Trucks Archives

SPECIAL: New Ford Ranger Built For Every Lifestyle From Off-roading, City Life & Beyond

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, has announced that the new Ford Ranger is scheduled for launch in Malaysia at the end of this month. The line-up will consist of the Ranger XL, XLT, Wildtrak, and the much anticipated Ranger Raptor (below). For the first time, SDAC will also be introducing the Ranger XLT+ variant to the Malaysia market.

With its ‘Built Ford Tough’ credentials and a range of variants in the upcoming line-up, there is now a Ford Ranger to suit every customer’s needs and lifestyle. The New Ranger is packed with Ford’ latest innovations and is born ready to take on the world with many first and only in-class features, the likes of which has never been introduced in pickup trucks before.

Long gone are the days when pickups were designed and built only to tackle muddy tracks and tough terrains. As technology evolves and consumer preferences change, the Ranger DNA was altered, building it to be more versatile, luxurious and less utilitarian. Features have been added for the Ranger to take on the concrete jungle. Customers now have the option of owning not just an adventure or commercial-ready truck, but also a lifestyle and family vehicle.

In Malaysia, there is a growing number of Ranger vehicles on the road purchased for lifestyle reasons, thanks to its suite of smart technologies, which is further complemented by a stylish and well-sculpted car-like interior. Ford’s best-selling nameplate in Malaysia was refined inside out without compromising on safety and off-road capabilities, making the Ranger smarter, tougher and more powerful.

For more information on the New Ford Ranger or to register your interest for updated details, visit SDAC’s multilingual website (www.sdacford.com.my), which also features a chatbot available in three languages – English, Bahasa Malaysia and Simplified Chinese.

DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles Lancarkan Tata Super Ace Dan Rangkaian Kenderaan Komersial Ultra Di Malaysia

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DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles Launches The Tata Super Ace & Ultra Range Of Commercial Vehicles In Malaysia

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, along with its authorized distributor DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles Sdn. Bhd. (DHCV), recently launched the Tata Super Ace and the Ultra range of commercial vehicles in Malaysia. These vehicles have been designed for the modern commercial vehicle customer, with superior performance, world-class cabins, high load carrying capacity and flexible body-load configurations.

Tata Super Ace – The Tata Super Ace is a 1 ton mini-truck from Tata Motors, for inter-city and intra-city transportation solutions. Optimally powered by a 1405 cc diesel engine, combined with a new body design and cutting edge technology, the Tata Super Ace will offer customers with an opportunity to start their dream business with a very small investment. The Tata Super Ace is based on the popular Tata Ace mini-truck from Tata Motors. Having sold over a million units since it was first launched in 2005, the Tata Ace has been a revolutionary product and is a result of Tata Motors deep understanding of the market and consumer.

The Tata Ace has been a preferred choice for last-mile transportation with a footprint spanning 28 countries across South Asia, Africa and the ASEAN. The Tata Super Ace can be customized for various small scale business operations, for the transportation of construction items, food grains, fruits, FMCG and white goods or could be configured to be a food truck, an ice-cream truck or a mobile store on wheels.

Tata Ultra range of commercial vehicles – Based on a combination of world-class performance parameters, with enhanced levels of durability and reliability of the Ultra platform, this range will enable Tata Motors to set new benchmarks in the Intermediate commercial vehicles space in Malaysia. A combination of driver comfort, high load carrying-capacity and safety, along with best life-cycle cost, makes this new offering from Tata Motors, versatile for various applications.

The Ultra 814 offers enhanced levels of durability and reliability on the Ultra platform. It is powered by new generation NG 3.0 Lt CRDI engine coupled with next generation transmission. Available in 4.5T Payload with highest body option of 5.5M, Tata Ultra provides customers complete flexibility, for varying business requirements. All these together make the Ultra 814 a reliable asset and the most efficient solution for optimum business profitability. The Ultra 1014 offers faster turnaround time and enhanced profitability for any goods carrying business, making it an ideal work-horse for movement of materials across distances.

The driveline of the Ultra 1014, has the latest NG 3.0Lt engine with an output of 140 HP, a new-generation transmission with aluminum casing – the 6 Speed – G-550 overdrive gear box, with cable-shift mechanism and axle technology, with reduced weight, ensures superior performance and greater fuel efficiency for varied payloads. The longer wheelbase of 4530 mm makes Tata Ultra the perfect Business Utility Vehicle, suitable for varying business applications such as FMCG, white goods etc.

Speaking at the event, DRB-HICOM’s Dato’ Abdul Harith Abdullah, Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Distribution, Defence and Manufacturing & Engineering said, the launch was a key milestone for the Group in getting a foothold of the growing CV market in Malaysia.

“With these new products unveiled today, which are competitively priced with superior features, we are confident it will gain traction amongst our target users in the near term. DHCV’s deep expertise in the area of importing, assembling and distributing foreign marques in Malaysia is well established since 1979.

Our local knowledge coupled with a robust dealer network across the country has been crucial to our success thus far. With our partner Tata Motors, we are confident about making a significant impact in the selected commercial vehicle categories and thus grabbing market share incrementally in what is a very competitive niche market. The economy is poised to grow this year which bodes well for our joint venture with Tata Motors.”

Harith added that they are very confident about the market acceptance of the new Ultra variants and specifically, Tata Super Ace which is expected to be popular with small business owners across Malaysia.

Commenting on the launch of the three new commercial vehicles, Mr. Rudrarup Maitra, Head – Commercial Vehicles, International Business, Tata Motors, said, “Malaysia is one of our key markets in South-East Asia and we are delighted to be a part of one of the fastest growing ASEAN nations. An integral part of our presence here is DRB-HICOM, a partner that has showcased tremendous enthusiasm and passion over the years. With this partnership we can truly establish a long-term relationship with our customers in Malaysia. It gives us immense pleasure to chart out our growth story and expand our portfolio in this market. We are delighted to bring the three new commercial vehicles to Malaysia today.”

DHCV and Tata Motors say they will continue to explore new potentials, customer’s preference and conduct researches for new product variants to sustain their growth and expansion for the medium to long term.

Customers in Malaysia are currently served by a network of 24 outlets located at strategic locations and in major townships, nationwide. DHCV aims to expand this reach in tandem with sales growth and market.

For the full price list of the new Tata commercial vehicles, click here: Price List – New Models

It’s Coming! Ford Unleashes First-Ever Ranger Raptor In Thailand!

The first-ever Ranger Raptor, Ford’s new 4×4 off-road, performance pick-up truck, blasted out from behind its camouflage during a reveal event in Thailand recently, which means it’ll soon be here… and it can’t come soon enough! Just look at it…

The ultimate Ranger is purposefully designed, built and tested to set a benchmark as the only factory-built performance truck across Asia Pacific. Designed by Ford Performance team for the true enthusiast off-roader, Ford Ranger Raptor strengthens Ford’s commitment to deliver “Built Ford Tough” pickup trucks to customers in Asia Pacific.

“We are so excited and proud to unleash this vehicle to the public, driving it really makes you feel like a hero,” said Jamal Hameedi, chief engineer, Ford Performance. “The Ford Performance team is excited to extend the Raptor name from our flagship off-road performance F-150 to Ranger. Just like the F-150 Raptor, the Ranger Raptor builds upon the core capability of the range of vehicles it comes from and carries the unmistakable Ford Performance DNA appearance.”

Tuned for all Terrain…

Ranger Raptor comes with a Terrain Management System (TMS) offering six modes for various driving experiences, which can be selected via a dedicated five-button switch located on the steering wheel. Each mode has been calibrated to offer the best possible combination of technologies working in unison to tackle the chosen terrain or driving style with aplomb. These include:

On-road modes

– Normal mode – Emphasising comfort, fuel economy and driveability

– Sport mode – Responsive for spirited on-road driving. This means fast, crisp gear shifts at higher engine speeds to aid throttle response. The mapping reacts to increased demand inputs from the driver by holding gears longer and downshifting more aggressively.

Off-road modes

– Grass/Gravel/Snow mode – Designed to inspire safe and confident driving on off-road slippery and uneven surfaces. This is done through smoother gear shifts and second-gear starts, minimizing the probability of wheel slip.

– Mud/Sand mode – Vehicle responsiveness is tuned for optimum traction and momentum in deep, deformable surfaces like loose sand and mud. This is achieved by maintaining lower gears with high torque.

– Rock mode – Used specifically for low-speed rocky terrain where smooth controllability is key.

– Baja mode – Vehicle responsiveness is tuned for high-speed off-road performance, just like drivers need in the famous Baja Desert Rally. In this mode, vehicle systems like Traction Control are pared back in terms of intervention to allow spirited off-road driving without fighting the vehicle’s on-board systems. Gear selection is optimized for maximum performance, and the mapping will hold gears longer and downshift more aggressively.

Power to Move You…

The Ranger Raptor powertrain features cutting edge technology to offer more power and torque, better fuel economy, less weight and with off-road specific calibrations for engine, transmission, driveline, steering, brakes and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

In a revolutionary move to deliver incredible performance and responsiveness, a 10-Speed transmission is combined with a new 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine in the Ranger Raptor to deliver a maximum of 213PS (157kW) of power and a whopping 500Nm of torque.

Ford’s comprehensive Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is also there to help in difficult cornering and braking situations. The impressive technology suite includes Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Load Adaptive Control (LAC).

We’ll keep you posted on the impending Malaysian launch of the Raptor, coming soon! – CW.

For the full Press Release, click here: Press Release_Ford Unleashes First Ever Ranger Raptor_EN

Ford Ranger Raptor Photo Gallery…

At a glance…

Setting a new benchmark in off-road pickup capability, the Ranger Raptor has been designed to combine Ford Performance DNA with Ranger’s renowned toughness and engineering capability
Ranger Raptor includes standard front and rear Fox Racing Shox shock absorbers to help travel at high speeds off-road and includes increased ride height, wider track and improved approach and departure angles that ensure extreme off-road capability and stability
Innovative all-new Watt’s linkage rear suspension with coilover rear springs helps ensure rear axle lateral stability off-road while also improving ride and handling
New powertrain combination of a 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine and 10-speed transimission has proven durability through extensive testing, offering smooth torque and power through independent turbos and closer gear ratios over a wider overall span
Ranger Raptor has been tested in the world’s toughest conditions to ensure an unrivalled off-road package is offered to astonish and excite drivers

Chevy kicks start Trucks Legend programme to celebrate loyalty

Chevrolet trucks is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with the introduction of its 2018 line up. And to commemorate the occasion, the company is launching a nation wide programme to reward its loyal customers called, the Trucks Legend programme.

Those who have owned the following vehicles are eligible to be members of the programme:

Silverado and Silverado HD (and past C/K trucks)
Colorado (and past S-10 trucks)
Tahoe
Suburban
Avalanche

It’s been introduced to recognize customers who have owned a Chevy truck that has travelled more than 160,934km or have had a brand new one in their lifetime. Customers who fall into this category are eligible to join Chevy’s active community that has grown to more than 5,400 members.

“We had an incredible response to the Truck Legends pilot program, and greatly appreciate the owners who have shared their stories,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Trucks Marketing director. “We look forward to hearing from customers across the country, and for the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our most loyal customers.”

Through this same programme, Chevrolet will periodically offer Truck Legends members once-in-a-lifetime experiences for events that include front-row seats at concerts, attending sold-out Major League Baseball events and getting a sneak peek at new Chevrolet models.

Later in the year, a select number of people from the Truck Legends programme will be invited to join an exclusive Chevy Trucks Centennial Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 at the Texas Motor Speedway. The event will feature opportunities to experience the latest Chevrolet products and have the opportunity to meet celebrities like Dale Earnhardt Jr. as well as a number of others.

Chevy will also be giving out memorabilia to members of the exclusive programme that include branded hats, decals and decals celebrating milestones in mileage and number of vehicles owned.

As such, 2017 is shaping up to be a very memorable year for Chevy and its legion of truck owners who have loyaly stood by the brand its trucks. Unlike other parts of the world, in the US, trucks serve more than just one purpose, in fact, they are a way of life.