Proton’s International Sales Division has announced the launch of the locally assembled (CKD) Proton Saga in Egypt, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of their partnership.
This achievement comes just three months after the inauguration of the CKD factory at Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF) by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in November of last year.
According to Dr. Li Chunrong, the Chief Executive Officer of Proton, “Egypt’s strategic location and large population provide exceptional growth opportunities for Proton.”
“In 2024, Proton’s export sales increased by 31.1 percent, and Egypt played a crucial role in this achievement.”
He further explained that in addition to the Proton Saga, the company will explore opportunities to launch a range of products, including SUVs and NEVs, depending on market conditions.
The ESAF CKD factory was built with an investment of US$50 million and has an annual production capacity of 40,000 units (two shifts).
According to Eng. Amr Abu Al-Saud, Chief Executive Officer of Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Investment (ESI), mass production is set to begin in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
The 20-year partnership between Proton and Ezz Elarab Automotive has successfully sold over 18,000 vehicles in the Egyptian market.
Peugeot Malaysia has announced the opening of its first 3S centre (sales, service & spare parts) in the state of Sarawak, located in Kuching.
Operated by Heng Lian Enterprise Berhad, this 4,200-square-foot 3S centre features a showroom that can accommodate four vehicles, a delivery area, and offers maintenance, repair services, and warranty support.
The establishment of this 3S centre is seen as a means to meet the needs of the Peugeot driving community while further strengthening the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
According to Daniel Gonzales, Chief Operating Officer for ASEAN & General Distributor of Stellantis, “Our strategy to strengthen the presence and growth of PEUGEOT in Malaysia involves expanding our dealer network, with East Malaysia playing a crucial role in this expansion effort.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Heng Lian and welcome their addition to our distribution network as the first 3S Centre. We will also continue to expand our presence in the East Malaysian market.
“To maintain the highest standards of expertise, the after-sales maintenance team at PEUGEOT Kuching has undergone comprehensive training, both online and in-person, in collaboration with Stellantis Malaysia. This commitment also includes all future staff to ensure that all PEUGEOT vehicle owners receive the best service and support.”
The principal dealer of PEUGEOT Kuching, Sylvia Ng, stated, “PEUGEOT Kuching is not just a showroom; it represents our commitment to providing an exceptional ownership experience for our customers.
“Our investment in after-sales services, from maintenance to warranty support, ensures that both new and existing Peugeot customers will receive the best care. With a trained team and a strategic location, we are ready to set a new standard in customer service and automotive excellence.”
Peugeot customers can contact Stellantis customer service at 1800-18-STLA, or alternatively, reach out directly to the Peugeot Kuching dealer at 016-2171464.
Sime Motors has launched EV Next, the first used EV dealership in Malaysia, offering a wide selection of used EVs with attractive trade-in values.
“We are proud to introduce the first used EV dealership in Malaysia, designed to cater to diverse lifestyles. Our unwavering commitment to driving progress toward a greener future ensures we deliver the best products and solutions to our customers across the region,” said Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Motors.
The EV Next portfolio offers a wide selection of EV brands including BYD, BMW, MINI, Hyundai, Jaguar, Porsche and Volvo.
As a one-stop centre, EV Next also offers comprehensive aftersales service and maintenance, complemented by Drivecare, an independent aftersales network under Sime Motors.
Customers interested in trading in their vehicles or purchasing a pre-owned EV can visit the EV Next showrooms in Glenmarie, Chan Sow Lin, and TREC.
According to Sime Motors, the EV Next network will expand nationwide, with new locations set to open in Penang, Tebrau, and Johor Bahru.
Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Sime Motors, shared, “Backed by our extensive expertise in the automotive industry, EV Next is a one stop centre for all used EVs from vehicle retail to trade-ins and aftersales support.
Last week, Jaecoo Malaysia launched the J7 PHEV at a very enticing price of RM158,800, which is more than RM10,000 lower than the estimated price announced in October last year.
At first glance, the J7 PHEV appears to be a spitting image of the ICE-powered J7, but both models are rather distinctive, not only when it comes to powertrain but also in the aspects of exterior and interior design.
Powertrain
J7 PHEV
J7
As its name suggests, the J7 PHEV comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain rather than an internal combustion engine like the J7. The powertrain, dubbed as the Super Hybrid System, combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Deep Miller-cycle engine producing 141 hp and 215 Nm of torque, with an electric motor that generates 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque.
The combination results in a total system output of 347 PS and 525 Nm, which is transmitted to the front wheels via a single-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission or DHT.
Exterior
From the outside, the J7 PHEV can be distinguished by several features. This includes the wheels, as the J7 PHEV is fitted with aerodynamic 19-inch rims wrapped in Kumho tyres.
Additionally, the newly launched SUV can also be identified by its more aerodynamic mirror design (with silver trim), a Range Rover-esque rear bumper with zero visible exhaust tips, a ‘PHEV’ badge on the tailgate, and a charging port located on the right side.
Interior
Get inside and the first thing you will notice is that the J7 PHEV’s centre console is visibly tidier than that of the J7. This is because the conventional gear lever found in the latter has been removed and replaced with a column shifter.
The wireless charging tray remains, but the drive mode selector is now gone while the cup holders are now positioned horizontally to make room for a row of buttons for the hybrid system. Additionally, the J7 PHEV showcases a simpler door card design compared its non-hybrid sibling.
Features
The infotainment system in both the J7 PHEV and J7 is one and the same, comprising a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a 14.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, and a Sony audio system with eight speakers.
Boot Space
Despite being equipped with a battery located beneath the boot floor, the J7 PHEV offers greater boot space compared to the J7, measuring 500 litres. However, the kicker is it does not come with a spare tyre – buyers get a tyre repair kit instead.
Jaecoo says the tonneau cover on the J7 PHEV can be used as a projector screen, which can be directly powered by the vehicle through the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function.
Pricing
As aforementioned, the J7 PHEV is priced at RM158,800. The J7, on the other hand, is available at RM138,800 for the 2WD variant and RM148,800 for the AWD variant.
The J7 PHEV comes with a seven-year engine warranty or up to 150,000 km, and an eight-year warranty or up to 160,000 km for the battery, power motor, and power motor control unit. The eight-year warranty offers a one-to-one replacement if the State of Health (SOH) of the battery falls below 70% within the warranty period.
The Jaecoo J7 PHEV has officially been launched in the Malaysian market, approximately four months after it was first previewed.
This SUV is priced at RM158,800 and is locally assembled at the Chery Malaysia production facility in Shah Alam, where the J7 is also produced.
As its name suggests, the J7 PHEV is essentially the plug-in hybrid version of the J7. It is powered by a 1.5-litre TGDI engine that produces 143 PS and 215 Nm of torque, complemented by an electric motor generating 204 PS and 310 Nm, giving it a total systemoutput of 347 PS and 525 Nm.
Power is transmitted to the wheels via a one-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds.
Another key component of the hybrid system is the 18.3 kWh Blade LFP battery, which offers an electric driving range of 106 km.
The BYD-sourced battery supports 6.6 kW AC charging, allowing it to charge from 30% to 80% in three hours, as well as 40 kW DC charging, which requires only 20 minutes for the same charge.
Alternatively, owners can use a standard three-pin 230 V residential socket, which takes approximately 8.5 hours for a full charge.
Jaecoo claims that the combination gives the J7 PHEV an overall range of up to 1,300 km (NEDC), with a fuel consumption rate as low as 4.77 litres per 100 km.
The performance of this powertrain in real-world driving conditions has already been proven. In January, five units of the J7 PHEV managed to cover a distance of 1,200 km (WLTP) on a long-distance trip from Singapore to Hatyai, Thailand, via Malaysia, using just one tank of fuel and a charge.
In terms of appearance, there is not much difference between the J7 and the J7 PHEV. However, the latter can still be distinguished by its blue ‘7’ logo, the ‘PHEV’ badge, aerodynamic 19-inch rims, and the battery charging port located on the right side.
The J7 PHEV is currently available in three colours, namely Khaki White, Carbon
Crystal Black and Moonlight Silver. Khaki White will be a limited to 100 units, after which Jarcoo will subsequently introduce an olive grey option.
Inside, you will find a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.8-inch infotainment screen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as dual-zone climate control.
It is interesting to note that compared to its non-hybrid sibling, the J7 PHEV boasts a larger boot capacity of 500 litres, which can expand to 1,265 litres when the rear seats are fully folded down.
Safety features include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, driver monitoring system, emergency lane-keeping assistance, intelligent high beam assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.
The J7 PHEV comes with a seven-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000 km warranty on its battery, power motor and power motor controller unit.
The eight-year warranty provides a 1 to 1 exchange when the state of health (SOH) of the battery falls below 70% during the warranty tenure.
Jaecoo also announced a special early bird package which qualifies all existing J7 PHEV bookings and bookings placed up to 2nd March 2025 for a 10-year/1,000,000 km warranty mileage extended engine and high voltage battery warranty.
Following the EX90 and EX30, Volvo appears ready to launch another electric vehicle, this time in the form of the sedan model ES90.
Built on an 800-volt electric architecture, the Volvo ES90 is claimed to offer a range of up to 700 km based on WLTP cycle data, which is 86 km farther than the range of the EX90.
With this 800V architecture, the Volvo ES90 allows for shorter charging times.
Using a 350 kW DC fast charger, the ES90’s battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Based on the teaser images provided, the Volvo ES90 features the proportions of a three-box sedan, but with a more aerodynamic roofline that slopes toward the rear.
Other notable features include additional LED light units on the rear pillars, physical side mirrors complete with camera units, and a LIDAR module housing on the roof.
In addition to LIDAR, the Volvo ES90 will be equipped with various components, including five radar units, eight cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and Safe Space Technology supported by artificial intelligence (AI).
The Volvo ES90 will also be the first model from Volvo to come with dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin systems, providing the most advanced computing capabilities.
It is understood that Volvo will also update the ICE variant of the Volvo S90 as an alternative for those who remain skeptical about electric vehicles—similar to the approach taken with the EX90 and XC90 models previously.
Based on leaked images circulating on social media, the facelifted Volvo S90 will feature a redesigned front end, resembling the changes made to the facelifted XC90.
More information is expected to be announced ahead of the official introduction of the ES90 next month.
This is good news for fans of V8 and V12 engines from AMG. During its annual results conference recently, Mercedes-Benz announced that it would continue to offer these engines.
For the V12 engine, the German manufacturer plans to keep producing it for the long term, although only for specific markets.
This is not really surprising, as currently, only one Mercedes model utilises the 12-cylinder mill, namely the Maybach S680. With a displacement of 6.0-litres and a pair turbochargers, the engine generates 612 PS and 900 Nm of torque.
Among the trio of German luxury brands, Mercedes will be the last to retain a 12-cylinder engine in its lineup. The last time BMW had a V12 model was in 2022 with the M760i, while Audi exited the segment in 2017 with the W12-powered A8.
Furthermore, Mercedes stated that it is developing a “next-generation, high-tech electrified V8” for models built on the AMG.EA platform. The engine is being developed to comply with stricter Euro 7 emission standards.
It is uncertain whether the next-generation C63 will adopt the new engine, but looking at the lacklustre response to the current four-cylinder hybrid model, it doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
The automaker made no mention of the inline-six engine used by the S580e and CLS53, hence it’s safe to assume that it will soldier on.
When it comes to four-cylinder engines though, Mercedes said will debut a 1.5-litre 48-volt hybrid engine paired with an eight-speed DCT transmission in the new CLA next month.
The Public Works Department (JKR) of Malaysia has announced the temporary closure of the FT29/FT32 intersection (Kota Warisan-Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi-KLIA) from February 24 to December 10, 2025.
This closure is necessary for the construction of a new four-lane road spanning 1.2 kilometers, the upgrading of the traffic light intersection, and completing remaining works on the bridge across the Labu River.
To address the recurring flooding issues in the area, the existing 250-meter road from the FT29/FT32 Federal Intersection heading towards BBST and KLIA, as well as the 150-meter road heading to Kota Warisan, will be upgraded.
According to JKR, the upgrade works will be carried out in phases, during which the right turn lane at the Kiwa Intersection will be completely shut down for the entire duration of the project.
This means that users traveling from BBST to Kota Warisan will need to follow an alternative route at the traffic lights after the Sepang IPD (District Police Headquarters) leading to the KIPMall intersection.
Meanwhile, users traveling from Putrajaya and Kota Warisan to KLIA will need to use the Bandar Serenia Toll Intersection.
Users are advised to adhere to the safety sign instructions and directions from authorities as needed.
High-performance vehicles, internal combustion engines, and manual transmissions.
This is the recipe that Toyota Gazoo Racing aims to uphold for an extended period, signaling good news for its fans worldwide.
In a report by CarSales AU, Toyota Australia executive Sean Hanley stated, “Internal combustion engines and manual transmissions will continue to be maintained for the long term.”
This approach does not mean that Toyota is completely sidelining modern technology for its Gazoo Racing models.
Toyota has previously explored the possibility of replacing petrol with hydrogen for internal combustion engines, even testing this concept extensively through participation in major races.
Currently, Toyota offers four high-performance models (GR Yaris, GR Supra, GR86, and GR Corolla), and this family of performance vehicles is expected to be joined by new models such as the GR GT3, Celica, and MR2, according to various sources.
There are also reports that Toyota is collaborating with Mazda to develop a sports car featuring a straight-six engine — could this be a replacement for the existing GR Supra?
Whatever Toyota has in store for the future, Hanley wants the Gazoo Racing sub-brand to be better recognized for “the sound, smell, and feel of internal combustion engines.”
Perodua is currently preparing to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in December this year.
This was confirmed by Sime Darby Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson, as reported by the New Straits Times. According to him, the company will begin testing the EV in June.
He further added that the yet-to-be-named model received positive feedback when showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2024 in December last year.
“The EV space is where we see strong potential. The demand is growing, and we are positioning ourselves accordingly,” said Jeffri.
As previously reported, Perodua’s EV will feature a single front-wheel-drive electric motor with a power output of 68 PS and 220 Nm of torque, and a range of up to 450 km on a full charge.
Specifications regarding the battery are still unknown. However, Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad previously mentioned that it would be offered on a leasing basis to buyers.
He explained that this approach allows Perodua to sell the EV at a price of around RM80,000.
Proton recently presented a Proton S70 as the grand prize to Miss Asia (Southeast Asia) 2024 winner Janice Chian Yan Tong, during a ceremony held at the Proton Centre of Excellence (COE) headquarters.
The 24-year-old, originally from Ipoh, was crowned the prestigious title over 16 other finalists.
“Proton is proud to present the winner of Miss Asia (Southeast Asia) 2024 with a unit of the Proton S70 as the grand prize and as a reward for her victory. This prestigious pageant embodies excellence, ambition, and confidence, which are values that align perfectly with our own corporate values,” stated Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
After experiencing her new car for the first time, Janice expressed her admiration for the handling, smart features, and sleek design of the sedan.
“The Proton S70 delivers everything I could possibly want, impressive power, sophisticated style, safety, and modern technology. It is a car that truly stands out in its class,” Janice shared.
Launched in November 2023, the S70 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder engine that produces 150 PS and 226 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The selling prices start from RM73,800 for the Executive model, RM79,800 for the Premium, RM89,800 for the Flagship, and RM94,800 for the Flagship X.
Isuzu Malaysia today officially announced the arrival of a new, more affordable variant of the Isuzu D-Max pickup truck: the D-Max Double Cab 1.9L 4×2 Manual Low Ride.
Priced at RM92,199.20 (on-the-road excluding insurance), the D-Max Low Ride is aimed at providing a more cost-effective and efficient transportation solution for business operators, service providers, or companies with large vehicle fleets.
The D-Max Low Ride is powered by a durable and fuel-efficient 1.9-liter diesel engine (code RZ4E-TC) that produces 150 PS and 350 Nm, paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
Compared to the existing D-Max, the D-Max Low Ride features a lower ground clearance, providing a cargo loading height of just 780 mm from the ground, thus facilitating the loading and unloading of goods.
At the same time, the cargo space in the back can accommodate a payload of up to 930 kg.
Standard features of the D-Max Low Ride include Splash White color, halogen headlights, fog lights that also serve as daytime running lights (DRLs), 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/70R16 tires, power windows, and electrically controlled side mirrors.
The cabin space offers fabric-upholstered seating, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, analog gauge cluster combined with a 3.5-inch MID screen, a 12V socket, and a single DIN audio player with support for various music codecs.
In terms of safety, the D-Max Low Ride includes features such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake assist, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS), hill start assist (HSA), and downhill control (HDC).
The Isuzu D-Max Low Ride is now available at all official Isuzu showrooms nationwide and comes with a five-year warranty or a mileage limit of 150,000 km.
Tesla has announced the opening of a Tesla Supercharger station located at The Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur.
The station features four V4 Supercharger units and one destination charger, providing convenience for electric vehicle (EV) owners who need fast charging while shopping.
According to Tesla Malaysia, the V4 Supercharger can support up to 250 kW, allowing Model 3 and Model Y vehicles to add a range of up to 282 km in just 15 minutes.
The charging cost is only RM1.13 per kWh, and owners will incur an idle fee of RM4.00 per minute if the Supercharger station is full.
To date, Tesla has operated 14 Supercharger stations (64 superchargers) and 15 destination charging stations (70 chargers) across Malaysia.
The destination charging facilities are free for all Tesla vehicle owners until a date that will be announced later.
Local helmet manufacturer Gracshaw has recently launched a limited edition collection of helmets in collaboration with the popular anime franchise Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
The collection features four designs inspired by the four main characters from the anime: Tanjiro Kamado (green/black), Nezuko Kamado (pink), Kyojuro Rengoku (flame motif), and Tengen Uzui (sword motif).
Based on the open-face Gennex model, these limited edition helmets emphasize comfort and safety, incorporating features such as a dual ventilation system, a double D-ring locking mechanism, and compliance with standards set by SIRIM.
Gracshaw is offering only 3,000 units of this Demon Slayer edition helmet, with each helmet priced at RM490 and available in sizes ranging from M to XXXL.
Each purchase will come with an exclusive helmet bag, a Demon Slayer sticker set, and Demon Slayer-themed user manual.
This year is a special one for Valentino Rossi as on February 16, the MotoGP legend, who is currently a works driver for BMW M, celebrated his 46th birthday.
The number 46 is a big deal for the nine-time world champion. So to mark the occasion, BMW introduced the exclusive M4 CS Edition VR46, designed by The Doctor himself. It is available in two versions, Sport and Style, with each version limited to only 46 units.
What sets the M4 CS Edition VR46 apart from the standard version? First and foremost, it features BMW Individual paint inspired by Rossi’s preferred tones and expressive visual style.
The Sport version comes in Marina Bay Blue metallic with a large ’46’ in Tanzanite Blue metallic, while the Style differs slightly, with a body in Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic and the ’46’ in Frozen Marina Bay Blue.
Of course, Rossi is not Rossi without his signature bright yellow hue. On this car, the colour can be found on the grille outline, one of the V spokes in the forged M light-alloy wheels, the brake calipers, and over the door frames of the “Sport” variant. The carbon fibre roof is adorned with the VR46 logo and Rossi’s signature, also in the same yellow.
The use of yellow doesn’t stop there. The interior, predominantly Night Blue, is highlighted with Sao Paulo Yellow trim on the M Carbon bucket seats. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara with, you guessed it, yellow stitching and a yellow centre marker.
Finally, each M4 CS Edition VR46 comes with a production serial badge on the carbon-fibre centre console.
There are no mechanical upgrades, as the M4 CS is already speedy enough. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine tuned to produce a healthy 550 PS and 650 Nm.
With an eight-speed Steptronic transmission driving all four wheels via the M xDrive all-wheel drive system, the M4 CS can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 302 km/h with the standard M Driver’s Package.
Prices have not been disclosed, but whatever the cost, it promises to be well worth it. This is because all 92 individuals who are lucky enough to be able to purchase one will be invited to take part a very special two-day experience in Italy.
On the first day, customers will enjoy a BBQ with Rossi at the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia, while on the second day, they will be taken to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli for the BMW M Driving Experience, where they can drive the latest BMW M models.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today officially launched the ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV, with a starting price of RM1,088,888, excluding customization costs.
Powering the Maybach EQS 680 SUV are dual electric motors, delivering 658 hp and 950 Nm of torque.
The vehicle features several driving modes, including Eco, Sport, Offroad, and Individual.
A special MAYBACH mode replaces the traditional Comfort mode, prioritizing maximum comfort for rear passengers.
A 118 kWh battery pack provides a driving range of 500-608 km on a full charge and supports 22 kW AC charging and DC fast charging up to 200 kW.
Standard equipment on this luxury SUV includes AIRMATIC adaptive suspension, rear-wheel steering, 21-inch Maybach alloy wheels, DIGITAL LIGHT headlights, and illuminated running boards.
The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV boasts a first-class rear cabin experience, complete with MANUFAKTUR leather upholstery, a Nappa leather headliner, electric sunshades, a dedicated infotainment system, and adjustable seats with heating, massage, and memory functions.
The driver is provided with a steering wheel featuring galvanized paddle shifters, wood trim, and heating, the MBUX Hyperscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and an augmented reality head-up display.
Additional features include a Burmester 4D surround sound system, ambient lighting, under-console storage, a cabin air filter, and Maybach-specific trim throughout the cabin.
Safety features encompass 11 airbags, the Driving Assistance Package Plus, Distronic Plus, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Pre-Safe, Active Parking Assist, and Remote Parking functionality.
Legenda Beringin Holding and Chery Corporate Malaysia recently signed an agreement and marked the symbolic groundbreaking for the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park located at the Beringin High-Tech Auto Valley (Beringin HTA Valley).
According to Chery Malaysia, the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park anchors the first phase development of the 800-acre Beringin HTA Valley ecosystem.
Spanning 200 acres, the development of Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park aligns with the Beringin HTA Valley’s phased vision of building integrated township that can attract talent, investment, and innovation, bringing world class automotive manufacturing and cutting-edge technologies to Hulu Selangor.
The facility will also help strengthen Malaysia’s position as a key player in the regional automotive industry.
Targeted for completion in 2026, the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park is projected to have an initial production capacity of 100,000 vehicles per annum, scalable to 300,000 vehicles per annum. It will be developed at an investment and contribution of RM2.2 billion over a period of 5-years.
_cuva
The remaining land area will be allocated for other developments that supports the vision of building a leading hub for automotive innovation, supply chain, vocational training, and technological advancement in the region.
“Chery is proud to be an integral part of this visionary development, where we will establish state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, integrate cutting-edge smart technologies, and produce an extensive range of vehicles—from internal combustion engine (ICE) models to the latest in plug-in hybrid (PHEV), battery electric (BEV), and energy-efficient vehicle (EEV) technologies.
“We are confident that once completed it will create high-value job opportunities, house a cutting-edge R&D centre, expand vehicle exports to neighbouring countries, strengthen Selangor’s role through a robust supply chain, and solidify Malaysia’s position as a leading automotive hub in ASEAN,” said Chery International President Zhang Guibing.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion) recently held an off-road event called Ford Raptor Rev at Bay 13, Sepang Circuit.
This action-packed event, which took place on February 22 and 23, was designed to give Ford Ranger Raptor owners and off-road enthusiasts an unforgettable experience.
According to Auto ConneXion, the event saw strong participation with 80 Ranger Raptor owners attending. Members of the public also came in droves to witness the capabilities of the Raptor firsthand.
Among the activities specifically organised for the Ranger Raptor owners who registered to take part in this exclusive event were workshop and training sessions covering off-roading jumping and drifting, 4×4 obstacle trails and Baja lap training.
A Ford expert, Chris Dean, was flown in from Australia for the event and conducted in-depth training on decoding the Ranger Raptor’s FOX suspension system.
Meanwhile, the members of the public, who enjoyed complimentary access to the event, also had the opportunity to take part in various activities, such as hot laps with professional drivers, Ranger Raptor test drives, and much more.
Additionally, attendees were also able to catch four popular personalities—actor and motor enthusiast Ezzrin Loy, footballer and 4×4 enthusiast Intan Serah, ex-national bowler Syaidatul Afifah and professional drifter Hee Wei Seng—participating in a hot lap with their lucky fans in a Ranger Raptor
Also present was renowned tyre brand BFGoodrich, the main partner of the Raptor Rev event. In addition to providing technical support and hosting informative workshops, the brand also showcased its newly launched KO3 off-road tyres.
“We are proud to have brought together the Ranger Raptor community for this unique off-road experience. The Raptor Rev is a celebration of what makes the Ranger Raptor extraordinary.
“It is a great platform for owners and enthusiasts alike to witness the Raptor’s extraordinary capabilities in a thrilling, hands-on environment while fostering a strong sense of community amongst off-road enthusiasts,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director of Auto ConneXion.
The action of a man who filed a police report claiming that the car he was driving lost control at KM 14.7 Genting Highlands has proven ineffective as a video of his reckless driving recently went viral on social media.
In a statement issued by the Bentong District Police Headquarters, the 27-year-old man made the police report at the Goh Tong Jaya Police Station, Hulu Selangor, at 11:05 AM on February 23, 2025 (Sunday).
The police also became aware of a 12-second video circulating on social media that shows the same car being driven recklessly, which led to it losing control.
The driver has been contacted again by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Unit of Bentong District Police Headquarters to provide a statement.
This case is being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
The Chief of Bentong Police, Supt. Zaiham Mohd Kahar, has also urged anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia has announced the winners of the ‘GWM HAVAL H6 HEV Fuel Efficiency Challenge: Drive Further, Win Bigger’ campaign, which took place from 20 January to 9 February 2025.
In the campaign, participants pushed the limits of their own vehicles to achieve top mileage by driving on one full tank.
The champion of the challenge, Koh Hui Min from Kelantan covered an impressive 1,204 km, thereby highlighting the Haval H6 HEV’s exceptional fuel efficiency over long distances.
Here are the top six winners with their recorded distances:
Koh Hui Min (1,204 km)
Lee Keat Teng (1,127 km)
Hasif Radzi (1,120 km)
Teh Harn Jian (1,102 km)
Tan Cheng Yang (1,101 km)
Mohd Syarizal bin Mohd Noor (1,077 km)
“These remarkable achievements have proven this hybrid-powered SUV’s capacity to achieve better fuel economy without compromising on vehicle performance,” said Cui Anqi, Managing Director of GWM Malaysia.
Launched in October last year, the Haval H6 HEV features a combination of a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine and an electric motor, producing a total power output of 243 PS and 530 Nm. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with two-speed ratios.
GWM says the Haval H6 HEV has a claimed fuel consumption rating of 5.8 litres/100 km, meaning it can travel more than 1,000 km on one full tank.
The second round of this challenge is currently underway from February 17 to March 9, 2025. The top six winners will have the opportunity to win petrol cards worth RM1 for every kilometre successfully completed.
