Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of
Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is now the sole agent for the
sale of Feichi hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in Southeast Asia, following its signing
of an agency agreement with China’s Foshan Feichi Automobile Manufacture Co.,
Ltd (Feichi) earlier today.
So, why Feichi and Chinese fuel cell
technology? Well, China produced 1,170 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles during the
first half of 2019 and the country’s automakers are on schedule to produce
2,340 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles this year, compared to 1,527 such vehicles in
2018, and 629 in 2016 and 2017.
Foshan Feichi fuel cell bus manufacturing facility (PRNewsFoto/Ballard Power Systems Inc.)
Over the recent years, the country’s hydrogen
fuel-cell vehicle sector experienced very rapid growth, posting an annual
growth rate exceeding 100 percent for several consecutive years. With the
ongoing build out of the infrastructure and roll-out of the subsidy policy by
the central and many local governments, the country is forecast to continue to
see positive growth in production volume of the vehicles over the next several
years.
Data released by China Association of
Automobile Manufacturers showed that the country sold 1,125 fuel cell vehicles
during the first 8 months of this year, a year-over-year increase of 730
percent. The country sold 16.1 million vehicles during the same period, down 11
percent from a year earlier, 629,000 of which were pure electrics. According to
data from ZhiYan.org, China produced 888,000 and sold 872,000 EVs during the
first 9 months, up 20.9 percent and 20.8 percent year on year, respectively.
SEDC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Husain
said this marked another milestone for SEDC as its subsidiary company will be
among the front runners in the sale of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the
region.
“This agency agreement, which is for two
years, will open up the opportunity for us to lead the hydrogen fuel cell
initiatives in Southeast Asia region.
“Our strategic partner Feichi is keen to
appoint Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd to become their sole agent in the region and to
become their long-term business partner in expanding the hydrogen fuel cell
vehicle industry in Southeast Asia,” he said at the signing ceremony which was
witnessed by Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin at Menara SEDC here today.
He pointed out that Sarawak Metro has
procured three units of Feichi’s hydrogen fuel cell buses for public use in
Kuching city and the vehicles have been performing very well.
Feichi Bus is the largest hydrogen fuel-cell
bus manufacturer in China and they have already produced 314 vehicles during
the first half of this year, including 293 EVs. Fiechi aims to produce 1,000
fuel cell vehicles this year.
Sani Express refreshes its huge bus fleet with new state of the art Scania buses for better customer comfort, increased safety and greener travel.
Sani Express Sdn Bhd (Sani Express) has just taken delivery of 23 new Scania buses as part of its business practice of changing its fleet.
A handover ceremony took place at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in Bandar
Tasik Selatan today and saw the first batch of the new buses being
presented by Marie Sjödin Enström, Scania Southeast Asia Managing
Director to Wan Mohd Iskandar Dato’ Salleh, Sani Express Group Managing
Director. Iskandar cited performance, reliability, safety, and lower fuel
consumption as some of the reasons for choosing Scania as part of its fleet
refresh.
“It is important for us to refresh our buses every five years in order to
provide our customers with the best service and Scania buses have proven
themselves to be the right vehicles for our passengers. The new Scania
buses would give us the opportunity to continue providing our customers
with comfortable and worry free travel,” commented Iskandar.
Sani Express has purchased Scania’s K410EB6X2 buses that are equipped
with Scania Opticruise function, low noise levels with full air suspension for
unparalleled comfort levels, electronic braking system (EBS), Scania
Retarder, traction control, better fuel economy with a higher torque at lower
revs engine, and fully adjustable steering wheel and hanging pedals for the
comfort of the driver. The company also subscribes to the Fleet Management
System Control 5 package and Scania Driver Training. These features along
with the subscribed packages result in a bus that is safe, comfortable and
fuel efficient for long distance travel with minimised impact to the
environment.
In addition, Sani Express signed up as a Scania Ecolution partner as part of
the company’s sustainability efforts to reduce their fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions. The partnership focuses on reducing operating cost, which
translate to improved profitability while fulfilling the growing demand for
green initiatives.
Sani Express, a major bus express company in Malaysia that was established back in 2006, offers bus services to close to 30 destinations across Peninsular Malaysia such as Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Besut, Kota Bharu, Kuantan, Alor Star, Kangar, and Kuala Perlis. The company currently owns a total of 45 Scania buses in their fleet and has been a Scania customer since 2008.
“We are very pleased that Sani Express has once again placed their trust in
Scania in providing quality vehicles. Today’s handover is a reflection of our
on-going commitment to provide customers with the best profitability and
sustainability for their business,” stated Marie.
With electrification taking over the automotive industry, Isuzu Motors has also jumped in on the electrification wave with their Elf Series of trucks.
Isuzu is best known for building some of the most reliable and efficient diesel engines in the world and now comes an all-electric medium-duty truck. The popular Elf truck removes its turbodiesel engine for a battery pack and a set of electric motors for clean emissions logistics.
Isuzu at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show
Isuzu had the electric powered Elf, as well as the upgraded Giga at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.
As early as January 2018, Isuzu have been testing battery-electric trucks which had two 40kWh battery packs, between the right front and rear wheels and between the left front and rear wheels. Maximum output was expected to be 150kW and the load capacity is reported to be about 3000kg.
Isuzu also tested their electric drive Elf in America with the Class 4 NPR-HD, which has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,500 lbs.
At the recent 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Fuso truck and bus unveiled their latest long-distance coach for the global market.
In a move aimed to become the leading manufacturer in the Japanese market again, along with its first fuel cell concept truck – the ‘Vision F-CELL’ – on display at the show is the Good Design Award-winning new Aero Queen luxury coach and latest, safety-laden Rosa minibus.
The 2019 series production model Aero Queen features the BusConnect connectivity solution while its sister series Rosa light-duty tourist bus has new safety features, the company states.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) – under the umbrella of Daimler Trucks Asia (DTA) – showcased the Aero Queen large coach, Japan’s first heavy-duty touring bus installed with Active Side Guard Assist, which is a safety feature monitoring the driver’s left side blind spot.
The Aero Queen also includes other safety features like EDSS, which allows passengers to press a button and bring the vehicle to a safe stop in case the driver loses consciousness, and Active Brake Assist 4 (ABA®4), which is an automatic braking system with slow-speed pedestrian detection function.
In addition, Fuso’s connectivity solution BusConnect® provides fleet managers with real-time information (bus location/trajectory, safe driving, fuel consumption, etc.) of buses in operation, the company states. The system is equipped with a 24-hour monitoring function, such as an emergency response system, when the driver is in trouble and Active Brake Assist 4 (secondary braking) is activated.
Aesthetically, the body design – said to follow the new Fuso Black Belt design identity – won the Good Design Award 2019, recently in Japan.
According to Fuso, in a “conscious move to modernise Japanese driving habits and increase safety and efficiency”, all these new trucks and touring buses (inc. Aero Ace) are equipped with the new automatic mechanical transmission (AMT) as standard, a first time in Japan.
“Super Great” heavy-duty truck with Level 2 automated driving functions
We were pleasantly surprised at this years Tokyo Motor Show when we saw the impressive stand that FUSO had put up to showcase their latest range of commercial vehicles. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) – under the umbrella of Daimler Trucks Asia (DTA) has been rather quiet in recent years and at this years show they made themselves well noticed with their stand at the main hall next to the main bus terminal.
Japan’s first heavy-duty truck equipped with SAE Level 2 automated driving technology. Through automated actuation of the steering wheel, accelerator and brakes, and equipped with various driver assistance technologies, driver burdens are reduced and safe driving is supported.
Hino Malaysia expands its 3S dealership network to support and reap the benefit for customers. Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Hino Malaysia) upgraded one of its authorised dealers from 1S (Sales) centre to 3S (Sales, Services & Spare Parts) centre.
Eng Kee Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd (Eng
Kee Commercial Vehicles) was nominated as Hino 3S authorised dealer to offer
the best sales, service, and spare parts also aim to reap a multitude of
benefits for the esteemed customers.
The new 3S centre is operating in Klang
District, addressed at No. Lot 230, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa /KS 01. Telok
Gadong Kecil, Klang. Located within the same radius of Port Klang, the largest
port in Malaysia, it is a strategic area as Port Klang is the main trade route
and commercial and industrial hub of the country.
Has been the partnership with Hino Malaysia
since 2006, Eng Kee Commercial Vehicles always prioritizing the best possible
of hospitality for the customers, the 24,000 square-feet area facilitates three
(3) service bays at the rear of the building and the front of the new centre
offers a lounge with refreshment and free Wi-Fi for waiting customers.
The opening of the new Hino 3S centre was officiated by the Board of Directors from both companies, Hino Malaysia and Eng Kee Commercial Vehicles, witnessed by all guests that present to enliven the ceremony.
The new 3S (Sales, Services and Spare
Parts) centre will have a new look and feel, as it is upgrading from 1S centre
which previously only served of selling trucks. The new office was not only
designed to increase efficiency for all departments but also reflects Hino’s
innovative company goals that focus on delivering quality customer service.
Hino Malaysia to-date has 37 3S centres throughout the country conforming to the company’s new standard and corporate image.
Supporting its concept of Total Support,
the new Hino 3S centre was deemed to be the best one-stop solution centre from
the time the truck is sold and throughout the lifetime of its maintenance.
“We provide Malaysian customers with
products optimally suited to their needs, and we help our valued customers make
the most of their HINO trucks and busses by providing comprehensive follow-up
service in the spirit of Total Support,” quote by the Managing Director of Hino
Malaysia, Mr. Atsushi Uchiyama.
“Our unique ‘Total Support’ concept places
emphasis on ‘Caring for our Customers’ Business’, aiming to contribute to their
business needs and success throughout the lifetime of our products,” he added.
In tandem with the Total Support values
which emphasizing the equal fortitude of after-sales value, Hino Malaysia has
now introduced the new warranty of its light-duty truck, HINO 300 Series. The
previous warranty which offered three (3) years and 100,000 km, is now
upgrading to the five (5) years and 200, 000 km including train power.
Leveraging its empire for more than 40
years in the country, Hino Malaysia continues to master its performance in
Sales and After-Sales Services through various customer engagement programmes
to give the absolute experience of Sales, Service, and Spare Parts.
UD Trucks has recently delivered five units of the heavy-duty UD Quester to RISDA Fleet Sdn Bhd, the fleet management arm of the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA). These newly purchased trucks comprised of three units UD Quester 6×4 prime mover with tanker and two units of UD Quester 6×4 prime mover with wooden cargo trailer.
RISDA, which is under the Ministry of
Economic Affairs is entrusted to
oversee the smallholder sector as an important production sector in the
national economy. The agency’s key mandate is to implement development policies
and programs to ensure the growth and viability of the smallholder sector of rubber industry and to improve their social and economic
well-being.
A vehicle handover ceremony was held recently to mark the official delivery of the new heavy-duty trucks. With these new trucks, RISDA Fleet Sdn Bhd now owns nine units of UD Quester.
According
to RISDA Fleet Sdn Bhd, managing
fuel cost and ensuring the safety of people and cargo are extremely important
for them as a transporter. The company said, based
on their previous purchase of four units of UD Quester prime mover, they found
that the trucks are very reliable, durable and fuel-efficient, with excellent track
record on truck uptime and lifespan. These qualities have helped RISDA Fleet
Sdn Bhd to prevent any need for heavy maintenance, thus enabling efficient delivery
of cargo.
RISDA Fleet Sdn Bhd also added that its decision
to purchase more UD Quester trucks were influenced by factors like
affordability and positive feedback from its drivers on the drivability and technological
advancements of UD Quester, especially on its safety and fuel-coaching features.
Jaclyn Loy, Chief Operating Officer of TCIE
said, “We would like to thank RISDA Fleet Sdn Bhd for choosing UD Quester once
again to support its expanding logistics needs. UD Quester is built to provide
superior performance and fuel-efficiency to our customers and we are very glad
that RISDA Fleet had been able to experience all its benefits. This new trucks
handover also highlights our highly valued relationship with RISDA Fleet and our
continued commitment to deliver smart logistics.”
The Isuzu D-Max 1.9 will face its litmus test when it undertakes the task of conquering one of Asia’s most extreme off-road events – Sabah’s infamous Borneo Safari.
For over a decade, the Isuzu D-Max 2.5-litre and
3.0-litre have proven to be one of the most capable vehicles in the event
having safely and effectively transported members of the media through the
rugged terrain despite receiving only minimal modifications to the basic
vehicle.
“This year, we bring the challenge to the new
1.9-litre engine to prove just how capable it is over the unforgiving terrain
despite its small engine displacement,” said Chief Operating Officer of Isuzu
Malaysia Masayuki Suzuki.
The new ‘Blue Monster’ features the revolutionary new 1.9-litre engine, the smallest engine in its class, yet produces more power and torque than the older 2.5-litre engine while consuming less fuel and weighing 56kg less. Through innovative design and engineering, the new model is expected to perform better in the difficult off-road conditions as it has in on-road situations where the new model has impressed thus far.
Apart from the extreme mud terrain tyres,
uprated suspension to accommodate the larger wheels, heavy duty body
protection, a winch and an air snorkel, the Blue Monster remains virtually
stock standard and resembles models available to customers off the showroom
floor.
The Blue Monster was handed over to the organizing team of the Borneo Safari in Kota Kinabalu as part of Isuzu Malaysia’s commitment as the event’s Diamond Sponsor to provide media vehicles for the event.
This year’s Borneo Safari is the 29th
event in its history and the 13th year that it has received support
from Isuzu Malaysia. The event is scheduled to begin in Kota Kinabalu on 27th
October and will take a more southerly loop, skirting Beaufort, Tenom, Keningau
and Tambunan before heading back to the city on 3rd November 2019
for the closing ceremony.
Wald tuning used to be very popular in Malaysia for Japanese and also European car owners however Wald is sadly no longer sold in Malaysia but we have just seen this Wald tuned Toyota Hilux. Called the Black Bison, this is one mean looking aggressive Hilux.
In just 25 years, Wald have built a reputation as a top shelf tuner willing to go after literally any type of Japanese or European premium vehicle.
We believe that Wald is trying to build a vehicle that is, “Aggressive, Powerful and has a Muscular Style.” Often times when a tuner goes after just those qualities, they end up going overboard, but Wald has kept its tuning quite sane.
Here the Toyota Hilux is completely transformed into a menacing beast. Everything from the vents in the front fenders to the rear wing make the Black Bison look like a truck that wants to play with the Raptor. The aero kit consists of a new front bumper with signature integrated fog lamps, bold side skirts, a rear apron with integrated diffuser and new quad-exhaust system. Not to mention the wide 20 inch wheels that complete the murdered out look of the black on black beast.
Even though Wald made no modifications to the powertrain, the Toyota’s trusted diesel engine when heard through the new high performance exhaust, is more than enough to match the aggressive exterior of this Hilux Black Bison.
Only problem is the pricing. With Wald no longer officially in Malaysia, you will need to order this directly from Japan, or take a drive across to Thailand and we are sure you can get a similar looking menacing kit for your Hilux from Thai truck tuners.
The Malaysian Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has purchased 55 units of the Perodua Aruz AV, marking the seven-seater SUV’s entry into the government sector and the model’s first fleet deal. A delivery ceremony was held today at the ministry’s headquarters in Putrajaya, where KPDNHEP Secretary-General Datuk Muez Abdul Aziz symbolically handed a mock key over to KPDNHEP Director of Enforcement Dato’ Haji Iskandar Halim Haji Sulaiman.
“We thank KPDNHEP very much for choosing the Perodua Aruz and in doing so, supporting the Malaysian automotive supply eco-system, as over 90% of the Aruz’s components are locally sourced. The same is true of all our current models,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.
With over 23,000 units already sold out of over 33,000 bookings received to date since its launch in January, the Perodua Aruz is Malaysia’s best-value SUV as well as her best-selling SUV so far this year.
“We understand KPDNHEP’s enforcement officers often take long road journeys in the course of duty. The Perodua Aruz is durable, dependable, spacious, practical, easy to drive and due to its many seating configurations, very versatile. Not forgetting conveniences such as the built-in toll card reader, integrated dash cam, HDMI, Smart Link, Bluetooth and navigation.
“With Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) 2.0, six airbags and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), the Perodua Aruz has a maximum five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. It is also an Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) with a best-in-class rated fuel efficiency of 15.6 km/l, contributing to its low running costs,” Dato’ Zainal said.
“Factor in Malaysia’s largest vehicle service network and we are confident that KPDNHEP will find a faithful, useful and delightful companion in the Perodua Aruz,” he added.
Last July, Perodua hosted an engagement session with KPDNHEP in a move to curb imitation Perodua-branded products and parts in the market, becoming one of the first carmakers in Malaysia to take such an initiative.
