Tag Archives: Singapore

EV, NEWS

Proton e.MAS 7 debuts in Singapore with prices starting from RM565k

After more than a decade, Proton has made its long-awaited return to the neighboring market of Singapore with the launch of the Proton e.MAS 7 electric vehicle (EV), managed by the new distributor VINCAR Group.

This best-selling EV in Malaysia was officially launched at The Car Expo 2025, which recently took place.

According to Proton’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong, “The launch of the Proton e.MAS 7 in Singapore marks an important step in expanding our international market, as well as our commitment to introducing high-quality and advanced EVs to this region.”

“We are confident that the e.MAS 7, with its attractive features and suitability for urban environments, will receive a positive response from Singaporean drivers who are increasingly prioritizing electric mobility,” he explained.

Proton’s return to Singapore aligns with the country’s rapid transition towards green mobility.

The Singapore EV market is reported to have seen a consistent increase from 12 percent in 2022 to 18 percent in 2023, with a target of reaching 55 percent by 2027.

The Singaporean government also aims to provide up to 12,000 EV charging points in 2,000 Housing and Development Board (HDB) parking areas by the end of this year, and 60,000 by 2030.

In Singapore, the Proton e.MAS 7 is offered in six attractive color options, including the new color Moyu Black.

Based on the supplied images, the Proton e.MAS 7 for this market resembles the Prime variant sold in Malaysia, featuring 18-inch wheels (compared to the 19-inch wheels for the Premium variant).

Other features include a 15.4-inch touchscreen, Flyme Auto audio system, and full LED lighting.

The Proton e.MAS 7 is priced starting from S$173,988 (approximately RM565,429).

EV, NEWS

Proton eMAS 7 to enter Singaporean market in early 2025

The just-launched Proton eMAS 7 will be entering the Singaporean market through VinCar Group as the EV’s the official distributor.

In a Facebook post, VinCar Pte Ltd confirmed that the e.MAS 7 will be launched in the republic in early 2025. The company also stated that it will open a flagship showroom located at Leng Kee Automotive Belt.

For its home market, the eMAS 7 is offered in two variants, namely Prime and Premium. Both are powered by a “12-in-1” electric motor at the front axle, producing 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 175 km/h.

The main difference between the Prime and Premium variants lies in their battery capacity. The Prime variant comes with a 49.52 kWh battery, promising a driving range of 345 km on a full charge, while the Premium variant can travel up to 410 km thanks to its 60.22 kWh battery.

The eMAS 7 is equipped with Geely’s new Aegis short blade LFP battery, which is said to offer higher energy density, improved safety, and longer lifespan.

The battery supports DC fast charging with up to 80 kW for the Prime variant and 100 kW for the Premium variant, with both requiring 20 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%.

Prices start at RM109,800 for the Prime variant and RM123,800 for the Premium variant. However, in conjunction with the launch, Proton is offering a rebate of RM4,000 to the first 3,000 customers.

NEWS

Singapore ex-transport minister pleads guilty to bribery charges

Former Singaporean Transport Minister S Iswaran has pleaded guilty to charges of receiving gifts while in government office, according to Reuters.

Iswaran is the first Singapore cabinet minister to be prosecuted in court after the last corruption case reported in 1986 could not be tried in court due to the death of the country’s minister of state.

The 62-year-old former minister, who was arrested in July last year, was accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of Singapore dollars in bribes from real estate tycoon Ong Beng Seng, some of which were to advance Ong’s business interests.

According to the charge sheet, Iswaran was alleged to have received gifts in the form of tickets to English Premier League football matches, musicals, flights on Ong’s private plane, and tickets to the Singapore Formula One GP.

According to Channel News Asia (CNA), he pleaded guilty to charges of obstructing justice and receiving gifts of value without payment or inadequate payment from someone involved with him in an official capacity.

Meanwhile, the prosecution has reduced Iswaran’s charges to five out of 35, while the remaining 30 charges will be taken into account for sentencing.

For the charge of receiving gifts, a person can be sentenced to up to two years in prison and fined, while for the offense of obstructing justice, Iswaran could face up to seven years in prison and fines.

NEWS

Singapore to ban old motorcycles completely starting July 2028

The National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore has announced that older foreign motorcycles will soon be disallowed on the roads in the country, while foreign commercial diesel vehicles must comply with lower smoke emissions threshold.

According to a report by Channel News Asia, the move is part of the Singaporean government’s efforts to protect air quality.

NEA stated that starting July 1, 2028, foreign-registered motorcycles registered in their home country before July 1, 2023, will be prohibited from entering Singapore.

Previously, in 2018, NEA announced a similar requirement barring oldlocal motorcycles from Singapore’s roads from July 2028.

This is because older motorcycles generally cause more pollution compared to motorcycles complying to the newer Euro emission standards.

“The requirement will now be extended to foreign-registered motorcycles,” said NEA.

“Foreign motorcyclists entering Singapore are required to use motorcycles registered on or after July 1, 2003, that also comply with Singapore’s in-use emission standards,” the agency added.

The ban on older foreign motorcycles is part of measures to limit vehicular emissions, as they contain pollutants that may affect respiratory health.

NEA also stated that starting on April 1, 2026, the threshold for turning back foreign commercial diesel vehicles entering Singapore will be tightened to 50 HSU (Hartridge Smoke Unit), which is a metric for smoke emissions from diesel vehicles.

NEWS

VEP mandatory for Singaporean cars entering Malaysia from Oct 1

All foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia will be required to have a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) RFID tag starting October 1 this year.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the move is to ensure compliance with road regulations in the country.

He added that the rule will be enforced at the entry points of both Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes in Johor, namely at Sultan Iskandar Building in Tambak, Johor and Sultan Abu Bakar Building at the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.

Effective October 1, enforcement action will be taken against anyone driving a foreign motor vehicle without a VEP as required under Section 66H (7) Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).

The law provides a compound or a fine of not more than RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months upon conviction.

Yusof Mat Isa/Malay Mail

“The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has the authority to stop any foreign vehicle that does not have a VEP from entering Malaysia.

“Enforcement of the VEP allows us to track foreign vehicles coming and leaving Malaysia and if there is a (traffic) summons, it has to be settled before the vehicle leaves the country,” added Loke.

Loke said the VEP registration had been implemented since April 2019 for foreign vehicles crossing at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex Sultan Iskandar Building and Sultan Abu Bakar Building in Johor, but the regulation was not enforced.

Based on records, about 70,000 Singapore-registered motor vehicles have activated the VEP tags from more than 200,000 vehicles registered, he said.

The process of obtaining the VEP has been made easier with the RFID VEP tag being delivered to the applicants at their respective addresses.

Loke said that a fee of RM10 is imposed for each VEP tag, which is valid for five years.

Engear Volt, NEWS

Premium EV brand Zeekr to launch in Singapore this year

ZEEKR, the premium electric vehicle brand from Geely, is set to enter the Singaporean market in 2024, The Business Times reported.

According to BT, sales will commence in the first half of this year, with first deliveries expected to take place sometime between June and July.

Representing Zeekr in Singapore is Premium Automobiles Group, which has been appointed as the official distributor of the EV brand. Premium Automobiles also serves as the official distributor of Audi in the republic.

To mark its arrival, Zeekr will be launching the 009 and X, both built on the Scalable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform developed by Geely.

The 009 is a large MPV with a length of up to 5.2 meters and a cabin capable of accommodating up to six passengers. Equipped with a 140-kWh battery, it is capable of covering a distance of more than 800 km on a full charge.

The X was introduced in February 2023 as the third model in Zeekr’s lineup. Technical details are scarce, but the compact crossover reportedly shares the same powertrain as the Smart #1, indicating that it may be offered with a 66 kWh battery with a range of 400 km.

NEWS

Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy embarks on ASEAN tour journey

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THE Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy has commenced their ASEAN journey, making a stop at Hyundai Ara Damansara today before continuing their travels.

The journey commenced on November 20, 2023 from the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) before arriving in Malaysia.

Following a flag-off session this morning, the convoy will proceed on a three-day journey through Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Batu Ferringhi.

After Malaysia, they will enter Thailand for a four-day stretch, with stops in Hat Yai, Chumphon, Wat Phra Boromthat, Klai Kangwon Palace, and Bangkok.

From there, they will travel to Cambodia for three days, passing through Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Banteay Srei, before journeying to Vietnam and concluding in Ho Chi Minh City on November 30.

The three-car convoy from HMGICS is also accompanied by two units from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI).

These cars are driven by 24 participants representing Hyundai, club members, local influencers from ASEAN, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) from Indonesia and Thailand.

This 2,751km journey is an initiative of “Go Far with Zero Worries,” showcasing the long-distance capabilities of the Ioniq 5 in addition to its eco-friendly nature.

“Our aspiration for this expedition is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Ioniq 5, in efforts to alleviate user skepticism and concerns about EVs, especially in this region,” said Youngtack Lee, President of Hyundai Motor ASEAN.

“This journey not only makes history among many stakeholders but also demonstrates smooth cross-border relations and cooperation. The expedition serves as a catalyst for positive change and technological innovation,” Hyundai stated in a press release.