Wapcar Morning Insiders (Sep. 6, 2019)

Today is Friday, Sep. 6

 Local News 

VW Announces VIP – Volkswagen Insurance Plan

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today announced the launch of its insurance programme, the Volkswagen Insurance Plan or “VIP”.

• Priority claims approval
• No excess fees
• No betterment cost
• Agreed value of up to 10 years

More on: VW Announces VIP – Volkswagen Insurance Plan

Sime Darby Auto Performance confirmed the Taycan will be launched in Malaysia in 2020.

Construction of the company’s new headquarters in Ara Damansara is underway and when completed next year (estimated Q3), the six-storey facility's 23-bay service centre will also serve as SDAP’s competency centre for electrified Porsches (BEVs and hybrids included).

More on: Porsche Taycan debuts: 761 PS and 1,050 Nm, needs only 2-Speed transmission

Isuzu Malaysia to launch the 1.9 litre Ddi BluePower turbodiesel (RZ4E-TC) engine.

The RZ4E-TC is a 1.9 litre four-cylinder engine is with 16 valves, DOHC, direct fuel injection and a VGS turbocharger. The new unit benefits a:

• increase in output (150 PS @ 3,600 rpm; 350 Nm of torque from 1,800-2,600 rpm)
• 37% less internal friction
• 19% more fuel efficient

Launch details: TBD

2019 All-new Toyota Corolla Altis variants in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the outgoing Corolla Altis is fully imported from Thailand. Considering the shrinking demand for C-Segment sedans in the country, it is almost certain that UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) will continue to sell the new-generation sedan as a CBU.

We are expecting to receive the 1.8-litre engine option. Don’t count on the Hybrid model to be sold here because UMWT no longer has any hybrid models in its current line up of cars.

More on: 2019 All-new Toyota Corolla Altis, which variant will Malaysia get?

 Wapcar Morning Pick  

What’s so great about the RM 150k 2019 Toyota C-HR?

On paper, the Toyota C-HR is extremely underwhelming and frankly unappetizing. Halogen projectors, 17-inch wheels, 1.8-litre naturally aspirated DVVT-I with measly 140 PS & 171 Nm just doesn’t quite fit the bill of a RM 150,000 SUV.

Not only that, but the tight-ish interior also doesn’t quite appeal to the family shoppers – limited knee room and only 388 litres of boot space. If you’re claustrophobic like me, I strongly suggest to not spend too long in the back seats of the C-HR.

However, the reality is that people are still…

Read it now: What’s so great about the RM 150k 2019 Toyota C-HR?

 International News 

Toyota announces new TNGA platform for next generation Vios and Yaris

Toyota’s small cars family will be next in line to benefit from Toyota’s much vaunted TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform.

What all this means is the next generation Yaris and Vios is going to set a new benchmark in ride and handling for the B-segment, but don’t expect them to be cheap.

More on: Toyota announces new TNGA platform for next generation Vios and Yaris

GM will use Google to power its infotainment systems

General Motors will use embedded Google technology to power navigation, voice activated controls and other vehicle infotainment functions starting in 2021, in a win for Alphabet Inc in the race with Amazon.com and other technology companies to control dashboards.

GM said it will offer Google Assistant, Google Maps and other applications available through the Google Play app store in all its vehicle brands outside China. GM said the first vehicles with built-in Google infotainment technology will launch in 2021, with more models rolling out in the following years.

More on: Autoblog

Hyundai teases Frankfurt-bound 45 concept and electric racer again

Hyundai has teased its history-themed 45 concept on Twitter, giving us a three-quarter view of the design study inspired by Hyundai's first mass-produced car, the Pony.

Nissan CEO Saikawa admits he was overpaid, in policy violation

Nissan Motor Co was embroiled in another scandal over executive pay on Thursday after Chief Executive Hiroto Saikawa admitted to being overpaid in violation of internal procedures under a scheme designed by ousted Chairman Carlos Ghosn.

An internal investigation found that Saikawa and other executives had received improper compensation, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, raising doubts about Saikawa's pledge to improve governance in the wake of Ghosn's arrest last year for alleged financial misconduct.

More on: Autoblog