China’s state-owned car manufacturer, Beijing Automotive Group Co. Ltd. (BAIC) will be restarting its entry into Southeast Asia. The brand was launched in Indonesia yesterday, with PT JIO Distribusi Indonesia, a subsidiary of PT JDI, as its distributor. Two models were previewed, the BJ40 Plus (which we have already covered in an earlier post here), and this X55 II. Unlike the off-road-ready ladder frame chassis BJ40 Plus, this BAIC X55 II uses a more family-focused, comfort-oriented monocoque c

Hans

May 16, 2024

In a statement at a road safety event organised by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) today, Transport Minister Anthony Loke clarified that the government currently has no plans to mandate the installation of dashcams in all vehicles. While acknowledging proposals for such a mandate, Minister Loke highlighted the challenges of implementing new regulations that would affect all vehicles, particularly older models still in use. "The Ministry of Transport has no plan yet; there are proposals to mandat

Arvind

May 16, 2024

Three years after it was launched in Malaysia, replacing the Honda Jazz, the Honda City Hatchback (HB) has been given a facelift. Locally assembled (CKD) in Pegoh, Melaka, the City HB facelift is offered in 5 variants: 1.5 S – RM 85,900 1.5 E – RM 90,900 1.5 V – RM 95,900 1.5 RS Petrol – RM 100,900 1.5 RS e:HEV – RM 112,900 Across the board, prices have increased between 3% to 8% depending on the variants. The pre-facelift City HB range was priced from RM 78,900 (1.5 S) to RM 109,900 (1.5 RS e:H

CY Foong

May 16, 2024

In a significant shift in strategy, Mercedes-Benz has decided to halt development of its upcoming MB.EA large BEV platform due to declining sales in the BEV market. This decision comes as the automaker faces increasing competition and pricing pressure from Chinese manufacturers, which has impacted its profitability and market position. Initially reported by the German newspaper Handelsblatt and later confirmed by Automobilwoche, the decision underscores the challenges Mercedes-Benz faces in its

Arvind

May 16, 2024

Leapmotor International, the export-only joint venture between Stellantis and China’s Hangzhou-based Leapmotor, will begin exports to countries in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, India, and Africa in the fourth quarter of this year. Leapmotor International is 51 percent owned by Stellantis. It’s a separate entity from the China domestic market-only Leapmotor. Two models have been earmarked for exports, C/D-segment (5-seater) Leapmotor C10 and the A-segment T03. In China, the C10 is available eith

Hans

May 16, 2024