The Road Transport Department (JPJ) yesterday issued an official statement announcing that all road users must renew their permits, licenses, and road tax by the 30th of September 2021.
It was also said that there will be no more extensions to the grace period given due to the ongoing Movement Control Order (MCO).
CDL, GDL, PSV
The licenses that need to be renewed include:
Driving Licences (CDL)
Road Tax
Goods Driving Licence (GDL)
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) license
According to the statement, vehicle owners whose road taxes have expired have to ensure they have valid insurance coverage and can produce their e-cover note upon request by authorities when on the road.
In case you’re wondering where and how you can renew your license, it can be done online via JPJ’s MySikap app or MyEG portal.
JPJ Counter
However, if you wish to head to JPJ counter for whatever reason, you must make an appointment first before dropping by the counter.
JPJ also said that Pos Malaysia, in which the renewal can also be done, is expected to start handling JPJ transactions at all 650 of its branches nationwide from the 9th of August 2021.
Operasi October
Checks on compliance and enforcement by JPJ enforcers will start from Oct 1 onwards.
In the statement that was published in their official Facebook page, JPJ said that they will make sure stocks and supplies of licences and road tax documents are sufficient both at the counter and at Pos Malaysia counters in anticipation of a surge in renewals later.
According to a report published by The Star today, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had previously announced that exemptions would be given to those with expired driving licences to operate vehicles during the movement control order as long as they had valid vehicular insurance
For holders of the GDL and PSV licences, renewal services are permitted under the essential services law during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report also said that Sabah MCA appealed to the Federal government to speed up the opening of more counters at JPJ offices as many motorists may not be able to renew their various licences by Sept 30.
Proton today launched the new 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona, offering updated design elements plus enhanced features. Prices are as mentioned below:
What is new?
On the exterior, both the new Iriz and new Persona get redesigned bumpers as well as the Ethereal Bow grille with Proton’s Infinite Weave design element.
While the Proton Iriz now features a new profile, the 2022 Proton Persona comes with additional chrome to better frame the new Proton logo.
New exterior colours for the 2022 Proton Iriz include Citric Orange and Passion Red, while the Persona now adds Space Grey to the list.
Both models also feature LED headlamps that support auto on/off and follow me home functions. The design is complemented by new 16-inch alloy wheels, a black roof finish and new finishing on the rear combination lamps.
Proton Iriz Active
The introduction of the Active variant takes the Proton Iriz down a more stylish and sportier pathway.
The exterior of the car sports a different front bumper design with new distinctive all-round body mouldings that run from the front bumper, across the wheel arches, and side sills before ending at the rear bumper.
A black roof with roof rails completes the look.
The interior ambience is lifted further by red highlights – Active embroidery on the front seats, door trims and carpet mats, as well as red stitching on the steering wheel and red seat belts.
It also comes with aluminium sport pedals that add a subtle sporting touch.
New 8-inch floating display (both models)
The most noticeable change to the interior of the 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona is the introduction of a new 8-inch floating infotainment head unit with voice command functions that have been updated to control the air-conditioning and driver’s window.
Housed at the top of the instrument panel for easy access, the new head unit is matched with repositioned air vents while new controls for the air-conditioning now come with a digital display and a N95 Cabin Filter fitted as standard.
New centre console
Functionality is also enhanced by the new centre console that provides an armrest as well as improved storage space.
The top of the line 2022 Proton Persona Premium meanwhile gets its seats and door trims covered in brown leatherette (in the same shade that debuted on the Proton X70) to compliment the new interior design and helping to raise the level of luxury.
With a total of six USB ports – three at the front, two at the rear and one behind the rear-view mirror, to power a dash cam, both the 2022 Proton Iriz and Persona have ample power outlets to suit the demands of a digital lifestyle.
Standard features
The Persona also offers 510-litres of boot space that can be expanded by folding the rear seats.
Additionally, both also offer a reverse camera and parking sensors to provide visual and audible parking assistance while an ECO mode switch encourages more efficient driving resulting in better fuel consumption.
With regards to safety, both models have received the 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and come with a comprehensive list of safety features such as reinforced body structure using Hot Press Formed (HPF) steel, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Hold Assist (HHA).
GoCar has launched GoCar Garage – a new digital one-stop car service and maintenance solution available via the GoCar mobile app.
GoCar Garage aims to address an unmet need in the market for a seamless and transparent aftersales offering with trusted OEM-level ambience and service excellence.
Mobility as a service
The new solution is the latest offering adding on to the company’s focus to provide “mobility-as-a-service” solutions that disrupt the status quo using technology.
Ideal for digitally savvy and upwardly mobile Malaysians who are constantly on the go, the new GoCar Garage platform delivers an end-to-end solution where customers can easily select required services, confirm and pay for their service appointments and even arrange for pick-up and drop-off, anytime and from anywhere.
Transparent
Most importantly, GoCar Garage provides transparent pricing structures that customers can review and pre-approve via the GoCar app before any job is confirmed.
This feature ensures there are no additional surprise costs, a frequent occurrence with after-market/third-party car workshops.
Benefits
In addition to convenience and transparent pricing, customers can also enjoy several other benefits including:
Free car wash and sanitisation
Free 31-point vehicle inspection
Ease of booking (via the GoCar mobile app)
Door-to-door delivery service via GoValet (within 50km radius of the GoCar Hub) at a minimal fee, which will be waived for the month of August, in conjunction with the launch of GoCar Garage
Six-month warranty for replacement parts
Free two-hour usage of GoCar sharing on the day your car is being serviced[1]
Currently available at the GoCar Hub, which is strategically located along Jalan Kemajuan, Petaling Jaya, GoCar Garage’s well-equipped service centre and skilled technicians are proficient at servicing any brand and model of passenger vehicles, offering more peace-of-mind for customers.
Services
GoCar Garage’s array of services include:
Pit stop service – 45-minute oil change (excluding car wash and sanitisation). Customers have a choice of three types of engine oils – fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral. Only premium Elf-branded engine oils are used. This service is inclusive of the oil filter and drain washer. Starting price from only RM98
Battery inspection & replacement
Tyre services including free alignment and balancing for the purchase of two tyres or more
Air conditioning repair & maintenance
Brake repair & maintenance
Engine cooling system & replacement
Electrical diagnostics
Body & paint repairs
Customers who are considering servicing their vehicle at GoCar Garage only need to download the GoCar mobile app and follow three simple steps to enjoy a complete end-to-end experience.
First, to book an appointment, they will be asked to submit some identification information about themselves and their vehicle and select the required services from the full menu.
The app
They will then be notified via the app on the cost breakdown for the services selected and the proposed appointment schedule. Only after they have given their confirmation and approval will GoCar Garage proceed with the job.
Once servicing is completed, they will receive a notification that the job is done and they can proceed to make payment via the app. A downloadable official invoice will also be provided.
Payment options available include credit or debit cards, online banking or GoPocket points. Customers can then choose to collect their vehicle from the GoCar Hub or arrange for drop-off at their preferred location using the GoValet service.
Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has introduced the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, a state-of-the-art 911 with design elements influenced by the ‘50s and ‘60s.
This top-of-the-range 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition in Malaysia starts from RM 1,677,409 with SST exemption.
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur
Its historical exterior and interior design elements have been reinterpreted and combined with the latest technology from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.
The Heritage Design Edition is based on the new 992 generation 911 Targa and is equipped with the latest technology for chassis, assistance systems and infotainment.
Performance
It is powered by a 450 PS biturbo boxer engine which, in combination with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, accelerates the 911 Targa (with Launch Control) from 0-100 km/h in less than 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 304 km/h.
In addition to the arrival of the new 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, Porsche Centre Johor Bahru will be the first Classic Partner Centre in Malaysia and is scheduled for launch at the end of this year.
Cherry Metallic
The Cherry Metallic exterior colour exclusive to the 911 series takes up the style of the 50s in a modern interpretation.
Alternatively, two solid colours (Black and Guards Red), a metallic colour (GT Silver Metallic) and a special colour (Crayon) are also available for the special model.
Porsche also offers selected individual colours on request for customers wanting to design the exterior of their car for maximum individuality.
Spears motorsports graphic
One striking design feature is the “Spears” motorsport graphic on the front wings: high-quality white livery elements in the shape of a spear.
There are also motorsport graphics with a historical design on the sides of this special model, conveying a high level of recognition of the 911 Speedster Heritage Design package of 2019. The sporty look can be supplemented by race numbers from 0 to 99 on request.
Gold-coloured lettering at the rear and on the Targa bar, as well as the historic Porsche crest on the wheel hub cover and the bonnet, complete the overall picture.
21-inch wheels
The 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition has 911 Carrera Exclusive Design wheels in Black high-gloss (or, optionally, in Platinum satin gloss) in the 20 or 21-inch format and black-painted brake calipers with the classic look.
Other design features include the Porsche Heritage badge on the luggage compartment grille and silver sports tailpipes.
Inside, customers can choose two-tone leather upholstery in Black and Atacama Beige. Corduroy, a fabric already used in the Porsche 356, makes a comeback and brings the fashion style of the 50s back to life.
Corduroy interior
This soft ribbed fabric is used on the centre panels of the seats and in the door panels. The overall look of the interior is rounded off with perforated Alcantara in Atacama Beige on the headlining and the A and B pillars.
The modern instrument cluster with two high-resolution seven-inch displays creates historical bonds in many ways: the analogue rev counter has a classic pointer. When the engine is started, the colour of the hands and digits changes from white to green.
Inspired by Porsche 356
And the equally green scale lines are derived from the Porsche 356. The clock from the standard Sport Chrono package on top of the instrument panel also has green digits.
Heritage Design package
Along with the introduction of the 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, selected interior elements will be available for all current 911 models.
The Pure Heritage Design package includes:
Two-tone leather upholstery in Black/OLEA club leather in Bordeaux Red and Atacama Beige
Seat centre panels and door panels in corduroy
Instrument cluster in Heritage Design
Heritage Design Sport Chrono clock
Historical Porsche crest embossed on the headrests
“Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur” logo embossed on the cover of the stowage compartment
Seatbelts in Atacama Beige (in combination with the interior Black/Atacama Beige leather)
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, is offering a two-year free service package to new owners of selected Ranger models.
The two-year free service deal is applicable for Ranger WildTrak and XLT Plus models of year 2021 only and is available now on a first come, first served basis.
Enhanced customer service
The company also recently enhanced its customer service offering with the introduction of the Ford Ranger Specialists to deliver a more personalised and seamless sales experience.
“We’re constantly evolving to find ways to deliver more value-add to customers. The two-year free service offer aims to provide peace of mind for customers, especially in these challenging times,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
“Additionally, virtual consultations with a Ford Ranger Specialist not only ensures customer safety amidst the ongoing pandemic, it also raises the level of personalised experience and convenience that customers are looking for,” he added.
Ranger WildTrak
The Ranger WildTrak offers an extensive array of smart safety technologies including first in-class features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning and Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking, all of which are first in-class features to a pickup truck.
Under the hood, the WildTrak is equipped with the 2.0L Bi-Turbo engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission to deliver a whopping 213PS of power and 500Nm of torque.
Ranger XLT Plus
The Ford Ranger XLT Plus features the 2.0L Single-Turbo engine that delivers 180PS of power and 420Nm of torque. Equipped with convenient features such as keyless entry with push-start-button and the Easy Lift Tailgate, it is ideally suited for work and outdoor adventures.
As with all Ranger models, the WildTrak and XLT Plus are backed by Ford’s new five-year manufacturer’s warranty or 160,000km (whichever comes first).
Customers can now connect with a Ford Ranger Specialist to request for a personalised one-on-one virtual sales consultation, without having to step into a showroom.
WhatsApp
All they need to do is send a WhatsApp message to +6019 204 1200 and they will be contacted by a Ford Ranger Specialist within one business day.
Ford Ranger Specialists are dedicated product experts who are trained to familiarise new and existing customers on vehicle features and user benefits so they can live the Ranger life to the fullest and get the most out of their Rangers to suit their lifestyles.
Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH) has recently launched its first ever TC COVID-19 Vaccination Programme for its employees nationwide, enjoining the national efforts in making the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) a success.
With the increasing daily number of administered COVID-19 vaccine doses nationwide, the Group has initiated engagements under various vaccination programmes including the Public-Private Partnership COVID-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (PIKAS), a vaccination programme by MITI for employees in the manufacturing sector.
70% and counting
To-date, 70 percent of all Tan Chong employees nationwide have had the vaccine (either 1 or 2 doses) and also confirmed appointments, thus TC COVID-19 Vaccination Programme will ensure the rest of its employees and family members to be vaccinated as an important step towards achieving COVID-19 herd immunity and national economic recovery.
This programme will be rolled out beginning August 2021 via local clinics or at Tan Chong’s premises.
“In our shared fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our colleagues, customers and surrounding communities remain our top priority. The Group has been regularly communicating the importance to maintain and observe health and safety protocols to avoid any resurgence of the virus.”
100% vaccination rate by September
“With this vaccination programme, we hope to achieve a fully vaccinated workforce by the end of September and hence protecting them so that they can return to work safely when permitted,” said Mr Daniel Ho, Group Chief Executive Officer of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad.
The continuous efforts are to complement the new immunisation target set by the government, for all adults in Malaysia to be fully vaccinated by October 2021. Despite the challenges, the Group remains committed to building resilience and overcoming adversity in collaboration with our stakeholders.
TCMH Group’s current principal activities are assembly and distribution of motor vehicles and commercial vehicles, provision of after-sales services and spare parts, education, trading, property investments and motor related financial services such as hire purchase financing, insurance agency and leasing – both locally and abroad.
TCMH and its businesses
TCMH is the exclusive distributor of Nissan and Renault passenger vehicles as well as buses and trucks under the UD Trucks brand in Malaysia.
The Group operates an extensive network of sales branches and authorised dealership outlets nationwide; supported by more than 70 after-sales service centres.
TCMH is also the exclusive distributor of Nissan vehicles in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Our presence in Vietnam includes both passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
TCMH currently operates two automotive assembly plants in Malaysia (Segambut and Serendah) and two automotive assembly plants in Vietnam (Danang) and Myanmar (Bago).
Honda Malaysia has collaborated with Honda Malaysia Suppliers Club (HMSC) to extend support to Malaysians in need during this challenging time by helping the local communities in Melaka who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Company and HMSC contributed close to RM40,000 worth of essential goods to six identified charity homes in Melaka to help alleviate the burden brought about by the pandemic and total lockdown as well as to uplift their spirit through this gesture.
The homes
The six identified charity homes are:
Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Dan Warga Emas Alor Gajah
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Warga Emas Dan Anak Yatim Victory
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Harapan
Persatuan Kebajikan Sri Murni Insan Istimewa
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna
Pusat Jagaan Pertubuhan Villa Harapan
The six charity homes include old folks’ homes, welfare centres and orphanages. At the same time, this initiative also provided an opportunity for the Company and HMSC to mutually strengthen with relationship.
Rising case numbers
Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Madoka Chujo said, “2021 continues to be a challenging year for Malaysia with the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases, and the country was placed under a nationwide lockdown since June 2021.”
“The near total closure of the economic sectors has resulted in difficulties in sustaining livelihoods especially among the communities that need support, thereby bringing adverse impact on their everyday life.”
“We understand their situation and believe in order to overcome the challenges, we must move forward together as one and help each other in every possible way.”
Phase one
”Striving to be a company society wants to exist, we collaborated with HMSC in an initiative to help ease the situation especially for the elderlies, orphans, people with disabilities and the homeless. As the nation is implementing Phase One of National Recovery Plan (NRP) in several states, the charity homes are even more difficult to get aid from the public.”
“Hence, this initiative enabled Honda Malaysia to reach out to them. We distributed essential supplies such as rice, flour, eggs and cooking oil, as well as hygiene products comprising disposable diapers, detergent and shower gel to charity homes in the vicinity of our Melaka plant.”
Sharing the burdon
“They also received additional items including clothing for the adults, as well as colouring books and small toys for the children. We hope the contributions from Honda Malaysia together with the aid from public donations and Social Welfare Department (JKM) can provide some relief to their burden as well as joy and hope to the residents of the homes.”
“We are also hopeful that the ongoing vaccination programme will help to curb the spread of COVID-19 and bring a safer environment for all of us in Malaysia,” Chujo added. Honda Malaysia has delivered the contributions to the six homes on 26th and 28th July 2021, benefitting more than 300 people. All distributions conducted by the Company were in compliance with all the health and safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Volvo is currently testing its electric buses in warm climates as part of challenging test programmes in countries like Spain and Mexico, among other places.
For example, during 2020 the fully electric Volvo 7900 Electric bus was tested in Spanish cities, including Zaragoza, Santander and Madrid, where the ambient temperature during the test period sometimes exceeded 40°C.
Heat and battery usage
This made it possible to investigate in practice how the energy usage of the buses was affected by using the air conditioning to full capacity.
A Volvo 7900 Electric is currently also being tested in the busy Metrobus system in Mexico City. It will be in operation for six months and then the experiences from this trial period will be evaluated.
“As one of the leading global suppliers of solutions for electric mobility, we must be able to meet our customers’ requirements and expectations regardless of where they operate. That applies not only to environmental considerations but also availability, passenger comfort and safety.”
Arctic conditions
We test our products together with our customers in Arctic conditions and in warm climates to ensure that we have the best solutions for a range of different requirements,” says Marie Carlsson, Director Citymobility Business Development at Volvo Buses.
“Our buses performed well, and we were able to demonstrate that they are extremely reliable even in very hot climate conditions,” says Francisco Unda, Managing Director of Volvo Buses in Spain & Portugal. The cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Seville, etc. are all expected to begin electrifying their public transport systems in the near future.
Various charging methods
“We at Volvo Buses are ready to offer electrified solutions with different charging methods and service packages to the cities that want to start the move towards more sustainable public transport,” says Francisco Unda.
“The results of the tests will pave the way for the rapid electrification of public transport throughout the world. We have turnkey solutions that include everything from quiet, zero-emission buses to the charging infrastructure and servicing. This means that we can help to improve the living environments and lay the foundations for cities all over the world to become more sustainable,” says Marie Carlsson.
Volvo Buses has already supplied more than 6 500 electrified buses to cities worldwide. Its product range includes self-charging hybrids and fully electric buses. In addition to the buses themselves, Volvo’s electric mobility offering includes battery optimisation, charging infrastructure, servicing and maintenance.
Honda today released initial information on the new limited production NSX Type S, which is scheduled to be officially introduced before the end of the month.
According to Honda, the history of the second-generation NSX will conclude in December 2022 when the final NSX Type S is produced.
Bye Bye Honda NSX
The NSX Type S is the culmination of the challenges Honda took on for the second-generation NSX, and it is a special model Honda developed as an expression of gratitude toward customers who have loved NSX to date.
The development team pursued the further improvement of driving performance and the sharp and beautiful presence and strived to offer the “joy of driving” and “joy of driving a vehicle at the will of the driver” as well as the “joy of owning” a special vehicle.
Limited to 350 Units
With the addition of a new, limited matte color, the NSX Type S will be launched with limited sales of 350 units worldwide (30 units in Japan, 320 units outside Japan).
Sources have reported that power will be supplied by a powertrain package comprising an enhanced version of the current 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and a hybrid system.
Performance figures have not been disclosed yet, but looking at the teaser images and videos, there could be either a drift mode or RWD mode. Our guess is that the All-wheel drive system will continue to be standard.
Flashback
The first-generation NSX, which went on sale in 1990, realized a significant weight reduction by adopting an all-aluminum monocoque body, a world’s first for mass-production vehicles.
As a new-generation midship sportscar that brought together state-of-the-art technologies of the time and achieved both excellent dynamic performance and ease of driving at a high level, the first-generation NSX was well received by customers around the world.
While holding firm to the concept of “human-centered supercar” inherited from the first-generation NSX and adopting Honda’s original and advanced electrification technologies, the second-generation NSX was developed and introduced in 2016 to provide more customers with the “joy of driving” generated by a sense of oneness between the driver and vehicle.
Up until yesterday, nobody in Malaysia (OK, maybe a few) knew about this event in the UK called the Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional a.k.a the Concours de l’Ordinaire.
Organised annually by American insurance company Hagerty since 2014, the Festival of the Unexceptional is a celebration of long-forgotten everyday family cars from 1968-1989, now fondly known as the ‘Unexceptional Era’.
The Unexceptional era
Simply put, these were your boring everyday cars from the 60s to the 80s which nobody gave a crap about; cars that a lot of people still don’t give a crap about.
So, in case you’re wondering why we’re talking about this now, articles revolving around the event broke the internet in Malaysia yesterday as a 1989 Proton Saga 1.5L Black Knight actually won this year’s Concours de l’Ordinaire, much to the delight of the local car community.
Best in Show: Jon Coupland – 1989 Proton 1.5 GL Black Knight
Runner Up: Danny Wilson – 1991 Peugeot 106 XN
Feast of the Unexceptional/ Best Picnic: Matthew Long – 1986 Volvo 340 DL
Best dressed: Mark Pallatt – 1979 Ford Escort
How did the Proton win?
The Proton Saga Black Knight, which is owned by Jon Coupland from Lincolnshire, was selected from thousands of mundane motors that were displayed with pride by a record number of car enthusiasts who turned up this year.
Including the Saga Black Knight, there were 50 carefully selected finalists. Out of the lot, the winning Proton was said to be the rarest, as it is one of just 201 examples, and the only remaining unit.
The runner-up was a Peugeot 106 which the owner bought for just £500 via Facebook Marketplace. Owner Danny Wilson (27) from Driffield in East Yorkshire, brought the peppermint-coloured Peugeot back to life himself, and the judges noted that it was fitted with a carburettor and choke found only on the very earliest examples, marking it out as a true survivor of the scrap heap.
Special mentions
Special mentions went to James Green for his 1989 Nissan Bluebird, Charles Whilems and his 1986 Volkswagen Polo C Formel E, Chris Howells and his 1971 Triumph Toledo, and Simon Hucknall for his 1977 Fiat 128.
All of these cars impressed the individual judges and warranted their place in the 2021 Unexceptional Hall of Fame.
Highlights
Other highlights included a brace of Bond Bugs, a fantastically preserved Mk1 Ford Granada Coupe, countless Skoda Estelles and Favorits from the pre-VW era, a brilliantly basic Land Rover Discovery 3-door and Sri Lankan Toyota Terecel 4WD to name but a few.
The 2021 selection offered one of the best concours lawns in seven years of the festival, with cars arriving from across the nation to be judged as one of the best of the best.
