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Toyota GAZOO Racing Online Challenge starts in Malaysia!

UPDATE: The first round will be on April 24/25 (Friday/Saturday)

Since 2018, UMW Toyota Motor has been extending its involvement in eSports as a complementary activity to its Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Racing Festival and Vios One-Make Race events. In fact, it was the first Malaysian car company to be associated with eSports when it sponsored the Toyota Velocity Esports Championship which saw over 400 participants. The second season of the championship last September saw 650 participants.

Now with the Movement Control Order (MCO) restricting much of the Malaysian population to their homes, the company has come up with something that will excite racing simulator gamers and those who are the ‘best of the best’ can even win cash prizes.

RM7,500 total prize money
UMWT has announced an online challenge the Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia Online Challenge which starts off this tomorrow (Friday, April 24, 2020). This is a virtual time-attack challenge which will have 5 rounds between April 24 and May 22, 2020.

The 5 fastest racers in each round will win prizes ranging from RM500 to RM100, with the total prize money for the entire tournament amounting to RM7,500.

Click here to go to the registration/information page for the TGR Malaysia Online Challenge

Entry is free by registering online and open to any Malaysian resident 6 years old or older. Those who want to participate must have a PlayStation4 console (and the relevant accessories, of course) and a copy of ‘Gran Turismo Sport’. They must have, either unlocked or purchased, the GR Supra RZ ’19, Toyota TS050 Hybrid, Lexus Au TOM’S RCF, Toyota GT86 Group B Rally or Supra Racing Concept which are the cars required.

Toyota GR Supra RZ — *The GR Supra RZ, one of the racing cars used in the TGR Online Challenge.*

Players are only allowed to join each Round once to set their best time. The time they set will determine their position and when they enter the next round, there will be a ‘Time Handicap’ imposed on all Top 5 Winners of each round to make it more interesting and challenging throughout the Online Challenge. The Time Handicap will range from 2.5 seconds to 0.5 second.

UPDATE: First round changed to April 24/25

UMW Toyota Motor reopens selected service outlets

Following the activation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia on March 18 2020, all businesses except those related to essential services were required to stop operations. Service centres were among the businesses that had to remain closed, although emergency assistance services were permitted.

After the extension of the MCO until April 28 2020, MITI has given permission for car companies to resume aftersales services at selected outlets, with certain conditions to be followed. UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has received approval from MITI to re-open selected authorised Toyota service centres which will operate for emergency and urgent service requirements only, at minimum capacity.

Toyota owners are advised that the services are by appointment only. Customers should first contact the nearest service centre to their home to check if the outlet is in operation and then plan a suitable appointment time/date.

Click here for the list of authorised Toyota service centres to contact regarding operating status

Every effort will be made to ensure the safety and protection of customers when they visit the service centres who will continue to practice social distancing and remain at least 1 metre or more apart to avoid possible transmission of the virus.

With regards to those vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during the MCO period, the company announced earlier that there will be a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.

The company will continue to provide all customers with assistance for any emergencies or enquiries during the MCO period through its existing helplines. Customers may contact the following numbers throughout the duration of the MCO:

“As we always place customer care as a top priority, all Toyota vehicles sent to our service centres will receive a thorough inspection to ensure they are in good running order. However, we also urge customers to adhere to the regulations of the Movement Control Order and help to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Ravindran K. President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Increase in traffic to be expected as more sectors are permitted to resume operations

War Against COVID-19: UMW Toyota Motor and dealers provide support for PDRM and Malaysian Relief Agency

While most Malaysians are remaining at home under the conditions of the Movement Control Order (MCO) which will run till April 28, 2020, there are many who are out carrying out duties that are vital to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These are the frontliners who are also placing themselves at risk of getting infected.

The corporate sector has been providing support in various ways as this War Against COVID-19 is one which everyone has to play a part in. Where UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is concerned, providing protective gear is one of the ways that can help the frontliners who travel in vehicles.

This morning, representatives from UMWT handed over 10,000 seat covers, gear knob covers and steering covers which can provide protection over surfaces in the vehicle. The recipients were the PDRM (Royal Malaysian Police) and the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA). The handover took place at the MRA Warehouse in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Additionally, at UMWT’s various outlets, assistance in the form of food, facemasks and other essentials have been gathered and donated from their respective locations. For example, a dealership in Kuala Selangor has donated meals and water to police and armed forces personnel stationed in its vicinity.

War against COVID-19: Toyota to make facemasks for its workers to reduce demand on commercial supplies

Toyota outlets to remain closed but support still available during MCO period

With the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) by the government, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that all authorised Toyota and Lexus dealerships will continue to remain closed.

However, the company reiterated that it continues to be contactable to all customers for any emergencies or enquiries during this period on its existing helplines as well as 5 additional helplines created for this period of time. Customers may contact the following numbers throughout the duration of the MCO.

Additionally, it was announced that all vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during this period will enjoy a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.

All service appointments scheduled during this MCO period will be rescheduled after the MCO is lifted and when operations resume. It gives assurance to all customers that support, where necessary, will be provided during this period.

UMW Toyota Motor recalls Toyota and Lexus vehicles for fuel pump replacement

Following a global recall of a number of Toyota and Lexus models, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace a fuel pump. In Malaysia, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has identified around 12,000 units of Toyota models (Alphard, Camry, Corolla, Innova and Fortuner) and 1,500 units of Lexus models (GS300, GS350, IS300, LC500/500H, LS460, LS500/500H, LS600H, NX200T/300H, RC350/300H, RX350/450H and RX350/450)

The vehicles were manufactured between 2013 and 2019 and distributed by UMWT. The company stresses that models not listed above are not affected by this recall.

*Lexus NX is among the models which need to have the fuel pump replaced.*

The issue with the fuel pump is that it may stop operating. If this were to occur, warning lights and messages may be displayed on the instrument panel, and engine power hesitation may happen. This may result in the vehicle stalling and being unable to restart. TMC is concerned that this could increase the risk of a crash while driving at higher speeds.

UMWT will officially notify affected vehicle owners to 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 SSC.

If you own one of the vehicles listed and it was manufactured between 2013 and 2019 (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).

No price increases for locally-assembled Toyota models

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is informing customers that there are no planned increases in prices of Toyota CKD (locally-assembled) models at this time. The company is probably making this statement in view of the speculation of prices going up as Honda Malaysia recently announced increases for some of its models.

While it was reported earlier that there will be no price increases for CKD models, this only refers to any effect from the transparent methodology of reporting the Open Market Value (OMV). The Finance Ministry gave assurance that if any CKD model was affected by increased prices as a result of the calculations, the amount of increase would be fully absorbed/exempted by the Finance Ministry during 2020.

Nevertheless, as we also pointed out in the earlier report, it does not mean that prices will not change at all in 2020 due to other factors. Ravindran K, President of UMWT, said that factors such as exchange rates and tax revisions can affect prices. “As far as possible, the company has always tried to maintain price stability by absorbing the increases as much as we can,” he added.

The CKD models in UMWT’s current line-up are the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Vios, Toyota Rush, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova and Toyota Hiace.

For the current prices of the various models, visit www.toyota.com.my or any authorised dealership and UMWT branch nationwide.

Finance Ministry gives firm assurance that new reporting methodology will not increase vehicle prices during 2020

Kuala Lumpur chosen for the City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge

Kuala Lumpur has been chosen as the designated pilot city for the City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge (CATCH) which was launched today. This is the region’s first global challenge that will attract innovative, data-driven entries from global participants. The aim is to raise efficiency in urban planning and drive forward the future of mobility.

CATCH will seek to address mobility challenges in Kuala Lumpur with a global call for solutions, for a period of 8 months, where participants – from start-ups, academic and research institutions to corporations, or even the general public – can conceptualize and develop solutions that are dynamic, intelligent and data-driven to design future city infrastructures.

Grants of up to US$1.5 million
The competition involves the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) in partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). This partnership will enable Kuala Lumpur to take the lead in developing next-gen urban development and city mobility management for the region.

TMF will be providing grants at every stage of the challenge – up to US$1.5 million (RM6.211 million) in total – to support teams towards the development and trial-testing of the solutions in Kuala Lumpur. Participants will also have access to expert mentors and an incubation program.

Data empowerment
CATCH will provide participants with data to empower them to develop solutions that will be selected (in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act). The data partners are made up of both public and private sectors that have different data points of a commuter’s journey such as Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, Royal Malaysia Police, Land Public Transport Agency, Grab, MapIT MSC, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation and Prasarana Malaysia.

According to Shin Aoyama, President of Secretariat, Toyota Mobility Foundation, TMF was set up to address mobility issues around the world, using a unique approach driven by sustainability, innovation and partnership. “CATCH was designed in partnership with the Malaysian government, to encourage data-driven but human-centered interventions to improve city planning and the mobility ecosystem,” he explained.

“We take pride in overcoming ‘impossible’ challenges to make ‘Mobility for All’ a reality. TMF provides the platform to create a better, more mobile society and we fully support this digital and data-driven approach,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, a local partner involved in the competition.

The Toyota Mobility Foundation was established in August 2014 to support the development of a more mobile society. The Foundation aims to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment, working in partnership with universities, government, non-profit organizations, research institutions and other organizations to address mobility issues around the world. Programs include resolving urban transportation problems, expanding the utilization of personal mobility, and developing solutions for next generation mobility.

Toyota to build a prototype city of the future in Japan! (w/VIDEO)

2020 Toyota Vellfire and Alphard on sale soon and you can book one now

The upgraded 2020 Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire models will be in Toyota showrooms in Malaysia soon and pre-launch orders are now being accepted. UMW Toyota Motor, the importer and distributor of the vehicles from Japan, is pricing the latest premium MPV models from RM383,000 for the Vellfire (one variant) and RM465,000 for the Alphard (two variants).

The latest Alphard and Vellfire have been upgraded with advanced systems being added in two areas – Safety and Connectivity. This is in line with UMWT’s 360-T New Brand Experience Strategy that emphasizes Safe-T and Connectivi-T.

The new or enhanced systems are Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), Parking Support Brake System, 9-inch AVX Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-Ready Connectivity, Front & Rear Digital Video Recorder, Vehicle Telematics System (VTS), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

TSS is a suite of advanced systems that provide driver assistance to avoid accidents or reduce their severity if they occur. These include Pre-collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control – All Speed. The latter is more advanced than normal cruise control systems as it can vary the cruising speed when necessary for safety.

With Parking Support Brake System added in the 2020 models, drivers have the support of an intelligent parking system to detect objects in the surrounding areas of the vehicle during the parking process. Should any object be detected, the brakes will be automatically applied and the engine power cut back so that collisions can be avoided. Even if a collision does occur, the early action of the system can reduce damage.

Besides the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) that enables the driver to view all round the vehicle, the front and rear DVRs constantly record the views ahead and behind. Apart from recording the scenery on a holiday journey, in the event of an incident and dispute, the recordings would be useful evidence for the vehicle owner.

The Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) for the Vellfire and Alphard is a connectivity feature that uses GPS/GSM to track the location of the car at all times. This can aid recovery by the police if the vehicle is stolen. VTS can also monitor and record vehicle speeds and other operating conditions that the vehicle has been subjected to, with data sent by email to a designated user.

No design changes are mentioned to the two models for the new model year but there are 4 exterior colours to choose from – Luxury White Pearl CS GF (only for Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge and Alphard 3.5L); Burning Black CS GF (only for Vellfire 2.5L); and White Pearl C, Graphite Metallic and Black (available for both Alphard and Vellfire).

Toyota Alphard and Vellfire engines — *The Alphard has a 3.5-litre V6 engine while the Vellfire uses a 2.5-litre engine.*

As with all other models imported by UMWT, owners of the Vellfire and Alphard will enjoy a full factory warranty, with availability of genuine replacement parts when required. Aftersales support is also assured with personnel trained to service the models using the necessary special tools and equipment.

Customers can locate the nearest showroom by visiting toyota.com.my or calling the Toyota freephone line 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).

Click here for other news and articles about Toyota at PISTON.MY.

Toyota Vios Challenge racers to compete in Sepang 1000km Endurance Race

Looks like the folks from Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival’s Toyota Vios Challenge are still pumped up with racing passion as they will be taking part in the Sepang 1000km Endurance Race (S1K) this weekend at the glorious Sepang International Circuit. (more…)

UMW Toyota Motor’s Deputy Chairman & Chief Motorsports Officer to race in Sepang 1000-km

Akio Takeyama, the Chief Motorsports Officer of UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), will be among the participants in this weekend’s Sepang 1,000-km race (S1K). Mr. Takeyama, who is also Deputy Chairman of UMWT, will be a member of Team Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia in his maiden endurance race.

Regular in Vios Challenge
Racing is not new to Mr. Takeyama as he has already competed in the Promotional class for two full seasons of the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race as well the third season which is ongoing. He will be using one of the two Toyota Vios racing cars prepared by Wing Hin Motorsports for the team. The cars will compete in the premier MTC class for modified production cars below 1600 cc using TRD race-prepared engines prepared at Wing Hin’s own facility in Balakong, Selangor.

Vios Challenge S1 — Mr. Takeyama in his first season of racing in the Vios Challenge, part of the Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival. It’s clear that the ‘racing bug’ must have bitten him as he has been a regular in the series which is now into its third season.

“Having only raced in the Vios Challenge for two and a half seasons, going into the S1K will be a totally new and exciting experience for me. I look upon it as a challenge and an opportunity for me to push my own boundaries. I also hope to pick up some valuable insights from my team who have a wealth of circuit racing experience,” said Mr. Takeyama.

His team mates will be former Toyota GAZOO Racing development driver Akira Iida and William Ho. The second Vios racing under Team Wing Hin Motorsports banner will feature Boy Wong and Dannies Ng who have also been taking part in the Vios Challenge.

Team GAZOO RACING — *Mr. Takeyama with his Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia team mates, Akira Iida (right) and William Ho (left).*

Le Mans racer in the team
With six Le Mans 24-hour race finishes under his belt, Iida has been instrumental in developing Toyota GAZOO Racing’s competitive edge, particularly in the Japan Super GT series. He was also a key member of the ROOKIE Racing team that developed the Toyota 86 for Toyota Motor Corporation’s President Akio Toyoda and his son Daisuke Toyoda to race in the Super Endurance 24-hour Race in Fuji Speedway earlier this year.

Buoyed by the team’s impressive performance in the 2018 event where a Vios driven by the pairing of Boy Wong and William Ho scored a remarkable podium finish, Wing Hin Motorsports Principal Simon Loh is confident that the cars will be among the front-runners again in this year’s event.

*Wing Hin Motorsports has been active in the local racing scene and in the 2018 S1K, a Vios prepared by the team and driven by the duo of Boy Wong and William Ho scored a remarkable podium finish.*

“With the valuable data collected from last year’s event, the new parts we have secured through our collaboration with TRD and the immense experience of former Toyota GAZOO Racing development driver Akira Iida who will drive for us this year, I believe that we have the package to be competitive once again this year,” said Mr. Loh.

“The S1K is not just about outright pace but working in synergy as a team, getting your strategies in place and running a good pace throughout the event. With good partners such as Toyota, TRD, Moty’s lubricants and Motec behind us, both cars should be in top-running positions barring any on-track incident,” he added.

Race flags off this Saturday
The Sepang 1,000-km race is the highlight of the Malaysian circuit racing calendar each year with a starting grid of some 70 cars based on production models available in Malaysia. The race on the 5.45-km circuit will take over 8 hours to complete with the faster cars expected to clock over 180 laps.

The race will be flagged off with a rolling start around noon this Saturday November 23, with the chequered flag expected to fall at around 9 pm in the evening of the same day.