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Kia has unveiled a striking Australia-inspired camouflage wrap for its upcoming pickup truck, the Kia Tasman. Named after the rugged and adventurous spirit of Tasmania, the southernmost island of Australia, the Tasman pickup embodies Kia’s dedication to design innovation and exploration.

Created in collaboration with renowned artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop from Australia and New Zealand, the unique wrap, themed around ‘The Path Never Taken,’ reflects the Tasman’s adventurous nature. Inspired by the diverse landscapes of Australia, the graphics depict a journey along the coast and through the outback, drawing on Boyd-Dunlop’s own experiences hitching rides in pickup trucks across the country.

The concept of ‘The Path Never Taken’ encapsulates the adventurous spirit of the Kia Tasman, encouraging customers to explore new landscapes and experiences with a vehicle that prioritises reliability and performance. Through this theme, the Tasman aims to lead drivers toward unknown and breathtaking destinations.

Known for his distinctive artistic style, Boyd-Dunlop’s design for the Kia Tasman camouflage wrap blends elements of land and sea, combining the fiery hues of the outback with commanding blues inspired by Australia’s surf culture.

Scheduled for debut in 2025, the Tasman represents Kia’s first foray into the C-segment pickup truck market. Its launch will be phased globally, with key markets including Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. In addition to its utility as a work-oriented pickup, the Tasman is designed to meet diverse personal needs, catering to demanding lifestyles and supporting extreme leisure activities.

In a devastating turn of events during the 90th TLDM HUT Celebration Crossing Exercise, tragedy struck as two Malaysian Navy aircraft, a HOM (M503-3) and a Fennec (M502-6), collided mid-air, resulting in a fatal accident. The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:45 am, sent shockwaves through the naval community and beyond.

According to reports from West POA, the collision occurred shortly after takeoff from Padang Sitiawan at 9:03 am. The HOM plane crashed onto the steps of the TLDM Lumut Stadium, while the Fennec aircraft plummeted into the swimming pool of the Lumut TLDM Sports Complex.

The swift response of emergency services, including FIRE, 96 HAT, and Protela, was evident as they rushed to the scene in an attempt to rescue the crew members involved. However, despite their efforts, it was tragically confirmed that there were no survivors from either aircraft.

The loss of lives has deeply affected the Malaysian Navy, particularly the families and colleagues of the victims. The crew members aboard the HOM aircraft (M503-3), comprising seven individuals from various ranks and roles within the Navy, were identified as:

  1. Kdr Muhammad Firdaus bin Ramli TLDM – PM Squadron 503.
  2. Lt Kdr Wan Rezaudeen Kamal bin Wan Zainal Abidin TLDM.
  3. Lt Kdr Mohammad Amirulfaris bin Mohamad Marzukhi TLDM.
  4. PW II TLR (AQM) Muhammad Faisol bin Tamadun.
  5. Three unidentified individuals.

Similarly, the three crew members aboard the Fennec Aircraft (M502-6) were identified as:

  1. Kdr Muhamad Amir bin Mohamad TLDM – PM Squadron 502.
  2. Lt Sivasutan a/l Thanjappan TLDM.
  3. PW II TMK Mohd Shahrizan bin Mohd Termizi.

The loss of these dedicated servicemen has cast a somber shadow over the TLDM community and the nation as a whole. As investigations into the cause of the collision commence, the focus remains on honouring the memories of those who perished and extending support to their grieving families during this difficult time.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled ‘Spirit of Expression’ – three unique Bespoke commissions featuring Ghost Extended, Phantom Extended, and Spectre. These cars will debut at the 18th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2024) on April 25.

The ‘Spirit of Expression’ commissions are tailored to the preferences of young Chinese clients who seek luxury products personalised to their tastes. Each car’s exterior colour reflects a moment from various destinations worldwide, while a celestial motif inside symbolises the night sky above these locations.

Created through collaboration between Rolls-Royce’s designers in Goodwood and the Bespoke designer at the Rolls-Royce Private Office Shanghai, these commissions reflect a global approach. Rolls-Royce aims to enhance its Bespoke offering by engaging with clients worldwide and bringing regional insights back to its headquarters in Goodwood.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended ‘Magnetism’

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended ‘Magnetism’ is a modern take on the brand’s flagship model, capturing the magnetic allure of a beach bay at night. The two-tone exterior features Cala Luna Sand and Kabira Blue, reminiscent of moonlit beach sands and the intense horizon. A double coachline in Arctic White and Cala Luna Sand adds to the exterior’s elegance.

Inside, the celestial theme continues with a Starlight Headliner featuring 768 Galileo Blue and 576 White ‘stars’, complemented by eight ‘shooting stars’. The rear waterfall and Gallery artwork showcase intricate stainless steel inlays and embroidery in Arctic White thread on Navy Blue canvas. The Gallery piece boasts 43,096 stitches, enhancing the interplay of light and shadow.

The front and rear seats are upholstered in Blue Grey, Navy Blue, and Arctic White leather with Arctic White stitching, piping, and headrest monograms. The door veneer features open-pore Obsidian Ayous, offering a contemporary tactile finish that highlights the wood’s natural grain.

Rolls-Royce Spectre ‘Escapism’

The Rolls-Royce Spectre ‘Escapism’ draws inspiration from the vibrant tropics of South America. Its bold color scheme features a two-tone exterior with Lantana Red, inspired by the hues of the Lantana Flower symbolizing good luck, and Tempest Grey. The 23″ wheels have centers painted in Lantana Red to match the upper surface, and the exterior is adorned with a softly illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy figurine.

Inside, the interior boasts Selby Grey, Purple Silk, and Sunset leathers, with Sunset accents for seat piping, contrast stitching, and headrest monograms. The Starlight Headliner features 960 Sunset-coloured fibre-optic ‘stars’ and eight white ‘shooting stars’, while the Obsidian Ayous veneer extends to the spokes of the Purple Silk steering-wheel, complemented by purple instrument dials.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended ‘Expressionism’

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended ‘Expressionism’ showcases the vehicle’s versatility for Bespoke customization. Inspired by the sunsets of Boracay Island, the exterior boasts a vibrant ‘Boracay Blue’ hue, capturing the unique colors of dusk blending into twilight over the Sulu Sea. A Lime Green Coachline adds a subtle nod to the island’s tropical flora and fauna. Completing the look are part-polished 21-inch alloy wheels with Orbit Grey centers and Lime Green pinstripes, paired with White pinstripe tires.

Inside, the seats feature Black and Arctic White leather with Lime Green accents, echoed in the seat and door piping, contrast stitching, and headrest monograms. The inner door pockets showcase Lime Green embroidered celestial motifs, crafted with meticulous stitching techniques to create a subtle three-dimensional effect.

The Starlight Headliner presents a vivid, abstract wave pattern mirroring the door embroidery, with Lime Green and White ‘stars’ and White ‘shooting stars’ following the design’s curvature.

These ‘Spirit of Expression’ Bespoke commissions will be showcased at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2024) from April 25 to May 4, 2024, at the China International Exhibition Centre (CIEC).

The upcoming debut of the MG EXE181 concept at the 2024 Auto China show is generating significant excitement, thanks to its striking design and impressive performance claims. The electric hypercar promises to push the boundaries of aerodynamics and acceleration, showcasing MG’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology.

The EXE181’s teardrop shape, coupled with its single-seat monocoque design, is engineered for exceptional aerodynamic efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.181. While not the lowest ever recorded, it still places the EXE181 among the most aerodynamic cars to date. Additionally, its acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 1.9 seconds is nothing short of remarkable, positioning it as one of the quickest cars in the world.

Drawing inspiration from a previous concept of the same name from 1959, MG has modernised the EXE181 for the electric era, delivering not only impressive performance but also futuristic styling and technology. The interior features a centre-mounted seat reminiscent of the Lamborghini Egoista, emphasising the driver’s connection to the road, while a yoke with a large screen hints at advanced electric drivetrain technology.

Despite its headline-grabbing specifications, the likelihood of the EXE181 entering production remains uncertain, with the concept likely serving as a showcase of MG’s engineering prowess and vision for the future of electric mobility. Nevertheless, its unveiling at Auto China is sure to captivate audiences and demonstrate MG’s ambition to push the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive industry.

Earth Day serves as a poignant reminder of our shared duty to protect the environment and adopt more responsible behaviors in our daily lives. Recognising the carbon dioxide (CO2) impact we generate is crucial, and we have the power to reduce this impact through better choices and practices.

One actionable step is the adoption of renewable energy sources. Despite initial investment costs, renewable energy offers a sustainable alternative for powering homes and businesses. Gentari Sdn Bhd exemplifies this with their commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions, including green and blue hydrogen and solar energy.

The shift to solar power, for instance, not only benefits individuals and corporations financially but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in mutual funds supporting sustainable initiatives further promotes the transition to cleaner energy.

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Honda Malaysia has announced the upcoming launch of the new City Hatchback in Quarter 2, 2024, reaffirming its position as one of the top-selling hatchback models in the Non-National segment. The facelifted model is now available for bookings at all Honda dealerships nationwide.

Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, expressed enthusiasm for the New City Hatchback, reflecting on its initial success since its introduction in 2021. With over 28,700 units sold, it has established itself as Malaysia’s ultimate hatchback sensation, thanks to its captivating design, advanced technology, and practicality.

Introduced in 2021, the City Hatchback was Honda Malaysia’s second model featuring the e:HEV technology. The e:HEV RS variant, known for its sporty appeal, contributed significantly to the Company’s hybrid sales, accounting for 16% of total hybrid sales. In 2023, the City Hatchback achieved strong sales figures, solidifying its presence in the Non-National hatchback segment.

The facelifted City Hatchback boasts upgraded looks and appearance, with a sleeker and more dynamic design aimed at captivating onlookers. The e:HEV RS variant stands out with its sharper and more aggressive exterior, featuring newly designed front grille, lower grille, bumper, and fog garnish.

Adding to its sporty appeal, the e:HEV RS variant now includes sleek rear bumper lower garnish and side sill garnish designs, along with captivating Berlina Black 16-inch Alloy Wheels. Powered by the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain, the RS variant delivers dominant torque performance, while the 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol version ensures a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

Safety features have been enhanced in the new City Hatchback, with Honda SENSING technology available in all variants, including Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). The e:HEV RS variant further benefits from Low Speed Follow (LSF) for added driving convenience.

The new City Hatchback is poised to appeal to young adults and professionals seeking advanced technology, style, and practicality in their daily commute, catering to the current trend of youthful automotive preferences.

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