaysian market since we first introduced the brand here in 2017. The brand represents Toyota’s motor racing activities worldwide, and this has translated into a great number of initiatives locally that include the organizing of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival, Vios Challenge one-make race, GAZOO Racing Velocity Esports Championship, the launch of exclusive GR vehicles, the roll-out of the Vios GR-S in Malaysia and establishing the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program for young racing drivers,” said Akio Takeyama, GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer.
Exclusive GR parts
Now GAZOO Racing Malaysia is making available GAZOO Racing (GR) parts and accessories that are exclusively for the GR Yaris, Vios GR-S, Vios and Yaris. “The availability and sale of GR parts and accessories is a further extension of these initiatives as Toyota steps up its efforts to gain a bigger foothold in Malaysian motorsports,” said Mr. Takeyama.
Exclusive to the limited-edition GR Yaris are 5 styling upgrades – a GR Front Spoiler with Rear Extension; GR Side Skirts; GR Rear Bumper Spoiler; GR Sports Muffler and an GR Interior Panel Set (carbonfibre design).
All other parts are available for the Vios GR-S, Vios and Yaris. This, however, excludes the GR start/stop button, GR emblem, GR carpet mat, which already come standard in the Vios GR-S.
Only available at selected outlets
All GR Parts and accessories come with a 1-year warranty and to ensure quality fitment, customers can have the products installed at the respective GR Garages and GR outlets. The parts can be purchased only at 5 GR Garages and 39 GR outlets (Toyota dealerships that have teams competing in the Vios Challenge racing series).
The five GR Garages nationwide are Fokus Tetap (Shah Alam, Selangor), PCM Klang Motor (Klang, Selangor), Wing Hin Auto (Balakong, Selangor), Telagamas (Kulim, Kedah) and Mutiara Motorsports (Masai, Johor). The list of GR outlets can be found at www.toyota.com.my.
UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K., said the availability of GR Parts allows customers to have a higher degree of personalization for their vehicles, especially those who share the passion for motorsports. “GR is as much about performance as it is about styling, safety and lifestyle, and this is reflected throughout the introductory list of parts we are making available today,” he said.
“While GR models are a pedigree of their own, the GR brand is not confined to only outright performance. The brand also conveys driving enjoyment and excitement, and this is precisely what customers can look forward to with the availability of these parts and accessories,” he added.
The wheels for the first cars were made of wood, carrying over from the wheels of horse carriages. Eventually, metal was used, which provided much durability and complemented the auto industry’s manufacturing processes. Steel wheels were commonplace for many decades but as the need to reduce weight became more important, lightening the wheels led the industry to use aluminium alloy.
As the 1970s began, Michelin introduced in innovation for wheels – carbonfibre construction. The initial application was for a rallycar but before long, they were more widely available but still rare as they cost a great deal of money. It was only in 2013 that Koenigsegg offered monolithic carbonfibre wheels on its cars, with a set said to cost around US$40,000.
Why use carbonfibre?
One of the main advantages of using a composite material like carbonfibre is that it is lighter than steel or aluminium. The nature of the material also means it generates less noise and vibrations, making for a nicer, quieter ride. This makes such wheels desirable for luxury cars but their cost remains high.
After years of development with one of the world’s leading composite suppliers, Bentley now has a new carbonfibre wheel developed specifically for the Bentayga. The 22-inch wheel, engineered with Bucci Composites of Italy, is to be the largest carbonfibre wheel in production in the world. It offers a vast range of benefits beyond the initial 6-kg improvement in unsprung mass per wheel.
Meeting tough TUV standards
The new wheel has been subjected to the exceptionally rigorous TUV standards and is the first carbonfibre wheel ever produced to pass all tests. The newly developed rim has undergone the most rigorous testing for non-metallic wheels according to the new TUV standards including biaxial stress testing, radial and lateral impact testing for simulating potholes and cobblestones, tyre overpressure, and excessive torque tests exceeding the permitted limits.
One of the most severe tests of the TUV requirements – the impact test – has shown how the carbonfibre rim is extremely safe in addition to the performance benefits. After a severe impact which would crack or shatter an aluminium wheel, the carbonfibre rim allows a slow tyre deflation, thanks to the intelligent layering of fibre weaves, allowing the vehicle to come to a controlled, safe stop. This would be of great value to a vehicle like the Bentayga which has off-road capabilities.
The new wheel has also been subjected to extremely high speeds. Engineers ran numerous tests around the Nurburgring Nordschleife before final sign-off to go into production.
The technological benefits
Carbonfibre not only provides a significant weight saving, but also offers the additional benefits of increased strength and stiffness. This leads to increased safety – when the rim receives a high impact, the weave pulls apart leaving openings to allow gradual air loss rather than instant deflation like an aluminium rim.
There’s also increased steering agility, thanks to the weight saving and the high stiffness afforded by the properties of carbonfibre which create a more stable and consistent steering platform. In comparison, a forged aluminium rim can lose up to a degree of camber due to wheel flex, reducing grip and agility.
The driver will also have improved and more responsive braking due to the decrease in unsprung mass. Reduced tyre wear is also a long-term benefit as the stiffer carbonfibre rim does not suffer from the same amount of bending. It therefore allows for greater tyre stability and a more consistent contact patch on a larger tyre support surface.
The production processes
One of the main innovations lies in the rim manufacturing process, which involves the application of innovative concepts (covered by patents) combined with the use of high-pressure RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding). The materials and production parameters have been carefully studied to ensure the repeatability of the product without affecting its quality.
The process involves the cutting of carbonfibre cloth into prescribed shapes. The weave segments are then stacked, heated and draped into a mould to create three-dimensional preforms. The preforms are collated and arranged into a larger mould before resin and hardener is injected throughout. After curing time at temperature, the component assembly is removed from the mould, and the final surfaces are machined to the correct finish, before polishing.
Joining Mulliner products in late 2021
The new carbonfibre wheel for the Bentayga will be join Bentley’s existing carbonfibre products, which include the highly sought-after Styling Specification that adds a carbonfibre front splitter, sill extensions and rear diffuser, and the option of high gloss carbonfibre veneer to the interior.
June is here and for this new month, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has special deals for those shopping for a new Volkswagen Passat or a Tiguan Allspace Highline.
Those who make use of the eShowroom will enjoy an increase of RM1,500 savings on the Passat family and RM1,000 on the Tiguan Allspace Highline. Both the Passat Elegance and its sportier sibling, the Passat R-Line comes with exclusive savings of RM5,000, on top of ongoing promotions.
For SUV fans, take advantage of eShowroom savings of RM4,500 on top of the ongoing promotion for the Tiguan Allspace Highline which can seat seven comfortably.
Those who want to enhance their Tiguan Allspace Highline with accessories can enjoy a 15% discount when purchasing the new accessories package for the Highline and R-Line variants. This special package, priced at RM6,134 (total savings of RM1,082), consists of scuff plates, aluminium pedal caps (1 set), load edge protector, rear mudflaps (1 set), running board kit and a luggage compartment liner.
Alternatively, the Tiguan R-Line accessories package is now priced at RM4,464 (savings of RM787). This package consists of load edge protector, running board kit and a luggage compartment liner. Bookings to purchase the kit and future installation appointments can be arranged by calling any authorised Volkswagen service centre.
Aftersales 0% interest payment plan
VPCM doesn’t forget its loyal and supportive customers when it has promotions. From June 1, owners can opt for financial flexibility with a 0% interest-free instalment plan when paying for service or repair work via credit card.
Available at selected authorised Volkswagen service centres, the payment plan can be spread over 6 or 12 months, depending on the selected bank. Owners are advised to check with their preferred dealer on the specific terms and conditions.
Volkswagen Service campaign extended
If you still have taken advantage of the Aftersales Service campaign, the good news is that VPCM has extended it till the June 30, 2021, so more owners can enjoy the benefits. Those who send in their vehicles for service will be get 20% off Volkswagen genuine engine oil, and those who spend a minimum of RM1,200 will receive a complimentary carcare kit that consists of wax polish, wax shampoo, glass polish, plastic care, and leather care solutions in 50 ml bottles.
Under the ‘Safe Hands’ initiative, Volkswagen service centres nationwide follow strict guidelines which includes contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitisation before and after service, and cashless payments with e-invoicing.
Owners are advised to book their service appointments online and select free pick-up and delivery to have their Volkswagen serviced without having to leave the comfort of their homes. Dealers operating hours are available on the website at www.volkswagen.com.my.
Mitsubishi fans around the world are buzzing with excitement as news of the return of the Ralliart performance brand of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will be making a return. This is based on a single slide shown with the presentation of the FY2020 Financial Results that MMC made public. No details are shown at all other than one image of a Triton kicking up dust and the other showing the Ralliart logo and wording which says ‘Ralliart Parts’.
So we don’t know what exactly MMC has in mind with this revival and how Ralliart will be used. Other carmakers have invested more in performance sub-brands in recent times – eg Toyota with GR, Hyundai with Hyundai N and of course, Mercedes with Mercedes-AMG and BMW with BMW M. These brands have been used for high-performance products with the division upgrading performance of some models as well as providing accessories.
MMC may well be thinking of the same thing, especially since Ralliart is still a strong brand and although its activities were scaled down considerably 11 years ago, there were some licensees outside Japan that continued to sell Ralliart items.
The story of Ralliart did not actually start in MMC but in Europe. In the 1970s, Andrew Cowan, who drove Mitsubishi cars in many rallies (as well as cars of other brands) worked closely with the factory. The close relationship and his successes saw the establishment of the predecessor of the Ralliart organization in 1983. It was then known as Andrew Cowan Motor Sports (ACMS) and it provided services for MMC’s motorsports activities, especially in the World Rally Championship as well as the Dakar Rally.
Cowan (who passed away in 2019) also drove although as time went on, he spent more time managing the organization and providing his experience in vehicle preparation. It’s not clear when the Ralliart name started to appear although it was on Mitsubishi vehicles that participated in the early years of the Paris-Dakar Rally.
During the era of the Group B super rallycars, ACMS was responsible for developing a prototype Starion with 4-wheel drive (it entered a round of the Rally of Malaysia) and later on, operating under the name of ‘Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe’, it was responsible for the World Rally Championship (WRC) cars of drivers like Tommi Makinen.
By the 1990s, the Ralliart name was strongly associated with Mitsubishi Motors and appeared on rallycars in international events. MMC made the decision in 2002 to acquire ACMS and make it a subsidiary of the company to be directly involved in motorsports and related businesses.
Unfortunately, MMC went through difficult times in later years and had to reorganize itself, which led to the Ralliart division having to cease its operations. Though it did not promote the brand anymore, the Ralliart name continued to be seen as it had always been associated with a performance image.
The revival of Ralliart may provide MMC with an opportunity to retain a sporty side although it has plans to get more seriously into electrification. It could provide expertise for performance variants (although the Mitsubishi range is rather thin now), even with electric vehicles. In fact, the company entered specialized electric vehicles in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in 2012, 2013 and 2014 and was placed among the top finishers in class.
Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to know more about Mitsubishi vehicles and services in Malaysia, and the locations of authorised dealerships.
About a week ago, on July 3, Perodua’s dealer in Brunei launched the latest Myvi for that market. It was the usual sort of launch of a new model but among the variants displayed was one called the Myvi S-Edition. The existence of such a variant caught the Perodua people by surprise since they do not have any Myvi S-Edition sold in Malaysia or anywhere else in the world.
Some Perodua fans who keep up with news of their favourite brand also noticed the ‘special edition’ and wondered why it was available in Brunei but not Malaysia. Well, it is not unusual that some markets may have a variant or specification which are not available in the home market of the manufacturer. These may be export versions or specially developed versions to suit certain markets.
In the case of the Myvi S-Edition, the variant had a bodykit to enhance its looks but this bodykit was not developed by Perodua and it appears that they were not aware of it either, from what we gather from the statement issued by Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
“Perodua Brunei introduced its own version of the Myvi 1.3L G variant, dubbed the S-Edition, which include enhanced bodykits which were sourced independently by our appointed distributor GHK Motors,” he said.
“Based on the feedback from GHK Motors, the introduction of the Myvi S-Edition was its attempt to introduce a variant that was better suited to their market needs. We are engaging with GHK Motors for more details about this variant to ensure that the additions to this variant meet the required standards,” he added.
The statement was issued today for clarification as Perodua is aware of some confusion caused to its loyal customers.
Like other manufacturers, Perodua is serious about protecting its image and reputation, especially where it concerns quality. When it develops its cars, every part and system is thoroughly tested for durability and reliability before it is approved for use. This is understandable since a defective or unreliable part can cause a breakdown and in an extreme case, even an accident, and that is something a responsible manufacturer like Perodua will not want to cause.
Even bodykits and other accessories are subject to the same rigorous testing by the R&D division to ensure they meet the required standards. Therefore, if a distributor or dealer wants to install items which did not come with the car, they must first let Perodua test the items and give its approval.
Proton also had a similar issue long ago with its distributor in the Philippines which also assembled the Wira. The company there added a turbocharger to the engine in the Wira for sale to the public. This was a modification which had not received Proton’s approval and certainly, it was against warranty conditions. If the engine failed due to the turbocharger boosting performance and causing too much stress, for example, the customer would likely blame Proton and that would spoil its reputation.