The Malaysia Ranger Challenge Finalist Announced!!! Vote Now and Win Fabulous Prizes

The hype of the launching of the all new Ford Ranger is very much burning as Ford Malaysia have received thousands of online application for the Malaysia Ranger Challenge. Out of these thousands of application, five lucky finalists have been picked up by Ford Malaysia to realize their dream and challenge. 

They are Mr. Wong Kok Wei where his challenge is to transport a tree from a construction side to a garden. The next finalist is Mr. Peter Choy where his challenge is to access the orang asli settlement in Raub Pahang and he will be hosting doctors and medical aid and food for these orang asli. Our third finalist is Mr Denny Lim where his challenge is to travel back to his wife village with his beloved family which includes crossing river and lodging road and hill climbing before they can reach their destination. Sounds tough though!!

The next finalist is Mr Zolkaplie where his caring loving mind and heart would like to catch and release unfriendly wildlife in Putrajaya natural surrounding and parks to a new home which is at the forest reserve of Ulu Langat. Our last finalist is Mr Peter Charles where he would like to challenge this all new Ford Ranger to go through various parts of Sabah to transport his harvest from his farm to the FFB collection center.

So reader what you can do to help them to realize their dream? It’s very easy indeed, voters have to register themselves at http://fordrangerchallenge.com.my/ to be eligible to cast vote. Ford Malaysia will start the voting phase for the Ford Ranger Challenge from 21st of May to 22nd of June. The 5 finalist video will be put up onto the Ford Ranger Challenge site on 21st of May 2012. The Grand Prize winner will be selected based on the collectively total number of thumbs up generated and the final decision from Ford Malaysia panel of judges.

So what are the prizes in store for our lucky winners? Ford Malaysia will generously present our lucky winner a 2012 Ford Ranger XLT 2.2L Manual Transmission with an approximate retail value of RM100,000 plus the Malaysia Ranger Challenge merchandise. For the first runner up, the winner will received RM9,888 in cash and a RM10,000 voucher to purchase his own All New Ford Ranger plus a Global Ranger Challenge merchandise.

The second runner up winner will get his hand RM3,888 in cash and a RM5,000 voucher to purchase his All New Ford Ranger plus a Global Ranger Challenge merchandise. Well that’s not about it, as voters, you will also stand chance to win a special edition merchandise which includes a G-Shock watch, exclusive Ford T-Shirt, thumb drives, caps and tumbler. 

So how you can get your hands on this prizes, its dead easy, as mentioned above, you need to cast your vote for the best challenge, Ford Malaysia will pick up the 50th, 100th, 150th voters and so on and they will need to answer a tie breaker question to stand a chance to win the prizes. Voters with the most creative answer will win the G-Shock watch. The rest of other winners will get one exclusive Ford merchandise courtesy of Ford Malaysia while stock last. So what are you waiting for, head down to http://fordrangerchallenge.com.my/ to cast your vote and stand to win this exclusive Ford Malaysia merchandise!!

Sales of Toyota Hybrid Surpassed 4 Million Mark!!! (Official Press Release)

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that global cumulative sales of its hybrid vehicles have topped the 4 million mark as of April 30. Positioning response to environmental issues as a management priority and based on its belief that environment-friendly vehicles can only truly have a positive impact if they are used widely, TMC has endeavoured to promote the mass-market adoption of hybrid vehicles.

In 1997 in Japan, TMC launched the "Coaster Hybrid EV" in August and launched the "Prius"—the world's first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle—in December.  Sales of the Prius began in North America, Europe and elsewhere in 2000.  Next came the second-generation Prius in 2003 and the expanded use of TMC's hybrid system on such vehicles as minivans, SUVs, rear-wheel-drive sedans and compact hatchbacks.  In particular, the third-generation Prius launched in May 2009 received strong support from customers around the world, leading to global cumulative sales of TMC’s hybrid vehicles topping 3 million vehicles by the end of February 2011.

TMC currently sells 18hybrid, passenger vehicle models in approximately 80 countries and regions around the world.  This year, hybrid vehicles have accounted for 15% of TMC’s global vehicle sales.  With the upcoming “Yaris Hybrid” scheduled for launch in Europe and the Lexus “ES 300h” for the United States, TMC is committed to augmenting its product lineup even further and increasing the number of countries and regions in which it sells hybrid vehicles.

As of April 30, 2012, TMC calculates that TMC hybrid vehicles2, since 1997, have led to approximately 26 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions—considered to be a cause of climate change—than would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

Having positioned hybrid technologies—consisting of the component technologies necessary for development of various environment-friendly cars—as key technologies, TMC plans to continue working to further raise performance and expand its product lineup, including that of non-hybrid environment-friendly vehicles, to create vehicles that are popular with consumers.

source: UMW Toyota Sdn. Bhd.

Peugeot 408 Launched Here in Malaysia!!! Price Starts From RM 110K. (Official Press Release)

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, has launched the highly-anticipated all-new Peugeot 408.

Offering unrivalled performance, space, elegance and safety, the all-new 408 is set to redefine Malaysia’s C-segment market.

Through a combination of the dynamism typical of a Peugeot with a high-level of comfort and premium quality, the all-new 408 features design cues that are sleek and balanced.

“The all-new 408 is ideal for young professionals with families who are looking for a car that offers space, performance and elegance,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group of Companies at the launching of the all-new 408 at the new Peugeot Blue Box Glenmarie.

The overall design theme for the exterior of the all-new 408 can be summed up as: harmony, elegance and dynamism.

At the front, the all-new 408 features Peugeot’s trademark feline headlights, thin chrome strips on the radiator grille, and sculptured lines on the bonnet that flow naturally into the wide, slopping windscreen.

The sides of the 408 feature carved wheel arches while the plunging body line from the rear lights to the front wing illustrate the image of a dynamic, modern and robust vehicle.

The rear lights of the all-new 408 are ruby red that are trimmed with a clear white strip that hint at a lion’s claws within the cluster. At night, they take on the form of three diagonal strips that are a tribute to Peugeot’s historic models such as the 307 CC and the 504 coupe.

Inside, the all-new 408 offers the largest cabin space in its class. Its long 2,710 mm wheelbase, its width measuring 1,815 mm and its height at 1,525 mm provides ample leg room, elbow room and head room respectively.

The all-new 408 features automatic dual-zone air-conditioning system with rear air-conditioning vents, World In Peugeot Sound with six speakers with CD/ MP3 playback capability, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, instrument panel LCD, tilt and telescopic steering and one-touch power windows with anti-pinch for all four windows, to provide the very best in comfort and enjoyment. Equally impressive is the all-new 408’s boot which offers 562-litres of space.

The all-new 408 is available in two variants: a 408 Turbo and a 408 2.0. The 408 Turbo features a four-cylinder 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo high pressure engine with direct injection that pumps out 163 hp and 240 Nm of torque making it the most powerful C-segment sedan in the market.

Fitted with a six-speed auto adaptive transmission with Triptronic and a sport mode, the 408 Turbo has the capability of accelerating from 0-100 kph 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 215 kph.

The 408 2.0 is powered by a four-cylinder 2-litre engine that produces 145 hp and 200 Nm of torque fitted with an auto adaptive gearbox with Triptronic and a sport mode.

Other key features of the 408 Turbo include premium leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with aluminium inserts, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a rear armrest with two cup holders.

Both variants feature cruise control with a speed limiter, 17-inch alloy wheels, “Follow Me Home” functionality for the headlamps, sensor-activated headlights and wipers and automatic retractable side mirrors.

The 408 Turbo and 408 2.0 are fitted with independent with MacPherson-type struts and antiroll bar for the front suspension to offer precise road holding. At the rear, the suspension comprises of a deformable U-shaped cross member and an integrated antiroll bar to provide good vibration control and well-controlled body movement.

In addition, the suspension settings for the 408 Turbo have been tuned for a sportier ride while the 408 2.0’s suspension offers more comfort.

In terms of safety, both variants feature two smart airbags, ABS, EBD and EBA, among others. The car has also been designed with a double-impact force dissipation channel to provide maximum passenger compartment protection.

The 408 Turbo also comes with driver and front passenger side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP) and anti-skid regulation (ASR).

En SM Nasarudin said the all-new 408, which is manufactured at Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) in Gurun, Kedah will also be exported to regional markets in the coming months.

He said Peugeot distributors from Australia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Philippines had recently visited NAM to get a closer look and test drive the all-new 408.

The all-new 408 is an international model by Peugeot that is aimed at growing the French carmaker’s global sales volume. In 2011, Peugeot sold 81,000 units of the all-new 408.

Dato’ Samson Anand George, COO of Nasim said the 408 will contribute significantly to the company’s sales target of 9,300 units this year, which will represent a 72% jump from its sales in 2011.

He said the all-new 408 will come with Nasim’s recently introduced five-year warranty with unlimited mileage. Together with Nasim’s existing lifetime 24-hours Peugeot Assistance service and its exclusive Peugeot Privilege membership, he said the company aims to provide the best ownership experience for its customers.

The all-new 408 was launched at the new Peugeot Blue Box Glenmarie which is scheduled to commence operations in June. Built at a cost of RM15 million, the 82,000 square foot facility will be Nasim’s flagship outlet in the country and will house the largest Peugeot service centre in the country with a capability of servicing 66 cars a day.

The on-the-road price of the 408 Turbo is RM125,888 while the on-the-road price of the 408 2.0 is RM109,888.

For more information on the all-new 408, please log on to www.peugeot.com.my or peugeotmobile.com.my which has been optimised for tablets and smart phones.         

source: Nasim Sdn. Bhd.                                                          

The Amazing Features of The All New Ford Ranger And Find Out About The Twitter Contest

The hype of the new Ford Ranger has been infected into the hearts and mind of the adventured minded customer. Ford Malaysia has organized a yearlong promotion and roadshows for the all new Ford Ranger starting from 22^nd Feb 2012 at Sunway Pyramid and ending on 9^th Dec 2012 at Suria Mall, Kota Kinabalu. As expected, the new models come with new added and unique features that surpassed the previous model.

Whole lot of innovative features on the all new Ford Ranger

The body shell of the all new Ford Ranger was built to withstand all the forces of natures and to add on to the safety features, the all new Ford Ranger comes with Dual Front SRS Airbags for that peace of mind. Safety has been proven more with the Ford Ranger managed to score 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test rating, the best in its class. Besides that, the creature comfort has been put into a higher level with the addition of Bluetooth with voice control, rain and speed sensing wipers, auto headlamps and also a cruise control system. To make it easier to get out and get in into the new Ranger, the doors has been designed to open up until 70 degrees where this will help for the easy egress and ingress. More creature comfort built in into the new Ranger, is the ample rear legroom which is best in its class.

Class leading rear legroom with  a unique 70 degrees rear door opening for easy ingress and egress. 

Bluetooth audio with voice recognition comes as standard features, cool or what?

The best in class, that’s the all new Ford Ranger XLT

When we are on the move, especially on the extended days of adventures, the all new Ford Ranger provides ample storage solutions where it has 23 innovative storage spaces with a lockable glove box that can easily fits in up to a 16 inches laptop. The best thing is, on the center console, the boffin at Ford has design the center arm rest console that includes a cool box where you can chill you favorite beverages on the go so that you can easily quenches your thirst when you are on your adventure mood. For more added creature comfort, the top of the line Wildtrak range includes a dual zone climate control. Besides the dual zone climate control, this high spec of the Ford Rangers includes a reverse camera and the lockable tailgate where the Ford Ranger buyers who opt for the canopies and aftermarket covers will definitely feel happy with this features.

Reverse camera and lockable tailgate a standard features of Ford Ranger Wildtrak. 

Some of the examples of the ample storage features of the all new Ford Ranger.

Besides that, the Wildtrak range includes features such as Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Launch Assist (HLA), Trailer Sway Assist (TSA), Roll over Mitigation (ROM) and the Grade Logic Control (GLC) which automatically downshifts to provide increased engine braking when sufficient brake pressure is detected. Besides the above acronym, the all new Ford Ranger comes with Emergency Downshift where if you hit the accelerator hard in an emergency, depending on the speed, the transmission will automatically downshift to provide the acceleration when you needed most. Speaking of the transmission, the Ford Ranger comes with either a six speed auto or a six speed manual gearbox, your choice, but these transmissions are made to suit your need and also the adventure side of you.

Six speed auto or six speed manual gearboxes are the available options. 

Cool box, now that’s what I’m talking eh!!

As for the adventure you, the new Ford Ranger does not disappoint you, it has been designed to provide a proven best in class towing capacity of 3,350kg and also the outstanding loading capacity of up to 1000kg. Besides this amazing pulling and loading capacity, the Ford Range also provided with a remarkable water wading of 800mm where the powertrain breather pipes and the electronics are place on the higher point of the engine bay and this amazing features includes a water resist air filter box that features a one way valve that allows water out but not into the air filter.

Breathable powertrains pipes, high mount electronics and one way valve on the air filters among the amazing diving features of the all new Ford Ranger

With those amazing features, this all new Ford Ranger is targeted to beat its nearest competitor and it has positioned itself to be the best in its class.

To put more smile before you can own your very own all new Ford Ranger, Ford Malaysia will organize a Twitter contest starting from this Monday 9^th of April 2012 where participant of this contest stands to win Ford Exclusive Merchandise which includes a Laptop Backpack, Limited Edition All New Ford Ranger T-Shirt and Ford Exclusive Merchandise Heavy Duty Torchlight. The tip of the ice-berg is a special edition G-Shock watch for you to brag your exclusivity with your all new Ford Ranger.

In order for you to enter this competition you need to follow @fordrangerMY and check out their updates! It’s as simple as that. So what’s holding you back, get your hand phone, tablets or PC’s ready and tweet your way to win these great prizes.

"The Malaysia Ranger Challenge" is now on!!! Submit your creative entry and do vote for me!!!

^{Picture source: http://www.bikcloud.com/rangerv2.htm}  

Do you dream of owning a brand new 4X4 car by just entering a contest and submitting a very creative write up or post a video, then this might be your lucky days. Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn. Bhd. with Ford is currently running a contest dubbed “The Malaysia Ranger Challenge”  where the crown jewel of the contest is the all new Ford Ranger XLT to be driven back  home for free.

One ultimate winner will be selected based on the challenges that will be announced on a later date. Are up for the challenge? Head on to this link and submit your most creative entry to win this fabulous all new Ford Ranger XLT and be among the first in Malaysia to drive it and create your own challenges with it. The contest rules are so simple and you can head on to this link to get yourself ready for the challenge.

You have to submit your application by shooting a video that not exceed 100MB of size or write in the most creative ways of your preferred challenges in less than 200 words before the 31^st of March 2012 and you can also get further information regarding to this contest from 15^th February 2012 onwards from the Ford Ranger Challenge homepage. So are you guys ready for these challenges as I am ready with all my bells and whistle to win this all new Ford Ranger for myself. Do check out my blog entry below of this challenge and please vote for me with if you think my challenges with the Ford Ranger worthy to be tame at!!!

Vote For my "The Malaysia Ranger Challenge"

Picture source: http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2011/comparison/ford/ranger/toy-story-27952

To all readers of Auto Insider Malaysia, normally all of you that have been following my blog have read my reviews of cars and their launches, but all you have haven’t heard about my ultimate dream of challenging myself with the vast forest of Malaysia. It is always been my dream since young of joining the 4X4 adventure challenge using my own car ala the Camel Trophy Challenge. Knowing this sport is very expensive with the car which you know to be driven hard to all the rough terrain, pushing the cars and its driver to the limit has somehow limited my imagination.

“The Malaysia Ranger Challenge” somehow pave my way of opening my imagination where if my dream comes true, owning this piece of magnificence machinery can realise my dream of joining the 4X4 challenge with my own car, testing my mental and physical abilities and most importantly, put the Ford Ranger back to its own nature, and what a magnificent way of sharing my car and its memories permanently inside my blog...if you like to see my dream comes true and its memories please vote for me, and let the first step of my challenges becomes a reality!!!

Do log to both Twitter and Facebook page of "The Malaysia Ranger Challenge" as shown on the link below for more details.

Twitter : https://twitter.com/FordRangerMY

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/FordRangerMY

dekat.my- Introducing Malaysia's Premier Market Place!!!!!

Dear reader's of Auto Insider Malaysia, if you have been the keen followers of Auto Insider Malaysia, I have mentioned to you before that Auto Insider Malaysia will be a one off centre for all your automotive related news and services.

With this, I would like to introduce, a new partnership with dekat.my, Malaysia newest Premier Marketplace where readers of Auto Insider Malaysia can sell and buy any automotive or other related services ranging from properties, IT and Telco services, food and other electronic stuff.

Visitors and users of dekat.my will be guided through a single, automated platform on which buyers and sellers can interact guaranteeing a remarkable user experience.

Do check it out at dekat.my and let the seamless user experience in finding and selling your dream automotive product and other services at the comfort of your home.

KIA Optima K5 launched in Malaysia- OTR RM143,888 - Full Press Release

Naza Kia Malaysia today launched the highly acclaimed and much-anticipated All-New Optima K5 at its new flagship Kia Red Cube - Petaling Jaya outlet.

With a monthly target of 300 units, the All-New Optima K5 is set to make waves in the highly competitive D-segment of the market.

“The All-New Optima K5 is the embodiment of Kia’s new design direction. With a head-turning design, exhilarating drive, premium amenities and high level of safety specifications, we are confident the All-New Optima K5 will be one of the leading models in its segment next year,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group of Companies.

With a refined, performance-oriented style with a sleek silhouette and an aggressive stance, the All-New Optima K5 was named ‘Best of the Best’ at the 2011 Red Dot Design Award.

From its auto-leveling HID xenon headlamps and LED-Daytime Running lights at the front to its dynamic and sporty profile to the LED rear combination lamps, the All-New Optima K5 has been labelled one of Kia’s most stunningly designed vehicles.

Through its 18-inch alloy wheels, side garnish, chrome door handles, gull-wing folding side mirrors and lowered stance, the All-New Optima K5 exudes both a sporty and elegant appeal.

Inside, the All-New Optima K5 features a plush leather interior, a high-tech and luxurious supervision cluster and a multifunctional steering with controls for audio, ECO-driving, Auto Cruise-Control and Bluetooth.

For the driver, the All-New Optima K5 is fitted with an 8-way electronically controlled seat with an integrated memory seat function which retains settings for two drivers based on their seating position.

Adding the overall ambience inside the All-New Optima K5 is a panoramic sun roof that is retractable in the front, an Infinity audio system connected to 8-speakers, a six-CD changer, AUX, iPod and USB connectivity and a dual-zone air-conditioner.

Other technological features in the car includes push-start ignition, auto-headlights, auto-wipers, a rear view camera display on the rear view mirror while the supervision cluster displays useful information such as engine oil service reminder, tire rotation service reminder, distance to service, fuel economy and steering wheel alignment.

Underneath the hood, the All-New Optima K5 is equipped with a fuel efficient Theta II 2.0 dual CVVT engine that produces 165 PS and 198 Nm of torque that is fitted to a six-speed automatic transmission that can be manually controlled through steering-mounted paddle-shifters.

The fuel consumption of the All-New Optima K5 on a combined cycle is 7.6-litres per 100 km.

The All-New Optima K5 also features an ECO control that optimises the drive train operation for the best fuel consumption.

Once engaged, the ECO control optimally adjusts the ECU, transmission and air-conditioner compressor to reduce the All-New Optima K5’s fuel consumption by 9.1%.

The drivability of the All-New Optima K5 is further enhanced through the use of a High Performance Damper (H.P.D) system at its suspension to deliver more responsive and proportionate damping action on both smooth and rough driving surfaces. This in turn results in improved riding comfort, efficient steering and enhanced handling.

The aerodynamics of the All-New Optima K5 receives a boost from its low ground clearance, front bumper lip and wheel deflectors that are aligned with the vehicle’s sleek profile to produce a coefficient drag of 0.29.

For safety, the vehicle comes with an Electronic Stability Program comprising of EBD, ABS, Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, six-airbags, large brake discs for improved braking performance, front active headrests, child seat fixtures at the rear and a speed-sensing auto door locks.

“The All-New Optima K5 is a class ahead of its competition. With this vehicle, we will be able to take the Kia brand to new heights in 2012,” said Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, COO of Naza Kia Malaysia.

The All-New Optima K5 comes in snow white, bright silver and platinum graphite. The latest entrant to Naza Kia Malaysia’s model line-up was unveiled to the media at the launch of the new Kia Red Cube – Petaling Jaya outlet.

The Kia Red Cube – Petaling Jaya outlet is the first of its kind in Malaysia and the second such outlet in Asean.

Featuring Kia’s new modern space identity, the Kia Red Cube – Petaling Jaya is a 3S (sales, service and spare parts) outlet and will serve as Naza Kia Malaysia’s flagship outlet.

With a strong emphasis on design and modern architecture, the new Kia Red Cube – Petaling Jaya is set to be a landmark and one of the most recognisable buildings alongside Federal Highway.

“In 2012, we will open another Kia Red Cube either in the northern or southern region. At the same time, 27 of our existing outlets are currently being upgraded to incorporate Kia’s new space identity,” said Datuk Hafiz.

The All-New Optima K5 has an on-the-road price of RM143,888.

source: Naza Kia Media Team