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‘Hi Proton’ in Malaysia becomes ‘Hi Alice’ in Russia for Geely’s SUV

Geely Auto’s global flagship SUV, the Bo Yue, has already drawn over 750,000 users in China alone since its launch in 2016. It has also found great success in Malaysia as the X70 sold by Proton which is Geely’s affiliate.

In Russia, the Geely brand is also growing fast and has the Bo Yue as its flagship SUV – but sold with the name of Atlas. As in Malaysia, the SUV is presented as a smart SUV with Yandex Auto functionality. This gives new intelligent mobility experience to Russian speaking markets through a smart cockpit system jointly developed by Geely’s strategically invested technology company, ECARX and Russian internet giant, Yandex.

*The Geely Bo Yue is sold as a Proton X70 in Malaysia where it has been very successful. Drivers activate the intelligent digital voice assistant by saying ‘Hi Proton’.*

Produced in Geely Auto’s plant in Minsk for the Russian and Belarus market, the model’s interface has been specially developed for Russian-speaking users based on the GKUI Geely Smart Ecosystem. The GKUI was developed by ECARX and first launched on the Geely Bo Yue in China. It is now installed in over 22 Geely Auto vehicles. In the newly formed partnership, Yandex is responsible for software development and application localization with ECARX providing the platform.

‘Hi Alice’
To meet the demands of Russia users for localized digital services, ECARX has modified the GKUI in the locally produced Atlas with Yandex Auto and Russian digital voice assistant ‘Alice’ (in the Malaysia X70, the command is ‘Hi Proton‘). Users can utilize the intelligent voice assistant for navigation, search, and entertainment needs as well as control more functions of the Atlas in Russian.

Through the partnership, the two sides will be able to give full play to ECARX’s experience in intelligent connectivity and Yandex’s Russian digital services infrastructure. The strategic cooperation with Yandex marks the beginning of ECARX’s entry into the European market.

With the addition of the new dedicated E-series chips, the updated GKUI19 adds greater AI capabilities to the system. In the latest platform, the GKUI cloud has been upgraded to an AI cloud, GKUI mobile phone inspired desktop has been upgraded to a smart desktop which utilizes AI to intuitively configure itself depending on the user’s needs, GKUI One-ID has been upgraded to all-round ID with support for different application ecosystems from GKUI’s eco-partners, and GKUI ecosystem has been upgraded with a developer platform allowing greater integration across the internet. GKUI is now able to connect seamlessly with Xiaomi smart devices, Baidu smart devices, JD.com smart devices and other smart devices allowing users to control their home or office appliances from their car.

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Bermaz Motor to offer more powerful Mazda CX-5 with turbocharged petrol engine

The current Mazda CX-5 has been selling like hotcakes since its launch, partly thanks to its competitive pricing due to local assembly. In the first 6 months of this year, it is estimated that almost 9,000 units were assembled at the Mazda facility in the Inokom plant in Kedah. Some are exported to neighbouring countries as Mazda has chosen Malaysia as the production hub for the model.

Soon Bermaz Motor will add a another turbocharged variant to the CX-5 line-up, to cater to those who want an extra boost in performance. The new variant will be powered by a SKYACTIV-G petrol engine with a 2.5-litre displacement. The engine, without a turbocharger, is already available in the current range but does not have All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

19% more power, 63% more torque
Adding a turbocharger to the 2.5-litre engine bumps up the engine output by about 19% to 230 ps at 5,000 rpm, with torque getting a big jump of 63% to 420 Nm. And all of that 420 Nm is available from 2,000 rpm, whereas peak torque for the non-turbocharged engine is at 3,250 rpm. Power flows through a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission and is intelligently distributed to all four wheels with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system.

Flagship level specs can be expected
At this time, Bermaz has not released the specs and price but from the preview unit on display, a very high equipment level can be expected. The CX-5 sports LED headlamps/DRLs and tail lamps and on each corner are 19-inch wheels with 225/55 tyres. The dashboard has the updates for the 2019 model year (we saw a heads-up display) and the Mazda Connect infotainment system now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Safety-wise, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD should have the complete Mazda i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies to help the driver avoid an accident as well as reduce the effects of one if it occurs. High-tech features like LED headlights which can adjust their beams depending on conditions as well as pivot as the car goes around corners are already offered in some of the variants. There’s also autonomous braking – not just at the front to avoid a collision but also when reversing, which is a rare feature.

More information will be available when the new variant is officially launched in the near future. In the meantime, if you are in the Klang Valley from September 4 – 9, you can check out the CX-5 2.5 Turbo AWD at the Sunway Pyramid complex in Petaling Jaya.

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Special edition of Proton X70 for Merdeka celebration – only 62 units available

Each person has their special days – birthdays, anniversaries, etc – which they celebrate each year. But for all Malaysians, August 31 is celebrated by everyone to mark the day when the country became independent in 1957. Many companies have special activities or in the case of Proton, create something special for the occasion.

62 units for 62nd year
For this year’s 62^nd Merdeka celebration, the Malaysian carmaker has created its first limited production SUV – the X70 Merdeka Edition. Only 62 units are available at RM126,100 each. Customers can choose from two exterior colour choices – Snow White or Flame Red.

The number of units available naturally coincides with the 62nd anniversary of Malaysia’s independence. Proton expects that all units will be taken up during August, especially since demand for the X70 continues to be high.

Similar spec level to Premium variant
Mechanically, the X70 Merdeka Edition is identical in specification to the Premium variant of the SUV. The exclusive items are the exterior styling package and some additional interior trim.

For the exterior, a signature paint finish called Quartz Black has been added to the roof and A-pillar. Door visors have also been added all-around together with a rear bumper scuff plate and, as a finishing touch, a customised Merdeka Edition emblem has been mounted on the tailgate.

Unique numbered emblem for each unit
Inside, there are exclusive floormats, a mat in the cargo area and a special numbered Merdeka Edition emblem to identify each unit uniquely. The Nappa leather seats and glass roof along with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) found on the Premium variant are all present in the Merdeka Edition.

“The Proton X70 Merdeka Edition was born out of Proton’s desire to celebrate Malaysia’s Merdeka anniversary month. We are extremely thankful for the support Malaysian car buyers and the Malaysian government have shown to Proton, so this is the company’s way of creating a special version of the Proton X70 as a small gesture of thanks to all Malaysians,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

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Visit www.proton.com to locate a showroom in Malaysia to see the various models available

Toyota’s IMV models – Hilux, Fortuner and Innova – get upgrades

The Toyota Hilux, Fortuner and Innova are collectively referred to as the IMV models, referring to the ‘Innovative international Multi-purpose Vehicles’ project in the early 2000s which was one of Toyota’s biggest industrial investments. The project established an optimal production and supply system for the three models almost entirely outside Japan for the first time in the company’s history.

The first generation of IMV models debuted in 2005 and since then, they have undergone constant improvement and upgrading and in 2019, the latest Toyota Hilux pick-up range gets upgraded features as well as a new variant. The Fortuner SUV and Innova MPV have also received enhancements.

Order-taking for the new models begins at all authorized Toyota showrooms nationwide from today (August 16, 2019).

New Hilux variant
For the Hilux range, a new Black Edition replaces the Hilux 2.8 L-Edition. This new edition has a bolder appearance with an exterior colour theme of black and dark grey. A glossy black finish is applied to the door handles, foglamp covers, wing mirrors and on its 18-inch alloy wheels, while dark grey is used for the bumper guards. Dark grey is also used for the grille with contrasting black to make it even more outstanding.

The Hilux 2.8 Black Edition sits the top of the range with a selling price of RM139,888 in Peninsular Malaysia (private registration, without insurance). Other Hilux variants available include the 2.4 Single Cab M/T, 2.4 STD M/T, 2.4 G M/T, 2.4 G A/T and 2.4 L-Edition A/T, priced between RM90,000 and RM124,888.

The new variant also gets a new infotainment system with 6.75-inch display for a clearer view and easier operation. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available as standard, seamless connectivity is possible for all compatible smartphones (with the required software is installed). This gives the driver access to favourite apps (Waze, Spotify, etc) right on the dashboard, enhancing motoring pleasure.

UMW Toyota Motor is also introducing a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which is strongly recommended. The 3-year subscription fee is free if the customer also purchases the Toyota insurance package. In addition, there is a Rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to supplement the one installed at the front. This additional DVR can provide useful evidence in the event of a rear-end collision.

Customers can also include with their purchase optional Advanced Safety & Security features such as the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) on the wing mirrors and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) to detect vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out.

Upgrades for the Fortuner
The Fortuner 2.7 SRZ and 2.4 VRZ now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, together with a large 9-inch display for the infotainment system. These provide seamless connectivity with most smartphones that have the required software installed. The large display makes viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

The Fortuner 2.4 variant now has 7 airbags as well for added occupant protection all round. The additional airbags cover the side windows, enhancing protection during side impacts as well as reducing the possibility of occupants being ejected from the cabin.

Customers can add a rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to complement the standard front unit with their purchase of a new Fortuner. The devices are professionally installed by UMWT’s own personnel who have been specially trained to ensure that the quality of workmanship is as high as the rest of the vehicle.

The price of Fortuner 2.7 SRZ A/T and 2.4 VRZ A/T has not changed. However, the 2.4 A/T is now priced at RM171,500 (Peninsular Malaysia, without insurance).

Innova upgrades
Like the Fortuner, the Innova 2.0X and 2.0G variants now have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard along with the new and larger 9-inch display for its infotainment system. This will make viewing of information as well as operation much easier.

The Blind Spot Monitor system (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert system (RCTA) are available as an option to owners. These two active safety systems can help to reduce collisions with other vehicles which may not be visible to the driver in certain circumstances.

Customers can also include optional Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) at both the front and rear of the cabin (pictured below) . By ordering them prior to purchase, installation can be done at UMWT’s own Accessories Centre. Furthermore, the cost of the accessories can be included in the total financing package.

There are 3 variants of the latest Innova to choose from, all powered by an efficient and proven 2.0-litre petrol engine. The variants are the Innova 2.0X A/T, Innova 2.0G A/T and Innova 2.0 E A/T. There are no price changes for the MPV.

More information on the latest models can be found at toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

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Infiniti gets award for adoption of advanced high-tensile steel in new QX50

Weight has long been known as something that must be reduced as much as possible in a car. Lowering the weight brings benefits to fuel efficiency and handling, two important aspects that engineers keep trying to improve all the time. However, back in the days before computer-aided engineering (CAD), it was difficult to achieve weigh reductions and manufacturing technology then was also not able to handle advanced steel materials.

The advent of high-tensile steel was a big leap forward for the auto industry. This type of steel has high strength but the greater strength does not require extra weight. In fact, compared to conventional steel, high-tensile steel is lighter yet stronger.

Stronger steel produces a number of clear benefits for the customer. The overall weight reduction improves fuel economy, while the increased strength builds on existing safety. Since the steel is stronger, the sections become smaller and more interior space is available, producing environments that are more open for the driver and passengers.

Use of advanced high-tensile steel gets award
When creating the latest QX50, engineers at Infiniti, Nissan’s premium brand, went into molecular detail to ensure it was the best it could be in every aspect, and the science behind a more advanced high-tensile steel used in the QX50 has just received a prestigious global award.

One of the challenges of very high-tensile steel is it can be difficult to work with in the manufacturing process, limiting the complexity of parts and adoption in a new vehicle. In order to make this world’s first steel compatible for mass production, engineers worked directly with a steel supplier to formulate a brand new, high-strength, lightweight and highly formable steel for the model.

980 MPa steel supersedes 590 MPa steel
The new 980 MPa steel, created using a specially developed formula, has superseded the traditional 590 MPa steel. As part of the work around the new steel, an academic paper on ‘The application of 980 MPa advanced high strength steel with high formability’ was chosen for The SAE/AISI Sydney H. Melbourne Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Automotive Steel Sheet. It is awarded by SAE International, a global nonprofit organization based in the USA, which has more than 128,000 participating engineers and researchers working in aerospace, passenger car and commercial vehicle industries.

Around 27% of the QX50 body is made from special steels – an increase of 21% over the previous generation – resulting in a 23 kg mass reduction overall. Within the front of the car alone, the adoption of high-tensile steel has provided a 13 kg weight reduction, while frontal energy absorption improved by 10%.

With the QX50 being the first car in the world to use 980 MPa steel, Infiniti will look into adopting it in more applications in coming years. The goal is to achieve 25% or more of the vehicle weight made from advanced high-strength steel, benefiting customers with reduced weight, improved fuel economy and enhanced levels of safety.

Visit www.infiniti.com.my to know more about the models available in Malaysia.

Lexus GXOR Concept is for off-roaders who want Lexus comfort and luxury

Concept vehicles are built by carmakers for various purposes; some are intended to test certain styling ideas while others are a preview of a production model that is just around the corner. Sometimes, especially if targeting owners who are enthusiasts, a concept vehicle may show what more can be done or added to make a model more visually exciting or more capable.

Capable SUV made more capable
With the Lexus GXOR concept, Lexus worked with a company called XOverland to create a one-of-a-kind LX460 SUV that has accessories which enhance its looks and performance off-road. As it is, the LX460 is a very capable SUV since it rides on the same platform as the current Toyota land Cruiser Prado.

The customized vehicle starts off with a matte metallic gray and exclusive GXOR graphics. Incidentally, ‘GXOR’ refers to ‘GX Off Road’, which is the name of a group of owners. Lexus surprised them with this special vehicle during one of their recent events.

Accessories fitted
Some of the accessories installed include Lexus F Sport Wheels fitted with General 275/70×18 X3 tyres, Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2.5 CDC with remote reservoirs and billet control arms featuring Delta Joints, CBI Custom Stealth Winch Bumper, Frame Sliders and skidplates, Warn 9.5XPS Winch, and Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards. All these items are available in the market for owners to install themselves.

On its part, Lexus will also have its own off-road package although, being a factory offering, it is more focused on comfort and reliability aspects rather than providing more off-road performance.

Visit www.lexus.com.my to know more about the range of SUVs available in Malaysia.

0.88% interest rate or RM6,000 cash rebate – you choose

If you’re thinking of buying a new Mitsubishi Triton in the next few months, you have a choice of either paying a lower interest rate for the high-purchase (H-P) loan or get a cash rebate of up to RM6,000 to reduce the amount of the loan taken. This is the latest offer from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka and Malaysia Day festivities.

Some of the conditions
The offer is for three variants of the Triton VGT – Adventure X (RM135,200 without insurance), Premium with automatic transmission (RM118,600) and Premium with manual transmission (RM112,500). The special interest rate is only applicable for H-P loans taken from Maybank. Only available while stocks last and vehicles purchased must be registered by September 30, 2019.

Additionally, MMM is also offering RM4,000 cash rebates for the standard Triton VGT with either automatic or manual transmission. These variants are priced, without insurance, at RM105,990 and RM100,200, respectively.

Cash rebates for SUVs too
Prefer a SUV instead of a pick-up truck? You can save money too as there are cash rebates of up to RM6,000 for the Outlander which is available with 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines. Cash rebates of up to RM12,000 are also offered for the smaller ASX which has 4WD and 2WD variants.

Visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my to locate a showroom in Malaysia to view, test-drive or purchase the models.

New Great Wall Motors factory in Russia is the largest overseas factory built by a Chinese automobile enterprise

The new Great Wall Motors (GWM) factory at Tula, 193 kms south of Moscow in Russia, which began operations this month is the largest overseas vehicle manufacturing facility built by a Chinese automobile enterprise. It represents a new stage of development for GWM, especially for its Haval brand, in the Russian market. It is a crucial part of the ‘HAVAL 5-2-1 Globalization Strategy’ to achieve an annual sales volume of 2 million units within 5 years and become the global No.1 professional SUV brand.

The primary task of Tula Factory is to meet demand in Russia and neighbouring markets. The factory will then export more to Eastern European countries and serve as a major production base when Haval further develops the mainstream European markets.

Safe, efficient and environment-friendly
The Tula Factory has advanced manufacturing technology and tooling equipment for the 4 major production processes of stamping, welding, painting and assembly. Numerous measures have been included to ensure that the whole production process safe, efficient and environment-friendly. For example, the stamping workshop is equipped with a full-automatic closed type production line with 4 sequences. An ABB 7-axis robot is applied to transport the parts and an automatic rapid die change system is adopted to realize safe and efficient production.

The welding workshop is equipped with a large number of robots for speed and high productivity. The automation rate of main welding line is 100%, and that of sub-welding line is 40%. At the same time, NBG multi-model automatic switching flexible production line is installed for automatic switching of 3 models, with the new F7 being one of them. The F7 will be launched in Russia as the first global car of Chinese automobile brands.

The new F7 SUV has been developed to suit the needs of Russian customers. It will be offered with 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre GDIT engines and 7-speed automatic transmissions as well as all-wheel drive. It is 4620 mm long and 1846 mm wide, which places its body size between the Kia Sorento and Honda CR-V.

‘Bridgehead’ to expansion overseas
”With the completion of the Global Factory, Tula will become the ‘bridgehead’ of Great Wall Motors to expand overseas market. In the future development, Haval must go global to create globally competitive products, and build a globally influential brand as a global SUV leader,” said GWM’s Chairman, Wei Jianjun.

After 15 years of development, Russia has become one of the most mature overseas markets of Haval brand and the point of strength in its strategy. At present, there are more than 100,000 Haval vehicles in the market. By the end of 2018, there were 35 distributors in Russia and the number is to approximately double by the end of this year.

“The French Experience” Campaign By TCEC Renault Could See You in Paris!

TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia, today announced ‘The French Experience’, a new sales campaign offering customers who purchase selected Renault models a trip for two to Paris. The campaign, which runs on 1 March – 30 April 2019, applies to either Renault’s flagship model, the premium D-segment Koleos SUV or the French automaker’s global runaway success, the chic and versatile Captur urban crossover.

Any customer who completes a purchase of either model within the campaign period will fly off on a trip for two to the capital of France, reputed for being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities and affectionately dubbed the City of Romance and Capital of Fashion. TCEC’s official travel partner for this campaign is Mayflower Holidays. “Renault’s spectrum of contemporary models now projects a distinctive Renault personality that exudes French style and finesse inside-out and under the hood,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd. “This new sales campaign celebrates Renault’s French roots with an all-around French experience from the daily commute after purchasing a Renault to enjoying a unique vacation in Paris. We believe that our customers are looking for unique life experiences. And Renault vehicles bring just that,” he added.

A quintessentially French experience

Renault Captur and Koleos are two definitive embodiments of the refreshed stylistic language that has emerged from the brand’s renewed design strategy. The rejuvenated approach focuses on two key trends that will continue in upcoming Renault vehicles: French Design and Easy Life.

Consistent styling cues that promote Renault’s French design image, namely warm, simple, sensual lines with a clearly defined family face and C-shaped signature lighting, ensure both the Captur and Koleos reflect a strong and instantly recognisable Renault personality.

Both models, as with all other modern mainstream Renault cars, have also benefited from the company’s more than 120 years of passion in the automotive industry, which continues to inspire the brand’s enthusiasm for enabling people with the freedom to enjoy an easy life behind the wheel.

Through Renault’s rich heritage, which includes an equally long and deep involvement in motorsports like Formula 1, Captur and Koleos owners along with millions of Renault customers are now enjoying the benefits of engineering breakthroughs like turbocharging, improved powertrain architectures, better aerodynamics, new material development, greater fuel economy, more efficient energy recovery systems and enhanced driver response.

Building on its legacy and in embracing its vision for future mobility, Renault has embarked on the next phase of its design strategy with a new cycle of concept cars that simultaneously incorporates design thinking, latest technologies and production best practices. These concept cars will pave the way for the next generation of Renault vehicles with ever more refined, connected and pure features that represent the very best in the French motoring spirit underscored by the company’s brand signature of “Passion for Life”.

Renault Captur and Koleos: Pricing and availability

The trendy turbocharged Renault Captur crossover is available at RM107,980, excluding insurance for Peninsular Malaysia. It is now Euro 6 compliant, which means lower emissions and features engine auto stop-start as well as a new 7-inch infotainment system with offline/online navigation and internet connectivity. The infotainment system is able to support music and navigation mobile applications such as Joox and Waze to name a few.

Blending all the cues of an urban crossover that modern drivers have to come to expect, the trendy turbocharged Renault Captur also features expressive exterior styling with chic two-tone body colours, premium black combination leather seats, sliding rear seats for more boot space, 7-inch infotainment system with reverse camera and navigation, four high efficiency airbags and excellent fuel efficiency.

The Renault Captur has been the best-selling crossover model in its class in Europe, with global sales of over 1 million units. A premium D-segment SUV, the Renault Koleos is priced at RM173,840. It features best class-leading interior space with refinements that match a luxury car in addition to a 2.5-litre petrol engine, a large 8.7-inch touchscreen R-LINK 2 multimedia system, customisable LED cabin lighting, premium combination leather seats, six airbags, power tailgate (in selected models) and blind spot warning system.

All prices of vehicles stated are on-the-road inclusive of SST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private individual registration only. For more information about Renault in Malaysia, please visit www.renault.com.my or www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia.

VIDEO: 2019 Proton X70 – Official Media Drive @ Langkawi: Part 1!

That’s right folks Piston.my has arrived safely at the venue of the much-anticipated ‘official’ media drive of the new Proton X70 SUV in Langkawi. I know many of you may be asking why of all places, Langkawi? Well, for one thing traffic away from town is pretty sparse, and the B-roads here are quite awesome, based on previous media drives that have been conducted on this island. Plus I’m not complaining, not with views like this….

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, we’d just landed and instead of the usual express bus to ferry us to the hotel, Proton had arranged a fleet of X70’s replete with white-gloved chauffeurs to handle this task, which meant I got to shoot a very quick video from the back seat, and talk to the X70 for the first time! Here it is…