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Auto Bavaria, Malaysia’s largest authorised BMW dealership network, has unveiled its newly refurbished showroom in Chan Sow Lin (CSL), featuring upgraded facilities and services tailored to the modern-conscious customer. The revamped showroom will showcase vehicles from the BMW Premium Selection (BPS) and MINI Used Car Next (MUCN) portfolios.

Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director at BMW Group Malaysia, highlighted the commitment to advancing premium individual mobility through continuous improvement, including refinements to services, and facilities, and the addition of EV charging infrastructures. The revamped Auto Bavaria CSL aims to offer a luxurious experience to customers, reaffirming the commitment to delivering Sheer Driving Pleasure.

The showroom spans an impressive 35,000 square feet across the Ground and First floors, featuring contemporary decor, customer consultation stages, a central hospitality area, and a BMW bar and lounge for customer relaxation.

The showroom also includes a dedicated Parts, Accessories, and Lifestyle area, allowing customers to explore vehicle upgrades and iconic BMW & MINI merchandise. With a dedicated team of six staff members, Auto Bavaria CSL offers heightened and personalised services, including familiar facilities like the Sales Lounge and Service Consultation Lounge.

In line with BMW Group Malaysia’s dedication to enhancing accessibility to charging infrastructures, Auto Bavaria CSL provides equipped AC and DC charging facilities at the dealership. This initiative underscores the commitment to advancing electrified mobility in Malaysia, with over 2,020 charging facilities now available nationwide, powered by key partnerships with local EV charging providers.

An e-hailing driver recently captured on camera a woman notorious for her scam tactics in avoiding full payments after using their service. The incident, shared on Reddit with a March 22 timestamp, reveals the woman’s failed attempt to cheat the driver, as reported by NST.

In the video, the woman initially suggests paying through the Touch ‘n Go e-wallet app but claims to have insufficient funds, with only RM4.70 remaining. Unbeknownst to her, the driver recognises her from a previous encounter and decides to drive to a nearby police station.

As the woman tries to call her friend for help, the driver confronts her, revealing that he is aware of her scam tactics and refuses to be deceived. Despite the woman’s attempts to negotiate payment through various means, including QR codes, the driver stands firm in demanding full payment.

The video has garnered significant attention on social media, with users condemning the woman’s actions and warning others about her reputation for cheating. One Reddit user, @Repulsive_Past_548, shared insights into the woman’s history of scamming various service providers, urging businesses to blacklist her.

The incident serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against dishonest practices and underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

A Canadian resident of China has been arrested in the United States for allegedly stealing trade secrets from electric car manufacturer Tesla and conspiring to sell them to undercover law enforcement officers.

Klaus Pflugbeil, the operator of a China-based business selling technology used in electric vehicles, was apprehended in New York after travelling for a meeting with undercover agents posing as Long Island businesspeople.

Pflugbeil, along with business partner Yilong Shao, allegedly built their enterprise using trade secrets belonging to “a leading U.S.-based electric vehicle company,” although prosecutors did not explicitly name Tesla. Both individuals are former employees of a Canadian company that Tesla acquired in 2019, fitting the description of Hibar.

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Mate Rimac, the visionary founder of the Rimac Group, has stirred excitement among enthusiasts with a recent social media teaser hinting at a new model set to be unveiled on June 26. The glimpse suggests a hatchback-like model, shrouded in mystery and urban allure, accompanied by futuristic music evoking a sense of innovation.

While Rimac has made waves in the realm of high-performance electric vehicles, such as the acclaimed Nevera electric hypercar, the teased model appears to deviate from the traditional hot hatch concept exemplified by Rivian’s R3 and R3X models. Speculation swirls around the possibility of this unveiling being linked to Rimac’s ambitious robotaxi project, known as Project 3 Mobility, which has been in development for the past five years.

Initially announced in 2021 and supported by automotive giants Kia and Hyundai, Project 3 Mobility aims to revolutionise urban transportation by introducing autonomous robotaxis. The project is slated to debut in Rimac’s home city of Zagreb, Croatia, with plans for expansion to 20 cities across Europe and the Middle East by 2026. The teaser’s windshield angle, reminiscent of the iconic Johnny Cab robotaxi from the film “Total Recall,” further fuels speculation regarding the model’s design and purpose.

As Rimac Group prepares to unveil its latest innovation on June 26, anticipation mounts for the potential debut of a futuristic, hatchback-inspired vehicle poised to redefine urban mobility through cutting-edge technology and visionary design.

GWM Malaysia has introduced a new strategic pricing approach for the GWM Ora Good Cat electric hatchback, setting a starting price of RM113,800 for the 2024 models. Dubbed the “New A-meow-zing Price,” this initiative aims to make the Ora Good Cat one of the best-value electric vehicles (EVs) within the RM120,000 price range. Mike Cui An Qi, Managing Director of GWM Malaysia, expressed confidence in the Ora Good Cat’s affordability, elegance, cutting-edge technology, and superior performance with this strategic pricing.

The Ora Good Cat now offers seven colour options, with variants starting from RM113,800 for the 400 Pro and RM143,800 for the 500 Ultra. Buyers will benefit from a comprehensive warranty package covering a 5-year/150,000 KM full-vehicle warranty, an 8-year/180,000km power battery warranty, and an 8-year/180,000km electric motor and electric motor control unit warranty.

In addition to the new pricing structure, GWM Malaysia is showing appreciation to existing Ora Good Cat owners by offering exclusive benefits. Current owners will receive an additional 2 years of vehicle warranty up to 150,000km, along with an extra 5 years or 75,000km of free maintenance (parts and labour included) based on the last completed service interval. This gesture underscores GWM Malaysia’s commitment to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Furthermore, in line with the festive season, GWM Malaysia is offering a special Raya deal. Customers purchasing any new GWM Ora Good Cat will receive a complimentary Home Wall Box Charger and 3 Pin Portable Charger. This promotion is valid for new registrations until April 30, enhancing the appeal of the Ora Good Cat as a practical and desirable electric vehicle option for consumers in Malaysia.

Ahead of the upcoming Aidilfitri festival season, the Ministry of Works has announced the reactivation of the SmartLane system on major highways, including the North-South Highway (PLUS). Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam, the Secretary General of the Ministry, highlighted improvements made to the system based on feedback received during its previous activation, particularly during the Chinese New Year celebrations, as reported by Sinar Harian.

During the previous implementation, road users provided valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the SmartLane system, which led to adjustments to enhance its efficiency. Hasnol expressed gratitude for this feedback and emphasised the ministry’s commitment to continually refining the system to ensure road safety and smoother traffic flow.

In response to previous criticisms regarding a lack of notification about SmartLane activation locations, Hasnol urged relevant concession companies to communicate clearly with road users regarding the activation dates and the number of SmartLane locations on each highway. This measure aims to minimise confusion and ensure that road users understand the purpose of the SmartLane, preventing misunderstandings during its operation.

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