While pick-up trucks are popular in many markets, they have never appealed to consumers in the European markets. Their size has been one reason, given the narrow roads and tight parking spaces in many cities. For farm use, tractors would be preferred and if it comes to carrying goods, they have small vans that are more practical.
For this reason, Peugeot has never really given much attention to making pick-up trucks although it did produce one as far back as 1938. There were also a few other models over the years and one based on the 504 was quite popular – in Africa. In fact, to satisfy demand by its overseas distributors (mainly in Africa), it has provided ‘badge-engineered’ pick-up trucks, one of them being based on a model made by Dongfeng.
More recently, the French carmaker co-developed a truck with Changan, another Chinese manufacturer. Changan calls its version the Kaicene F70 while Peugeot calls it the Landtrek, and it is sold in some markets in South America and Africa. It is also now available in Malaysia, which is the first market in the Asia-Pacific region to well the Landtrek.
Peugeot owners in the Klang Valley will be happy to note that Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn. Bhd. (BAASB), the new representatives of the French brand, has officially opened its first Peugeot flagship 3S Centre in Glenmarie, Selangor. Located on the same site as the Peugeot 3S centre before, the new facility has the new Peugeot brand identity. After-sales support at this facility will also be available to owners of Citroen and DS vehicles.
The service facilities available include 21 service bays with the latest manufacturer’s diagnostic system equipment and maintenance tools. Fully trained technicians will ensure the vehicles are maintained and serviced for optimum performance.
Owners who wish to wait for their vehicles that are being serviced can make use of a comfortable waiting lounge with free refreshments and for those who want to also do some work, there are wifi connections available.
As part of the Bermaz Automotive group (which also handles the Mazda brand), Bermaz Auto Alliance aims to provide best ownership experience and will ensure full and comprehensive after-sales support, especially with warranty-related issues.
Appointments can be made online
The service centre operates from Mondays to Saturdays and offers online service appointments (available at customer.peugeot.com.my) for the convenience of owners. Roadside assistance is also available by calling1-800-22-3399 (24 hours availability).
BAASB currently offers the 2008 (above), 3008 and 5008 (below), all assembled at the Stellantis factory in Kedah.
Peugeot owners are urged to update their information with BAASB so that they can be properly supported and receive important communications relating to their vehicle. They can provide the information at baasb.com.my/Peugeot/ and are assured that all information will be kept and protected in accordance with Personal Data Protection Act of Malaysia.
In America, they call MPVs ‘minivans’ and in fact, that’s where these people-carriers started. In the mid-1980s, Chrysler came come out with a vehicle that could carry more people than a stationwagon and had the spaciousness of a van. It was actually an idea that Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich came up with when they were in Ford but Henry Ford II didn’t like the concept and then later fired both of them (for other reasons). Both men moved to Chrysler where they continued the project and introduced a new market segment that was so successful that it saved Chrysler from collapse.
Elsewhere in the world, the minivan idea caught the attention of other carmakers but they called it a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) which emphasized its versatility in carrying people and cargo. MPVs quickly became a new segment, joining sedans, coupes, liftbacks, hatchbacks and stationwagons. They came in various sizes, big and small, just as with the SUVs that started appearing in the following decade.
Kia came out with its first MPVs in the late 1990s, a small one called the Carens and a big one called the Carnival. Both were popular in many markets and the Carnival was even adapted by Naza and sold as the Ria under its own brand in the 2000s. Although SUVs have since gained dominance in the company’s product lines, MPVs still have a place and the effort put into styling the Carnival’s fourth generation is no less than for the other models. In fact, Kia is even trying to reposition it higher up by referring to it as a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ (GUV?).
Large MPV with SUV style
The dimensions of the new Korean MPV give it an imposing presence on the road – slightly more than 5 metres in length and 2 metres wide. However, it’s not as tall as other MPVs and the styling is SUV-like with an upscale appearance. There is yet another interpretation of the ‘Tiger nose’, a familiar signature element in Kia models for some 15 years, which spans the whole width of the front end.
The detail is impressive with the integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), headlamps and grille, having a futuristic new look and unique light signature. The new Kia brand logo is also seen for the first time on a model in Malaysia, affixed to the bonnet and the rear door.
A key design highlight is its new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A and B-pillars beneath a body-coloured roof. An eye-catching new C-pillar signature design also stands out, with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern. Another element of the SUV-inspired design is the metallic lower skidplate at the rear.
The monolithic form is also aerodynamically efficient and little details along the sides keep airflow smooth for less drag. The underside is also largely closed off so air rushing through underneath does not become turbulent as it encounters openings in the floorpan.
The new body sits on a new midsize Hyundai Motor Group platform that has a longer wheelbase of 3090 mm and the structure has had a lot of engineering improvements to strengthen rigidity. There’s expanded use of hot-stamped parts as well as ultra high-tensile steel and cold-rolled steel.
Progression towards a more premium image
Like the exterior, the inside of the Carnival shows another progression towards a more premium image. The finishing is impressive and the materials have a high-class feel and look. Some new models have gone fully digital and touchscreen for everything and it is not always practical. In the case of the Carnival, the interior designers provide different adjusting methods that are more sensible.
For example, a rocker switch is used for temperature adjustment (individual for left and right sides) which is a lot better than a touchscreen which you need to look and pinpoint your finger on – not so good while driving. For the blower speed and switching between recirculating and fresh air mode, there are pushbuttons and for tuning the radio, a rotary knob is used.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is the command centre for the infotainment system where you might need to just touch an icon once to activate an app. The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready so compatible smartphones can easily be connected and the popular apps operated from the display.
The 11-seater cabin
The lengthened wheelbase means a more spacious interior and there’s space for up to 11-persons in the massive cabin. That ‘11-seater’ is mentioned gives it an image of being a minibus though it is far from that! The 4-row/11-seat layout is available when really needed but it is likely that the Carnival will be used as a 7-seater at most with the fourth row folded into the floor. For smaller groups, it can even be configured with four individual rear seats (generously-sized) and a passage between them which can be filled by a table that appears when the middle seats are folded.
The centre row can be folded sideways to create a walk-thru aisle to the rear when there are four or more rear passengers, and when the middle seat is folded down, the back of the seat can be turned into a table with cupholders (below).
Each seat has 3-point seatbelts and the air-conditioning is well designed to ensure that the last row gets cool air as well. A separate control unit is provided for the rear occupants to adjust their environment for a more comfortable journey.
The Carnival comes with two side doors which are motorized and are ‘smart’ because they can open automatically when you stand next to them (or you can press the key fob button) . To avoid accidents when getting out, the sensors that are used for the blind spot detection are also used to detect vehicles approaching. If a vehicle detected and the door is about to be opened, its operation will be stopped. This is a great safety feature, especially for those with kids who may be eager to rush out when the vehicle is stopped.
When 11 seating spaces are not needed, the fourth row can be folded flat and out of sight (below).
The back door also has the smart sensing feature which opens it automatically upon approach. While it is certainly a convenient feature, it might not be practical in certain situations. For example, if you are parked near a wall and the door starts to open by itself (when you are nearby), the door may hit the wall or worse, trap you against it! Perhaps the system should detect if there is a wall and deactivate the automatic opening. Or better still, just deactivate the feature in the settings and use the button on the key fob.
Both the front seats have 8-way power adjustment with the driver’s seat having lumbar adjustment as well. The seating position is such that the driver can have a commanding position which is important given the size of the Carnival. In fact, on our drive, we had a rather small-sized person who was not intimidated at all by the vehicle’s size and found easy to drive.
Individual safety systems
The latest Carnival comes with a long list of active safety systems but it doesn’t have a suite with a fancy sounding name like many of the new models introduced lately. Besides the airbags at the front, all the side windows have curtain bags which will deploy if the vehicle is hit from the side and by covering the openings, there is reduced risk of someone being ejected if the accident is a violent one.
The Surround View Monitor makes it easy to park the large Carnival and the simulated overhead view is detailed enough to help position the vehicle properly in a bay.
An interesting safety system is Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCBC) which reduces the severity of a secondary impact if it occurs after a collision. This can happen after the vehicle is hit and the driver may no longer be in control. When activated, the system measures vehicle speed and any changes of direction, applying the appropriate level of braking force to bring the vehicle to a stop. It may also use the electronic stability control system in some cases but will not activate if the speed is very high as automatic brake intervention at high speeds could cause undesirable vehicle reactions.
Driving impressions
The Carnival imported to Malaysia (and which will be assembled locally in future) comes with only a turbodiesel engine that runs on Euro5 (B7) fuel. This is the new 2.2-litre Smartstream unit that has an aluminium block which saves 38 kgs compared to the previous engine with a cast iron block. It generates 199 bhp with maximum torque of 440 Nm available from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm. The strong low-end torque at the front wheels will be appreciated when the 2,000-kg MPV moves off.
Kia has fitted a conventional torque converter automatic transmission and it has a good choice of 8 ratios well matched to the relaxed engine’s characteristics. A rotary knob (with a high quality finish) on the centre console is used for selecting the main operating modes with a PARK button in the middle. The driver can choose drive modes for more acceleration or better economy but we found that the default mode is a good balance and there was no real need to use the other modes.
On the move, the size of the Carnival becomes less apparent the longer you drive it. Thanks to the nicely-weighted motor-assisted steering, the vehicle is easy to maneuver and it doesn’t wallow in corners either. The size and weight became advantageous on highways where there is good stability and the vehicle sits firmly on the road at high speeds. The long wheelbase also smoothens the ride quality although those in the rearmost row will tend to feel bumps a bit more noticeably.
For now, the Carnival imported in completely built-up form from Korea is priced at RM196,340.80 (without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia registration). You have a choice of 6 colours, and Dinamikjaya, the new distributor, offers a 5-year vehicle/100,000 km warranty and during the first 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms), scheduled maintenance will be free.
It’s no secret that the Carnival will be assembled locally at the Inokom plant in Kedah later this year. And the assembly operations will be managed by Kia Malaysia, which Kia Motors has majority share in. Naturally, when assembled locally, the price will be lower and if Dinamikjaya can maintain a similar level of equipment and features, the Carnival should be a worthwhile buy for those wanting a large MPV. As we said earlier, don’t let the ’11-seater’ description be a turn-off as the extra seats can be out of sight (though not removed).
Following the appointment of Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) as the distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, the range of locally assembled models has been refreshed, starting with the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 which were launched late last year.
Today, the third model from the Stellantis assembly plant in Kedah (formerly owned by the NAZA Group) was officially launched, this being the 2008 crossover SUV. The 2008 has been in Malaysia since 2014 when the first generation was launched by the previous distributors. The current second generation was launched in Europe in 2019 but due to Nasim’s sudden end to handling the French brand, it did not make its appearance as expected in 2021 (though the COVID-19 would also have upset plans).
So as it makes a fresh start with BAASB, Peugeot has a brand new model to introduce to the market with the new design language that includes a new brand logo and Lion as well. The new Peugeot logo (which has changed at least 8 times in over 200 years) has an all-new take on the iconic Peugeot lion.
Compared to the first generation, the second generation has a more striking profile with a set-back windscreen that emphasizes the streamlined and athletic design. The more horizontal bonnet sweeps back from a large grille that is flanked by the distinctive ‘3-claw’ daytime running lights that are the signature of the latest Peugeot models.
The overall design also shares elements with the 5008 and 3008, bringing to mind earlier generations of Peugeot models that had common styling elements and the only difference (at a glance) was that they were of different sizes.
In the 21st century, sharing is a necessity to spread development costs and the 2008 uses Peugeot’s CMP (Common Modular Platform) small car architecture which was originally developed with China’s Dongfeng. The platform has been used for sub-compact and compact models since 2019 and is also engineered to be suitable for electric powertrains.
Inside, the 2008 is the first Peugeot model to get the new 3D i-Cockpit technology, a world’s first. This is the next evolution of the i-Cockpit that first appeared in the 208 in 2012, giving the popular hatchback an iconic feature that would become an element in the brand’s DNA. With the i-Cockpit, key information is directly within the driver’s line of sight, reducing the need to take the eyes off the road. It’s almost like the Head-Up Display (HUD) except that it does not project information on the windscreen ahead of the driver. It is therefore not as expensive to incorporate but at the same time differs from traditional instrument panel layout and positioning.
The new 3D version’s instrument cluster, fully digital and graphic, has advanced reflections that create the impressions of 3D graphics. Depending on the importance of information presented, the indications appear ‘closer’ to the eyes of the driver. The digital cluster displays.
The cluster is composed of a high-definition 10.25-inch ‘background’ thin-film transistor (TFT) and a 7-inch ‘foreground’ TFT projected on a semi-reflective blade. The leading-edge display creates a 3D projection of approximately 15 mm between the front and rear images. This projects information like a hologram and the information is dynamic and animated. It can get closer to the eye depending on the degree of importance or urgency, and potentially increasing driver reactivity by half a second.
The other elements of the i-Cockpit are the compact steering wheel, raised instrument display, and a series of piano keys (or toggle switches) allowing direct and permanent access to the main comfort functions. There is a 3-level arrangement for efficient ergonomics and driving comfort. Like a HUD, the information falls within the driver’s line of sight so that he or she does not need to take their eyes off the road ahead, improving safety. With traditional layouts, the eyes usually have to be diverted downwards a bit to view the meters, momentarily drawing the driver’s vision away from the road.
The Allure version comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system. As with many new models, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity. The system also responds to voice commands and Bluetooth can be used for handsfree telephony. Premium features include Automatic Climate Control, leather upholstery, mood lighting, electronic parking brake and cruise control.
Although having compact exterior dimensions, passenger accommodation has been maximised through intelligent packaging. The driver and front passenger have 6-way seat adjustment while the rear backrest is divided in a 60:40 ratio for variable layouts.
The boot is also pretty spacious with up to 434 litres of volume which can be expanded to 1,467 litres if you don’t have anyone in the back seats. There’s also another 80 litres in a compartment hidden under the floor which would be useful for valuable items although there is a removable tonneau cover to hide the contents of the boot.
All 2008s with petrol engines use the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder DOHC 12V turbocharged PureTech engine. This engine has been a category winner a few times in the ‘International Engine of the Year’ Awards. With direct injection, it produces 130 ps/230 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed ATS III automatic transmission from Aisin.
According to Stellantis Senior Vice-President ASEAN & General Distributors, Christophe Musy, much effort has been put into ensuring that the engine is suited to local conditions. Extensive testing has been carried out and the Peugeot people are now more aware of the fact that conditions in this region are significantly different. There is assurance that there won’t be issues like those which affected the engines in the old 308.
Although the 2008 doesn’t have a suite of active safety systems like what you find in many new models, it nevertheless has a number of the systems that you find in such suites. These include Lane-Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Warning and an Active Safety Brake. Also included as standard is a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, which should make regular checks unnecessary.
There are also front, side and curtain airbags, along with ABS, stability control, anti-skid control and hillstart-assist. Parents with small children don’t have to break the law as they can install childseats on the ISOFIX points securely, while warnings will remind everyone to use seatbelts.
Priced from RM126,753 (without insurance and without sales tax until June 30, 2022), the 2008 comes with a choice of 4 colours and a warranty of 5 years or maximum of 100,000 kms. Customers also enjoy free scheduled servicing for the first 3 years (or maximum of 60,000 kms.
Although demand for SUVs has surged over the past decade, European motorists have still had a love for the stationwagon. In fact, the C-segment stationwagon segment has remained constant since 2010. To Europeans, the stationwagon is considered a more ‘environment-friendly’ dual-use vehicle than a heavy and bulky SUV (though that argument no longer applies).
Joining the stationwagon offerings from the beginning of 2022 will be the new Peugeot 308 SW, a variant of the new 308 hatchback that was revealed in March this year. The 308 SW has the same new design language elements of the hatchback but isn’t just a 308 with more length. From the rear door line, everything is different with the rear lights deeper in the body. Like most stationwagons, the longer body helps in aerodynamic efficiency which, in the case of the 308 SW, is 0.277 Cd.
LED lighting across the range
Peugeot draws attention to the lighting units which, at the front, use LED technology across the range. They are supplemented by daytime running lights (DRLs) in the shape of fangs on the front bumper. On the GT/GT Pack levels, the Full LED headlights are even slimmer and have PEUGEOT Matrix LED Technology for greater efficiency and safety. At the rear, the lights have full LED technology displaying the 3 claws that identify the brand.
The EMP2 platform has been adapted for the longer 308 SW with an extra 55 mm of wheelbase. Apart from increasing legroom for the rear passengers, the boot capacity is also more generous, as would be expected. However, the maximum volume (with rear seats in use) of 608 litres is available only in models with combustion engines as the battery pack for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant takes away 60 litres. Of course, the rear backrests can be folded down as well, allowing items of up to 1.85 mm to be loaded and extending maximum volume to 1,534 litres (1,574 litres for PHEV).
Peugeot Enhanced Modular Platform (EMP2).
Combustion engines and manual gearboxes still available
While it is steadily electrifying its range, Peugeot is not leaving out combustion engines yet – at least not for this generation. There are petrol and turbodiesel engines available, the former a BlueTech 1.2-litre 3-cylinder unit with 110 or 130 bhp and the latter a BlueHDi 4-cylinder with 1.5 litre displacement and 130 bhp output. 6-speed manual transmissions will still be available, along with automatic transmissions with up to 8 speeds.
One of the two PHEV powertrains for the new 308 SW. Both use PureTech petrol engines and e-EAT8 transmissions.
The most powerful engine in the new 308 SW range is the PHEV powertrain with an e-EAT8 transmission. This is offered in two versions – 180 and 225 bhp. The claimed range on a fully-charged 12.4 kWh battery pack is around 60 kms. Peugeot says that the battery pack can be fully recharged in just under 2 hours on a 32A wallbox but just a bit more than 7 hours with an 8A outlet.
Evolved Peugeot i-Cockpit
Like the new 308, the 308 SW also introduces an updated Peugeot i-Cockpit, with a new multifunction double-flattened steering wheel. The i-Cockpit is a centrepiece of the new Peugeots and has extensive levels of digitisation. With each generation, it has become more refined in terms of ergonomics, quality, design and technology and includes the PEUGEOT i-Connect infotainment system. The i-Connect Advanced option has an ‘OK PEUGEOT’ command system using natural language voice recognition to provide access to all requests related to the infotainment functions.
The 10-inch 3D display is positioned for comfortable viewing and can be fully customised with several display modes. The central infotainment HD display is a colour touchscreem, also 10 inches, with i-toggles. These are fully configurable to provide one-click access to the main functions of the infotainment system. Comprehensive connectivity options include 4 USB Type-C sockets, screen mirroring for smartphones and Bluetooth, with the possibility of connecting two devices at the same time.
The construction of the dashboard is based on a ‘high wind’ architecture which places the air vents directly in front of the occupants’ heads and provide optimal comfort. Other interior design highlights show a diversity and richness of the materials used. The LED mood lighting is hidden behind the central screen and glows over the main décor right up to the door panels which can be foamed, in fabric, in Alcantara, or made of real pressed aluminium parts.
The technology will also include the Drive Assist 2.0 pack, with driver assistance systems that are capable of semi-autonomous motoring. In addition to adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go and lane-keeping assistance, there is semi-automatic lane change (between 70 and 180 km/h), advance speed recommendation and automatic speed adjustment in curves.
Another one for BAASB?
Although the stationwagon market in Malaysia is small and most brands don’t bother with it, it has not discouraged Bermaz Auto (BAuto) from selling the attractive Mazda6 stationwagon. As BAuto now also handles Peugeot – via Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) – it might well offer the 308 SW as well. And if the government can get together a coherent EV policy which gives incentives to hybrids to bring their prices down, we might see the PHEV too. Incidentally, BAuto has acquired an additional 35% stake in BAASB from Berjaya Corporation which its total stake is 55% and BAASB thus becomes a BAuto subsidiary.
As mentioned earlier, the new badge for the Peugeot brand will make its first appearance on the new Peugeot 308, which now enters its third generation. Revealed today, the new hatchback continues to share its appearance with other recent models but has significant change under the skin.
It is a larger car than before, with a wheelbase that is 55 mm longer and the body over it extended a further 110 mm. The beneficiaries are the occupants, especially those in the rear, who have more space. The overall height has also been lowered by up to 20 mm in the interests of aerodynamic efficiency so from being rather bulbous before, it has a sleeker profile.
The second generation of the 308 which was launched in Malaysia in 2015.
Further evolution of i-Cockpit
In terms of technology, the new 308 has the latest-generation driving aids and a further evolution of the i-Cockpit with 3D technology. It also comes with i-Connect Advanced, an infotainment system that is said to be intuitive to use and always connected.
Depending on the market, there will be combustion engines – petrol as well as diesel – and also plug-in hybrid powertrains. This is another step towards Peugeot’s aim of offering an electrified variant across its entire model line-up by 2025. It will be interesting to see if we get the hybrid powertrain as a way for Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB), the new distributor, to discard the legacy of the previous engine. The combustion engines will be a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol unit (108 bhp or 128 bhp), and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder diesel with 128 bhp.
Hot hatch variant with 300 bhp and AWD
Like many new models from the French Group, the new 308 sits on the EMP2 platform – shared with the Citroen C5 Aircross, Vauxhall Grandland and DS 7 Crossback. The hybrid variants are front-wheel drive but there will also be a PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) 4-wheel-drive hot hybrid hatch with around 300 bhp.
A late-life update for the outgoing 308 introduced elements of Peugeot’s current i-Cockpit interior layout but the latest generation gains an updated set-up that mirrors the predominantly digital and angular design of other Peugeot interiors.
A key development is the small steering wheel, which features sensors to detect the driver’s grip levels when using driving aids. This downsized, performance-inspired steering wheel houses certain controls for the infotainment system and driver aids. However, the centrally mounted 10-inch touchscreen – angled slightly towards the driver – replaces the majority of physical buttons and switches. A row of so-called ‘i-toggle’ switches below this screen can be individually configured to control separate functions, according to the driver’s preference.
Innovative ‘high-vent’ architecture places the air vents in the optimum position for efficiency and comfort. This layout also ensures that the standard 10-inch central touchscreen, located slightly lower than the digital cluster, is closer to the driver’s hand and eye line for easier and safer operation.
The air conditioning system also benefits from the addition of the AQS (Air Quality System) which constantly monitors the quality of the air entering the vehicle and is capable of activating air recycling on its own. Some variants of the new 308 feature Clean Cabin technology, an air treatment system that automatically filters out polluting gases and particles. The prevailing outside air quality is displayed on the central touchscreen.
The driver gets a new compact control for impulse selection of the modes (Reverse, Neutral, Drive) and two buttons (Parking and Manual) of the 8-speed automatic gearbox. There’s also a Driving Style Selector to choose different driving modes (Electric, Hybrid, Eco, Normal and Sport), depending on the powertrain and driver’s preference.
First model for BAASB?
It’s likely that BAASB will be starting off with this new model, given that it is the first with the new brand identity. Whether it will be assembled locally is the question; Peugeot already has an assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah, and the 308, being a high-volume model, would certainly be a good candidate for adding to the line. That would help to moderate the price and stay competitive.
The new team at BAASB is headed by Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, presently a director in Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd. Dato’ Wong, as Managing Director of BAASB, will report to the board of BAASB, which consists of representatives from Berjaya Corporation Berhad (BerjayaCorp) and Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto).
The board is chaired by Dato’ Sri Robin Tan Yeong Ching, CEO of BerjayaCorp and Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman of BAuto, as well as Dato Francis Lee, CEO BAuto, amongst others.
Some of the management team members of BAASB: (Top) Board members Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh (left) and Dato’ Francis Lee. (Above) Michael Moh, Head of After Sales;, Dato’ K.F. Wong, Managing Director; and Ian Khong, Head of Marketing.
All the members of the team have long experience in the auto industry and some, like Dato Sri Ben Yeoh, have worked in many different companies, including the distributors of Mazda, Toyota, Proton and Mercedes-Benz. Dato’ Wong was CEO at Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, the company long associated with the Mercedes-Benz business in Malaysia.
Other key members of BAASB include Michael Moh, who is Head of After Sales and, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd and Michael Chen who is Head of Sales.
Mr. Moh has had a 40-year career in the auto industry on the service side, his last position being Vice-President, After-Sales at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Mr. Chen is a seasoned veteran, also with 40 years of automotive experience, having worked with brands such as Datsun/Nissan, Hyundai, Suzuki and Foton. He was also among the pioneers in the national car project with EON Bhd.
Also on the team is Ian Khong as Head of Marketing and though younger, he has had experience working with brands such as Mitsubishi, Toyota, Mazda, Ford and Proton. Over his 26-year career, he has gained experience in various aspects of the auto industry… besides having been a rally driver.
BAASB will operate from the group headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor, with plans for expansion in the near future.
We’re certainly looking forward to reporting on the activities of BAASB which, with the experienced team, will certainly take the Peugeot brand to a new level. They already have a proven record with Mazda and can now draw on that experience for the French brand.
