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Nissan Motor and Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co. (NMC) have entered Nissan Z Racing Concept cars in the second round of ENEOS Super Taikyu Series 2022 –  the NAPAC Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hour Race. The event is held at the Fuji Speedway this weekend and the two cars will have the numbers ‘230’ and ‘244’.

The aim of running the two cars is to explore possible competition in various motorsports categories. Car 230, entered by the NISMO team, is equipped with a carbon-neutral-fuel (CNF) compatible engine, while Car 244, entered by the Max Racing team, is powered by a powerful petrol engine.

The two cars have been developed with the knowledge gained over many years of Super GT and customer racing car involvement. By entering the tough 24-hour endurance race, Nissan hopes to accumulate valuable data that can only be obtained through racing. This particularly applies to the CNF-compatible engine that can be applied to future development.

Nissan aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout its product life cycle by fiscal year 2050 and is therefore also enhancing its efforts in motorsports. For instance, the carmaker is the only Japanese manufacturer that participates in the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E World Championship for single-seater cars.

“In our pursuit of innovation, we have always challenged the limits of what is possible, but we have never compromised on what excites our fans. Whether it is the excitement mixed with the roar of the engines or silent speed, our ambition is to empower our customers to enjoy their experience without compromise,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer. “The participation of the Nissan Z Racing Concept cars in this demanding race will bring many valuable learnings to develop competitive engines compatible with carbon-neutral fuel.”

“The tougher the race, the more we learn. We expect to acquire ample data and know-how for future vehicle development and, at the same time, we aim to show fans the unique driving performance of the all-new Z that we hope will exceed their expectations,” added Takao Katagiri, Head of Nissan’s Motorsports Business Unit Office and President of NMC.

Nissan Z Safety Car
Besides the two concept racing cars, Nissan Motor and NMC have also provided new Nissan Z for use as a safety car in the Super GT race series. The car has been presented to the organisers, the GT Association, Inc., and the sportscar will make its debut in the third round of the 2022 season at the Suzuka Circuit.

Nissan Z Safety Car

Nissan Z Safety Car

Nissan Z Safety Car

Among the duties of the Safety Car will be pre-race inspection of the tracks for obstacles and leading competition cars when race accidents occur.

Unveiled in August 2021, the all-new Z generation has been enthusiastically received by new and old fans alike. By competing in this season’s Super GT with the Nissan Z GT500, Nissan and NMC aim to broaden the Z’s fan base and increase the exposure of the Super GT series.

For more information on Nissan products and services in Malaysia, visit www.nissan.com.my.

All-new 7th generation Nissan Z revealed! (w/VIDEO)

Nissan started participating in the Safari Rally in 1963 and in 1966, a Bluebird entered by the team became the first Japanese car to win its class in the gruelling event. Other victories followed and by 1970, Nissan finally took top honours, winning all three prizes – overall (with a Datsun 1600 SSS), class and team. In 1971, a Datsun 240Z won to give the brand its second consecutive overall victory in the rally.

2022 Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute

The original Datsun 240Z which won the Safari Rally.

From concept sketch to one-off model
Paying tribute to the successes in the legendary rally half a century later is the Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute. The special model has now moved to become a fully operational one-off vehicle following the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the original concept images. Its unveiling previews the European introduction of the JUKE Hybrid soon.

“The JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute represents our optimism and daring mindset. We are currently preparing an exciting new chapter of JUKE history in advance of the introduction of the new JUKE Hybrid in the summer. It will offer the excitement and agility customers would expect of our iconic crossover, with both improved performance and efficiency. The JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute takes its playful character to a new level. “Speaking about the decision to bring the JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute to life,” said Coralie Musy, Vice-President, Brand and Customer Experience of Nissan’s AMIEO region.

2022 Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute

Advanced hybrid powertrain
The JUKE Hybrid powertrain consists of a new generation Nissan internal combustion engine specifically developed for working in a hybrid powertrain application. It produces 69 kW (94 ps) and 148 Nm of torque.

The main electric motor produces 36 kW (49 ps) with 205 Nm of torque, while there is a 15 kW contribution from a high voltage starter/generator, all of which is fed by a 1.2 kWh water-cooled battery. The net result is a powertrain providing 25% more power than the current petrol engine option, with a claimed fuel consumption reduction of approximately 40% in the urban cycle.

2022 Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute

Smart automatic gearbox
Also carried over from the production version of the JUKE is an advanced low friction multi-modal gearbox that provides optimal use of the propulsive power, whether electric, petrol engine, or both. To reduce friction, this motorsport-inspired gearbox uses dog clutches instead of conventional synchroniser rings to shift the 4 ICE (internal combustion engine) gears and 2 EV (electric vehicle)  gears.

Additionally, to reduce friction, this gearbox does not use a clutch. All vehicle starts are 100% electric, and the 2 EV motors are used in combination to synchronise the gears, delivering smooth, connected and responsive acceleration.

2022 Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute

The gearbox is controlled by an advanced algorithm, managing the shift points, battery regeneration, as well as the advanced series-parallel architecture. The powertrain can seamlessly navigate through different hybridisation combinations (series, parallel, series-parallel) according to acceleration and power requirements and without any driver input.

Rally-inspired modifications
Like the Gripz concept car that was displayed at the 2015 Frankfurt Motorshow, the JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute takes its design cues from the iconic 240Z that competed so successfully in the desert rally over 50 years ago.

2022 Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute

The most obvious modification are the enlarged wheelarches to accommodate the tailor-made off-road tyres, while the additional lights mounted on the bonnet and roof echo those of the 1970s era.

2022 Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute

Similarly, the black of the bonnet and enlarged black wheels are a visual homage to the 1971 rallycar. To further provide period accuracy are vintage sponsor logos and the number 11, while the additional reinforced plates under the front and rear valances offer protection to the vehicle’s underside. Reinforced and long-travel suspension has been fitted all-round, while the tyres are 265/70 R16.

2022 Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute

Inside, the cabin has been modified with the fitment of a tubular cage to stiffen the bodyshell and to offer protection in the case of an incident at speed in the challenging desert environment. The rear seats have been removed to provide space for spare wheels and 4-point harnesses have been added to secure the driver and navigator safely in their racing seats.

Other modifications to the interior include the fitment of a competition fire extinguisher, an intercom system with a pair of headphones (though the JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute would be much quieter than the rallycar), the fitment of Alcantara trim on the steering wheel, and a hydraulic handbrake with a high-reach handle.

2022 Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute

As part of the Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute project and in line with exploring rallying while being as eco-conscious as possible, the powertrain uses liquids and biofuels provided by Shell, Nissan’s partner for the 1971 East African Rally.

2022 Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute

What if the original Nissan Silvia was produced today?

Datsun, a name familiar to older Malaysians, disappeared from the market in the 1980s. It was replaced by Nissan as a brand name for products, and the name happened to also be the company’s name. Part of the reason could have been that Datsun was so well known all over the world and sometimes, senior executives had found that people did not know their company when they mentioned it was ‘Nissan’ but showed much familiarity when they said ‘Datsun’.

Older Malaysians will remember Datsuns as the earliest Japanese cars which were brought in by Tan Chong in the late 1950s. Though seemingly fragile, they proved to be lasting, economical and good value for money. The 120Y (below) was one one of the models that built up the brand’s strong reputation which was inherited by Nissan when it replaced Datsun in the mid-1980s.

Anyway, the brand name was brought back in 2014 as a sub-brand alongside Nissan and Infiniti to represent entry-level products for emerging markets. Nissan’s CEO then, Carlos Ghosn, had thought that there might be a market for lower-cost models in places like Indonesia, India and even Russia. These products would benefit from Nissan’s technology but be built with a lower cost base.  The company expected the brand’s previous reputation for value and reliability would be beneficial – but perhaps forgot that the new generation of buyers it targeted would not have known that.

Datsun models sold in 2021.

Nissan built Datsun models in three countries – Russia, China and India – and though there was favourable response initially, dealers found difficulty selling the cars because they also sold cheap Nissan models. To make the cars cheap, features were less and even the engineering was felt to be not as tough as Nissans, so consumers were not greatly persuaded to buy Datsuns when, for a little bit more, they could get better Nissans.

Nissan’s expectations and targets for the brand were thus too ambitious and it showed in the years that followed its launch. In some markets, the network was limited and as mentioned earlier, there was much dependence on Nissan dealers who would have found it more profitable to sell Nissans, rather than cheaper but low-margin Datsuns.

Datsun display at a motorshow in Indonesia in 2015.
In many markets, Datsun models were sold in the same showrooms as Nissan models, which proved to be a bad move.

In the emerging markets, there was certainly demand for cheap cars but even consumers in such markets did not want a car that was so cheap but was lacking in features and worse, safety. Crash tests of early Datsun models placed the brand in an unfavourable light, further diminishing its appeal. Perhaps in a different era 40 years earlier, the Datsuns might have done better but with competition from low-priced Korean cars and also brands like Maruti, customer expectations were higher.

By the end of 2019, Nissan came to the conclusion that the Datsun brand was not going to make it and there was little point in trying. Furthermore, as a legacy of the Ghosn era which had become controversial, it was probably one of the moves that was accepted as a way to ‘right past wrongs’. The operations in Russia and Indonesia were discontinued during the following year, just as the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Datsun advertisement in Indian market.

That left India as the only market which produced and sold Datsuns. The final phase of ending the brand was to take another two years as the lifecycle of the last model was run to the end.

Recently, Nissan announced that the final remaining redi-GO model was no longer produced at the plant in Chennai and dealers would sell off whatever stocks remained.

“As part of Nissan’s global transformation strategy, Nissan is focusing on core models and segments that bring the most benefit to customers, dealer partners and the business. In India, this includes the all-new, locally produced Nissan Magnite with over 100,000 customer orders to date,” Nissan India said.

Of course, like any responsible manufacturer, Nissan will provide the necessary aftersales support to Datsun owners in the years to come. This would run for a number of years and in as far as replacement parts are concerned, there should not be difficulty since many of the cars would be shared with Nissan models anyway.

So, for the second time in its history, the brand that first appeared in 1934 and helped to build a strong reputation for Nissan, is retired again. Perhaps it is best left in history books and museums where its glorious days are not blemished by the unsuccessful attempt to bring it back.

It wasn’t surprising when Nissan was the first Japanese carmaker to become involved in Formula E which is now a world championship. The carmaker became dominant in the electric vehicle (EV) segment after introducing the world’s first mass-produced EV, the LEAF in 2010, so it was natural for it to participate in the all-electric series.

That was back in 2018 when the company partnered the e.dams team and started off in the fifth season of the series. It drew on its experience developing EVs to develop a new powertrain package for its Formula E car, including a new electric motor, inverter, gearbox and software.

The Nissan e.dams all-electric racing car in its first season of Formula E.

Following its entry in the fifth season, the team has been among the regulars each season and in March 2021, Nissan confirmed further commitment to Formula E. Now, the company is going on step further by acquiring the French-based e.dams team which will finish off this season with the Gen2 car and then start the next season with the new Gen3 racing car. Nissan will be present until the end of Season 12 (2025/26).

“It’s taken years of planning and months of intense preparation, but we’re now ready to hit the track for our Formula E race debut,” said Michael Carcamo, Nissan’s Global Motorsports Director. “We’ve drawn on our experience as a global leader in electric vehicles for the road to help develop our Formula E powertrain – and what we now learn on the track will go back the other way, benefiting Nissan’s electric-car customers.”

Nissan’s participation in Formula E supports the company’s long-term commitment to electrification and sustainability laid out in Nissan’s ‘Ambition 2030’ plan. “These are exciting times for all of us at Nissan, our fans and customers everywhere,” said Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer. “We have been on the grid for over 85 years, and our desire to win continuously accelerates us forward. We learn as we race, and the relentless pace of technological progression that drives the Formula E championship will provide us with many opportunities to inform and develop even better cars for customers.

As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050, Nissan intends to electrify all its new vehicles by the early 2030s in key markets. The Japanese carmaker aims to bring its expertise in transferring knowledge and technology between the Formula E racetrack and road for better electric vehicles for customers.

“I am delighted that Nissan is taking over e.dams and today we are thinking of Jean-Paul Driot who, together with Nissan, had the vision for the team and helped to develop our partnership,” said Tommaso Volpe, who will become the Managing Director of the Nissan Formula E team. “Since his passing in 2019, Olivier and Gregory Driot took over and made sure the legacy of their father’s success would continue. It has been a pleasure working together and I would like to thank them for their commitment and support.

“We are very proud to hand over the e.dams team to such a committed and innovative company as Nissan. We’ve had several open discussions in recent months with Nissan and we decided that it was the right time for them to take the reins and continue the legacy of our family and secure the long-term future of the employees,” said the Driot brothers.

Nissan e.dams team ready for first round of Formula E Season 8 in Saudi Arabia

 

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is coming soon and for those planning to have a new vehicle to celebrate, Edaran Tan Chong Motor is offering some special deals. Selected models come with accessories packages worth up to RM10,150, and there’s still the sales tax exemption (except for pick-up trucks) which the government is allowing until June 30, 2022.

During the month of April and May, ETCM is also having a contest with RM50,000 worth of Lazada e-Vouchers to be won. Lucky purchasers of new Nissan vehicles will have a chance to win Lazada e-Vouchers (RM5,000 per winner. T&C apply). The e-voucher can be used for purchases on the Lazada e-commerce website which would be great for those who are doing Hari Raya shopping.

While some companies have indicated that their order bank has become quite full and ready stocks are not available right away, ETCM says it has anticipated the festive season demand and has prepared stocks for fast delivery. After all, the company has been selling cars to Malaysians since the 1950s and understands the market well.

For those interested in the Almera Turbo, a test-drive will provide an opportunity to experience its advanced technology, especially in the turbocharged engine. The high torque output gives strong acceleration but at the same time, fuel consumption can be up to 18.4 kms/litre as one owner proved. Those who test-drive the Almera Turbo will receive a Watsons Voucher worth RM30 in appreciation of their interest.

The ’Mothertrucker’ Navara has proven to be well suited for dual roles of personal transport as well as workhorse. There are five variants to choose from for different requirements and budgets, with prices starting from RM111,050.

Nissan owners, wherever in Malaysia they are,  are assured of aftersales services from Tan Chong Expres Auto Servis (TCEAS). Appointments can also be booked online using the DriveOn app available at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

All new Nissan vehicles come with a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and other than the Navara, there is no limit on mileage travelled after registration. For the Navara, the mileage limit is 150,000 kms or 5 years, whichever comes first.

For customers who are not able to visit Nissan showroom, there’s the Nissan Online Showroom where information on the models and offers available can be found, and test-drives can also be requested. If a purchase decision is made at the Lazada Nissan Flagship store, a low-booking fee payment online is now available and a Sales Representative will assist in completing the purchase process.

For more information, www.nissan.com.my where the locations of authorised Nissan showrooms can also be found.

FEATURE: A closer look at the Nissan Almera Turbo engine

Since the late 1990s, hybrid powertrain systems have been developed by various manufacturers, acting as the first step in electrification of vehicles. The systems are similar in having an electric motor and a combustion engine but differ in the way they operate. The ideal operating strategy is to be able to use the electric motor as much as possible, with the engine coming in when extra power is needed.

Nissan’s e-POWER system takes a slightly different approach although it has the motor and engine as well. Part of the electrification strategy under Nissan Intelligent Mobility, e-POWER borrows from the EV technology developed for the LEAF, now the best-selling fully electric car in history.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility anchors critical company decisions around how cars are powered, how cars are driven, and how cars integrate into society. In 2006, Nissan R&D was able to achieve a breakthrough in its energy management technology by reducing the battery capacity to match its competitors’ hybrid vehicles while still delivering desirable EV qualities, such as quietness and efficient energy use. In addition, application of Nissan’s technologies, such as the integration of a power-generating engine, electric motor drive for compact car use, strengthening of the powertrain’s rigidity and improvements in NVH levels, became the foundation of e-POWER and its implementation in the compact-car segment.

Where the LEAF requires regular recharging of its battery pack, an e-POWER system does not need that as a small petrol engine is used to charge the high-output battery pack when necessary. This means that the driver will have no need to look for a charging station (or set one up in his home) and no ‘range anxiety’ (the fear of running of out electricity and being unable to recharge).

A significant difference between the e-POWER system and other hybrid systems is that the wheels are driven only by the electric motor. With other hybrid systems, the motor and engine are used to propel the vehicle, varying their amount of contribution according to driving conditions.

The e-POWER’s compact powertrain consists of a petrol engine, power generator, inverter, and electric motor. In conventional hybrid systems, a low-output electric motor is mated to a petrol engine to drive the wheels when the battery is low (or when traveling at higher speeds). However, in the e-POWER system, the engine is not connected to the wheels; its function is to charge the battery. Thus, the car has its own ‘charging station’ wherever it goes, recharging the battery whenever it is low.

This system structure generally requires a bigger motor and battery because the motor is the only power source to drive wheels. This has made it hard for the automotive industry to mount the system in compact cars. However, Nissan found a way to minimize and reduce weight, develop more responsive motor control methods and optimize energy management. As a result, the e-POWER system can use a smaller battery than the LEAF but delivers EV performance.

This means that there is maximum torque almost instantly – a characteristic of electric motors – , which enhances acceleration. Because the system relies on the engine less frequently, fuel efficiency is comparable to that of leading conventional hybrids, especially during daily town driving.

The Note sold in Japan was the first model to use the e-POWER system.

Over the years, Nissan has been improving and refining the e-POWER system while also offering it in selected models for the Japanese market. It has been progressively offered in other markets since 2020 and this year, the new Qashqai SUV will be the first model in Europe to be equipped with the system. The system was also introduced in China last year in the new Sylphy model.

At the heart of the latest e-POWER system is a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged variable compression 156 bhp petrol engine (pictured below) which has been developed specifically for this application. First used by Infiniti, the engine’s variable compression capability (between 8.1 and 14.1:1) is a unique feature in an internal combustion engine and allows it to adjust compression ratio, giving both optimum performance and economy depending on the engine load. The 140 kW electric motor is of a similar size and power output as found in Nissan’s EV models.

With the variable compression ratio, the engine runs within its optimal range and best compression ratio, leading to superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared with a traditional internal combustion engine, as well as a refined drive thanks to reduced engine noise.

To maximise performance, in high acceleration or high-speed situations, the energy management control unit within the e-POWER system can send the power generated by the engine directly to the electric motor, via the inverter, to bolster the electricity supply which is coming from the battery. Under deceleration and braking, the kinetic energy is recaptured and channelled back to the battery to optimise efficiency.

Key to the development of the e-POWER system for the Qashqai was the need to ensure the driving experience gave a ‘connected’ sensation, where the petrol engine speed remains relative to the vehicle’s road speed. Engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe collaborated in developing a system called ‘Linear Tune’. This feature governs the petrol engine and progressively increases the speed of the 1.5-litre engine to meet the motor’s energy demands as the car accelerates, ensuring there is no ‘disconnect’ between what the occupants experience in terms of performance and sound.

New Qashqai is first Nissan model in Europe with e-POWER.

The disparity between engine speed and road speed is a phenomenon that drivers and passengers find unsettling. For example, a sudden rise in engine revs without a commensurate increase in speed is perceived as frustrating and ‘disconnected’ by occupants – which Linear Tune addresses.

Although sales of EVs are growing rapidly, especially in Europe, Nissan understands that not everyone is ready to make the switch for various reasons. The e-POWER system therefore provides a transitional phase where the benefits of using an EV can be experienced without the present concerns that many may have regarding recharging and range.

A chance to become a ‘millionaire’ when purchasing a new Nissan vehicle in March

This March, purchasers of new Nissan vehicles from an authorized Nissan showroom can become millionaires… BoostStar millionaires. For a new campaign, ‘March Deal Boosters’, by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), up to 20 million Boost Stars are to be given out during the campaign period from March 1 to 31, 2022.

The Boost Stars, normally accumulated through transactions using the Boost app, can be redeemed for many different rewards from the BoostUP catalogue so customers have a wider choice of rewards to choose from.

Applicable to all new Nissan models
All new Nissan models will qualify customers for the BoostStars, including the Almera 1.0L Turbo, Navara 2.5L Turbo 4WD, X-Trail and Serena S-Hybrid. Additionally, free accessories packages and free maintenance service are also offered for even better value for money. And apart from the pick-up truck models, exemption of sales tax is available so there are additional savings.

RM30 voucher for test-drive
Also during the month of March 2022, visitors to Nissan showrooms who test-drive the latest Almera Turbo will receive a Watsons Voucher worth RM30 in appreciation of their interest. They can make use of the test-drive opportunity to experience the performance of the turbocharged engine as well as its fuel efficiency. In a charity event organized by ETCM last year, one owner was able to get fuel consumption of up to 18.4 kms a litre which would give a range of up to 650 kms on a full tank.

The Almera also comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility and Nissan Safety Shield 360 to provide pro-active action in avoiding accidents or reducing the damage if an accident occurs. Up to 6 airbags are present and to assist the driver are active safety systems such as Blind Spot warning Rear Cross Traffic Alert and an Intelligent Around View Monitor 360o camera.

The dominating Navara PRO-4X comes with a proven 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 7-speed transmission and robust 4×4 system can tackle any terrain, while Nissan Intelligent Mobility Technologies provide a 360-degree Safety Shield for the vehicle and occupants.

All new Nissan vehicles come with a 5-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and other than the Navara, there is no limit on mileage travelled after registration. For the Navara, the mileage limit is 150,000 kms or 5 years, whichever comes first.

24-hour Nissan showroom
For customers who are not able to visit Nissan showroom, information is also available at the 24-hour  Nissan Online Showroom and test-drives can even be arranged at their premises if they wish. And if a purchase decision is made. a low-booking fee payment online (via the Lazada Nissan Flagship store) is now available and a Sales Representative will be in touch to assist in completing the purchase process.

For more information, www.nissan.com.my, or contact the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838.

FEATURE: A closer look at the Nissan Almera Turbo engine

Fans of NISMO, the Nissan division which produces high-performance models and is also responsible for the brand’s motorsports activities, will want this Casio EQS-930NIS on their wrist or as part of their collection. It’s the latest model in Casio’s EDIFICE range of high-performance metal watches and is a special limited edition which was created in collaboration with NISMO.

Like all EDIFICE watches, the concept of ‘Speed and  Intelligence’ is the basis for the design of the EQS-930NIS watch. The face and body design captures the spirit of NISMO and motorsports, with the brand colours – red and black – featured prominently. The inset dials, bezel sides, and buttons  are accented in red against a black base.

In addition, the inset dial at the 10 o’clock position recreates the colour gradation that appears on a  sports car’s titanium tail pipe when the exhaust heat and the temperature difference between car  parts cause the titanium to turn bluish. The surface of the urethane band has been processed to  resemble tyre tread after an intense race.

Why NISMO likes No. 23
The traditional Nissan and NISMO ace number, ’23’, is engraved on the bezel at the 23-minute mark, as well as on the case back. ‘23’ (or ‘two-three’) when said in Japanese is ‘ni’ and ‘san’, so it is chosen for NISMO racing cars and has certainly brought them good luck on several occasions. The NISMO logo can also be seen on the bezel, band loop, and case back.

Solar-powered
The 52-mm diameter EQS-930NIS is solar-powered and when fully charged, it can last about 5 months until movement stops. The wearer will be aware of the remaining charge as there is a battery level indicator on the face. Like other EDIFICE watches, it is water-resistant (down to 100 metres) and has a stopwatch which will be useful for those watching races.

There’s no indication of how limited the number of watches will be, nor the price and if it will be available outside Japan.

Limited edition Citizen Eco-Drive watches inspired by new Nissan Z

Remember the Nissan Almera Turbo Fuel Efficiency Charity Drive which Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) ran last year? It was a campaign that invited owners of the latest Nissan Almera Turbo to submit their very best fuel consumption achieved with the car. ETCM would then convert the total number of kilometres of all the submissions into money for charity at the rate of RM1 per kilometre.

Almera Turbo owners throughout the country participated, trying their best to get the lowest consumption (which was shown on the instrument panel’s computerized display) and when the entries were added up, the total distance was 12,841 kms. This meant that RM12,841 would be provided by ETCM which would be donated to few charitable organizations.

The company, among the oldest Malaysian car companies, decided that the money should go towards helping vulnerable communities affected by the recent devastating floods. Tens of thousands of Malaysians suffered losses in various degrees and had their livelihoods and well-being impacted.

The campaign’s accumulated amount of RM12,841 would be used for post-flood recovery efforts, including buying of necessities, food, personal hygiene items as well as cleaning and repairing housing areas damaged by severe flooding.

RM20,000 donated
A total of RM20,000 was donated to help alleviate the burden of the flood victims. Of the proceeds, RM10,000 was channelled to Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah while Rumah SVP Klang and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Klang Utama Caring Home each received RM5,000.

Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah in Puchong is a charitable children’s home which houses orphans and children of low-income families. The home currently houses 65 boys and girls aged between 3 – 16 years old.

Ruman SVP Klang houses abandoned, underprivileged and children of single parents.  It cares for 11 boys under the age of 12 years old. Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Klang Utama Caring Home houses 43 orphans with ages up to 24 years old.

“The floods almost submerged our house completely. It happened so quickly and we could hardly save anything. Everything was destroyed in a split second. Children’s safety is always our top priority and I am grateful that the children are all safe. On behalf of the children, we are so thankful for the heart-warming support given by ETCM during these difficult times; it definitely will ease our daily burdens,” said Pusat Jagaan Baitul Hidayah’s caretaker Puan Saadiah.

“There are so many heart-breaking stories on the struggle that Malaysians are going through. We are deeply saddened to see floodwaters submerge houses and cars and hope our gestures will help to relieve the burden of those affected during this difficult time,” said Daniel Ho, Group CEO of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad.

Nissan Flood Relief Assistance programme
ETCM, together with Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn. Bhd., also have the Nissan Flood Relief Assistance programme that offers 20% discount on parts and labour charges, a special upholstery restoration prices and an Easy Payment Plan up to 12 months on total bill. This is to help alleviate the financial burden for Nissan owners whose vehicles were damaged by the floods.

As part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, ETCM has also loaned 6 vehicles to NGOs and MITI. 5 of them are the Navara 4WD, while the remaining one is a Serena MPV. The vehicles will be used to support the flood relief efforts and the vaccination programme.

Click here to know more about the CSR efforts of Tan Chong Motor Holdings.

Owner of Nissan Almera Turbo shows that it can go up to 49.5 kms/litre!

Red and orange are traditionally the colours used for Chinese New Year celebrations as they signify luck, prosperity and happiness. To welcome the new Year of the Water Tiger, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is offering two of its popular Nissan models in the colours.

The  X-Trail 2.0L Mid version will come with Monarch Orange, while the Serena S-Hybrid will be available in a distinctive Radiant Red finish with a ‘floating‘ black roof.

Priced from RM139,643 (without insurance and sales tax) the X-Trail Mid version comes with an Aero kit with RM5,000. It is equipped with Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technologies for safer motoring. These active safety technologies include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist.

The 5+2-seater SUV is powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine which develops 106 ps/200 Nm, delivered to the front wheels through a 7-speed X-TRONIC CVT. Fuel consumption is claimed to be 13.4 kms/litre so the 60-litre fuel tank should give a range of around 800 kms.

The version of the Serena S-Hybrid with the special Radiant Red colour is the Premium Highway Star, priced from RM140,226 (excluding insurance and sale tax). The 7-seater MPV’s proven 2-litre MR20DD powerplant is highly fuel efficient, with 14.2 kms per litre claimed for fuel consumption. Brisk performance is provided by the output of 150 ps/200 Nm and XTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control.

Safety and convenience features include a Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Door, Dual Back Door, 7 USB-Powered Ports, Intelligent Around View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection, and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Those who are planning on buying a new vehicle to celebrate Chinese New Year can enjoy a low 1.88% p.a. interest rate for financing of selected Nissan models. This offer period will be on until February 28, 2022, and customers who purchase and register a vehicle can participate and win Lazada Vouchers up to RM50,000.

Additionally, customers who test drive the latest Almera Turbo (shown below) during the campaign period are also eligible to win a RM500 Watsons voucher.

More information is available at any authorised Nissan showroom nationwide. To locate a showroom or find out more, visit www.nissan.com.my or call the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838.

Owner of Nissan Almera Turbo shows that it can go up to 49.5 kms/litre!

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