All posts by Amirul Hazmi

Always hoping that ICE and manual transmissions stay relevant and don’t disappear. It’s more about balance than just power.
NEWS

Toyota is updating the 2024 GR Corolla with aluminum tapes

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A car often undergoes subtle unadvertised changes throughout its sale period. Manufacturers may alter fastening shapes, improve potentially damaged components, or seek ways to reduce costs.

For the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla, there are few changes, including new bolts, a pair of air ducts, and four pieces of aluminum tape for improved aerodynamics.

We are particularly interested in the latter, the aluminum tape. How can such a simple, light, and inexpensive item have an impact on aerodynamics?

In a video released by Ken Gushi, showcasing the installation of 2024 components on his 2023 GR Corolla, the adhesive tape is seen as a curious upgrade for him as well.

The tape comes in the 2024 upgrade package alongside new rear subframe bolts, new steering bolts, air ducts, and the aforementioned tape. One might expect the tape to help seal air gaps or reinforce flexible parts, but instead, it controls electrostatic discharge.

This concept has since been patented by Toyota. The car generates positive charges while driving, and the surrounding air is also charged. When two positively charged objects touch, the air around them is disturbed.

According to Car Watch, this idea has been around since the mid-2010s and was initially tested on the Toyota 86. During the development of the 86 facelift model, Toyota engineers identified inconsistent behaviors among test car units, especially when the front bumper material was changed from prototype specifications to production specifications.

This led to the study of electrostatic discharge and the discovery that aluminum tape solved this issue and seemingly improved aerodynamics like magic

NEWS

Tesla sold 1.8 million cars in 2023, 38 percent jump over previous year

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TESLA has just released the production and delivery numbers for 2023. For the fourth quarter of 2023, they produced 494,989 vehicles and delivered 484,507 vehicles to customers.

This brings Tesla’s total production for 2023 to 1,845,985 vehicles, while deliveries amounted to 1,808,581 units. In 2022, the electric vehicle (EV) maker reported production of 1.37 million vehicles and deliveries of 1.31 million units.

So, the new 2023 figures show a 35 percent increase in production and a 38 percent increase in deliveries year over year. In a report in October 2023, Tesla executives forecasted that the company would produce at least 1.8 million vehicles for the year. However, this figure represents a change from the previously expected 2 million.

Tesla produced 476,777 units of the Model 3 and Model Y in the fourth quarter, with 461,538 deliveries for these models.

They did not disclose figures for the Model S and X but categorized them as “other models.”

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Tesla also sold the updated version of the Model 3 sedan, the Highland, in several markets. Then in December, they also began deliveries of the newest EV, the Cybertruck, in the United States (US).

There were also no figures disclosed for the Cybertruck and Semi, the heavy-duty commercial truck produced in small numbers at the battery plant near Reno.

Tesla’s closest global competitor is BYD, which sold 3.02 million new energy vehicles in 2023, with 1.6 million being battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 1.4 million being hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

NEWS

This is the clear look of WMOTO ‘Supermoped’, launching soon

IN recent weeks, the ‘spy shots’ of a ‘supermoped’ motorcycle undergoing road testing on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) have been widely circulated on social media.

The latest development comes from Najwa Syafiqah’s Facebook account, who successfully captured a clear image of the motorcycle at a gas station in Gopeng, Perak.

Alleged to be the latest ‘supermoped’ from WMOTO, the recent image reveals several intriguing features. Firstly, the motorcycle boasts full LED lighting, including front lights seemingly inspired by the Ducati Panigale V4.

The front lights are also equipped with daytime running lights (DRL). The panel meter is of the full digital type, displaying comprehensive information such as fuel level, engine temperature, battery voltage, odometer reading, time, and RPM.

A closer look at the rim indicates the presence of an ABS sensor, suggesting the incorporation of an ABS safety system, although it is uncertain whether it is a single or dual-channel ABS.

Other noticeable features include axial front brakes with single disc brakes at the front and rear, as well as telescopic forks for the torque. The transmission is of the manual type, but the number of gears available remains unconfirmed.

NEWS

Volkswagen Golf GTI updated for 2024, now with Harman Kardon and HUD

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THE Volkswagen Golf GTI continues to receive updates for the Malaysian market, this time incorporating the Harman Kardon audio system and a head-up display. The 2024 revised hot hatch for 2024 is now priced at RM252,900.

The premium Harman Kardon audio system in the Golf GTI consists of 10 speakers with a 480-watt capacity. The head-up display presents driving information such as speed, navigation, and warning systems in the driver’s line of sight on the main mirror.

Other features of this high-performance hot hatch remain unchanged from before. It is powered by a 2.0 TSI turbo petrol engine with an output of 245hp and 370Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox (wet clutch).

Exterior upgrades include a honeycomb front grille, red GTI accents, 18-inch Richmond alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and full LED lighting system.

The IQ Drive safety features from the previous iteration are also retained, encompassing systems like Travel Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, and Adaptive Lane Guidance.

Every purchase of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is covered by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, complimentary maintenance for 5 years, and 5-year roadside assistance.

NEWS

Chery Omoda E5 launch in March 2024, EV SUV to be the Lead Car for Chery Eco Run

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Chery Omoda E5 is set to be launched in March 2024, offering another compact B-segment SUV option with electric (EV) propulsion.

The Omoda E5 is equipped with a lithium iron phosphate battery, which is said to be more environmentally friendly. It has higher energy density for greater storage, thus offering a longer driving range, according to Chery.

Furthermore, Chery claims that the lithium iron phosphate battery can reduce the frequency and cost of battery replacement. This SUV can travel up to 430km on a single charge. With fast DC charging, it can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

With an output of approximately 201hp (150kW), the Omoda E5 can accelerate to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds, and Chery claims that the SUV has an efficiency of 15kWh per 100km.

In terms of appearance, the Omoda E5 EV does not feature a grille like the petrol version; instead, its front space is enclosed. It also comes with aero rims for improved aerodynamic efficiency. The driving features of the Omoda E5 include Easy Start-Up, Creep, Pocket Brake, One Pedal Driving, and AGS Active Air Intake System.

The Chery Omoda E5 also supports V2L function, allowing external device charging such as ovens, grills, rice cookers, and even electric scooters.

Chery Eco Run

Chery Malaysia has announced that this model will be available in seven body color options with three interior colors. Chery Eco Run Meanwhile, the Omoda E5 will be used as the Lead Car for the Chery Eco Run, which will take place at Dataran Wawasan Putrajaya on Sunday, January 7.

Carrying the theme “A New Journey To A New Green Life,” the event is in line with Chery Omoda E5’s environmental protection message. It is organized by Jom Run and is expected to attract over 3,000 participants.

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Yamaha establishes Enyring for e-bike battery swap in Europe, beginning 1H 2025

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YAMAHA has announced the establishment of a new company called Enyring, which will offer battery exchange services based on subscription in Europe.

According to the official images provided, this Yamaha battery exchange service is seen to use smaller-sized battery units compared to Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e units.

In addition to offering electric scooter battery exchange subscription plans to users, Enyring will also collaborate with leaders in Europe to recycle used batteries.

In doing so, Yamaha will create a closed-loop system that relies entirely on recycling materials to produce the latest products.

Enyring will be based in Berlin, Germany, with operations set to commence in the first half of 2025. To start, Enyring will establish battery exchange infrastructure in two major cities, Berlin and Amsterdam.

The selection of these two locations is considered highly suitable as the use of bicycles and electric scooters has already become popular among the local population.

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Gachaco opens public battery sharing service for EV scooters in Japan

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JAPAN’S Big Four Companies (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Honda) and the energy company Eneos have formed Gachaco, a electric scooter battery swapping service in the Japanese market.

Initially, Gachaco was targeted for business and delivery use only and could only be used for certain models of Honda electric scooters, such as Benly e:, Gyro e:, Gyro Canopy e:, and EM1 e:.

Only the EM1 e: model is available for public purchase, where interested individuals can subscribe to Gachaco’s battery swapping service.

By reclassifying the battery as a service and excluding it from the selling price, Honda customers can obtain the EM1 e: scooter at a lower cost, approximately 97,200 yen (RM3,167).

What they need to do is subscribe to Gachaco’s battery swapping service based on their current usage. For example, the basic plan starts at about 1,078 yen per month (RM35 per month), while the standard plan costs 2,805 yen per month (RM91.39 per month).

Gachaco also offers a pay-per-use option for each usage, priced at 180 yen per kWh (RM5.86 per kWh).

At present, the Gachaco battery swapping service, which utilizes the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: unit, is only available in Japan.

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Jiyue 07 is an EV sedan from Geely and Baidu, potential Tesla Model 3 rival?

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Geely seems very serious about competing with Tesla in the Chinese market. Following the introduction of the Jiyue 01 model as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, the Chinese market is now seeing the arrival of the new Jiyue 07 model, a powerful electric fastback sedan that will challenge the Tesla Model 3.

The Jiyue 07 shares the same Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform used in the Volvo EX90, EX30, Polestar 4, and most Zeekr models.

The base 07 variant comes equipped with a 268 hp electric motor and a 71.4 kWh battery pack, while the all-wheel-drive version comes with twin electric motors producing 536 hp and a 100 kWh battery pack.

The exterior design of the 07 shares many similarities with the previously showcased SUV 01, featuring aggressive main headlights, curved LED bar, and similar rear light units.

Based on the teaser images provided earlier, the interior of the 07 features a minimalist layout, starting with a single elongated screen, followed by a yoke-style steering wheel design.

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Huawei-Seres joint-venture to build Aito M9 with BMW X7 size and 630km range

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Due to the relatively large size of the Chinese market, it is not surprising to see various cooperative efforts between major names such as Geely-Baidu, as well as several leading smart device manufacturers like Huawei.

The new Huawei-Seres cooperative company has recently launched the Aito M9 flagship six-seater SUV, featuring the latest Huawei technology.

It boasts dimensions larger than the BMW X7, with a length of 5,230 mm, width of 1,999 mm, height of 1,800 mm, wheelbase of 3,110 mm, and a drag coefficient as low as 0.264 Cd!

The M9 offers two powertrain options. The full electric version features two powerful electric motors delivering 523 hp, and a CATL 97.7 kWh battery pack providing a range of 630 km on a single full charge.

Meanwhile, the range extender version includes a 1.5-liter turbo engine acting as a power generator for two 490 hp electric motors and a CATL battery pack with a choice of 42 or 52 kWh capacity.

The range extender setup allows the M9 to travel between 1,362 and 1,402 km with a full battery charge and fuel tank.

An unique feature of the M9 model is the front-mounted projector, capable of transforming any flat surface into a 100-inch display, along with a cabin-mounted laser projector with a 32-inch panel.

The M9’s dashboard hosts three screens: a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 15.6-inch center screen, and a 16-inch front passenger display, as well as a 75-inch head-up display and a 2,080-watt audio system with 25 speakers and active noise reduction technology.

Additionally, there are four additional display tablets for rear passengers, all operated on the HarmonyOS 4 Huawei operating system.

All six seats in the M9 cabin have electronically adjustable lumbar support, heating and ventilation functions, and can be configured as needed. In terms of safety, the Aito M9 is equipped with the Huawei ADS 2.0 system and 27 sensors.

In the Chinese market, the Aito M9 is available for order at prices ranging from 469,800 yuan to 569,800 yuan (RM304,481-RM369,292).

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This Decathlon e-bike has an aluminum frame and will offer 160km range

I’m sure we are all familiar with Decathlon brand. A variety of sports goods and recreational activities can be found at the store, with affordable prices.

Don’t be unaware, Decathlon is now also starting to offer electric bicycle products under the brand Van Rysel. The bicycle, called the Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex, is Decathlon’s first attempt in the ultra-light electric road bike segment using an aluminum frame weighing only about 14 kg.

Not only that, in addition to aluminum, this bicycle uses a front fork component made of carbon for a more agile handling.

It uses a 250W (0.34 hp) Mahle X35 electric motor with 250 Nm torque and three assistance levels, coupled with a Sram APEX 12-speed gearing system, assisted by the Sram APEX hydraulic brake system.

The 250Wh 36-volt battery pack allows for a range of up to 160 km on a full charge. According to Decathlon, this new e-bike has undergone thorough real-world testing for six months.

Decathlon has priced the Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex starting from 2,800 euros (RM14,318).

NEWS

Artisan will build you an R35 GT-R with R34 styling, with up to 1,000hp

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Everyone knows that the Nissan GT-R R35 is now aging, although it is still the most high-performance car sold by Nissan today.

However, Artisan Vehicle Design seems to have a way to make it more appealing. The tuning company is developing an R35 with the body style of the R34, a completely new interior, and up to 1,000hp. Limited production, of course.

Sounds like the perfect GT-R, doesn’t it? Because you get modern performance from the R35 but with the cool classic look of the R34. The writer prefers the look of the R34 Skyline, do you agree?

To achieve this result, Artisan is replacing all R35 body panels with carbon fiber components to reduce weight while increasing rigidity. The lighting system is also completely new.

For colors, Artisan offers iconic GT-R colors like Millenium Jade, Midnight Purple, and Bayside Blue. But you can also choose any other color you want.

The interior is equipped with a new infotainment system, and the dashboard and door trim are different from the standard GT-R. There are also carbon fiber accents and Alcantara leather wrap in some areas.

Now let’s talk about the mechanical aspects. If you purchase this Artisan GT-R, you can choose between two power packages: Track or Ultimate. Track gives you 800hp while Ultimate offers up to 1,000hp. Both versions come with upgraded brakes, tires, and suspension, ensuring the car is always under control.

These images are still in the concept phase, but the actual prototype will be unveiled at the 2024 SEMA event, and production will begin thereafter.

Only 36 units will be produced worldwide, starting at a price of USD450,000 (RM2.085 million). If you have the budget, would you grab one?

NEWS

Proton Arena ‘GTi’ for sale in the UK, for RM14.7k only!

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THE Proton Arena is among the national car company’s models that didn’t sell well initially, but is now in high demand. The price is still steep, a brief survey on sales websites shows prices are still around RM25,000 to RM35,000.

However, in the United Kingdom (UK), there is a Proton Arena for sale at only £2,500 (RM14,739)! The Arena is known as the Proton Jumbuck in export markets such as the UK and Australia.

Not only is the price quite attractive, but this yellow Proton Jumbuck unit is even ‘copied’ with parts from the Satria GTi!

This can be seen in the front bumper, side fenders, and interior parts such as the dashboard, Recaro seats, pedals, and original GTi carpets. Quite handsome, if I may say so myself…

According to its owner, Paul Atkinson, who advertised the Jumbuck on the Proton gti owners UK page on Facebook, the engine is also from the GTi, a 4G93P 1.8-liter 16-valve unit.

The Proton Jumbuck GTi is painted in a sporty yellow color. It is further given a rally image with items such as WRC side mirrors, mud flaps, 15-inch white Momo rims, and the writer’s favorite, a pair of round spot lights at the front!

According to Atkinson, the Jumbuck is being sold because there have been changes to its design. “Jumbuck’s are getting quite rare now and especially modified ones,” he said.

“It always gets lots of compliments and is pretty quick for what it is (circa 140bhp), early Evo engines do drop straight in.

“MOT until August 2024, 100,000 miles, and the car is in Grantham, Lincolnshire,” Atkinson wrote.

Imagine if this Proton Arena were available in Malaysia, its price would surely easily reach RM55,000. Perhaps even more. This is because its other specifications are also quite tempting.

Below, we list what Atkinson shared:

Modifications:

• Satria GTi engine and gearbox (1.8 16v)
• Hockley exhaust manifold
• Custom stainless exhaust
• Pipercross induction kit
• Satria GTi interior
• Deep dish steering wheel
• Rearview camera
• CB radio
• Satria GTi body kit (front bumper & arches)
• Evo front suspension
• 15” Momo alloys (recently refurbished)
• 195 50 15 Avon ZV7 tires (new)
• WRC-style mirrors
• WRC-style mud flaps
• Rally spot lights
• Truckman cab
• LED rear work lights
• Air horns
• Tow bar
• Rear step

NEWS

MIRC launched, to bring rally actions through Malaysian oil palm plantations in 2024

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After five years of silence in Malaysia’s rally sports due to the absence of roaring engines in the oil palm plantations, it is now set to make a comeback with the launch of the Malaysia International Rally Championship (MIRC) 2024.

Scheduled to take place in March 2024, this carnival-style event will be held in Paya Besar, passing through the Felda Panching oil palm plantation near the city of Kuantan, Pahang.

The challenging and high-speed rally through the oil palm plantations has given rise to prominent figures in Malaysian rally such as Karamjit Singh. It has become a unique landscape that puts Malaysia on the international rally calendar.

The MIRC race will be organized by the Millennium Motorsport Adventure Club (MMAC) and managed by a prominent event management company, Semenyih Eco-Ventures Resort & Recreation, in collaboration with strategic partners from the Paya Besar Parliamentary Office, Kuantan City Council, Pahang State Government, and Pahang Corporation.

The event is also recognized by the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia.

The Event Director, Dato’ Seri Mohamad Khafey Ikhwan Bin Abdul Latiff, stated, “The organization of this MIRC is distinct from previous organizers. The main event is the rally race itself, which will feature racers and the latest cars from China, Thailand, and Indonesia.

“Furthermore, local racers are sure to anticipate the return of the greatness of rally sports in Malaysia.”

He added, “To enhance the excitement throughout the week, we will also organize a carnival and food festival at two main locations, namely the Felda Panching Carnival Site and the Kuantan City Carnival Site in Pahang.

The rally race will offer a total cash prize of almost RM30,000 to all 4WD and 2WD category winners, including overall motorcycle prizes for each category competed.

Other additional prizes will also be announced later.

Stay tuned for our coverage leading up to and after the race.

NEWS

Wing Hin clenches victory for Idemitsu Super Endurance Thailand debut

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NEWLY joining the Idemitsu Super Endurance 600 Southeast Asia Trophy race, the Wing Hin Motorsports team from Malaysia emerged as champions in their class.

In the race at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand, all three cars successfully completed the race, which featured a total of 64 cars.

The Toyota Vios #483, driven by Boy Wong and Dannies Ng, won the D4 Class and finished in 9th place overall.

The Toyota Yaris #338, driven by Naquib Azlan and Mitchell Cheah, finished in third place in the D3 Class, while the Toyota Yaris #339, driven by Amer Harris and Nabil Azlan, finished seventh in the D3 Class.

This victory in the race also marked the third success for Wing Hin Motorsports in Thailand this year. Previously, they clinched the D5 Class title at the Idemitsu Super Endurance 400 Minutes (September) and the Idemitsu Super Turbo Championship Junior.

“This weekend’s race saw us competing in the D4 Class for our engine segment as well as the D3 Class for the overall race and we extremely ecstatic with the results albeit so many uncertainties and nerve-racking moments on the track,” said the principal of the Wing Hin Motorsports team, William Loh.

“Ending the year with a Class win, and to have all three cars finishing in the top 20 is nevertheless a great way to end the racing season. We will definitely be back, and even stronger,” he added.

NEWS

Triumph Daytona to make its return in January 9, 2024

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TRIUMPH Daytona is set to make a comeback in 2024 with the launch of the Daytona 660 scheduled for January 9, according to the latest announcement shared on social media.

The Triumph Daytona 660 will be powered by the same 660cc three-cylinder engine used in the Tiger Sport 660 and Trident 660.

In addition to the engine, it is believed that the Daytona 660 will also utilize the same chassis as the Trident 660. This marks the first return of the Daytona to the global market since the British brand discontinued the Daytona 675 in 2017.

Despite the comeback with the Daytona 765, which was limited to 1,530 units as a commemorative model celebrating Triumph’s success as the engine supplier for Moto2 in 2020.

The Daytona 660 is expected to offer power figures similar to the Trident 660, around 80hp and 64Nm. For fans of the previous Daytona models, there might be disappointment as the earlier 675 model offered 126hp and 70.2Nm.

Furthermore, the design of the Daytona 660 will be distinct, especially the front headlight, which appears to borrow design elements from the Tiger Sport 660.

At present, detailed information remains limited, but all will be revealed on January 6.

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Pre-production of the Volvo ES90 electric sedan begins, to launch in May 2024?

The Swedish publication, Teknikens Värld, reports that Volvo has now commenced the pre-production of their first electric sedan.

This is based on secret images successfully obtained from the Cixi factory, Zhejiang Province, along with internal memos detailing the initial specifications of the electric sedan.

The EV with the internal codename V551 will be officially named the ES90 and shares the same SPA2 platform as the EX90 SUV model.

The Volvo ES90 measures 4,990 mm in length, 1,945 mm in width, 1,547 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,102 mm.

This positions the Volvo ES90 in direct competition with electric sedans in its segment such as the BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz EQE, and Audi A6 e-tron.

Furthermore, the electric sedan weighs approximately 2,600 kg for the dual-motor AWD version and 2,500 kg for the single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) version. The large 111 kWh battery pack offers a range of up to 600 km for the single-motor electric version.

According to the report, the serial production of the electric sedan is slated to commence in May 2024.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV convoy completes ASEAN tour – 3,197km in 11 days

After 11 days and 3,197km, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy has finally succeeded in completing their zero-emission journey across the ASEAN region.

They commenced their expedition in Singapore, then traversed through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and concluded in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 30, 2023.

This expedition marks the most extensive cross-country tour by electric vehicles (EVs) within ASEAN. Furthermore, the total distance of 3,197km exceeded the original estimate by 446km.

The purpose of this journey was to showcase the Ioniq 5’s capabilities for long-distance travel and its environmentally friendly nature, particularly in a region where the capabilities of EVs are still a matter of skepticism.

Additionally, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 demonstrated cost savings, with an average expenditure of only USD116 (RM537.60) for the entire journey. This represents approximately half the typical fuel expenses for a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

Youngtack Lee, President of Hyundai Motor ASEAN, stated, “Our dedication to making EVs more accessible as a clean transportation solution has successfully propelled us forward.

“With the success of the Ioniq 5 expedition, we are excited to further accelerate our innovations in developing EV infrastructure and ecosystems in this region. While this journey may have concluded, the excitement for electrification has only just begun,” he added.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy consisted of five vehicles, two of which were deployed in Indonesia and the remaining three in Singapore.

NEWS

Toll-free on 23, 26 December for Christmas

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The government has agreed to provide toll-free highways across Malaysia for two days in conjunction with the Christmas celebration on December 25.

Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, stated that the toll exemption will be effective on December 23 and 26, 2023, for all types of vehicles.

“The decision was made after a cabinet meeting on December 6 in conjunction with this year’s Christmas celebration.

The exemption is granted for all types of vehicles on all highways within the country, except for two toll plazas at the national border, namely the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Toll Plaza and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza,” he explained in a press conference today.

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Daihatsu safety scandal: Perodua to conduct detailed assessments

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FOLLOWING the announcement by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (DMC) today regarding the suspension of its models due to “procedural irregularities,” Perodua has also issued a response in relation to the independent audit committee report.

The “procedural irregularities” were conducted by DMC during vehicle safety tests on several original equipment manufacturers (OEM), which were announced early this morning.

The independent audit committee report, as announced by DMC, stated: “The inspection and tests confirm that all 174 irregularities identified by the independent audit committee meet the standards set by laws and regulations.”

Perodua is conducting a detailed assessment of the issue and is in discussions with the Malaysian authorities regarding the impact of these developments on its vehicles.

On April 28, 2023, DMC announced the occurrence of “procedural irregularities” during safety tests on vehicles in Japan. Following this announcement, DMC established an independent audit committee comprising legal and technical personnel.

“We apologize to our valued customers and the public for the concerns arising from this announcement,” stated today’s release by Perodua.

“Our intention is to provide assurance to our valued customers.

“We will share the results of these discussions with all our customers in the near future.”

NEWS

Inaugural Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge 2023 receives entries from seven countries

The “Asian Compact Sedan Design Challenge 2023” (ACSDC 2023) car design competition, which was held for the first time in Malaysia, has seen 93 entries from seven countries for its inaugural program. ACSDC 2023 is a sedan car design competition open to professional designers and design students in Asia, jointly organized by Perodua and the Malaysian Institute of Design (MRM).

“The number of entries from other countries in Asia is encouraging as the exposure to the Perodua and MRM brands outside of Malaysia is significant,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perodua. A total of 93 entries were received from Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Iran, Japan, India, and Malaysia.

For the professional category, Kenny Chan from Malaysia was crowned the champion of the ACSDC 2023 competition with his concept car “Payung.” According to the head judge, Muhamad Zamuren Musa, the dynamic car design with a ‘fastback’ silhouette and a strong and stable vehicle body character makes the car more balanced. Furthermore, distinct details and creative style elements were other factors that led to the selection of this car as the best among all participants.

Meanwhile, Philip Samuel Tandio from Indonesia emerged as the runner-up with the “Out Ride” concept, while Muhammad Izhar Che Shukarno took third place with the “Fastback” concept.

In the student design category, Bryan Teh Yea Quan from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia, was named the champion for his unique interpretation of a sporty sedan.

Alfred Han Wen Hao from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Malaysia, was the runner-up, and Muhammad Amin Othman from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, secured third place.

“For Perodua, this competition provides an insight into sedans because the definition and perception of this vehicle type differ from one country to another. Malaysians see it as a practical vehicle, while other countries may view it more as a status symbol. By organizing this competition, we can see where we can combine both ideas into one,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal.

“This competition not only encourages designers to test their talent but also exposes them to different design philosophies from other countries around the world,” said MRM Director, Husaini Ismail.