Nissan NV350 Urvan 14-seater van launched – RM109,800

The Nissan NV350 Urvan has been launched by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), with the 14-seater microbus priced at RM109,800 (Peninsular Malaysia) on-the-road with insurance. The NV350 Urvan comes powered by a 2.5 litre turbocharged diesel engine and is paired to a five-speed manual transmission.

“This multi-purpose commercial vehicle provides transportation for business and leisure purposes, and now has a new and more powerful diesel powertrain with improved fuel efficiency to add on to its modern styling, comfort, and safety features,” said Tan Keng Meng, director of marketing and product planning for ETCM.

Imported from Japan, the NV350 is the successor to the current Nissan Urvan, boasting improved engine noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels compared to its predecessor. From an aesthetic point of view, the new Urvan sports a front grille similar in design to the Nissan Navara pick-up truck.

Step inside and the highlight of the interior is a 3.5-inch multi-function display that provides real-time data on fuel consumption, a gear-shift indicator to advise drivers on when to change up, odometer and trip meter figures. The car is equipped with ABS and Brake Assist.

The Nissan NV350 Urvan comes with a three-year or 100,000 km warranty.

- Source: paultan.org

B7 biodiesel programme to begin next month

B7 biodiesel - means 7% palm biodiesel and 93% petroleum diesel.

Malaysia is set to implement the B7 biodiesel programme for the subsidised sector next month – this will replace the current B5 biodiesel. The programme is set to begin in the Peninsular, with East Malaysia to follow on in December, according to Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas.

A projected saving of 667.6 million litres of diesel is expected as a result of increased biodiesel consumption – 575,000 tonnes of it, to be exact. The blend consists of a ratio measuring 7% palm biodiesel and 93% petroleum diesel. No changes to the price, which stays at RM2.20 per litre.

The move was approved on October 17, with several petroleum firms, the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) and other relevant parties being involved in discussions with the government leading up to the implementation.

“Based on the consultations, there are no significant issues involved in implementation of the B7 programme,” Douglas told Bernama. The move aims to place the nation on par with neighbouring countries like Thailand and Indonesia, which already sells B7 and B7.5 biodiesel in their respective markets.

Currently, B5 biodiesel is being sold with the product having been introduced nationwide in stages – first becoming available to the general public back in 2011. Six stations in Putrajaya were the first to sell it, with other stations across the Peninsular following suit and East Malaysia capping things off.

- Source: paultan.org