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A couple of hours ago, the All-New 2013 Honda CR-V 2.0-litre has launched in Malaysia and Honda Malaysia have disclosed that they have received close to 1,000 bookings before the launched. The 4th generation CR-V remained to be locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia. In addition, the 2.4-litre variant of the new CR-V will be introduced by June 2013.

Overall, the All-New CR-V is bolder looking, more fuel-efficient and more 
spaciousness than before. Honda Malaysia targets to sell 7,000 units of the All-New CR-V in 2013.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Office, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno said, “In Malaysia, the CR-V is just as popular as in other countries! Even at its initial introduction, the CR-V received good market acceptance. To-date, there are close to 34,000 units of CR-Vs on Malaysian roads.”

“The All-New CR-V that we are introducing to you today is believed to set another new benchmark for SUVs, with its bold design, classy interior and enhanced practicality that are combined with fuel efficiency, performance and comfort of a sedan-like drivability. The All-New CR-V is more aerodynamic in shape and its elegant appearance is an expression of the evolution of the 4th generation CR-V,” added Mr. Ueno.

The 2013 Honda CR-V 2.0 is powered by an improved 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine mated with 5-speed Automatic Transmission. The ECON button and Eco Assist system which are now part of the features of the All-New CR-V, similar to the new Civic and other Honda’s hybrid series. The ECON button promotes fuel-efficient driving with the push of a button. The Eco Assist guides the driver on efficient driving styles through the illuminated ring colour on the meter cluster that changes from white to green for uneconomical driving to fuel efficient driving respectively.

Although the all-new CR-V looks bigger and bolder, but in actual it is smaller in size compared to its predecessor. Thanks to the deeper sculpting of bodylines and highlighted front grille. The big classy cabin is even more spacious with better legroom now while giving driver and passengers a high viewpoint. Enhancing comfort for rear passengers is the new Rear Air Conditioner Vent. The cargo area can be increased dramatically from 589 litres to 1,146 litres and is able to fit two mountain bikes side by side, through the One-Motion Rear Foldable Seats.

The All-New CR-V is available in 5 colours of Twilight Blue Metallic, Taffeta White, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

Honda Malaysia offers a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and a new service interval of 10,000 km to provide the best ownership experience for the 4th generation CR-V. In addition, All-New CR-V owners are entitled to 6 times free labour services alternating with paid services.

Lastly, the retail price of the new CR-V is now more affordable than before. The new CR-V 2.0-litre priced from RM 148,800.00 on-the-road with insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. Honda Malaysia offered 4 optional Modulo packages (Alpha, Beta, Urban and Utility Package) with price range from RM 2,550.00 to RM 5,000.00 on top of the car price.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Honda CR-V Malaysia Launch

A scenic Thursday of 21 February 2013, Honda Malaysia launched the new 2013 model of hot-hatch hybrid CR-Z at Setia Alam Convention Centre in Shah Alam. As previously mentioned by FastMotoring, Honda will be launching 5 new models in Malaysia for 2013. Thus, this new CR-Z facelift is the first new model to start off.

Speaking at the launch of the New CR-Z, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “The New CR-Z is an ideal balance of technology, performance and design. With its enhanced features and styling, it is now even sportier in looks, truly embodying the concept of a “Sport Hybrid”. The New CR-Z is a car that draws attention with its outstanding body lines with upgraded styling of new colours, new materials and beautiful finishes in interior as well as exterior that further enhance its emotional appearance.”

“The New CR-Z will give an ultimate joy of driving experience to Malaysian car enthusiasts. It is the ideal car for those who recognize the value of advanced technology, desire an eye-catching car and care for the environment,” said Mr. Ueno.

The new 2013 Honda CR-Z features a several new enhancements, notably improved powertrain and IMA hybrid system for increased performance. The exterior styling and interior finishing are both updated. For interior, the red stitching on the new semi leather seats, steering wheel and gear knob similar to the Type R series. Exterior-wise, the front façade and rear bumper are both redesigned for sharper and sportier look.

For folks that really bothered to have HID headlights, the new CR-Z comes with HID headlights as standard and rear LED lights with blue clearcoat decoration.

The new 2013 Honda CR-Z comes with a 1.5L i-VTEC engine that is connected with a more powerful electric motor. Central to the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) Hybrid System is the new lithium-ion battery, which helps preserve additional electricity in its compact and durable cells. This high performance lithium-ion battery is able to increase 2x the energy capacity output compared to the previous NiMH battery. With this boost, the New CR-Z gives a more dynamic and energetic driving experience.

To extend the joy of the sporty performance and fun driving, the New CR-Z is equipped with the Plus Sport System, which gives a better acceleration feeling. This system is perfect for overtaking and it can be used in the 3 different driving modes of NORMAL, ECON and SPORT.

Other new features of the New CR-Z are as follows:-

In terms of the safety standard, the New CR-Z is remained equipped with Dual Front SRS Airbags, Side Curtain & Side Airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), G-Force Control Technology (G-CON), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE).

In view of the good market acceptance, Honda Malaysia targets to sell 300 units of the New CR-Z a month in 2013.

The New CR-Z is available in both 6-speed Manual Transmission and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with 7-speed paddle shift and comes in four exciting colours – Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl, Premium White Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Milano Red.  Pricing-wise, the new CR-Z 6-speed manual model is priced at RM 119,000.00, while the 7-speed CVT model is priced at RM 123,000.00 in Peninsular Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia is now offering a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage for the new 2013 Honda CR-Z, including the IMA Battery. In addition, a new free service package comprising up to six free labour services alternating with paid services until 100,000 km is offered to all owners of the New CR-Z as well.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Honda CR-Z Launch in Malaysia

Last Friday, Honda Malaysia rolled out the first locally assembled (CKD) hybrid vehicle in Malaysia. The Honda Jazz Hybrid is now CKD at its Pegoh Plant in Alor Gajah. The historic launch ceremony was graced by Dato’ Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

Speaking at the event, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “We are very pleased and honoured to introduce the first CKD Honda Jazz Hybrid today. This is a significant achievement for Honda Malaysia to further reinforce our position as the pioneer in hybrid technology in Malaysia. Since the first Honda hybrid car arrived on Malaysian roads in 2007, we have sold a total of 12,194 units of hybrids as at October 2012. This would not have been possible without the support and efforts by Malaysian government to promote energy efficient vehicles and green technology. Honda Malaysia remains committed to support the government’s green efforts. Our mission is to continue providing advanced technology products with speed and affordability that maximize the joy of our customers for them to enjoy the freedom of mobility while contributing towards a greener earth.”

Honda Malaysia is the first car manufacturer in Malaysia for assembling hybrids locally. The CKD Jazz Hybrid is built from the Jazz Hybrid platform, which debuted in Malaysia in March 2012 as CBU model. The CKD Jazz Hybrid is equipped with the same Honda’s 1.3L i-VTEC engine and Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. It is the same engine as Honda Insight as well. The stylish exterior of the CKD Jazz Hybrid consists of Chrome Grille with Blue Reflector, Chrome Rear License Garnish, Rear LED Taillights with Blue Highlight and 15-inch Alloy Wheels. Overall, the CKD Jazz Hybrid further reflects the advanced and clean design of the Jazz.

The driving experience is further enhanced with easily accessible information on the Multi Information Display (MID). The Charge Assist Indicator and the fun ECO Assist System provide alerts on the driving style in an interactive and fun way. The CKD Jazz Hybrid also retains most of the functions from the CBU version such as the highly acclaimed Ultra Seat and a large boot space that emphasizes great practicality and space. The boot’s capacity (above floor) is up to 831 litres and allows the Ultra Seat to transform, flip and adjust easily to different modes for different purposes. Most importantly, the signal indicator and wiper controller is now at the ‘right’ side. Previously, the wiper controller is on the right and the signal indicator on the left.

On the safety aspect, the CKD Jazz Hybrid include Dual Front SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Immobilizer System and 4-corner reverse sensor.

Mr. Yoichiro Ueno added, “The market acceptance of hybrid vehicles in Malaysia has been monitored since 2007. With our broad line-up of hybrid vehicles, I am proud to announce that 69% of the Hybrid cars in Malaysia are from Honda. These encouraging figures show that more and more Malaysians are becoming committed to the environment and Honda is playing a leading role in energy efficient technologies. Honda Malaysia targets to sell 4,800 units of CKD Jazz Hybrid in 2013.”

In producing the hybrid vehicle locally, Honda brought in the latest technology to Malaysia and provided training for local associates to ensure that the quality is at par with the global Honda standard. Every Hybrid battery pack in the CKD Jazz Hybrid is tested using the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) inspection machine which was recently installed to ensure the integrity and performance of the key part of the hybrid vehicle. In addition to installing new machinery to the plant, Honda Malaysia is also committed to the transfer of technology and know-how to its local associates who have had the opportunity to be trained in Japan and Thailand on the intricacies of producing hybrid vehicles. The introduction of this CKD Jazz Hybrid into the current manufacturing system has been the shortest development of a New Model in the history of Honda Malaysia.

The new 2.15-kilometre test track in the Pegoh plant provides an excellent test ground that simulate normal road with various conditions and every Honda CKD model is put to the test here before it is delivered to the customer. Furthermore, the factory is designed to adopt the “Green Factory” concept. Honda Malaysia’s environmental commitment is not limited to the products, but it is also extended to overall corporate activities and factory. Improvement in energy management such as energy saving lights, natural air ventilation and waste reduction have been introduced to the factory.

Following this exciting development, Honda will set up a Research & Development Centre (HRAP-MA) at Honda’s Pegoh Plant by December 2012. The R&D Centre aims to develop parts design that best match the local suppliers and to further increase the local content.

Malaysia’s first ever locally produced hybrid model will be available at all showrooms starting today. The CKD Jazz Hybrid comes in five colours – Tafetta White, Sparkling Brown Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. Customers are able to enjoy 5-years or 140,000 km warranty for the battery.

Lastly, the price tag of the Honda Jazz Hybrid now revised to RM 89,900 on-the-road with insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. Precisely, it is cheaper by RM 4,900 compared to the fully imported (CBU) car that launched early this year.

Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd today announced that it would be producing hybrid vehicles locally. The announcement was made by Mr. Hiroshi Kobayashi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of its No. 2 Line at Honda’s Pegoh Plant in Alor Gajah, Malacca. When the first hybrid rolls out of its plant later this year, Honda will become the first non-national automotive manufacturer in Malaysia to locally produce hybrid vehicles. Currently, Honda produces its hybrid vehicles only in Japan and the US.

The historic ceremony was graced by guests-of-honour, Datuk Seri Haji Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam, Chief Minister of Malacca and Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

In his welcome speech, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia lauded the support by the Malaysian government in promoting green technology among industry players. “Honda’s growth and strong presence here in Malaysia would not have been possible without the partnership and support of the government and people of Malaysia. We have nurtured a strong working relationship with the government, our suppliers, dealers and customers. I would like to reiterate our firm commitment towards our business here in Malaysia as we strive to become a company that Malaysians would be proud to have in this country.”

Honda Malaysia has been manufacturing vehicles locally since 2003. The expansion of its production line to manufacture hybrid models is a natural progression in line with the increasing demand for advanced, clean and fuel-efficient vehicles in Malaysia.

Mr. Kobayashi shared his joy to be able to participate in this significant event. “We will start local production of the Jazz Hybrid at the Malacca Plant by the end of this year. Due to Asia’s fast growth and diverse markets, Honda will accelerate efforts throughout our regional operations to achieve Honda’s 2020 vision. Southeast Asia in particular holds a very important position for Honda’s global business. With a huge population, strong GDP growth and spending power, the demand for passenger vehicles in this region has grown tremendously in the past 10 years. We want to keep on creating products that maximize the joy of our customers, with speed, affordability and low CO² emissions in these markets.”

Honda is the pioneer in bringing hybrid technology to Malaysia, introducing the first hybrid vehicle to Malaysians back in 2007. With the move to produce hybrid vehicles locally, Honda is once again leading the way in the introduction of higher value technologies to Malaysians.

Honda Malaysia is investing RM350 million for the expansion, which includes building, equipment and facilities. The new No.2 Line is scheduled to begin operations by the fourth quarter of 2013 and will be able to produce 100,000 units annually. When both the production lines are up and running, Honda Malaysia will be able to produce up to 800 vehicles per day, double its current output.

Hybrid vehicles will be produced at its No. 1 Line while the new No. 2 Line is specially built to increase Honda’s ability to meet the Malaysian market demand for compact vehicles. Both the current and the new No. 2 Line will have the capability to produce multiple models and to quickly and efficiently shift production as required. In pursuit of Honda’s “Green Factory” concept, the No.2 line will continue to adopt a more efficient and environment friendly manufacturing operation.

The expanded factory will occupy a total space of 8.48 million square metres when it is completed; almost double the 4.32 million square metres of its current size. Mr. Ueno continued, “With this expanded factory, we are making investments to bring in state-of-the-art technologies as well as other investments. There will also be a transferring of technology such as with the installation of the latest state-of-the-art General Welding equipment. This is a demonstration of our commitment to continue providing products of the highest quality to our customers in Malaysia, which is reflected in our achievement of the No.1 ranking in the Initial Quality Study (IQS) award for the past 5 consecutive years.”

Mr. Ueno added that this investment would also be able to create more jobs for Malaysians. When the expansion at the Malacca Plant is completed and begins full operations next year, Honda Malaysia expects to employ 700 new associates.

Honda Malaysia believes that cost competitiveness is critical to success in this country. Together with its plant expansion, it is also widening its local supplier network to increase the parts content sourced in Malaysia. Currently, Honda Malaysia sources about 40% of the completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicles components locally and plan to further increase the local content.

The expanded Pegoh Plant in Malacca will assemble (CKD) models such as the City, Civic, Accord, CR-V and the first hybrid model, the Jazz Hybrid.

The expanded factory is complemented by the recently built RM40 million Pre-Delivery Inspection Centre (PDI) and Vehicle Quality Test Course which was commissioned on 7 July 2012. The new Vehicle Quality Test Course is designed with different dynamic testing zones and road conditions, which will be able to fully test two new vehicles per session. Earlier this year, Honda Malaysia officially opened their new warehouse to provide better support to its dealers.

Mr. Ueno added that parallel to the expansion and introduction of new models, Honda Malaysia is also looking to increase its dealer network throughout Malaysia, to up to 90 dealers by the end of 2015.

With the newly expanded factory, Honda Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to deliver its products on time and continue to excite Malaysians with an exciting line up of advanced models, for both the petrol and hybrid range.

On February 28, Honda Malaysia held a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for the new Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Centre and Vehicle Quality Test Course at Honda’s Pegoh Plant in Alor Gajah, Malacca. The investment amount for both the new PDI Centre and the Vehicle Quality Test Course in Malacca, which is expected to be completed by June 2012 is RM40.12 million. This cost includes land acquisition, building and equipment.

The functions of the PDI Centre include incoming inspection, accessorization, warehousing, final inspection, car tracking and washing to ensure the product quality meets Honda’s stringent pre-delivery requirements. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “With this new PDI Centre, we will be able to expedite the delivery process of new cars to all our dealers nationwide. The PDI Centre serves a very important role in ensuring the highest standard of Honda cars are met and delivered to our customers. The new PDI Centre will be able to process 30% more vehicles. This also means that we will be able to offer more job opportunities for fellow Malaysians,” added Mr. Ueno.

Currently, the existing PDI Centre operates on a single shift with 51 Honda associates processing 180 units of vehicles at any one time. The new PDI facility covers a total site area of 57,000sqm and is specially designed without sidewall for good air circulation, but equipped with a loading bay with roof to facilitate loading process during bad weather. Its total built-up area of 6,570 square metres is equipped with the capacity to park 1,522 vehicles. Upon completion, the new PDI Centre will be able to process 410 vehicles at any one time when they begin operating on two shifts. It will be a one-stop centre to accommodate all PDI processes.

Meanwhile, the new 2.148km Vehicle Quality Test Course will be able to fully test new vehicles on various road conditions such as roads that are slippery, pot-holed, hilly, bumpy and cobbled-stone. At the test course, new Honda vehicles will also go through different dynamic testing zones at maximum speed of 140km/h to check on body noise, wind noise, hard brake, car pulling, steering spoke angle, transmission function and reverse function. The new Vehicle Quality Test Course will be able to test two cars per session.

“The objective of the new Vehicle Quality Test Course is to help us improve the quality of all Honda vehicles produced in Malaysia. This is in line with Honda Malaysia’s commitment towards overall customer satisfaction, especially with the quality of their new car. At Honda, we place great emphasis on quality control in our products and manufacturing processes. With this new Vehicle Quality Test Course and PDI Centre, we will continue to uphold our commitment to supply and deliver products of the highest quality at reasonable prices to our valued customers in Malaysia,” added Mr. Ueno.

The new PDI Centre and Vehicle Quality Test Course in Malacca will process completely knocked-down (CKD) models produced at the Pegoh Plant such as the Honda City, Civic, Accord and CR-V. Honda Malaysia has another PDI facility located at Bangi, Selangor which processes Honda’s imported Completely Built-Up (CBU) vehicles before it reaches Honda dealers nationwide. The PDI Centre in Bangi was built in 2008 and is able to process 60 vehicles in one shift operation.

Photo Gallery: Honda Malaysia New PDI Groundbreaking