GERMAN automotive brand Borgward Group AG has appointed Go Bremen Motors Sdn Bhd (Go Bremen) as its manufacturing and distribution partner for the Malaysian market and other markets in the surrounding region.
One of the key factors in selecting Go Bremen as a collaboration entity is the know-how and the capabilities of the company on grasping the automotive industry business in the region, as well as the flexibility in operating in low-volume production.
“The experience in exporting to other countries was an added advantage to the company, and it creates a healthy synergy for the collaboration,” said its director Ahmad Azam Datuk Sulaiman during a signing ceremony.
The talks and negotiations between Borgward AG and the Malaysian team were established as early as in January last year, with discussions being held locally and abroad.
Azam said Malaysians could expect the BX5 to be launched during the third quarter of this year.
The BX5 will be available in two engine variants, drivetrain and transmission options, the 1.4-litre TGDI and the 2.0-litre TGDI. The 1.4-litre engine option can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic, while the 2.0-litre variant will be mated only to the automatic transmission.
There will also be the four-wheel drive (4WD) option for the 2.0-litre variant.
For the 1.4-litre engine, it generates 148hp at 5,500rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 4,000rpm. The 2.0-litre engine, meanwhile, produces 221hp at 5,500rpm and a maximum torque of 300Nm from 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm.
The 1.4-litre manual transmission variant, can reach a top speed of 190kph, while the automatic transmission variant’s top speed is 185kph.
Measuring at 4,490mm in length, 1,877mm in width and 1,675mm in height, the BX5 weighs between 1,542kg and 1,670kg, depending on its variant.
With a sporty and modern exterior design, the BX5’s standard equipment include 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels (depending on variant), LED daytime running lights, multi-function electronic powered leather steering wheel, front-ventilated disc brakes, rear-disc brakes, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, MacPherson front suspensions, rear multi-link suspensions, a floating 8-inch touchscreen display, rear park assist with distance display and a reverse camera.
Other equipment, such as the Xenon headlights, power-folding side mirrors, powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, automatic anti-glare rear-view mirror, leather seats, powered adjustable driver seats, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system, 8-speaker Hi-Fi stereo system, keyless entry with push to start button and 360 park assist, are available according to variant.
Standard safety list includes four to six airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock braking system, brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist, electronic differential system and the ISOFIX child seat mounting points.
There is also the hill descent control available for the 4WD drivetrain variant.
However, the specification and equipment may vary from the launch, as it is not yet finalised by the company.
The Borgward BX5 was displayed in the Malaysia Autoshow 2018 at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Sedang, last week. Cars, Bikes and Trucks was told that the Borgward models are energy efficient vehicle under the category of internal combustion engine system with some of the models already equipped with Telematics System in parallel with the National Automotive Policy.