Tag Archives: UK

NEWS

This RM6 million “1M” plate number is owned by the Malaysian Embassy in UK

The use of custom license plates on luxury cars is not a new phenomenon and is also a common sight in Malaysia.

However, did you know that there is a special registration number that exists only in the UK, valued at millions of ringgit?

This is the license plate “1M” owned by the Malaysian Embassy.

According to a video by @numberplatehistory on TikTok, this date-less license plate was specially issued by the UK government for the Malaysian Embassy.

 

@numberplatehistory £1M Plate You will never be able to buy! This number plate, with a dateless format, was especially issued to the Malaysian Embassy. As it an embassy plate, it is non transferable outside of their vehicles. Over the years, it has been on a variety of vehicles from London Taxis to Mercedes Benz S Classes, currently sitting on an S450. Although it is impossible to say when the registration was issued, documents tell us it was already in use by 1974 through the amazing researcher late Noel Woodall. If this registration ever came to market, not that it can, it would likely sell for over seven figures – or a million pound number plate! It’s value comes inherently from it’s initial, number, and character length. Number Plates / Registration value can be established by a few factors: 🔴 Popularity of Initials 🔴 Number of Characters 🔴 Quality of Numbers As it is impossible in the United Kingdom to have a two digit number plate, this is the shortest possible M alongside the privately owned M1. If you would like to find out more about number plates, check out my other videos! I am not associated nor apart of this plates sale, this video is a showcase of a unique plate. #foryoupage #fyp #cars #privatenumberplate #privateplate #licenseplates #numberplate #licenseplatetok #carcontent #numberplates ♬ Paris – Else

The value of this registration number – if it could be sold – could reach £1 million (RM5.71 million).

“As it is an embassy plate, it is non-transferable outside of their vehicles,” he wrote.

It is unclear when this special number was issued, but based on research documents by Noel Woodall titled Car Numbers, the number 1M has been in use since 1974.

In the UK, the use of special registration numbers symbolizes a status symbol and significant investment.

In addition to 1M, there are also other special plates registered in the UK that have high values exceeding five figures, such as M1, F1, S1, 1D, and VIP 1.

NEWS

Proton set to return to export markets including the UK

PROTON is now actively developing its export market and is said to be returning to the United Kingdom (UK), according to CEO Li Chunrong.

According to the UK media report, Autocar, this development also includes new right-hand drive (RHD) markets across Asia and South Africa, in addition to returning to Australia and New Zealand.

Photo by: Autocar

This is aimed at increasing Proton’s global sales following the opening of a new headquarters and production center currently under construction in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

Known as the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV), this billion Ringgit investment facility is the result of Geely and DRB-Hicom Berhad.

The increase in production capacity will be a decisive factor in Proton’s long-term plan to expand their global sales.

“With the existing investment, Proton will have the capacity to return to markets that have been left, while penetrating new markets,” Autocar sources reported.

Photo by: Autocar

No timeline has been disclosed for Proton’s return to the UK, but it is reported to be expected “by the end of this decade.” Proton previously sold vehicles in the UK from 1989 to 2014.

In 2023, Geely announced plans to invest in the development of AHTV.

At present, Proton is selling Geely-based models such as the X50, X70, and S70, as well as self-developed models like the Saga, Persona, and Iriz.

Proton also recently launched their first electric vehicle (EV), the eMAS 7.

Which model do you think will be the choice for export to new markets in the future?

NEWS

Honda Prelude confirmed for UK, hybrid sports coupe utilizing the Civic platform

Honda has previously revived the iconic Integra name for use in the American and Chinese markets.

Despite sporting a different appearance, it still brings one notable similarity – using the base of the Honda Civic.

Now, another iconic name is set to be given a new lease of life, that is the Honda Prelude where this two-door sports car is expected to be offered in the European market in the coming decade.

 

 

Similar to the two mentioned Honda Integra models, this new generation Honda Prelude will also be built based on the Honda Civic platform.

In addition to being offered in left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) versions, Honda is expected to market the Prelude sports car with the e:HEV hybrid technology that already exists in the current Civic model.

In its current configuration, the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter hybrid engine is capable of producing up to 181 hp and 232 Nm of torque, but there are reports that the figures will be increased to 208 hp specifically for the Prelude model.

This new generation Honda Prelude also promises an enjoyable driving experience that can be achieved through the perfect balance between driving dynamics and fuel efficiency.

 

 

Certainly, chief engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami has previously emphasized that the Honda Prelude will not be a sportier model than the Honda Civic Type R.

Based on the official images provided, this red Honda Prelude does not bring significant design changes compared to the concept unit showcased during the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.

All four wheel arches are now paired with 20-inch black rims, followed by red brake calipers and a carbon fiber body kit to match.

So far, Honda has not revealed details regarding the cabin design, but considering the low hood structure and high windshield, it can offer a wider field of vision.

The good news is that this sixth-generation Honda Prelude will be showcased to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed taking place this week.

NEWS

‘Mr. Bean’ blamed for slow EV car sales in UK

ACTOR Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson, has been criticized following the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United Kingdom that is reported to be sluggish or less appealing, as reported by Sky News.

Atkinson’s name was mentioned during a climate change and environment meeting at the House of Lords last week. They said that Atkinson’s comments worsened EV sales in the UK.

The comment was published in The Guardian on June 3, 2023, where Atkinson said, “electric vehicles are not as environmentally friendly as claimed.”

He also commented on the impact of EVs on the environment, their production, alternative fuel sources, car lifespan, and “our honeymoon with EVs is over.”

The following week, The Guardian published another article by Simon Evans, deputy editor of Carbon Brief, who confirmed the inaccuracies of Atkinson’s claims.

In the meeting, the Green Alliance provided its opinion on the main obstacles facing the UK government in the process of phasing out diesel and petrol cars before 2035.

They said, “One of the most damaging articles is the written comment by Rowan Atkinson in The Guardian, which has been proven wrong.”

“Unfortunately, fact-checking will not reach as widely as the initial false claims.”

Last year, the UK government announced the postponement of the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to 2035. According to them, the change is “more practical, suitable, and realistic,” alleviating the burden on workers.

NEWS

Proton Arena ‘GTi’ for sale in the UK, for RM14.7k only!

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THE Proton Arena is among the national car company’s models that didn’t sell well initially, but is now in high demand. The price is still steep, a brief survey on sales websites shows prices are still around RM25,000 to RM35,000.

However, in the United Kingdom (UK), there is a Proton Arena for sale at only £2,500 (RM14,739)! The Arena is known as the Proton Jumbuck in export markets such as the UK and Australia.

Not only is the price quite attractive, but this yellow Proton Jumbuck unit is even ‘copied’ with parts from the Satria GTi!

This can be seen in the front bumper, side fenders, and interior parts such as the dashboard, Recaro seats, pedals, and original GTi carpets. Quite handsome, if I may say so myself…

According to its owner, Paul Atkinson, who advertised the Jumbuck on the Proton gti owners UK page on Facebook, the engine is also from the GTi, a 4G93P 1.8-liter 16-valve unit.

The Proton Jumbuck GTi is painted in a sporty yellow color. It is further given a rally image with items such as WRC side mirrors, mud flaps, 15-inch white Momo rims, and the writer’s favorite, a pair of round spot lights at the front!

According to Atkinson, the Jumbuck is being sold because there have been changes to its design. “Jumbuck’s are getting quite rare now and especially modified ones,” he said.

“It always gets lots of compliments and is pretty quick for what it is (circa 140bhp), early Evo engines do drop straight in.

“MOT until August 2024, 100,000 miles, and the car is in Grantham, Lincolnshire,” Atkinson wrote.

Imagine if this Proton Arena were available in Malaysia, its price would surely easily reach RM55,000. Perhaps even more. This is because its other specifications are also quite tempting.

Below, we list what Atkinson shared:

Modifications:

• Satria GTi engine and gearbox (1.8 16v)
• Hockley exhaust manifold
• Custom stainless exhaust
• Pipercross induction kit
• Satria GTi interior
• Deep dish steering wheel
• Rearview camera
• CB radio
• Satria GTi body kit (front bumper & arches)
• Evo front suspension
• 15” Momo alloys (recently refurbished)
• 195 50 15 Avon ZV7 tires (new)
• WRC-style mirrors
• WRC-style mud flaps
• Rally spot lights
• Truckman cab
• LED rear work lights
• Air horns
• Tow bar
• Rear step