Mercedes-Benz owners in Malaysia can now extend warranty coverage for their if they intend to maintain ownership for a longer period. Considering the high costs of replacement parts, this would be a pertinent move for more peace of mind.
The upgraded Extended Limited Warranty Programme from Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is for vehicles in their fifth and sixth year. Owners can choose optional Essential or Comprehensive plans with full flexibility for a 1-year or 2-year subscription with coverage up to RM250,000 per plan.
Although many new models are now having remote connection capabilities, Mercedes-Benz began to offer the feature – known as Mercedes me connect – in 2016, with introduction in the Malaysian market in late 2019. Initially, it was available for only a few models but older ones (up to 2002) could be connected with a Mercedes me adapter that cost RM250.
Since then, Mercedes me connect has become a standard feature on the latest models, providing owners with a constant connection to their vehicle via their smartphone and the Mercedes me app (available for Android and iOS devices). From a distance away – like inside a hotel room or home – the owner can check the current status of the vehicle as well as make service appointments.
While Teslas, which are all battery electric vehicles, are sold in many countries, they are still not officially sold in Malaysia. PEKEMA, the association of Bumiputera dealers, is however taking orders for Tesla models which it is importing in large numbers this year to be sold through its members’ dealerships. Pricing indicated by some dealers shows the cars (imported from the UK) to cost between RM342,800 and RM418,800.
PEKEMA has indicated that they will offer owners aftersales support, but without an official representative of the brand owner supporting the business, they will still rely on obtaining assistance from other parties.
However, if you are keen to find out what it’s like owning a Tesla – and not having the aftersales worries – FLUX is offering the Model 3 and Model Y on a subscription basis. The company says it will also give subscribers a 4-year warranty for peace of mind. Additionally, a concierge service is also for maintenance and document renewals along with nationwide roadside assistance and car theft recovery.
Perodua today officially started its unique study program which involves members of the public using a Perodua Ativa Hybrid in their daily lives. The program is for the purpose of gaining insights into usage of electrified vehicles in Malaysia and the information will help Perodua in its electrification journey.
“The Perodua Ativa Hybrid would be the best vehicle for us to gain unique insights on Malaysian behaviour as a controlled group, as this data will be used to anticipate our customers’ needs when using an electric vehicle,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Although its vehicles are very fuel-efficient, Perodua will also be starting on an electrification journey with hybrid powertrains. This will begin with a fleet of 300 Daihatsu Rocky Hybrids that have been imported for the purpose of testing in local conditions. The Rocky is the Daihatsu equivalent of the Perodua Ativa, while Toyota’s version is called the Raize.
Rather than conducting the testing itself (which it will also do), the carmaker will be offering the model to interested customers under a subscription program. The customers who will be offered the chance to participate will be existing customers who have booked an Ativa but have not received it.
5-year program Under the program, they will pay an upfront fee of RM2,150 and a monthly fee of RM500. The costs relating to insurance coverage, roadtax and scheduled maintenance will be covered by Perodua. The period of subscription will last for 5 years and customers will be required to allows tracking of their vehicle movements (using a GPS device) so that data on their driving and usage can be collected.
They will also have to provide feedback regularly and report on any technical issues they face. Within a year, the data from 300 SUVs should provide Perodua with a lot of information on the running conditions of the hybrid powertrain which they can use in developing their future powertrain for a later model. Whether it will be for the Ativa or another model remains to be seen.
The e-SMART HYBRID system Daihatsu has worked on hybrid powertrains for a long time, with the first prototype shown as far back as 1981. The latest hybrid powertrain in the Rocky Hybrid is an e-SMART HYBRID which has the capability of running purely on electric power. It uses a 1.2-litre engine and a transaxle specially developed for hybrid electric vehicles.
The transaxle, which efficiently transmits the motor output to the wheels, consists of a motor generator that drives and generates power, a speed reduction mechanism, and a differential mechanism. The two motors are optimally arranged to achieve compactness so that they can be installed in compact vehicles.
The Rocky HYBRID also has a Smart Pedal (S-PDL) which can adjust the vehicle’s speed just by stepping on or releasing the accelerator pedal. When using the S-PDL, the amount of regeneration increases due to the reduced deceleration caused by the brake pedal, contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
Second time having CBU vehicles This would be the second time that Perodua is importing completely built-up (CBU) Daihatsu vehicles. Back in 2008, the company brought in a batch of Daihatsu Terios SUVs from Indonesia. These were to be badged as the Perodua Nautica, the successor to the Kembara. However, the plan was scrapped after a year and Perodua did not have a SUV until the Aruz was introduced in 2019.
With the duty-free incentive for fully electric vehicles (EVs) to start next month, there may be many who are wondering if they should switch to such vehicles. While the exemption of all duties and taxes will mean a lower price, don’t expect prices to drop to the same as a Nissan Almera Turbo just because they are duty-free. EV technology is still young and therefore expensive, which is why manufacturers hope governments will help by making them more ‘affordable’.
For those who are thinking of getting one, you can experience ownership for a short while with GoCar’s new GoEV programme. This programme, which requires first signing up as a GoCar member, offers affordable EV access with car-sharing and subscription options. It is available to all fully licensed drivers aged 18 and above.
Nissan LEAF used
The members can select their preferred GoEV Share or GoEV Subs plans which have 25 units of Nissan LEAF fully electric vehicles. The sharing option is currently available only for round-trips (pick-up and return at the same zone) and short-term use – by the hour or by the day. Rates start from RM24.90 per hour or RM249 per day. From now until January 31, 2022, there will be a 25% reduction on rates for all GoEV Share bookings.
The GoEV programme will initially be offered in the Klang Valley where 3 GoEV zones are already in operation. Another seven will be added before this year ends.
“Global warming is at the tipping point and the negative effects of climate change will continue to perpetuate for decades. As a top contributor to greenhouse gases emissions, the transport sector must transition to full electrification, which studies have shown significantly reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere,” said Wong Hoe Mun, CEO of GoCar Malaysia.
EV experience for more Malaysians
“Malaysia still has a long way to go to catch up on EV adoption and infrastructure. However, we believe that through car-sharing and subscription, we can help encourage mass adoption. We are so excited to be bringing affordable EV access to the general public. This way, everyone – not just the privileged few – can experience the EV lifestyle,” he added.
Longer terms also available
Those who want a longer duration to experience what it is like to live with an EV can opt for a 36-month subscription at RM2,299 per month. These rates are inclusive of roadtax, insurance, regular servicing and a wall box home charger to allow more efficient recharging.
To ease any potential range anxiety for car sharing customers, GoCar is also providing complimentary ChargEV cards in each vehicle, which will give users access to almost 300 charging stations nationwide. Charging stations at the GoEV zones are free to use for all GoEV customers.
If you want to know more about the Nissan LEAF or purchase one, visit www.nissan.com.my.
Perodua has introduced a new approach to purchasing vehicles – EZ MOBi – which is an all-inclusive vehicle subscription service. Currently available in the Klang Valley and only for business entities and government agencies, EZ MOBi simplifies management of vehicle fleets (Perodua, of course) throughout the period of use.
“The value offering of this service is that Perodua EZ MOBi provides end-to-end convenience to our customers as various packages are available to fit each client’s mobility needs,” explained Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Single monthly rate
With EZ MOBi, all costs of owning and operating vehicles are covered by a single monthly rate. These include roadtax and comprehensive insurance coverage, scheduled servicing and maintenance, as well as replacement of normal wear and tear items. In fact, the only thing not included is fuel!
Additionally, each vehicle is supported by a 24/7 Auto Assist service when needed and a free telematics system is installed so the vehicle’s location can be tracked. This will be useful for fleet managers who may wish to know the movements of their vehicles or when it is stolen.
“In essence, EZ MOBi represents Perodua’s value contribution towards its customers’ growing mobility needs. The overall package includes vehicle registration, insurance renewal, servicing cost, parts replacement cost, courtesy car, vehicle disposal and replacement under one subscription plan,” Dato’ Zainal said.
Value-added features
Other valued-added features of EZ MOBi include a concierge service to provide assistance and a courtesy car, should the customer’s vehicle be kept in the service centre for a longer period than necessary. And those who choose EZ MOBi can also get their vehicle faster, which is often important for busy businesses.
Flexible plans
Customers enjoy a lower downpayment as well as lower overall cost. The subscription periods can be from 3 to 7 years with mileage options of 30,000 kms or 40,000 kms each year. Customers can also upgrade their vehicles, but this is subject to a minimum subscription period. At the end of the subscription period, disposal of the vehicle is hassle-free, with depreciation not having to be factored in.
Click here to find out more about Perodua EX MOBi or call 1-800-88600.
Trends in car ownership are evolving and these days, there is growing interest in what are known as subscription plans. Customers choose a model, and a fixed instalment is paid each month over an agreed period of a few years. The amount includes maintenance costs, insurance and even roadtax so it is convenient.
But there is a catch: ownership of the car is not the customer’s at the end and he or she can either return it or negotiate to buy it over, or even start a new subscription. It’s a good opportunity to upgrade to a new car every few years, and no hassles of having to sell off the old one first.
First in the world
A number of companies in Malaysia offer this approach and the latest to join is Toyota with its KINTO ONE scheme. Introduced by Toyota Capital Malaysia, KINTO ONE is a global financing scheme which the carmaker has introduced in many countries, and it already has a very big presence in the Europe. For Malaysia, it is the first-in-the-world Islamic based car medium-term subscription program.
Originating from the Japanese word kinto-un, which means ‘flying nimbus’, as the future image of mobility, the name is in line with the spirit of providing services that quickly appear when necessary, enabling mobility as per the user’s wishes, and are kind to the environment.
All-inclusive instalment
Unlike the traditional hire purchase (H-P) financing facility, KINTO ONE is an all-inclusive, fixed monthly payment, car subscription plan. The fixed subscription covers registration costs of the vehicle, annual comprehensive insurance coverage and roadtax, as well as scheduled maintenance and preventive maintenance costs. At the end of the term, which can be 2 years or 3 years, the customer can return the car.
“KINTO ONE is the direct translation of a strategic partnership between Toyota Capital Malaysia and UMW Toyota Motor and is a distinctly curated response to the new generation lifestyle seeking mobility. It is about the shift of consumer behaviour from car ownership to car usership. It is about Toyota’s vision of ‘Mobility for All’,” said Thomas Chai, President of Toyota Capital Malaysia.
Good for corporate sector
Mr. Chai added that KINTO ONE is also aimed at the corporate sector which wants to be ‘light in their assets’ but still require the functionalities of being mobile. The full range of aftersales and support services will be handled by authorized Toyota dealers nationwide, with 24-hour emergency assistance also provided.
“It all seems new and revolutionary for KINTO ONE aiming to cater to the newer generation of car owners seeking for freedom and mobility through its all-inclusive fixed monthly subscription plan, but KINTO ONE has already been introduced in many parts of the world. While it is newly launched here in Malaysia, we are starting with our learning curves way past the introductory stages. With strong support from Toyota Motor Corporation and the abundant availability of intellectual discourses amongst KINTO operators around the world, it has made our market introduction journey a very enriching one,” said Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor.
KINTO ONE is exclusively available online via the website (www.kinto-my.com) where customers can view the car models available, decide on which subscription plan suits them and then apply online. The subscription plans also cover Lexus models available in Malaysia.
TC Euro Cars (TCEC) has scored a first in the local auto industry with its move to e-commerce. The company, which represents Renault in Malaysia, has launched the new Renault E-Store on its website at www.renault.com.my .
Adding on from never having to visit a physical showroom with the Renault 3-hour test drive offering via GoCar, customers can now enjoy ultimate convenience and a hassle-free way to buy or take a subscription plan for a Renault. This fully digital process eliminates the time-consuming and tedious process that car-buyers have had to go through for decades.
Now, with the Renault E-Store, they can shop from the comfort of their home or office – just as they do shopping for other good online which is a growing trend nowadays. They don’t have to feel pressured by over-attentive salespersons and they can learn more about the model they are interested in at their convenience. They can also arrange for a test-drive and TCEC says that the process extends right to delivery of the registered vehicle.
To celebrate the launch of the new Renault E-Store, TCEC is extending a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offer to the first 50 customers who make their purchase online. Each of these early bird online customers will receive a free 6-month subscription (transferable among family members) for the Captur crossover.
“We are proud to be an e-commerce first automotive brand. With the new Renault E-Store and more new offerings to come, we believe that we are leading the charge in digitalising the customer journey and, at the same time, disrupting the industry,” said Nicholas Tan, Chairman of TCEC.
Canoo, a Los Angeles-based company, aims to carve its own presence in the coming era in which transportation is becoming increasingly electric, shared and autonomous. It will do this by challenging traditional automotive shape and functionality and capitalizes on EV (electric vehicle) architecture in a way that provides significantly more interior space.
“We believe that the potential of EV architecture can enable a post-SUV era that addresses the ever-growing desire for space and value,” said Ulrich Kranz, In Charge at Canoo. “We promised a truly different approach for EVs, and our canoo proves that we can deliver on that vision. In my 30 years’ experience, I have never seen so many quality achievements in such a short time. We are on track for our launch date in 2021.”
The canoo is the result of a completely re-engineered vehicle design, eliminating wasted space throughout the vehicle and providing exceptional utility to the user. By capitalizing on EV architecture, the canoo eliminates compartmentalization and comes across as an urban loft on wheels.
As spacious as a large SUV
With the interior space of a large SUV and the exterior footprint of a compact car, the canoo offers enough space for 7 people. All seating is designed to feel more like furniture than traditional car seats. For example – the rear seats are more like a sofa to lounge on than a cramped and segmented backseat, and the front takes inspiration from mid-century modern chairs.
A minimalist approach for the user interface provides an experience comparable to a connected home. The occupants bring their own devices, which are naturally personalized, intuitive and secure. Therefore, the non-driving features such as navigation, music or heating can be controlled via phone or tablet to be consistent with the user’s daily connected life.
Proprietary ‘skateboard’ architecture
Canoo has developed a proprietary ‘skateboard’ architecture, directly housing the batteries and electric drivetrain. All of Canoo’s vehicles will share the same underpinning and different cabins or ‘top hats’ can be married on top to create unique vehicles. Leveraging the same fixed and flat skateboard allows for reduced R&D costs, efficient production and a better use of interior space.
The vehicle and skateboard are designed for an overall 5-star safety rating. The skateboard houses the most critical components of the vehicle with a strong emphasis on functional integration; the premise that all components should fulfil as many functions as possible. This helps reduce the total number of parts, skateboard size and weight.
While traditional suspension systems intrude into the passenger compartment, reducing the ability to maximize interior space, Canoo has a composite transverse leafspring suspension that creates a completely flat skateboard, enabling maximum passenger space.
Whereas other companies need a cabin to be secured to a skateboard for it to drive, Canoo’s skateboard is a self-contained unit which means it can drive on its own with any cabin placed on top. The skateboard is also set up in a way that it could support a dual, front or rear motor configuration.
Multi-function battery pack
The canoo has a claimed range of up to 400 kms (EPA rating) and can reach an 80% charge in less than 30 minutes. The battery pack is fastened directly to the skateboard structure and avoids the redundant structure and space taken up by a separate battery enclosure. The pack provides torsional rigidity to the skateboard and to the overall vehicle.
The parts inside the battery module also serve multiple purposes in order to reduce the number of parts and to eliminate redundancies. For example, cold plates serve to cool the batteries, hold the batteries and increase the stiffness of the skateboard. The skateboard architecture also allows for future models to leverage the same battery pack.
Subscription concept offered
Canoo believes that there is a better solution than traditional car ownership. Currently, consumers are forced to go to a dealership and deal with insurance, maintenance and repairs. And the vehicle’s value drops immediately as the owner drives off a dealer’s lot.
Instead, Canoo will free its customers from the burden of ownership by offering a hassle-free and commitment-free EV subscription for one monthly, affordable price and with no set end date. The subscription may include services such as registration, maintenance, insurance management and charging—all from a single app.