Fans of BMW sports cars might need some emotional therapy after this as the Bavarian motor company might axe two of its flagship sports car models – the BMW Z4 and the BMW 8 Series. Just like its peers, BMW is focusing on electrified models but its strategy will see EVs sold alongside ICE-powered counterparts. This is according to a report by Car and Driver as sources told the American publication that there are no plans for a successor to the Z4 and the 8 Series coupe and convertible. However,
Mar 19, 2024
At long last, the all-new Audi Q6 e-tron has made its debut. The third e-Tron BEV SUV model will now bridge the gap between the Q4 and Q8 e-tron models as well as introduce a new range of technologies that will feature in upcoming models. The Q6 e-Tron notably becomes the first model to be underpinned by the new Audi-Porsche co-developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which also features in the upcoming Porsche Macan, and the new E3 1.2 ‘End-to-End’ electronic vehicle control architecture. How
Mar 19, 2024
VinFast announced that it will be officially launching in Thailand at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS 2024) which will be held from 27 March to 7 April. The Vietnamese automaker will be showcasing its complete range of electric vehicles (EVs) including: VF 3 VF 5 VF e34 VF 6 VF 7 VF 8 VF 9 VF Wild Aside from the VF 3 mini-SUV and the VF Wild pick-up concept, the rest of the models on display will be right-hand drive (RHD) which are tailored for the Thai market. The Kingdom will b
Mar 19, 2024
Turkey's energy corporation, Enerji SA, in collaboration with Zebra and Huawei Digital Power Technologies, has officially unveiled Turkey's first liquid-cooled supercharging station. Three entities announced an expansive strategic partnership aimed at spearheading the development and operation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network. As part of their plans, they intend to deploy 50 sets of the liquid-cooled supercharging solution for commercial use throughout 2024. The station is equipped w
Mar 19, 2024
Daihatsu Motor is one of the 10 companies named by Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) for abusing its dominant position to exert a ‘superior bargaining position' with its subcontractors (suppliers). Specifically, FTC says Daihatsu did not discuss suppliers on price hikes reflect higher labor, material, energy, and other costs, despite receiving requests from suppliers to do so. The statement by FTC reads: The Japan Fair Trade Commission has conducted a special investigation titled “Special Inve
Mar 19, 2024
Earlier this year, MINI teased its latest model, the all-electric MINI Aceman which is planned to debut at next month’s Auto China show in Beijing. However, Chinese government regulators have ‘leaked’ exterior images of the upcoming electric crossover. The Aceman (not a direct successor to the Paceman) will slot between the 3-door MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman in the lineup. It will be the second car produced by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between BMW and Great Wall Motor (GWM) a
Mar 19, 2024
This is the Lingxi L, the first model from the Lingxi brand, borne out of the Honda-Dongfeng joint venture in China. Following the formal introduction of the brand and the Lingxi L concept last year, we now have the first images and further information about the model that is aimed at a younger EV buyer base in China, courtesy of filings with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Also read: Lingxi is lit, yo: Dongfeng-Honda JV launches new sub-brand with EVs aimed f
Mar 19, 2024
It seems that Geely is restarting its Indonesian ambitions, as evident by the company's brand-new Instagram account, @geelyautoindonesia. There's still no posts yet and the following is still pretty small, but that's understandable given that the Chinese conglomerate's last showing in the archipelago was marked by lukewarm sales, ultimately leading to them leaving the market in 2016. 6 years on, it seems that the company is returning refreshed, presumeably to set into motion the national battery
Mar 19, 2024
Bridgestone Tyre Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd announced the grand opening of its latest innovative retail store, Bridgestone Premium in partnership with Vogue Motorsports Sdn Bhd. The outlet is located at No. 19, Jalan USJ 19/4, 47630 Subang Jaya. It is equipped to handle tyre changing for various types of cars from passenger cars to ultra-performance vehicles. Michael Chung, Managing Director of Bridgestone Malaysia said, “The opening of the new Bridgestone Premium, Bridgestone's innovative concept
Mar 19, 2024
The 2024 Suzuki Jimny 5-door will likely be launched in Malaysia come the third quarter of this year (Q3 2024), says Naza Auto group chief executive officer Mohd. Rizal Jailan. Speaking in an interview with New Straits Times, Rizal commented that the group is "planning to launch several new models this year, especially for Suzuki", adding that a "totally new Jimny" will be introduced by Q3 2024. Leaving out special versions – of which the Rainforest Edition and Black Edition were most recently i
Mar 19, 2024
In its latest feat, the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQXX concept vehicle has completed a road trip of over 1,000 km across the Arabian desert, covering the distance between the city centres of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Dubai, UAE. This is the third time the Vision EQXX has managed to cover over 1,000 kilometres on a single charge - but it's first in desert heat; the other two journeys were from Sindelfingen, Germany to Cassis, France and Untertürkheim, Germany to Silverstone in the UK. Also read: World’
Mar 18, 2024
Ahead of the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations, mark your calendars for the upcoming Ingress Group Auto Fair 2024. Offering huge cash rebates, attractive financing packages and even complimentary Malaysia Airlines return flight tickets, this is a great chance to get behind the wheel of your dream ride. Whether you're in the market for luxury, performance, or practicality; choose from a wide range of pre-owned BMW, MINI, Volvo, and Mitsubishi models, with cash rebates of up to RM 35,000. Pre-owned
Mar 18, 2024
For some time now, there's been talk of Mazda embracing a more upscale direction, termed as "Mazda Premium." However, Mazda is careful not to align itself directly with the heavyweight players in the premium segment such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. Vinesh Bhindi, Mazda Australia’s managing director, clarified the company's stance to the Australian publication Wheels, highlighting their commitment to remain within the mainstream market. He said that while Mazda aims to elevate its offerings in te
Mar 18, 2024
China's new green hydrogen production and refuelling complex in Hunan now offers one of the world's cheapest hydrogen at RMB 35 per kilogram (~RM 22/kg), achieving near cost parity with diesel, according to newspaper Hunan Daily. Built by Sany Hydrogen, the Sany Hydrogen Green Power Hydrogen Production and Hydrogenation Integrated Station is the first of its kind that is able to both produce its own hydrogen, as well as selling the result as fuel. Sitting on an area covering 6,300 square meters,
Mar 18, 2024
Singapore is weighing its options in how to safely deploy nuclear energy on a small, densely populated island, reports The Straits Times. With 95 percent of the island state’s electricity generated from imported fossil fuel – mostly natural gas – Singapore has a lot to do to meet its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. With limited land, Singapore cannot deploy large scale solar farms. Even if it does, efficiency will be low, as clouds from the region’s tropical climate often reduce
Mar 18, 2024
Chery Malaysia has announced a new showroom and service centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, owned and operated by dealer-partner Universal Chery Sdn Bhd. The new 3S centre spans 15,000 sq-ft, offering customers a comprehensive experience in vehicle viewing, customer service, and maintenance. Also read: For extra RM 11.6k, Chery Malaysia now offers 7-year maintenance/10-year engine warranty for Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro Customers can view the full range of Chery vehicles in the showroom, and experience
Mar 18, 2024
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer Xpeng, alongside battery supplier CALB and chip producer Henan Shijia Photons Technology, have unveiled plans for expansion into Southeast Asia. This was revealed during the recent National People's Congress (NPC), China's authoritative legislative body, as reported by Nikkei Asia. Xpeng's CEO, He Xiaopeng, highlighted the fierce competition within China's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market and stressed the significance of innovation and customer-centric
Mar 18, 2024
PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the official distributor of Audi vehicles in Malaysia has issued a reminder urging owners to check and verify if their vehicles are included in its ongoing Takata airbag recall program. The recall involves 2,297 vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2012 and 2 other models manufactured between 2014 and 2017 which have Takata airbags installed on the driver’s side, as follows: Models manufactured between 2009 – 2012 Q5 A5 Cabriolet A5 Sportback Models manufacture
Mar 18, 2024
Just like in Malaysia, Chery’s recent foray into Australia was a comeback. It initially entered the Australian market in 2011 through an independent importer but only lasted for 4 years. It offered three models at the time, the Chery J3 hatchback, the Chery J1 city car, and the Chery J11 SUV. The J11 was also sold as the Chery Tiggo in Malaysia and it along with the J1 was tested by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). Both cars scored 2/5 stars which was considered poor and amon
Mar 18, 2024
Geely's Zeekr has cemented its plans for its introduction in the Philippines, with the company inking a dealership deal with Autohub Group and revealing its upcoming line-up, Carguide.ph reports. The premium battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand will start pre-sales and deliveries by the second quarter of this year (Q2 2024), beginning with three models: the Zeekr 001 Standard and Flagship, Zeekr X Premium and Flagship, and the Zeekr 009 by the third quarter (Q3). The Zeekr 001 is the brand's fir
Mar 18, 2024
Malaysia-bound battery electric vehicle (BEV) maker Xpeng announced that it will launch a new, cheaper brand in China next month, aiming to introduce vehicles ranging from RMB 100,000 (~RM 66k) to RMB 150,000 (~RM 98k). Xpeng chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng revealed at the China EV100 Forum in Beijing that the models from this sub-brand will be aimed at the global market, and will also be equipped with "AI-assisted" technology. Not much of the brand's upcoming models were shared save for a silhouet
Mar 18, 2024
Proton’s Tanjong Malim plant solar power project, the largest parking lot bi-facial solar panel facility in Malaysia has won the top award in The Renewable Energy category at the National Energy Awards (NEA) 2023. This initiative, launched two years ago, has surpassed its sustainability targets, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and electricity costs for the company. Also read: Via its subsidiary PGS, Proton to grow R3 and diversify in to lifestyle, lubricants and EV charging business Since i
Mar 17, 2024
Chery Malaysia now offers its Extra Peace of Mind Package for all new customers who purchase Chery Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro models. The Extra Peace of Mind Package which offers a 7-year extended maintenance programme and a 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty, was previously reserved only for the first 3,000 customers of both models; now is made available for all customers. For an additional RM 11,600, new customers can now opt to get the package when purchasing either the Omoda 5 or Tiggo 8 Pro.
Mar 16, 2024
Nissan and Honda announced today that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to begin a feasibility study of a strategic partnership in vehicle electrification and intelligence. As an extension to the topic of connected and electrified vehicles, the goal of achieving zero-traffic accident fatalities were also mentioned. The joint statement by Honda and Nissan said: “The two companies have reached the understanding based on the belief that it is necessary to combine their strengths
Mar 15, 2024
Registration of interest (ROI) for the 2024 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro has opened in Malaysia, ahead of the C-segment SUV's launch here in the second quarter of the year. Specifications confirmed for the Malaysian-market Tiggo 7 Pro is a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (197 hp / 290 Nm) that's paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), as are a full suite of advanced driver assistance (ADAS) functions and panoramic sunroof. Within, the infotainment system also offers wireless
Mar 15, 2024
Porsche is gearing up to enter the full-size luxury SUV segment with a new flagship model positioned above the Porsche Cayenne. The new model will be as a direct competitor to the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7; slated to come in the second half of this decade. At a recent press conference, Porsche stated, “Porsche is also planning to expand its product portfolio upwards – with an all-electric SUV, sportily positioned above the Cayenne. This completely new car concept is based on the SSP Sport platform
Mar 15, 2024
When the Proton Satria was first introduced in Malaysia 30 years ago, the current owner of this Cherating Green Satria wasn’t around yet. Shane is a 23-year-old university student who is simply passionate and knowledgeable about all things Satria and his car has its own social media channel! Meeting him in person and learning more about Satina the Satria was worth the trip to Shane’s hometown of Ipoh. Though some might see it as just a bone stock Satria, as Shane delved in more on Satina’s histo
Mar 15, 2024
Tesla has expressed interest in further investments and expansion in the ASEAN region. This is part of the company's broader strategy to tap into the BEV growth in ASEAN markets as growth in China and the US have slowed. However, it will face stiff competition from BYD which has so far led the BEV market in the region. Rohan Patel, Senior Public Policy and Business Development Executive recently posted on X "Southeast Asia will undoubtedly be a major place of growth over the coming years in batt
Mar 15, 2024
Jaecoo Malaysia maintains their premium positioning will be different from Chery's more mainstream ideals, and their arrangement of dealer locations and marketing activities will reflect that, says company Vice-President, Emily Lek. "We will be a seperate brand, we may have shared dealers, but our locations will be separate. It won't share with Chery showrooms, even our roadshows will not be combined," Lek clarified at a media event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. "We are catered not to go against on
Mar 15, 2024
Another shot of the 2024 Proton X70 facelift has floated online courtesy of Facebook user Gan Bock Khim, this time showing us a clearer lok at the updated model's front end. It all but confirms that the new X70 will have a front end that's inspired by the Geely Boyue Pro, but this picture also shows that it will adopt the new family grille that's on the X90. The only difference so far is that here it's all black; expect chrome enhancements to come on the production model. Speaking of production
Mar 15, 2024