Berjaya Auto Alliance Archives

3rd Generation Peugeot 308 makes global debut

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

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.

Peugeot owners in Malaysia asked to update information with new company handling the brand

Peugeot owners in Malaysia asked to update information with new company handling the brand

With 2021 having started, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) – the new company handling Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia – is preparing itself to provide the necessary services and support to customers and owners. To start off, it is running a customer information update exercise which calls for owners of Peugeot vehicles to provide their details so that the customer database can be updated.

This is important as owners will need to be kept information of service reminders, warranty matters, service campaigns and other news from time to time. Having the latest contact information will enable BAASB to stay in touch with them.

All personal information protected
All Peugeot owners in Malaysia can update their information by visiting the new official Peugeot website at www.peugeot.com.my. To prove ownership, they will have to provide details of their vehicle registration as well as service and warranty booklets. BAASB assured owners that all information collected will be protected in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) law of Malaysia.

BAASB says this is just the first step in is efforts to improve the ownership experience for Peugeot owners. The team at BAASB includes people who have long experience in the auto industry and have taken the Mazda brand to a higher level in the past 10 years. They would certainly be aiming to achieve the same success with the Peugeot brand.

Besides the website, customers and owners can also contact BAASB by writing to customersupport@baasb.com.my. There is also a dedicated Peugeot Customer Support phone number 03-7627 8818, which operates from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 6.00 pm.

Management team of new Peugeot distributor announced

Management team of new Peugeot distributor announced

Following the announcement of the appointment of Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) as the sole distributor of new Peugeot vehicles, including aftersales services and parts distribution. the company has announced its management team. The brand portfolio includes Citroen and DS Automobiles, which are also in Groupe PSA along with Peugeot.

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.

Click here for other news about Peugeot.

Piston.my