Volvo has always been a company that looks forward to the future. Since the Swedish brand arrived in Malaysia in 1966, the carmaker has driven the Malaysian car industry forward with its groundbreaking inventions and priority on safety.
Volvo was one of the first international car brand to develop an automotive assembly plant in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The Volvo assembly plant began its operations with the production of the Volvo 144 — the first car to be assembled in Malaysia, and this has marked a major step for the country’s automotive industry.
To further strengthen the safety of the driver and passengers, Volvo also invented the three-point safety belt in 1959 and has waived its patent rights for all to enjoy. To date, it is estimated that more than one million lives have been saved by this three-point safety belt. This brand also introduced the advanced innovation of the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) in 2003 which has now become standard on all modern cars today.
Volvo was the first car maker to install plug-in hybrid cars and pure electric cars in Malaysia in 2016 and 2022.
Exclusive Interview With Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham:
Merging heritage and technology, Volvo is one of the most captivating pioneers in the automotive world. In conjunction with the upcoming Independence Day and National Day, we had the opportunity to interview Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham, the Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to find out more about Volvo and how its legacy is forging an exciting new path for modern cars.
Datuk Mohd Rani Hisham is one of the proud owners of a Volvo P1800 — a classic Volvo car that stands in a class of its own. For him, this car symbolises Volvo’s unwavering commitment to providing safety for cars in this era.
Can you share a little about the Volvo P1800 and what’s so special about it?
When I was five or six years old, I was in Malacca. My late father was working with the British Army in Terendak Camp and that’s when I saw the Volvo P1800 for the first time. It was love at first sight and I promised myself that I would own this car in the future and I actually acquired it, which makes it so special to me.
What do you love most about owning and maintaining a classic car?
Restoring a car is challenging, but when the car is in excellent condition, it is very easy to maintain, since there is nothing electronic about this car — it is all manual and mechanical. So, it’s been very easy for me. However, getting spare parts can be a difficult and daunting task.
Can you share with us how you maintain the Volvo P1800?
I only have time on weekends to take care of this car. Unfortunately, sometimes my weekends are pretty busy too. But, I do force myself to drive the car once a week. This is because if it is not driven, most parts of the car will deteriorate, such as the rubber tires and more.
Volvo is a brand known for its safety systems. So, what are your views on the safety standards and features of this vintage car compared to the recent Volvo models?
It’s very good actually. In fact, for a 1963 model car, the car already had seat belts and disc brakes. Imagine during that year when other cars didn’t have all these safety features, this Volvo P1800 had it all.
You are a part of the Volvo Classic Car Owners Club. Can you share your experiences with the club and other members?
Yes, I used to be the president of the Malaysian Classic Volvo Club (KVKM). And to my surprise, many people out there actually like Volvo cars. They love the old models and trying to restore them. The club is a great platform for all members to exchange information and learn how to get or find spare parts.
In conjunction with our independence and national Day, we are looking back at Volvo’s history with Malaysia. What do you think about Volvo’s evolution in the country?
Volvo not only started selling cars in Malaysia but they assembled these cars in Shah Alam, Malaysia. So their involvement in Malaysia has been there for a long time. They are growing along with the growth of Malaysia and that is very good.
You also had the opportunity to drive the Volvo S90 Recharge. What do you think about it?
It’s a completely different experience and a very good car. The Volvo S90 Recharge is a car that combines high performance and comfort.
The Volvo S90 Recharge is a great, luxe vehicle. What do you think about the car?
Yes, there are many great features and luxury items in this car. But, the most prominent one for me is what’s on the dashboard, which is the touchscreen menu. I also like the lighting because the high beam will turn off automatically to not dazzle oncoming traffic. Even when you drive around, the Volvo Active Bending LED headlights will follow your vision as you turn left or right.
Volvo has made significant progress in electrification and the brand has also committed to selling only pure electric cars by 2030. What do you think about this move?
I think Volvo will be one of the most successful brands in the world because of its image in merging safety and state-of-the-art-technology. It is a very good combination to have as a car brand.
What do you think about Volvo’s approach with sustainability and environmental awareness? And, is this something that align with your values?
Yes, for sure. Everyone needs to start contributing to reducing the carbon footprint and Volvo has always taken this step well. And as I said before, Volvo does a good job at combining safety and technology, and now sustainability.
With your extensive experience and knowledge of classic cars, and now with your new experiences with Volvo’s electric hybrids, what are your wishes and recommendations for Volvo in shaping the Malaysian automotive landscape?
I am very sure that Volvo’s initiative to move towards EVs will help the country. And, all the initiatives done on the safety side will definitely be very good for future car owners and drivers.
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Malaysia’s Independence & National Day
Volvo Car Malaysia is commemorating its 57 years with Malaysia with promotions for both its BEV and hybrid range during Merdeka and Malaysia Day.
From now until 30 September 2023, customers who purchase a new Volvo Recharge Pure Electric model (XC40 Recharge Pure Electric or C40 Recharge Pure Electric) with Volvo Car Financial Services will enjoy the benefits of instant final price reduction worth RM20,000 with additional savings via a principal reduction method. There are the benefits of a shorter financing tenure with no exit fees upon early settlement. This promotion is also applicable when you order the Volvo XC40 Pure Recharge or Volvo C40 Pure Recharge online at https://shop.digitalvolvo.com/my/shop-online.
Similarly, customers who purchase any Volvo hybrid electric vehicle within the same period will enjoy complimentary car insurance and VSP (5-year Volvo Service Plan) worth almost RM20,000. VSP is a comprehensive car service package valued at RM12,900 that covers your first five car services including wear-and-tear items and labour costs, free software updates and vehicle health checks, while the complimentary car insurance for the first year is worth RM7,000.
For more information on Volvo Car Malaysia’s electric vehicles, please visit www.volvocars.com/my/v/cars/plug-in-hybrids or follow Volvo Car Malaysia on Facebook at http://bit.ly/VolvoMY– FB and Instagram at http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-IG.
