A Facebook post made by Armorblaze seems to have confirmed that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will be adding 20 BMW R 1250 RT motorcycles to its fleet.
According to Armorblaze, the motorcycles will be deployed for Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister escort duties.
Armorblaze is a vehicle detailing center in Ampang and according to the post, had been tasked with designing the livery for the motorcycles.
As seen, the R 1250 RT units feature the trademark blue-white colour theme synonymous with PDRM as well as reflective strips, with ‘POLIS’ wording on the windscreen, fairing and panniers. There are also blue strobe lights at the front and rear.
The R 1250 RT is powered by a 1,249 cc two-cylinder boxer engine capable of producing 136 hp and 143 Nm, allowing it to reach speeds of more than 200 km/h.
Key features include the Telelever and Paralever front and rear suspension system, ABS Pro, Adaptive Cruise Control, Dynamic Traction Control, three riding modes, and a 10.25-inch TFT screen.
TENGKU Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has announced on social media that Perodua is scheduled to begin mass producing its first electric vehicle (EV) at the end of 2025.
According to the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, this is in line with Perodua’s appointment to lead the production of affordable EVs under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
Zafrul went on to say that Perodua has collaborated with an ‘international automotive company’ to develop an EV prototype.
“Thank you to Perodua for assisting Malaysia in advancing electric vehicle technology and strengthening sustainable mobility in Malaysia,” he said.
On November 29, Perodua announced it’s targeting electric and hybrid vehicles to contribute up to 20% of total new car sales by 2030.
Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said that the sales figure could be achieved “if all industry players can work together.”
“We are collaborating with the government and other partners. We have also been appointed in the new industrial plan to lead the development of EVs in Malaysia.
“We need to produce new products. We have not finalized the production timeline, but the government’s target – 20 percent by 2025 or 2030 – will become a reality if all parties cooperate,” he said.
JUST in case you didn’t know, JAOS or JApan Offroad Service, has been producing and selling off-road parts since its inception back in 1985.
Perhaps due to its broad experience in the off-road segment, Lexus has decided to join forces with JAOS to develop a very interesting concept model for the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon. Introducing, the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail JAOS version.
To begin with, JAOS has enhanced the durability and ruggedness of Lexus’ premium off-road SUV by deploying a front bumper guard and a 4 mm-thick aluminum skid plate underneath the bumper.
Additionally, the JAOS-spec GX 550 Overtrail is also equipped with matte black fender guards, steel tubular side steps, as well as a full set of mudguards that come with EVA flaps and aluminum plates.
Its robust tough appearance is further reinforced with a Battlez Lift Kit suspension system which includes titanium springs and adjustable dampers. The chunky fenders are matched with equally chunky Toyo Open Country A/T III tyres wrapped around 18-inch Tribe Cross rims.
Also included is a 1,250 mm x 1,400 mm aluminum roof rack, as well as LED lights on the front bumper guard.
Lexus has not stated whether this concept model received a powertrain upgrade, but more horsepower may be the last thing the GX 550 needs. This is because, in its standard version, the GX 550 already offers a healthy output of 349 hp and 650 Nm.
Its off-road credentials are further cemented by a host of features including 4WD, Torsen limited-slip differential, rear locking differential, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control (DAC), and 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor.
SEPANG International Circuit (SIC) has confirmed that track rental rates will be increased by as much as 45% effective April 1.
According to NST, the new rate card will see track rental on weekdays for daytime sessions increase by 27% from RM55,000 to RM70,000, while weekend rates will go up by 32% from RM60,500 to RM80,000.
For evening sessions, the rental rates on weekdays will increase by 41% from RM55,000 to RM78,000, while weekend rates will go from RM60,500 to RM88,000, representing a hike of 45%.
The mentioned prices are inclusive of technical and medical personnel assistance, ambulances and car, cleaning services, security staff, and access to relevant facilities.
According to SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif, the price hike was to ensure that the FIA grade one standard circuit continues to operate at the “highest standards.”
“As part of SIC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in facilities and services, we have announced an adjustment to our track and facility rental pricing which will take effect on 1 April 2024,” said Shafriman.
“This decision was vital to uphold the quality of our facilities, enhance services and facilitate ongoing improvements that will contribute to a better customer experience.
“This advance notice was provided to ensure transparency and allow ample time for all clients and stakeholders to make necessary preparations.
“Rest assured that we are fully committed to facilitating a smooth transition for our clients and stakeholders,” he said.
In January last year, Shafriman was quoted as saying the increase was inevitable due to increasing operating and maintenance costs. SIC has not raised its rental prices since 2013.
WHEN I think of Liberty Walk, the first thing that comes to my mind are high-powered vehicles such as the Lamborghini Aventador, Nissan GT-R and McLaren 650S wearing outlandish body kits.
For their latest project, however, the renowned Japanese tuner has taken a slightly different approach by developing a body kit for a much more docile car, the Autozam AZ-1.
The AZ-1 is a kei sports car with a mid-engine configuration produced by Mazda under the Autozam brand in the early 90s. And the latest body kit from Liberty Walk will transform it into a Ferrari F40.
Needless to say, due to its miniature size, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this is not a genuine F40. That being said, there’s no denying that its front end bears a striking resemblance to the fabled Italian supercar.
Not only that, this body kit also includes canards, a front splitter, and of course, Liberty Walk’s staple, wider front and rear fenders to ensure complete transformation. The left and right door panels have embossing in the shape of NACA ducts, inspired by that of the F40.
At the rear, you’ll find a tall, fixed spoiler with big endplates and a diffuser with long strakes to help enhance aerodynamic efficiencly. Like the F40, the Liberty Walk-kitted AZ-1 also boasts centre-exit triple muffler tips.
According to the company’s website, the AZ-1 body kit package is priced starting from 2,226,000 yen (RM71,405), excluding the front and rear lights.
Additionally, customers looking to complete the F40-inspired look on their AZ-1 can opt for LB forged wheels measuring 16 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear, priced at 1,430,000 yen (RM45,871).
JUST a few days prior, we have read about the stories of Perodua Bezza and Honda HR-V owners whose vehicles experienced breakdown shortly after purchase.
This time, another social media user has expressed concern about the new Honda CR-V, which was purchased by his father last December.
According to Facebook user Ahmad Shah, the vehicle allegedly produced strange noises just minutes after it was driven off a car showroom in Melaka. He claimed that the noise resembled that of a moving motorcycle.
“My father sent the car to the relevant vehicle centre for inspection. The staff only changed the door key, but the car still made the same sound,” he said.
The SUV was then taken back to the centre for a second inspection and test drive. The manager of the centre confirmed that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle.
“He informed us that the car would be sent to the main service center, Honda Malaysia, as he claimed that the branch couldn’t do anything without a more thorough inspection from Honda Malaysia,” he said.
Following that, the SUV was sent to Honda Malaysia, but there was no news about its status.
“My father contacted the manager again, and he said that he’s trying to get updates and progress from Honda Malaysia, but till now, we still don’t know the cause.
“It’s quite strange because the car is not even a month old, but it is as if the warranty period from Honda has already expired for decades.
“Then my father contacted the Customer Service Chief of Honda Malaysia, who stated that the case would be referred back and resolved by the branch,” he expressed.
Ahmad Shah claimed that after investigation, it was found, according to there report, that there was no mention of the strange noise; instead, they only stated that there was an issue with the tyres.
“The noise disappeared when the car stopped, but it would emit a very loud sound when the car was moving,” he said.
In another Facebook post, Ahmad Shah said that the manager of the centre called his father to arrange a meeting regarding the car. However, the meeting date was not disclosed.
CHERY Malaysia announced that it has recently signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Carsome and Carsome Academy.
The primary focus of these partnerships is to revolutionise vehicle trade-ins and enhance soft skills within the brand’s network of representatives.
Carsome is making the process seamless for new Chery customers walking into their showroom. Upon opting for a trade-in, customers can have Carsome conduct a vehicle inspection at their preferred location.
Following the inspection, Carsome will promptly offer a price for the trade-in vehicle. Once the offer is accepted, customers can then hand over their old vehicle before or while collecting their new Chery vehicle.
Carsome also threw in a special campaign to Chery dealers by offering an additional RM500 on top of the trade-in offer price for their customers who trade in their vehicles from 15 January to 15 February 2024.
Meanwhile, the second MoU aims to bolster soft skills within Chery’s network of representatives. The agreement will centre on four aspects, namely Upskilling Workfore, Peneraju Skil Motor Vehicle Inspection Programme, Training & Placements and Marketing Initiatives.
Chery Auto Malaysia Vice President Lee Wen Hsiang said both collaborations were timely for Chery Malaysia’s growing customer base over the months since the brand debut in July last year.
“The collaboration with CARSOME will be beneficial and important for our dealers, especially with the increase in customers who seek to trade in their old cars for a new Chery vehicle,” he said.
Additionally, with plans to expand showrooms to 48 outlets by the end of 2024, there will be an increase in the workforce, including sales representatives and managers. Therefore, ensuring the importance of Chery’s customer service becomes a crucial step for the brand’s future success.
MITSUBISHI Motors, official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, together with authorised dealer Ban Lee Heng Motor (Nilai) Sdn Bhd recently opened the first Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare parts) in Nilai.
The opening of the new outlet increases Mitsubishi Motors’ dealer network to 59 showrooms nationwide. The outlet is located at Lot 27447, Jalan BBN 5/1a, Bandar Nilai Utama, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. It is situated along the main road of Persiaran Korporate, a prime location for all customers staying within the vicinity.
With a built-up area of 6,400 square feet, the 3S centre presents Mitsubishi Motors’ brand identity that is in line with the global brand message ‘Drive Your Ambition’.
In addition to housing a comfortable customer lounge with WIFI and a kid’s corner, the outlet comes with a fully equipped service centre with three service bays ready to serve every Mitsubishi car.
“In line with Mitsubishi Motors’ business plan and as we progressively work towards introducing new Mitsubishi Motors models in Malaysia, we are continuing to advance our dealer’s network expansion to enhance our customers’ touch points,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of MMM.
Through this strategic move, we aim to cover untapped locations and extend our sales and services to meet the growing demands of the Mitsubishi brand,” he added.
Last week, a frustrated Perodua Bezza owner took to social media to complain about her car, which experienced an engine failure just 8 hours after purchase.
This time, another user, Noriya Mamat, experienced a similar situation when her Honda HR-V, which she purchased last August, broke down after only two weeks of use.
In a Facebook post, Noriya stated that the SUV began having issues after it was sent to a Honda service center in Gong Badak, Terengganu on September 2 for a 1,000 km service.
Two days later, her car experienced several malfunctions including the front lights could not be adjusted properly, blinking lights from the meter console and the emergency lights turning on.
Noriya claimed that the situation became more distressing when the Honda service center informed her that they could not identify the root cause of the problem.
“The car was sent back to the service centre for a week. I had to make multiple trips to the service center while I was heavily pregnant,” she said.
In December, when Noriya was informed that a technical officer from the Honda headquarters would come to Terengganu to inspect the vehicle.
On January 10, Noriya was contacted by Honda Malaysia headquarters and was told that her vehicle will be taken to Kuala Lumpur for a month to troubleshoot.
“How much longer do I have to wait? Every month, I have to pay RM1,500 for a vehicle I’m not using. Why is Honda taking so long for cases like this? Where is the promised excellent after-sales service from Honda?” she asked.
THE Energy Commision (ST) in a statement revealed that the operator of an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) in Johor, which caught fire on December 31, was found to be operating without a licence.
In the statement, the Energy Commission noted that the Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Act 447) and the Electricity Regulations 1994 stipulate that energy supply activities from any installation must be carried out with a valid licence from ST.
In the incident, a Mercedes-Benz EQB was engulfed in flames while charging at a vehicle showroom building in Tampoi.
According to ST, about 5% of the 256 sq metre premises and 20% of the EV charging bay were also destroyed. No injuries were reported.
The commision said that it is currently investigating to identify the real cause of the incident. The responsible party and the company involved will also be called upon to assist in the investigation.
On December 16, 2022, ST reportedly advised the operators of charging point operators (CPO) involved in the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EV) to promptly obtain a valid public distribution licence for the EVCS installations in the country, including those already in operation, by March 31, 2023 last year.
VOLKSWAGEN Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) recently announced the launch of its Chinese New Year campaign, with a suite of deals across its entire line-up of models.
Running till February 29, the campaign offers savings of up to RM18,888 on Volkswagen models, which includes the Golf GTI, Tiguan Allspace range and the Arteon R-Line. Full details of the savings are as listed below:
Model
Savings
RRP with savings
Tiguan Allspace Life (IQ.Drive)
RM 2,888
RM 174,102
Tiguan Allspace Elegance (IQ.Drive)
RM 8,888
RM 197,102
Tiguan Allspace R-Line (IQ.Drive)
RM 8,888
RM 250,102
Arteon R-Line (IQ.Drive)
RM 18,888
RM 281,102
Golf GTI (IQ.Drive)
RM 3,888
RM 249,102
In addition, all Volkswagen models now come with five years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty and five years roadside assistance.
Bookings and test drive arrangements can be made at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more information, visit volkswagen.com.my.
HONDA Malaysia today announced the official pricing for the all-new Honda CR-V e:HEV RS, which is RM195,900.
The flagship model was introduced last December alongside three other variants of the CR-V, namely the 1.5L S (RM159,900), 1.5L E (RM169,900), and 1.5L V (RM181,900).
Unlike the other three variants, which share the same 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine, the CR-V e:HEV RS features a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine capable of producing 148 PS at 6,100 rpm and 190 Nm at 4,500 rpm on its own.
The primary source of drive, however, is an electric motor that is capable of making 184 PS and 335 Nm. Output is channeled to the front wheels through a e:CVT transmission.
In terms of appearance, the RS variant sets itself apart from its turbocharged siblings with RS badges on the grille and tailgate, Active Shutter Grille, roof rails, black accents on the antenna and side mirrors, as well as 18-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels.
Additionally, the lower portion of the front and rear bumpers are painted in the body colour. Other features include LED headlights and taillights, sequential LED turn signals, Active Cornering Lights, and chrome exhaust tip finishers.
The interior features leather upholstery with red stitching, eight-way power adjustment with two-position memory for the driver’s seat, head-up display, smart key card, a wireless charger, and two USB ports.
The infotainment system is made up of a 10.2-inch TFT instrument panel, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a Bose audio system with 12 speakers.
As for safety, the CR-V e:HEV RS comes with Honda Sensing with nine functions, two airbags, Honda LaneWatch, and a 360-degree camera. Also included is Honda Connect.
THE grand touring motorcycle market in Malaysia has gained a new entrant in the CFMoto 1250 TR-G.
Set to rival the likes of the BMW 1250 RT and Benelli 1250 GT, the latest competitor is much more budget-friendly with a starting price of RM88,888. It will be available at all authorised CFMoto dealers throughout Malaysia starting next week.
Powering the 1250 TR-G is a 1,279 cc V-twin mill derived from KTM’s LC8 engine, with outputs rated at 140 hp at 8,500 rpm dan 120 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.
The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission working together with a slipper clutch and chain final drive. The motorcycle comes with a 22.7-litre fuel tank and weighs in at 304 kg.
The 1250 TR-G is equipped with adjustable Marzocchi front forks, as well as dual 320 mm discs at the front and a single 270 mm disc at the rear, both gripped by Brembo callipers. Also present is dual-channel ABS.
For less than RM90,000, you also get electronic throttle, three riding modes (Sport, Comfort, and Rain), Cruise Control, Quickshifter, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
There’s more. The bike also comes with LED headlights and taillights, daytime running lights (DRL), and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay. There’s also a JBL audio system on board.
For the Malaysian market, the CFMoto 1250 TR-G is available in two colour options, namely Nebula White and Twilight Blue.
CHERY Malaysia has announced that it sold a total of 4,501 vehicles in 2023, a somewhat remarkable achievement given that the company only began delivering the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro in September.
Speaking at the company’s annual business briefing, Chery Auto Malaysia Vice President Lee Wen Hsiang said over 80% of the total sales was contributed by the Omoda 5.
According to Chery Auto Malaysia’s Vice President, Lee Wen Hsiang, over 80 percent of this total was contributed by the Omoda 5.
Lee added that Chery also conducted a sales satisfaction survey where over 1,000 customers of the brand gave it an exceptionally high score of 94 out of 100.
Lee also said that despite facing initial comments when Chery was first introduced to the Malaysian market, the brand has steadfastly prioritised resolving customer issues and will continue doing so in 2024.
Among the efforts made to achieve this target is through expanding its network nationwide. Chery Auto Malaysia Network Development Director Soon Boon Ping, stated that the company currently has 32 outlets operating nationwide with a workforce of 550 employees.
“By at the end of 2024, we hope to have at least 48 outlets in operation and that will also contribute to 70% increase in our 3S and 4S centres,” said Soon.
On product, Chery Auto Malaysia Product Director Michael Chew shared that the company will launch four new models in 2024, starting with the Omoda E5 in March.
The electric SUV will be followed by the Tiggo 7 Pro in the second quarter and two more models in the fourth quarter. Notably, one of the two yet-to-be-named models will be an “affordable” and “higher volume” car for the rakyat. Could that be the Tiggo 4 Pro that was previewed back in October 2022?
During its business briefing in Kuala Lumpur earlier today, Chery Malaysia confirmed that they will be launching the Tiggo 7 Pro in the second quarter of this year.
The five-seater SUV will be Chery’s fourth model to be introduced in Malaysia following the Omoda 5, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Omoda E5. As previously reported, the Omoda E5 is slated for launch in March.
In addition to confirming the Tiggo 7 Pro’s arrival, Chery Malaysia also took the opportunity to divulge preliminary specifications for the upcoming model.
Unlike in Indonesia, where the Tiggo 7 Pro is offered with a 1.5-litre turbo engine, we will be getting the more potent 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine capable of making 197 hp and 290 Nm of torque.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds.
Elsewhere, the Tiggo 7 Pro will come with 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats. Interestingly, the image used in the presentation slide shows a different front bumper design from the unit previewed last year.
The infotainment system includes 24.6-inch dual display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Sony premium audio system with eight speakers.
Safety-wise, the version we’re getting will be equipped with 17 ADAS features, five more than what you can find in the Tiggo 8 Pro. Also included is a 540-degree camera.
Pricing hasn’t been revealed yet, but it is expected that the Tiggo 7 Pro will be positioned between the Omoda 5 (RM108,800 to RM118,800) and Tiggo 8 Pro (RM159,800). It is also highly likely to be locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah alongside the two aforementioned models.
Sisma Auto recently launched the new Sisma Auto Hub Sungai Besi, a premium multi-brand 3S centre for customers to buy, sell or service any brand of luxury car.
The Sungai Besi outlet is the second Sisma Auto Hub following the opening of the Glenmarie branch in February 2022.
SISMA Auto Group Managing Director Syed Khalil Syed Ibrahim said the automotive group has been servicing valued premium automotive customers for over 25 years as a franchise dealer for Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and BYD.
“The success of our Glenmarie outlet showed that there is a great demand for the unique service that we offer. In response to this demand, we are proud to open our second SISMA Auto Hub outlet on the second and third floor of Wisma SISMA Auto in Sungai Besi.
“This new purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility is bigger, better and designed to meet the needs of our growing customer base. Strategically located on Lebuhraya Sungai Besi with easy access via the numerous highways, SISMA Auto Hub Sungai Besi is well positioned to serve a large catchment of customers in the Klang Valley,” he added.
Customers interested in acquiring a pre-owned luxury car can choose from a certified range that has been selected based on mileage and condition. Each car would also have been thoroughly inspected and refurbished to tip-top condition.
Meanwhile, those who wish to sell their luxury cars can also do so at Sisma Auto Hub. Experienced professionals will provide fair valuations and assist in the entire sale process.
There’s also a multi-brand service centre that is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment and tools to handle all Continental car brands. It caters to all luxury brands regardless of source, be it a parallel import or an out-of-manufacturer warranty vehicle.
The service centre is manned by trained mechanics that can undertake all types of service, maintenance and repair work including major repairs.
Other services offered include tyre services, wheel alignment and balancing, air-condition servicing and windscreen replacement. The staff can also assist in insurance claims for accident cases. SISMA Auto Hub is also a panel repairer for Warranty Smart, a leading vehicle warranty provider.
As for parts, Sisma Auto Hub has a dedicated team that will carefully source a combination of branded and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to offer great savings and better value to the customers.
Located in Wisma Sisma at 855 Sungai Besi Expressway, Sisma Auto Hub Sungai Besi is open from 9 am till 7 pm from Monday to Friday and from 10 am till 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
AS you may be aware, several smartphone companies are beginning to join the hotly contested electric vehicle race.
One of them is Xiaomi, which has just introduced its first EV called the SU7. It is dubbed as a “full-size high-performance eco-technology sedan.”
Speaking of size, the SU7 measures in at 4,997 mm in length, 1,963 mm in width, 1,440 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. This makes it slightly larger than its two closest competitors, the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.
The SU7 is built on Xiaomi’s Modena platform, offering a 400-volt and 800-volt architecture, with three options for electric motors, confusingly called the HyperEngine V6, V6s, and V8s.
For the exterior design of the SU7, Xiaomi has hired the services of former BMW design chief Chris Bangle as the design consultant. Thanks to his magic touch, the EV has a drag coefficient of just 0.195, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars on the market.
As for the interior, the Chinese smartphone giant has utilised its technological expertise to equip the SU7 with the latest gizmos from its armoury.
This includes a 16.1-inch touchscreen and a smart autonomous driving system comprising of one LiDAR, 11 HD cameras, three radars and 12 ultrasonic radars.
The SU7 will be offered in two variants: base and Max. The base variant is powered by the HyperEngine V6, which delivers 299 PS and 400 Nm.
This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.28 seconds and achieve a maximum speed of 210 km/h. This variant comes with a 73.6 kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 668 km.
Meanwhile, the SU7 Max features the HyperEngine V8s with a pair of electric motors generating 673 PS and 838 Nm. It only takes 2.78 seconds to reach 100 km/h and can accelerate to 265 km/h.
With a 101 kWh battery, it can be driven up to 800 km on a full charge. Since this variant utilizes an 800-volt architecture, it can regain a range of 220 km in just five minutes or 390 km in 10 minutes.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that it successfully sold 10,402 vehicles in December 2023.Of the monthly sales figure, 10,079 units were Toyota vehicles, while 323 units were Lexus vehicles.
With this tally, UMWT’s total year-to-date sales as of December 2023 stands at 108,107 units, an increase of 7% than the 101,035 units posted in 2022.
The company also said it recorded 1,342,130 returning customers for aftersales services in 2023, showcasing a commitment to customer satisfaction and efficiency in automotive care.
“With heartfelt gratitude to all our customers for their unwavering support, this year-end, UMWT renews our commitment to ‘Move Your World.” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMWT.
“We persist in our efforts to offer an enriched mobility experience through our Toyota cars and extend access to ownership for potential customers.
“Our commitment to achieving excellence and fostering innovation in the automotive industry remains unwavering, ensuring the best offerings for our drivers and stakeholders,” he added.
Ravindran further stated that UMWT plans to introduce more models, particularly with an emphasis on xEV technologies. This is to strengthen its commitment to support Malaysia’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
AUDI will be competing in this year’s Dakar Rally with a RS Q e-tron designed specifically for the gruelling endurance race. To mark its participation, the automekr has introduced the new Q8 e-tron edition Dakar, inspired by the rally car.
According to Audi, only 99 units of the edition Dakar will be made available. It will open for booking in the first quarter of this year, with a starting price of 120,000 euros (RM608,211) in Germany.
The Q8 e-tron edition Dakar is based on a Q8 advanced 55 e-tron quattro. It is equipped with a 114 kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 487 km. The battery powers a pair of electric motors making 402 hp (300 kW) and 664 Nm of torque.
With standard tyres, the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. All-terrain General Grabber AT3 tyres increases the century sprint time by a tenth of a second to 5.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 200 km/h.
While the chunky tyres render the SUV a little slower, they provide a higher ground clearance (+31 mm) and better grip on rocky or snowy surfaces.
The edition Dakar also comes standard with a roof rack capable of carrying up to 40 kg of load. Included are a bag for the rack and straps for attaching accessories.
In the base setting, the vehicle has a ground clearance of 206 mm. At higher speeds, it gradually lowers – by 15 mm at 85 km/h, 17 mm at 100 km/h, and 13 mm at 120 km/h. Audi says the control strategy for the air suspension was revised for off-road driving.
Meanwhile, its approach, ramp, and departure angles are 20, 26, and 19 degrees, respectively. Audi also claims a water wading depth of up to 300 mm.
The four rings brand also offers plenty of optional acessories, which include decals inspired by the RS Q e-tron, ambient light package plus, second high-voltage heater to monitor heating power, Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound and virual side mirros.
In addition to the AT rubbers, each unit of the Q8 e-tron edition Dakar comes with a set of summer tyres along and 20-inch wheels in 5-V spoke S design.
PROTON ended 2023 with 12,711 units sold in December, bring its year-end total sales figure to 154,611 units for domestic and export markets.
The sales figure represents a 9.3% increase compared to the 141,432 units recorded in 2022.
That being so, Proton has successfully achieved its best sales performance since 2012 and a fifth consecutive year of sales growth.
The company’s overall market share is calculated to be 19.4% of the estimated total industry volume of 794,948 units, approximately 10.3% than the previous year.
This positions Proton in the second place in overall sales for the fifth consecutive year.
According to the company, the the rebound in demand for the PIES models (Persona, Iriz, Exora and Saga) powered its sales growth in 2023.
The Saga remains Proton’s best-selling model with 70,184 units sold, its best performance since 2012 and placing it as the fourth best-selling vehicle in Malaysia for 2023.
The Persona saw the most significant growth as sales rose by 48.9% to 24,362 units. The Iriz, which also suffered delays due to last year’s chip shortage, posted a tidy 33.8% increase in sales to 7,639 units in 2023.
The Exora signed off with a sales increase of 4.6%, ending the year with 4,473 units sold. Since its launch in 2009, Proton has sold over 194,000 units of the Exora, making it the most successful C-segment MPV in Malaysia’s automotive history.
Proton’s SUV lineup also ended the year on a positive note. Demand for the X50 remains strong with 31,829 units sold in Malaysia and overseas throughout the past year. Following this is the X70 with 11,200 units and the X90 with 4,815 units sold.
As for the S70, customer deliveries will begin in 2024 and to date, more than 5,000 bookings have been received.
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