To celebrate the upcoming Malaysia Day, UMW Toyota Motor has created a short film to project the crux of what it means to be a true Malaysian. The film speaks of the values of respect, tolerance and acceptance on a personal and intimate level.
Featuring two Malaysian celebrities, Shukri Yahaya and Shafiq Kyle, viewers are invited to journey into the lives of two close friends and live through their thoughts and emotions when the relationship is threatened as one crosses the line.
The emotions are compelling and intense, ultimately inviting viewers to reflect and realize that differences do not necessarily divide but can forge even stronger bonds – if we have compassion, respect, tolerance and acceptance of one another.
“We believe that this short film speaks directly to the hearts of Malaysians on a personal level. This film personifies patience and tolerance, and we hope our fellow Malaysians take to heart our message,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “As diverse as our country is and with all our unique differences, UMW Toyota is stronger when we leverage of the power of diversity as our competitive edge. This film speaks of our strength and also of the strength of our nation.”
Shukri Yahaya and Shafiq Kyle are also Celebrity Racers in the Toyota Vios Challenge One-Make Series.
Shukri Yahaya and Shafiq Kyle, who became associated with Toyota in 2017 and 2019, respectively, are Toyota GAZOO Racing Celebrity Drivers. Excited to be a part of this project, both are immensely proud of the message that it carries.
Through this short film, UMW Toyota Motor hopes to remind all Malaysians that the fabric of the Malaysian story is woven through many individual threads of friendships, delicate in every way but when woven together, strong enough to blanket us all in unity.
Toyota and Honda may be rivals in the marketplace, battling for sales and market share. However, when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it’s a different matter and where appropriate, they can work together for the good of communities.
During the magnitude 9 earthquake followed by a tsunami in northeastern Japan in 2011, it was found that power outages were a serious matter that affected rescue operations. That’s to be expected when the power supply network is damaged and repairs take a while. To address this issue, Toyota and Honda will bring technologies together to create a mobile power generation/output system.
Mobile power stations
For some time, carmakers have to considered drawing electricity from the big battery packs in their hybrid and electric vehicles, both of which are made by Toyota and Honda. These would become mobile power stations which could supply electricity for emergency use when necessary.
Now Toyota and Honda have jointly developed a system for a mobile and safe power supply. The system incorporates the ‘Moving e’, a fuel-cell bus developed by Toyota using the FC Bus as a basis. In the first step, the versatile application possibilities of the system will be demonstrated in tests starting this month.
CHARGING STATION
The Moving e mobile power generation/output system will consist of Toyota’s CHARGING STATION fuel cell bus with Honda’s Power Exporter 9000 portable external power output device. The CHARGING STATION loaded with all equipment will be driven to the place and the Moving e will supply electricity in actual locations.
More specifically, portable external power output devices and portable batteries will be used to take electricity out of the fuel cell bus, which serves as a power source, and feed electricity to electrical appliances. The CHARGING STATION features a high-output and large-capacity power generation capacity (generates 454 kWh with maximum output of 18 kW).
The Moving e can also be used for routine applications such as large events. As a mobile charging station, the bus drives directly to the place of use. However, it is limited to a radius of about 100 kms from a hydrogen filling station.
Rest area
Furthermore, featuring a space where people can take a nap, the CHARGING STATION can serve not only as a means of transportation but also as a place for people to rest in times of a disaster.
External power delivery devices and portable batteries can be charged with the energy from the fuel-cell via the charging station integrated on the back of the bus. In this way, the selective energy supply can be ensured after the breakdown of a power grid.
It’s a good time to buying a new car in Malaysia this year as sales tax is being exempted. The exemption is being given as part of a huge initiative to help many sectors recover after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For those who are considering Toyota or Lexus models, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) is collaborating offering attractive financing packages of up to 100% financing for all Malaysian citizens aged between 18 to 65 years old.
Toyota Rush – one of the models that can be purchased with the finance packages.
Two financing options, no downpayment
The packages, offered in collaboration with Bank Rakyat, follow Islamic financing principles and consist of two types of financing options. They are An-Naqlu 1, which offers 90% financing follows the Shariah concept of Al Ijarah Thumma Al-Bai’ (AITAB) and An-Naqlu 2, which offers 100% financing follows the Shariah concept of Tawarruq. Customer can repay over a period of between 4 to 9 years under these schemes.
Customers aged between 18 to 60 years old do not have to make any downpayment (subject to terms and conditions) under AN NAQLU 2. There is also a special Graduate Scheme available with zero down payment to graduates aged 20 – 30 years old with a diploma and have been currently employed for at least 3 months. For those with less than 3 months of employment, a guarantor is required.
The smallest Lexus model available in Malaysia is the UX,
“We are always working with our business partners to provide affordable ownership solutions to our customers. Bank Rakyat offers this special scheme to help different customer groups to own brand-new Toyota and Lexus vehicle,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
For senior citizens
There is another financing scheme under AN NAQLU 1 (AITAB) exclusively for senior citizens. They should be below 65 years old at the end of the financing period and will need to transfer their pension to a Bank Rakyat savings account.
‘BR Malaysia 2.0’ has a special promotional rate for these financing schemes and is valid until September 30, 2020.
For more information, customers can visit any authorised Toyota or Lexus dealer or any Bank Rakyat Auto Financing Centre or branches. To locate an authorised Toyota showroom, visit the Toyota Malaysia website at www.toyota.com.my ; for authorised Lexus showrooms, visitwww.lexus.com.my.
An improved 2020 Toyota Hilux will soon be launched in Malaysia and bookings are now being accepted by authorised Toyota outlets for the new model which is assembled in Malaysia.
Customers have a choice of 5 variants with the Double Cab 2.4 E A/T being a new addition. The new Double Cab 2.8 Rogue A/T replaces the current Double Cab 2.8 Black Edition, while the new Double Cab 2.4 V A/T is an upgrade from the current Double Cab 2.4 L-Edition. For those who prefer a manual transmission, the Double Cab 2.4 G and Single Cab 2.4 will still be available.
Seven colour choices are available – Bronze Mica Metallic (new colour), Crimson Spark Red Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Phantom Brown Metallic, Medium Silver Metallic, Silver Metallic and Super White II. The Hilux Single Cab is available only in a Solid White colour.
The estimated prices start from RM98,000, with Hilux 2.8 Rogue estimated to cost RM148,880. UMW Toyota Motor is offering a RM4,000 rebate for those who are ‘early birds’ om buying the Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue AT 4×4 (for sales in 2020).
New design
Various styling elements of the new Hilux have been redesigned, such as the front bumper, grille, and foglamp bezel. For the flagship Hilux Double Cab 2.8 Rogue, there’s a new bonnet moulding and skidplate while the base variants get new designs for the 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the notable change for the flagship variant is a new interior trim design, new meter design, addition of illuminated door trim garnish and a new key cover design. The base variants get a new meter design with additional information on the Multi Information Display (MID).
Current Toyota Hilux assembled in Malaysia
Improved performance
The 1G-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine has received improvements which raise power output to 204 ps at 3,400 rpm (27 ps increase), while maximum torque is 500 Nm between 1,600 and 2,800 rpm (50 Nm increase).
Although the engine is more powerful, fuel consumption has not gone up, it is claimed. In fact, fuel efficiency has improved due to the use of a 2-stage oil pump that can optimally switch the oil pressure. Additionally, a water-cooled double-pipe type pre-EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler has also been installed to optimize the EGR gas temperature.
Toyota 1G-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine
The power-assisted rack and pinion steering system for the new Hilux (except for the Single Cab variant) now has a Variable Flow Control system which has reduced demand on the power steering pump, benefitting fuel economy. At the same time, the driver will find enhanced steering feel with more natural handling in different speed ranges. The feel is said to be lighter at low speeds to make parking manoeuvres easier but becomes heavier at higher speeds to provide a more confident feel.
The new Hilux comes with an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD) which aids traction by using the traction control system (TRC) to control braking and engine output when one of the rear wheels start to spin. The Auto LSD system is available only when in the High range and in 2WD at speeds up to 50 km/h.
How the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) works in the Toyota Hilux
Toyota Safety Sense
Many Toyota models are now getting the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system, a suite of integrated active systems that are intended to assist the driver avoid accidents. The TSS system for the Hilux consists of three systems: Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), with Yaw Assist. These are normally found in passenger vehicles and now Toyota is also offering them in its pick-up.
To locate a Toyota showroom, visit toyota.com.my or call the Toyota FREEPHONE 1- 800-88-TOYOTA (869682).
Your vehicle has to be serviced regularly to keep it in optimum running condition which will give the best fuel economy and maximum performance. It’s also a condition of the warranty that you need to have the servicing done according to the schedule provided by the manufacturer.
To make regular servicing more convenient, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is introducing Toyota Service Savers (TSS), a maintenance package which can be purchased during a new vehicle purchase. The cost of the package can be included in the financing so it becomes part of the H-P loan amount that can be repaid over a number of years.
With the TSS package, the servicing costs are covered in advance and this means just sending the vehicle in for its scheduled service and not having to pay anything upon collection (unless there are items replaced or additional work done which is not part of the requirement).
The TSS package can be used at all 85 authorized Toyota service centres in Malaysia over a period of 5 years from the time of purchase. Prices of the TSS packages depend on the model, ranging from RM3,220 for the Vios (savings of RM469 compared to paying each time) to RM6,030 for the Hilux (savings of RM922).
The packages follow the servicing requirements for the model at recommended intervals (as listed in the Owner’s Service Manual) and include the fluids and parts specified for replacement. Only Toyota Genuine Parts or Toyota-approved items and materials are used.
As an added benefit, all TSS customers are entitled to a 10% discount for selected parts and 20% discount on wheel alignment & balancing as well air-conditioner servicing packages at all authorized Toyota Service Centres. So there are additional savings as well.
For more information of the Toyota Service Savers Package, customers can contact any authorized Toyota showroom or service centre. For the nearest location, visit toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
It seems to be the season for changing brand emblems with some of the global players introducing new or evolved emblems that reflect the digital age. Nissan recently debuted its new brand emblem and now Toyota is doing likewise but is using the new emblem only for Europe, not globally.
Announced by Toyota Motor Europe (TME), the brand emblem and design language are essentially reworked versions of the existing emblem and typography. The intent is to signal a new era for the carmaker as it transitions from a car company to a mobility company.
In describing the changes, TME says that the development has been ’around an ever-diverse customer base coming to the brand for an expanding range of mobility products and services’.
The new design language is ‘fluent’ across all digital and physical touchpoints. The new visual identity is driven by simplification and has been shaped by four key principles: forward-thinking, mobile-ready, more premium feel and ultra- consistent across all business units and sub-brands.
New Brand Visual Identity
At a glance, most people will wonder what the change is as the three ellipses are still in the same arrangement as they have been all along since 1990. But the emblem has a 3-dimensional appearance and the TOYOTA wordmark is usually under it. The new emblem logo for TME distils this into a simple 2-D design, with the wordmark omitted. TME is confident that the emblem itself is sufficiently well-known across Europe by now.
The current Toyota emblem (left), introduced in 1989, will continue to be used but for Europe, there will be a new emblem (right).The current brand emblem will continue to be used for Toyota vehicles globally.
The design is said to communicate simplicity, transparency and modernity. It is especially adapted to the digital space but equally effective in the physical world. It will be applied across all communication touchpoints, while the current emblem will still be used for the vehicles. The current signage at outlets will remain in place and will be reviewed in the context of Toyota 2025 Network Strategy.
New typography
The new visual identity also comes with a new bespoke typography called Toyota Type. This has been multi-purposed for both on-line and off-line environments. It marks a step up in digital readiness as the company expands its online retailing in Europe.
In conjunction with these changes, TME’s different business areas will undergo naming changes. For example, Toyota Insurance Management is now renamed Toyota Insurance Services as its business expands with the growth of connected services and new mobility products. In the used cars area, Toyota Plus now becomes Toyota Approved Used.
“We developed the new brand visual design with ‘tomorrow’ in mind. Our focus was on enabling ever better customer connections allowing them to keep pace with Toyota’s rapid expansion of electrified vehicles, mobility services and online retailing. The design was re-purposed to better connect with customers across a diversity of touchpoints, which they can experience for the first time with the launch New Yaris Hybrid, the all-new 4th generation of our innovative city car,” said Didier Gambart, Vice-President, Sales, Marketing & Customer Experience, Toyota Motor Europe.
Toyota’s has had three main brand emblems over 85 years. The one on the left had the original name and was registered in July 1935. However, a year later, the brand emblem was changed to one which had the name ‘TOYOTA’ in Japanese kanji characters (centre). This would be used for many years and while there were some other emblems used, the next major new one was introduced in 1989 (right) which remains in use up till today.
As the first global model to be developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing, the Toyota GR Supra has made an impact wherever it has been launched, including Malaysia. Besides drawing on Toyota’s sportscar heritage, the fifth generation in the legendary nameplate also has advanced powertrain, chassis and safety technologies.
In the spirit of Kaizen (Japanese for ‘constant improvement’), the latest GR Supra has received upgrades which further extend its capabilities. Specifically, the 3-litre engine has additional output which should deliver better performance numbers.
The upgrades centre around the turbocharged inline-six engine which now delivers 388 ps of power at between 5800 and 6500 rpm, an increase of 14% compared to the output when the model was originally launched.
Maximum torque remains at 500 Nm, but peaks through a slightly wider range of 1800 rpm – 5000 rpm instead of 1600 rpm to 4500 rpm.
The engineers increased the power output not just by tuning but also added a new dual-branch exhaust manifold with 6 ports (instead of two), which improves heat management. A new piston design also reduces the engine’s compression ratio from 11:1 to 10.2:1.
The improved engine with the torque band raised retains the eagerness to rev to the redline. With the standard 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is said to be 2/10ths of a second quicker, or a claimed 4.1 seconds from 4.3 seconds.
Complementing the extra power are some chassis improvements aimed at increasing roll resistance and enhanced cornering stability. Taking note of feedback from owner in the time that the car has been in the market, the latest GR Supra has received chassis retuning with a new Performance Rod added to increase lateral rigidity.
Apart from the fitment of red-coloured brake calipers with the Supra logo at the front, other technical specifications and features remain the same. Standard with the GR Supra are the Adaptive Variable Suspension and Electronically-Controlled Limited-Slip Differential.
There are seven colour choices customers can select from, but the Deep Blue Metallic exterior finish is no longer available. The available colours are Prominence Red, Lightning Yellow, White Metallic, Silver Metallic, Ice Grey Metallic, Black Metallic and Matte Storm Grey Metallic.
To enable its drivers to take the car to its limits safely, advanced technologies are used. These technologies include a variety of active systems which work together to assist the driver when necessary. Additionally, there are features like a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Intelligent Parking Sensor with Emergency Braking Function and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The standard interior features of the GR Supra include a head-Up Display, memory function for the power seat and JBL audio system with 12 speakers situated around the cabin.
Priced from RM589,987 (with sales tax exemption and without insurance) and RM611,880 (without sales tax exemption and without insurance), the new GR Supra is now available for booking from selected authorised Toyota GR Garage showrooms nationwide.
Visit toyota.com.my for more information or to locate a GR Garage showroom in Malaysia.
The Toyota 2000GT is a rare and legendary model in the company’s history. On sale between 1967 and 1970, it was Japan’s first supercar produced in collaboration with Yamaha. Only 351 units were made – two of which were used in the James Bond movie, ‘You Only Live Twice’.
The 2000GT had the latest Japanese technology of that period – a 2-litre DOHC straight six engine, 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, radial tyres, magnesium alloy wheels, and retractable headlamps. It had a maximum speed of 220 kph, on a par with European sportscars of the day.
Prior to its launch, it was entered in speed trials and, despite bad weather conditions with an approaching typhoon, it set 3 world records (10,000 miles, 15,000 kms, 72 hours) and 13 international records. It also achieved wins and high placement in various races.
Priced at around US$7,000 when it was new, a 2000GT fetched almost US$1.2 million in 2013, making it the most expensive Asian car sold at that time. Clearly, it is a collectors’ car and owners around the world are taking care of this valuable historical asset.
Two units were modified into open-top versions specially for the James Bond movie, ‘You Only Live Twice’.
While the remaining cars are probably not driven much, some parts may still need replacement and after 50 years, original parts are obviously no longer produced. However, now Toyota GAZOO Racing has announced that it will reproduce some parts for the 2000GT under its GR Heritage Parts Project.
The transmission and differential-related parts for the 2000GT.
This project is an initiative that will reproduce spare parts that were no longer available, and sell them as genuine parts to owners of classic Toyota models. The first are for the Supra A70 and A80 models and now, the 2000GT.
The 2000GT, Japan’s first supercar in the 1960s, with the Lexus LFA, Toyota’s supercar of the 21st century. No convertible versions of the 2000GT were made at the factory so this is probably one of the two customised James Bond cars.
Efforts are underway at specially collaborating suppliers, along with Toyota plants and related divisions, to undertake production of the parts which are transmission and differential-related. They will be available through selected Toyota dealers worldwide and only to actual owners of the car who require them.
In the 54-year history of the Toyota Corolla, there have been different bodystyle variants which, in a way, reflected consumer tastes and requirements of the difference periods. The model started off with a 2-door and 4-door sedan and a stationwagon, the 4-door variant being the most popular by far.
Then there was the Liftback, which offered hatchback versatility in a sleeker shape and for the younger enthusiasts, a coupe and a hardtop were also offered, available with the powerful 2T-G twincam engines. In fact, one generation of the coupe – the fifth generation of the Corolla with the code AE86 and the domestic name of ‘Levin’ – would become legendary and much sought after even up till today. A MPV-like variant called the Corolla Spacio was also developed towards the end of the 1990s and it was manufactured by Toyota Auto Body.
Responding to the SUV boom
Today, most of the variants are no longer available as Toyota streamlined the model range to focus only on the high-volume sedan. However, with the continuing growth of the SUV market, it has decided that the Corolla should also have a bodystyle to cater to this booming segment.
This is the new Corolla Cross which had its global debut today in Thailand where it is made. With ‘Corolla Meets SUV’ being the key phrase for the development of the Corolla Cross, the model was designed with a sturdy image combined with the utility typical of such vehicles.
TNGA platform with hybird powertrain available
It sits on the TNGA platform (GA-C) that is used for recent and future models and has a rear torsion beam suspension. The spacious cabin includes luggage space of up to 587 litres which is claimed to be class-leading. Safety-wise, it is engineered and equipped at a similar level as the Corolla Sedan and should therefore be able to rate the maximum of 5 stars when ASEAN NCAP assesses it.
Depending on the market, customers will have a choice of either a hybrid powertrain or just a petrol engine, both using a 1.8-litre engine. The engine, when used in the hybrid powertrain, produces 98 ps/142 Nm, with the electric motor adding 72 ps/163 Nm, but the total system power output available is 122 ps. The petrol engine alone is rated at 140 ps/177 Nm.
Introducing the Corolla Cross, Daizo Kameyama, Chief Engineer in charge of development, said: “Now that the Corolla Cross has newly joined the Corolla family, we sincerely hope that our customers will warmly welcome the vehicle to become part of their families: just like their partners, siblings or even friends. We wish that the Corolla Cross could assist customers in creating a new story by loading on their vehicle the people who are important to them, the luggage, and their dreams for the future.”
Will we get it in Malaysia?
As the Corolla is imported in CBU (completely built-up) form from Thailand, there’s no reason why the Corolla Cross cannot also be imported. It would certainly give UMW Toyota Motor an extra model offering, which car-buyers like. It would most likely not be the hybrid since that would cost more and as the government is not providing any incentives to help lower the retail price, it would be better to just sell the petrol engine variant.
Over the past few years, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has been transferring its own branch outlets to dealers and other interested parties to take over retail operations. The move, as explained in October 2017, has been to enhance operation excellence.
UMWT would increase intensity on high value-added upstream activities such as product development, marketing and dealer network support, while the dealerships would have greater focus on customer-related activities.
The Malaysian car industry has been dominated by distributor-owned outlets for decade, somewhat different from other markets where dealerships are more independent. This new move departs from that business model and has been ongoing for UMWT.
The 3S outlet at Section 19 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, is now operated by Laser Motor instead of UMWT.
Two more of its branch outlets in the Klang Valley have been transferred to dealers with effect from today. The dealers are established companies with a long association with Toyota and UMWT. They are Laser Motor which takes over the Section 19 outlet in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and Fokus Sentral which takes over the outlet in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
“It is essential for UMWT to continue achieving high customer satisfaction standards,” said Ravindran Kurusamy, President of UMW Toyota Motor. “I am extremely excited about working even more closely with our dealers to realise a shared vision for UMWT, which is to promise the concept of ‘Best In Town’, meaning more focused one to one customer engagement. Although this arrangement signifies an important change for UMWT, our customers should rest assured that our service will not be compromised, but get even better in the future.”
For customers, the transition won’t make any difference and it will be ‘business as usual’.
For UMWT’s significant customer base of Toyota owners, the change should have no effect – apart from the promise that things will be even better in coming years. In other words, it’s ‘business as usual’. The transition is seamless but allows for a strong entrepreneurial spirit to create more value that benefits the local economy. As businessmen, the dealers want to succeed and build their business so they will give their best efforts, which is of course good for Toyota owners.
