Category Archives: NEWS

Alfa Romeo ditches 2027 EV-only target

It appears that more manufacturers are recognising that an all-EV approach may not be the best long-term strategy.

Recently, Alfa Romeo has reportedly made a U-turn regarding its intention to sell only EVs by 2027.

The Italian manufacturer joins brands such as Audi, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volvo in backpedaling its EV-only plans, following a decline in demand and tight competition from Chinese brands.

Speaking to Automotive News, Alfa Romeo’s North America chief Chris Feuell, acknowledged that it is challenging for Alfa Romeo’s 110-strong dealer network in the United States to survive with a portfolio consisting solely of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

As an alternative, Alfa Romeo will adopt a recently finalised “multi-power” strategy. This strategy includes a combination of petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains.

“The biggest thing in our product and technology roadmap is transitioning from what was a BEV-only strategy for Alfa to one that us multi-energy,” Feuell said.

Toyota remains as world’s number one automaker for fifth consecutive year

Throughout 2024, Toyota Motor Corp sold a total of 10.82 million vehicles, allowing the automaker to maintain its global leadership for the fifth consecutive year.

Despite this figure representing a 3.7 percent decline compared to 2023, Toyota explained that there is still strong demand for its hybrid vehicles.

The second place was secured by the Volkswagen Group, with total sales of 9.03 million units, while the Hyundai Group recorded sales of 7.23 million units.

For the first time, BYD surpassed Honda, Nissan, and Suzuki with sales of 4.27 million units last year.

In comparison, Honda sold 3.81 million units, followed by Nissan with 3.35 million units and Suzuki with 3.25 million units.

Excluding brands under its umbrella such as Hino and Daihatsu, the sales figures for Toyota-branded vehicles alone reached 10.16 million units, a drop of 1.4 percent, following its involvement in a vehicle certification scandal, which led to a temporary halt in the production of certain models.

In key markets, Toyota recorded a 4.3 percent increase in sales, reaching 2.73 million vehicles in North America, followed by a 3.6 percent increase to 1.17 million vehicles in Europe.

However, Toyota’s sales in China saw a decline of 6.9 percent, totaling 1.78 million vehicles, due to ongoing price wars among major domestic manufacturers.

It is super important to keep manual transmission – Porsche GT boss

Porsche is one of the few sports car manufacturers that remains committed to offering models with a manual transmission.

In some markets, you can still obtain a manual 718, but for the 911 family, this option is now limited to the GT3 and Carrera T variants only.

Despite being described as a nearly extinct transmission, Andreas Preuninger, Director of the GT Model Line at Porsche, believes it is important to continue fighting to preserve the manual transmission at Porsche.

Citing a report from Motor1, Preuninger stated, “From a personal point of view, it is very important to have a manual model.”

“I prefer manual and don’t mind shifting gears myself, especially on the track, knowing exactly that the PDK transmission is faster,” he added.

Preuninger also does not believe that stricter emissions laws will eliminate manual transmissions.

“(Manual) is lighter, which contributes to reductions in emissions and more efficient fuel consumption, and you also have more power at the wheels because the power loss in a manual transmission is lower compared to PDK,” he explained.

“In the real world, manual cars use less gasoline and produce fewer emissions compared to PDK. That is a fact.”

Suzuki Jimny Nomade lands in Japan, imported from India, priced from RM76k

Suzuki has officially launched a more practical five-door off-road SUV variant of the Jimny, known as the Jimny Nomade for the Japanese market.

Compared to the three-door Jimny Sierra still available there, the Jimny Nomade measures 3,890 mm in length, making it 340 mm longer, and resulting in a wheelbase of 2,590 mm.

The benefits? More spacious rear passenger seating, as well as increased cargo capacity, making it more practical.

The Jimny Nomade can be distinguished by its honeycomb grille structure with a Gun Metallic finish, as well as new color options including Sizzling Red Metallic and Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic.

In terms of power, the Suzuki Jimny Nomade retains the 1.5-liter engine that produces 103 hp and 134 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the Jimny Nomade comes standard with a part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system and maintains a 36-degree approach angle and a 47-degree departure angle.

In Japan, Suzuki sells the Jimny Nomade starting at ¥2,651,000 (approximately RM75,643).

For reference, the Suzuki Jimny Nomade is a completely imported unit from the Gurugram assembly plant in India, unlike the Jimny Sierra (3-door variant) which is assembled in Japan.

BMW M3 CS Touring is a naughty family car

Back in mid-2022, BMW M unveiled the M3 Touring, making it the brand’s first-ever wagon variant of the M3. This was followed by the introduction of the most hardcore variant in its line-up: the M3 CS sedan.

Now, the division has taken the covers off the new M3 CS Touring, which is essentially a fusion of both models.

In other words, the latest weapon from the Munich-based outfit offers the thrilling high performance of the M3 CS sedan (and M4 CS) in a more practical form.

This means that, like the two aforementioned models, the M3 CS Touring is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine, which has been tuned to deliver a whopping 550 PS at 6,250 rpm and 650 Nm of torque from 2,750 rpm to 5,950 rpm.

When compared to the facelifted version of the M3 Touring (Life Cycle Impulse or LCI in BMW lingo), the wagon is blessed with an additional 20 PS of power.

The combination of an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive enables the 1,850 kg car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a 3.5 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in just 11.7 seconds.

Its top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h, thanks to the standard M Driver’s Package.

Speaking of weight, BMW says it managed to shed around 15 kg by using components made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), including the bonnet, splitter, air intakes, side mirrors, diffuser, bucket seats, and steering wheel.

Despite sharing the same body type as the M3 Touring, the CS variant stands out with a more aggressive body kit, yellow daytime running lights, red accents on the grille and spoiler, and lightweight double-spoke alloy wheels measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.

The colour palette for this one is limited to four options, namely British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue, Sapphire Black, and Frozen Solid White. Regardless of the chosen hue, the roof and spoiler are finished in striking gloss black.

Inside, in addition to the aforementioned bucket seats, the interior is distinguished by a flat-bottom steering wheel featuring a red 12 o’clock marker and a ‘CS’ logo on the centre console.

BMW has not disclosed the production numbers for the M3 CS Touring, but like the sedan variant, it is expected to be limited to fewer than 2,000 units.

30% charging discounts for Proton eMAS 7, smart owners

To ring in the Lunar New Year and celebrate the delivery of the first Proton e.MAS 7 to our customers, Pro-Net is offering a 30% discount on public charging fees.

From January 25 to February 3, Proton e.MAS and smart owners can enjoy this special offer at over 80% of public charging stations.

Just use the Proton e.MAS or Hello smart apps to start your charging session, and the discount will be applied automatically.

Proton e.MAS is all about making EV ownership easy and enjoyable with smart features like live charging station availability and route planning based on your car’s battery level.

This would be a significant expansion of its charging map coverage as the charging network operated by Shell Recharge includes High-Performance Charging Stations along major highways, with most of the stations can deliver 180kW of charging power.

Plus, thanks to Pro-Net’s partnership with Shell Recharge, the company is adding even more charging points across highways and city hotspots, including high-speed chargers for quicker stops.

This highly anticipated addition follows the recent integration of the ChargeSini Network, which was also the first in Malaysia to be accessible via a roaming arrangement.

Currently, the charging networks accessible on both Proton e.MAS and Hello smart apps include Gentari, Jomcharge, chargEV, DC Handal, CarputZap, and ChargeSini.

Audi Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept comes with portal axles

Who would have thought that the premium-looking Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron electric SUV could transform into a more serious off-road vehicle?

That’s what Audi aims to showcase with the Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept, featuring a higher ground clearance and a wider body dimension.

Audi has also hinted that this model is ready to be realized as a production vehicle.

In terms of power, the Q6 e-tron Offroad is equipped with two electric motors producing 510 hp, driving all four wheels.

With an increased track width of 250 mm and a ground clearance raised by 160 mm, thanks to the use of four portal axles directly connected to the wheel hubs, this SUV is designed for enhanced off-road performance.

The newly designed portal axles allow this SUV to increase wheel torque by 50% compared to the 20 to 30% achieved with conventional designs.

As a result, the torque at all four wheels can reach 13,400 Nm, though the top speed is limited to just 175 km/h.

Overall, these upgrades enable this off-road SUV to tackle steep slopes with angles of up to 45 degrees.

The original design of the Q6 Sportback e-tron has been retained, but the front bumper has been fitted with extra LED lighting units, and the wheel arches have been enlarged to accommodate off-road tires.

Audi has previously unveiled several off-road concept models, such as the Activesphere and the AI:Trail Quattro, and they also participated in the 2024 Dakar Rally using the RS Q e-tron.

Kawasaki looking to revive two-stroke engines?

Kawasaki recently sent shockwaves through the online community by posting a teaser video on their social media platform.

The video, lasting less than 10 seconds, sparked comments from Kawasaki’s social media followers, urging the manufacturer to bring back the glory days of two-stroke engines.

The post concluded with the words “We Heard You,” hinting that Kawasaki is listening to and wants to fulfill the demands of its fans.

 

So far, not much information has been revealed.

However, according to the Visordown website, Kawasaki previously filed a patent document published in July 2024, indicating that the manufacturer is developing an all-new two-stroke engine.

In addition to reviving this long-lost technology, Kawasaki’s new two-stroke engine will be equipped with technologies such as a fuel injection system, a turbocharger unit, and intake valves operated by a power valve.

These enhancements could significantly increase engine efficiency while retaining the advantages of two-stroke engines over four-stroke ones.

For now, Kawasaki has not decided whether this new two-stroke engine will be offered in street motorcycles or reserved for other uses.

One thing is certain: this latest development will surely delight those who have previously experienced owning 2T motorcycles, such as the Yamaha 125Z, Yamaha RX-Z, Modenas Dinamik, and Kawasaki Ninja 150RR (just to name a few popular models).

Land Rover Defender Octa to compete in Dakar Rally, W2RC next year

The Land Rover Defender Octa is undeniably powerful, boasting 635 PS and 750 Nm on tap. But that’s on paper – does it have what it takes to perform in the real world?

To test the true capabilities of the Defender Octa, Land Rover has announced that it will participate in the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) starting next year.

The automaker said it will run a two‑vehicle entry of competition‑spec Defenders in W2RC under the ‘Stock’ category for production‑based vehicles, and a three‑vehicle entry in the Dakar Rally.

Competing in the Stock category means the Defender Octa will retain its engine, transmission, drivetrain, and body design as per the production model.

Racing with a standard powertrain may sound dull, but new regulations set to be implemented by 2026 will make said category significantly more competitive.

Launched in July 2024, the Defender Octa is the fastest Defender ever produced by Land Rover. It is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Additionally, the SUV features a D7x architecture based on a monocoque aluminium construction, which is said to be three times stronger than traditional body-on-frame designs.

The suspension system comprises semi-active dampers designed to reduce pitch and body roll while maximising suspension articulation, allowing it to tackle more extreme terrains.

Officine Fioravanti tames the infamously wild Ferrari F40

With a timeless design crafted by the geniuses at Pininfarina, many consider the Ferrari F40 to be the most beautiful Ferrari ever made.

Not only that, but with its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, it is also dubbed the greatest analogue supercar of its era.

However, the combination of a potent engine, a lightweight body, and a lack of electronic systems makes the F40 incredibly difficult to tame. Well, this year alone, two F40s have been wrecked in separate incidents.

To prevent the number of F40s from continuing to dwindle, a company from Turin called Officine Fioravanti, has produced a special package to make the car easier to drive without compromising its character.

The package, known as Alte Prestazioni, includes an Ohlins TTX 36 suspension system with four-way adjustment, along with new arms, ball bearings, and hub carriers.

Also included are carbon-ceramic discs and Brembo calipers (six-piston at the front, four at the rear), as well as enhanced ABS. The steering has also been improved with a new box with power hydraulic assistance.

Since the F40 is regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing Ferraris ever produced, not much has been done to lift up its appearance.

However, to give it a more aggressive look, Officine Fioravanti has added larger wheels, measuring 18 inches at the front and 19 inches at the rear. Customers can choose between Michelin Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero tyres.

The price of this package has not been stated, but for those who own an F40, money is likely the least of their concerns.

Speed limit on all federal roads reduced by 10 km/h for CNY

Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has announced that the speed limit on all Federal roads across the country will be reduced from 90 km/h to 80 km/h starting tomorrow until February 2 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

According to Nanta, this temporary speed limit reduction for six days during the Integrated Operation aims to minimise the risk of road traffic accidents.

“During this period, road repair and maintenance works that are not critical will also be temporarily halted so as not to disrupt traffic flow while emergency works for the safety of road users will be properly planned.

“If necessary, alternative routes will be provided so as not to disrupt the journey of road users,” he said.

In addition, Nanta stated that he has also directed the North-South Expressway Project (PLUS) to temporarily halt the widening of lanes along the Sedenak-Kulai stretch from January 23 to February 3 to ensure smooth traffic on the highway.

Vanace transforms Toyota Hiace to resemble VW Transporter T3

Although the Toyota Hiace has entered a new generation since 2019, the fifth generation of the cab-over version remains popular and continues to be offered in several markets.

If you’re feeling bored with the standard appearance of the Hiace, Japanese tuning company Auto Motive Japan (AMJ) is now offering the Vanace cosmetic package inspired by the rear-engine Volkswagen Transporter T3 (1979-1992).

There are three front design options available: Type 1 features round headlights similar to the specifications of the T3 in the European and Japanese markets; Type 2 includes twin round headlights inspired by the South African model; and Type 3 has square headlights resembling the North American version.

In addition to halogen headlights, the Vanace kit also includes yellow turn signals, a flat hood design, redesigned front fenders, and chrome wheel hub covers, all contributing to a retro image for the Hiace.

Customers can choose from up to 10 paint options, including gunmetal, beige, and two-tone combinations.

For the cabin, AMJ offers retro seat covers (available in blue, green, or beige), vintage-style steering wheels, and gear knobs made of wood.

Wood finishing is also available as an option for the floor and cargo ceiling, complemented by an LED lighting system, making it ideal for those looking to convert their Hiace into a campervan.

According to a review on AMJ’s website, the selling price for the Vanace kit starts from ¥3.75 million to ¥4.64 million (approximately RM105k-RM130k), depending on the donor van and the level of customization set by the customer.

In addition to AMJ, Hiace owners can also obtain a retro body kit inspired by the Land Rover Defender, known as Deface, produced by another Japanese tuner, DAMD.

 

Mitsubishi will not join Honda-Nissan merger – report

The news outlet Japan Today reports that Mitsubishi Motors Corp will not be joining the planned merger formed between Nissan Motor Co and Honda Motor Co.

Instead, the company will focus on strengthening its cooperation with the two firms, according to a source close to the matter last Friday.

This latest development reflects Mitsubishi’s concerns about the risks of losing management control if they were to join the Honda-Nissan alliance.

In a statement released last Friday, Mitsubishi mentioned that it is considering various possibilities and has not yet decided on a specific direction.

Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kata told reporters in Tokyo, “Nothing has been decided.”

Honda and Nissan, the second and third largest automotive manufacturers in Japan, announced a merger plan last year to form a new company that will create the world’s third-largest automotive group, in order to compete against the electric vehicle manufacturers from the United States and China.

At that time, Mitsubishi Motors was not ready and stated that a decision about joining the new alliance would be made by the end of January 2025.

Throughout 2023, the combined sales of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi reached eight million units, which still fell short of Toyota’s sales figures (11.23 million units) and Volkswagen AG’s (9.24 million units).

Honda and Nissan aim to finalize all merger discussions by June 2025.

50% highway toll discount on Jan 27 & 28 in conjunction with CNY

Highway users can look forward to a 50% discount on tolls on January 27 and 28 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

This was announced by the Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, in an official statement released on January 24.

According to the statement, the discount will be implemented starting from 12:01 AM on 27 January 2025 (Monday) and will end at 11:59 PM on 28 January 2025 (Tuesday).

The discount is specifically for Class 1 private vehicles at all toll plazas, except for the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Toll on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the Tanjung Kupang Toll on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway (LINKEDUA).

“The discount is a continuation of the festive season toll assistance consistently provided by the government for all four major festive seasons in the Peninsular since 2023,” said Nanta.

During this period, the government has spent RM356.18 million as compensation for implementing the Festive Season free toll initiative from 2023 to 2024.

For this discount initiative, the financial implications for the government to reimburse the toll concession companies involved are estimated to total RM20.08 million.

“My previous announcement regarding toll waivers during festive seasons, which were set to end after Christmas 2024, was based on the Cabinet’s decision on December 20, 2024.

“However, today’s Cabinet meeting agreed to provide a 50% toll discount for Chinese New Year 2025, in line with the MADANI Government’s agenda of to promote unity and the well-being of the people, supported by the government’s strong financial position resulting from subsidy rationalisation programmes and increased investment and trade,” he added.

Deepal S07 previewed in Malaysia by Bermaz, to be launched this year

In addition to the Xpeng X9 MPV, Bermaz Auto also showcased another electric crossover model, the Deepal S07.

In the Chinese market, Deepal is a subsidiary owned by Changan Automobile, and the S07 model was developed in collaboration with Huawei and CATL.

In terms of dimensions, the Deepal S07 measures 4,750 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, 1,625 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,900 mm.

This makes the size of the Deepal S07 comparable to the Xpeng G6 electric crossover, which is also sold by Bermaz.

In the Chinese market, the Deepal S07 is offered with single electric motor options producing either 218 hp or 258 hp.

There are two battery pack options available, featuring NMC chemistry: one with a 66.8 kWh capacity that offers a range of 520 km, and another with a 79.97 kWh capacity that reaches a range of up to 620 km (CLTC data).

The exterior design of the Deepal S07 presents an aggressive image, with a sporty front bumper, headlight units with a three-petal flower pattern at both the front and rear, a floating roof design, and 20-inch rims.

Inside, the cabin features a single 15.6-inch screen at the center of a minimalist dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, a high center console, and separate air conditioning controls for second-row passengers.

Similar to the Xpeng X9, Bermaz has yet to reveal detailed specifications, launch dates, and the pricing for the Deepal S07.

Bermaz previews the Xpeng X9 electric MPV, competitor to Denza D9 and Zeekr 009

Bermaz Auto has showcased its new electric vehicle (EV) model, the Xpeng X9, which is set to launch this year.

The second EV model after the Xpeng G6, the Xpeng X9 is an all-electric minivan that offers a three-row seating configuration and is poised to compete with electric MPVs such as the Denza D9 and Zeekr 009.

In terms of dimensions, the Xpeng X9 measures 5,293 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width, 1,785 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,160 mm.

Currently, Bermaz has yet to finalize the specifications that will be offered for the Malaysian market.

However, the Xpeng X9 will be available in a front-wheel-drive version with an output of 315 hp, or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with an output of 500 hp.

There are two battery pack options: a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) 84.5 kWh battery with a range of 610 km (CLTC data), or a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) 101.5 kWh battery with a range of up to 702 km.

The Xpeng X9 platform also supports 800V fast charging, allowing for an addition of 300 km of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

Interior features include a 12.3-inch digital cluster display, a 17.3-inch infotainment screen, a 21.4-inch rear passenger screen, and rear passenger seats equipped with zero-gravity technology, heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

On the exterior, this electric MPV showcases a unique design, with a rear section featuring sharper and more angular shapes compared to most MPVs currently available on the market.

GWM showcases new PHEV technology, launches off-road initiative in Changbaishan

When we talk about off-road driving, several brands and models of vehicles suitable for this purpose inevitably come to mind.

However, it’s important to note that Chinese automotive manufacturers are no longer lagging far behind as they once were.

In fact, with the advent of various new and rugged technologies, they are now able to stand shoulder to shoulder with leading brands around the world.

From January 9 to 15, GWM held an event known as the Ice & Snow Festival in the mountainous region of Changbai, Jilin Province.

There, we were given the opportunity to personally test the capabilities of the Haval, Tank, and Poer off-road vehicle lineup as they maneuvered through extreme icy and snowy paths in temperatures plummeting to negative 30 degrees Celsius.

Despite being equipped with standard factory specifications without any modifications, all of these off-road vehicles proved their true capabilities by successfully navigating a variety of terrains around the Huamei Resort.

A major highlight of the Ice & Snow Festival was the introduction of a new plug-in hybrid system through the Tank 500 Hi4-Z model.

Compared to the more “hardcore” Hi4-T hybrid system, the Hi4-Z no longer features a drive shaft connecting the engine to the rear axle.

Instead, the rear wheels are now powered by an electric motor.

As a result, GWM is able to include a larger capacity battery pack (59.05 kWh) that offers an emission-free range of up to 200 km!

With a 2.0-liter turbo engine (248 hp/380 Nm) paired with two electric motors, the Hi4-Z system can produce a total power output of 852 hp and torque of 1,195 Nm.

This allows the Tank 500 Hi4-Z to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

In addition, GWM also launched the GWM Off-Road Alliance initiative.

This latest initiative aims to strengthen the global off-road community by offering various activities such as off-road driving technique training and optimizing vehicle performance for different terrain types.

GWM also introduced an off-road trail grading system (on a scale of 1 to 10) that provides a clearer framework for tackling various terrain conditions.

For drivers in Malaysia, this grading system can serve as a reference for preparing to face challenges such as sandy coastal areas, muddy farm tracks, and steep mountainous roads.

All of this is designed to ensure that the off-road community can enjoy challenging journeys more safely while also having a fun experience.

Denza D9 bookings open in Malaysia

Paultan.org reports that the Denza D9 is now available for order in the Malaysian market.

Specifications and pricing have yet to be announced; however, we expect the luxury MPV to arrive in an electric version, as seen in Hong Kong and Thailand.

In addition to the electric variant, the D9 is also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in China. The electric D9 will position itself as a close competitor to the Zeekr 009 and the Maxus Mifa 9.

In terms of size, the D9 measures 5,250 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, 1,920 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,110 mm. This makes it longer than the 009, but its wheelbase is 95 mm shorter than that of its nearest competitor.

The D9 EV is available in two powertrain configurations: front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The FWD variant features a single electric motor producing 313 PS (230 kW) and 360 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.

Meanwhile, the AWD variant with dual electric motors offers 374 PS (275 kW) and 470 Nm, enabling it to achieve 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 6.9 seconds.

Both variants are equipped with a 103 kWh LFP battery, offering a WLTP range of 520 km for the FWD and 480 km for the AWD.

The battery electric MPV can accommodate up to seven passengers (with a height of up to 180 cm) in a 2-2-3 seating configuration, featuring sliding captain’s chairs in the second row.

The cargo space is said to be capable of holding seven 20-inch suitcases and seven backpacks.

In China, the D9 EV is priced between 379,800 yuan and 469,800 yuan (approximately RM233,648 to RM289,015). For comparison, the price of the Zeekr 009 in the Malaysian market starts at RM349,800.

Chery Malaysia hands over new SUVs to heroes of Paris 2024 Paralympics

Chery Malaysia has recently presented new Chery vehicles to the country’s Paralympic athletes during an event held at the Chery showroom in Glenmarie, Selangor.

It should be noted that these vehicles were purchased by the Paralympic athletes at an exclusive discount offered by Chery Malaysia as a token of appreciation for their contributions in bringing honour to the nation in the field of sports.

During the event attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh, Chery Malaysia handed over an Omoda 5 to silver medal-winning shot putter Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli and an Omoda E5 to badminton gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou.

Powerlifting gold medallist Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, who also broke the world record, booked a Tiggo 8 Pro but was unable to attend the ceremony.

In a special initiative last year, Paralympic gold medallists were eligible for a 50% discount on Chery’s SUVs, while silver medalists and athletes who reached the semi-finals and finals received a 30% discount.

Additionally, Chery also offered a 15% discount to all athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Our Paralympians exemplify the strength and resilience that inspire us all. At Chery, we are honoured to stand beside them in their journey, celebrating their victories and supporting their aspirations,” said Michael Chew, Vice President of Chery Malaysia.

JPJ launches Ops Khas CNY 2025, to focus on 9 main offences

The Department of Road Transport (JPJ) has launched the 2025 Chinese New Year Special Operation, which will take place over 20 days from 20th January to 9th February.

According to the department, the 2025 Chinese New Year Special Operation aims to monitor, detect, and take action against road users who violate traffic regulations or laws.

JPJ will focus on nine main offences under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), which are as follows:

  • Driving above the speed limit
  • Jumping the red lights
  • Overtaking on a double line
  • Driving on the emergency lane
  • Queue cutting
  • Using a mobile phone
  • Not wearing seat belts or helmets
  • Driving heavy vehicles on the fast lane
  • Overloading

At the same time, JPJ is also launching a road safety campaign themed ‘Pandu Cermat, Sampai Selamat’, which will see the implementation of methods and approaches for road safety advocacy through more than 30 programmes.

Among the programmes to be held are exhibitions, awareness talks, distribution of road safety kits, and advocacy programmes in collaboration with strategic partners, including the media.

In conjunction with the 2025 Chinese New Year, JPJ urges road users to always adhere to traffic regulations, ensure that their vehicles are in good condition, and plan their journeys.