WapCar News

Chery’s new Barcelona plant will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units by 2029 and will be one of the Chinese company’s main export facilities, reports Reuters. Chery’s Zona Franca plant in Barcelona was first opened in 1983 by Nissan, in partnership with Spanish truck manufacturer Motor Iberica (producing the Patrol, Terrano, and later the Pathfinder, Navara, NV200 and Primastar light truck. Nissan shut down the plant in December 2021. Earlier this month, Chery announced that it i

Hans

Apr 23, 2024

The Kia Tasman will soon be upon the world and the Korean carmaker has given a clear (albeit camouflaged) first look at the pick-up truck earlier today. Kia says that the model will be launched in global markets, including Korea, Australia, and the Middle East starting in early 2025. A mid-size pick-up, it will take the fight directly to long-standing rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and Mitsubishi Triton – and along the way, contend with the upcoming BYD Shark. Also read:

Sanjay

Apr 23, 2024

Indonesian buyers of the Suzuki Jimny 5-door will have to wait for at least 10 months before taking deliveries, reports CNN Indonesia in February. Suzuki’s Indonesian distributor, PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS), explained that the supply of the Japan-made 3-door Jimny is approximately 50 units per month. In February, PT SIS had accumulated 800 orders, which means it will take about 16 months, or 1.5 years, to fulfill them. Meanwhile, the supply of the 5-door Jimny from India is larger, at 100 u

Shaun

Apr 22, 2024

G-Tekt, a supplier to the Honda Motor group, has announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with global steel giant ArcelorMittal on a cost-effective solution for manufacturing auto chassis components, potentially driving down the production cost of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Under the partnership, G-Tekt will acquire licensing for cutting-edge technology from ArcelorMittal, headquartered in Luxembourg. This technology aims to streamline the formation of EV body sections by

Shaun

Apr 22, 2024

A German-Austrian company, Obrist Group, has proposed a solution for end-of-life battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) with depleted battery packs: repurposed internal combustion engine (ICE) setups. Their "HyperHybrid" powertrain concept, akin to systems seen in Nissan e-Power systems, substitutes a compact petrol ICE as a generator for the vehicle's electric motors. HyperHybrid's fundamental principle lies in the integration of a compact combustion engine solely responsible for generating electrici

Shaun

Apr 22, 2024

For over a quarter century, Smart is known for its small, compact car that can park in tight spaces with ease. That is no longer what the brand currently offers as both the Smart #1 and Smart #3 are at least nearly double the size of the original Smart car. Its upcoming model will be even bigger though the Smart #5 will be unveiled as a concept car first at the upcoming Auto China 2024 in Beijing. The production version will be introduced in the second half of the year (H2 2024). For now, Smart

CY Foong

Apr 22, 2024

The Chinese carmakers have invaded Thailand and this is not just seen at the recent 2024 Bangkok Motor Show where the Chinese brands held among the biggest booths. The moment you exit Suvarnabhumi Airport, you are greeted with large billboards promoting brands like MG, GAC Aion, and BYD. BYD dominated the Thai battery electric vehicle (BEV) market last year while MG and GWM’s Haval once outsold Honda in the SUV market. While the Chinese brands rise in popularity and the sales charts, do their ow

CY Foong

Apr 22, 2024

Naza Eastern Motors has opened booking for the Suzuki Jimny 5-Door in Malaysia, as announced its social media platforms. Specifications of the Jimny 5-Door for Malaysia is yet to be revealed, but based on the global specs, power comes from the familiar K15B 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine, delivering 102 PS/130 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox, with the latter expected to be standard, aligning with the three-door model's configurat

Shaun

Apr 22, 2024

Set to launch in the second quarter of this year (Q2 2024), bookings for the 2024 Honda City Hatchback facelift are now open in Malaysia. Part of the changes will be a visual nip-and-tuck across the range, while the top-spec e:HEV RS hybrid gets a new honeycomb front grille, lower grille, and a sharper bumper with fog lamp garnishes; a similar theme is found at the back, with the package complemented by 16-inch wheels in Berlina Black. The update also sees Honda Sensing ADAS made standard to all

Sanjay

Apr 22, 2024

Nissan has revised its financial forecast downwards for fiscal year ending 31-March 2024. Forecast sales volume has been lowered from 3.55 million to 3.44 million. This second downward revision, after the company’s earlier announcement in February, which trimmed down its forecast from 3.77 million to 3.55 million. Forecasts for net revenue, operating profit, and net income has also been trimmed down to 12.6 trillion Yen (down 400 billion Yen), 530 billion Yen (down 90 billion Yen), 370 billion Y

Hans

Apr 22, 2024

BYD confirmed that its first-ever pick-up truck will be called the BYD Shark. The carnivorous beast’s name befits the rest of BYD’s international Ocean series lineup which are named after aquatic animals like the BYD Dolphin and BYD Seal. The Shark was revealed by BYD in camouflage earlier this month and could see a global debut at Auto China 2024 in Beijing this week. Still, photos of the undisguised pick-up truck have been spotted in Mexico and Australia with the latter hinting at a right-hand

CY Foong

Apr 22, 2024

At yesterday's (Sunday, 21-April 2024) KL Car Free Morning, Smart Malaysia held the first public preview of the upcoming Smart #3 battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the country. The larger sibling to the #1, the #3 is the second model to emerge from the Smart Automobile tie-up between Geely and Mercedes-Benz. Previous reports point that the model is to launch here after China and Europe; development work should be well underway considering the example pictured is right hand drive (RHD). Launch ti

Sanjay

Apr 22, 2024

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the authorised distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, has announced a series of Ford Ranger Getaways for Ranger and Ranger Raptor owners. These events include off-roading adventures and training sessions designed to enhance driving skills and vehicle familiarity. “The Ford Ranger Getaways training experiences are designed to help customers unlock the true potential of their Rangers and Raptors. We welcome more Ranger owners especially our next-gen customers t

Arvind

Apr 21, 2024

MG Motor Malaysia recently welcomed new dealerships to its expanding network, enhancing accessibility and customer service across the nation. The introduction of new dealers aligns with MG's commitment to providing innovative and value-packed electric vehicles to Malaysian consumers. The newly appointed dealerships include: Mega Galeri Motor Sdn. Bhd. (MG Motor Petaling Jaya) Mega Galeri Sdn. Bhd. (MG Motor Glenmarie) Mega Appeal Sdn. Bhd. (MG Motor Cheras) Sing Huat Premium Sdn. Bhd. (MG Motor

Arvind

Apr 21, 2024

Purchasing any car is both an emotive and logical decision, regardless of the price tag. It doesn’t matter if it's RM 50k or RM 500k, we buy cars for how they make us look and feel, as much as to get around from A to B. Thus, for some buyers, brand prestige and road presence count for a lot; and getting that on the cheap can be even better. Thus, while browsing the new WapCar Cars for Sale page, we were pleasantly surprised at some great deals on premium vehicles that cost less than one-fifth of

Arvind

Apr 21, 2024

The BMW i7 is one of the largest, most powerful and most luxurious BEV models you can buy today, however, with prices starting at over RM 700k - it doesn’t come cheap. With that said, do you want one heck of a bargain? Browse WapCar’s Cars for Sale page today and you’ll find several 2023 production year pre-owned units going for just RM 560,000. Let’s take a closer look. Prices of the BMW i7 in Malaysia The BMW i7 was officially launched in July 2023, starting with the BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport, p

Arvind

Apr 21, 2024

At its launch in 2021, the Hyundai Kona Electric became Malaysia’s cheapest BEV, with prices starting around RM 150k. However, since then, a salvo of newer BEV models have undercut it, arriving at the minimum price threshold of RM 100k set by the Government. The 3 main models in this price bracket currently are the BYD Dolphin, Neta V and the recently introduced MG4 EV. However, browsing WapCar’s new Cars for Sale page reveals several pre-owned 2022 model-year Hyundai Kona Electrics starting at

Arvind

Apr 20, 2024

In anticipation of Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia’s launch of the Tank sub-brand in the country, its first model, the Tank 300 will be going on a roadshow in selected malls and GWM showrooms across Malaysia. The nationwide tour kicks off this weekend (19-21 April) at AEON Mall Kuching Central, Sarawak. The public will get a firsthand experience to check out this retro-looking SUV that has swept all over China as the best-selling off-road SUV in the country for 39 consecutive months with a marke

CY Foong

Apr 20, 2024

In a move towards fostering sustainable electric mobility in Malaysia, Naza Automotive Holdings Sdn Bhd (Naza Auto), has formalised a collaboration with Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd (Gentari), a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd specialising in clean energy solutions. This partnership aims to position Naza Auto as a prominent player in the Electric Vehicle (EV) space while advancing Malaysia's transition towards a future characterised by sustainable electric mobility. By joining forces, the two co

Shaun

Apr 19, 2024

Locally assembled (CKD) at the Stellantis plant in Gurun, Kedah, the Peugeot 408 will soon make its awaited launch in Malaysia. The model has been imported to Thailand since late last year but while the Thai-spec 408 is available with both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and petrol powertrains, only the latter could be available in Malaysia. According to preliminary information from dealers, the 1.6-litre turbocharged PureTech engine could be offered across three variants – Allure, Premium, and GT. The tu

CY Foong

Apr 19, 2024

Chery has revealed renderings of the Exeed E08, an addition to its Exlantix series. This all-electric MPV is anticipated to make its debut at the forthcoming Beijing Auto Show. The Exeed 08 embodies what the company calls Wind Aesthetics 2.0 design language. Despite its compact one-box design, the vehicle showcases an aerodynamically optimized form, integrating features like side-view cameras to minimize drag. Inspired by the 'cyber butterfly' design family, the E08 front grille takes cues from

Shaun

Apr 19, 2024

The first market to welcome the new 2024 Toyota Camry is the United States, as the model goes on sale there today. Pricing is finally announced for the market too; with the range starting from USD 24,800 (~ RM 118,457), it is about USD 400 (~ RM 1,900) cheaper than its predecessor. In full, here's the base prices of the Toyota Camry in the USA: LE - USD 24,800 (~RM 118k) SE - USD 30,700 (~RM 146k) XLE - USD 33,400 (~RM 160k) XSE - USD 34,600 (~RM 166k) Hybrid-only, new look, TSS 3.0 The highligh

Sanjay

Apr 19, 2024

Mazda recently unveiled its fourth and latest model of the Large Product Group, the Mazda CX-80 for the European market. The crossover is essentially the CX-60 with a 3-row seating configuration, the first Mazda of its kind in Europe and will be the flagship model in the continent. “Graceful” seems to be the buzzword surrounding the CX-80’s development as it is described as a “Graceful Driving SUV” and embodies a “Graceful Toughness” design concept. The flagship model for Europe continues to fol

CY Foong

Apr 19, 2024

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 with

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