To start off 2023, BMW Malaysia has launched three updated variants of the BMW 3-Series (G20) – the 320i M Sport, 330i M Sport and 330e M Sport. All three models are assembled locally at the BMW facility in the Inokom manufacturing complex in Kedah.
Prices for the new models are as follow: BMW 320i M Sport – RM283,800; BMW 330i M Sport – RM317,800; and BMW 330e M Sport – RM298,800.
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With global inflation and rising manufacturing costs, BMW Group Malaysia, like other car companies, is facing challenges and has announced an upward revision of prices starting this month. The volume-weighted average price revisions are approximately 4.7% and 2.6% for BMW and MINI models, respectively.
To maintain BMW Group Malaysia’s the comprehensive warranty and maintenance programmes, BMW and MINI Service and Repair Inclusive (BSRI/MSRI) package prices are also updated accordingly and included in the overall price increase.
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With the government helping to promote the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) by exempting them from as well as providing some other incentives, the car companies are also doing their part by participating in the development of the charging network nationwide. After all, if they want people to buy their EVs and enjoy using them, then enabling owners to travel far is necessary as part of ‘aftersales’
BMW Group Malaysia, having been among the early pioneers in electric mobility in Malaysia, is one of the companies that has been helping to grow the number of charging stations. Besides having such facilities at its dealerships, it has now introduced BMW Charging to gives its EV customers peace of mind when they wish to go on long journeys.
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September 16 has long been a special day for Malaysians as it is the day, in 1963, when the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak and Singapore united with the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia. And this year, on the 59th anniversary of Malaysia Day, BMW Group Malaysia will also have a special event to celebrate the day as it is also the 50th anniversary year of BMW M, its performance division.
At this joint celebration of Malaysia Day and 50 Jahre M (50 Years of M), BMW M owners and enthusiasts will gather on September 16 to create the largest gathering of BMW M performance vehicles in the country.
Over 150 M vehicles
This gathering will be made up of over 150 vehicles from five generations of M models which will make their way into the city centre on the morning of September 16. They will gather at 10 am at the Lalaport Bukit Bintang City Centre along Jalan Hang Tuah in Kuala Lumpur.
Open to the public, the event will also feature a special display of some of the oldest BMW M models in the country. These models have been found after a search by BMW Group Malaysia since May this year.
Other activities at the event will include music performances and engagements with the public who can win exclusive merchandise.
About BMW M
50 years ago, in May 1972, a small business unit with 35 employees was created and initially known as BMW Motorsport GmbH. It was only in 1993 that the present name was established, by which time its role was a fundamental part of the BMW Group, broadening its scope to more than just competition cars. It exemplified the engineers’ expertise in combining authentic motorsport functionality with exclusive and sporty aesthetics, while producing its own memorable models.
Over the past 50 years, BMW M has given the motoring world many iconic performance cars – models like the legendary M1, M3, M5 and M635CSi. Although BMW M focused almost exclusively on the producing performance and racing cars, many BMW enthusiasts were also looking for the BMW M power and badging on road cars.
The M5, followed by the M3, were developed for these enthusiasts and quickly became the most iconic BMW M vehicles in the line-up. They not only won numerous championship victories in touring car racing but also performed impressively on the road.
BMW M has followed market trends and as enthusiasts came to appreciate SUVs, it developed the X5 M and X6 M, the first M models with 4-wheel drive and turbocharged engines. Today, the BMW X family members with M badges include the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition.
With the iX M60, the brand is also headed into the electric era. For a company like BMW M, which has built up a reputation producing cars with superlative performance means that the same kind of performance cab be expected – even with electric models.
“At the BMW Group, M remains the most powerful letter in the world, as it represents our high-performance vehicles born out of pure passion for motorsports. This fascination for power, speed and dynamics has put M on the map since 1972. Fifty years on, we are thrilled to be celebrating the legacy of the BMW Motorsport GmbH with a great community of owners and enthusiasts alike. This milestone is not one we could have achieved without their loyal support throughout these years,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
With the government encouraging the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), we will be seeing more of these zero emission vehicles in use nationwide. As such, there will be a growing need for qualified personnel in the aftersales industry. However, because of the different nature of EVs, new skills are necessary as skills and experience with combustion engines are not so suitable.
As such, BMW Group Malaysia is cultivating highly skilled experts in the field through its internationally recognised BMW High Voltage Expert Certification programme. Conducted at the BMW Group Regional Training Centre in Malaysia, the programme offers training for the servicing and repair of the most advanced BMW i vehicles worldwide.
To qualify as a BMW High Voltage Expert, the prospect must already be an existing BMW High Voltage Technician, who must first undergo a pre-selection process which includes a knowledge assessment and an interview. The prospect would also need to obtain first aid certification and undergo a full body check-up. Next, they are put through 15 days of intensive training, with the requirement of passing 2 theory exams and four practical exams to proceed to the next stage. This is followed by a final theory exam and practical demonstration under live high voltage to secure the certification which is completed in another 10 days.
More than just selling EVs
BMW Group Malaysia’s initiative in this area is to be expected as the company has been selling an increasing number of EVs and electrified vehicles. And it has not only been selling them but also ensuring that proper supporting services are available for owners.
In addition to creating a bigger EV landscape in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia is also working with partners to broaden the charging network. To ensure a fair and standardised experience for all EV owners in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has released an official pricing structure for BMW i Charging facilities across the country.
Supporting the electric future
“At the BMW Group, we have always believed that the future is Electric. Since BMW Group Malaysia first introduced BMW i to the country back in 2015, we have envisioned a Malaysia where electric mobility is fully embraced and have been working hard to that end. We understood the obstacles faced by Malaysians in adopting EVs, such as range anxiety, which we have been alleviating by rolling out EV infrastructure across the country. At the same time, service and repair are also important points of consideration, ensuring that BMW i owners have greater peace of mind when it comes to the ownership of their BMW electric vehicles,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
For BMW Group Malaysia, the BMW High Voltage Expert Certification is an important pillar in supporting the development of a mature ecosystem in Malaysia where EVs can thrive. As more BMW i vehicles are being introduced on Malaysian roads, greater accessibility to BMW certified experts ensures that the Premium Electric Ownership Experience is met at the highest standards for all owners of BMW i vehicles.
BMW Group Malaysia provides official pricing structure for BMW i Charging facilities nationwide
There was a while when it seemed that if you owned an electric vehicle (EV), you were free of having to buy petrol (or diesel) and all you had to do was plug in to a charging point and get the battery pack recharged. While electricity, wherever it is supplied, still costs something, it didn’t seem that way as no one really asked for money – at that time.
You can still charge ‘for nothing’ if you can install a charging station at your own home but with charging facilities now commercialised as the number of EVs goes up, getting the battery pack recharged will just be like buying liquid fuel – you have to pay for it.
As public usage of charging stations keeps growing, the charges will be adjusted according to demand. DC Fast Chargers, which shorten charging time (if the EV is able to accept such charging), are expensive to set up so the charges for using them will be higher.
Standardised prices
To ensure a fair and standardised experience for all EV owners in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has released an official pricing structure for BMW i Charging facilities across the country. The Pay-Per-Use pricing structure for charging at any authorised BMW dealership listed below is as follows:
BMW and MINI EV owners can also expect greater accessibility to charging facilities across the country as BMW Group Malaysia partners with multiple key EV charging providers such as JomCharge and Tenaga Nasional Berhad, in addition to chargEV. This strategy will ensure that owners of our BMW electrified vehicles will have access to the widest range of charging facilities no matter where they are in Malaysia. Customers and members of the public can therefore expect to see many more BMW i Charging facilities located in key areas.
Over 400 charging stations
In partnership with chargEV, BMW Group Malaysia has successfully provided access to a comprehensive network of over 400 charging facilities across Peninsular Malaysia, as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. The infrastructure network comprises of AC Chargers located strategically to enable peace-of-mind when travelling, whether intercity or out of state.
BMW EV owners who use chargEV-powered BMW i Charging facilities can register as a member at RM240 per annum to enjoy preferential Pay-Per-Use charging rates, as well as complimentary usage of all their AC Chargers nationwide. With the chargEV mobile application, users can also locate charging facilities at over 250 locations nationwide and are also able to reserve chargers, start and stop charging remotely, as well as view their vehicle’s charging status in real time.
Removing the worry of EV owners
“Our vision for an Electric Future spans beyond just the expansion of our EV portfolio and infrastructure here at BMW Group Malaysia. We have long been working on fostering a viable ecosystem that is future-ready and one that electrified mobility can thrive in, knowing that the main roadblock to EV adoption remains to be range anxiety and a worry that there may not be enough charging facilities in place across the country. Through our many partnerships with local tech and EV industry leaders over the past few years, we have been able to continuously grow our network of charging facilities where the needs are highest,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
“With an official pricing structure in place, we are taking the next step in the ever-maturing EV ecosystem in Malaysia, by endeavouring to provide fair and adequate access to these facilities for all EV users in Malaysia – regardless of make and model, as electrification remains a shared responsibility amongst automakers in solving climate change,” he added.
Malaysians understand merits of EVs but misconceptions remain, BMW survey finds
This year is a special year for BMW M GmbH, the high-performance and motorsports division of BMW. It was in 50 years ago, in May 1972, that the small business unit with 35 employees was created and initially known as BMW Motorsport GmbH. It was only in 1993 that the present name was established, by which time its role was a fundamental part of the BMW Group, broadening its scope to more than just competition cars. It exemplified the engineers’ expertise in combining authentic motorsport functionality with exclusive and sporty aesthetics, while producing its own memorable models.
Commemorating the golden anniversary of BMW M GmbH which takes place next Tuesday (May 24), BMW Group Malaysia is now searching for the oldest BMW M model in the country, preferably with every model series represented. If you own or know who had of the oldest BMW M in the country, let BMW Malaysia know at this link.
Winners will stand a chance to receive exclusive BMW M merchandise and a feature of their prized vehicle by BMW Group Malaysia. One winner will be selected for every BMW M model series, with special prizes for notable submissions as well. While the celebration takes place next Tuesday, submissions will be accepted up till June 8, 2022.
“At the BMW Group, M remains the most powerful letter in the world, as it represents our high-performance vehicles born out of pure passion for motorsports. This fascination for power, speed and dynamics has put M on the map since 1972. Fifty years on, we are thrilled to be celebrating the legacy of the BMW Motorsport GmbH with a great community of owners and enthusiasts alike. This milestone is not one we could have achieved without their loyal support throughout these years,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
Over the past 50 years, BMW M has given the motoring world many iconic performance cars – models like the legendary M1, M3, M5 and M635CSi. The M1 was the first-ever official M car, making its debut in 1978. Only 456 units were produced with pure racing technology that continues to be admired to this day.
The M635CSi is one of the most significant models in the history of BMW M. In 1984, the 4-seater continued the concept of high-performance 6-cylinder in-line engines that the M1 had established earlier. But like no other BMW M model before it, it embodied the ultimate symbiosis of luxury and high performance. Dubbing it ‘Sharknose’ and ‘Bayern-Express’, the first ‘Six’ had a production period of over 13 years – from 1976 to 1989 – making it BMW’s longest lasting series.
Although BMW M focused almost exclusively on the construction of performance and racing cars, many BMW enthusiasts were also looking for the BMW M power and badging on road cars. The M5, which premiered in 1985, offered high performance with elegance in its segment.
It was followed by the M3, launched in 1986, which quickly became one of the most iconic BMW M vehicles in the line-up for its numerous championship victories in touring car racing, while also performing impressive on the road.
BMW M has followed market trends and as even enthusiasts came to appreciate SUVs, it developed the X5 M and X6 M, the first M models with 4-wheel drive and turbocharged engines. Today, the BMW X family members with M badges include the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition.
And now, with electrification underway, the company is also responding accordingly with the debut of its first fully electric model in this anniversary year. For a company like BMW M, which has built up a reputation producing cars with superlative performance means that the same kind of performance is expected even with electric models. This is promised with new iX M60, which has a powertrain output of 455 kW/619 ps and up to 1.015 Nm of torque. And while it is claimed to be able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, it will also be able to travel up to 566 kms, factory tests have shown.
BMW Group Malaysia has been among the more supportive car companies with regard to the introduction of childseats by car-owners. As far back as 2019, the company was already running a subsidy programme to help parents in the B40 income group to purchase childseats required when the mandatory requirement came into effect in 2020.
Now it has announced the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme in collaboration with long-term partner Safe ‘n Sound, to provide fully subsidised childseats to parents in the B40 income group. This programme is part of the BMW Safety 360° initiative. It follows on from the successful subsidy programme that saw over 300 childseats delivered to parents across Malaysia since the end of 2019.
The new subsidy programme will provide parents with childseats for children of up to 36 kgs with donations previously made by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.
“For over eight years, the BMW Safety 360° initiative has focused on raising awareness and encouraging action amongst families for more responsible road and car safety practices in Malaysia. Although we have placed a strong emphasis on child carseats in recent years with our many programmes and partnerships to advocate for the use of these seats, we recognise that the issue of low uptake must be tackled beyond verbal advocacy and partial subsidies, especially within communities that are in need in a time like this. With the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme, we aim to continue making child safety seats even more accessible to parents who can use a helping hand, ” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
How to apply
The NEXTStep Subsidy Programme is applicable for families expecting a newborn or with a child up to 36 kgs, and whose monthly household income is below RM3,500. Parents can register at the Safe ‘n Sound website from now until May 22, 2022. Eligible applicants will be notified by Safe ‘n Sound via a WhatsApp to the contact number they provide.
Selected parents from outside the Klang Valley will be notified on the delivery status, while parents within the Klang Valley will be informed of a date, time and place to pick-up their new childseat. A suitable seat will be selected for the recipient according to their child’s respective weight and height, as well as vehicle requirement.
The range of fully subsidised childseats and prices (including shipping fees to recipients outside the Klang Valley) are shown below:
“For those still traveling back from their hometowns with their children, we would urge parents to think of their children’s safety by ensuring the right child car seats are used while on the road,” Mr. de Visser added.
https://www.piston.my/2021/02/10/bmw-group-financial-services-malaysia-contributes-over-rm200000-to-bmw-safety-360-subsidy-programme/
With the public transport system yet to be efficient, reliable and appealing enough to attract more users, Malaysians remain car-dependent, resulting in one of the highest car ownership rates in Southeast Asia. A new survey conducted by the BMW Group in Southeast Asia reveals just how car-dependent Malaysian drivers are, with 85% of respondents indicating that they drive every one to three days – either commuting to and from the office (74%), run daily errands (65%), or travel on the weekends (36%).
Encouragingly, 8 out of 10 of Malaysian drivers also wish to see more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, with the hope of contributing to a more environmentally conscious world – not to mention save on fuel costs. Reduced carbon emissions (72%), cost savings from using electricity instead of petrol (49%) and a more premium experience (40%) are just some of the key benefits cited by drivers who see the merits of electrification of motor vehicles.
Nevertheless, misconceptions on EVs remain and, at this time, more than half of the Malaysian drivers surveyed say that they will still likely choose a petrol vehicle (59%) for their next purchase. Some common concerns raised were the electric range of EVs, the maintenance costs, as well as the difficulty in keeping their EVs charged. Specifically, 33% of respondents believe that EVs can only travel up to 100 kms before requiring a recharge; another 41% expect EVs to be more expensive to service or maintain over a period of 10 years; while 29% believe that charging EVs would be ‘difficult’.
Valid as they are for any prospective EV owner, these are the concerns of yesterday. As exemplified by BMW i’s pioneering progress in electrified mobility over the years, the technology surrounding EVs and the ecosystem developed to support them have come a long way. With the arrival of the latest BMW i fleet, as well as the expansion of the BMW i public charging network, Malaysians can be more confident switching to EVs.
“It is encouraging to see the level of awareness and excitement around sustainable mobility, and that Malaysian drivers see EVs as the gateway to a more premium driving experience. Being the pioneer of electrified mobility in Malaysia and having been in the field since 2015, we have observed how Malaysian drivers are receptive and even enthusiastic about transitioning to EVs but remain concerned about key issues surrounding it – all of which we have been actively working to alleviate,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
He added: “In addition to introducing the best that we have to offer with the latest fleet of vehicles from BMW i, we have also been proactively developing our infrastructure for charging the vehicles. With these initiatives, there is also an opportunity to change the perception of prospective EV owners in Malaysia on the significant advancements made and that an electric future for the passenger vehicle market in Malaysia is closer than they think. In the end, it is about helping Malaysians realise that they now have a greater Power of Choice to adopt a more sustainable way of mobility.”
The latest EVs from BMW i tackle many of the past and current concerns Malaysians have towards adopting EVs. According to the survey, a significant number of them (39%) have the perception that EVs can only travel up to 100 kms before needing to recharge. That’s an out-of-date number and with BMW i models, the maximum range can be as much as 425 kms. With the premise that most Malaysians travel up to 20 km daily at most, recharging would thus be only necessary roughly once every two to three weeks. That range would also make it possible to go from the Klang Valley to Johor Bahru too, without recharging.
Another perception is around the difficulty of charging EVs – with 29% of Malaysians surveyed believing that the process of charging an EV can prove troublesome. However, in many ways, charging a BMW i vehicle would not be disruptive, partly due to its sufficient electric range allowing for less frequent charging. Additionally, a BMW i Wallbox can be installed at home for overnight charging.
The latest BMW i vehicles are also compatible with DC fast-charging, which BMW Group Malaysia has begun to deploy across its dealership network, public spaces and on the highways, in collaboration with its premium partners. Fast-charging shortens recharging time, so the wait is shorter.
On the misconception that EVs are more expensive to service and maintain – a view held by 41% of survey respondents – EVs actually cost less in this regard, due to having fewer components in the vehicle that require servicing. Components and elements, such as engine oil, sparkplugs and air filters, are absent in an EV.
Aside from this, the woes of battery replacements are also mitigated due to the modular nature of the lithium-ion battery packs at the heart of every electrified BMW. With multiple modules making up the battery pack, the cost of replacement is greatly reduced as owners need to replace only the faulty module, not the entire battery pack.
Further peace of mind is also ensured courtesy of substantial warranty programmes, such as the BMW 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, and the BMW 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty. In fact, the survey revealed battery warranty as a motivation to adopt EVs for 39% of Malaysian drivers, while good aftersales support makes up 35%.
Another key motivator is the level of support Malaysians have from the government, as expressed by 45% of respondents. The Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) incentive in the Malaysian automotive policy has encouraged BMW to assemble plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models locally and this year, full duty exemption for EVs is a very welcome development that will narrow the gap in pricing between EVs and traditional vehicles.
“Increased support and confidence from key players in the industry will play a significant role in getting Malaysian drivers comfortable with making the switch over the next few years. As a market leader and pioneer in the Electric Vehicle space, we are committed to delivering innovation that will truly make a change in the Malaysian automotive landscape, while continuing to deliver Sheer Driving Pleasure,” Mr. de Visser said.
BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range
Having delivered 8,439 BMW passenger vehicles and 978 MINI vehicles, BMW Group Malaysia captured the leading position in the segment last year. Of the number, 16% were electrified, bringing the total number of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles on Malaysian roads today to just over 21,600 units.
“2021 was the year of our electrification-offensive, for us as well as the BMW Group worldwide, and with the amazing response we have received in Malaysia for the all-new BMW i models, we are confident that the Electric Future we envision for Malaysia will soon become reality. We are ready for it and so is Malaysia as we now steer and drive into 2022 fully electrified,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
3-Series most popular
The 3-Series accounted for 28% of total BMW deliveries with over 2,400 units in 2021, the most popular model being the 320i Sport. The 2-Series overtook the long-favoured 5-Series for the very first time, with over 1,270 cars delivered to customers. For this model, the 218i Gran Coupe introduced in October 2020 was the bestseller. The 5-Series, which is the second oldest BMW model line assembled in Malaysia, followed closely behind with 1,150 units.
Throughout 2021, the BMW X family of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) remained popular, with over 3,200 vehicles delivered. The X1 continued to be the top-seller over 960 units, followed by the electrified X5 which had over 850 units delivered, a 22% increase from the previous year.
More electrified MINIs sold
The MINI brand saw a 5.6% growth in 2021, led again by the MINI Countryman. Over 68% of MINI sales were of this model, the largest in the range. Like the BMW brand, MINI too has seen increased sales in its electric models. In 2021, over 16% of all MINI vehicles delivered were electrified, compared to 2020 where the figure stood at just over 7%.
Over 50% of all BMW and MINI vehicle (and also BMW Motorrad motorcycles) delivered last year were financed by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. The digitalisation of the customer journey also continued with the expansion of the BMW Engage online financing application to include the BMW Premium Selection brand. Eight out of ten contracts last year were funded digitally, equating to over 4,400 contracts funded via BMW Engage.
Globally, the BMW Group reported 8.4% growth last year, with a total of 2,521,525 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered to customers worldwide. BMW vehicles accounted for 88% of the number and for fully electric models, there was a 133.2% increase (for all brands), which is an indication that electric mobility is catching on and growing each year.
100,000 vehicles assembled locally
BMW Group Malaysia will soon set a new milestone at its assembly plant in Kulim when the 100,000 vehicle assembled (from the time BMW itself was involved in local assembly) rolls out. This eventual milestone affirms the carmaker’s confidence in its continued investments towards building and sustaining Malaysia as a regional automotive hub. With growing interest for electrification in Malaysia, the BMW Group has also introduced more powertrain options for its line-up of locally-assembled models.
With range anxiety and infrastructure being the most pressing issues for customers and automakers alike in advancing electromobility in the country, BMW Group Malaysia says it will continue to accelerate the roll-out of its public charging network nationwide. As of January 2022, there are 77 BMW i Charging facilities across the country, with 25 facilities powered by partnerships with local dealers and industry players. This network is complemented with 16 charging points with Shell Recharge & Park Easy as well as 319 charging facilities with GreenTech Malaysia and its ChargEV platform.
Going beyond selling motor vehicles
“We are going beyond delivering premium vehicles that are the Ultimate Driving Machines, but vehicles that are ultimately responsible for the planet and our future generations. We recognise that the time has come for a shared vision for electrified mobility with a shared responsibility by all stakeholders to act and transform our industries into a responsible ecosystem that is built for the future. For us at BMW Group Malaysia, this is an ecosystem where Future Mobility can truly thrive in. This is the future we envision and with the support of our customers, dealers, associates and the Malaysian government here – we are more than optimistic that this ‘Electric Future’ will be a successful one,” Mr. de Visser said.
BMW Group Malaysia was established in the early 2000s to be directly involved in activities that cover the wholesale of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles, including overall planning of sales, marketing and after-sales. Since starting with just a National Sales Centre in Cyberjaya, the organisation has expanded to include assembly facilities in Kedah, the BMW Group Data Centre and BMW Group Regional Training Centre in Cyberjaya, and the BMW Group Parts Distribution Centre at the Free Industrial Zone of the Senai International Airport in Johor.
BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range
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