Volkswagen and Kenanga Investment Bank promotes KenTrade Trading Challenge

The KenTrade Trading Challenge reaffirms Kenanga Investment Bank’s efforts to create awareness and educate Malaysians on share trading and the equity market. The challenge is endorsed by Bursa Malaysia and supported by Volkswagen Malaysia and Berjaya RadioShack Sdn. Bhd

The KenTrade Trading Challenge truck in which sits a Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI now boasts fun activities including a selfie Instagram contest and spin the wheel. Visitors will also be able to step onto the truck to have an up close experience with the Volkswagen Beetle 1.2TSI which is the grand prize of the challenge.

Visitors who would like to participate in the KenTrade Trading Challenge will receive a mystery gift upon registration. Follow Kenanga Group on Facebook to get the exact locations of the truck in the following participating areas - Klang Valley, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Perak

Press Release

KenTrade Trading Challenge by Kenanga Gets Ready to Rumble
Kenanga Returns With Volkswagen To Roll Out Its 20-footer KenTrade Trading Challenge truck

Kuala Lumpur, 07 September 2015: Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (‘Kenanga Investment Bank”) in collaboration with Volkswagen Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia”) are again taking to the streets to promote the coming KenTrade Trading Challenge by Kenanga.

The 20-footer KenTrade Trading Challenge truck began its journey in Klang Valley on 1 September 2015, loaded with the Challenge Grand prize; a Volkswagen Beetle, 1.2 TSI.

In its second year, the KenTrade Trading Challenge reaffirms Kenanga Investment Bank’s efforts to create awareness and educate Malaysians on share trading and the equity market. The KenTrade Trading Challenge truck now boasts fun activities including a selfie Instagram contest and spin the wheel. Visitors will also be able to step onto the truck to have an up close experience with the Volkswagen Beetle.

Visitors who would like to participate in the KenTrade Trading Challenge will receive a mystery gift upon registration. Follow Kenanga Group on Facebook to get the exact locations of the truck.

For those who wish to register online can do so by visiting www.kentrade.com.my.
The annual KenTrade Trading Challenge officially runs from 1 – 31 October 2015.

It is endorsed by Bursa Malaysia and supported by Volkswagen Malaysia and Berjaya RadioShack Sdn. Bhd.

So keep your eyes peeled for the KenTrade Trading Challenge 20-footer truck as they make their way through the streets of Klang Valley, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Perak.

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Volkswagen WRC team Jari-Matti Latvala & Miikka Anttila launch limited edition Volkswagen Polo Trophy Edition

Volkswagen World Rally Championship (WRC) driver Jari-Matti Latvala together with his co-driver Miikka Anttila made a visit to Malaysia courtesy of Volkswagen Group Malaysia before heading off to compete in the Australian rally leg of the WRC. The two very sporting men were fresh from an amazing one-two-three win on Volkswagen’s home turf, the Rallye Deutschland. 

Messrs Latvala and Anttila graced the grounds of Setia City Convention Centre in Shah Alam to meet specially invited Volkswagen owners, fans and members of the media as well as launch the limited edition Volkswagen Polo Trophy released in conjunction with Volkswagen’s success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) arena. The event today, marked the start of the Polo Rally Weekend scheduled for the 5th and 6th of September 2015. Visitors could go for a ride with two of Malaysia’s top female drifters – Leona Chin and Azrina Jane Abdullah. They could also take a closer look at the newly launched Polo Trophy (some trim and stickers differentiate it from the normal version) where only 100 units are available. It is priced at RM89,888 while stocks last. 

Anyway, back to the day itself. Jari- Matti Latvala gave 60 lucky individuals comprising media, consumers and Volkswagen Facebook contest winners a memorable ride of their lives. So obviously Yours Truly managed to sit right beside him. A WRC driver taking you round a circuit with a jump in the middle even in a normal Polo 1.6 Hatchback is still an experience to remember. Whilst sitting shotgun in the slightly mundane Polo 1.6 Hatchback Jari-Matti demonstrated great skill. He would obviously leave most drivers for dead on a windy road even in the Polo. The best thing for me was that he had basically confirmed that even the base Volkswagen Polo is a tidy handling car that can be fun to drive (and it is one of the cars that  I would recommend if you're interested in a small car that comes in just under RM90K). But dammit, wish it was at least a Golf R he was piloting. But is was the launch of the Polo Trophy. So a Polo 1.6 it was.

And after he finished with going round and round with us lucky people, Jari-Matti had a face off with our local drift queen, Leona Chin (pictured above on the left, with Jari-Matti). Jari-Matti is currently ranked 2nd in the WRC arena – got behind the wheel as promised, to take on the challenge issued by her majesty queen Leona Chin on her Facebook page a week prior to his arrival. The time attack challenge saw them going head-to-head in a gymkhana course in the Polo.

Unsurprisingly the WRC driver was victorious (easily a good 4 seconds faster if not for a clipped cone which he gained a 3 second penalty), anyway, Leona walked away with the experience of a race of a lifetime against a 14-times rally champ who then let her ride shotgun and give her pointers. I was watching the 'race' from the comfort of the hospitality tent via the cameras. I have to say that the rally driver was super precise in cutting close to the apex of the corners. And he did so carrying a heck of a lot of speed. Even in a normal Polo. 

So anyway, do head over to Setia City in Shah Alam so that you can experience some high speed taxi rides and other stuff over the weekend.

Not a Polo, but a Beetle Rally on display...very unique with the roof scoop and all

PRESS RELEASE (and more pics below)

Volkswagen WRC team unveils Polo Trophy in KL

(4 September 2015) Before tackling the Australian rally leg, Volkswagen World Rally Championship driver Jari-Matti Latvala together with his co-driver Miikka Anttila made a swift pit stop here.

Fresh off the exhilarating one-two-three win on Volkswagen’s home turf, Latvala and Anttila graced Kuala Lumpur to meet fans and launch the limited edition Polo Trophy released in conjunction with Volkswagen’s success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) arena.   

At the circuit, the duo – who finished second after team mates Sebastian Ogier and Julien Ingrassia at the German Rally – competes in the Polo R WRC, a vehicle technically enhanced and cosmetically upgraded from the roadworthy Polo.

The duo were received by Volkswagen Group Malaysia Managing Director Mr Armin Keller, who congratulated them on their spectacular achievement before launching the new Polo enhanced with side and bonnet stickers, contrast wing mirrors and rear spoiler inspired by the sport. The Polo Trophy also comes equipped with satellite navigation and tinted windows.

“Today’s Polo Rally Weekend is an important one for the team. What a great way to be able to share with you another side of the brand. Volkswagen has had a long history of engagement in different rally platforms through the years.

“The World Rally Championship is one of them and we have consistently made podium finishes in most of the rallies in recent years. And last month was a great day for Volkswagen at the Rallye Deutschland, where all three of our WRC teams had podium finishes.

“We are proud to have with us today Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila at the launch of this limited edition Polo Trophy designed especially for Malaysian and WRC fans,” Keller said at the launch event held at Setia City Convention Centre.

Latvala and Anttila, who finished second after team mates Sebastian Ogier and Julien Ingrassia at the German Rally, unveiled the cars in nothing short of magnificent fashion via an explosive, show-stopping ramp jump; a first for a regular production Polo here.

Latvala also gave 60 lucky fans comprising media, consumers and Volkswagen Facebook contest winners a memorable ride of their lives. Sitting shotgun, the 30-year-old piloted them through a thrilling, fast lap displaying precise driving action around the course in daily drive Polos.

And before departing, Latvala – currently ranked 2nd in the WRC arena – got behind the wheel as promised, to take on the challenge issued by viral drift princess Leona Chin on her Facebook page a week prior to his arrival.

The time attack challenge saw the duo going head-to-head in a gymkhana course where both demonstrated who can outrun the other better and faster in the Polo. While the amicable challenge crowned Latvala victorious, Chin walked away feeling like a winner having had the race of a lifetime against a 14-times rally champ.

The event will continue over the weekend for consumers. Visitors could go for a ride with two of Malaysia’s top female drifters – Chin and Azrina Jane Abdullah. They could also take a closer look at the newly launched Polo Trophy where only 100 units are available. It is priced at RM89,888 while stocks last. Fans of the Volkswagen performance range could also enjoy up to RM30,000 in savings for the Golf GTI, Golf R and Scirocco R till 30 September 2015.

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Industry News: 58 of Volkswagen's sales consultants get the Volkswagen International Basic Training certification

Volkswagen Malaysia had announced that 58 of its sales consultants graduated from the International Basic Training (IBT) certification. Held for the third year, the IBT included 15 days of classroom training designed to develop sales competence and to provide knowledge of brand and history, and Volkswagen’s technology. What this basically means is that these people would actually be able to get a sales job with Volkswagen sales outlets any where around the world due to its global certification.

It is also these sort of technical qualifications that Malaysians need to have aside from just the usual diplomas or degrees to get the chance to work elsewhere. A global outreach is very important these days. It gives you a chance to go elsewhere if you think that the grass is greener on the other side.

PRESS RELEASE

VOLKSWAGEN CERTIFIED 58 SALES CONSULTANTS

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 August 2015 – Volkswagen Malaysia is pleased to announce that 58 of its sales consultants graduated from the International Basic Training (IBT) certification.

Held for the third year, the IBT included 15 days of classroom training designed to develop sales competence and to provide knowledge of brand and history, and Volkswagen’s technology. Having completed the training, these candidates were then examined in all these area which not only consist of written exam but also video analysis and role plays. The scoring was done by a panel of judges comprising of the region managers and dealer sales managers.

“At Volkswagen, we are focused in training and development to provide better career opportunity to our employees. We first introduced the IBT certification in 2013 to further enhance the knowledge of our team of sales consultants. Today, we are very proud of our 58 graduates this year and are confident that their learnings will enable them to better serve our customers,” says Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.

This group of graduates joins 85 other IBT certified sales consultants nationwide. These consultants are all trained and examined by a panel of experienced trainers from the Volkswagen sales training department and the dealer sales management for.

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Volkswagen Malaysia celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Volkswagen Polo

Mr Armin Keller with Vincent Paul Yong

Aside from launching the Volkswagen Polo Club edition last week Volkswagen Malaysia threw a photo exhibition, a fashion show and a dance party all at once. I attended the event last friday. Only for a short while before little ol' me decided to call it a night. I suddenly felt all forty three years of my life even though the party brought me back to my twenties.  The heart was willing, but the body was dead tired (after three launch/events from morning till after the sun had set). 

Anyway, Volkswagen Group Malaysia celebrated 40 years of Polo by collaborating with local photographer Vincent Paul Yong Photography, better known as VPYP. Vincent brings alive this classic car’s exciting personality through a Polo exhibit where he coated the car in chrome and showcased a photo series featuring DJ duo LapSap and illustrations by Cloakwork.

The exhibition launch at APW on 21 August included Pearly Wong’s SS16 fashion show and LapSap taking on the decks.

PRESS RELEASE

Volkswagen celebrates 40 years of the Polo

Ms Martina Berg, Mr Armin Keller, and Mr Robert McAllister

(21 August 2015) The Volkswagen Polo is German engineering at its best in a fun sized package and this year it’s celebrating its 40th birthday.  This hatchback made its first appearance in 1975 and has since gained a legion of fans.

Currently in its fifth generation, the Polo hatchback is one of the brand’s top-selling passenger cars around the world and in 2014, Malaysia introduced the locally assembled Polo making it more affordable and accessible. Mr Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia commented “To date, the status of the Polo in Malaysia is unmatched. With over 13,000 units sold it is no wonder that this practical, yet fun car has captured the hearts of Malaysians. It’s agile but solid performance results in a drive best suited for KL’s busy roads as well as long highways. “

In Malaysia, the Volkswagen team decided to celebrate this milestone by collaborating with established fashion lifestyle photographer Vincent Paul Yong Photography (VPYP) to produce a photo series that showcases the driving fun with the car.  

Self-taught photographer Vincent has brought the Polo to live with a photo-story highlighting a day in the life of DJ duo LAPSAP and includes illustrations by graffiti artist Cloakwork. This exciting collaboration emphasizes the spirit of the colourful spirit of the Polo. The images were revealed at an launch event at APW titled WYSIWYG- What You See Is What You Get.

The VPYP photo exhibition featuring the Polo will be on showcase from 21 to 30 August 2015 for the public to view.

In conjunction with the Polo’s 40th anniversary, Volkswagen Malaysia is pleased to announce the introduction of the Polo Club that will feature a multimedia head unit with navigation and window tint. The Polo Club will be available at RM88,888 and the Polo Sedan Club at RM89,888 while stocks last.  

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Volkswagen Malaysia introduces the Volkswagen Polo Club Edition in conjunction with the Polo's 40th anniversary

Volkswagen Malaysia seems to be doing a lot of innovative marketing these days. In conjunction with the Volkswagen celebrating 40 years of the Volkswagen Polo, Volkswagen Group Malaysia decided to celebtate this momentous milestone by collaborating with established fashion lifestyle photographer Vincent Paul Yong Photography (VPYP) to produce a photo series that showcases the driving fun with the car.

This hatchback made its first appearance in 1975 and the current Polo is its fifth generation. The Polo hatchback is one of the brand’s top-selling passenger cars around the world. Last year, Volkswagen Malaysia introduced the locally assembled Polo making it more affordable and accessible. To date, over 13,000 units sold. 

Having driven the locally assembled Polo 1.6 hatch I have to say that the basic 1.6liter engine and that torque convertor 6 speed transmission is one of the more reliable and refined offerings that Volkswagen has in its stables. It is actually fun to drive and the simplicity of this model makes it the one for people who want to experience the pleasure of owning a German engineered car without any extra cost.

And so, in conjunction with the Polo’s 40^th anniversary, Volkswagen Malaysia has announced the introduction of the Volkswagen Polo Club (based on the recently facelifted model). It will feature a multimedia head unit with navigation and window tint. The Polo Club will be available at RM88,888 and the Polo Sedan Club at RM89,888 while stocks last. The prices are actually the same as the standard variant offered. 

PRESS RELEASE

Volkswagen celebrates 40 years of the Polo

(21 August 2015) The Volkswagen Polo is German engineering at its best in a fun sized package and this year it’s celebrating its 40^thbirthday. This hatchback made its first appearance in 1975 and has since gained a legion of fans.

Currently in its fifth generation, the Polo hatchback is one of the brand’s top-selling passenger cars around the world and in 2014, Malaysia introduced the locally assembled Polo making it more affordable and accessible. Mr Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia commented “To date, the status of the Polo in Malaysia is unmatched. With over 13,000 units sold it is no wonder that this practical, yet fun car has captured the hearts of Malaysians. It’s agile but solid performance results in a drive best suited for KL’s busy roads as well as long highways. “

In Malaysia, the Volkswagen team decided to celebrate this milestone by collaborating with established fashion lifestyle photographer Vincent Paul Yong Photography (VPYP) to produce a photo series that showcases the driving fun with the car.

Self-taught photographer Vincent has brought the Polo to live with a photo-story highlighting a day in the life of DJ duo LAPSAP and includes illustrations by graffiti artist Cloakwork. This exciting collaboration emphasizes the spirit of the colourful spirit of the Polo. The images were revealed at an launch event at APW titled WYSIWYG- What You See Is What You Get.

The VPYP photo exhibition featuring the Polo will be on showcase from 21to 30 August 2015 for the public to view.

In conjunction with the Polo’s 40^thanniversary, Volkswagen Malaysia is pleased to announce the introduction of the Polo Club that will feature a multimedia head unit with navigation and window tint. The Polo Club will be available at RM88,888 and the Polo Sedan Club at RM89,888 while stocks last.  

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Beetle CLUB Now Available in Malaysia at RM152,888

I was at the launch of the limited to 50 units Volkswagen Beetle Club yesterday. The car is priced from RM152,888 and quite like the previous limited run Beetle 'Bug' Edition, it gets basically a cosmetic touch up only and no extra performance enhancing items like a sports exhaust, larger turbo for it's 1.2liter TSI engine, machine guns, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft guns.

So you don't get all of the above (I wish I could) but 17" Ravenna alloy wheels to the text decal with ‘Club’ lettering, side sills with chrome strip for the exterior. The interior gets orange stitching for the leather seats, ‘Club’ exclusive ‘Vienna’ leather sport seats and a steering wheel with ‘Club’ lettering.

It is fully imported from Central America. Yes, they make right hand drive Beetles for export in Mexico and comes in Habanero Orange.

The RM152,000+ pricing did make my eyes water a little. But aside from this iconic styled car, only the Mini One comes close at around the same price.

PRESS RELEASE
WELCOMING THE BEETLE TO THE CLUB
Beetle CLUB Now Available in Malaysia at RM152,888

Mr. Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 August 2015 – Volkswagen Malaysia celebrated the launch of its Beetle Club at an exclusive ‘Welcome to the Club’ party. Prior to the launch, fans were given a sneak preview of the trendy limited edition Beetle Club at the recent Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2015.

Beetle Club is all about its look. From its 17" Ravenna alloy wheels to the text decal with ‘Club’ lettering and side sill with chrome strip, the look is indeed chic. As for the interior, Beetle fans will rejoice in the stylish orange stitching, ‘Club’ exclusive ‘Vienna’ leather sport seats and a steering wheel with ‘Club’ lettering.

Commenting about the launch of the Beetle Club, Mr. Armin Keller, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia said, “Since its arrival on Malaysian shores 60 years ago, the Volkswagen Beetle has preserved its reputation of being an iconic car. We seek to constantly excite our fans by bringing these limited editions to them.”

Fully imported from Mexico, the Beetle Club in Habanero Orange is available from RM152,888, limited to 50 units in Malaysia. Customers can book a unit of the Beetle Club at selected Volkswagen authorised dealerships, available while stock lasts.

Also on display, the Jetta Club launched in May, featuring a multimedia head unit with navigation and window tint, which is available from RM122,888.

For more information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my

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Volkswagen 'Balik Kampung' tips for this Raya holidays

It’s almost Raya. It's that time of the year again. Soon it will be time to get into our cars and balik kampung (even if the 'Kampung' is actually a short trip from Gombak to Kajang or from Butterworth to Balik Pulau). But before you get started on your journey, Volkswagen Malaysia would like to share some important tips to help you be a smart traveler. 

The top six tips Volkswagen have identified are:

1. Take your car for a checkup

Ensure your ride is in tip top condition for a safe drive home.  

2. Get your car pumped-up

Fill up your tank before you hit the road.

3. Don’t join the crowd

Check the Travel Timetable to plan your route and avoid the jam.   

4. Pack Snacks

Stock simple snacks to keep you fulfilled during the long drives.   

5. Buckle up!

Do not compromise on the safety, keep all passengers strapped in.

6. Beat the queue

Take the fast lane with Touch ‘n Go to save time at the tolls.  

Anyway, this Raya season which has already begun till 31st July 2015, Volkswagen is offering fans of the brand savings up to RM54,000*. The Polo Sedan, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat and Volkswagen CC are available with no downpayment* and no interest for up to 7 years*. T&C applies of course! 

Be a smart traveller this Raya

Kuala Lumpur, 14 July 2015 –The Raya festivities is about spending quality time with family while enjoying all the delicious food. It‘s also when the annual balik kampung migration happens increasing the amount of traffic on the roads.   

Volkswagen would like to encourage everyone travelling during this festive season to be a smart traveller; to enjoy a happy, smooth and safe journey.

The top six tips Volkswagen have identified are:

1. Take your car for a checkup

Ensure your ride is in tip top condition for a safe drive home.  

2. Get your car pumped-up

Fill up your tank before you hit the road.

3. Don’t join the crowd

Check the Travel Timetable to plan your route and avoid the jam.   

4. Pack Snacks

Stock simple snacks to keep you fulfilled during the long drives.   

5. Buckle up!

Do not compromise on the safety, keep all passengers strapped in.

6. Beat the queue

Take the fast lane with Touch ‘n Go to save time at the tolls.  

To ensure you significantly maximise family time and decrease traffic time, Volkswagen urges everyone to use the recommended best travel time as proposed by PLUS. This travel advisory aims to distribute traffic and create better flow on the roads.

This Raya season, Volkswagen is offering fans of the brand savings up to RM54,000*. From now till 31st of July 2015, the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat and Volkswagen CC are available with no downpayment* and no interest for up to 7 years*.

Book a test drive online and drop by your selected dealership to test your favourite Volkswagen before 31st July to get hold of an exclusive limited edition Volkswagen Touch `n Go card.

*Terms and conditions apply

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Volkswagen Malaysia establishes a Parts hub in Shah Alam

More good news for those who already use or are planing to buy Volkswagen cars. Volkswagen Malaysia has established a Parts Hub in Shah Alam. The new Parts Hub is an extension of the regional Volkswagen Parts Centre in Singapore (which explains why that when a part needs to be replaced, it may take longer than it should). The new centre has been operational since early this month.

Anyway, with this new Parts Hub, the obvious benefits would be a quicker turn around time for repairs and warranty claims. As it should be for any company that wishes to grow and expand as well as keep its customers happy.

PRESS RELEASE

Wait no more for Volkswagen spare parts as the marque expands its distribution centre to Shah Alam.

Kuala Lumpur, 7 July 2015 – For most Malaysians, getting around in their vehicles is a daily necessity. As it has become an extension of their daily lives, it is vital to ensure the car stays in tip top condition. When a problem arises, parts will need to be replaced, a process that sometimes takes longer than it should.

To alleviate the waiting period, Volkswagen Malaysia has enhanced it’s after sales service offerings by establishing a Parts Hub in Shah Alam. This installation serves as an extension of Volkswagen‘s Parts Centre in Singapore – a facility that manages daily orders and deliveries since July 2014.

The 10,000 sqf storage centre here will receive parts from the Singapore centre and the Volkswagen plant in Kassel, Germany; the second largest production facility.

For an efficient delivery turnaround time, Parts Hub will work hand-in-hand with its counterpart in Singapore to process order submissions twice-a-day. Distribution of parts like market focus inventory, campaign and high demand parts will be dispatched twice-daily to dealerships nationwide from either Singapore or Shah Alam.

“Volkswagen is ‘Always by your side’ and customer satisfaction is our highest priority. With the establishment of this seamless integration between dealerships and Parts Hub, we have significantly reduced the waiting period. Therefore the performance of your Volkswagen car is always optimal,” said Volkswagen Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.

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