Naza has announced the release of a specialized tuning kit for the Honda CBR1000 RR superbike from Two Brothers Racing of the United States. Elements of the kit, which have a combined worth of RM3,564,  consist of a light-weight carbon fibre exhaust system, an electronic fuel controller, and graphics.

The light-weight carbon fibre exhaust, which weighs in at 10 lbs (4.5kg) is claimed to provide a 2hp increase in output. In this kit, it is mated to the Juice Box fuel controller, a system developed by Two Brothers Racing themselves.

The system is said to be plug and play with the CBR1000’s electronics, allowing for quick and easy adjustments without the need to fiddle with complex electronic mapping systems. It interfaces with the bike’s standard ECU via direct connection with the OEM wiring harnesses. This is claimed to allow for precise control of the engine fuel management system.

As a special offer for customers, Naza is now packaging the Two Brothers kit into the purchase of the CBR1000 RR bike from Naza World without extra cost.

KON

Pictures: Official Naza release

Official Press Release from the Naza Group of Companies

Naza World will be organizing a special “late night shopping” campaign at the PJ Auto Mall along Federal Highway on Friday (5/3/2010) and Saturday (6/3/2010), catering to customers who prefer to visit our showroom after working hours.

The showroom will be open from 9am till 10pm, 3 hours past the usual operating hours.

By doing this, the Naza Group of Companies intends to capitalize on the rush hour crowds to drop into our showroom instead of getting caught in the frustrating traffic congestion in and around the city.

Instead, they can all come to Malaysia’s biggest showroom, as offer a motor show-like atmosphere throughout the year with all types of cars that cater to various demands, including our platinum collection of exotic sports and super luxury cars.

As free refreshments are being served, customers can capitalize on this by kicking off their shoes and enjoying the many machines on display and at the same, picking a good deal or two.

Naza Group of Companies Joint Group Executive Chairman Dato’ Haji SM Faisal Tan Sri Nasimuddin said this is a way for the Group to address customers’ welfare and to cater to their convenience.

“Come over and check out the many deals that we offer. If not for buying a car, then come over to just enjoy the atmosphere and bask in the display of our special cars at Auto Mall,” he said.

Recently, Naza threw a year end party for its customers at the Auto Mall in Petaling Jaya, inviting 46 beauties from the Miss Tourism International 2009 to grace the occasion. I can write a thousand word story and tell you all about it, but I suspect you’re more interested to SEE what went on. So, here goes…

(Click on thumbnail for larger pictures)

KON

Official Press Release from Naza-Kia Sdn Bhd

Naza Kia, Malaysian Kia Motors distributor and asubsidiary of the Naza Group of Companies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir as Chief Operating Officer of Naza Kia Sdn Bhd and Naza Kia Services Sdn Bhd with immediate effect.

Syed Hisham, 54, a BSc Mechanical Engineering graduate from Plymouth University (UK), with an MBA from Ohio State University, has contributed positively to the automotive industry for over 25 years.

Prior to joining the Naza Group, Syed Hisham was the managing director at Edaran Otomobil Nasional Bhd (EON). Besides EON, he has also served as the President/ Chief Operating Officer at Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd. His solid track record at these companies will bring a wealth of automotive experience to Naza Kia.

SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of Naza Group, said, “Datuk Syed Hisham has made an outstanding contribution to the Malaysian automotive industry over the years. We are pleased that he has agreed to join Naza Kia and will work towards introducing new products, developing the network and enhancing the brand. His ‘hands-on’ experience and knowledge of the automotive industry make him an excellent choice for COO and we are pleased to have him on board.”

Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir

The highly-acclaimed Kia Forte, recently launched in Malaysia, has recently picked up an award, with American auto website NADAguides.com naming it their ‘Car of the Year‘. Having already bagged the website’s ‘Car of the Month‘ award for August, the new Kia beat eight other vehicles for the coveted annual honour.

Explaining the Forte’s winning of the award, Michael Caudill, auto expert of NADAguides.com said, “Not many cars can boast a full package when it comes to design features, price, performance and fuel economy, but the Forte leaves a lasting impression with all that and more.”

Kia Forte – NADAguides.com COTY 2009

The Forte was recently launched in Malaysia by Naza-Kia to positive response from Malaysian consumers and also Autoworld forummers. A quick check on our forums unearthed no less than eight dedicated threads for the Forte, which amassed (as of 10 Dec 2009) a total of 453 replies and a combined number of views fast approaching 30,000. Our backend stats from the Emzine tells us that only articles relating to the Perodua Alza beat the Forte’s in pageview numbers. So, this car is making waves.

Forte launched to overwhelming response in Malaysia.

“In Malaysia, the initial response to the Forte has been overwhelming, mirroring its debut in other countries. This Car of the Year award won by the Forte is further testament to the superiority of its design, quality, safety and performance over its competitors,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, Joint Group Executive Chairman of the Naza Group.

In Malaysia, the Forte is offered at three spec-levels – 1.6 EX (RM75,800), 1.6 SX (RM81,800), and 2.0 SX (RM93,800).

Forte 1.6 SX

KON

See also:
- Our test drive report: Formidable Forte (20/11/2009)
- Our launch coverage: Naza-Kia launches all new Forte (25/11/2009)

Official Release from Naza

Naza invites you to join everyone at the Naza Cars & Bikes Carnival for a grand weekend of fun, games and of course, lavish cars and bikes! All the brands come together ‘under one roof’ in the biggest showcase this year.

The Naza Cars & Bikes Carnival promises fun activities for the family and special sales, service and finance packages including unbeatable offers for selected models.

Activities include rides, batik painting and airbrush demonstrations, a mini ‘Treasure Hunt’ around the compound of NAZA Automall, a Karaoke contest, and more.

Attractive prizes await sporting customers who participate in the various than 30 games available around the compound.

Venue: Naza Automall (by the Federal Highway in PJ)
Date: Saturday, 24th of October 2009
Time: 12.00pm

See also: Showroom Experience: Naza Carnival 2008 (20/11/2008)

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM NAZA AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

In a statement issued recently, the Naza Automotive Group advised owners of Naza, Kia, and Peugeot to use the appropriate fuel for their vehicles.

According to the statement, RON 95 is suitable for the following vehicles:

Naza

• Citra
• Suria
• Citra II Rondo
• 206 Bestari
• Forza

Kia

• Sportage
• Carnival
• Carens
• Picanto
• Optima
• Spectra5
• Spectra
• Rondo

Peugeot

• 206
• 407
• 308 Turbo
• 308 Vti

The Naza Sorento, Kia Sorento and Kia Pregio use diesel.

For more information on the Naza Group of Companies please visit www.naza.com.my

Naza launches CKD Peugeot 308 and goes broadside against Honda Jazz

Peugeot 308 1.6 VTi - RM96,500 (OTR)

Peugeot 308 1.6 Turbo – RM111,000 (OTR)

It is a continental car and it even has a French badge, a combination that would have made the Peugeot 308 a tough sell in Malaysia but Nasim Sdn Bhd, Naza Group’s subsidiary which imports the brand is making an offer that many will not be able to resist.

Let’s face it, the Peugeot 308 is a far more stylish car than any Japanese or Korean family hatchback and it is a proper B C1-segment car and not some cramped Sub-B model that masquerades as a B-player.

For your money you will get Peugeot’s fantastic and supple ride comfort, typical French flair when it comes to road handling and, of course, the good looks comes free.

Specifications

Before the launch, the media were invited to their Glenmarie flagship Blue Box and everyone from Executive Chairman, S.M. Nasaruddin to  General Manager Samson Anand George and even marketing man Derick were asking journalists where the 308 should be positioned in terms of price.

Almost to a man, everyone said it would go head on with the Honda Jazz in people’s mind and this is a rather odd answer because the 308 is significantly larger than the Jazz but that is probably the reality and the Nasim boys did not disagree.

The Jazz is an award winner itself and certainly no slouch when it comes to features and technologies and it has the Honda goodwill backing up any purchase decision and this is something that they cultivated for decades through careful implementation of a strong customer relationship management programme that includes respected after sales service and resilient residuals in the used car market.

Peugeot on the other hand is seen as a semi-aspirational brand in the sense that the lower segment of the market aspires towards Peugeot because of it’s continental roots and the glamour of it’s motorsports involvment but past importers and distributors have failed to do justice to the brand, hence the soft residuals.

Nasim has been doing a lot of work improving the after sales support and owners are now better taken care of but that is not going to be enough. What Peugeot needs is a full frontal price assault to put cars on the road because nothing will inspire market confidence like a strong presence on the road. Nasim knows this because they are part of Naza and Naza always goes for volume to instill customer confidence and they have the financial muscle to do that.

By pegging the 308 VTI lower than the Jazz, it will make many who have put their deposit for the Japanese hatchback think twice, maybe some will even ask for a refund and move to Peugeot.

It is a strategy that will cause ripples in the market. Peugeot is not a marque that is regarded as problematic in Europe, the bad rep it gets here is mostly down to the local partners and now that they have Nasim, which has the necessary level of committment, financial strength and market knowledge to mount an assault on the Malaysian automotive scene. I believe that we will see a lot more of these French cars.

Better still I hope this will trigger a slight downward push on prices, nto just to counter the Peugeot assault but also faltering market confidence as a result of the global economic uncertainty.

It is about time Japanese importers and distributors start sharing with the market the financial rewards of the Japan-Malaysia FTA. Come on now, we know you have room to discount…

Below is the full Press Release from Nasim, all specs and details are here:

Nasim Sdn Bhd launches the new Peugeot 308

The award winning Peugeot 308 has been launched into the Malaysian automotive market by Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official franchise holder of Peugeot automobiles in Malaysia on Thursday, 29 January 2009 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The new Peugeot 308 was launched by Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.

The new 308 which was the winner of the “Golden Lenkrad” award in 2007 in Germany in its category and also recently the AMI NZ Autocar Car of the Year 2008 in its category is set to offer Malaysian car buyers more choice apart from the current offerings available in the market. Members of the public who are interested to view the car can do so at all Nasim branches and authorised dealers from 3.08pm onwards on the same day.

The new Peugeot 308 which had received positive remarks on its exterior design from Paul Owen, Editor of Autocar Magazine New Zealand, motoring journalist and chief judge for AMI NZ Autocar Car of the Year 2008 award and Mr. Dave Moore, the Editor of the Press, Christchurch, New Zealand said “Here’s substance and style unmatched by its rivals in the compact class” and “A five-star Euro NCAP crash rating, and standard stability control make the 308 a safe family offering” respectively.

The new 308 which is locally assembled at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah will be available in 5 door form and come with the new EP6 series of 1.6 litre engines. The EP6 engines have won the International Engine of the Year Award twice, in 2007 and 2008 and are a result of a collaboration between Automobiles Peugeot and BMW.

Malaysians will be offered 2 variants of the new Peugeot 308; the Peugeot 308 VTi and the Peugeot 308 Turbo. Both are available with only automatic transmissions with System Tiptronic Porsche; a feature that allows drivers to select manual gear selection or fully automatic. En SM Nasarudin said that these two models reflect the growing taste of Malaysian buyers for European automobiles. He adds that the cars have been very well specified and are being positioned as premium offerings within their respective segments. “The performance of the 308 Turbo is already as good as some 2.0 litre competitors and in some cases even better. The 308 offers a combination of strong engine performance, with top-notch creature comforts, space and safety for both the VTi and Turbo and these alone, are strong points for anyone considering the new 308. Our theme ‘Naturally Efficient’ for the launch shows just how far the automobile has progressed and in the 308’s case, it represents efficiency in all areas; performance, spaciousness, fuel economy, safety and also towards the environment.” He added that customers should get into the car and feel the difference when compared to the car’s competitors.

The Peugeot 308 VTi and Peugeot 308 Turbo models are Nasim’s spearhead into the hotly contested C-segment and Nasim is confident of achieving strong sales performance while carving out its own niche as mentioned by En SM Nasarudin. This was due to the strong combination of the features offered, the individualistic Peugeot styling that allows it to stand out from the crowd, the already legendary Peugeot ride, handling and reliability and being the only European representative in its price range. With the Peugeot 407 as a testimony to the marque’s acceptance into Malaysian mainstream automotive market, Nasim Sdn Bhd is confident of the 308 repeating the success. En SM Nasarudin adds Nasim Sdn Bhd will continue to introduce new and exciting Peugeot models into the Malaysian market that are very competitive in their price and size segments as part of Nasim’s strategy for Peugeot in Malaysia.

During the launch, Yayasan Naza had also donated the sum of RM500,000 to the “Amanah Kemanusiaan Rakyat Palestin” fund to assist them with the rebuilding of their country and to alleviate their suffering caused by war. The cheque was received by YB Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Throughout my days as a car nut watching out for and attending various car events, I notice that these things have a natural tendency to come out together. It’s like there are magnets around certain dates which cause the manufacturers and dealers to pick them. A good example was the last weekend, where this writer attended no less than five events throughout the Klang Valley.

Among the five, is the Naza Carnival 2008 at the Naza Auto Mall along the Federal Highway. I usually don’t care much for showroom events organised by Naza Motors, because for all the glamorous machines they have on display, all you’ll ever do is just to look at the cars and do nothing more.

Carnival atmosphere here for two days.

The thing about me is this, as crazy as I am about cars, the idea of just seeing a car without driving it doesn’t excite me terribly – no matter how ’up there’ it is. As such, I usually give events without test drives a skip.

So, you’d probably understand that I did not go to the Naza Carnival 2008 on Sunday at Naza Auto Mall with bags of enthusiasm, even though there was a test drive for the Peugeot 407 available, part of the 407 Test Drive Me campaign, and a row of Kia test cars parked in front of the showroom.

Available for test drive.

My companion and I tested none of those. Instead, we went around looking, admiring and photographing the what everyone knows to be the largest collection of the finest and most exotic automobiles in the country. My personal guess is that the nett worth of their cars is probably worth, no, not a house, but a whole premier housing estate.

Each more expensive than an average house.

As we were walking, a young (and reasonably attractive) lady approached me to give me a little sticker, assuring me that it’s absolutely free, and then convincing me to part with forty one and a half of my ringgits for an RM36 Shell petrol card, a Shell James Bond Aston Martin DBS collector’s toy car and a total of RM60 worth of lubricant vouchers. It was a reasonable deal, if only for the lubricant vouchers, though I must admit that a male salesperson won’t stand half a chance sealing the deal.

Not long after handing over my cash to the lady, there was the cracking sound of a Ferrari V8 engine nearby. They were having a ‘Product Presentation’ session for the Ferrari F430. There was also another one for the 599 GTB Fiorano scheduled earlier, but I missed that one.

Presenting the F430 & 599 GTB Fiorano

And here’s my opinion on the ‘Product Presentation’: it was not up to scratch. The presenter was fumbling through his ‘cheat sheet’ stammering through words. It begs the question why an entity of Naza’s considerable resources did not spend more of it to train him better before going on stage.

However, that presentation, together with our up close encounters with the likes of the Nissan GT-R, the BMW M3, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, the Ferrari Enzo, the Maserati MC-12, and many others, faded into obscure memory for me and my companion as we came across something a lot more astonishing – at the Peugeot section!

Nissan GT-R

BMW M3

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Ferrari Enzo – yours for RM6.68m

Oi, don’t touch la, cannot read ar?

Maserati MC-12

All the money went to the cars, leaving nothing for the plumbing.

Surprisingly, but by far, the best part of the show was here.

Believe it or not, on our way home, our thoughts were dominated by the humble Naza 206 Bestari. In all my years following the car industry, never before in my life, have I ever come across a deal that reads like this: RM0 downpayment, 0% interest for 12 years. Yes, that’s right.. 12 YEARS! The amount of time needed to raise kids, and we have a loan package that lasts that long and charges no interest.

Staring in disbelief, we scratched our heads at the incredulity of the deal and pressed the poor salesgirl serving us to reveal all the fine print. There was none. You pay an RM100 booking fee, you wait one week, you drive the car away – just like that. Then each month, for the next 144 months, you pay RM390 (M/T) or RM425(A/T) back to Naza Credit, you get yourself a brand new Naza 206 Bestari.

We pressed to ask if the offer was just 0% interest for the first one or two years, but the salesgirl firmly said 0% for 12 years – a claim verified by her colleague. Now, I am used to hearing all sorts of baseless claims from salespeople, but the black and white on the pamphlets are clear: 0% interest for 12 years – no fine print whatsoever.

Here’s the most astonishing thing: after adding up the total instalments of RM390 and RM425 respectively over 12 months times 12 years, we arrived at a figure LOWER than the advertised price. There was no indication how long this offer is going to last, but I’d recommend anyone shopping for a car to check this deal out. I am not recommending whether you buy it or you don’t, but this is too amazing not to even look at it.

Thinking of getting one?

Now, do you still recall the Ferraris, the M3 or the GT-R earlier in this post? Don’t worry, neither did I.

Reknowned Mercedes-Benz importer and dealer, NZWheels Sdn Bhd re-launched their newly refurbished Autohaus in Klang on Sunday. The launching was performed by NZWheels’ CEO En SM Faisal Tan Sri Nasimuddin in a ceremony that quite clearly dressed the showroom to impress.

Carrying a theme of the ”Malaysian Futuristic Lifestyle”, the RM 3 million Autohaus is designated as NZWheels’ flagship Autohaus, and rightfully so, when you examine how well equipped this facility is. The SL63 AMG parked to the left as you step into the showroom signals that this showroom means business. Indeed, there is a whole corner dedicated to their AMG cars as you step further into the showroom.  Parked in this corner, are not the average Mercs with tacked on AMG kits, but the real deal monsters – such as the SLR and CLK DTM.

The SL63 AMG – means business!

The AMG corner – girl not included.

The rest of the showroom looked just as impressive, ensuring that every customer who walks in is cocooned in a premium and luxurious environment. Particularly impressive is the Malaysian Indoor Garden, a landscape which consists of a pond and beautifully arranged plants in an air-conditioned environment, allowing customers to enjoy themselves in a peaceful and serene environment.

It claims to be the ONLY Mercedes-Benz showroom in the country showcasing the entire Merc line-up, and caters towards every single requirement for Mercedes-Benz owners - be it a limited edition or a unique customized colour. It says in the press release kit: “NZWheels is determined to fulfill every request.”

The Malaysian Indoor Garden

Even after you have signed the order form, your experience with them does not need to end with your acceptance of the car keys. NZWheels have also invested in setting up a full-fledged service centre in the same premises to cater for your Mercedes’ maintenance needs. I was not given a tour of the workshop floor, but looking at it from across a glass window, it appears to be properly clean, professionally run and generously equipped. Of course, while the technicians fiddle with your car, you can pass your time pampering yourself with a cup of coffee or sink in the relaxing ambience of the Indoor Garden.

Service reception area

Your Mercedes is in good hands.

Even ignoring the sugar coated words of the press release, it was hard not to be impressed by this awesome facility. It has in its possession an arsenal of top class equipment, and has set a new standard for vehicle sales and service. In his speech, Faisal remarked that this is beyond a 3S centre, but rather it’s a 1S i.e. One Stop centre. It’s hard to disagree.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Wowing guests with some great melodies. 

Another mean machine – the CLK DTM 

 
Setting the stage for the grand launch. On normal business operations, this whole hall would of course be filled with Mercedes cars for your viewing pleasure.

 
Ice-mounted bar serving drinks for guests.

 
Yours truly jostling for a place among established journalists.

 
Launch draws a massive crowd!

Supermodels in Jimmy Choos emphasize the premium feel.