IntensIve marketing activities throughout 2016 by Malaysian motor companies failed to put the brakes on the Total Indus-try Volume (TIV) from sliding

below the 600,000 units mark. In the end, last year’s TIV was 580,124 units, 13% less than the 2015 TIV of 666,677 units.

In a press conference held on 19th January 2017, YBhg. Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) presented last year’s local motor industry performance. The TIV decline was mainly attributed to the slowdown of the country’s economy which caused consumers and businesses to give buying new motor vehicles a low priority.

Both passenger vehicle and com-mercial vehicle segments declined by 13% to 514,545 units and 65,579 units respectively. Total production volume also declined. Production of passenger vehicles dropped by 10.7% to 503,691 units and com-mercial vehicles by 18.2% to 41,562 units.

Outlook for 2017 remains chal-lenging. In addition to the uncertain economic situations both domesti-cally and aboard and the stringent approval for new motor vehicle hire purchase loan applications, there will be many new factors that can curtail new vehicle purchases. Hav-ing weighed the challenges and the expected more aggressive and inno-vative marketing strategies of local motor companies, the MAA is fore-casting a marginal increase of TIV by 1.7% to 590,000 units for this year. n

AgAinst difficult global and regional business environment, sales of new passenger and commercial vehicles in the ASEAN region showed a positive 3% growth to 3,164,742 units. Top performers were Singapore (+41%), Vietnam (+29%) and the Philippines (+25%).

Total production volume was just as impressive last year. A 3% growth saw the figures reached 4,020,088 units. The ASEAN countries with the largest vehicle production growth were Vietnam (+38%), the Philippines (+18%) and Indonesia (+7%). (See Page 3 for more details). n

MAA organised the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) General Member-ship/Council Meeting and AAF Technical Committee 1 Meeting (Economic Cooperation) on 4th October 2016 at Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur. These AAF meetings were useful platforms to discuss a number of common issues af-fecting the automotive industry and for networking among the automotive fraternity from all Asean member countries. n

MAA Management Council members showing the MAA 2016 Market Review.

MAA HOSTED AAF COUNCIL MEETING & TC-1 MEETING IN KUALA LUMPUR

YBhg. Datuk Aishah Ahmad, AAF President, and other delegates thumbs-up for the AAF Council Meeting.

ASEAN MARKET SHOWS STRONG RESILIENCE

TRULY A VERY CHALLENGING 2016TIV declined after six consecutive years of growth

YBhg. Datuk Aishah presents last year’s market review.

As always, a large number of media representatives turned up.

Segment YEAR-TO-DATE DECEMBER 2016 2015 Variance UNITS %Total Industry Volume (TIV) 580,124 666,677 (86,553) (13.0) PV (Passenger Vehicles) 514,545 591,275 (76,730) (13.0) PC (Passenger Cars) 389,980 453,730 (63,750) (14.1) WV (Window Vans) 3,869 6,198 (2,329) (37.6) MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) 56,733 71,873 (15,140) (21.1) 4x4/SUV (Four Wheel Drive/Sports Utility Vehicles) 63,963 59,474 4,489 7.5 CV (Commercial Vehicles) 65,579 75,402 (9,823) (13.0) PV (Panel Vans) 3,346 2,630 716 27.2 PU (Pick Ups) 44,687 55,115 (10,428) (18.9) Trucks 15,389 15,438 (49) (0.3) PM (Prime Movers) 1,243 1,474 (231) (15.7) Bus 914 745 169 22.7

MALAYSIA PRODUCTION & SALES STATISTICS FOR JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2016

SALES

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION

YTD DECEMBER-2016 YTD DEC-15 COUNTRY PASSENGER COMMERCIAL TOTAL TOTAL VARIANCE VEHICLES VEHICLES (%)Indonesia 968,101 209,288 1,177,389 1,098,780 7%Malaysia 503,691 41,562 545,253 614,664 (11%)Philippines 45,853 71,015 116,868 98,768 18%Thailand 805,033 1,139,384 1,944,417 1,913,002 2%Vietnam 145,571 90,590 236,161 171,753 38%TOTAL 2,468,249 1,551,839 4,020,088 3,896,967 3%

YTD DECEMBER-2016 YTD DEC-15 COUNTRY PASSENGER COMMERCIAL TIV TIV VARIANCE VEHICLES VEHICLES (%)Brunei 12,814 434 13,248 14,406 (8%)Indonesia 861,329 200,406 1,061,735 1,013,291 5%Malaysia 514,545 65,579 580,124 666,677 (13%)Philippines 133,188 226,384 359,572 288,609 25%Singapore 93,490 16,965 110,455 78,609 41%Thailand 328,053 440,735 768,788 799,632 (4%)Vietnam 158,097 112,723 270,820 209,267 29%TOTAL 2,101,516 1,063,226 3,164,742 3,070,491 3%

ASEAN PRODUCTION & SALES STATISTICS FOR JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2016

For further information on ASEAN Automotive Federation, logon to: http://asean-autofed.com/index.html.

Segment YEAR-TO-DATE DECEMBER 2016 2015 Variance UNITS %Total Industry Production (TIP) 545,253 614,664 (69,411) (11.3) PV (Passenger Vehicles) 503,691 563,883 (60,192) (10.7) PC (Passenger Cars) 378,157 441,828 (63,671) (14.4) WV (Window Vans) 5,016 5,559 (543) (9.8) MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) 48,032 62,874 (14,842) (23.6) 4x4/SUV (Four Wheel Drive/Sports Utility Vehicles) 72,486 53,622 18,864 35.2 CV (Commercial Vehicles) 41,562 50,781 (9,219) (18.2) PV (Panel Vans) 1,497 1,521 (24) (1.6) PU (Pick Ups) 24,487 33,444 (8,957) (26.8) Trucks 14,234 14,559 (325) (2.2) PM (Prime Movers) 591 740 (149) (20.1) Bus 753 517 236 45.6

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd an-nounced on 22nd December 2016 the appointment of Mr. Ravindran Kurusamy as the new President of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. ef-fective 1st January 2017. He takes over from YBhg. Datuk Ismet Suki whose term has ended after 26 years of association with the com-pany.

Announcing the appointment, YBhg. Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, Group Chairman of UMW Hold-ings Berhad and Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor, said: “Mr. Ravindran has been with the com-pany for 26 years and in that time, he has taken on positions in differ-ent divisions. This has given him valuable insights into the com-pany’s operations as well as its relationship with our joint-venture partner, Toyota Motor Corpora-tion. I am therefore confident that he has the knowledge and capa-bilities to lead UMW Toyota Motor ahead in coming years.”

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Ravindran was Executive Director in charge of Aftersales, Purchas-ing, Quality Assurance and Prop-erty. He holds a BSc in Business Administration with a major in Finance and gained his MBA from the US in 1988.

Paying tribute to the contribu-tions made by his predecessor, Mr. Ravindran said: “I am honoured

MitsUbishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has appointed Mr. To-moyuki Shinnishi as Chief Execu-tive Officer (CEO) of the company effective 28th October 2016.

“With Mr. Shinnishi’s strong automotive experience, passion and commitment towards Mit-subishi Motors, we believe he will continue to drive the Mitsubishi Motors brand forward in Malay-sia,” said YBhg. Tan Sri Marzuki bin Mohd Noor, Chairman of the Board for MMM.

Mr. Shinnishi joined Mitsubi-shi Corporation (MC), Tokyo in 1997 and has held a wide range of leadership positions in the company. From 2001 to 2008, he worked in PT. Krama Yudha Tiga

Belian Motors (KTB), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Indonesia, as the advi-sor of Production and Engineering before taking over the position of the Unit Head of Sales and Mar-keting. From 2008 onwards, he was the Manager of Motor Vehi-cle ASEAN and South West Asia Department in MC. In 2012, Mr. Shinnishi moved to Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) in Tokyo where he was the Manag-er of Russia & Alliance Office in charge of the Sales and Market-ing for Mitsubishi Motors Russian market.

Mr. Shinnishi’s pre successor, Mr. Yang Won-Chul is back in MC, Tokyo. n

VolksWagen Passenger Cars Malay-sia (VPCM) announced the appointment of Mr. Erik Winter as its new Managing Director, with effect from 8th December 2016. He replaces outgoing Managing Director Mr. Alin Tapalaga who has re-turned to Europe due to health reasons and will oversee the Company’s Brand and Human Resource operations.

Mr. Winter joins Mr. Florian Steiner, Managing Director of VPCM for After-sales, Information Technology and Fi-nance.

No stranger to the automotive retail scene, Mr. Winter brings with him the ex-perience and expertise gar-nered from 16 years serving under Porsche Holding Salzburg’s (PHS) numerous busi-ness units around the globe. He was previously based in China where he was responsible for the retail operations of one of the brands represent-ed by PHS.

Together with Mr. Steiner, Mr. Winter will focus on VPCM’s strat-egy on increasing its market share, strength-ening the Volkswagen dealer network, and enhanc-ing its aftersales service. n

hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (HMSM) announced on 15th December 2016, the upgrading of Hino Total Support Customer Centre (HTSCC) in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan.

HMSM is to invest more than RM8 million in the project that focuses on customer development on safety driv-ing skills and knowledge. Hino aims to revamp HTSCC professional driver’s training curriculum with exclusive fa-cilities to further to improve the phi-losophy of Hino Total Support. Choices of curriculums segments focus on safety, defensive driving training, fuel saving driving and driver’s familiarisa-tion training.

HMSM aims to reach 6,500 training capacity in the near future. On top of that, to widen customer’s knowledge, HTSCC will expand the HINO gallery which displays information on HINO history, technological revolutions and product advancement. HINO also plans to open the Malaysian training centre for the use by local government and public agencies. n

Mercedes-benz Malaysia’s corporate public relations programme, Going Be-yond Boundaries, received the Bronze in the Corporate Branding Award category at the Malaysia PR Awards 2015/16 held on 21st October 2016 organised by the Public Relations Consultants’ Association of Ma-laysia (PRCA Malaysia).

“We recognise the value of public relations. This campaign was part of our strategy to raise awareness about Mer-cedes-Benz Malaysia’s commitment to the Malaysian market and leadership in the premium segment, be it through products or customer experience excellence. The campaign has certainly proven successful, and this award is an added bonus. It is even more meaningful as Mercedes-Benz celebrates 130! Years of Innovation this year. I congratulate the team, and thank them for their dedication and enthusi-asm,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Presi-dent and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner in ap-plauding the team on the achievement. n

PerodUa Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB), the manufacturing arm under the Perodua group, rolled-out its 250,000th vehicle on 5th December 2016 since it began operations in August 2014. Of the 250,000 units produced, 85% were the Axia (since August 2014) and 15% were the Bezza (since June 2016).

“This is a historical accomplishment for the entire group; the PGMSB team has work hard to ensure that our customers’ orders are met in an acceptable time-frame,” Perodua President and Chief Ex-ecutive Officer, YBhg. Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

PGMSB has 2,150 employees and a production capacity of 200,000 units per annum on two shift-cycle. n

HINO’S FIRST TOTAL SUPPORT CUSTOMER CENTRE OUTSIDE JAPAN

MBM WINS PR AWARD

NEW VOLKSWAGEN PASSENGER CAR MALAYSIA MD

PERODUA GLOBAL PRODUCES 250,000 VEHICLES SINCE AUGUST 2014

NEW MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA CEO

NEW UMW TOYOTA MOTOR PRESIDENT

to have been appointed as Presi-dent of UMW Toyota Motor and I would also like to record my grati-tude to YBhg. Datuk Ismet Suki for having brought the company to the level it is at today.”

In his new role as President, Mr. Ravindran aims to take the company further and to continue the momentum of growth even though times are challenging for the automotive industry. “It is my objective to maximise Toyota’s overall performance in the Malay-sian market and ensure that the brand remains a major player in the country’s automotive sector.” n

Ms Marie sjodin Enstrom, Managing Director of scania sEA hands over a mock key to the third premium range scania Marcopolo coach to Mr. Kee Kim Yong, Managing Director of siang Malam Travel & Express sdn. Bhd. on 7th December 2016. Mr. Kee is the first scania Marcopolo buyer in Malaysia and good feedback from his customers and staff had prompted him to buy another two. n

PROTON Holdings Berhad received three awards at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Award 2016 for its cars. The Awards presentation was in conjunction with the Stop the Crash ASEAN 2016 event held at Sepang International Circuit from 29th to 30th November 2016 and also ASEAN NCAP’s 5th Anniversary.The awards were:1. The Most Affordable 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Car in Malaysia

– Proton Iriz;2. The Most Affordable 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Car in Thailand

– Proton Prevé; and3. The Rising Star Award – the new Proton Saga. n

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. (UMWT), on 29th November 2016, received a total of six Grand Prix awards from the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) for the best results in Crashworthiness Performance.

The six models offered by UMWT in Malaysia which received the awards for best Child Occupant Protection (COP) were the Toyota Rush, Hilux and the all-new Innova while Sienta scored the best points for the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP). The latest Innova was the second MPV model from Toyota tested by ASEAN NCAP and achieved the highest compliance for COP to date in the MPV category. With Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and 7 airbags available for the top range model, it qualified for the maximum 5-star rating for AOP.

The Sienta received the highest score for AOP in the MPV category to date. With Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) available coupled with the excellent performance in the frontal collision and side impact crash tests, the Sienta was also awarded 5 star rating for its top variant.

UMWT also received Special Award Safety Technology for Toyota Blind Spot Monitor system available in the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Subsequently, the Rising Star Recognition Award was also given to the Corolla Altis for expanding its safety features (VSC + 7 Airbags) as standard in all variants and countries. n

On 22nd November 2016, the finals of the Extra Mile Challenge 2016, the UD Trucks’ global competition for UD Quester drivers took place at the UD Experience Cen-tre at the UD Trucks headquarters in Ageo, Japan. Four regional champions from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Africa competed. The Malaysia team won the overall champion title and the “Best Pre-Check Inspec-tion” award.

The competition focused on three key elements - pre-inspection, fuel efficiency & safety, and driveability, to im-prove driving skills and reduce both costs and downtime.

“It is an honour to have won this award at the finals in Japan. This is a milestone in my career as a driver. I have been driving Quester over one year already which made me feel confident when I was driving the Quester truck during the competition,” said En. Yuzairi Bin Ibra-him, the winning driver from ASAC LOGISTICS Sdn. Bhd. Mr. Tan Seong Teik Tan, the Managing Director of ASAC LOGISTICS, continued that… “this event is a great oppor-tunity not only for the participating driver but also for our company to spread this achievement and motivate other drivers in our company back in Alor Setar, Kedah.” n

Mr. Nicholas Ling of Rustcare sdn. Bhd., the exclusive distributor for the Ironman 4x4 accessories, announced that its products are available from 18th October 2016 at selected Tan Chong Ekspres Auto servis sdn Bhd (TCEAs), offering existing Navara customers the ease to enhance the safety, performance and lifestyle of their 4X4 vehicle. Customers can send in their 4X4 vehicle for suspension upgrades at 38 TCEAs service centres, while the upgrade services for the Ironman “Challenger Pack” and other accessories can be completed at 12 selected TCEAs service centres. n

NAzA Corporation Holdings on 10th October 2016 rewarded the four Malaysian athletes who won gold and bronze medals at the Rio Paralympics 2016. The gold medallists each received a unit of residential suite at Trion 888, Equine Park and a Kia sportage. The bronze medallist received a Kia Rio sedan. Three coaches were also rewarded. En. sM Nasarudin sM Nasimuddin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Naza Corporation Holdings said the total of the rewards was almost RM1.5 million. n

PerOdua organised a “Perodua Fun Walk 2016” - a 3km walk around its mas-sive 500-acre compound for 1,000 of its staff and business partners in support of the National Sports Day on 8th October 2016.

“This is the second year Perodua is participating in this programme as we firmly believe that having a healthy and active lifestyle would improve all activities – both in our personal and professional lives,” Perodua President & CEO, YBhg. Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

IN a show of support as part of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia commitment to preserve the diversity of natural habitats for future generations, 44 volunteers from MBM and 10 sWM Environment employees joined the road trip down to Pantai saujana Port Dickson to help clean the beach on 3rd December 2016. A total of 100kg waste was collected by the groups. n

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (MBM) gave 57 children from Angels Children’s Home, Rumah Sayangan and Pertubuhan Rahoma Darul Fakir Ma-laysia something more meaningful through its an-nual ‘Christmas In A Shoebox’ initiative - the gift of time.

Led by MBM President and CEO Dr Claus Weidner as Santa Claus, this year’s ‘Christmas In A Shoebox’ initiative was hosted at Funtopia, SS15

FROM 9th till 21st December 2016, Ford and Sime Darby Auto Connexion donated RM5.00 to a charity home for every test drive taken in a Ford vehicle at participating showrooms.

“As an organisation within the community, we are honoured to be extending our support to those in need around the community that we live and work,” said En. Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion. n

FORD and Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) continued its Ford’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme by hosting workshops on 28th December 2016 for students in the Northern Region of Malaysia at the Han Chiang College, Penang.

“Ford is passionate about raising public awareness on road safety and we are proud to continue this very practical programme here in Malaysia to help raise awareness of safe driving and driver safety,” said En. Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.

In Asia, Ford DSFL is now in its ninth successful year of training licensed drivers of all ages. In addition to Malaysia, DSFL training is provided in China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. n

LAsT year’s Toyota Classic collected RM380,000.00 and it was given to UiTM Faculty of Music for a research project and Youth Trust Foundation for beneficial grants. The presentation was by Mr. Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor and YBhg. Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“Since the inception, Toyota Classics has supported 63 charitable and non-governmental organisations nationwide amounting to almost RM8 million. We are glad to see how our contributions have made a difference to the lives of the people in the organisations we have supported,” said YBhg. Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor. n

SIX ASEAN NCAP AWARDS FOR UMWT

PROTON BAGS THREE AWARDS

THIRD SCANIA MARCOPOLO COACH

FORD AND SDAC HELD THIRD ANNUAL WORLD CUP CHALLENGEFOrd together with its local distribution partner Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) organised on 24th Novem-ber 2016 the third annual World Cup Challenge, a skills competition that recognises and rewards sales consultants for their knowledge and skills in providing world-class customer service.

“The World Cup Challenge reflects Ford’s investment in developing the skills of our people through intensive trainings as well as provides a platform for our sales con-sultants to sharpen their skills and knowledge in deliv-ering world class experience to our customers,” said Mr. Bagus Susanto, Managing Director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.

This year’s World Cup Challenge saw the top 15 sales consultants across Malaysia – winners of the regional challenge from the Northern, Southern, Central, East Coast and East Malaysia regions – compete for a chance to take home cash prizes. nResults were:

Winner Ms. Ezyanti Bt. A. Razak Capital Inter trade

1st Runner-up Mr. Kevin Nicholas Rajagopal SDAC Juru

2nd Runner-up Mr. Kenny Siew Kok Wai SDAC Petaling Jaya

IRONMAN AVAILABLE AT SELECTED TCEAS

MALAYSIA TEAM WINS FIRST PRIZE AT UD TRUCKS’ EXTRA MILE CHALLENGE 2016

FORD AND SDAC CHARITY TEST DRIVE

FORD DSFL IN PENANG

TOYOTA CLASSICS ENGAGING YOUTH WITH CONTRIBUTIONS

The Perodua Fun Walk 2016 was also part of Per-odua Safety Month Campaign 2016, where the compa-ny emphasised the importance of both quality, health and safety among all its 11,000 employees. n

NAZA REWARDS MEDAL-WINNING PARALYMPIC ATHLETES

MERCEDES-BENZ MALAYSIA HOSTS ANNUAL ‘CHRISTMAS IN A SHOEBOX’

Courtyard, Subang Jaya on 16th December 2016. It also marked the eighth year the initiative has been run-ning and has reached over 250 children from over 20 homes. n

PERODUA “FUN WALK”

ECO-SATURDAY WITH THE MBM ECO WARRIORS!

ISUZU D-MAX Date: 25th October 2016Prices (OTR w/o Ins.):D-Max 2.5L Std. – RM83,000.00Mu-X 3.0L Z Prestige – RM128,000.00

ISUZU MU-X TYPES SDate: 7th November 2016Prices (OTR): – RM181,841.00

PROTON IRIZ LTD. EDITIONDate: 10th November 2016Prices (OTR): 1.3 Std. CVT – RM44,450.001.3 Executive CVT – RM49,130.00

HYUNDAI GRAND STAREX ROYALE DELUXEDate: 24th November 2016Price (OTR w/o Ins.): – RM168,888.00

PROTON ERTIGADate: 24th November 2016Prices (OTR):Executive MT – RM58,800.00Executive AT – RM61,800.00Executive Plus – RM64,8000.00

JAGUAR F-PACEDate: 30th November 2016Prices (OTR w/o Rd. Tax, Reg. and Ins.):Prestige – RM598,800.00R-Sport – RM658,800.00

TOYOTA INNOVA Date: 5th December 2016 Prices (OTR):2.0E MT – RM109,000.002.0E AT – RM117,000.002.0G AT – RM126,000.00

VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE DUNEDate: 7th December 2016Price (OTR w/o Reg. and Ins.): – RM179,990.00

MASERATI GHIBLI Date: 8th December 2016Prices (OTR w/o Ins.):Ghibli – RM618,800.00Ghibli S – RM708,800.00

TOYOTA COROLLA ALTISDate: 10th December 2016Prices (OTR): 1.8E – RM120,900.001.8G – RM123,900.002.0V – RM138,900.00

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Date: 16th December 2016Price (OTR w/o Ins.):1.8TSI Trendline – RM159,990.001.8TSI Comfortline – RM179,990.002.0TSI Highline – RM198,990.00

HINO BUSDate: 22nd December 2016Prices: POARN8JSNARK8JSKARM1ESKU

NEWLY LAUNCHED

(Note: Prices are valid for W.Malaysia, private registration and subject to change without notice.)

HONDA@TERENGGANUOfficial Opening: 5th October 2016Status: 3S CentreOperated By: Syarikat Tan Eng Ann Sdn. Bhd.Investment Cost: RM 18 Million

KIA@BUTTERWORTHOfficial Opening: 26th November 2016Status: 3S CentreOperated By: Kia Butterworth Sdn. Bhd.Investment Cost: RM1.5 Million

VOLKSWAGEN@SG. BESIOfficial Opening: 12th October 2016Status: 4S CentreOperated By: Volkswagen Wearnes

JAGUAR LAND ROVER@PENANGOfficial Opening: 4th December 2016Status: ShowroomOperated By: SISMA Auto (Utara) Sdn. Bhd.

VOLKSWAGEN@KOTA KINABALUDate: 3th November 2016Status: Service CentreOperated By: Kota Bumi Sdn. Bhd.

MERCEDES-BENZ@BATU PAHATOfficial Opening: 12th December 2016Status: 4S CentreOperated By: BR Jaya Sdn. Bhd.

TOYOTA@JOHOR BARUOfficial Opening: 23rd November 2016Status: ShowroomOperated By: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd.Investment Cost: RM15 Million

KIA@BAYAN LEPASOfficial Opening: 16th December 2016Status: 3S CentreOperated By: GEM Utara Sdn. Bhd.Investment Cost: RM1.2 Million

NEWLY OPENED NEWLY OPENED

2016-2017 MAA Council Members

Printed by Sylog Print Systems Sdn. Bhd. (166439-T), 19&20, Blk. C, Lot 757, Jln. Subang 3, Persiaran Subang, 47610 Subang, Selangor D.E. (No. KDN Lesen: 047507)

Meetings/events participated by MAAOct-164-Oct Asean Automotive Federation Council Meeting & AAF

TC 1 Meeting, Kuala Lumpur 5 - 6 Oct 17th AMEICC WG-AI Meeting, Kuala Lumpur7-Oct Meeting with Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD)11-Oct Dialogue with JPJ

Nov-1616 - 17 Nov DOE workshop on self-regulation and on-line application21-Nov MyNSC meeting23-Nov Meeting with MIROS on eCall initiative30-Nov Meeting with MAI on 1MCARS scheme

Dec-168-Dec Meeting with MOF on special refund

One of country’s most established companies, Penang-based Sin-Pen Travel Sdn Bhd, has se-lected Scania for the next phase of its business expansion into the premium segment of travel and tours.

The first set of Scania assets it will acquire will be the purchase of two single deck 31-seat-ers that are built on the Scania K360IB4x2 chas-sis with 360 bhp Euro 3, 6-cylinder engines and fully automated Opticruise gearbox.

“We chose Scania coaches as we find that they offer the best in terms of passenger comfort, safety technology and fuel economy which are very important factors as our service covers the whole of Peninsular Malaysia, South Thailand and Singapore,” said Sin-Pen Executive Director Mr. Goh Eng Boon during the launch of its Pre-mium Class Coach and online booking service in Penang on 5th December 2016.

“We have been in the business for over 30 years and we have decided that it is the right time to offer a new premium class coach experi-ence for our passengers with a ride that is com-fortable and safe, yet fuel efficient for the best profitability,” said Mr. Goh.

The all-new BR-V, Honda Malaysia’s brand new full 7-seater Crossover prototype, made a surprise preview on 10th November 2016 at the Malaysia Autoshow 2016. It was unveiled by YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry together with Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Katsuto Hayashi.

The BR-V is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC 120PS engine claimed to be the highest engine output in its segment.

The Crossover has a spacious 223-litre boot space with all seats up, claimed to be the larg-est in its segment. The space increases to 539 litres when the third row seats are folded. The second row seats adjusts with an easy One Touch Tilt & Tumble in a 60:40 configuration while the

The Toyota Eco Youth Challenge drew to a close on 29th September 2016 with students from 14 participating schools involved in solid waste management which was the theme for last year’s challenge. At the event where Pn. Roslina Mohd Roslin, Principal Assistant Director from the Ministry of Education was also present, Mr. Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toy-ota Motor said, “Making environmentally-sound decisions in our everyday lives are the only way we can stop further decline to the planet. Realis-ing this and recognising how the business op-erations are impacting the environment, Toyota Motor Corporation developed its global Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 to tackle six key environmental issues - reduction of carbon emis-sions in new vehicles, life cycle and plant sites; optimising water usage; and establishing socie-ties that practice recycling and an earth-friendly culture.”

SIN-PEN SHIFTS INTO PREMIUM SEGMENT WITH SCANIA

YAB Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang, witnesses the signing of the MoU.

“We are very happy that an established com-pany like Sin-Pen has placed its trust in Scania’s sustainable transport solutions to take the com-pany towards the best profitability and towards enhancing the lives of passengers of this coun-try,” said Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia, Ms Marie Sjödin Enström. n

HONDA BR-V PREVIEW

Thumbs-up by YB Dato’ Seri Mustapa (left) and other VIPs after the BR-V was unveiled.

third row seats comes in a 50:50 split configu-ration and full tumble. Leather seats and rear air-conditioning are also special features in the BR-V. n

“We have applied environmental best practices in our daily business operations to lessen the im-pact towards the environment. Among others re-cycling of hybrid and normal batteries, solid waste management through segregation of scheduled waste and reducing the CO2 emission. Our manu-facturing facility is also equipped with alternative energy source with the installation of solar panel system to reduce electrical consumption,” sup-ported YBhg. Datuk Ismet Suki, President of UMW Toyota Motor in his speech.

The Toyota Eco Youth is one of UMWT’s CSR activities and is a community-level project involv-

ing multiple stakeholders including the local coun-cils, governmental agencies, community leaders, local residents and private companies. To date, the programme has impacted over 1,500 students and teachers from 209 schools.

For last year’s programme, the champion school took home RM10,000.00 of prize money while the second and third place winners won RM7,000.00 and RM5,000.00 respectively. In addition, the win-ners for best presentation, best exhibition and best blog site also received RM1,000.00 each. A token of RM500.00 each was also given out to two of the most supportive teachers during the programme. n

TEY CLOSING All cheers as the TEY 2016 winners receive their respective prizes.

naza Kia Malaysia previewed the new Kia Grand Carnival at the Malaysia Autoshow 2016 from 10th to 13th November.

“Improved driving dynamics and power and the incorporation of modern styling cues, premium materials and technology are just some of what customers can expect from the new Kia Grand Carnival. First introduced in 1999, it was one of the cornerstones of the Kia brand and boasts a strong heritage. The new Kia Grand Carnival is coming back strong and will be an excellent choice for those who are in search of premium class, large space and safe-ty all in one superb vehicle. We are looking to launch this premium MPV in early 2017,” said YBhg. Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.

The new Kia Grand Carnival’s compre-hensive safety features and elegant style have helped garner some impressive accolades like the NHTSA Overall 5-Star Crash Safety Rating, Autobytel Minivan of the Year title, IIHS Top Safety Pick, J.D. Power Automotive Perfor-mance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award in the mini-van segment and 2016 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle award in the mini-van segment.

Under the hood is an R 2.2 CRDi VGT Turbo diesel engine which produces 193 PS of power and 440 Nm of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. n

YB Dato’ Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade & Industry gets a feel of the new Kia Grand Carnival accompanied by YBhg. Dato’ Samson.

NEW KIA GRAND CARNIVAL PREVIEW