VCM Archives

Forging Safer Roads – Volvo’s Never-Ending Crusade To Enhance Driver Safety

Vehicle safety is undeniably an essential aspect of modern transportation, encompassing a wide array of measures designed to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries on the road.

From advancements in structural engineering such as crumple zones to the integration of innovative technologies such as collision avoidance systems and airbag deployment mechanisms, proving that the safety of occupants and pedestrians alike remains a paramount concern for automakers, regulatory bodies, and consumers worldwide.

Volvo needs no introduction and has long been heralded as a pioneer and advocate for automotive safety, with a legacy that traces back to the invention of the three-point safety belt by engineer Nils Bohlin in 1959. What set Volvo apart from the rest of the world is not just the creation of this life-saving device, but their decision not to patent it, instead opting to share the technology with other automakers for the greater good.

This altruistic gesture fundamentally changed the landscape of vehicle safety, as the three-point seatbelt became a standard feature in cars worldwide, saving countless lives over the years.

Volvo’s commitment to safety extends beyond technological innovation; it embodies a philosophy deeply rooted in the belief that protecting human lives on the road is not just a responsibility but a moral imperative.

Just like the older “tank” models, modern Volvo cars are equipped with an array of cutting-edge safety features that embody the company’s unwavering commitment to protecting occupants and pedestrians alike.

These include advanced driver assistance systems such as collision avoidance technology, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance. Additionally, Volvo’s models boast robust structural designs engineered to withstand and dissipate impact forces, along with comprehensive airbag systems strategically placed throughout the cabin.

Models such as the C40 Recharge, XC60 and XC90 have all received five-star ratings in the Euro NCAP tests.

Just recently, although Volvo did not have to do it, but did it anyway, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) organised its first-ever Safety Driving Experience as part of its For Life campaign in Sungai Besi, at the country’s iconic first airstrip.

What is the For Life campaign? The Volvo “For Life” campaign was a marketing initiative launched by Volvo Cars to emphasise the brand’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation. Introduced in the early 2000s, the campaign aimed to highlight Volvo’s holistic approach to automotive design, focusing not only on building safe vehicles but also on creating a better future for people and the planet.

The Volvo “For Life” campaign goes beyond emphasising the importance of passive and active safety systems within vehicles; it also delves into the psychological aspect of safety while driving. Recognising that factors like fatigue, distractions, and absent-mindedness can contribute to road incidents, Volvo Cars urges drivers to reconsider their approach to safety.

The Safety Driving Experience focused more on how one should be aware of their surroundings when driving. So, activities during the event included the “brake, swerve, avoid” exercise to build drivers’ confidence in handling unexpected obstacles on the road. As well as training reflexes for challenging situations like sudden lane changing without braking to avoid head-on collisions.

We were given the Volvo XC40 to carry out the braking and swerving exercises. At speeds of 70km/h, a braking point was placed and the end of the stretch which gave us enough time to slam as hard as we could on the brakes, which activated the ABS system, to show us how efficient the system is.

Anti-Braking System, which is what ABS stands for, works by grabbing and releasing the brakes in rapid sequence. Most of us would have felt a pulsating brake pedal during emergency braking, that is just the ABS working. By grabbing and releasing the brakes, this allows the driver to steer the car under heavy braking. A wheel that is locked up cannot be turned, hence why cars without ABS tend to skid when the wheels are locked.

For the swerve exercise, at speeds of 70-80km/h, a cone was placed in the middle of the track without hitting the brakes, and we were asked to swerve without hitting the cone and then hit the brakes. Our cone survived, though some cones did not fare as well.

According to Volvo, the reason some drivers hit the cones was because of the position of their hands on the steering wheel. Most of us like to use the “one-handed” driving position, which is not ideal. The best position is to have both your hands on the wheel at the “9” and “3” positions. This makes it easier for a driver to get a full turn without struggling.

Next off, Volvo showed us some of the neat features that the XC60 Recharge has, such as the Cross-traffic alert with auto brake, Autonomous driving (Lead Car Follow System) and the Surround view camera which gives us a 360° bird’s eye parking view.

Now to the fun part. We were handed the cars mentioned above on a 1.8km-long runway so we did what any car enthusiast would do – we floored it. Reaching speeds of 180km/h, putting 462PS and 709Nm to all four wheels and hitting the brakes at the end. Of course, without a doubt, the cars handled it very well.

We also did a slalom run to test the handling and stability of the XC60 Recharge. We were surprised by how a 2170kg SUV handled those tight turns at high speeds. Volvo also had a little challenge set for us. The fastest time around the slalom course would win a decent-sized display model of the XC90. Sadly, we finished three seconds behind the winning time.

Fun and games aside, these exercises were just a glimpse of what could happen in a real-world situation such as braking when there is a sudden obstacle on the road. Or when the vehicle in front of you hits the emergency brakes or needs to swerve to avoid said obstacle.

With Malaysia’s questionable road conditions and naive drivers out there, we need to do our part and be aware of our surroundings at all times to ensure the safety of ourselves and others. Because as Volvo puts it, “When you feel safe, you can be truly free.”

Specifications: Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

Engine: Two electric motors

Power: 402hp

Torque: 660Nm

Top Speed: 180km/h

0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds

Driving Range: 438km

Price (as tested): RM278,888

Specifications: Volvo XC60 Recharge

Engine: 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder Petrol Engine/Rear electric motor

Power: 455hp

Torque: 709Nm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Top Speed: 180km/h

0-100km/h: 4.8 seconds

Electric-Driving Range: 81km

Price (as tested): RM355,888

2021 Volvo S90 Recharge T8 in showrooms, to be followed by T5 variant in June

The Volvo S90, which traces its roots back to the 960 of the 1990s, has been updated with a new exterior and interior finishing. Assembled at the Volvo plant in Selangor, the flagship sedan is built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform and, for the Malaysian market, uses Volvo’s Drive-E turbocharged/supercharged powertrain.

The 2021 S90 Recharge T8 is currently priced from RM339,315 (without insurance) but will rise to RM358,888 after June 30, 2021, if the sales tax exemption is not extended. Additionally, there will be a T5 variant (priced at RM328,888) which will be available from June 2021 onwards.

The T8 variant is powered by a Twin Engine and has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output of the plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 4-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor is 407 bhp/640 Nm, which is used to power the Electric All-Wheel Drive system with Electric Rear Axle Drive.

Minimalist design updated
Similar to the XC90, the S90 Recharge T8 has Volvo’s design language which blends minimalist design and stylistic cues such as the ‘Thor Hammer’ LED headlight design, vertical chrome grille with the Volvo Iron Mark, and a bold and clean use of the Volvo spreadmark on the rear. The tail lamps have also been changed to a similar design to the recently launched S60 T8 R-Design, adding a touch of sportiness.

The Scandinavian-ness is a key feature of Volvo interiors while connectivity and technology are strong points of the S90 Recharge T8. Vertical air blades are installed on each side of the Sensus user interface which keeps the driver connected with intuitive technology and personalised convenience.

Premium 1400W sound system
For entertainment, there’s an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins sound system with a total of 19 speakers, including the signature Tweeter-on-Top speaker integrated into the design contours of dashboard. This speaker system also employs Bowers and Wilkins’ exclusive Nautilus speaker technology and includes new double-dome aluminium tweeters and the new generation mid-range speaker cones in Continuum composite material.

Combined with the unique feature of different room modes such as the Concert Hall Mode, which is modelled after the exact acoustic qualities of the famous Gothenburg Concert Hall, and also a Jazz Club Mode, the occupants are promised an experience said to be comparable to having seats in a Swedish theatre or a classy jazz club. The system has an output of 1,400W and can be interfaced with compatible smartphones using Apple Carplay or Android Auto.

Intellisafe system with 180 km/h maximum speed
Standard Volvo safety features starting with a chassis made of boron steel for added body strength. This complements Volvo’s Intellisafe system that assists the driver to avoid accidents, or minimise the effects of collisions. Some of the systems – like Blind Spot Information System and City Safety – which are today found in many cars were pioneered by almost Volvo 20 years ago.

Incidentally, those who buy the latest Volvos will be able to travel at no more than 180 km/h, even if the car is capable of a high speed. The carmaker made this decision in 2019 ‘to help close the remaining gap to zero serious injuries and fatalities in traffic’.

Longer warranty with 2021 Volvos sold in Malaysia

Volvo sales in Malaysia last year were the highest since 1999

Volvo, once the leading European brand in the Malaysian market, saw its position change after the 1980s. While the products always delivered on the promise of safety, quality and reliability, a pricing strategy that raised prices didn’t work out well and it took a decade to recover. At the time, a senior Volvo executive acknowledged that the idea that it costs Volvo as much to make a car as Mercedes-Benz or BMW meant it could charge almost the same was not necessarily the case.

Nevertheless, the brand slowly rebuilt itself and with a progressive line of products replacing dated models, it has found a niche on which it can grow. Like all companies, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) was hit by the effects of the pandemic on the economy and recorded a 56.1% decrease in sales compared to the previous year.

However, things rapidly changed in the second half of 2020 as the numbers surged, thanks to the incentive offered by the government in the form of exemption of sales tax. With Volvo models being assembled locally in Selangor, the exemption was 100%, meaning that customers saved on the 10% sales tax normally imposed.

Highest volume since 1999
This allowed pricing to be attractive and along with other companies, VCM saw a boost in sales to finish the year with 1,950 units delivered nationwide. This was a 3.6% increase in volume, surpassing the previous year’s sales figure of 1,883 units and it was also the highest number since the establishment of VCM in 1999.

“We are very proud of what Volvo Car Malaysia has achieved despite this turbulent time and challenges that we faced. Through the collective efforts of our dealers and staff, as well as the opportune timing of the government’s sales tax holiday, we were able to finish a challenging year strongly. For us, seeing the results of our efforts has further recharged our drive to bring more premium, safe and sustainable cars to Malaysians,” said Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia.

High demand for luxury cars
During 2020, VCM recorded its second-highest sales of the year in July, after the tax exemption incentive under the PENJANA program began (it will continue until the end of June 2021). Mr. Nalin said this was an indication that the demand for luxury cars remains high as the car market began to normalise and the country headed towards recovery.

With the renewed interest, VCM reinforced its customer service channels and adopted new digital practices. It introduced a new Online Ordering System for customers to make bookings from their homes or offices, and implemented the Digital Silent Salesman 2.0. This is a platform that digitally displays all necessary details about the cars available in Malaysia.

The new digital practices are part of the company’s push for digital transformation across the entire value chain of its business and reflect its commitment towards its sustainability goals by eliminating printed brochures.

Greenterest Calculator
With sustainability as the forefront of its goals in the coming years, VCM kicked off the ‘Volvo Green Planet’ in the third quarter of 2020. This campaign is aimed at driving awareness about the impact of high carbon footprint, which can be calculated via a Greenterest Calculator. It will bring the conversation to its customers with fully-electric test drives of their cars in a program known as ‘Green Drive’ and dispensing Green Seeds as a token to champion cleaner air.

Recharged 2021 ahead
Based on the past year’s performance, VCM aims to ride on the momentum from 2020, entering 2021 with renewed purpose and recharging all areas of its business. “2021 will be a big year for Volvo Car Malaysia as we look to switch all aspects of our business to incorporate more sustainable solutions and also bring in more products offerings to suit the different needs of Malaysians while helping them make more sustainable choices,” said Mr. Nalin.

When Volvo drove a car off a building for a crash test (w/VIDEO)

Volvo Car’s transformation plan sees network growth in Malaysia

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) is growing its dealer network as quickly as possible and with the appointment of Pekin Auto Sdn Bhd to cover the Johor Bahru area, the number of dealerships now stands at 13 nationwide.

Pekin Auto, located near Skudai, offers the full range of sales and aftersales services as it is a 3S Centre (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts). It will adhere to Volvo Cars’ latest Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) requirement, a standard that delivers a holistic brand experience for customers.

“VRE goes beyond its Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics; it is the manifestation of our brand values and our desire to take care of our customers throughout their whole journey with Volvo Cars,” said Nalin Jain, Managing Director of VCM. The first dealership to incorporate the VRE was the Federal Auto showroom at Menara MBMR in August 2016.

The Volvo Retail Experience focusses on the space and design of the dealership and is designed to reflect Scandinavian-inspired values of calm, clean lines with ‘cool on the outside and warm on the inside’-style architecture.

Transformation plan
Volvo Car Malaysia is now aggressively implementing the next phase of its transformation plan with a premier focus set on ‘customer experience’ and dealer network. Internal polls are already showing positive results, thanks to improvements made in these two key areas.

“I am happy that our brand has been well-received in the market. We are committed in allowing our customers greater choice by appointing qualified and professional companies like Pekin Auto to represent the brand in key areas,” said Mr. Jain, adding that the company’s growth in representation, in turn, has helped record increased sales for the brand of more than 60% in the first half of 2019.

Click here for other news and articles by PISTON.MY about Volvo.

Volvo Car Malaysia Launches New Setia Alam Dealership

Volvo Car Malaysia has opened its newest 3S (Showroom, Service, and Spare Parts) dealership in Setia Alam by its appointed dealer, Motion Beyond, bringing a total of 11 3S dealerships nationwide.

Strategically located between Shah Alam and Klang, Volvo Setia Alam is set to strengthen the brand’s presence within Greater Kuala Lumpur where these matured townships will offer great market potential for the luxury car brand.

As with all new Volvo dealerships, Volvo Setia Alam will adhere to Volvo’s global showroom and service standards called Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) standard – Volvo’s customer-centric and Scandinavian-inspired approach of selling cars. This year, Volvo Car Malaysia intends to secure more locations throughout the country, especially in areas where it is not currently represented.

Volvo Setia Alam showroom opens from 9:00 am till 7:00 pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on Sundays and public holidays. The service centre opens from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and closes on Sundays and public holidays.

Volvo Car Malaysia Appoints New MD, Announces 2018 Sales Figures

VCM or Volvo Car Malaysia, custodians of the Volvo brand in Malaysia, have announced the appointment of Mr Nalin Jain as the new Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia. Mr Jain will continue the responsibilities of the current Managing Director, Mr Lennart Stegland, starting March 1, 2018.

Prior to this undertaking, Mr Jain was the Chief Financial Officer of Volvo Auto India and has over 20 years of experience in the automotive, consulting, and technology fields. Mr Jain holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from State University of New York and an MBA from the Sloan School of Management in MIT. After 40 years of service with Volvo Cars, leading positions in Research and Development, Marketing and Sales, and Managing various National Sales Companies, Mr Stegland (below) will be retiring from the organisation.

On a personal note, Piston.my would like to thank Mr Stegland for his amazing contribution and dedication to the Volvo brand here in Malaysia, his wealth of knowledge, experience and amiable character will be missed here at Piston.my. Nalin has very big shoes to fill indeed. All the best to you Lennart! – Chris Wee.

VOLVO CAR MALAYSIA IN 2018…

Volvo Car Malaysia records strong growth in 2018

Volvo Car Malaysia, the premium car brand, has recorded strong growth in volume, finishing 2018 with a total of 1,384 units delivered, a 35 per cent increase from 2017 (1,021 units) and a 48 per cent increase from 2016 (934 units) – a testament to the transformation plan that was put into motion since the introduction of the XC90 T8 Twin Engine in late 2015.

On exports, the company recorded a total of 1,889 units of V40, XC40, S60, V60, XC60, and XC90 to Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines and Vietnam, thanks to investments made to the plant to accommodate more assembly volume and new platforms such as the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that underpins its new 60s and 90s Range, and the Modular Compact Architecture (MCA) used by the new XC40.

The transformation plan led by the Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Mr Lennart Stegland, is a multi-pronged strategy that involves an overhaul of retail operations, customer touch points, and product offerings in Malaysia. “From a consumer standpoint, the first visible change to our existing retail operations is the implementation of Volvo Retail Experience (VRE), a dealer standard that perfectly complements our new and exciting product line,” said Stegland.

VRE is a comprehensive standard that covers critical aspects of a dealership and aims to bring a more customer-focused experience based on Volvo’s Scandinavian-inspire values: from the look and feel of the showroom to the quality of service rendered to customers.

“Enforcing the VRE standards for our existing dealerships in 2017, sets the correct level of expectations for our prospective dealer-partners in the next phase of the transformation which involves the expansion of our dealership network,” explained Stegland.

The transformation also took customer service experience into consideration and yielded positive results after extensive training and programmes were rolled-out to Service Advisors across the nation. Volvo’s Customer Experience Management (CEM) scores, gathered from a survey of service customers, had doubled from 2017.

Volvo Service Agreement (VSA) was also unveiled in 2018 – this service agreement which includes a comprehensive service package that covers replacement of most wear-and-tear parts (excluding tyres), gives owners the freedom of choosing between a 3 (VSA 3) or 5 (VSA 5) year plans.

“It is common practice within the industry to include the cost of services packages into the sticker price of the car. We are challenging this by being transparent about these costs and letting the customers select a plan that is more suited to their individual preferences,” added Stegland.

Moving forward, Volvo Car Malaysia plans to take its customer experience to the next level by rolling-out a new service concept they call Volvo Personalised Service or VPS in 2019. A new management system to ensure optimum availability of parts called Volvo Managed Inventory (VMI) will also be introduced sometime this year.

In terms of dealership network, Volvo Car Malaysia has grown its nationwide presence to a total of 11 dealerships which includes the recent re-introduction of the brand in Kuching after close to 10 years. The company is aiming to add more dealerships in 2019, especially in locations that is currently not represented by the brand.

2018 also saw the launch of several models from Volvo Car Malaysia, including the XC90 T5, S90 T5, XC60 T8 Twin Engine, XC60 T5, and the new XC40 T5 R-Design. The market response has been positive for most of these models with the XC60 recording the most gains from the total units delivered and the XC40 taking in a strong order book.

On the Financial Services front, Volvo Car Malaysia had also introduced Volvo Car Leasing – a first for Volvo Cars in Southeast Asia – that lets customers enjoy stress-free Volvo ownership, minus the usual financial strain of a hire-purchase agreement. The company is also planning to introduce Volvo Insurance in partnership with AXA Insurance later this year.

Volvo Car Malaysia is projecting a double-digit growth in 2019 with the new XC40 and the opening of more retail locations as the two main drivers.

Volvo Car Malaysia Marks Decade-Long Re-Entry Into Sarawak With New 3S Centre @ Kuching

Volvo Car Malaysia, together with its appointed dealer, Fotroende Automobile, marked a decade-long re-entry into Sarawak with the grand opening of Volvo Kuching – a full-fledged 3S centre (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) prominently located along Jalan Tun Jugah in Kuching. The launch ceremony was officiated by the Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Mr Lennart Stegland who impressed on the importance of Sarawak for the future growth of the brand said “Sarawak’s potential in the premium car market cannot be understated. It is vital that we regain a foothold in Kuching before expanding into other cities within the state. We have worked hard to ensure that the brand is represented by competent and passionate dealer partners that will serve our customers well.”

Like all Volvo dealerships, Volvo Kuching will adhere to the latest showroom and service standards which Volvo terms “Volvo Retail Experience” or VRE – a customer-centric, Scandinavian-inspired experience that is cool on the outside and warm on the inside. “VRE is based on Volvo’s brand philosophy which revolves around people and what’s important to them. I am confident that Fotroende Automobile will deliver the expected level of service to our loyal customers in Kuching,” Stegland adds.

The company’s name (Fotroende Automobile) is derived from the Swedish word “Förtroende” which means “confidence”; something that company’s Principal hopes to build, together with the brand in Kuching. “Demand for the brand is strong, especially with the arrival of exciting new models from Volvo. We are proud that have been chosen by Volvo Car Malaysia to represent the brand here in Kuching,” said David Lai, the Managing Director of Fotroende Automobile.

The Volvo showroom in Kuching opens from 8:30 am till 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, and closes at 4:00 pm on Saturday. The showroom will also be open on Sundays and Public Holidays from 10:00 am till 3:00 pm. For further information about the showroom, please contact 07 4312222 or you can e-mail the Sales Manager, Brandon Linang Anak Albert Juan, at brandon.juan@fotroende.com.my.

Volvo Car Malaysia Introduces All-New XC40 SUV! [+Video]

Stunning. Photos really don’t do this SUV any justice whatsoever folks. First-off, in terms of physical size, the XC40 was built using Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), and this in itself should allude to the fact that the XC40 is not a large SUV. In fact, it’s about the size of a Honda HR-V or BMW X1. Here’s the walk-around video…

Despite its compact exterior dimensions though, the XC40’s CMA build-philosophy seems to have pulled-off that all-so-important “small on the outside, big on the inside” trick quite well. Just from casual observation, it’s clear there’s a lot of room within the cabin, which by the way, is beautifully crafted and put-together.

There’s only one variant on offer, the XC40 T5 R-Design, which is powered by a turbocharged, petrol-driven 2.0-litre Drive-E powertrain that churns out 252bhp and 350Nm of torque, allowing the XC40 to sprint from a standstill to 100kmh in just 6.4 seconds. More sedate driving will see it return a combined fuel-consumption figure of 7.7L/100km. For the full specifications, click this link. (The full press release is below the photo gallery)

Priced at RM255,888 (OTR w/o insurance), the all-new XC40 will be at all VCM’s dealerships starting 6th October 2018. Stay tuned for the full review coming soon!

Introducing the new Volvo XC40
GENTING HIGHLANDS – Volvo Car Malaysia, the premium car maker, will bring a new standard of safety and user experience to the premium small SUV segment with the launch of the 2018 European Car of the Year, the new Volvo XC40. The new XC40 is developed around the challenges of modern city life, aimed at making the daily urban commute less stressful and more enjoyable, as drivers and passengers within this segment can now enjoy Volvo’s award-winning safety, semi-autonomous driving, and infotainment technologies that are well-known with Volvo’s 90s and 60s range.

“The new XC40 builds on our heritage as a human-centric brand that focuses on the well-being of the driver and passengers through the combination of innovative technologies that offers the best in safety standards, driver-assistance technologies, and intuitive design,” said Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.
Built on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), the new XC40 will enjoy a range of ground-breaking technologies that were first introduced in its larger siblings, based on the larger Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).
These technologies include Pilot Assist (semi-autonomous driving), the latest generation of City Safety (autonomous collision mitigation and avoidance, including pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection), Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation, Cross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake, and many more.

“On top of these innovations that we’re introducing into this segment, the new XC40 will also seek to end clutter inside the cabin by carefully designing practical and functional storage areas that was done based on extensive consumer insight,” adds Stegland. During the development phase of the XC40, Volvo Cars’ customer research team spent a considerable time investigating how city dwellers across the globe use their cars, and more importantly, how their belongings are stored within the cabin.

For instance, to provide better storage space in the doors of the new XC40, Volvo designers chose a radical new approach. By moving speakers from the door and developing a world-first, air-ventilated dashboard-mounted sub-woofer, Volvo created enough storage in the door compartment for a laptop and a tablet, or a couple of water bottles.
“The core tenet of Scandinavian design is the perfect balance of aesthetics and function. For example, the tunnel is not only designed to be visually pleasing but the cup holders themselves provide areas for coins, card, charging cables and a usable space for your phone which offers wireless charging as well as USB ports,” said Stegland.

The XC40 also offers slots for credit and service cards that can be neatly inserted into the dashboard, making them readily available when needed. In the tunnel console, under the armrest, there is a large storage area with room for a tissue box. A special, removable bin allows you to discard and quickly get rid of waste. A small fold-away hook has been added to the glove compartment, allowing you to secure small shopping or take-away bags. The driver’s side offers a storage space under the seat, large enough for a mini tablet or other smaller items.

Malaysians will get to enjoy the R-Design as a standard trim level for the XC40 T5 which reflects a more dynamic and premium feel, matching the demands of the local market. “We have acted on the feedback from our customers and the media to explore more vivid exterior colours, on top of having the R-Design trim level as a standard – with this new selection of exterior colours, we hope to offer our customers a greater range of self-expression,” said Stegland.

Customers will have the option to choose between four distinct colours: Bursting Blue, Fusion Red, Cyrstal White and Osmium Grey. In terms of performance, the XC40 T5 R-Design will be equipped with Volvo’s highly-innovative, 2-litre Drive-E powertrain which will output a total of 252 hp (metric) and 350 Nm of torque, returning 7.7 litres for every 100 km travelled (NEDC, combined cycle) and recording an acceleration to 100 km/h of only 6.4 s.

The XC40 T5 R-Design will be priced at RM255,888 (on-the-road, without insurance, inclusive of excise duty and sales tax). The new XC40 will be available for viewing at all authorised Volvo dealers nationwide starting tomorrow.

Volvo Car Malaysia Expands Dealer Network With New Batu Pahat 3S Centre

Volvo Car Malaysia recently launched Volvo Batu Pahat together with its newest dealer, AJ Premium Motors Sdn Bhd. The full-fledged 3S centre (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) will give customers in the Southern Region more options and greater access to the Volvo brand.

Since Volvo Car Malaysia had started its sales and aftersales transformation programme, Volvo’s network has grown from four to now nine dealerships, including this new Volvo Batu Pahat, with more dealerships slated within this year.

“There is growing interest for our models in Malaysia and we are actively setting-up dealerships in strategic areas around Malaysia to better service this need,” said Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Stegland adds that the sales and aftersales transformation programme is not just about expanding Volvo’s dealership network but also to improve the competency level of its current dealerships to better service its growing customer base.

“It is an absolute requirement for all new dealerships to adhere to the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE) standards, consistent with our dealership standards in Europe – it is not just an aesthetical guideline but also dictates the level of service rendered in our dealerships,” said Stegland.

Volvo Batu Pahat is no exception – with a showroom built in adherence to VRE and fully-equipped service centre, it will surely bring great value to Volvo owners and fans in that region. “Our presence in Batu Pahat makes it more convenient for owners from the surrounding areas of Muar, Kluang and Segamat to service their cars or for prospective customers to view new Volvo models,” said Jacky Ong, Managing Director of AJ Premium Motors Sdn Bhd.

True to VRE, the 3S centre will feature a Scandinavian-inspired ‘living room’ where customers can relax in the cosy ambience filled with warm lighting and clean air while being attended by a sales representative or while waiting for the vehicles to be serviced.

The Volvo Showroom in Batu Pahat opens from 9:00 am till 6:00 pm on Monday to Saturday and from 11:00 am till 5:00 pm on Sundays and Public Holidays. For further information about the showroom, contact 07 4312222 or you can e-mail the Branch Manager, Patrick Teo, at patrick@ajpremium.com.

The New 2019 Volvo S60 – Thor’s Hammer Strikes Again! [+Videos]

Does anyone remember the Volvo S60 of the new millennium? If you’re a car freak like me, you should. Debuting in 2000, there was one variant brought in by (then) Federal Auto Cars called the S60 T5 and it looked like this:

Well, unbeknownst to many, this was one of the cars that actually began the widespread use of the term ‘sleeper’ among car enthusiasts because below that unassuming bonnet up front lay a 2.3-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that produced 247bhp and 330Nm of torque. No, really.

Top speed was a governed 250kmh, and 0-100kmh was achieved in 6.8sec. Those figures are impressive even today, so let’s not forget that this was almost 20-years ago!

Carrying on this fine ‘sleeper’ tradition, the new Volvo S60 has made its debut recently in the USA, and it’s a stunner! Here’s what The Car Connection had to say about the new 2019 S60’s powertrains…

“A trio of engines lie under the 2019 S60’s hood, each with its own name: T5, T6, and T8. In the T5, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 cranks out 250 horsepower, which is sent via an 8-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. The T6 adds a supercharger for a total of 316 hp delivered to all four corners. Topping the line is the T8 plug-in hybrid that adds an electric motor for a combined output of 400 horsepower.”

Here’s the product walk-around video…

And from Auto Express UK, here’s the latest regarding the 2019 Volvo S60…

Volvo’s journey to fully-fledged premium car maker is now complete. With its XC SUV models matching or beating anything BMW, Audi or Mercedes can offer, and its S and V 90 models providing stiff competition for the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Merc E-Class, now it’s the turn of an all-new compact executive – the S60.

This model, though, has the toughest task of them all. When it arrives in UK showrooms next year, it’ll line up against an all-new 3 Series, not to mention Mercedes’ revised C-Class, Audi’s A4 and Jaguar’s XE.

Volvo’s President and CEO Håkan Samuelsson calls the S60 “one of the most exciting Volvo cars we’ve ever made” and “a true driver’s car.” Big claims. It’ll be made at an all-new plant in the US in Charleston, South Carolina with a clear leaning to the big and lucrative US and Chinese markets.

2019 Volvo S60 Photo Gallery (photos from Auto Express UK)…