Following a recall notice announced in March, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has expanded the list of affected Toyota and Lexus vehicles that require a fuel pump replacement. The expansion has been prompted by additional information received from Toyota Motor Corporation which has identified 9,500 new units of Toyota models and 850 new units of Lexus models. These were units officially distributed by UMWT between July 2017 and July 2019.
Models affected
The Toyota models affected are the Alphard, Vellfire, Camry, Corolla, Fortuner, Innova, C-HR and Harrier. Lexus models affected are the ES250, GS200t, GS350, IS200t, LC500, LS500, LX570, NX300, RX300 and RX350. Models not mentioned are not affected, UMWT stresses.
The issue with the defective fuel pump is a serious one as it may stop operating. If this were to occur, warning lights and messages may be displayed on the instrument panel, and engine power or hesitation may occur. Therefore it is very important that owners respond to this recall announcement and visit an authorised Toyota or Lexus service centre for the replacement.
Models such as the Toyota Harrier (above) and Lexus LS 500 (below) imported from Japan by UMWT are among the vehicles being recalled under the Special Service Campaign.
UMWT says it will officially notify affected vehicle owners to request them bring their vehicles in for the replacement of the fuel pump unit. There will be no charges for the parts and labour involved in this Special Service Campaign.
It is possible that some owners might not receive such a notification if they are not the original owner and their contact details are not registered with UMWT. If you own one of the vehicles listed (and distributed through the authorised Toyota and Lexus network) but do not receive any notification from UMWT, you can contact any authorised Toyota Service Centre or call the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682) for assistance. For Lexus owners, contact authorised Lexus Service Centres or call the Lexus Freephone at 1800-22-LEXUS (53987).
Online racing or sim racing has been growing over the years and this year, its popularity has accelerated (or at least activity) due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. As people around the world were forced to stay home and large-scale activities like motor racing were not permitted, the alternative very quickly became racing online. There were already some popular series running and some manufacturers began to also create their own championships.
One of them has been Toyota which has been stepping up its presence in motorsports through Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR). One of the new activities created was the GR Supra GT Cup ASIA 2020, a regional event which would see the best sim racers from 5 countries – Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and India – competing against each other.
Organized by Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, it was the first virtual motorsport racing championship in Asia. Each country has held its own series to find three of the best racers, and these were the ones who represented the country. The 15 contestants challenged each other using identical GR Supra RZ20 racing cars on the PlayStation platform, watched by millions of viewers worldwide… certainly way more than a real-world race.
Three races, 15 competitors
The event comprised 3 races, starting at the Fuji Speedway in Japan. At the end of this race, A. Aleef from Singapore led the pack with a strong 6-second lead. He was followed closely in second and third place, respectively, by Muhammad Iqbal Ahmad Suji and Taj Aiman, both from the Malaysian team.
The second race was an exciting 5 laps through the night ‘Shuto’ expressway of Tokyo – obviously only possible in the virtual world! Lap 5 saw one of the most exciting duels of the race as Suji, Tanapat (Thailand) and Shaz (Singapore) race 3-wide through the long straight to compete for P7 in a one-lane turn. But it was Aleef who again finished with a strong first place, followed closely by N. Sirigaya (Thailand) and T. Lallave (Philippines).
Nurburgring was where the final battles took place. This circuit runs over 20 kms and has more than 150 turns, requiring a mandatory pitstop and tyre change. After 3 intense laps, Taj Aiman came in first with an incredibly close second from Sirigaya and Aleef in third.
The overall winners were determined by their total points at the end of the three races. Aleef had the highest score of 36 points, while Taj Aiman came second with 33 points, and Sirigaya was in third with 25 points.
Overall winner faces global challengers
Aleef won US$6,000 in cash and a coveted spot to race in the global final GR Supra GT Cup 2020 in December. He will this represent Asia against the best of class e-Motorsport challengers from around the world.
Taj Aiman, placed second, received US$3,000 while Sirigaya, who came in third, won US$1,500 USD. All three winners were also awarded trophies.
“It has been a phenomenal year for me, having won the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship, given the honour to represent Malaysia and going on to finish second in the GR Supra GT Cup Asia, What an incredible experience!” said Taj Aiman. “Coming in second and just 3 points short of an overall victory is tough but that’s racing, and it is what it is.”
Malaysian event inspiration for GR Supra GT Cup Asia
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) continues to be the first, and remains as the only car company in Malaysia to be associated with e-Motorsport activities. The company has run three seasons of the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship, which was also instrumental in inspiring the very first GR Supra GT Cup Asia series.
The Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship has been held in Malaysia over the last three years.
“With simulator racing becoming more competitive and also regarded as an important stepping stone for some of the world’s best real-life racers and teams, it is important that Malaysian virtual racers are also given the opportunity to compete at regional as well as international levels. At Toyota, we are delighted to be able to provide them with this exposure,” said Akio Takeyama, GAZOO RACING Malaysia’s Chief Motorsport Officer.
President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K., said the company’s contribution to Malaysian motorsports will continue both on the racing track and in the virtual world as it aspires to bridge both disciplines and bring motor-racing to the masses.
“It’s amazing to see how far virtual racing has come and, in many ways, today becoming an important element in accelerating the learning and development of a driver on the track. Virtual racing has also been instrumental in growing the interest and appreciation for motorsports and moving forward, UMWT will continue to invest in its potential,” he said, adding that part of UMWT’s initiatives include the recent launching of a GAZOO RACING Young Talent Development Program which is aimed at allowing both young karters and simulator racers to transition into real racing.
Those who are planning to buy the latest Toyota Hilux or any Toyota model have a choice of various schemes from UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) to help them with financing. These are the Toyota EZ Beli Plan, Jom Drive, AITAB, Toyota Drive, Toyota Flexi Plan as well as conventional Hire-Purchase and Vehicle Lease financing schemes which are available from all authorized Toyota dealerships and UMWT branches nationwide.
The latest Toyota Hilux
Two new schemes
UMWT, in collaboration with Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, now offers another two more which are Shariah Compliant Term Financing schemes to its customers – Vehicle Financing-i and Vehicle Financing-i GradHitz.
Vehicle Financing-i is available for all customers aged up to 60 years old with a minimum income of RM2,800 or more. Vehicle Financing-i GradHitz is a special package tailored for newly employed young graduates, aged less than 30 years, with a minimum qualification of a diploma degree from a recognized institution under Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). For this scheme, they can apply for up to 100% margin of financing (terms and conditions apply).
Both schemes are based on term financing under the principle of Murabahah to the Purchase Order as a cost-plus profit financing contract. The financing tenure is up to 9 years, with fixed profit rates from 2.35% to 2.55% per annum. Customers will be eligible for Ibra’ (rebate) if full settlement is made before the maturity period of the financing.
The two Bank Islam financing schemes are applicable for all new Toyota models sold by authorized Toyota dealerships throughout Malaysia (including the Labuan and Langkawi duty-free zones).
Takaful coverage for peace of mind
Auto Financing Takaful Plan (AFTP), a takaful coverage, is also offered to customers. The plan covers the outstanding financing amount in the event of death or permanent disability within the financing period. The AFTP contribution is calculated based on financing amount and age of the applicant.
Customers who require more information may contact any authorized Toyota dealership in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Locations of the dealerships can be found at www.toyota.com.my.
There used to be a time when the Toyota Hilux used to be the first and last word in the world of pick up trucks. Nothing else came close.
Conceived from a time when the world needed hardcore work horses to help with everything from construction sites to moving timber and such, the Hilux made a reputation for itself as a reliable truck that never seemed to give up.
But it was too utilitarian. It served a singular purpose – to work, to complement a worksite and to never give up.
It was far from comfortable, had very little creature comforts save for air-conditioning and radio, and safety equipment was almost non-existent.
Then the market shifted. Suddenly people wanted a pick up truck that looked cool, impressed the office mates and looked in place at the valet parking lot of the hottest club in town.
The mighty Hilux was caught off guard in a territory it once dominated. People no longer wanted a hardcore workhorse alone, but they wanted that workhorse to also come with comfortable suspension, interior comforts for the family, entertainment and yet at the same time unrelenting reliability and the ability to tow a bungalow.
There is no doubt in the world that the Hilux offered Toyota’s renowned reliability and durability in all conditions, but it was caught out in every other category that involved the passengers.
Come the second decade of the 2000s and the Hilux was pinned. Faced with an onslaught of modern pick ups like the Ranger, Navara and the Triton, the Hilux seemed like it only had a couple of things going for it – Toyota’s unrelenting reliability and a reputation for toughness forged over decades of hard work.
But that did not seem like a bad thing, because though the market was shifting towards more urbanised pick up trucks so to speak, the Hilux still sold in the tens of thousands and has always been among the top three best selling pick up trucks. Talk about a grand old reputation.
So here we were then, at the introduction and test drive of the latest Toyota Hilux – the Hilux Rogue. A supposedly more urbanised version of the Hilux with creature comforts meant to cuddle and entertain its passengers.
But has the Hilux really softened down to become one of those urban pick ups that do well on tarmac as their owners indulge in car like comforts but are totally hopeless when it comes time to get down and dirty with tough work?
Well, did Arnold Scharzenegger soften up and lose his muscles in his role as a kindergarten teacher in the 80s flick – Kindergarten Cop? No, he did not. Likewise with the Hilux Rogue, it is still as tough as ever and you feel it from the moment you get inside.
The steering wheel feels like it would survive a nuclear fall out and we simply love the near vertical dash that gives you ample of knee space and adds to the overall macho feel of the interior.
Interior quality is great and the buttons are soft to the touch. On the topic of pampering its passengers, the Hilux Rogue offers automatic air-conditioning, an entertainment system that offers Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard (a must have in cars these days if you ask us), and even rear air-conditioning vents. Now surely anyone can appreciate that.
But that’s not all for the interior actually, it also comes standard with a Digital Video Recorder so you don’t have to get a third party unit with the cables dangling in your line of sight. And though we didn’t actually see it, Toyota says that the interior of the Hilux now features an illuminated door trim that “elevates the atmosphere within the cabin”.
But it doesn’t end there – the Hilux Rogue also comes loaded with technology designed to make life behind the wheel all the better. This comes in the form of passive safety systems such as Pre-Collision System that alerts you of an obstacle and automatically applies the brakes in case you do not respond.
And then there is the Lane Departure Alert with Yaw Assist that lets you know when you drift out of your lane, gently tugs at the steering wheel to pull you back into your lane, and if all else fails and you still keep straying out of your intended lane, it will apply brake pressure to the two inner wheels as a final effort to keep you from crashing.
And our favourite feature that truly makes life behind the wheel comfortable is the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Simply set your desired cruising speed and let the car do the braking and accelerating, all you have to do is steer. It is even smart enough to accelerate slightly to help you overtake the car in front. The radar mounted into the Toyota emblem in the grille (seen above) will detect obstacles and other cars and will brake the car automatically, and once that gets out of the way the Hilux Rogue will then automatically accelerate again.
Combined, all these systems are called the Toyota Safety Sense. And so far it is only available in the top of the line 2.8 Rogue edition. But expect this to trickle down the model line or to be offered as an option in other variants as well.
Outside the Hilux Rogue takes on a love it or hate it design. The overall design is still typical Hilux, there is no mistaking it for anything but, and the new LED headlights look fantastic with the Daytime Running Lights. But from a personal point of view, the blacked out body kit that starts from the grille and loops over the wheel arches looks a little cheapish – as if the paint shop had forgotten to paint it. But if ruggedness and machoism is the name of your game, then the Rogue body kit should appeal to you.
Driving the Hilux Rogue is still a mundane affair – a character typical of pick up trucks, save for perhaps a Tundra TRD, F-150 Raptor or a Dodge Ram SRT-10. Power is of course available in abundance thanks to an improved 2.8-litre turbocharged engine that puts out 204hp and 500Nm of torque. Despite that fuel economy has also improved by 4%, something we will testify to after driving from Shah Alam to Rawang and up to Janda Baik via Ulu Yam and then to Goh Tong Jaya and back to Shah Alam. The damage? Just a quarter tank of fuel, which is quite impressive considering stop start traffic, uphill climbs and lots of acceleration.
As for handling, Toyota has updated the Hilux with something called a Variable Flow Control Power Steering, this makes the steering speed sensitive – light at low speeds, and heavier at high speeds. But interestingly it is not an electronic steering rack, it is still hydraulic. Which is not a bad thing because a hydraulic rack requires fewer sensors, which means there is a lesser chance of failure.
In the product brochure of the new Hilux Rogue, Toyota says that the suspension has been improved and now offers a more comfortable ride. But as a first impression, we found that the suspension still picks up on the slightest unevenness, bumps and even hops and skips over rumble strips rather than absorbing them.
Now this is also typical of a pick up as it comes with all pick-up trucks (except for the Nissan Navara) come with independent suspension up front with leaf springs at the back. This is normal because pick-ups are designed to carry loads rather than offer a plush ride, absorbing bumps and such. The direct consequence of which is a somewhat stiff ride, which is a character of the new Hilux Rogue.
But what the Hilux Rogue does have though is an impressively quiet interior, it is not as quiet as the interior of a Ranger Wildtrak (which uses Anti-Noise Cancellation technology to cancel out ambient sounds), but it is still quite good, almost like the interior of early 2000 continental cars. Well done to Toyota for that.
All in all, the new Toyota Hilux Rogue is a mighty impressive machine. It is still not as urban centric as some of its competitors but it is fast catching up. And you can always rely on a Hilux to never fail you in any situation. It still comes with the usual array of off-roading gizmos like Downhill-Assist Control and an Automatic Limited-slip Differential, so you can trust that it will always deliver in any situation.
If there ever was an award for the most hard working and most reliable pick-up truck to ever grace the earth – the Hilux would win it hands down. And if ever the call came for this writer to suddenly drive to the end of the world, the Toyota Hilux would be the vehicle of choice, each and every time.
The new Toyota Hilux Rogue is now available for RM146,880, but if you go to a Toyota showroom as soon as you’re done reading this, Toyota will give you a RM2,000 early-bird discount. It also comes with a 5-year warranty.
Team mates and friends Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira, Mior Muhammad Hafiz and Muhammad Iqbal Ahmad Suji won big time at the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship Grand Final when they clinched the top three positions to win almost RM40,000 in cash prizes.
The 2-day event brought together an elite group of 20 online racers who competed in a semi-final, with the top 10 fastest drivers advancing to the Grand Final. Held at the UMW Toyota Motor headquarters complex in Shah Alam, Selangor, the Toyota GR Velocity Esports Championship was streamed online was had more than one million views.
In total, some 720 participants entered the Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship which had kicked off with a series of 4 qualifying rounds. The championship offered more than RM70,000 in total prize money, most lucrative virtual racing event in Malaysia.
How Taj Izrin Aiman won
Taj Izrin Aiman was victorious in Race 1 behind the wheel of a GR Supra RZ at the Autodrome Lago Maggiore circuit in Italy, finishing ahead of Mior Muhammad with Rio Pandukusuma in third place in the 15-lap race. In Race 2, at the Autopolis Racing Course in Japan, Moo Shuan Jinq crossed the finish line ahead of Mior Muhammad in the 18-lap race in a FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo, with Taj Izrin Aiman finishing in third position.
For Race 3, run at the virtual Circuit de la Sarthe in France which is the venue for the annual Le Mans 24-Hour race, Muhammad Iqbal piloted a TS050 Hybrid to victory ahead of Mior Muhammad and Ariff Roslan in second and third places, respectively.
By the end of the 3 races, the overall championship was down to three potential winners with Mior Muhammad leading with 54 points, followed by Taj Izrin Aiman at 50, and Muhammad Iqbal with 45 points.
In the fourth and final 18-lap race at the famous 13. 6-km Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, Taj Izrin Aiman however, stamped his authority by leading the race from start to finish in a Toyota-powered Dallara Super Formula SF19, building an unassailable lead of 9 seconds ahead of Arif Roslan and Rio Pandukusuma who finished second and third respectively. Low Wooi Kit crossed the finish line in fourth place, followed by Muhammad Iqbal in fifth, while Mior Muhammad who was fourth at one point in the race dropped to sixth, finishing more than 35 seconds behind the race winner and essentially bidding farewell to his hopes of winning the overall championship.
Like racing in the real world
“Virtual racing is an entirely different discipline. It requires a lot of practice and seat time. Just like real racing requires you set-up a vehicle, in virtual racing you have to adapt to the steering and pedal techniques, and at the same time you have to adopt a strategy and manage your tyre wear as well as fuel during a race,” said 22-year-old Taj Izrin Aiman who is an avid motorsports enthusiast and is only into his first year of competitive virtual racing.
Clinching the overall Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship is also his first major title in virtual racing. Together with his winning team mates, the trio will also represent Malaysia at Toyota’s Regional eSports competition.
In a special 17-lap exhibition race involving celebrities who have competed in the Toyota Vios Challenge, musician Shawn Lee proved that he was indeed a force to be reckoned with both on and off the racing circuit. Lee, a two-time champion in the Promotional Class of the Toyota Vios Challenge, led the virtual 17-lap race at the 4.5-km Fuji International Speedway from start to finish. Behind him was GAZOO RACING Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama, and celebrity gamer Daddy Hood.
“Competing in Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship is an excellent warm-up for us in preparation for Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge. I can’t wait to get back into racing,” said comedian Nabil Ahmad, who used a Toyota GR Supra Racing RZ.
High driving standards of virtual racers
GAZOO RACING Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer Akio Takeyama noted that the driving standards and technical knowledge the competitors brought to virtual racing was very high.” They are very serious about what they do and, despite never having experienced real racing, the degree of race craft, the strategies they adopt, discipline and familiarization as well as adaptability to the different types of vehicles and tracks they are exposed to is simply phenomenal.”
“Virtual racing is indeed becoming an important bridge to real racing, and this is also an area we at Toyota are investing in with the start of our GAZOO RACING Young Talent Development Program which will not only provide young karters, but also virtual racers, with the opportunity to transition into real world saloon car racing,” he added.
Virtual racing or esports will be another strong pillar for Toyota to bring motorsports to the masses. The Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship began in 2018 and UMW Toyota Motor was the first and still the only car company in Malaysia to be associated with the fast-growing sport that is also recognised by the FIA (the world motorsport governing body).
UMW Toyota Motor will continue to support and promote motorsports in Malaysia.
More motorsports-focussed initiatives
“Moving forward, the GAZOO RACING brand will continue to spearhead and expand Toyota’s presence in Malaysian motorsports with a number of new initiatives to be rolled out soon,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
This, he added, will include continuity of the Toyota Vios Challenge racing series and the Toyota GAZOO RACING Velocity Esports Championship, the roll-out of a new range of race-bred and race-inspired GAZOO RACING-badged vehicles, and the expansion of specialty showrooms in the form of GAZOO RACING (GR) Garages for the benefit of customers.
Prices for the updated Toyota Hilux to be launched soon have been announced by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today. In the new line-up, there are five variants to choose from, with the new Double Cab 2.8 Rogue as the flagship.
There are two turbodiesel engine choices – 2.8 litres and 2.4 litres – and also automatic and manual transmissions. The Hilux Single Cab is still offered for those who use the vehicle mainly for heavy-duty business purposes. A warranty of 5 years (or maximum of 150,000 kms after original registration) is provided.
Assembled in Malaysia, the new Hilux range comes with a choice of seven exterior colours. These are Bronze Mica Metallic (a 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.
As mentioned in an earlier report, the new Hilux has changes to styling, updates of features inside, and improvements in performance. Although the current 8th generation has achieved the maximum 5-star rating from ASEAN NCAP, it continues to be improved in safety aspects with the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense system (Hilux 2.8 Rogue only).
Toyota Service Savers & Insurance Packages
For those intending to purchase new Toyota vehicles, UMWT also recommends the Toyota Service Savers & Insurance Packages. With the Toyota Service Savers package, there can be saving of up to 13% during servicing and discounts of up to 20% for selected items and parts replacement. Available for the period of 5 years or 3 years, the cost of the package can be included in the financing scheme as part of the vehicle purchase cost.
The Toyota Insurance Package offers benefits which can allow an owner to regain use of his or her vehicle as quickly as possible after an accident. If not exceeding RM20,000, the claim can usually be approved within 24 hours, enabling repair work to commence quickly. There’s also no betterment charges or Excess Clause and the insurance companies will pay the entire amount of the claim.
Visit www.toyota.com.my for more information on the new Hilux and other products and services in Malaysia.
When UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) started the Toyota Vios Challenge One-Make series, one of the aims was to bring new blood into the racing scene, especially at grassroots level. Now, after three successful seasons, the company is introducing the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program. This is aimed at identifying and nurturing young Malaysian racing talent transitioning from karting and sim-racing to saloon car racing.
“One of the principal achievements of the Toyota Vios Challenge has been its ability to not only attract young racers but giving them an equal opportunity to excel competing alongside more experienced racers,” said Akio Takeyama, GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, and Deputy Chairman of UMWT.
The six recruits for the program with GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, A. Takeyama (right) and Ravindran K., President of UMWT (left).
Young newcomers joining racing series
“In three seasons of the Toyota Vios Challenge, we have noticed a stream of young drivers making their way into the series. Affordability and cost of participation has certainly played a significant part in this but its one-make race format has also provided young drivers as well as newcomers with a fair and level playing field in terms of racing as they compete against more experienced drivers. This and the combination of having to drive in a super competitive environment has resulted in an accelerated learning curve,” said Mr. Takeyama, who also participates in the series.
“The success of the series in nurturing young talent could not have been better validated than with the crowning of 16-year-old Hayden Haikal as the Sporting Class champion in Season 3 with another teenage driver, 18-year-old Bradley Benedict Anthony clinching second place overall in what was only his first year of saloon car racing, both of whom were karters making the transition up to saloon car racing,” he said.
Mr. Takeyama said the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program underlined Toyota’s continued investment and commitment towards the development of Malaysian motorsports.
The racers will undergo intensive training at the GAZOO Racing School using the race-prepared Toyota Vios model.
Transition from sim racing and karting
The programme, for those between the ages of 14 and 20, has identified 6 young racers, based on their karting and sim-racing accomplishments, overall performance and level of commitment. They will be coached before being provided with the opportunity to compete in Season 4 of the Toyota Vios Challenge series.
They are sim racers Mika Hakimi (17) and Naquib Azlan (20), and karters Amer Harris (17), Jwan Hii (18), Putera Adam (14) and Troy Eimann (16).
The racers will undergo intensive training both on and off the track under the close guidance of instructors at the GAZOO Racing School beginning this month. They must satisfy a number of criteria before being certified competent to race. As with all racing drivers, they must also fulfil all conditions for the issuance of a national competition license (for circuit racing) by Malaysia’s motorsports-governing body, the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM).
UMWT has been supporting eSports with a championship series that is in its third season this year.The Vios Challenge, which has completed three seasons, has seen a stream of young new racers coming into motorsport.
Toyota’s growing presence in motorsports
GAZOO Racing and Toyota’s growing presence in Malaysian motorsports has collaboratively helped to develop both the sport and brand as more dynamic, vibrant, emotive and exhilarating entities.
“The commitment from the onset had been to establish an even bigger footprint in Malaysian motorsports and to be in the position to give Malaysian motorsports a further boost. In 3 seasons, we have been able to make an impactful difference by establishing a series that ran on purpose-built street tracks instead of at traditional racing circuits. That successfully attracted not only first-time competitors but also amateur and professional racers to the series. With Season 4, we intend to take this one step further by providing young racers with a gateway into the higher levels of motor racing,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
Toyota continued its winning streak at Le Mans with another victory this weekend, its third successive one in the classic 24-hour endurance race. Kazuki Nakajima was at the wheel of the No. 8 Toyota GAZOO Racing TS050 HYBRID as team mates Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley watched him take the chequered flag after 387 laps.
From No.7 to No.8
The early lead was maintained by Kamui Kobayashi, partnered by Mike Conway and Jose Maria Lopez, in the No. 7 Toyota. However, midway through the race, the car had a turbo problem and the No.8 car quickly moved to take over at the front.
Second overall was Rebellion Racing’s Gibson R-13 driven by the trio of Bruno Senna, Norman Nato and Gustavo Menezes. It was one of two cars from the Swiss team which shadowed the No.8 Toyota, waiting for the car to drop out which, of course, didn’t happen.
LMP1 and GTE winners
While Toyota won the LMP1 category, the LMP2 category was won by the United Autosports Team with an Oreca-Gibson crewed by Paul di Resta, Philip Hanson and Filipe Albuquerque. They finished fifth overall after the No.3 car of Rebellion Racing.
Aston Martin Racing won the FIA GT Manufacturers Championship as the No.97 Aston Martin Vantage AMR finished tops in the GTE Pro class and the #90 TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage AMR collect the trophy for the GTE Am class.
This year’s Le Mans race, the 88th edition since starting in 1923, is the last one before the new Hypercar era starts for the next season. Sadly, the spectator stands were empty as French authorities did not allow large crowds due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2019-2020 WEC season has one more round remaining which will be held in Bahrain on November 14.
Toyota’s GR Super Sport hypercar returned to its spiritual home this weekend to appear in public for the first time, as part of its ongoing development process, shortly before the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Based on the 2-time Le Mans-winning TS050 HYBRID racing car and covered in GR camouflage livery, the car completed a demonstration lap before arriving at a ceremony to return the Le Mans trophy for this year’s race.Besides the win at Le Mans, Toyota GAZOO Racing also won the Rally Turkey this weekend.
Car dealerships used to start off just as small showrooms selling just new cars, while the aftersales aspect was elsewhere or left to another party also involved in the same brand which had a service centre. However, as the profit from just selling cars alone is not significant, dealerships have expanded their scope of services to include aftersales service, preferably at one location for customer convenience.
Unitedstar Corporation Sdn Bhd, an authorised Toyota dealership located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has evolved in such a manner since beginning its business with the brand 15 years ago. Today, its outlet in the Taman Mayang area has been upgraded and offers both sales and aftersales services.
Toyota dealer for 15 years
“Unitedstar Corporation has been an authorised Toyota dealership since 2005, with just a showroom for sales at Aman Suria, Damansara followed by new 3S centre at Taman Nilai Perdana, Seremban in 2019. UMW Toyota Motor is pleased to see that the success and growth of the business has led to this upgrading. Broadening their scope of services to customers is in line with our “Customer First” philosophy,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.
The upgraded outlet is located in close proximity to large local communities and commercial growth areas. Its fully equipped service centre has 10 bays to provide efficient and speedy servicing daily. There are around 20 personnel who have received specific training to maintain Toyota vehicles and keep them in tip-top condition.
“This modern and inviting dealership reflects Toyota’s high standards in customer care. Throughout the world, Toyota dealers give priority to providing the best possible experience, including the highest standard of aftersales services,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman, UMW Toyota Motor.
To locate Toyota showrooms or service centre in Malaysia, visit toyota.com.my.
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.
