SDAC Roadshow at The Curve + Ecoboost launch

On Sunday 3 July 2011, I dropped by SDAC (Sime Darby Auto Connexions) Roadshow @ The Curve. Apparently, they were there since Wednesday (it's their final day when I was there)...  There were 5 Fords, 1 Alfa and 1 Land Rover Discovery 4 on display.  Among the Fords were:


1) Ford S-Max Ecoboost

2) Ford Fiesta XTR Sapphire Limited Edition.

3) Ford Focus TDCI Sedan.  This baby is my Favourite car now.  5.8l/100km only.  Now RM7000 cash rebate or 0% interest for 3 years.  Also, 3 years / 60000km free service on top of also 3 years 100,000km warranty.  I hope to buy this car USED in 3 years time. 

4) Ford Fiesta Sedan

5) Ford Escape 2.3 XLT

Here's the "NON-FORD" Cars...


1) Alfa 159

2) Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6 HSE

The Highlights were NOT only the Launch of  S-Max ECOBOOST and XTR Sapphire Limited Edition but there's a 3D Ford Focus WRC Racing Simulator (below) as well...

In a Nutshell, FORD is CREATING AWARENESS or making its PRESENCE FELT in Malaysia. 

The problem is, Ford still hiring IGNORANT and RUDE Staff.  NO ONE entertains me for a good 40 mins before an Ignorant Malay guy came to me and ARGUE with me.  SALES RULE #1: NEVER ARGUE WITH CUSTOMERS!!!

Whatever you do, avoid this "New" showroom.  "Capital Intertrade Sdn.Bhd", especially this salesman "BORHAN HJ MAHMOOD".  He not only didn't apologize but it took another Malay salesman to cover his A$s and apologize.  "Sorry, he is new".

Here's our conversation:

BHM (Borhan Haji Mahmood): Sir, this is the new Fiesta Sedan now comes with Voice Navigation and Bluetooth...
Me: Heard it now comes with 7 airbags as well.
BHM:  No lah!  Only 1 airbag. The 7 airbags is the Fiesta XTR Limited over there...
Me: I read in on PAULTAN.ORG, the Sedan now has 7 Airbags besides the Bluetooth Voice Navigation Upgrade.  Price also increased by RM3000.
BHM (getting nervous):  Who is Paultan?  And Who are you?  You from FORD?
Me: Are you new?  I'm just a Car Enthusiasts.  Walau, own product also don't know?  So Ignorant!
BHM: Walked away,  faced turned black entertaining other "clients".
Salesman 2 (RAJA AZMAN) stepped in:  Encik, Sorry ar, dia budak baru (he's new). tak tau dia salah!

Raja Azman from same "Capital Intertrade Sdn.Bhd." also not confident.  Unclear which bank offer the 0% interest rate for 3 years.  Didn't tell me you can get RM7000 cash rebate if you don't want the interest rate offer from Ambank.  Also, Can't tell me whether there's other Ford Focus TDCI promotions and waitlist if I choose Silver. 

SADLY, NO Salesman No 3.  I was left in the lurch.  WORSE, Another Sales Exec from Ford STOPPED me from taking one of their MODEL Photos citing "GIVE HER PRIVACY" as Excuse.  Again, Unapologetic.  I remember his face but not his name. 

Ford if you want to be successful in Malaysia make sure you hire "PROFESSIONAL or EXPERIENCED" Sales person like this Land Rover Sales Exec which I met 5 mins later.  Man, what a breath of fresh air!   His name is James Liew.  He's a friendly, patience, experienced and sincere sales exec.  I will give you his contact after the photo gallery...

BAD NEWS Aside, I took 120+ photos and there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words... Here are the pictures.

 

PICTURES ABOVE: FORD FOCUS TDCI...  Below onwards: Alfa 159.  RM195,888OTR.

END OF ALFA ROMEO PHOTOS...  NEXT FEW PHOTOS: Land Rover Discovery 4. TDV6 3.0HSE.  RM423,888OTR.

 Above: AMAZING, A Full sized adult can fit in with decent headroom and bearable legroom.

Note: Some photos was vertical before I upload into Blogger but turned out "Horizontal" when uploaded.  Anyone can help?

Next few photos: Ford S-Max:

NOTE: PRICE Estimated in the region of RM175,000 to RM185,000.  Not fixed yet at time of writing.

Above: Ford Fiesta Sedan.  Now with 7 airbags, better quality trim (slightly) and Bluetooth Voice Control. ALL these for RM3000 extra.

 Again, Rotated and resized on MSPAINT.  When Upload, still horizontal.  Anyone can help?

As promised, Land Rover AutoConnexion recommended Sales Exec.  James Liaw, Sales Advisor.  012-212-0115.  For all your LAND ROVER NEEDS...  Showroom: 19 Jalan 13/2, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor D.E.  

Very disappointed with Ford Unprofessional Sales Executives...  But there's light at the end of tunnel.  Ford PJ (Along Federal Highway), there's a good Sales Exec By name of Kenny, unfortunately I lost his card.  He's kind enough to let me test drive the Ford Focus TDCI Sedan.  As for my post Re. Ford Focus TDCI Hatchback back in March 2010, "The only Chinese" sales exec in SDAC Ford Jalan Ipoh, Mr. K H Teh Resigned. 

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An Original Jeff Lim's Production.

Happy 235th Independence day America!!!

Happy 235th anniversary Independence Day America!!!  Enjoy your holidays. 

 Wishing ALL AMERICANS All the Best and Successful in all your endeavors!!! 

From,
Jeff Lim
EDITOR and OWNER
OTOREVIEW

Test drive: Nissan Teana 2.0L CVT

 Test drive: Nissan Teana 2.0L CVT


Two weeks ago, I had the privilege to Test Drive the Nissan Teana 2.0L.  This baby costs around RM141,800 OTR.  Well it's not me buying this car, it's my LADY BOSS.  The Sales Exec provides "DOOR TO DOOR" service to my lady boss by driving all the way from Tan Chong Jalan Ipoh to my office in Petaling Jaya.  I must say this is "TOP NOTCH" commended service.

At the end, after the test drive, my Lady Boss booked a new TEANA 2.0L CVT.  Delivery today Afternoon.

DRIVE:

The car has great ride and handling with minimal bodyroll and glides over potholes.  Very balanced suspension...  Not too hard, not too soft.  Being a CVT, gearchange was undetected and smooth though the engine struggles a bit when going uphill.  Note that this Teana uses the same engine (MR20DE)/CVT gearbox combination as the Sylphy.

INTERIOR:

VERY CLASSY and SPACIOUS.  Boot's HUGE with trunk thru' feature.  Head and legroom's excellent.  Though elbow-room's limited due to this car being the narrowest of the class.  This baby has Dual Zone Climate Control + rear aircond vents.  Being the base model, Leather and Multi-function steering wheel was omitted.  For that, you have to opt for the 2.5 V6 CVT.  However, the Fabric material's of High quality.

I can't comment further as it's just a short 8km drive...  

Well, there's a saying a picture's worth 1000 words.  Here's some photos:

 That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  If you've purchased this car, do give feedback / E-mail me your ownership experience and recommended Salesperson/showroom.

Longtermer #2, Vol 22: Month 36: Honda Civic FD2 2.0IVTEC

Longtermer #2, Vol 22: Month 36: Honda Civic FD2 2.0IVTEC

In this blog entry, I'm updating my Family's ride.  The Honda Civic 2.0IVTEC FD2.  This is the 36st month we owned the Civic.  What's up from February 1 to June 30?  Let's see:

My dad drove the Civic HARD.  Every month at LEAST 2 trips to Genting Highlands and few trips to Cyberjaya and KLIA.  He also went to Penang Once, IPOH twice with the Civic FD2.  He's based in Vietnam, but he drove out the car WHOLE DAY whenever he's back.  Where he goes other than the above was a mystery to me.

In May, this Civic was borrowed to use as a wedding car for my sister's friend Amy and Siong Liet.  Here are some photos:

I sent to Honda Service TWICE since my last update.  Once for 45,000km service and another for 50122km service.  Among the things serviced were Fuel filter, Air-cond filter, Air cond service, Fixed the broken centre console (@50,000km).  Wiper blades BOSCH 26/24 (bought at Jusco for RM26.25 after "discount"), and alignment/balancing I did outside.  My dad also changed 2 more Michelin PS3 in May 2011.  This round he bought at RM475 per tyre from the same shop, Hin Leong (last year he bought RM420 only).

Late May: I got stuck in a jam from Wisma Genting heading towards my house in Section 17, PJ.  Sort of a Record: 1hr 50 mins.  The irony is it's mere 15km ride...


Without further ado, let's proceed to LOGBOOK.
Year of manufactured: 2008 (Delivery Date 28 July 2008)
Current Value: RM98,000
Purchase price: RM126,000 (less NCB)
Mileage when bought: 0008km
Mileage last last update: 41,380 (30 October)

Mileage last month: (31 May 2011)

Mileage today (30 June) 53243km
Mileage 31 Jan: (Last update) 44,035km
Mileage 1 Feb  to 30 Jun:9165km

Average mileage monthly: 1468km (last update)
Average mileage monthly: 1520km (as at June 30).

FUEL CONSUMPTION (Feb 1 to June 30):

Best: 15.35km/L (RM0.13/km) 100% highway, Petronas RON95.
WORST: 7.9km/L (RM0.23/km) (Shell RON95) 100% City driving driven by ME. (December 09 2010)

LAST 6 months:

Best: 15.35km/l (90% highway driving) (20 August)
Worst: 7.9km/l (80% City driving, 20% HARD DRIVING) (April 2010)

Well, there's a saying "a picture is worth 1000 words". Here's goes:

 "Spotted this NSX while servicing my Honda @ Sumber Auto Edaran.  A rare species.  One of my dream car.

That's all folks, thanks for having the time and patience to read this blog entry.  An Original Jeff Lim's Production.  Ie. My Original work.

(Trouble uploading some photos will update soon)

Extra Photos uploaded 2 July 2011

Preview: Mondeo and S-MAX ECOBOOST

KUALA LUMPUR: Local Ford vehicle distributor Sime Darby AutoConneXion Sdn Bhd has unveiled two Ford new models featuring the Detroit car maker’s powerful and yet fuel efficient EcoBoost 2.0-litre engine - the updated Mondeo sedan and S-Max multi-purpose vehicle.

The Mondeo will be launched next month followed by the seven-seater S-Max in August.

Both vehicles to be sold in the luxury Titanium trim grade, are fully imported from Europe and will be equipped with the six-speed dual clutch Powershift transmission for smooth gear shifting.

The Mondeo is estimated to be priced between RM180,000 and RM185,000, and the S-Max from RM185,000 to RM188,000.

The Mondeo gets features such as adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, B-pillar mounted rear air conditioner vents, keyless entry and go, USB support, Bluetooth and Voice Command, cruise control and 17-inch wheels.

It also has Ford Convers+, a 256-colour screen in the instrument panel which displays radio, CD, MP3 player or Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone information.

Safety features include seven airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, hill launch control and traction control.

Powered by a 203bhp and 300Nm 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine that features direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing technologies, the Mondeo can sprint from 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds.

EcoBoost powertrain promises up to 20% more power and fuel economy with up to 15% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a normal engine of similar capacity.

The S-Max meanwhile, promises spacious interior for family vehicle in a stylish package featuring Ford’s current “kinetic” styling.

S-Max.

Its Fold Flat Seating system which offers 285 litres with all seats folded up and up to 1,171 litres available in “five-seat” mode, greatly enhances the S-Max’s ability to people and luggage together.

Utilising the same EcoBoost powertrain with the Mondeo, the S-Max can sprint from 0-100kph in 8.5 seconds to a top speed of 221kph.

Key features include adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, Ford Convers+, B-pillar mounted rear air conditioner vents, keyless entry and go, USB support, Bluetooth and Voice Command, cruise control and 17-inch wheels.

Safety equipment include nine airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme, hill launch control and traction control.

Ford Export Operations Asia Pacific regional manager David Westerman said: “The new Mondeo’s smart design gives it a premium feel, and Malaysian customers will appreciate the class, style and comfort that this outstanding vehicle delivers.”

He also said the S-Max’s sleek new look combines first-class enhancements and functionality for a maximum fun-to-drive experience in comfort and style.

The Mondeo and S-Max come with a five-star Euro NCAP crash rating.

The Star: News

Monday, June 27, 2011 8:39 AM

Demand for luxury cars remains strong

(Click title for source)

By EUGENE MAHALINGAM

PETALING JAYA: Demand for luxury vehicles in May continued to rise despite a decline in total industry volume (TIV) that month.

Sales of Volkswagen vehicles rose the most last month, jumping 325% to 455 units from 107 units a year earlier, according to data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

For the five-month period ended May, sales of Volkswagen cars surged 341% to 2,057 units from 466 units a year earlier.

Within the luxury segment, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles was the highest in May at 541 units, which was a 19% increase from 455 units a year earlier.

During the period under review, Mercedes-Benz vehicle sales increased 13% to 2,278 units from 2,023 units in the previous corresponding period.

Sales of BMW vehicles meanwhile increased 38% to 443 units from 322 units a year earlier, while the German marque's five-month sales rose 30% to 2,029 units from 1,564 units in the previous corresponding period.

MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said consumer sentiment for luxury cars was still strong, and that TIV, especially luxury makes, had been affected by the earthquake that hit Japan in March.

“The economy is still strong. Most of the luxury cars are from Europe and not affected by the Japanese tsunami. The demand (for luxury cars) is still there,” she said in a StarBiz report.

An analyst from a local bank-backed brokerage concurred.

“If not for the production disruption, TIV would not be affected and total vehicle sales in all segments would be registering good growth and not just the luxury segment.”

Total vehicle sales fell 9.5% in May to 46,045 units from 50,883 a year earlier due to a shortfall in production for the month of April.

This was a result of insufficient supply to cater to deliveries stemming from the impact of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March.

The drop in sales marked the biggest decline of the year since February when local vehicle sales fell to 40,387 units from 40,654 in January.

However, for the five-month period ended May, cumulative sales were still higher at 255,413 units from 247,110 in the previous corresponding period

Total vehicle production in May fell 20% to 38,909 units from 48,845 a year earlier.

Production for the five-month period fell 4.5% to 230,676 units from 241,658 in the previous corresponding period.

Analysts and industry observers are already revising downwards their TIV outlook for the year, in light of the disruption in vehicle production as a result of the Japanese disaster.

Earlier this year, MAA had forecast that TIV for 2011 would hit an all-time high of 618,000 units.

Total vehicle sales in Malaysia grew 13% to hit an all-time high of 605,156 units last year, surpassing the previous record of 552,316 units achieved in 2005.
 

Public response to new Myvi overwhelming, says Perodua

Bernama: Monday, June 27, 2011 

AYER KEROH: Perodua says the public response to its new Myvi has been "overwhelming", with 12,000 bookings received.

"As of June 24, we have received bookings for about 12,000 MyVi units and we expect, by end-July, for about 2,000-3,000 new Myvi cars to be on road," said Perodua managing director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

He said the company was maintaining its sales target at 195,000 units and the new MyVi would account for 50 per cent of that sales.

On another matter, Aminar said Perodua will open its first sales, service and spare-parts (3S) centre in Malacca next year.

He said the company was finalising a land agreement with the state to locate the centre in Ayer Keroh.

"Previously, the state offered us a piece of land at Autocity, Malacca, but since the place is still new, we don't think it suits our interest.

"Therefore, we are selecting a place somewhere nearby "Taman Buaya", Ayer Keroh, as a major hypermarket is expected to be built here. We believe it can attract a crowd," he told a media briefing on the sidelines of the "Perodua Eco-Challenge 2011", here on Saturday.

He, however, declined to reveal the cost of the 3S centre expected to start operations by the end of next year.

To date, Perodua operates 16 3S centres nationwide.

 -Bernama 

Ministry to meet car industry reps on HP Act

The Star: Friday, June 24, 2011

SOURCE: 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry will be meeting financial institutions and used car industry representatives to discuss issues on vehicle sales, resulting from the recently amended Hire-Purchase Act 1967.

Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he had instructed the ministry's legal and enforcement departments to do so.

Ismail

Regarding complaints of a slowdown in car sales since the amended Act took effect on June 15, Ismail said, “We will need to look at the causes of the problem.”

He reiterated that the Act was amended to protect the interests of consumers.

“Of course, with the amended Act, the documentation process (by financial institutions and vehicle dealerships) is more troublesome and takes more time,” Ismail said yesterday after officiating at a function concerning the Government's Tukar (transform) initiative, aimed at helping traditional sundry shops stay competitive.

To recap, car marque franchise holders and dealers contacted by StarBiz recently said they were worried about the possibility of trickling cashflow, a rise in booking cancellations and longer lead-time for completion of sales resulting from the amended Act.

Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said on Wednesday that the amended Act had definitely impacted car sales and there were “teething” problems in the vehicle retail trade.

The Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia and Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia have urged the Government to defer and review the amendments to the Act.

The Star Business, Wednesday, June 22, 2011


SOURCE:

Wednesday June 22, 2011

Car sales impacted by amended Hire-Purchase Act

By THOMAS HUONG and EUGENE MAHALINGAM
starbiz@thestar.com.my 

PETALING JAYA: Worried about the possibility of trickling cashflow, a rise in booking cancellations and longer leadtime for completion of sales, many stakeholders in the automotive sector say the recent amendments to the Hire-Purchase Act 1967 (HPA) will hurt the car retail trade. Already, there are complaints of a slowdown in sales.

While some car marque franchise holders and dealers said they were supportive of the amendments, which aim to protect vehicle buyers from losing their booking fees and deposits paid to unscrupulous sales advisors and car dealers, among other benefits, many automotive stakeholders have described the amended Act as “confusing” and “troublesome.”

One car dealership's general manager said the situation was “unbelievable” and the amended Act overly protected consumers to the detriment of car retailers.

The Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia (PEDA) and Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia have urged the Government to defer and review the amendments to the Act.

Ready to roll: A new car undergoing inspection before rolling out. The recent amendments to the Hire-Purchase Act may result in car buyers placing ‘phantom bookings.’

 

PEDA president Armin Baniaz Pahamin claimed that Proton car sales had dropped by 50% since last week. Another car dealership's general manager claimed that the sales of a Japanese car marque had also dipped significantly.

“Normally, the Japanese principal allocates between 150 and 200 cars to its dealers each week. In the last few days, the allocation dropped to only 10 cars. This is because until we have firm orders (meaning booking fees), we will not order the cars from the principal,” he claimed.
Under the amendments, effective June 15, all used vehicles for sale will undergo Puspakom's 18-point inspection to ensure their roadworthiness.

Another issue of contention was the 1% maximum booking fee (based on the total selling price) mandated by the amended Act, which requires car sellers to refund customers 90% of the booking fee if the deal falls through.

Armin pointed out that unlike in the past, presently car sellers or dealers could not accept booking fees before the car buyer was served with a Second Schedule notice.

“The Second Schedule notice can only be completed and served, in practise, usually after the hire purchase loan application is approved.,” he said yesterday. The remaining 9% downpayment on the car can only be paid when the hire purchase agreement has been prepared, with details such as the car's chassis number included.

This means the hire purchase agreement can only be prepared after the actual car unit has been allocated to the dealership.

“Now, with the amended Act, a car buyer can place phantom bookings' at several different car dealerships without paying booking fees. This will result in a waste of loan application resources and inefficiencies for banks and car dealers,” said Armin.

He said car buyers would have to pay more visits to car dealers or banks to sign documents.
With the amended Act, car dealers would face cashflow problems as they would lack the booking fees and downpayments as working capital to pay for the cars ordered from their principals.

Armin claimed that the Government did not consult stakeholders before implementing the amended Act.
Meanwhile, car dealers and marque franchise holders have expressed unhappiness over the issue and said the car buying process now involved more paperwork.

“We are studying the implications on our current vehicle-promotion packages,” said an industry source.
One car dealership manager in Alor Setar said the amended Act made it tough for dealers to offer “zero downpayment” or “full loan” packages.

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said while the company supported the amended Act, automakers that sold cars in high volumes might see sales impacted.
“We may not be able to efficiently register the vehicles on time for our customers, especially during the month-end rush.

“This is due to the longer process flow that requires detailed paperwork between the banks, Perodua and our customers.”

RELATED ARTICLE:

http://star-motoring.com/News/2011/Amended-Act-expected-to-hurt-car-sales.aspx