Wapcar Morning Insiders (Sep. 26, 2019)

Today is Thursday, Sep. 26

 Local News 

Toyota GR Sport models a possibility for Malaysia

With the launch of the all-new 2019 A90 Toyota GR Supra in Malaysia, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has also introduced the GR Garage concept store. It is a first of its kind, one-stop motorsports inspired outlet to be opened outside of Japan.

Lim hinted that there is an opportunity for UMWT to expand the GR model line up as the overwhelming interest in the GR Supra suggests that Malaysian customers have a strong appetite for cars with sporty credentials.

Tight supply of Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan solved

At yesterday’s launch of the Mercedes-Benz A35 Sedan, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have confirmed that deliveries of the model, along with its lesser siblings the A200 Sedan and A250 Sedan, will commence shortly.

This was confirmed by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Vice-President for Sales and Marketing Michael Jopp.

The First Allianz Road Rangers Amazing Hunt: Up to RM3k in reward

The open category for the Allianz Road Rangers Amazing Hunt is now open for registration. The hunt is happening on Sunday, 13 October 2019.

The Open Category admits up to 30 teams with 4 pax per team, and the first team to reach the final destination (unknown for the moment) with all tasks completed, wins the challenge.

Prizes include RM3,000 (first place); RM2, 000 (second place); RM1, 500 (third place) as well as consolation prizes and lucky draws.

Click here and learn more about the hunt, or REGISTER right away!

  Wapcar Talks  

What Does Proton's New Logo Mean?

Proton now has a new logo, 2 years since the national carmaker formed their new partnership with Geely. Along with the new “Thundercats” like logo, the company also announced its new tagline, “Inspiring Connections”.

This is the sixth iteration of the company logo since the brand’s inception in 1985 and is a symbol of Proton’s next chapter in the company’s history.

 International News 

Volvo XC40 Electric Version Teased

Teased here ahead of its October full reveal, the Volvo XC40 Electric Version is the zero-emissions version is said to be “one of the safest cars on the road” thanks to a reinforced frontal structure necessary after taking out the internal combustion engine.

The XC40 will follow the recently launched plug-in hybrid model equipped with the T5 Twin Engine powertrain offering a combined 258 hp and 28.6 miles (46 kilometers) of electric range.

Next-Gen Subaru Levorg Teased With Self-Driving Tech

A prototype for the second-gen Subaru Levorg will make its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show on October 23. According to the teaser which focused mainly on the rear-end, the new Subaru Levorg will gain an elongated lamp design.

Along with the debut of Subaru Levorg, the car maker is also plan to introduce the limited WRX STI EJ20 Final Edition with a set of gold-painted BBS 19 inches wheels. 

Peugeot Boxer 4x4 van concept debuts

After the Peugeot Rifter 4x4, the company has just added the full-size Peugeot Boxer 4x4 into a series of outdoors van concepts. The colourful Boxer has AWD and can be easily through different road situations thanks for higher ground clearance. 

The Boxer 4X4 Concept use Peugeot's BlueHDi 165 engine making producing 370 Nm of torque and mated with a six-speed manual transmission.

Car sales are falling worldwide

New car sales are falling in 18 out of the top-25 largest car markets and analysts are not expecting results for the rest of the year or even the next year to be any better.

As for Malaysia, the headline figures are still healthy but the latest report shows that year-to-date August 2019 sales is 6 percent lower than the same eight-month period last year. We are seeing less emotionally driven purchases but more carefully calculated, good value for money purchases.