Weekly wrapup: Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello, 2023 Brixton Cromwell 1200 launched; 2023 Honda BeAT new colour, New BYD centers

The past week was pretty busy for both the national and international auto industry. Moto Guzzi Malaysia launched the much anticipated V100 Mandello in the local market and Brixton introduced the 2023 Cromwell 1200. The international auto market saw the unveiling of the 2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X, the all-new Forza scooter, and the updated Honda CB300R.

Local auto news

Perodua and Toyota May sales report

Both Toyota and Perodua showcased a promising sales front for the month of May 2023. The UMW Group (UMW Toyota and Lexus) delivered a total of 32,703 units, thus representing a 28% hike over April wherein it sold 25,641 units. As for Toyota’s year-to-date sales, the automaker till May 2023 sold 39,990 units which compared to last year’s figure represents an 8% increase. This puts the brand’s current market share at 13.3%. Perodua, on the other hand, sold a total of 24,699 units which compared to April 2023 represents a 31% increase (18,874 units). Thus confirming Perodua’s growth from April to May 2023 outperformed the total industry volume growth.

2023 Honda BeAT introduces new hues

The official distributor of Honda motorcycles in Malaysia, Boon Siew Honda, has introduced a new, fresh hue for the popular BeAT scooter. The scooter showcases a fresh Sporty Modern visual with the graphics concept influenced by a modern abstract. All centered to appeal to trendy Malaysian riders. The 2023 Honda BeAT color options include - a new Yellow tone along with red, blue, and black hues.

Proton-Affin Bank credit card launched

Proton has joined hands with AFFIN BANK to offer exclusive privileges and benefits to its customers. Under this new venture, the national automaker launched an affiliate credit card/-i, which is exclusively available for Proton car owners. Included in the package is - a lifetime annual fee waiver, 3X AFFIN rewards points, 1X AFFIN rewards points, hassle-free overdraft, and 0% easy installment plan for up to 24 months.

New BYD centers in Penang and Johor Bahru

BYD has expanded its footprint in Malaysia with the launch of two new showrooms in Penang and Johor Bahru. Designed to offer customers an elevated level of experience, the new BYD stores are strategically integrated directly into shopping malls, viz. Gurney Plaza in Penang and Mid Valley Southkey in Johor. Developed by Sime Darby Beyond Auto, the new BYD stores are 1S centers with a showroom area for display and sales. As for the after-sales services, Jalan Sungai Pinang and Jalan Skudai Kiri are there to serve BYD customers in Penang and Johor Bahru, respectively.

Gentari, Jom Charge & chargE launch in Malaysia

Gentari, Yinson GreenTech (ChargEV), and EV Connection (JomCharge) made an agreement to offer cross-access charging solutions to Malaysian EV owners on all three platforms in March 2023. Phase 1 of their joint efforts has now been launched in the form of an integrated “EV Roaming Network”. To cross-access the EV chargers, the customers need to install either Setel (Gentari), JomCharge, or ChargE mobile app and access a huge network of 600 chargers installed across the country through one app only.

Ford Experience Hub in Malaysia from June 27 to July 2

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), is introducing a nationwide tour for the next-gen Ranger Raptor 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel via the Ford Experience Hub. Here onlookers will get a chance to take the Ranger Raptor 2.0L bi-turbodiesel as well as the Next-Gen Everest premium seven-seater SUV for an off-road test drive. Slots for the same can be booked via the Ford Experience Hub webpage, however, are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Moto Guzzi V 100 Mandello launched in Malaysia

The long-awaited Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello has finally arrived on Malaysian soil after arriving on the global stage two years ago. The motorcycle represents the brand’s bold move into the 21st century and so is a bit special. It features several first-time features like a liquid-cooled engine, semi-active suspension, quick shifter, 6-axis IMU, and cornering ABS.

2023 Brixton Cromwell 1200 launched in Malaysia

The official distributor of Brixton in Malaysia, Mforce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd, has launched a new motorcycle in the local market called the Cromwell 1200. It features a classic vintage design which makes it an instant crowd favorite and is powered by a 1222cc parallel twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, and 8-valve engine generating a maximum power of 83 hp at 6,550 rpm along with a peak torque of 108 Nm at 3,100 rpm.

Chery Malaysia’s official grand launch on July 6th

Chery’s debut date for the local market is July 6th, 2023. The news was previously announced by the automaker via a Facebook post and now the official invite has further sealed the date, time, and venue. Chery’s debut date for the local market is July 6th, 2023. The news was previously announced by the automaker via a Facebook post and now the official invite has further sealed the date, time, and venue.

International auto news

Honda recalls over a million cars

Honda has recalled 1.3 million cars worldwide as per the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The issue pertains to the image from the car’s rear-view camera. As per the report, the concerned vehicles have a potentially faulty communication coaxial connector which causes the rearview camera image to be not displayed on the vehicle’s screen. The recall involves 3 cars - the 2018-2023 Odyssey, the 2019-2022 Pilot, and the 2019-2023 Passport.

2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X introduced

Triumph has introduced two new motorcycles in the market called the 2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. Thus joining the brand’s modern classic range including the Speed Twin 900 and 1200 and the Scrambler 900 and 1200. Developed by Hinckley and manufactured in India by Bajaj, The two bikes showcase the same design DNA as their bigger Triumph Modern Classic siblings. The two even mark the introduction of the Triumph TR series engine (398 cc single-cylinder with four valves and a DOHC cylinder head).

Honda CB300R updated in the US

Honda has introduced the all-new CB300R in the US market. The latest version of the brand’s sport-naked machine benefits from new color options while other specifications remain almost the same as earlier. The 2024 Honda CB300R retails for USD 5,149 (approximately equal to RM 24,038) and is powered by a 286-cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that kicks out a maximum power of 30.7 PS and a peak torque of 27.5 Nm. It is offered in two new hues - Pearl Dusk Yellow with a bronze-finished upside-down fork and Metallic Black with a black USD fork.

All-new 2023 BMW X1 M35i performance SUV introduced

Globally revealed in June last year, the all-new third-generation BMW X1 gets a new high-performance variant in the form of the X1 M35i xDrive. The new German hot SUV packs a mighty 2.0-litre drivetrain and improved hardware setup and looks more aggressive, which sets it apart from the standard X1. Powering the new variant is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot gasoline mill (312 hp/400 Nm) that’s been given the M treatment. It benefits from an upgraded turbocharger, a more robust crankshaft, new bearing shells and caps, and an optimized oil supply system. The power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission mated to an xDrive system and a mechanical limited-slip differential setup.

Toyota Hilux with 48V mild hybrid system coming next year

Toyota Australia will soon introduce a 48V mild hybrid system in the Hilux, thus making the pickup more capable and powerful. The new version will showcase a 48V mild hybrid powertrain consisting of - a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine, a 48V small electric motor generator, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. And will feature a stop/start system, improved drivability, and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

All-new Forza scooter introduced in Indonesia

Honda has introduced the all-new Forza 250 scooter in Indonesia. Identical in shape and size to the Forza 350 with only a few mechanical changes, it is powered by a 249 cc single-cylinder eSP+ engine generating a max power of 22.8 hp at 7,750 rpm and a peak torque of 24 Nm at 6,250 rpm. It features several modern gears like - LED lighting throughout, combined analogue and digital instrument panels, 15-inch wheel at the front and 14-inch at the back, an adjustable windshield, USB charging port, keyless start, and a large storage compartment with enough space for two full-face helmets.

Limited edition Vespa Disney Mickey Mouse scooter introduced

Vespa is celebrating 100 years of Disney with a cute, limited edition Disney Mickey Mouse scooter. It will be offered in three model options - 50cc, 125cc, and 150cc and is based on the Primavera scooter.

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