WapCar Morning Insiders (Oct. 10, 2019)

Today is Thursday, October. 10

 Local News 

All-new Toyota Corolla Altis launched in Malaysia

A couple of weeks after appearing in UMW Toyota Motor’s outlet in Petaling Jaya, the company has now launched the all-new Toyota Corolla Altis in Malaysia.

Similar to the all-new Toyota Camry and C-HR, the all-new Corolla Altis is built on the company’s TNGA platform. Out goes the torsion beam rear suspension, now replaced with a more sophisticated double wishbone rear suspension set up. 

Auto Bavaria celebration events with special offers on BMW models

Growing through the years with customers, Auto Bavaria has outgrown its iconic location in Glenmarie and will be moving to its new home in Ara Damansara.

To celebrate the new move, the company will be rewarding customers and prospects this weekend on a wide range of BMW models including the BMW 5 series, BMW X1, BMW X3 and the new locally-assembled BMW 330i M Sport.

Event highlights:

• Attractive rebates
• Interest rates starting from 0.33%
• High trade-in value for your existing vehicle
• Complimentary gifts upon vehicle delivery
• 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty + Free Scheduled Services
• 24-months BMW Tyre Warranty
• Unbelievable offers on BMW Lifestyle and accessories up to 50% off

Make your way to Auto Bavaria Glenmarie, Johor Bahru or Penang to discover unbelievable offers!

PLUS Takeover: Maju offers to absorb RM2.7 billion toll compensation

The Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd offered 36% toll reduction in PLUS takeover previously. Now the company is proposing to absorb RM2.7 billion in toll compensation owed by the government to PLUS Malaysia Bhd if it took over Malaysia's largest highway.

“The government currently owes PLUS RM2.7 billion in toll compensation. If Maju Holdings takes over PLUS, we are pleased to inform that we will no longer hold the government responsible for these debts,” it said in a statement today.

Chasing a FD2R in the Proton Saga R3 racecar on Sepang

Wapcar.my joined Proton R3 race team to catch up on their latest activities and were treated to a taxi ride in their newly built Proton Saga R3 racecar that is based on the new facelifted 2019 Proton Saga.

According to the engineers, the Saga was already a very competitive platform to begin with. This accelerated the development process and allowed the team to focus on fine-tuning the car’s settings.

 WapCar Talks 

All-new Toyota Corolla Altis vs. the competition, is it good enough?

According to UMWT’s marketing materials, the company choose the winding roads of Genting Highlands as the backdrop for the Corolla Altis to highlight the dynamic prowess of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.

However, the sad reality is that to most buyers, driving excitement is the least of their concerns. What matters more to consumers is whether they are getting their money’s worth. After all, you are parting with RM 128,888 to RM 136,888, so the Corolla Altis better be worth every penny, on paper at least.

Check out how Corolla Altis stacks up against its closest Japanese rivals!

 International News 

BMW M introduces the BMW M8 Gran Coupe

Hot off the launch of the BMW X5 M and X6 M, BMW M introduces the BMW M8 Gran Coupe. Now the BMW 8 Series is even more powerful! Meanwhile, BMW M GmbH has unveiled the all-new BMW M8 and BMW M8 competition.

The new BMW M8 Gran Coupe is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo. The car produces 600 PS and 750 Nm of torque. The V8 engine is paired to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system linked with M Differential.

The Strike Against GM is beginning to take its toll

Now that the strike against General Motors enters its fourth week since Sept 16, its impact is penetrating into related industrial chains. 

Take shippers for example, the owner of Phoenix Transit & Logistics said that he had laid off nearly his entire staff and paid out of his savings to keep the company going. “I might lose the business next week,” Mr. Tlaib said.

Last week, the United Auto Workers and GM have a negotiation on how production might be moved to the U.S States from Mexico, but then the talks had taken a "Turn for the worse".