Category Archives: NEWS

NEWS

Mercedes GLA250 4Matic AMG Line – New mild hybrid system, 0-100 in 6.8s, RM296k

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After several months of introducing the GLA200 facelift, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has now also launched the GLA250 4Matic AMG Line. It is a more powerful version with a sportier design.

As usual, compared to the GLA200 which is equipped with a Renault 1.3-liter turbo engine, this GLA250 variant is powered by a Mercedes engine – a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo with an output of 224PS and 350Nm of torque. This output is transmitted to all wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the 4Matic traction system.

What’s new is that the GLA250 also features a mild-hybrid system consisting of a 48-volt belt starter generator (BSG), contributing to an additional 14PS and 150Nm of power.

As a result, the acceleration performance from 0-100 is 6.8 seconds, one second faster than the GLA200. The maximum speed is 240km/h.

In terms of exterior features, this new Mercedes GLA250 4Matic comes with a sporty AMG bumper, LED High-Performance headlights with new graphics, new taillights, a diffuser, and 19-inch 5-spoke AMG rims. It also includes sport brakes with perforated discs.

Other standard features include roof rails, sports suspension, keyless entry, single-zone air conditioning, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless Qi charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a reverse camera, and power-operated tailgate.

The interior features a new steering wheel with touch controls, an updated MBUX system with a 10.25-inch screen, and a 10.25-inch instrument display.

AMG touches on the GLA250 include sports seats, Artico leather upholstery with Microcut, brushed aluminum trim, alloy pedals, black headliner, and illuminated side sills.

Safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Door Opening Warning, and Park Assist.

The Mercedes GLA250 4Matic AMG Line is offered at a price of RM295,888 without insurance. This includes a four-year unlimited mileage warranty.

NEWS

Man drives Toyota Alphard with Polite Car lettering so that people notice him and slow down

FROM afar, this Toyota Alphard appears to be a police patrol car or an ambulance, but upon closer inspection, the inscription on its body reads “POLITE” instead of “POLICE.”

This MPV in Singapore has attracted the attention of netizens and has been shared on the SG Road Vigilante Facebook page.

Scanning the QR code on the Alphard’s body will lead you to an ice cream shop’s website. Netizens have various comments and opinions in the comment section.

Some think it’s an interesting idea, while others say it’s “misleading” because it resembles an authority vehicle.

The owner, Goh Yong Wei, told The Straits Times that he has decorated his Toyota Alphard since last May, and road users often slow down their vehicles to give way.

He said, “As a driver and motorbike rider in Singapore, I find that the driving culture here is not gracious, especially during peak hours.

“I want to be noticed, I want the attention, I want people to see me and slow down to avoid a collision.”

Goh said he has been involved in more than 10 car and motorcycle accidents over the past four years, and the decals on this Alphard help him avoid accidents.

“I feel safer, and find it easier to drive around now. A lot of people in their cars giggle and show me a thumbs up. It makes for a very positive driving experience for me.”

However, the Singapore Police said they have received reports regarding this matter, and it is currently under investigation.

NEWS

Volvo S60 is no longer on sale in US, to make way for all-new EX90

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THE Volvo S60 in America has become a quiet alternative to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Now, this executive sedan has reached the end of its life.

Volvo has confirmed that sales of the S60 will be discontinued in the United States (US) after 24 years, spanning three generations.

“After five years Volvo Cars is ending production of the S60 sedan in Ridgeville, South Carolina at the end of June 2024 for the US and some other markets to focus on the all-new EX90,” a Volvo spokesperson told Motor1.

The third-generation Volvo S60 was introduced as a 2019 model and manufactured in the South Carolina facility.

Several variants were offered throughout production, from the base T5 version with 252hp to the high-performance Polestar Engineered model.

Compared to its competitors, Volvo S60 sales have been relatively lackluster in the US. Its sales have never exceeded 20,000 units per year, averaging around 10,000 to 12,000 units annually.

In comparison, BMW and Mercedes each sold 33,000 units of the 3-Series and C-Class respectively last year.

At the same time, the discontinuation of the Volvo S60 is expected to pave the way for more profits for Volvo when they introduce the EX90 later.

The EX90 is Volvo’s first fully electric (EV) three-row SUV, equipped with a 111kWh battery delivering 496hp and a driving range of up to 480km.

NEWS

2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES launched – RM119,338

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LAUNCHED alongside the new Honda CBR250RR is the 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES, also fondly known as Africa Twin.

For the latest model, the torque generated by the 1084 cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine is now increased by 7% to 112 Nm at 5,500 rpm, while power remains at 100.5 hp (75 kW) at 7,500 rpm.

In addition to higher torque output, the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) has also been reworked to give a much more natural, ‘feathered’ clutch feel on initial take-off and between first and second gears.

In Manual Transmission (MT) mode, there are three modes of operation that give allow the rider to shift with the handlebar trigger control buttons. The Automatic D mode is ideal for city and highway riding, while Automatic S offers three levels of sportier riding.

There’s also a G switch that is accessible via the TFT touch screen display. It reduces the amount of clutch slip during gear changes to improve the feel for available tracion and machine control.

Other features include Throttle-by-Wire (TBW) and a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The latter has been improved, offering four levels of power and three levels of engine braking.

Additionally, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) provides seven levels of intervention to give riders a finer choice in controlling rear tyre slide, particularly useful for off-road riding. This can be completely turned off for riders who prefer full manual control.

The Africa Twin is also fitted with ABS and Wheelie Control with three levels of input, and four riding modes, namely Tour, Urban, Gravel and Off-Road.

Additionally, there are two customisable User settings, allowing riders to tailor the bike’s performance to their specific needs and preferences.

The Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERA) suspension, which was an option for the previous model, is now equipped as a standard feature.

It offers four suspension modes (Mid, Hard, Soft, Off-Road) and a User mode, ensuring optimal performance whether riding solo, with a passenger, with luggage, or off-road.

The Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES also comes with a new front fairing, aggressively redesigned to improve upper body wind deflection and aerodynamics. It also gets a larger 19-inch front wheel that significantly improves the bike’s stability during on-road riding.

Elsewhere, the new seat uses a 15 mm thicker urethane foam cushion with optimised density and has a 8% larger area along with adjustable seat height, which can be set between 820 mm and 840 mm without the need for tools.

Available in Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and Pearl Glare White, the new CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES comes with a price tag of RM119,338.

NEWS

2024 Honda CBR250RR is more powerful, more aerodynamic

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BOON Siew Honda has launched an upgraded version of the Honda CBR250RR, which comes with a slightly more powerful engine and new styling.

For the 2024 model year, the 250 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine now delivers a maximum output of 42 PS (31 kW) at 13,000 rpm and 25 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm, marking a (1.36 PS) 1 kW increase over the previous model.

The power hike is made possible reducing the combustion chamber volume from 7.55 to 7.00 cm3, which in turn alters the compression ratio from 12.1 to 12.5.

Additionally, the inlet port throat diameter has been enlarged from 21.4 to 21.6 mm to increase intake capacity, while optimised piston and oil ring tensions reduce friction.

Another major upgrade to the CBR250RR is the Showa Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted front suspension that stabilizes the damping force and allows more freedom of load shifting during sports riding.

Meanwhile, existing features such as the Assist & Slipper clutch, dual-channel ABS, and Throttle-by-Wire system with Sport, Sport+ and Comfort modes are retained.

Styling-wise, the new CBR250RR embodies the ‘aggressive speedy shape’ concept, featuring a forward-leaning posture, sharp edges, and a dense body structure that echoes larger motorcycles.

This has been enhanced with optimised cowl geometries and advanced aerodynamics that reduce air resistance by 6%.

There are two new colours to choose from, namely Mat Zodiac Blue Metallic and Honda Tricolor. Pricing starts at RM27,999 excluding road tax, insurance, and registration.

Boon Siew Honda offers a two-year or 20,000-km manufacturing warranty, whichever comes first.

NEWS

Tesla Supercharger now in Kuantan, first in East Coast

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TESLA has opened and activated a Supercharger station in Kuantan, Pahang. Located on the premises of the Kuantan City Council (MBK), it is the first Tesla Supercharger on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

According to Josh KY Chua, who shared some pictures on the Facebook’s Warga Kuantan page, the station can be used by the public 24 hours a day.

There are four charging bays at this location. Similar to other Supercharger stations throughout the country, the new station in Kuantan also has a charging rate of RM1.25 per kWh.

There is also an idle fee of RM4.00 per minute if the station is full.

Although Tesla has started rolling out Supercharger V4 networks in Malaysia, the MBK station, however, is equipped with Supercharger V3 technology.

The launch of this new Supercharger station aligns with the announcement made by Tesla’s Regional Director, Isabel Fan, in March, stating that the Kuantan Supercharger would be operational by the end of the second quarter of this year.

Other locations for the second quarter include the first Supercharger in Penang located in Prai.

NEWS

Aidiladha: PLUS activates SmartLane at 18 critical locations

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To ensure smooth traffic flow during the Aidiladha holiday, PLUS Malaysia Berhad will activate Smart Lane at 18 locations on the North South Highway.

The SmartLane locations and activation dates are as follows:

PLUS stated that when Smart Lane is activated, the existing emergency lane will be opened as an additional lane to optimise the use of all lanes and increase lane capacity at critical locations on the highway.

The SmartLane can be identified by a green flashing light and a sign board that will be placed 1 km and 500 metres from the start.

Additionally, the highway concessionarie stated that the SmartLane can be used by light, private or passenger vehicles.

To avoid disruption to traffic movement, PLUS will ensure no lane closures for maintenance work on the between June 12 and 19.

PLUS also provides a digital travel schedule called MyPLUS-TTA through the PLUS app. Users only need to key in their destination in the app to choose the most optimal travel time during the Aidiladha holiday travel period between June 13 and June 18.

Additionally, the public is welcome to use improved public toilet facilities at 32 locations including R&R areas, rest stops, and selected toll plazas.

NEWS

Xpeng M03 is the first EV under the brand’s MONA series

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Xpeng, the Chinese EV brand that will soon enter the Malaysian market, has introduced its first model under the MONA series, the M03.

MONA is a series that stands for ‘Made Of New AI’ and it will reportedly focus on new technology and intelligent driving.

According to CarNewsChina, the M03 was developed by Xpeng in cooperation with Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi. Xpeng is responsible for the supply chain and manufacturing, while Didi is tasked to come up with the design and sales operation.

In a previous interview, Xpeng’s chairman, He Xiaopeng, indicated that the M03 will be built on the Fuyao platform. This means it will also come with the Xpeng Navigation Guided Pilot (XNGP) system and the X-EEA 3.0 electrical architecture.

The battery will be supplied by BYD, with a promised range of over 500 km based on the CLTC cycle.

Like the P7, the M03 will be assembled at Xpeng’s factory in Guangdong. It is expected to be officially introduced in June and will enter the market in the third quarter of this year at a price below 200,000 yuan (RM130,385).

NEWS

We’ll keep making V12 engines until they’re banned – Ferrari

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DESPITE the fact that Ferrari has started offering smaller turbocharged hybrid V6 and V8 engines in its cars, the famed manufacturer is determined to keep its V12 engines alive for as long as possible.

Speaking to Car Expert, Ferrari’s head of product marketing Emanuele Carando assured enthusiasts that the company will continue to produce cars with the 6.5-litre engine for as long as the regulations allow them to.

“We will produce naturally aspirated V-12s until the law [no longer] allows us to. We hope the law in the future will continue to show opportunities, probably working on new petrol which is more sustainable,” said Carando.

In the 12Cilindri Coupe and Spider, the Ferrari 6.5-litre V12 engine can rev up to only 9,500 rpm, but technically it is capable of reaching 10,000 rpm.

Ruggero Cevolani, the head of the V12 program, explained that the lower rev limit was deliberately chosen to maximise power delivery and avoid “drop off in the sensation of constant acceleration.”

He further added that Ferrari is first and foremost an “engineering company,” and that’s why performance is a top priority.

Previously, Ferrari’s chief designer, Flavio Manzoni, acknowledged that the V8 turbo engine outperforms the V12 in terms of performance. Not only that, he also stated that the 12-cylinder engine is not the most efficient.

However, the company will continue to fight for the engine to ensure that it lives on for as long as possible, as it is more emotional than smaller engines.

Ferrari is not the only luxury brand still interested in producing V12 engines. Aston Martin also has a similar direction with the upcoming Vanquish model, which is said to have a more powerful twin-turbo V12 engine.

NEWS

Saudi Arabia began testing the autonomous flying taxi for pilgrims

THE first-ever electric air taxi service in the world will begin testing for transporting pilgrims between the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafah this year.

The launch was officiated by the Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Board of Directors Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser in Mecca.

The air taxi is a small commercial aircraft that operates short flights on demand. It is said to be the first of its kind in the world and is licensed by GACA.

The pilotless aircraft will be utilized during this year’s Hajj season, particularly for emergency services, as well as transporting goods and medical supplies to the pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics is also working on enhancing smart mobility initiatives and developing laws and regulations to enable the use of modern technology while providing an experimental environment to advance the adoption of various future transportation technologies.

Previously, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) unveiled plans to operate flying taxis in the future to transport Hajj pilgrims between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Mecca.

Saudia also intends to acquire around 100 aircraft for this service.

NEWS

UMW Toyota sold 8,422 vehicles in May, total YTD now at 39,211 units

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) ended May 2024 with ongoing positive performance, attaining a total monthly sale of 8,422 units for Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

With this achievement, the total year-to-date sales as of May 2024 is now at 39,211 units.

Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMWT, stated the company’s strong performance in May highlights their relentless commitment to providing exceptional vehicles and services that cater to the diverse needs of their customers.

“The success of community programs strengthens our dedication to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, reinforcing our role as a leader in the automotive industry and embodying our ‘Move Your World’ philosophy,” he said in a statement.

UMWT’s commitment to community and environmental sustainability is demonstrated through the 23rd Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

his national-level program empowers students aged 13 to 17 from 16 schools nationwide, focusing on Toyota’s 8 Steps Problem-Solving Method (PSM) to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Since its inception in 2001, TEY has engaged over 300,000 students from 521 schools, fostering a legacy of environmental stewardship.

UMWT also announced the third edition of the Toyota Start Your Impossible Outrun 2024, a charity run aimed at raising cancer awareness.

Set to take place at Dataran Merdeka, this annual event supports the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) through funds raised.

As part of their commitment to enhancing the buying experience, UMWT introduced the “Peace of Mind” promo for June 2024, offering customers up to 100% financing for selected models.

Car buyers could enjoy broad promotional savings, including up to RM7,500 for the New Yaris, with monthly purchase instalments starting from only RM688 for the all-new Vios. The Toyota Service Savers program further offers convenient monthly instalments starting from as low as RM31.

NEWS

Proton EMAS is a concept with 1.2-litre engine and 16.5kWh battery, displayed at 2010 Geneva Motor Show

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Last night, Proton launched the e.MAS, their sub-brand for fully electric vehicles (EVs) that will begin entering the market by the end of this year. As a generation that experienced the era of Friendster and Myspace, this reminds the writer of the Proton EMAS concept from more than a decade ago.

The Proton EMAS is a concept designed by the firm Italdesign Giugiaro. The name EMAS stands for Eco Mobility Advance Solution, which also obviously means “gold” in English. Eco Mobility Advance Solution also technically means that EMAS is designed for energy-efficient vehicle solutions.

Therefore, it is equipped with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine that generates 20hp at 1,500rpm and 47hp at 3,500rpm. The torque is 107Nm at 2,500rpm. This engine, weighing only 56kg, is paired with a 16.5kWh battery pack and 370-volt battery cells, making the Proton EMAS a hybrid range extender.

The EMAS can accelerate from 0 to 96km/h in 14 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 169km/h. It can travel up to 563km per tank. The design of EMAS is based on the Toyota iQ platform, including the suspension and steering, but all other aspects are new from Proton. It has MacPherson suspension at the front and a torsion beam at the rear.

Proton first revealed the EMAS concept to the public at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, one of the most prestigious automotive exhibitions in the world.

The Proton EMAS also comes in several variants. The standard EMAS is a 5-door version with four seats, while the EMAS3 is a 3-door with a 3+1 seating configuration. There is also the EMAS Country, with SUV styling and higher suspension. If you notice, the EMAS Country looks similar to the Iriz Active, doesn’t it? The writer believes the Iriz Active takes inspiration from the EMAS Country.

The writer still remembers reading and seeing this EMAS concept during university and truly hopes it becomes a reality model sold to the public. Perhaps the EMAS could be a competitor to the Myvi?

At the Geneva Motor Show, Proton’s then-CEO, Dato Syed Zainal, said, “The goal is to produce a global car for the world market.” According to him, there were only 17 to 24 months left before entering production, which should have started in 2012 or 2013.

However, the Proton EMAS never became a reality.

Do you still remember the Proton EMAS concept? The writer is sure that the Tiktok generation has never heard of it.

Photo source: Paultan.org and Wikipedia

NEWS

You can now automatically charge your EV via EVC’s AutoCharge feature

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EV Connection (EVC), via their JomCharge app, has officially rolled out a new AutoCharge feature for its DC fast charging network.

Whilst previously some Chery Omoda E5 users were already able to utilise the function, the registration was manual and involved the user having to come to the EVC office. It was also limited to a few test chargers.

But with the official launch, users can now activate AutoCharge at over 200 supported charging points. With the new feature, EV users simply need to plug the charger into their vehicle. The charger will then automatically recognise the vehicle ID, subsequently triggering the charging.

One more advantage of AutoCharge is that the payment will be automatically billed to the payment card on the JomCharge app after charging.

Chargers that support the new feature can be identified by an AutoCharge sticker. As of now, AutoCharge is open only to Omoda E5 and GAC Aion Y Plus users but according to EVC, it is actively pursuing partnerships with other car brands to allow more EV users to benefit from the feature.

EV users who are interested in activating the AutoCharge feature can simply head to the latest AutoCharge enabled charger which can be located via the AutoCharge filter on the JomCharge app.

Once there, they can activate AutoCharge on the Accounts section in the app and follow the on screen instructions. A more detailed step-by-step guide can be found on EVC’s official YouTube page.

NEWS

e.MAS: This is Proton’s EV sub-brand, first model to launch by end of 2024

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PROTON today introduced e.MAS as a sub-brand of their fully electric (EV) models. Before we proceed further, the pronunciation of e.MAS is “imas”, with the letter ‘e’ connected to the word ‘mas’. It stands for Electrifying Malaysia.

Proton also unveiled the e.MAS logo, featuring the display of a tiger’s head without confinement. According to Proton, it aligns with the current design trend for EV brands that lean towards cleaner and less complicated graphics.

“The unveiling of the e.MAS brand and logo today marks a significant step forward in Proton’s journey towards launching our own EV model,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton.

“We are aware that as a company tied to the industrialisation of Malaysia, we have a responsibility to provide mobility solutions relevant and within reach of all Malaysians.

“This is why Proton has been deliberate in its approach towards EVs, developing our knowledge base step by step to ensure we have a thorough understanding of the products, technology and user concerns before sales even begin,” he added.

Also announced at this event is the appointment of the first 17 Proton EV dealers who have signed their agreements earlier today.

“As Malaysia’s first automotive brand it is important for Proton to invest in infrastructure to offer a full range of services to EV buyers, instead of just selling product.

“Therefore, when Proton e.MAS models go on sale, customers can be reassured their every need will be taken care of just like it would be for buyers of the current Proton range,” added Dr Li Chunrong.

Proton also shared with the media practitioners that when the cooperation with Geely began in 2017, plans were made to introduce Proton EV models.

Despite delays during the pandemic, activities resumed with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Proton and smart on January 19, 2022.

This was followed by the signing of the General Distribution Agreement (GDA) between the two parties on August 18, and the establishment of PRO-NET on September 9 to oversee sales and distribution of smart vehicles and future EV offerings from Proton.

The next step was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gentari in October to collaborate on establishing charging infrastructure.

This was followed by sending 16 engineers to China in December 2022 for On-Job Training (OJT) in EVs and related fields such as charging and servicing.

In 2023, Proton appointed dealers for smart and recruited staff from various industries to strengthen the workforce to manage the brand.

Commenting on the new EV brand, Dr. Li Chunrong added, “The e.MAS brand and its products are an extension of Proton’s three core values: innovative technology, reliability, and international standards. This is the next step in the company’s evolution, and in the coming months, we will make new announcements to build brand recognition and product promotion ahead of the launch of the first Proton e.MAS EV in December this year.”

NEWS

Luxury EV brand Zeekr set to be launched in Malaysia

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ZEEKR, the luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand under the Geely Group, has reportedly signed a cooperation agreement with Sentinel Automotive Sdn. Bhd. for the distribution of its EVs in Malaysia.

According to CarNewsChina (CNC), the agreement was signed on June 8. Zeekr also signed a similar agreement with a company from Indonesia, PT Premium Auto Prima.

The automotive portal from China also reported that the brand will open its first store in Kuala Lumpur, with other stores in Selangor and Penang expected to commence construction later this year.

The first models to be introduced to Malaysia and Indonesia will be the X and 009. Previously, CNC reported that the first right-hand drive versions of the X have rolled off the the production line in China with overseas deliveries expected to begin in the third quarter of this year.

The X is a compact all-electric SUV built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, which also underpins other Zeekr models.

Based on technical data obtained from Zeekr’s website, the X measures 4,432 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width, 1,566 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

It is available in RWD and AWD versions. The former features a single electric motor at the rear axle generating 272 hp and 343 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.

Meanwhile, the AWD version with a twin-motor setup delivers 428 hp and 543 Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 180 km/h, the same as the RWD model.

Both versions are equipped with a 69 kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of 440 km for the RWD and 400 km for the AWD.

On the other hand, the 009 is a luxury MPV measuring 5,209 mm in length, 2,024 mm in width and 1,848 mm in height. The people mover has a rather sizeable wheelbase of 3,205 mm.

The 009 is powered by two electric motors generating a total power of 544 PS, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

As for the battery, the 009 is said to be the first vehicle in the world equipped with a 140 kWh CATL battery, which promises a driving range of up to 822 km based on the CLTC cycle.

NEWS

ZF wants to fit screen on steering wheels

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Vehicle manufacturers today are placing increasing numbers of screens in their cars, some with up to three or four screens.

This time, ZF will ‘join in’ on the addition of screens in vehicles. The latest design, called ZF Lifetec, will have a screen on the steering wheel. The airbag is retained but it does not deploy from the center, instead from the top of the steering wheel.

In this way, it will provide space in the middle of the steering wheel for a ‘smartphone-like display’, says ZF. The company is considering placing the screen in the center or multiple displays.

This provides more freedom for manufacturers to design steering wheels without compromising safety.

The team behind this project explains that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a full screen in the steering wheel area. It could also be a mixed configuration like several physical buttons.

The space in the middle of the steering wheel also allows engineers to place additional sensors in cars equipped with autonomous driving systems. Such sensors can determine whether you are paying attention to driving or not.

What if an accident occurs when our hands are at the 12 o’clock position? Ideally, our hands should be at 9 and 3 or 10 and 2.

Some argue that we are not Formula One drivers who need to adjust various settings on the steering wheel while driving. Others say that engineers should focus on other aspects rather than redesigning the steering wheel.

With the instrument display in front of the steering wheel and infotainment on the center console, it seems like we already have plenty of screens. What do you think of this?

NEWS

School bus not affected by diesel hike, operators have no reason to raise fare rate – Minister

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THE Ministry of Transport describes the increase in school bus fares as unwarranted, considering that the Subsidized Diesel Control System (SKDS) 1.0 for land public transport vehicles remains at a price of RM1.88 per liter.
The Minister, Anthony Loke, emphasized that this decision also applies to express bus operators who cannot arbitrarily raise fare rates as such actions require approval from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
“This should not happen because this diesel subsidy is still being given to express bus and school bus operators. This means they are not affected by diesel price hikes as they are already receiving subsidies and there is no change in that aspect. So why are they motivated to raise prices if the issue of diesel (price hikes) is being used as a reason to raise prices,” he told reporters yesterday.
Loke suggested that although the government does not control school bus fare rates, operators should hold discussions with the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG), with the ministry ready to assist from various angles to ease the burden on those involved.
“We encourage discussions between operators and PIBG… I know there are constraints and challenges they face, and we try to help from various perspectives to ease their burden,” he said.
Previously, there were rumors of possible fare increases for express buses, school buses, and excursion buses following the announcement of the diesel price hike in the Peninsula from RM2.15 per liter to RM3.35, which took effect two days ago.
NEWS

Kia EV9 three-row electric SUV officially enters Malaysian market

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DINAMIKJAYA Motors has launched its latest battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Kia EV9. The model is now available for booking and test drives at any Kia showrooms nationwide.

Since its debut in March 2023, the EV9 has already garnered prestigious awards like the 2024 World Car of The Year and the Best of the Best Award in Cars and Motorcycle category by Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024.

For the Malaysian market, the EV9 is offered in the GT-Line AWD variant with a choice of six or seven seats. Save for the seating configuration, both versions have the same exact specifications.

Pricing (OTR without insurance) starts at RM374,668 for the six-seater variant and RM369,668 for the seven-seater variant. The EV9 is fully imported from South Korea.

In terms of performance, the EV9 is powered by two electric motors that combine to produce a total power of 380 hp and 700 Nm. This allows the electric SUV to accelerate up to 200 km/h.

As for the battery, the electric SUV employs a 99.8 kWh unit that offers a driving range of up to 505 km on a full charge.

The EV9 supports DC fast charging of up to 350 kW, allowing it to replenish the battery from 10 to 80% in 24 minutes. It is also equipped with an 11 kW AC charger, which takes approximately 10.5 hours for a full charge.

Similar to the EV6, the EV9 is built using the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It has a rather large footprint, measuring 5,015 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, 1,780 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm.

Its exterior design features the Digital Tiger Face, which includes the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, vertical LED lights, and Star Map Lighting on the daytime running lights and taillights. Both variants come with 21-inch wheels.

There are five colours to choose from, namely Ocean Blue, Snow White Pearl, Pebble Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, and Iceberg Green.

Inside, you’ll find a dual screen setup, each measuring 12.3 inches, and a five-inch segment display that enables control of the vehicle’s functionality while ensuring physical buttons are kept to a minimum.

Look closely and you’ll find that the EV9 lacks conventional side mirrors. Instead, the SUV is fitted with exterior cameras that provide live feeds through two small screens located on the left and right door panels.

Other niceties include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, USB-C charging ports in the front, middle, and rear, ambient lighting, and a Meridian audio system with 14 speakers.

With the flexible Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system, the EV9 also has a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function that can supply power up to 3.6 kWh to charge various electronic devices.

In terms of safety and driver assistance, the EV9 is equipped with the following features:

  • High Beam Assist (HBA)
  • Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA)
  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA)
  • Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA2)
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA2)
  • Smart Cruise Control (SCC)

Dinamikjaya Motors offers a manufacturer’s warranty for five years/150,000 km and a battery warranty for eight years/160,000 km.

NEWS

Lotus Emeya broke DC charging record, 10 to 80 percent in just 14 minutes

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Announced officially last year, the Lotus Emeya is a powerful electric hyper-GT intended to challenge fast electric sedans such as the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Audi e-Tron GT.

With twin electric motors producing 905 hp/984 Nm, the Emeya is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds.

Did you know that not only is the Emeya swift in acceleration, but this hyper-GT is also capable of offering the fastest DC charging rate?

Based on tests conducted by the global consulting firm P3 Group, the Lotus Emeya set a record for the fastest 10-80 percent battery charging time, achieving it in just 14 minutes when using a 400 kW DC charger.

This is an impressive feat, as the Lotus Emeya managed to outperform leading EV models such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS, BMW i7, Tesla Model Y, Genesis G80, Xpeng G9, Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Nio ET5, and BYD Atto 3.

The P3 Group report also found that the Emeya is capable of reaching a peak charging power of 402 kW, with an average charging power of around 331 kW during the 10-80 percent charging period.

Coupled with an energy consumption rate of 18.7 kWh/100 km, the Lotus Emeya can offer a range of 310 km after just a 10-minute charging session—a time frame nearly equivalent to refueling a gasoline-powered car at a petrol station.

According to Lotus, the Emeya utilizes a cell-to-back battery structure, containing 20 percent more cell content that can be packed into the same space compared to a standard module design.

As standard, the 102 kWh battery pack provided with the Emeya allows the sedan to travel up to 600 km on a single full charge.

Similar to the Eletre, the Lotus Emeya also features an active aerodynamic system to reduce drag and at the same time acts as a cooling system for the battery and brakes.

NEWS

Diesel subsidy: Gov needs to explore cheaper alternatives for replacement

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Premier of Sarawak, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, suggested that the federal government should seek and explore cheap and sustainable alternative energy sources to replace the use of diesel throughout Malaysia.

He said that this long-term effort would also eliminate the need for the diesel subsidy borne by the country.

Abang Johari. Photo by: Malay Mail

“If people still use diesel and ask for subsidies, when the prices go up, they will ask for more… so why not have alternative energy so there won’t be a need to use diesel,” he said in a press conference yesterday.

Abang Johari said, for example, the government could explore the use of emerging energy sources like hydrogen, which is being actively implemented by the Sarawak government.

On Sunday, Second Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, announced that the price of diesel at all retail stations in Peninsular Malaysia was set at RM3.35 per liter, the market price without subsidies, starting from 12.01 am on Monday.

Under “Budi Madani,” a cash assistance of RM200 per month is provided to private diesel vehicle owners, small-scale farmers, and small-scale commodity growers.

Registration for Budi Madani opened on May 28 following the discontinuation of diesel subsidies, and 30,000 diesel vehicle owners will receive the assistance starting today.