WapCar News

At long last, the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom has just been launched in Malaysia. Two variants are on sale, the 1.5 T Exclusive (~RM 118,900) and 1.5 T Premium R (~RM 128,900). The GS3 Emzoom takes the fight directly to rivals like the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V. It is fully imported (CBU China) for now, with locally-assembled (CKD) versions coming soon. Specs and features Well, for one, it starts things off right by looking a whole lot better than the dud that was the last-gen GS3. This one goes ham wit

Sanjay

Apr 18, 2024

Worldwide Olympic partner, Toyota, has unveiled the latest phase of its "Start Your Impossible" campaign ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, which is only less than 100 days away. Marking the start of the campaign is the "Send Off', a 60-second video that highlights the impact of various communities coming together to support their Olympics and Paralympics athletes as they head to the Games. It is the first of a series of videos to come, in which Toyota aims to shed light on the pe

Sanjay

Apr 18, 2024

Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd (ISSB), the exclusive distributor of Neta, has announced its Lifetime Warranty Program and Neta Loyalty Program. "At ISSB, we are unwaveringly proud of Neta's production processes, assuring reliability and excellence in every product offered to the market," stated Dato’ SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal, Executive Chairman of ISSB. "Through rigorous manufacturing protocols and intense validation and testing, we wholeheartedly endorse this revolutionary warranty." Effective immedi

Shaun

Apr 18, 2024

Launched last year, Fang Cheng Bao or Formula Leopard is BYD’s third and latest sub-brand. It is positioned below the premium Yangwang and above the Denza sub-brand that focuses on SUVs and track-oriented segments. At the company’s recent Spring Conference, three new cars were unveiled, further expanding the future Fang Cheng Bao lineup. We will focus on the Bao 8 here which will be the flagship SUV model, slotting above the Bao 5 which is the lone model that is currently offered in China. The u

CY Foong

Apr 18, 2024

Fang Cheng Bao is a name that does not roll off the tongue easily, especially for non-Mandarin speakers. It is the latest sub-brand from Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) maker, BYD and is translated to Formula Leopard in English, which does not make much sense either. The BYD sub-brand will be more focused on SUVs and performance-oriented cars – supposedly why it's called Formula Leopard (Formula One + agile wild cat?). At its recently held Spring Conference, Fang Cheng Bao unveiled 3 new

CY Foong

Apr 18, 2024

Earlier this week, public listed Heitech Padu Bhd made an announcement to Bursa Malaysia, saying that it has secured a RM 190.01 million contract from the Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) to maintain its IT systems. The contract courted controversy because Heitech Padu has indirect ties with Prime Minister Anwar’s former political secretary, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak. Heitech Padu is 15.9 percent owned by Rosetta Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mfivesouthsea Sdn Bhd., wh

Hans

Apr 18, 2024

Foreign investors are expected to establish a plant in Thailand to produce battery cells intended for electric vehicles (EVs) within the next two years, reports Bangkok Post. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the secretary-general of Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI), disclosed that the roadshow, held in Fujian and Guangdong from 7- to 10-April, showcased promotional incentives for Chinese EV battery manufacturers. Among the interested parties were prominent names such as Contemporary Amperex Technolog

Shaun

Apr 18, 2024

XPeng and Volkswagen Group have announced a collaborative effort to develop a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform called the Electrical/Electronic architecture (“E/E Architecture”). Under the agreement, XPeng and Volkswagen will work together to integrate XPeng’s E/E Architecture into Volkswagen’s China Main Platform (CMP) for Chinese-produced Volkswagen BEVs expected by 2026. XPeng’s internally developed E/E Architecture forms the foundation of its vertically integrated software and har

Shaun

Apr 18, 2024

Many electric vehicle chargers deployed in Malaysia don’t have SIRIM certification. It should be noted that a SIRIM certificate is not mandatory for EV chargers, specifically called Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), but SIRIM is proposing to make this compulsory. There are already several agencies governing public charging facilities, including Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission) and local councils, but neither physically inspects the EVSEs. Also, EVSEs installed by private home owner

Hans

Apr 18, 2024

Chery has signed a joint venture deal with Spain’s Ebro EV Motors to produce vehicles at its first factory in Europe. The Chinese carmaker will begin assembling the Omoda 5 in semi-knock-down (SKD) form at the former Nissan plant in Barcelona which shut down in 2021. Chery acts as the junior partner in the joint venture with its Spanish partner being the majority shareholder. The plant will produce both Chery and Ebro EV vehicles in the fourth quarter of the year. The Anhui-based carmaker was la

CY Foong

Apr 18, 2024

Fuel price movements in Malaysia from 18- to 24-April 2024 are as follows: Fuel Price Update 18- to 24-April 2024 RON 95 RM 2.05 RON 97 RM 3.47 RON 100 RM 5.00 Shell V-Power RM 6.00 Diesel EURO 5 B10 RM 2.15 Diesel EURO 5 B7 RM 2.35 Follow fuel price live updates: Petrol Price Malaysia

Sanjay

Apr 17, 2024

The third-generation (J12) 2024 Nissan Qashqai facelift has been unveiled, bringing with it a range of design and equipment updates over the pre-facelift model that was first introduced in 2021. The Nissan Qashqai, mainly sold in Europe and Australia, is built on the Renault-Nissan 'CMF-C/D' platform which also underpins the Nissan X-Trail and the now discontinued US-market Rogue Sport. The latter is replaced by the all-new Nissan Kicks set to launch later this year. Also read: A very different

Arvind

Apr 17, 2024

Jaecoo Malaysia recently put the Jaecoo J7 to the test at the Malaysia 4WD Training and Experience Centre (M4TREC) in Semenyih. Navigating an off-road circuit featuring six courses, yours truly witnessed first-hand the J7’s off-road capabilities. Just a little refresh on the Jaecoo J7, power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which channels power to the front wheels or all-four whe

Shaun

Apr 17, 2024

GAC Aion announced that the Aion Y Plus line-up receives a CNY 10,000 (~RM 6,600) price cut in China. The electric crossover is available in 14 variants with prices ranging between CNY 99,800 to CNY 189,800 (~RM 66k-126k) after the price cut. The highest-spec Aion Y Plus which has a claimed 610-km range (CLTC) now starts from CNY 133,800 (~RM 88.5k) and is juiced up by a 69.8-kWh ternary lithium battery. The front-mounted electric motor makes 204 PS and 225 Nm. However, the unit that was preview

CY Foong

Apr 17, 2024

BYD’s Thailand distributor, Rever Automotive Co Ltd, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BYD Co Ltd to set up a plant to build BYD commercial vehicles in the Kingdom. The timeframe for the new facility was not announced but the plant will produce internal and external parts for battery electric vehicles along with electric buses and trucks. The two partners stated that the factory would utilise BYD’s advanced technologies including iron-phosphate battery and six-in-one motor controll

CY Foong

Apr 17, 2024

Chery's sub-brand, Exeed, has initiated pre-sales for its Exlantix ET (known as Sterra ET in China) on 15-April in China, with prices starting from CNY 199,000 (around RM 131k) to CNY 329,000 (around RM 217k). The Exlantix ET presents both battery electric vehicle (BEV) versions and range-extended electric vehicle (E-REV) versions. Range-extended electric vehicles are plug-in hybrids that use its combustion engine solely as a generator. The E-REV series includes the Plus priced at CNY 199,000 to

Shaun

Apr 17, 2024

Indonesia is Hyundai’s Southeast Asian hub as the Korean carmaker invested heavily in a plant that assembles the Hyundai Creta, Ioniq 5 as well as the Indo-focused Hyundai Stargazer 7-seater crossover. It might even be the first right-hand drive (RHD) market to debut the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe. A heavily camouflaged unit of the all-new MX generation Santa Fe was recently spotted in Jakarta. According to OtoDriver, the new-gen Santa Fe is probably being used for internal testing but it could be

CY Foong

Apr 17, 2024

BYD is the best-selling battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand in Thailand and is setting up an assembly plant in the Kingdom. According to a Chinese insider, production of the first Thai-assembled (CKD) BYD model could begin this month, pointing to a launch in May. The insider posted a photo on their Weibo that was allegedly taken at the BYD Thailand factory. It showed a BYD Atto 3 with some parts installed. The right-hand drive (RHD) unit is on a production line surrounded by working personnel.

CY Foong

Apr 17, 2024

Plug-in hybrids are the new hot spots for Chinese car makers. Chinese subsidies treat plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and fully electric battery EVs (BEVs) the same, lumping them all under the New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) category. While BEVs are facing intense price pressure, PHEVs are breathing easier, thus explains why Chinese manufacturers busy putting engines are back into their EVs. This soon-to-be launched BYD Qin L has just been previewed in China. It’s a D-segment Toyota Camry-size plug-in hybrid

Hans

Apr 17, 2024

Honda has just revealed its new Ye Series, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup designed specifically for the Chinese market. The debut includes the world premiere of the Ye P7 and Ye S7 models, along with a concept model called the Ye GT Concept, with the first sales to begin by the end of 2024. By 2027, Honda plans to introduce a total of six models in the Ye Series lineup. These new models, set to be showcased at the upcoming 18th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 202

Sanjay

Apr 17, 2024

Pictured here is the 2024 Haval H6 facelift, in what is another round of updates for one of China's most popular SUVs. It sports a new look and updated powertrains, though details are still a bit scarce at the moment. What is clear however that the new looks are a return to form for the H6, replacing what was the polarising, suspiciously-Lamborghini Urus-aping front fascia of 2023. Today's iteration of the Haval H6 keeps its familiar face, thanks to its wide grille, new light signatures, and the

Sanjay

Apr 17, 2024

Kia is the fourth best-selling brand in Australia in 2023 behind Toyota, Mazda, and Ford but with its upcoming model designed for Down Under, it might get a chance to reach the podium. Set to launch in 2025, Kia’s first-ever pick-up truck will aim squarely at the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux which are the top two best-selling cars in Australia. The Korean carmaker recently revealed that it will be named the Kia Tasman after years of speculation. The name itself follows Kia’s tradition of naming

CY Foong

Apr 16, 2024

After facing backlash from the Italian government for using the name 'Milano', Alfa Romeo has renamed its first compact BEV SUV model to "Junior" - no less bringing back a much-loved nameplate from the mid-60s. Following its recent debut, the Alfa Romeo 'Milano' nameplate - intended to pay homage to the city where Alfa Romeo was founded - drew ire from Italian officials for having a decidedly Italian name but will be produced in Poland, specifically at the Stellantis Tychy plant. Italy's Industr

Arvind

Apr 16, 2024

With demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) growing significantly in Malaysia in 2023, Smart’s Malaysian distributor Pro-Net announced that the Smart #1 has cemented its position as the 3rd best-selling model in the premium BEV SUV segment priced above RM 180k. Smart is also ranked among the top 4 best-selling BEV brands in Malaysia last year. Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of Smart Malaysia said, “This milestone reflects the growing demand for urban mobility solutions in the region a

CY Foong

Apr 16, 2024

Chery is in talks to license its battery EV platform to European brands, including one brand from the premium segment, confirms Chery’s chairman Yin Tongyue. "Two premium European marques want to use our platform and a deal will be signed with one of them, a more premium brand than us," Yin told Reuters. Yin said this during a livestream event for the Exeed Exlantix ET’s pre-sales in China. Marketed under Chery’s upscale Exeed brand, specifications of the Exlantix ET have yet to be announced but

Hans

Apr 16, 2024

If you're in the market for a reliable and stylish compact SUV in Malaysia for around RM 150k, you might be looking at the usual suspects – the Honda HR-V or the Mazda CX-30 for a bit more exclusivity. While they’re all great choices, you could be totally different and pony up your cash for a recond Toyota Yaris Cross, but not the ASEAN market ‘D03B’ version, the 'real' (XP210) Yaris Cross that is sold in Japan, Europe and Australia. Browsing WapCar’s new ‘Cars for Sale’ page conveniently throws

Arvind

Apr 16, 2024

Neta primarily produces battery electric vehicles (BEV) but its upcoming model will be launched with a combustion engine. Still, the engine that will be powering the Neta L, which will make its Chinese debut on 20 April isn’t going to be powering the car per se. That’s because the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine under the hood of this SUV will work as a range extender for the electric motor (EREV). According to preliminary information by Chinese automotive analyst, Tycho de Feijter on his Twitter (c

CY Foong

Apr 16, 2024

EP Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (EPMB) and China-based BAIC International Development Co. Ltd. (BAIC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) spanning 10 years to locally-assemble (CKD) a range of the brand's vehicles here. In Berita Harian's report dated 16-April 2024, the terms of the agreement will see EPMB through its wholly-owned subsidiary Peps-JV (Melaka) Sdn Bhd will carry out the local assembly (CKD) of BAIC vehicles. The first step will see the production of cars like the BAIC BJ40P

Sanjay

Apr 16, 2024

Following the spate of announcements made by Chinese carmaker GAC at its recent tech day, the company has unveiled one more advancement – the Trumpchi E9 PHEV MPV with a twist to the usual 'welcab' formula. Unlike most welfare vehicles (usually known as 'welcab' in Japan, a portmanteau of 'welfare' and 'cabin') which just have a rear seat that pops out to allow the mobility-challenged to ease onto, this E9 employs the world's first detachable electric wheelchair. Now, other carmakers in the welc

Sanjay

Apr 16, 2024

China’s Global Times, a newspaper owned by the Chinese Communist Party’s main newspaper People’s Daily, recently published an op-ed that says Tesla’s intention to invest in India will struggle to succeed because of the South Asian country’s poor charging infrastructure, adding that its weak supplier base cannot support Tesla cars. Since the article was published by a government-owned newspaper, the article is a reflection of China’s opinion on Tesla’s attempt to forge closer ties with India, a c

Hans

Apr 15, 2024