The 10th Generation Accord is equipped with an enhanced 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged engine that is more powerful than a 2.4L engine performance

Honda Malaysia surprised the market with the launch of its flagship executive sedan, the All-New 10th Generation Accord. The All-New Accord raises the benchmark in the D segment with its elegance, excellent performance, and premium features.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toichi Ishiyama said, “The
Accord has 44 years of history since its debut in 1976 with nine full model changes.

The Accord has always been very well accepted by Malaysians, with encouraging sales recorded for the previous generations. To-date, there are more than 84,100 units of Accord on Malaysian roads.

Each generation of the Accord continues to shine by setting higher benchmark in styling, technology and advanced features in an executive sedan.”

“We are very honoured with the huge support for the Accord from Malaysians over the years. It drives us to continue to offer products that are able to fulfil our customers’ needs and set a new standard in the industry. This All-New Accord being launched today continues to meet customers’ demands with more sophistication and premium features,” Ishiyama added.

The much-anticipated All-New Accord is conceptualised to push boundaries for the Next Generation executive sedan with its dynamic performance, stylish and premium design. The overall body appearance of the 10th Generation Accord has a wider stance, lower roofline and longer hood; highlighting a sleeker and classier posture alongside Honda signature chrome wing front grille, full LED headlights and taillights.

Completing the contemporary masculine exterior of the All-New Accord is a feature that is not only new but also unique in a Honda – an 18-inch Alloy Wheels with Resonator*, which is specially designed to reduce tire noise by applying a resonator to the wheel.

The All-New Accord is equipped with an enhanced 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged engine, making
Honda the first Japanese mass market manufacturer to introduce Turbocharged engine in
D-segment.

The Turbocharged engine can generate power output of 201PS and maximum torque of 260Nm, which is more powerful than a 2.4L engine performance. With these enhancements, the All-New Accord promises a refined and exciting driving experience that provides more efficient power distribution in all RPM and greater fuel efficiency.

Notably, the All-New Accord is also the latest Honda model to be certified with Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status. The executive sedan is available in two variants, which are 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged (TC) and 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged Premium (TC-P).

The interior styling of the All-New Accord exemplifies the “Man-Maximum, Machine Minimum” design philosophy. In terms of dimensions, the wheelbase of the All-New Accord increased by 55mm; the rear legroom is now roomier by an additional 48mm, providing more comfort for passengers.

Its interior finishing sets a class-leading standard by providing a perfect touch of
classiness while the leather application on seats further adds elegance and sophistication.

Incorporated with numerous technological innovations, the All-New Accord has many new practical features that are making its first introduction in Honda Malaysia’s model line-up.

New in a Honda vehicle in Malaysia is the 4-way Assistant Power Seat with Shoulder Switch, and the Wireless Charging feature, which is integrated into the centre console of the All-New Accord for topmost convenience especially for driver to charge their phone.

This 10th Generation Accord is packed full of premium features. Among the host of new features available in the All-New Accord are Driver’s Seat Memory that allows drivers to set and quickly access their preferred seating position, Driver Attention Monitor that monitors and alerts driver when it detects a diversion of driver’s attention, Walk Away Auto Lock, as well as Remote Engine Start.

The instrument panel and decoration panel of the model are enhanced with more premium and fresher look with 8-inch Advanced Display Audio at the centre console and 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Meter Cluster.

In the All-New Accord, Honda Malaysia also emphasises build quality in terms of NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness), to push the envelope in comfort and better travel ambience.

The All-New Accord adopted laser brazing to join the roof and body side panels of the car, which makes it more refreshing and sophisticated for the exterior. Spray foam is used to provide extra sound insulation and enhance cabin quietness.

The application of High-Performance Adhesive (HPA) further improves the structure and rigidity of the body for better durability. It also reduces the noise and vibration while improving ride and handling.

Awarded five-star safety rating by ASEAN NCAP, the All-New Accord offers the most
comprehensive safety technology in a sedan. This 10th Generation Accord is the only model in its segment to offer a full suite of Honda SENSING* comprising all eight features with the inclusion of Low Speed Follow (LSF) and Auto High-Beam (AHB) to Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Parking the All-New Accord is made easier and more agile with safety features new to this executive sedan, such as Smart Parking Assist System with Brake Assist (Rear)* that recognises the border line of the parking space and assist the driver with automatic steering assist, screen display, voice guidance and auto braking assist is activated when an obstacle is detected.

This flagship executive sedan comes equipped with additional safety technologies that are new to an Accord, such as Multi-view Camera System (360° Camera)* assists the driver by displaying the surrounding blind spots on the navigation screen, and Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM)* that uses radar sensors to monitor the rear corner of the car when reversing.

Meanwhile, another new feature, the Electric Parking Brake with Brake Assist makes it easier to engage and disengage the parking brake with touch of a button; the Brake Assist makes driving in stop-and-go traffic much more convenient.

These new features add to the existing safety features of the All-New Accord for driver’s
convenience and safety, such as Honda LaneWatch that enhances the side view while reducing the blind spots.

The All-New Accord comes with standard safety features comprising Six Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD),
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), front and rear parking sensors with
Multi-angle Rearview Camera, and Rear Seat ISOFIX.

With outstanding performance and innovative features, the All-New Accord can elevate the joy of owning a Honda car especially for individuals who are looking for classy and premium cars.

The 10th Generation Accord sets new value in the next generation of sedans as it centres its focus on the Joy of Buying for owners.

The All-New Accord is priced at RM185,900** for the 1.5 TC variant and RM195,900** for the 1.5 TC-P variant. The all-new model comes with four attractive colours which are Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and a brand-new colour, Platinum White Pearl.

With its D-segment benchmark expectations, Honda Malaysia is confident of selling 200 units of the All-New Accord per month.

*Applicable for 1.5 TC-P variant only.
**On-the-road price without insurance

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, begun the year 2020 strong with records of an all-time high market share for the past 10 years, with 22.8% for the month of January 2020.

The Mitsubishi Triton was the only brand in the pick-up segment that successfully achieved positive growth and expanded its overall sales with 1.6% increase from April 2019 to January 2020, comparing to the same period last financial year.

MMM’s Financial Year calendar is from April 2019 to March 2020. On another positive note, for the month of January 2020, the Mitsubishi Triton double cab ranked up to the number one position in the pick-up truck segment, in four states namely Klang Valley, Melaka,
Penang and Kedah.

“We are happy that we closed 2019 and begun 2020 strong with the Mitsubishi Triton that has managed to capture the hearts of Malaysians with the DNA of the best handling pick-up truck.

“With the achievement of ranking number one in J.D. Power 2019 Malaysia Customer Service Index (CSI), we are committed to deliver top-notch service to all our customers,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.

Swedish automaker Volvo Car Malaysia and its local partner, Sime Darby Swedish Auto have established a strong partnership with the official opening of its Volvo 3S (Sales, Services & Spare Parts) Centre at Sime Darby Motors City in Ara Damansara.

The Volvo 3S centre is expected to build on the Swedish automakers efforts to deliver the brand’s vision to the market and bolster customer confidence as Volvo Car Malaysia grows from strength to strength.

Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia said that having ensured a solid footprint on Malaysian soil since 1966, the Swedish automaker has been continuously looking to expand its presence nationwide with a like-minded partner.

“Building off our accomplishments in 2018 and further growth in 2019, Volvo is set to have a great 2020. The partnership we have with premium dealers such as Sime Darby Swedish Auto is the key to expanding the Volvo brand’s Swedish-inspired ideals and heritage especially within regard to its retail experience, new car sales and customer service improvement. There is an amazing potential”, said Nalin.

The new 4-storey state-of-the-art Volvo 3S was built in adherence to Volvo Car’s retail standard – the Volvo Retail Experience (VRE). It is also the first 3S Centre to be equipped with a VR Studio (Virtual Reality Studio) and a “Reception at the Counter” bay.

The 3S Centre was designed to deliver a contemporary luxury experience featuring a showroom at the ground floor to display the brand’s premium marques and service centre which is complete with a car detailing area spread across the second and third floors.

A wheel alignment and balancing zone meanwhile is located on the fourth floor.

Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors, the Motors Division of Sime Darby Berhad said “From the start of our relationship with Volvo Cars Malaysia, it was imperative that we focus on delivering peak customer satisfaction and this is reflected in the many offerings at our 3S centre”.

A highly skilled after-sales team comprising of 8 personnel will manage 8 repair and service bays of which two are specifically designated as “Reception at the Counter” bay.

All customer parking bays will also be equipped with a designated Electric Vehicle Charger which aligns with Volvo’s goals for environmental sustainability through the introduction and promotion of clean energy technologies.

This will allow our customers the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and
safe way.

Basham added that the partnership with Volvo is a meeting of minds, as the principles of sustainability of Volvo are perfectly aligned to that of Sime Darby Motors.

“We are going digital and just one way this is expressed is through our Digital Silent Salesman (DSS) platform which means that even price lists will be shared digitally”, Basham said.

Sime Darby Swedish Auto, a unit of Sime Darby Motors (SDM), is the automotive arm of Sime Darby Berhad, a Malaysian-based diversified multinational established in 1910.

An annual appointment, that of Enzo Ferrari’s birthday on 18 February, becomes yet again the occasion for a new exhibition at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena.

“Ferrari Grand Tour, a journey through beauty and passion” celebrates the international vocation and boundless fame of a marque that has dominated the world scene with unparalleled styling of its cars from the very early days.

The main protagonists of this particular journey are some of Ferrari’s most elegant Grand Tourers; cars that not only won the hearts of high profile celebrity clients but are also linked to the world’s most fascinating cities.

The journey takes visitors through five multimedia arches representing five different cities: Paris, London, New York, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi. Thanks to a mix of images and audio, the arches create an immersive visitor experience evoking Ferrari’s connection with each of the cities and their geographical region.

Each arch lies at the centre of waves of energy which contextualize each of the individual cars.

The Paris arch opens the area devoted to Europe. The “Ville Lumière” and its International Motor Show have provided the backdrop for many pivotal moments in the marque’s production history.

In 1949, for instance, they hosted the debut of the 166 Inter Touring, a coupé clad in magnificently spare lines that made a huge impact for the marque and can be seen in the exhibition.

Many other memorable unveilings followed,  not least that of the 1954 Ferrari 375 MM, a one-off commissioned from Pinin Farina by Roberto Rossellini as a gift for his wife Ingrid Bergman.

With their heady mix of avant-garde and tradition which continue to flourish in motorsport temples of the likes of Goodwood , the United Kingdom has always rewarded Ferrari’s cars with starring roles.

In the exhibition we find, for example, the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2, a coupé powered by a front-mounted V12 and immortalised in front of Westminster in 1964, when Colonel Ronny Hoare’s Maranello Concessionaires presented it to its clients.

The United States has an enduring relationship with Ferrari too, strengthened through friendships with musical artists such as  Miles Davis and Hollywood stars such as Jane Mansfield.

A major contribution also came from high profile events, including the 2016 30 Million Cars Rally which included the 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, also featured in the exhibition.

Venerated by many collectors as the ultimate GT, the car is famous for its exceptionally pure lines and incredible tally of race victories.

Shanghai is an extraordinary city that acts as a melting pot for the Far East’s ancient aesthetic matched with that of the West.

This is highlighted to stunning effect in the exhibition through the image of a 2006 599 GTB Fiorano with bodywork decorated by the artist Lu Hao in the style of Song Dynasty porcelain.

Alongside this artistic masterpiece is the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti which, in 2005, just a year after its launch, proved its matchless comfort and performance on a 15,000-mile tour of China.

Also featured is a photograph of the 2018 Ferrari Portofino in the Shibuya quarter in Tokyo, another vibrant touchstone for the Ferrarista community in the Far East.

Abu Dhabi is one of the undisputed Middle Eastern capitals of luxury and passion for the Prancing Horse as epitomised by Ferrari World, the marque’s dedicated theme park.

In fact, the all-wheel-drive Ferrari FF, which hailed a revolution in both styling and performance was unveiled in the park in 2011, shortly after its successful debut at the Geneva International Motor Show.

The arch also references the International Cavalcade that last year celebrated the 25th anniversary of Ferrari’s arrival in the United Arab Emirates with a parade of over 100 cars.

Last but very far from least, the Grand Tour arrives in Italy with the Ferrari Roma, the latest masterpiece from the Maranello Style Centre which developed this glorious contemporary take on the sophisticated chic of the Dolce Vita of the 1950s and 60s.

A lifestyle and aesthetic choice that is not confined to Italy but which, as the exhibition reveals, Ferrari interprets all over the world.