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Just a few days back, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, had a media preview of the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander and stated that they had officially begun production of the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander seven-seater.

Now, the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander has officially been launched, with production taking place in Pekan, Pahang. The new Xpander, designed to enhance its SUV styling, brings a host of upgraded features, making it more appealing to Malaysian drivers seeking a robust and practical seven-seater.

The facelifted Xpander showcases a refreshed, dynamic look, particularly in its rear design. It now features a redesigned light shape, a horizontally styled rear spoiler, and an updated bumper, all reflecting an active, sporty lifestyle that complements its SUV nature.

In terms of practicality, the Xpander remains a top contender with its best-in-class features. It boasts a 225mm ground clearance, making it well-suited for a variety of terrains. The interior offers exceptional space, providing up to 837 litres of cargo capacity when the second-row seats are folded. The facelift also brings additional enhancements, including a rear-driving video recorder and an electric parking brake, catering to the modern driver’s need for convenience and ease.

The interior has also received significant upgrades. A new, straight-cut dashboard is now complemented by brown leather trim pieces, which extend to the door cards. The 9.0 inch infotainment system is now displayed on a free-standing touchscreen, while the steering wheel has been simplified with a round horn pad for a cleaner look.

The air conditioning controls have been updated with a digital display, along with hard buttons and toggle switches for fan speed and temperature. New additions like a wireless charger and an electronic parking brake with auto hold further elevate the Xpander’s comfort level. The removal of the handbrake also allows for a centre front armrest, providing additional storage space.

For added convenience, both front and rear dashcams are now included. Middle-row passengers benefit from a fold-down centre armrest equipped with cupholders, and behind the front armrest, charging ports are available – one USB-A and one USB-C. The rear blower on the roof, with adjustable speed, ensures that passengers in the back remain comfortable during journeys.

Under the hood, the facelifted Xpander retains its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 105PS and 141Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

On the road prices without insurance start at RM99,980 for the standard variant and RM109,980 for the Xpander Plus variant. The first 500 customers who book and register the Xpander via the Mitsubishi Online Showroom will receive a Naturehike Camping Wagon worth RM400. The updated Mitsubishi Xpandr also comes with 5-Year warranty with unlimited mileage, for both variants.

Maserati’s recent struggles, as highlighted in Stellantis’ half-year report, point to a sharp decline in sales, with customer deliveries plummeting from 15,300 units in the first half of 2023 to just 6,500 by June 2024. Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, attributed this worrying sales drop to ineffective marketing rather than issues with Maserati’s products or pricing.

This decline is particularly concerning given Tavares’ past statements, where he warned that underperforming brands within the Stellantis group could face shutdown if they fail to generate profit. While Maserati wasn’t explicitly singled out, the warning applied to all brands under the Stellantis umbrella.

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In October 2023, Stellantis and Leapmotor announced a strategic joint venture, a groundbreaking partnership aimed at reshaping the global automotive industry with a focus on electrification and sustainability. This collaboration has led to the creation of Leapmotor International, with Stellantis holding a 51% stake and Leapmotor 49%. The venture is set to accelerate Leapmotor’s expansion beyond China, leveraging Stellantis’ global reach and expertise. By July 2024, Leapmotor had already achieved impressive growth, with 400,000 units sold, positioning it as one of China’s top three electric vehicle (EV) startups.

Driven by the increasing demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in China, Leapmotor is now eyeing global markets. The brand has established itself as a leader in innovation, developing and patenting over 443 technologies. These technologies are integrated across its vehicle lineup, which includes models such as the mid-sized C01 sedan, C11 SUV, flagship C16, compact T03, and the soon-to-be-released C10 SUV.

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Proton has partnered with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MECD) and two government agencies to facilitate the “Market Access, Technology Transfer & Vendor Enhancement Program” in China. This initiative, conducted in early July, aimed to foster innovation, enhance commercialisation, and support Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable mobility. Organized by MECD and led by the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF), the program focused on accelerating the development of next-generation and electric vehicles (EVs) through strategic partnerships and technology exchanges.

Participants, including suppliers from MBSB Bank, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, PLUS Expressways Bhd, UEM Edgenta Bhd, and Telekom Malaysia, along with 22 Malaysian vendors, visited various EV component plants in China. Stops included Geely subsidiaries Zeekr and VREMT in Hangzhou Bay, offering key insights into EV manufacturing, facilities, and services.

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Toyota has officially announced its entry into the Supercars Championship for the 2026 season, marking a historic move for the Japanese automaker as it becomes the first non-US manufacturer to compete in the top-tier Australian touring car series since Nissan’s departure in 2019. This venture will see Toyota partnering with Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU), a team with deep ties to Australian motorsport, previously known as the Holden Racing Team.

Toyota will develop the GR Supra for Supercars’ Gen3 regulations, replacing the road car’s 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a race-tuned version of the brand’s 5.0-litre V8 from the Lexus F performance models and the Lexus LC500. This entry positions Toyota against rivals Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, which have dominated the series since the closure of the Holden brand in 2020.

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Goodyear Malaysia, a leader in tyre technology, has once again demonstrated its commitment to public safety by donating 60 units of Goodyear Cargo Marathon 2 tyres to St. John Ambulance Malaysia. Valued at over RM25,000, this contribution is part of a collaboration that has spanned nearly two decades, underscoring Goodyear’s mission to support community safety initiatives.

Since 2006, Goodyear has played an essential role in equipping St. John Ambulance’s fleet of emergency vehicles with high-performance tyres. These tyres are critical for ensuring the reliability and safety of ambulances, which need to perform under extreme conditions during urgent medical responses. This latest donation reinforces Goodyear’s dedication to aiding those who protect public health.

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