WapCar Morning Insiders (Oct. 8, 2019)

Today is Tuesday, October. 8

 local News 

There will be no Immediate toll abolition

According to the Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the immediate abolition of toll cannot be carried out as it requires purchases to be made by the government.

“But we may be able to afford reduced toll rates. If anyone from the private sector has suggestions to reduce toll, these can be considered,” he said in a statement today.

The price of RON95 will be floated gradually from January 2020

Domestic Trade and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said that about 2.9 million BSH (Bantu Sara Hidup) recipients who had vehicles with valid road tax would get petrol subsidies next year. Subsidy will be banked directly into the recipients’ accounts.

The qualified BSH recipients are those who:

• own motorcycles of 150cc and below;
• own 1,600cc cars;
• own cars over 10-years-old and above 1,600cc;
• motorcycles over 150cc, seven years and above.

Isuzu Buy and Win campaign concludes with two lucky winners

The Isuzu D-Max Buy and Win contest that ran between April and June 2019 saw Ghanie Entalang of Sebauh, Sarawak and Sugumaran A/L Nagappan from Seremban walk away with another brand new Isuzu D-Max 2.5 Auto 4x4. 

Both men were surprised by their win and could hardly believe their luck claiming to have thought it was a scam when they were first informed of their win.

The bid for PLUS Malaysia will be studied by the government

According to Reuters, Asian private equity group RRJ Capital has proposed buying PLUS Malaysia Bhd for three billion ringgit. 

“There have been several proposals on toll highways. Khazanah itself has submitted its own proposal to the government. Ultimately, it is up to the government to consider these proposals and decide what is best for the country and the people,” a Khazanah spokesman told Reuters.

After the firm raised its takeover offer of PLUS to RM3.5, the government suggested today that any bids to buy PLUS Malaysia Bhd is possible and will be reviewed.

 WapCar Talks 

Ford Ranger WildTrak: When adventure meets concrete jungle

The pick-up segment might be defined by the Toyota Hilux but when it comes to leisure lifestyle trucks, it is the Ford Ranger that is the yardstick.

While the range-topping Ranger Raptor is getting all the likes, we think what you should buy is this Ranger WildTrak, simply because it just makes so much more sense. Why? Read the Ford Ranger WildTrak's review now!

 International News 

VW Unveils New R Logo

The new Volkswagen R logo was developed at the Volkswagen Design Center. Like the new VW logo introduced at the Frankfurt auto show, the R-Line badge is more modern, distinct and sleek. It symbolizes the performance brand’s fresh start.

“Volkswagen R is all about excitement and thrill, and in the future, we will continue to focus our efforts on integrating these emotions into the Volkswagen brand. We are taking a strategic and operative approach to working on great products and creating a unique customer experience,” said Managing Director Jost Capito. 

BMW M unveils the all-new BMW X5 M and X5 M Competition 

BMW M has introduced the third generation all-new  BMW X5 M. Also introduced alongside the X5 M is the even more powerful BMW X5 M Competition variant. Both models will be premiered at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2019 in November this year.

The BMW X5 M’s new engine gives the car a push of 750 Nm and a power output of 607 PS. That is a 25 PS power hike compared to the outgoing X5 M.

All-new BMW X6 M and BMW X6 M Competition unveiled

In an era when SUVs are booming and cars’ performances are continuously rising, BMW M GmbH has unveiled the third generation BMW X6 M and X6 M Competition.

Under the bonnet of the BMW X6 M sits the latest iteration of the 4.4-litre twin turbo V8, also found in the F90 BMW M5, producing 600 PS and 750 Nm of torque. And if that isn't enough for you, the Competition model takes the output to 625 PS while torque is maintained at 750 Nm.