UPDATED: The discount offers on selected parts has increased to 50%
Perodua has often been quick to come to the aid of its customers whenever there have been floods affecting thousands, especially motorists. Perodua owners whose vehicles have been affected by the floods are being offered special support by the carmaker. The assistance includes towing service rebates, discounts on selected spare parts and free inspections to ensure the vehicles are in good and safe running order.
“Our customers are very important to us, and these value-added services are provided to help relieve some of the burden our customers have to deal with during this disaster,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
“While a few of our service centres are also affected by the floods, our customers can still contact any of our service outlets throughout Malaysia for assistance. We are doing our best to resume our operations [at the affected areas] as quick as possible,” he added.
On the assistance given, Dato’ Zainal said Perodua owners can claim for towing service charges up to a maximum of RM300 at the nearest Perodua service outlets (terms and conditions apply). Those who are covered by Perodua Total Protect Plus (PTPP) can obtain the towing services free of charge.
In addition, should parts need to be replaced for repairs due to flood damage, there’s a 50% discount available. The parts include all electronic items, engine overhaul gaskets, vehicle seats, door trim and carpet – typically the items that are damaged when a vehicle is flooded. There will be no charge for labour for repair work (excluding car cleaning and detailing).
“Our genuine spare parts come with a manufacturer’s warranty and we ask our customers to not use any imitation parts as this may affect the performance of their vehicles,” Dato’ Zainal advised.
Perodua owners whose vehicles have been damaged by flood can contact the company’s support line 1-800-88-5555 to get assistance, especially for towing services (terms and conditions apply).
To locate a Perodua service centre in Malaysia, visit www.perodua.com.my.
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.”
C&C also has Mercedes-Benz Original Tyres and Rims showcases at its Cheras and Glenmarie (Selangor) outlets.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Malaysians are on the roads again, motoring all over the country after having been stuck in their own states for a long time due to cross-border travelling not being permitted. While it was unpleasant and even distressing, it was necessary to try to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
With the end of restrictions, we can now go anywhere we want (unless a specific area is under an Enhanced Movement Control Order) and with the end of the year coming up as well as the festive season starting, many will be on the highways.
Such long-distance travelling means that the vehicle should be in a proper running condition to avoid breakdowns that can really spoil a holiday or balik kampung journey. A breakdown will cause delays and inconvenience, but failure of brakes could result in an accident, which will be serious.
To ensure that the vehicle is in good running condition and for peace of mind, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) is having its year-end and Chinese New Year service promotion for Ford owners. The promotion starts from December 1, 2021 and continues until February 15, 2022.
Up to 20% Savings
Ford owners who book a service during the campaign period will enjoy savings of up to 20% on parts and 10% on labour fees for lubricants, brake and timing belt packages in addition to selected parts.
All vehicles brought to the authorised service centre for servicing will go through a 27-point inspection, conducted by Ford-certified technicians. This inspection covers many areas related to safety and will ensure that the vehicles are in tip-top condition for the long journey.
Genuine Ford Parts with warranty
When servicing at any Authorised Ford Service Centre nationwide, vehicle owners can rest assured that only original genuine Ford parts are used. These parts are made to the highest standards of quality, fit and finish and designed specifically for Ford vehicles. In the event of problems with the parts installed, there is a warranty of 12 months or 20,000 kms (whichever occurs first), excluding wear and tear parts.
Free merchandise
Vehicle owners who top up on lubricant packages with an additional RM40 spend on any parts or service will receive a free exclusive Ford-branded face mask. For brake and timing belt packages, those who spend an extra RM500 on parts or service will get an exclusive denim woven bag in addition to a Ford face mask. All merchandise will be available while stocks last.
“With travel restrictions now eased, people are looking forward to travelling back to their hometowns or taking weekend trips this holiday season. Our service promotion is timely for this occasion and Ford customers can take advantage of this service and maintenance promotion to stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
How to make an appointment
Ford owners can easily book a service appointment online via the Ford website at their convenience, anytime and from anywhere. They can specify an authorised dealership or choose one closest to them anywhere in Malaysia. The real-time e-Service appointment booking option available allows owners to immediately know available time slots as well as select and confirm their preferred schedule (up to one month in advance).
The authorised service centres are Ford Ara Damansara, Ford Petaling Jaya, Ford Juru, Ford Butterworth and Ford Kuching. To make a service appointment booking online, click here.
For more information regarding the promotion or about Ford vehicles and services in Malaysia, visit www.sdacford.com.my
Car-buyers and Mitsubishi owners in the Klang Valley, specifically the Kota Damansara area, now have a new Mitsubishi 3S centre to serve then. Authorized dealer Millennium Autohaus Sdn Bhd recently opened a new 3S Centre which will offer sales, aftersales services and spare parts in the growing township. The new outlet joins the Mitsubishi Motors network which now numbers 15 throughout Malaysia.
The facility, which is easily accessible via the NKVE Highway, has a built-up area of 12,370 square feet. As a 3S centre, all services are on one site, so it is convenient for both customers and owners. For those interested in buying a new Mitsubishi vehicle, there is a spacious showroom to view the latest models while, for owners, the fully-equipped service centre has 5 bays for efficient daily throughput.
“Congratulations to Millennium Autohaus for opening a Mitsubishi Motors showroom here in the Klang Valley. As business operations have restored nationwide, Mitsubishi Motors is placing a lot of emphasis on enhancing our network development such as establishing more dealerships and upgrading our facility, as well as digitally advancing our platforms to provide our customers with the best shopping experience,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
“MMM achieved a new record in October with 2,041 units of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles sold. We are appreciative of the government’s effort to extend the sales tax exemption until June 2022. This move will certainly help more Malaysians to purchase cars with extra savings and, at the same time, boost the nation’s economy through the automotive sector. We would also like to thank our customers for their great support and patience towards the Mitsubishi Motors brand. We will continue to enrich our customer’s touchpoints, providing them with more convenience and only the best,” he added.
The Triton pick-up and XPANDER MPV (below) are popular Mitsubishi models available at every authorised dealership.
Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (JLRM), a joint venture between Sime Darby Motors and SISMA Auto since 2014, will consolidate and strengthen Jaguar Land Rover retail business operations making it the sole importer and dealer in Malaysia.
The move will see the acquisition of dealer assets and transfer of staff from both Sime Darby Auto ConneXion and SISMA Auto and the consolidation of its central business operations into the Jaguar and Land Rover Dealership at Ara Damansara, Selangor. This outlet is currently the largest Jaguar Land Rover 4S facility within the South-East Asia region. JLRM, will also be operating its retail operations located in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang.
According to Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia, this is part of its ambitious plan to improve service capabilities and drive long-term growth for the brand. JLRM’s consolidation exercise will put the company in a stronger position to serve its customers, whilst optimising retail and distribution costs, as well as overheads.
“This consolidation will be a positive move towards better operational efficiency with elevated levels of premium services which will help drive long-term growth for the company. These measures will leverage on the company’s vast experience and accumulated knowhow through the decades to strengthen its processes and deliver more value to our customers,” he added.
JLRM expects this consolidation to continue to elevate customer experiences, differentiating it from the mass premium brands. Together with digitalization initiatives, it plans to invest more on technology and will increasingly deploy digitalisation over the next few years to improve its service capacity to deliver top-notch services to its customers.
The joint venture between SISMA Auto and Sime Darby Motors brings together more than 60 years of cumulative experience in the automotive business. Both entities have been credited with outstanding performances by securing top positions in the Retailer of the Year Award 2020/21 title for their superlative service and dedication to customers.
Tuan Syed Ahmad Muzri said customers can expect more luxurious and convenient services from Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia. “Those who wish to join the Jaguar and Land Rover family will find even more value and options, available at the 167,586 sq.ft. Ara Damansara facility which houses both new and approved Jaguar Land Rover pre-owned vehicles under one roof,” he said.
JLRM’s business includes the sale of pre-owned models, and the available stocks can be checked online at the company’s website.
JLRM will continue to invest heavily in training to grow the number of Jaguar Land Rover Master level 4 Technicians and Electric Vehicle Technology Certified Technicians in ensuring owners get the most from their vehicles. Sales and service advisors are also trained according to Jaguar Land Rover standards so that customers will always feel confident and secure as part of their purchase and ownership experiences.
Service Outreach programmes will also be curated to bring coverage to the southern region of Johore Bahru whilst it assumes retail coverage of the Northern region via its outlet in Penang Island.
The New Land Rover Defender was launched in Malaysia this week.All-electric I-PACE is one of the models that Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia will have in its showrooms.
As for product offerings, there will be new models in the near future from both the Land Rover and Jaguar brands. These include the Jaguar F-Pace SUV, XF Executive Sedan and I-Pace all-electric performance SUV. From Land Rover, there will be the Defender 90 following the recent launch of the New Defender 110 and an all-new Range Rover (to be revealed tomorrow).
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected but may not show symptoms. However, you can still spread the coronavirus to others near you. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Mercedes-Benz has finalized the planning for a regional After-Sales Logistics Centre in Malaysia which will start operations from 2024.The German carmaker has signed a long-term lease agreement for the location and will partner with Tiong Nam Logistics Solutions Sdn Bhd to establish the new facility in Senai Airport City outside Johor Bahru.
The warehouse size of the planned location will be approximately 1,000,000 square feet. The building management system of the new warehouse will be equipped with the latest storage and material-handling systems. Operation of the facility will be by Mercedes Benz Parts Logistics Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, a 100% subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG.
Part of global supply chain network
The new distribution centre will be a part of the global Daimler AG After-Sales Supply Chain Network and will serve as a distribution site for spare parts in the Asia-Pacific region and other countries. It will take care of the importation, the storage as well as the regional management of spare parts and accessories distribution.
“With our planned After-Sales Logistics Centre, Mercedes-Benz is committed and will invest to strengthen our foothold in Malaysia. We have found excellent conditions and great support in cooperation with MIDA and the related ministries. Located strategically in Johor Bahru, this new After-Sales Logistics Center will enable us to reaffirm our position as a global and regional distribution hub whilst creating new jobs for the region. Both our customers and our dealer networks will enjoy a good service and high-quality standards through this new infrastructure,” said Thomas Schulz, Vice President Global Service & Parts Operations.
Historically strategic location
Historically, Singapore’s location at the southern tip of the Malayan peninsular has made it a strategic point for trade. It served as an ideal transit point between East Asia and Europe, and even Australia, hence its development as a bustling trading port. Over the years, while Singapore has been an obvious choice for regional storage by various companies, nearby Johor has also become attractive for logistics activities.
Parts from the regional facility are sent to dealers for use at authorised service centres or for retail sale.
In 2003, the BMW Group moved its regional parts storage facility from Singapore to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor and then in 2017, it again relocated the facility to an industrial zone adjacent to Senai Airport. The facility is a logistics warehouse and parts distribution centre serving over 20 countries.
The Volkswagen Group likewise moved its regional parts facility from Singapore to PTP in 2016. It stores tens of thousands of parts for the Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen commercial vehicle brands of the German group for distribution to over 20 markets.
Having a storage facility in Johor (or Singapore) is useful for the carmakers as it can speed up deliveries to customers on this side of the world. Customers will benefit as delivery times can be shortened compared to having them come all the way from Europe. The proximity to the airport as well as the port also mean that logistics can be more efficiently managed.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
There are many brands of engine oil in the market and all the reputable ones can do a good job of lubricating and protecting the engine. With Genuine Oils, however, the specifications and formulation of the oils are specially tailored for the carmaker’s vehicles and therefore should provide optimum performance. Each manufacturer can claim that their Genuine Oil offers the best performance and this may be true too because the engineers who may have worked on the engines know exactly what is needed.
Proton has just launched a new range of Genuine Oils (PGO) which have been developed in collaboration with its technical partner, Petronas. The oils meet the most recent standards specified by the American Petroleum Institute (API), which motorists would be familiar with. The top fully synthetic grade meets the latest API SP standard (5-litre pack only), while the others meet API SN.
In terms of viscosity, the fully synthetic PGO has a viscosity of SAE 5W-30 and 10W-30, the latter meeting the API SN service standard and available only in a 4-litre pack. Then there is a semi-synthetic grade which has passed the API SN standard and has a 10W-30 viscosity, while the mineral oil is 15W-40 and also meets the API SN standard.
The new Genuine Oils are available at all authorised Proton service centres and will also be available from parts stockists. However, for the time being, the parts stockists will carry only the semi-synthetic and mineral PGO.
“The launch of PGO lubricants is another step in Proton’s journey to being a premium Malaysian automotive brand. We worked closely with our partners on the formulation to ensure it met our exacting requirements and offers our customers the engine protection their Proton models deserve at an affordable price. By having a full list of products, we are also able to cover our entire model range including the latest TGDI engines used by our SUVs,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.
The advantage of Genuine Oils
Many authorised service centres of the various brands have a policy that the only oil that can be used is what they supply, which is often a Genuine Oil of the brand or one approved by the carmaker. Customers might not be allowed to bring their own oil to use. Furthermore, warranty conditions may also force owners to use the oil supplied by the service centre and could become void if an ‘unauthorised’ oil is used.
Understandably, this is something that not all owners may agree with. They may feel it is their right to choose their own oil, and they might even be able to buy it for less and save money. However, there are also valid reasons why service centres insist on their oil being used and why the warranty can be at risk if another oil is used.
Firstly, the oil supplied will be the one that meets the requirements of the manufacturer, especially if it is a genuine oil. These requirements, in simplified form, are usually found in the Owner’s Manual and focus on two things – the API standard and the viscosity. If the customer can meet both requirements, there shouldn’t be an issue.
But then there is the question of quality of the oil brought in by the customer. Some may unknowingly buy recycled oil or oil that is of a poor quality but sold as if it meets all the standards. They may not be aware and think that they are saving money. If this inferior oil goes into their engine because they insist on using it, who will be responsible if the engine has problems or even gets damaged? Would it be fair on the manufacturer to accept responsibility when the oil used was not one they were assured of quality?
For this reason, manufacturers want to have control on the products used and if something does go wrong, then they can justifiably provide compensation. Many consumers may not understand this point but it is one of the reasons why, during the warranty period, you need to comply with the requirements.
Once the warranty period is over, then you are free to use whatever oil you wish and go to whichever service centre you to go to. So it is best to be patient and abide by the requirements. Besides, many authorised service centres today have amenities for owners, like complimentary food and drink, so you can have a good ownership experience.
With the constant pressure to increase sales volumes, car companies often focus more on getting new customers to buy their products, offering special deals at various times of the year as incentives. However, there are also those that do not forget their loyal customers too, especially those who have stayed with the brand over the years.
As a show of appreciation for such customers, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering an additional savings for maintenance service to Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) members. Under the VCP programme, members are entitled to three 20% service discount vouchers and from now until December 31, 2021, a further 10% discount will be given to make it a total of 30%.
Volkswagen Genuine Parts include batteries, which come with a 24-month warranty.
100% genuine parts assured
The service discount vouchers can be used at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. Apart from services and repairs that are carried out by qualified and experienced technicians in accordance with Volkswagen’s global standards, owners are also assured that all parts used are 100% genuine parts. The importance of using genuine parts cannot be understated. Just like Volkswagen vehicles, the genuine parts are manufactured to the same high standards with strict quality control. They have quality, safety and reliability and will last for a long period of usage.
Only available with app
This promotion is only available by using the new Volkswagen Cares app. The app makes it easy to manage service bookings online, obtain roadside assistance and access the Volkswagen dealer network (with a dealer locator feature). It can be downloaded on the Apple App Store for iOS users, and the Google Play store for Android users.
VCP is an exclusive programme for Volkswagen owners with a vehicle that is 5 years and older. It also comes with benefits such as 2 years of complimentary roadside assistance, including battery support 24 hours a day.
To know more about Volkswagen Care Plus and other benefits for Volkswagen owners in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
Tan Chong, one of the longest business partners of Nissan Motor (since the 1950s), has built up the brand to what it is today by ensuring that aftersales services have always been good. The company has invested heavily over the decades in developing a nationwide aftersales network to look after the increasing number of Nissan vehicles.
It has been recognized for its efforts on many occasions in the past and in fact, since 2017, it has been picked 3 times as the best achieving Nissan dealer for aftersales services within Asia and Pacific region. The most recent was being the Winner in the Global Nissan Aftersales Award 2020 (GNAA) by Tan Chong’s Aftersales Division. The Global Nissan Aftersales Award is one of the most prestigious honours by Nissan Motor. It is aimed at motivating and improving aftersales operational excellence, and enhance customer service experiences across the globe.
Award for meeting high standards
The award is given to the best performing Nissan dealer according to a set of standards covering parts and service performance, customer service and satisfaction, and quality of business management.
“We are proud to be recognized as the best amongst Nissan Aftersales dealers from across the region. To win 3 times since 2017 is a testament to our focused customer approach, dedication in service performance and teamwork. We will continue to improve and consistently provide our customers with highest service support to improve customer satisfaction,” said Michael Yao Tsu-Wei, Head of Aftersales, Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS).
“The award sets a new milestone for the company. The teams, especially aftersales, have consistently challenged and go beyond their best efforts to provide excellent services to our customers. I would like to thank the teams for their continuous support and hard work,” added Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM).
Warranties remain valid
On a related matter, Mr. Yao said that all authorised Nissan service centres are operating as usual in the Phase 1 and 2 of National Recovery Plan (NRP) period. The exceptions are those within the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) affected areas.
Nissan owners should note that services will be available only via appointment which can be made beforehand via DriveOn mobile app. Owners can also schedule an appointment by visiting www.tceas.com, calling the Nissan Customer Care Centre Hotline at 1800-88-3838, or directly contact the preferred service centre.
Owners need not be concerned about their vehicle warranties. TCEAS says they will remain valid even if the preventive maintenance service could not be carried out during the Phase 1 and 2 of NRP period. However, the vehicle should be sent to the service centre as soon as it is possible to do so.
Manufacturing processes in the auto industry have been continuously improving and, together with better materials, automotive parts have been able to last longer. This has given carmakers the ability to progressively lengthen warranties which, 40 years ago, were just a year long or maximum of 20,000 kms after first registration.
Today, many companies offer coverage for a period of 5 years or longer, and there is no limit on mileage. However, owners must follow the schedule of maintenance services and inspections, and visit authorised service centres in order to keep the warranty valid. This is a reasonable condition since the vehicle also needs to be kept in good running condition which will help it to last.
Since manufacturers are confident enough to give longer warranties, it stands to reason that the parts in a vehicle are also long-lasting and this has led Volvo Car Malaysia to offer the ‘Customer Lifetime Parts Warranty’ programme. Under this new programme, owners who have purchased and installed Volvo genuine parts at an authorised Volvo dealership from October 1, 2021 will be eligible to for the warranty. The coverage commences from the date the part is purchased and is valid as long as the vehicle remains under the ownership of the registered owner.
The Customer Lifetime Parts Warranty does not cover every single item, especially wear-and-tear items like windscreen wiper blades and light bulbs. Such items are also usually excluded from the general warranty unless there is a definite manufacturing defect.
Most other warranties on replacement parts are for a limited period so Volvo Car Malaysia’s Lifetime coverage will give more peace of mind. In the event that repair or replacement for any genuine Volvo parts are due to a material or manufacturing defect, Volvo Car Malaysia will repair and replace the parts free of charge.
Those with older Volvo models who have not visited an authorised Volvo dealership for more than 2 years can also enjoy this lifetime warranty programme. However, they need to first bring their vehicle to an authorised service centre for the Volvo Health Check. This is to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition and has not been modified or tampered with in any way.
Modifications can cause problems which can lead to parts wearing out faster or even failing. For example, using wheels that are not original and are of an ‘extreme’ size could place stress on certain areas, resulting in damage or failure. This would obviously not be Volvo’s fault and cannot be covered.
Older models can also enjoy the lifetime parts warranty if they meet certain conditions,
If the vehicle check confirms the vehicle is in good condition, then the owner can purchase parts under the warranty programme. However, the vehicles must be sent to any authorised Volvo dealership for subsequent services for the warranty to remain valid. This means that if the owner has not been using authorised service centres after the original warranty ended, they will now have to do so for the rest of the time they own the vehicle.
“This new offering is part of our commitment to provide the best aftersales services for our customers. Customer satisfaction have always been a pivotal aspect for Volvo, and through this warranty programme, our customers can now enjoy the benefits of decreased maintenance costs and experience the quality offered by Volvo, in the years to come,” said Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.
