Weekly wrap-up: Mitsubishi Triton limited edition model, VW Tiguan Allspace Life, & Maxus T60 launched, along with many H1 2022 sales report

No week is dull when we talk about the automotive industry, both local and international. This time around, the Malaysian car market welcomed stylish cars in the pickup and MPV segment. Also, several automakers released their half-yearly sales report with the majority of them showing positive results.

A lot happened in the international arena as well in the form of several big announcements in development and upcoming launches.

Let’s now get started with this week's major local updates, followed by international auto news.

Mitsubishi Triton - Phantom Plus Edition launch: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the sole distributor of Mitsubishi cars in the country recently launched a special edition Triton called the Triton -Phantom Plus Edition. Priced at RM 139,700, the newest addition to the Triton family is only limited to 1000 units and comes with several enhancements both on the outside and inside. Available in single Jet Mica Black tone, the 2022 Triton Phantom is powered by a 181hp/430Nm 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine.

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life launch: The official distributor of Volkswagen cars in Malaysia, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia launched a new Tiguan Allspace variant, called Life. Thus bringing down the total model lineup to three variants (Elegance and R-Line). Priced at RM 172,990, the Tiguan Allspace Life becomes the entry-level variant in the lineup and is powered by the same 150hp/250 Nm 1.4-litre TSI turbo mill as the Elegance model. It is offered in five striking hues - Pyrite Silver, Atlantic Blue, Platinum Gray, Oryx White, and Deep Blue.

Updated 2022 Maxus T60 unveiled: Weststar Maxus introduced the updated Maxus T60 pickup truck for the model year 2022. Priced at RM 115,888, the new Maxus T60 is offered as a fully-imported unit and is currently being offered with a RM 1,500 cash rebate. Also, for a limited period the company is offering the RM 3000 with performance kit free, it will significantly hike the power and torque figures. Part of the update is - a bold new grille, 17-inch wheels, automatic headlight with automatic beam level adjustment, follow-me-home function, automatic headlight sensing and DRLs, stainless-steel roll cage, aluminum luggage rack, 15 storage cabin area, 10-inch HD information display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and more.

All-new WMOTO RT3S launch: The sole distributor of the WMOTO motorcycle in Malaysia, MForce Bike Holding Sdn Bhd has finally launched its new offering, the WMOTO RT3S. Priced at RM 17,888 excluding insurance and road tax, the new WMOTO RT3S is powered by a 247cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve DOHC mill generating maximum power of 23 hp at 8,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 22.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

2022 Husqvarna Norden 901 on sale in Malaysia: Swedish motorcycle, Husqvarna Norden 901 has landed on Malaysian shores. It highlights the brand’s trail segment and is touted as a highly versatile machine that is perfect for off-road adventures as well as daily commutes. Its price in Malaysia starts at RM 98,800 (without road tax, insurance and registration) and powering it is an 899-cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin mill delivering a power output of 105 hp and a peak torque of 100 Nm.

Over 39k bookings for 2022 Perodua Alza: It was only last month that Perodua launched the all-new 2022 Alza MPV in Malaysia and it is proving to be pretty successful for the brand. The national carmaker has a record booking figure of 39k. Out of the total bookings, the brand has already delivered 4,000 units. Also, 65 percent of all the bookings are for the range-topping AV variant. The new Alza is offered in three variants including the base X, mid-spec H, and top-spec AV.

Perodua announced July, & H1 2022 sales: Perodua received 24,265 orders in July, out of which 9,000 came for the new Alza. As for the brand’s January to July 2022 sales figure, it sold 145,689 units, thus accounting for a 48.7 percent jump over the same period last year. As for the auto industry as a whole, Perodua expects the Total Industry Volume will be more than the earlier estimated 630,000 unit mark.

Proton announces its July 2022 sales: A total of 11,477 cars were sold by Proton in July 2022, thus calling for two consecutive strong sales months for the brand. Of the total sales, 4,763 units were of the X50 SUV, which makes it the country’s best-selling car of the month. Other Proton models also registered striking success, for instance, the X70 retained its C-segment SUV leadership, and the Saga continued its record as the best-selling A-segment sedan.

Honda Malaysia H1 2022 sales report out: In the first half of the year, January to July 2022, Honda Malaysia sold a total of 39,000 units and has a target of 80,000 units by the end of this year. The City came out to be the biggest contributor with 39% share, followed by the City Hatch with 23%, and lastly Civic at 18%.

Ford Ranger preview tour announced: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, the official distributor of Ford cars in Malaysia recently launched the all-new Ranger pickup truck. And now they have announced a preview tour that will allow prospective buyers to get to know the car up and close. Part of the preview location is - the Center Court of Queensbay Mall, Penang (Aug 3-7), Toppen Shopping Mall, Johor Bahru (Aug 10-14), Vivacity Megamall, Kuching (Aug 7-11), and Suria Sabah Shopping Center, Kota Kinabalu (Oct 5-9).

Chery is building a CKD plant in Malaysia: Chery recently announced that it is working with local partners here in Malaysia to set up a CKD facility. For its revamp in the country, the automaker is introducing the Omado 5 and is also developing a new nationwide sales and after-sales network.

Audi Centre Setia Alam reopens: PHSAM, the new distributor of Audi cars in Malaysia, has moved on to enhance the brand’s presence in the country. In its latest move, the distributor announced the reopening of the Audi Center Setia Alam. The outlet was shut down for upgrading and now it is back under the dealer-partner Goh Brothers Motors. As before, the centre will serve as a 4S centre with sales, service, spare parts, and body & paint jobs under one roof.

International auto update -

Bentley H1 2022 sales report out: Bentley also had a pretty good sales run from January to July 2022, despite the global economic uncertainty the market is experiencing. The Bentayga SUV with a 40 percent share in the total sales became the top-selling Bentley model for H1 2022. It was closely followed by the Continental GT Grand Tourer and Flying Spur sedan with 33 percent and 27 percent respectively.

Lamborghini sold over 5k units during H1 2022: From January to July 2022, 5,090 Lambo cars were delivered which represents a 4.9 percent growth over the same period last year. Unsurprisingly the Urus came out to be the top-selling model with a total share of 61 percent in the total sales (H1 2022).

Porsche 911 GT3 R introduced: Porsche introduced the latest-gen GT, 911 GT3 R, at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. Based on the existing 992 generation, Porsche's new customer racing car boasts a larger engine, a more constant aerodynamic performance, and an optimised weight balance. Lastly, this ultimate black beauty is priced at a whopping £430,000.

2023 Ducati World Premier schedule announced: Ducati has announced the schedule for its annual unveiling gala, the Ducati World Premiere, that will introduce not one, not two, but a total of seven new bikes. The event will kick start on September 2, 2022, and conclude on November 7, 2022.

Also Read: Maserati launched a 10-year warranty programme worldwide