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Sunday, January 31, 2016

2016 BMW G11 7-Series launched in Malaysia, priced from RM699k


In this blog entry, I'm writing about the New Launching of BMW G11 7-series.  Unfortunately, I was not invited to the Grand Launch, let alone given Press Kit.  All is not lost, I dished out an Article from Autobuzz.my, photos from Autocar UK and links to 4 Paultan.org articles.  Enjoy...


Article Source: http://autobuzz.my

Mercedes-Benz, this one is out to get you. The all-new sixth-generation BMW 7-Series unveiled in June 2015 has finally landed in Malaysia, and it’s available in two trims – a 2.0-litre (yes, that wasn’t a typo) 730Li and a 3.0-litre 740Li.

It’s kitted to the brim, complete with BMW’s latest suite of technologies and finest choice of materials. To kick things off, let’s begin with the key fob. Dubbed the BMW Display Key, it’s the world’s first (in the luxury segment) key fob that displays various data such as fuel level, distance to empty, central locking system, windows and glass roof, service prompts, time of day and activate air conditioning/ventilation system within the vehicle – ALL done remotely!



QUICK FACTS
NameBMW 7-Series 730LiBMW 7-Series 740Li
Engine1,998cc; inline-4 cylinder turbo2,988cc; inline-6 cylinder turbo
Transmission
8-speed ZF automatic with Steptronic
Max Power258 hp @ 5,000 – 6,500 rpm326 hp @ 5,500 – 6,500 rpm
Max Torque400 Nm @ 1,550 – 4,400 rpm450 Nm @ 1,380 – 5,000 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed250 km/h; 6.3 seconds250 km/h; 5.6 seconds
PriceRM698,800RM888,800
In putting that aside, the new 7-Series (codename G11) is stretched by 19mm in overall length (now 5,238mm long), effectively making it the largest-series produced car BMW has ever built in its history. The width, height and wheelbase remain largely the same, although the existing chassis has been completely replaced by a new Carbon Core tub, just like the BMW i8. That said, although the 7-Series’ chassis is built almost out of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP; a class-first), the use of aluminium, high-strength steel and magnesium have all been incorporated to give the G11 its core BMW DNA.
EXTERIOR




From the front, both the 730Li and 740Li get full LED headlamps, but the higher-specced limo gets BMW Laser headlights as standard, identifiable by a central blue-tinted horizontal bar. The laser headlights can fire its beam up to 600 metres in high-beam mode, nearly twice the range of modern LED headlights. Another active feature at the front is the kidney grille which can shut and open to either improve aerodynamics or supply cool air when required.
As for the wheels, both variants sit on 19-inch wheels as standard. The only thing different between the two is design, while the front wheels get shod with 245/45 series and the rear, 275/40 series tyres. The rear portion of this brand new limo is a sight to behold, and makes the already handsome fifth-generation model look dated. A long piece of chrome trim runs the length of the car’s rump, further complemented by the LED tail lamps and squared off by the dual exhausts.
INTERIOR
Now, the G11’s interior is nothing short of luxurious, and is home to an array of even more impressive bells and whistles. Features offered as standard on both cars are the high-resolution digital instrument cluster, and in the centre dash rests a 10.25-inch anti-dazzle touchscreen display which can also be operated by the standard iDrive controls. For the first time in a BMW vehicle, there is a 3D infrared camera built into the dashboard which picks up gesture controls. We’re not kidding. By simply waving your hands or twirling your fingers, you can change audio volume or answer and refuse phone calls.
During the entire process of stepping into the car, you can enjoy the class-first Welcome Carpet Light that illuminates the ground so you know you won’t step on gunk that will stain the carpet of your car. It has six different colours, all of which are dimmable and can be operated via the iDrive system. As for the seats themselves (they’re really, really plush), three leather colour options can be selected – Black, Beige and Cognac.
If you’re seated at the back, you’ll have full access to the car’s entertainment system via a huge tablet built to the back of the front-seat head restraint. Controls are operated through an ejectable 7-inch Samsung-made tablet housed within the rear armrest/centre console. There’s a four-zone air conditioning system fitted as standard, with air vents built into the lower side of the B-pillars.
One more thing – the dual-pane panoramic sunroof (retractable also via the controls in the rear bench) called the Sky Lounge comes with LED-based lighting system made of 15,000 lighting elements built into the pano glass itself. So, during the day the cabin will be filled with daylight, and at night you’ll be treated to a fancy lighting system.
PERFORMANCE
Two engines come with the Malaysian 7-Series, one being a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder lump and the other is an inline-six 3.0-litre engine, also turbocharged with BMW TwinPower Technology. The smaller engine isn’t quite shabby though, making 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in a respectable 6.3 seconds.
Opt for the 740Li and a 326 hp/450 Nm straight-sixer will gladly do any chauffeur duties. It shares the same eight-speed automatic gearbox as the 730Li that powers the rear wheels, but here it manages the century sprint in 5.6 seconds. Both variants, if floored, can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The 730Li sips about 5.8 litres of fuel per 100km travelled, and the 740Li covers the same length of tarmac with 6.6 litres of petrol.
SAFETY
On the safety side of things, the 7-Series gets BMW Driving Assistant Plus that comes with steering and directional control assistant, Lane Departure Warning Assistant with active side collision protection (functions by continuously detecting vehicles in neighbouring lanes), rear collision prevention and cross-traffic warning built at the front. The good news is, all these safety systems work at speeds up to 210 km/h.
Just like the F48 X1 and F30 LCI, the G11 7-Series comes with the latest BMW ConnectedDrive with Intelligent Emergency Call that can automatically call for help in the event of an accident. The BMW Call Centre will act as the “personal assistant” on the road, and through Remote Services, you can transform your smartphone into a remote control for the vehicle via BMW’s MY Remote app.
WHAT ELSE?
The BMW G11 7-Series is fully imported and pricing starts from RM699k for the 730Li and RM889kfor the 740Li. But here’s the good news. Because BMW is turning 100 this year, both variants will be offered at a celebratory price at RM100k less, meaning the 730Li will go for RM599k and the 740Li at RM789k (both without insurance). Talk about value, eh?
Five exterior colours are offered as standard, but each variant benefits from its own exclusive colour. The 730Li can be finished in Imperial Blue and the 740Li in Jatoba, a brown shade. Every purchase of the 7-Series comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty package, including BMW’s Free Scheduled Service Program and BMW Tyre Warranty Program.
MORE DETAIL REVIEW @ Paultan.org.

Ford blames market conditions, pulls out of Japan, Indonesia

Ford blames market conditions, pulls out of Japan, Indonesia

ASSOCIATED PRESS

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. is pulling out of Japan and Indonesia, saying that market conditions in each country have made it difficult to grow sales or make sustained profits.

“Japan is the most closed, developed auto economy in the world, with all imported brands accounting for less than 6% of Japan’s annual new car market,” spokesman Neal McCarthy wrote in an email message. The 12-nation Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement in its current form will not improve Ford’s ability to complete there, he said. Congress could vote on the pact this year.

Neither market is large for the Dearborn, Michigan, automaker. Last year Ford sold only 6,100 cars and trucks in Indonesia and only 5,000 in Japan, where it has accused the government of protecting domestic brands.

The company in an emailed statement said that the decision was communicated to employees and dealers today. Ford will exit the countries before the end of the year and plans to explain to customers its commitment to servicing cars, providing parts and making warranty repairs.

McCarthy said auto sales are expected to decline in Japan in the coming years. Analysts have said that’s due to an aging population and declining interest in cars among younger people in urban areas.

In Indonesia, it was difficult for Ford to compete without local manufacturing and vehicles to sell in key market segments, McCarthy said. Ford has restructured its business there but still has less than 1 percent of the market with “no reasonable path to sustained profitability,” he said.

When the trade agreement was being negotiated in 2013, Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of the Americas and a former head of its Asia-Pacific operations, said that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe should be told to open the country’s automobile market.

“We hope the U.S. government will send a clear message that any future trade policy with Japan must ensure a level playing field and not come at the expense of American workers,” Hinrichs said.


Read more at http://www.toledoblade.com/Automotive/2016/01/25/Ford-blames-market-conditions-pulls-out-of-Japan-Indonesia-2.html#vvDBEwjUZ2MxEIBr.99

Ford Delivers Record Sales in ASEAN Region in 2015

BANGKOK, Thailand — Ford Motor Company recently announced its overall retail sales for the ASEAN region in 2015 rose 3.3 percent over the previous year to a record 103,975 units.

Leading Ford’s ASEAN sales was the Ford Ranger, which enjoyed an 8 percent sales increase year-over-year

Ford’s record ASEAN sales were driven by record full-year performances in the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as full-year market share gains in Thailand despite a challenging domestic industry that saw sales decline for the third consecutive year.

"The successful introduction of more global Ford vehicles across ASEAN in 2015 – including the new Ranger pickup and new Everest SUV – helped an even more diverse range of customers connect with the Ford brand,” said Mark Kaufman, president, Ford ASEAN.

“Additionally, we continued to enhance our customer and ownership experience, as well as expand our Ford dealer network in markets across the region,” added Kaufman.

Leading Ford’s ASEAN sales was the segment-defining and Thai-built Ford Ranger. The vehicle was the best-selling pickup truck in Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar for second consecutive year, as well as the second-best seller in the Philippines and Malaysia.

Ranger sales across the ASEAN region increased nearly eight percent over the previous year to an all-time record 54,114 units.

“The new Ranger sets the industry benchmark in the pickup segment with an array of smart technologies, unmatched capability, fuel efficiency, design, and comfort – all without compromising on its rugged, ‘Built Ford Tough’ heritage,” said Kaufman.

Additionally in 2015, Ranger earned a maximum five-star safety rating by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program, including the highest Adult Occupant Protection score of any pickup truck tested.

Ford’s ASEAN performance was also given a boost thanks to continued demand for the popular EcoSport. The compact SUV became Ford’s second best-selling vehicle in the region, delivering overall sales that rose 13 percent year-over-year to 20,518 units.

Exceptional demand for the new Everest – which began launching across ASEAN markets in the third quarter of 2015 – helped drive the overall ASEAN performance with sales rising 98 percent year-over-year to 11,233 units.

The next-generation Everest redefines consumer expectations for a medium SUV, with its stunning off-road capability, on-road comfort, advanced technologies, bold design and refined interior.

As one of the smartest vehicles in its segment, the new Everest features Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system, Curve Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert, Roll Stability Control, Electronic Stability Program and Active Park Assist.

The sporty Fiesta also contributed to the record ASEAN performance with retail sales across the region of 7,634 units.

Market Share Gains, Record Sales

Thailand continued to lead Ford’s overall performance in ASEAN with 36,463 units sold in 2015. Amidst a protracted domestic industry slowdown – causing sales decline for the third consecutive year – Ford continued to outpace the industry and drive its full-year market share up 0.3 percentage points to 4.6 percent.

Ford's Thailand sales were driven by the Ranger pickup which finished the year delivering its best-ever December, increasing sales 24 percent year-over-year to 3,025 units. Ranger full-year sales of 23,846 units helped its segment share increase 0.8 percentage points to 7.3 percent.

In the Philippines, Ford delivered record full-year sales that rose 25 percent to 25,372 units, helping it become the number three-selling automotive brand.

The EcoSport became Ford’s best-selling nameplate in the Philippines with full-year sales up 67 percent to 8,702 units. Ranger was the second best-selling pickup truck overall in the Philippines with sales that increased six percent year-over-year to a record 8,445 units. Everest also delivered all-time record sales in 2015 that climbed 58 percent to 4,945 units.

Ford delivered record full-year sales in Vietnam with total 2015 sales rising 48 percent to 20,740 units. Ranger remained Vietnam’s best-selling pickup truck for the second consecutive year with sales jumping 81 percent to a record 8,685 units.

EcoSport also achieved record Vietnam sales in 2015 with overall sales climbing 145 percent to 3,977 units. Transit remained the best-selling vehicle in Vietnam’s commercial bus and van segment for the second consecutive year with sales jumping 56 percent to 5,600 units.

Ranger remained the second-best selling pickup in Malaysia in 2015 with sales rising almost eight percent to 9,231 units, helping contribute to Ford’s overall full-year sales of 12,130 units in the country.

Ford’s ASEAN performance was also supported by continued growth in emerging markets, led by strong demand for the Ranger.

In Cambodia, Ford finished 2015 with its best-ever full-year performance and sales increasing 41 percent over the previous year to 1,266 units. Ford’s full-year new vehicle sales in Myanmar rose six percent to 679 units.

In Laos, Ford sales increased five percent to 653 units. And in Singapore, Ford saw its sales rise 83 percent from the previous year to 422 units.

“In 2015, we continued to welcome and serve so many new-to-Ford customers across the ASEAN markets,” said Kaufman. “As our customer base expands across the region, our efforts to further enhance our Ford customer and ownership experience will also continue.”

Notably absent from Ford’s spectacular 2015 record is Indonesia. 2015 saw just 6,100 Fords sold in a challenging market which also saw the recent closure of General Motors’ manufacturing facility. According to reports, Ford will be pulling out from Indonesia; this is the bitter bit. A little bit further from ASEAN is Japan, which Ford is also planning an exit. Ford sold 5,000 units there last year.

Perodua 2015 Performance Review – Sales Surpasses 200,000 Units


Article Sourced: Autoworld.com.my by Zachary Ho

Local automaker, Perodua, has achieved another milestone with over 213,300 vehicles sold in 2015 backed by the continued strong demand for its Axia, Myvi and Alza models.
“2015 was a very challenging year for us with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, the weakening Ringgit as well as the slump in oil prices having a big impact to the country’s economy,” Perodua President & CEO, Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.
“Because of these challenges, many consumers have decided to ‘buy down’ to a more affordable alternative such as the Axia, which accounted for 99,700 units or 46.7% of Perodua’s entire sales for 2015,” Aminar added. He further said that Perodua was fortunate as its products and services which include Myvi, Alza and Axia, offer the best value for the money for its customers.
“Based on our estimation of the total industry volume of 667,000 in 2015, we believe that our market share is around 32% and we would like to maintain that level of 32% this year with a sales target of 216,000,” Aminar said. However, it looks like cumulative market share for the 2 local car brands will still be below 50% this year as they face stiff competition from the foreign marques. It may bode well for consumers who have more choices but it will be challenging for local automakers like Perodua to keep up.
Nevertheless, Aminar sees the demand momentum for Perodua models to grow this year, assisted by strong sales and marketing efforts as well as further improving its customer experience through all its sales and service network. As factors such as rising living costs and lower consumer sentiments are expected to be prevalent in 2016, Perodua is still in a good market position due to the affordability of its product range.
Based on Perodua’s internal estimates, the total industry volume for 2016 would grow slightly to 670,000 with new product launches taken into account.
“As a result of the higher sales in 2015, Perodua has also seen the largest production of vehicles in our history with 228,500 produced, an increase of 16.3% from 196,400 produced in 2014,” he said. “We are very thankful for all the support that Malaysians have shown us despite the challenging economic situation and we will strive to serve you better in all of our touch-points,” Aminar added.
With the strengthening US Dollar and Japanese Yen (which Perodua pays its purchase of components in), profit margins continue to be stressed. However, this is partly mitigated by buying forward in anticipation of the strengthening foreign currencies. As a result, Perodua is able to maintain the selling price for now. Its increase in local vendor purchases will also mitigate any foreign exchange risks as well as contribute to lower vendor production costs which in turn will benefit Perodua.
Additionally, with the completion of the new PGMSB manufacturing facility, where the bulk of funds were spent (2013-2015: RM 2.8 billion), Perodua forecasts lower capital expenditures of RM370 million in 2016, likely for maintenance and upgrades.
Aminar also shared with us Perodua’s intention to better its JD Powers Customer Satisfaction Index ranking of 9th spot by improving its sales and after-sales services. Perodua’s after-sales business has broken new records with 1.96 million intakes for 2015, an increase of 2.3% from 1.92 million in 2014. “The increase is mainly due to further upgrading of existing service facilities for the comfort of our customers,” Aminar said. As of December 2015, Perodua has 181 sales and 190 service centres nationwide.
Parts and accessories revenue has also created history with revenue sales of RM 248 million for 2015, a 2% increase over 2014’s RM 244 million. To attract more existing Perodua owners whose cars are out of warranty to return to Perodua for genuine parts, Perodua is planning to introduce special deals and budget options.
As such, they expect a higher intake this year with 2 million vehicles patronising its service centres nationwide, while revenue from parts and accessories is expected to grow by 5% to RM 260.2 million. In a further development, Aminar announced that Perodua is planning a retail outlet for pre-owned Perodua vehicles.
“While we are thankful and happy for the results in 2015, Perodua needs to focus on our next transformation phase in order to be ready for the stiffer competition and market liberalisation,” he added.
With that, Aminar announced a reshuffling of key management staff in an effort to boost efficiency. Some of the notable moves include:
  • Datuk Dr Nik Nazrul Thani as non-executive Chairman of Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd
  • Dr Zahari Husin as Managing Director of Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd
  • Mr Zainal Abidin Ahmad as Vice President of Perodua Auto Corporation Sdn Bhd
  • Datuk Ahmad Suhaimi Hashim as President of Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB)
  • Mr T. Izutani as Vice President of PGMSB
  • Mr Rozunan Che Pa as Director of Manufacturing for Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Perodua Engine Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, 
  • Mr T. Kurinami as Executive Director of Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd
  • Mr Mohd Azman Hj Abdul Rashid as Chief Information Officer of Group Information and Communications Technology, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd
  • Mr Noor Azarul Amir Ishak as General Manager, Service Operations at Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd
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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia posts record vehicle sales in 2015

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia closed 2015 on a strong note with 10,845 vehicles delivered to customers --  a record increase of 56% from 6,932 units a year ago.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia delivered 10,845 units to customers in 2015. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner (left), and vice president, sales and marketing passenger cars, Mark Raine, with the S400 Hybrid.

Driving the strong sales growth were the range of passenger vehicles, from the A-Class to the leading S-Class, it said on Friday

As Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s first locally produced diesel hybrid, the E-Class took the top spot with 3,383 units sold, compared to 2,212 in 2014.

The C-Class recorded a 56% increase to 2,697 units. The flagship S400L Hybrid recorded sales of 1,909 units in 2015, surging 201% froma year ago.

Overall, a total of 7,989 units locally produced limousines were sold.

Overall, Mercedes-Benz Compact vehicles sold a total of 2,811 units. The CLA posted the highest sales with 959 units or a 74% increase from a year ago.

The A-Class and GLA maintained a strong momentum registering 832 units and 816 units respectively.

At the heart of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s success was the Pekan production plant in Pekan and its strong service and dealer network. The Pekan production plant produced over 7,710 Mercedes-Benz cars in a single year. It was also the first and only CKD country to successfully implement a two-shift production which began in April 2015. This was implemented to cater to the significantly increasing production volume of the S- and C-Class vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner said: “2015 produced many milestones for the Mercedes-Benz brand in Malaysia, both on the product and customer service fronts.

“Some of these included the launch of the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars collection and the launch of the Hap Seng Star Kota Kinabalu showroom.

“As we mark our 13th year in Malaysia and the brand’s 130th year as the inventor of the automobile, we are more aligned than ever in pairing a ‘Best or nothing’ model line-up complete with the best ownership experience in the business.”

Friday, January 29, 2016

AD: Hyundai Setia Alam 3S Center are Hiring...

We, Hyundai Advant Speed Motors Sdn Bhd are Hiring FULL TIME Sales Executive.

Role: Sales Executive Promoting and Selling NEW Hyundai Cars in Showroom, Roadshows.
LOCATION: Setia Alam. Earliest job commencement A.S.A.P.
Benefits: 3x Uniform, 2x T-shirt for weekends, EPF, SOCSO, Annual Dinner,
ANNUAL OVERSEA INCENTIVE TRIP and Many more benefits.
Requirements:
- Male or Female
- Prefer Chinese.
- Able to speak English/Bahasa/ Chinese
- No experience required as On the Job training provided
Contact Person:
Please call Branch Manager, Andy Liew: 012-212-5631, for Interview appointment
Job Type: Executive
Category: Sales | Cars/Vehicles-Related
Job Location: Selangor, Setia Alam.
Application Deadline: Ongoing. At least 3 vacancies needed.





Above: Our Logo.
 Next 3 photos below: Our service centre.