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Mercedes-Benz is steadily building up its Mercedes-EQ range of all-electric models and just a few months after the launch of the EQS flagship comes a smaller version – the EQE. As the last alphabet suggests, this would be positioned in the same way as the successful E-Class as a business sedan. It will be produced at factories in Germany as well as China (at a joint venture facility for that market only).

Compared to the EQS, the EQE has a more streamlined shape with a slightly shorter wheelbase, shorter overhangs and more recessed flanks to give a sportier image. The Sensual Purity design language is reflected in generously modelled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions. Besides the pronounced muscular shoulder section, the rear gets a dynamic accent with a sharp rear spoiler to give an athletic character.

2021 Mercedes-EQ, EQE 350

2021 Mercedes-EQ, EQE 350

2021 Mercedes-EQ, EQE 350

The overall body dimensions  are comparable to those of the CLS but thanks to the EVA2 architecture that is dedicated to electric vehicles, the cabin space is more generous than the E-Class (W213 model) with 80 mm more length.

Unconventional interior design
With the optionally available MBUX Hyperscreen, the entire instrument panel is a single widescreen. This determines the aesthetics of the entire cockpit and interior. The high-resolution screens merge seemingly seamlessly under the shared glass cover, integrated into the instrument panel in minimalist fashion.

2021 Mercedes-EQ, EQE 350

The 12.3-inch OLED display for the front passenger provides a personal display and control area. On it, the passenger can watch videos, TV or even wander around the internet. As a safety measure in some markets, an intelligent, camera-based blocking logic can be included. If the camera detects that the driver is looking at the front passenger display, the display will be automatically dimmed for certain content.

The vent band spans across the entire width at the top and is very slim at the same time. These extreme proportions, together with the glass wave of the MBUX Hyperscreen, create the avant-garde architecture of the cockpit. The outer nozzles feature a turbine design. They play on the theme hyperanalogue through the contrast between high-tech precision mechanics and digital, glass display world.

2021 Mercedes-EQ, EQE 350

‘Zero-level’ design for MBUX
The EQE has the latest MBUX generation, introduced with the EQS. With adaptive software, the control and display concept completely adapts to its user and makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. Unlike the early systems with many layers in the menus, MBUX has a ‘zero-layer’ design so the user does not have to scroll through submenus or give voice commands. The most important applications are offered situationally and contextually on the top level in the field of view. In this way, the EQE driver is relieved of certain operating steps and can focus more on driving.

The EQE will come with the Electric Art interior ex-factory. Wraparound surfaces in the side bolsters of the seats enhance body support and stand in stark contrast to the seat centre panel which has a sophisticated seam pattern similar to a fan palm.

2021 Mercedes-EQ, EQE 350

2021 Mercedes-EQ, EQE 350

If the AMG Line interior is specified, there will be sports seats. These are characterised by a slim and monolithic shape and act like integral seats. The seat surfaces are designed in such a way that they give the impression of draped-on leather covers, a technical term known as ‘layering’.

Two models initially
The EQE 350 with 215 kW plus a second model will be the initial offering. All EQE models have an electric drivetrain (eATS) on the rear axle. The later performance versions (with around 500 kW) with all-wheel drive 4MATIC will also be equipped with an eATS at the front axle. The lithium-ion battery pack consists of 10 modules and has a usable energy content of 90 kWh. The innovative battery management software, developed in-house, allows updates over the air so that energy management remains optimised throughout the life cycle.

To avoid electric shocks and short circuits, Mercedes-Benz engineers developed a multi-stage high-voltage (HV) safety concept comprising 7 key elements. Alongside the battery, part of the high-voltage system includes all components with a voltage level higher than 48V. The protection concept provides a high degree of safety when driving, both during and after a crash. All HV components are protected with to the IP 6K9K class, which means that they are completely sealed against dust as well as protected against water when cleaned with high pressure/steam jets.

2021 Mercedes-EQ, EQE 350

Special seals help to protect the HV components against water penetration. In flood situations, the components may be switched off by appropriate over-current protection measures, such as fuses. An electrical hazard can be ruled out as the HV voltages do not become accessible to the user despite water penetration and the HV system is deactivated immediately.

Integral Safety for all models
The principles of Integral Safety, in particular accident safety, apply regardless of the platform. Like all other Mercedes-Benz models, the EQE therefore has a rigid passenger cell, special deformation zones and modern restraint systems. With its new architecture for EVs, new possibilities for the safety concept were available. For example, a favourable location could be chosen for the installation of the battery, in a crash-protected area in the underbody. Because there is no large crankcase in the engine, the behaviour in a frontal crash could also be modelled even better. Internally the new body structure bears the designation ‘flat-floor concept’.

2021 Mercedes-EQ, EQE 350

The all-electric future of Mercedes-Benz

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

As the race got underway, all eyes were on Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton who were on the front row, something which had not been seen since since Silverstone where even before the first lap was completed, contact between the two cars saw the Red Bull Racing driver bouncing off into the barriers. Thankfully, there was no drama as the Red Bull driver took the lead with Hamilton getting into his slipstream as they headed to Turn 1.

Zandvoort is an old-school track with overtaking opportunities limited so it wasn’t surprising that the order remained pretty much as it was on the starting grid. However, Fernando Alonso (Alpine F1) managed to find a gap and moved two places up even before the first lap was completed.

Daniel Ricciardo’s woes started early as smoke was seen coming from his McLaren and oil was also leaking onto the track. However, he still kept going and after a couple of laps, the problem seemed to go away as he held on to ninth place.

As the race headed into its second quarter, Verstappen still led with a gap of almost 3 seconds from Hamilton. The frontrunners remained out but some of the backmarkers were getting a change of tyres.

At 18 laps – one quarter of the way – the front three drivers continued to hold positions, with Valtteri Bottas doing his usual duty of watching Hamilton’s back. Further back, Scuderia Alphatauri’s Pierre Gasly was trying to keep ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Sergio Perez, the other Red Bull driver, had qualified poorly and was struggling to move up the field from his starting position at 16th.

On lap 21, Hamilton had enough of his tyres and came in for a fresh set, the first among the frontrunners to do so. The move saw Red Bull also bringing in Verstappen and getting him out and ahead of Hamilton in a time 9/10ths of a second quicker than the stop at the Mercedes-AMG pits. Bottas had inherited the lead, and Verstappen was almost 10 seconds away.

As lap 26 began, Verstappen was chasing Bottas while keeping an eye in the mirror on a fast closing Hamilton. The World Champion had cut the gap to less than 2 seconds, which was making for a very interesting battle. The chase was hard on the Red Bull’s tyres, which was what Bottas was aiming to do.

But pushing hard, Verstappen eventually overtook Bottas on the 32nd lap, with Hamilton shooting past still intent on closing the gap. Bottas came in, got his new tyres and was out in 2.2 seconds, still able to slot back into third place but 24 seconds behind his team mate. He had no threat from Gasly who was 2o seconds behind, so he settled into maintaining his defending position.

About halfway through the race, only two drivers had still not come in for new tyres – Land Norris and Robert Kubica, who was taking Kimi Raikkonen’s place in the race because Kimi had tested positive for COVID-19.

On lap 38, a pile-up was avoided when Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin COGNIZANT) spun on the banking at Turn 3 as he tried to pass Kubica. Bottas was coming along and just managed to miss the cars.

On lap 41, Hamilton came in for a tyre change again and Red Bull did the same thing one lap later with Verstappen, The positions did not change and the Dutchman had newer tyres to give maximum effort as he tried to increase the 3-second gap from his rival. In retrospect, there was concern that with 30 laps to go, Hamilton had done the second tyre change too early and worse, he had been given used tyres.

On lap 43, Nikita Mazepin (Haas F1) was forced to end his race when his car developed a hydraulic issue that could not be fixed. He was the first driver to retire at the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix. Following him was Yuki Tsunoda of Scuderia AlphaTauri who would also get to go home early. He had notified his team that he had lost power and telemetry confirmed a problem, so he was brought in.

Hamilton was around 2 seconds behind Verstappen on lap 57 as the Red Bull driver started to get close to traffic ahead. But it wasn’t necessarily good for Hamilton who was noticing some power problems in his car. But the slower cars see the two race leaders coming up and move aside as much as they can, not wanting to be responsible for causing any incident.

Dutch Grand Prix in the 1950s at the Zandvoort Circuit which had a different layout from the one used for the 2021 Grand Prix.

Less than 10 laps from the end of the race, Hamilton was finding the going harder and harder as the tyres were worn out, and the gap started to widen. It looked like Verstappen would be able to take the chequered flag and regain his championship lead – with team mate Perez providing a few more as he had managed to make it up to points positions. However, in his attempt to get past Norris, there was contact between the cars which the Stewards noticed and considered.

In the closing laps, the Mercedes-AMG team decided that their cars should have fresh tyres so that the drivers could at least put in the fastest lap and collect the precious point for the team.

Volvo Car Malaysia has extended its pre-owned car programme, Volvo SELEKT, beyond the Klang Valley with the inclusion of a second dealership in Penang to handle pre-owned vehicles. Previously exclusively offered through Sisma Auto Glenmarie, Western Circle, an authorised Volvo dealer in the state of Penang, will now also house SELEKT cars, with additional listings available on Carlist.my.

Located in Juru on the mainland, Western Circle services customers and clients in the northern region. Now, besides offering the latest models, the dealership can also offer pre-owned units. All Volvo SELEKT cars undergo Volvo-approved checks to ensure that they meet the safety, performance, and appearance standards. This check and selection process can only be done by authorised Volvo Car dealers.

12 month warranty provided
Consequently, each dealership’s vehicles will meet the same high standards for all pre-owned vehicles and conducts a series of checks and updates. Additionally, those who purchase Volvo SELEKT vehicles will get a complimentary 12-months warranty and a 1-year maintenance service package (VSA 1) for peace of mind.

In addition to physical dealerships, the public can also browse and shop for Volvo vehicles – either Volvo SELEKT or Volvo quality used cars – from the safety of their homes through the Volvo Used Car Locator, an online platform that holds an inventory of all Volvo pre-owned cars available across 14 dealerships in Malaysia.

“When customers purchase a Volvo under our Volvo SELEKT programme, they are not just getting a more streamlined shopping experience of quality cars at a more accessible price but also peace of mind through our dedicated service and assurance of quality,” said Charles Frump, the new Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Similar concept in other countries
Volvo SELEKT was launched in 2020 and follows a similar concept in some other countries. Once qualified for the programme, the pre-owned vehicle will receive a 125-point inspection and have its software upgraded to the latest versions so the engine will function optimally. Genuine Volvo parts will be used for any parts that need to be replaced. Most importantly, all the services and upgrades will be conducted by trained Volvo technicians who would know the cars best.

Volvo Selekt pre-owned vehicles programme goes online

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Audi calls it ‘the private jet for the road’, offering the sort of suite you would find in First Class in an Airbus A380. Called the grandsphere, it’s the second of three ‘sphere’ concept cars from the brand, following the skysphere concept unveiled last month in California. The shared root word ‘sphere’ in their names emphasizes all three designs’ focus on the new interior concept and the holistic digital ecosystem for a new world of experience on board.

Prioritising the cabin in design
In fact, the drive system and the handling are no longer at the top of the design specifications in this future generation of cars. Instead, the starting point is the interior, the occupants’ living and experience sphere while traveling. Their needs and desires shape the space, the architecture, and the functions.

2021 Audi grandsphere concept

With that reassessment, the design process itself changes. At the beginning of all discussions, the focus is directed toward the interior and its design. Only after that do the Audi designers conceive the package, exterior lines, and proportions that shape the car into a total work of art, along with the technological premises.

Preview of a future luxury model
The grandsphere concept is presented as a luxury car of the future and Audi confirms that the technologies and design features in it will appear within a few years in future models. Among the technologies will be Level 4 autonomy, which means the car will be able to operate on its own without human control. Audi is working with CARIAD, the Volkswagen Group’s software think-tank, toward introducing that technology in the second half of the decade.

Having autonomous capability for the car allows the interior space of the traditional driver-oriented cockpit and passenger seats to be changed into a spacious lounge as soon as the steering wheel and pedals are reduced. At the same time, it opens up new levels of freedom in interaction, whether they want to communicate, work or just be on their own. Audi believes this transforms a traditional automobile into an ‘experience device’.

Thanks to Audi’s own services and the ability to integrate digital services, the possibilities are nearly endless. These can be used to access a variety of service options related to the current trip – such as designing a spectacular scenic route, as well as restaurant or hotel options. The vehicle also takes care of everyday tasks that go beyond the journey itself. For example, the grandsphere concept can pick up its passengers with information about their current destination and independently handle parking and charging.

2021 Audi grandsphere concept

The doors of the grandsphere concept are reversed so front and back touch and there is no B-pillar in the middle. Even before arriving at the car, the passengers are provided with a pathway identification that opens the doors and welcomes them with individually staged displays and ambient light. The driver and passenger positions are automatically detected and an array of personal comfort features – such as the climate control settings and the seats – are adjusted for the individual seats.

At the same time, the infotainment system accesses the passengers’ most recently used services and seamlessly resumes them inside the car. For instance, a video that a passenger was streaming on a tablet is automatically played back over the display surface. On the driver’s side, the projection surface automatically picks up on displaying the news the occupant was reading before getting in.

2021 Audi grandsphere concept

Unique space for four
The open, broad interior supports the impression of a unique space and the lack of a steering wheel, pedals, or conventional dashboard create a feeling of openness and breadth. The lines on the decorative surfaces and functional elements are emphatically horizontal. The large glass surfaces, expansive windscreen and transparent ceiling also emphasize the open feeling, along with the specific geometry of the side windows where the widest part is just slightly above eye level. It is a trick that Audi demonstrated for the first time in 2017 with its AI:CON concept car.

The 2+2 interior appears particularly wide when the two individual front seats are pushed all the way back. An upholstered, 2-person bench with an armrest that goes around the side is integrated as a seating option in the back, while both front seats are designed for first class comfort and space.

Outlets for air that is filtered and temperature controlled – even scented, if desired – as well as speakers that are inaudible to other passengers and allow for a private aural zone are all integrated. Between the front seats – normally concealed under metallic trim – there is a compact, onboard cooler with two glasses and a designed, elegant bottle for soft drinks.

No screens, no displays unless wanted
One surprise when looking around in the ‘reduced-design’ interior is the absence of instruments nor black screens for virtual display concepts are visible before activating the driving functions. This is a contrast to many visions of future vehicles which have screens to provide information and entertainment. However, the displays are still present; with the touch of a fingertip, they appear in the form of projections on the wooden surfaces under the windscreen.

2021 Audi grandsphere concept
Interior

Alternatively, the projection surfaces can also be used – in automated driving mode – as CinemaScope screens for infotainment content or even as screens for video conferences. In addition, a sensor bar is integrated under the projection surfaces for quick switching between content such as music or navigation.

Control panels are also integrated into the armrests on the doors. That way, the car always offers passengers invisible touch surfaces using an optic indicator to show their position. At the same time, there are VR glasses in the armrests on the left and right doors that can be used in conjunction with infotainment options.

Dynamic monolith
At 5.35 metres long, 2 metres wide, and 1.39 metres high, the grandsphere concept’s measurements are comparable to Audi’s flagship A8. However, it has a longer wheelbase of 3.19 metres, which is even longer than the extended version of the current A8. Its form is nothing like a traditional sedan, but rather more like 4-door GT born in the wind tunnel.

In the front end, there is an innovative interpretation of the Singleframe that defines Audi’s look. Shaped like a flat hexagon, the interior surfaces, behind a transparent covering, are indirectly lit from above while driving to give a distinctive, extremely 3-dimensionally structured visual effect.

2021 Audi grandsphere concept

The headlight units on the upper side of the Singleframe look narrow, like focused eyes. The lighting units reference the four rings brand logo: they enlarge and isolate the intersection of two rings into a pupil – a new, unmistakable digital light signature. This means that the size of the light areas can be adjusted according to their function as daytime running lights or as dynamically staged blinkers, depending on the traffic situation.

Drive system with quattro, of course
The technology platform of the grandsphere is what is known as the Premium Platform Electric, or PPE. It has been conceived exclusively for battery-powered electric drive systems, with the key element being a battery module between the axles that holds around 120 kWh of energy. A flat battery layout is possible with the entire base between the axles.

2021 Audi grandsphere concept

Being an Audi, the grandsphere would also have a quattro drive system, in this case a fully electric one. This is achieved by having separate electric motors mounted on the front and rear axles that use electronic coordination to deliver all-wheel drive on demand. The 2 motors in the concept car are capable of delivering a total output of 530 kW/960 Nm, taking the car from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 4+ seconds.

Fast charging, high range
Like other carmakers, Audi is also working hard on the issue of recharging since this is something that cannot be long for electric cars to be accepted. In the case of the grandsphere concept, there is 800V charging technology and the battery can be charged with up to 270 kW in a very short time at fast-charging stations. The time taken will be close to that of a car with a combustion engine pumping in liquid fuel. A 10-minute charging period would be enough to power the car for more than 300 kms, it is claimed, with a maximum range of more than 750 kms with a fully-charged battery pack.

2021 Audi grandsphere concept

Audi Charging Hub concept could be refuelling station of the future

Race starts at 3 pm in Holland/9 pm in Malaysia

The last time a Dutch F1 Grand Prix was held was in 1985 – 36 years ago – so almost all the drivers taking part in Round 13 this weekend were not born yet. However, the Zandvoort Circuit in northern Holland is not entirely new to some of them as they drove around it during their Formula 3 years. Older fans would remember the great drivers of that period – like Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda and Rene Arnoux – who won races at Zandvoort.

The 36-year gap is the longest in the Formula 1 championship and the reason it had dropped off the calendar was due to financial difficulties that prevented it from being modernized and upgraded as the sport evolved. It was only in 1995 that proper investment was made with a new owner and the circuit, which had its first race in 1948, was redesigned and redeveloped.

The 4.3-km layout of today’s circuit differs greatly from the one that existed in the first 50 years, so comparison of lap times with those of today are meaningless and besides, the cars have advanced greatly too. The last F1 race was won by Lauda when he was with McLaren, which also won the championship that year.

The younger drivers will recall the challenging track with 14 corners, many of them fast and sweeping and the ‘Tarzan Corner’ hairpin at the end of the start/finish straight. The Zandvoort track layout stands out as one of the more unusual circuits on the 2021 F1 calendar, with an old-school feel.

It’s also an undulating track, rising and falling between the sand dunes, with a rollercoaster-like vibe similar to Portimao and an elevation change of almost 8 metres. And being located across the road from the North Sea, strong wind can be expected, sometimes blowing sand onto the track and affecting grip (an issue normally associated with places like Bahrain).

One of the most striking elements of the track is the super-fast, steeply banked Turns 13 and 14. The 18-degree banking will add significant load to the tyres through this section, which will impact the durability and life of the tyre compounds. Given the banked final corner, high-speed turns and undulations, it’s not surprising that Pirelli have picked the hardest tyres in their range.

Alfa Romeo ORLEN team members getting a feel of the banking at the circuit.

The banked final two corners, which feature a banking angle twice as steep as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will definitely be challenging for the cars and the tyres, putting a lot of forces through them. But they should be fairly simple for the drivers to tackle. Getting this section of track right is crucial for the run onto the main straight, which leads to one of the few overtaking opportunities at Turn 1.

“This track is epic. It brought back so many memories when I first got out there, from when I drove here before. I knew it was great when I was in Formula 3, but in a Formula One car it is just something else!” said Lewis Hamilton, who was born in the same year the last Dutch GP was held.

It is, of course, a home race for Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen who is Dutch. He’s only raced once at Zandvoort in his Formula 3 days atthe 2014 Zandvoort Masters when he went from pole position to chequered flag – becoming the youngest winner in the race’s history at just 16. “I’m really looking forward to coming here for the Grand Prix. To have a home Grand Prix will be even more crazy than usual in terms of support. I hope it’s going to be a highlight of the season, but it will all depend on the Sunday result. But we’ll do everything we can to make sure it’s a good one,” he said.

Alfa Romeo ORLEN’s Kimi Raikkonen, who announced that this will be his final season in Formula 1, will not be able to take part as he has been tested positive with COVID-19. His place will be taken by the team’s reserve driver, Robert Kubica (right).

After the controversial rain-affected Belgian Grand Prix last weekend, F1’s first half-points were awarded with positions based on starting grid positions. The last time half-points were awarded was at the Malaysian Grand Prix in 1979 as the race had to be stopped due to heavy rain. Max Verstappen was declared the winner and got 12.5 points, taking him to 199.5 points or just 3 behind championship leader Hamilton. In the Constructors Championship, Mercedes-AMG is up to 310.5 points, seven ahead of Red Bull Racing.

 

Like other car companies, Honda Malaysia is looking at how to best regain its business momentum in the remaining four months of 2021 after the prolonged shutdown of both retail activities as well as production at the assembly plant in Melaka. Whatever target was set at the beginning of the year would be hard to achieve, especially with over 2 months of almost no sales. Until the end of July, the total number of new vehicles sold was 25,581 units.

To sell as many vehicles as possible before the year ends, the company has plans to launch new models and offer financial initiatives with promotional campaigns. While the new models are not mentioned, it is likely that apart from updates of existing models, there could be the new City Hatchback and 11th generation Civic, both of which have appeared in neighbouring countries.

“In our plans to regain the momentum and set a new benchmark in the market, Honda Malaysia has lined up new models that feature Honda’s Next Generation Advanced Technology to be launched in the coming months. These launches will provide Malaysians with more new model options during the current sales tax exemption period, which has been extended to December 31, 2021,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.

With the resumption of assembly operations, the company is also rushing out new vehicles to clear backlogs as well as to prepare for new demand. While speeding up output, the company is mindful of the need to maintain quality at the expected high standards. At the same time, with the ongoing pandemic, extra vigilance and precautionary measures have been implemented in addition to the continued SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and government guidelines to ensure a safe environment for Honda associates.

Honda Malaysia’s assembly plant in Melaka.

Full vaccination of workforce by October
Ms. Chujo said that 80% of Honda associates have been fully vaccinated. “This is part of our effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19. This effort was also accelerated by the Public-Private Partnership COVID-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (PIKAS). As the nation is making great progress with the vaccination programme, we target to complete full vaccination of all our associates by October 2021,” she added.

The same stringent adherence to SOPs also applies at dealerships for the protection of customers and employees. All precautionary and preventive measures are taken which include COVID-19 tests for associates every 2 weeks, regular sanitisation and disinfection of the premises. “We are most appreciative of the government’s support in reopening the automotive sector that allows the business chain to operate under strict observance of SOPs,” Ms. Chujo said.

Promotions in September
In addition to reduced prices with the sales tax exemption, Honda Malaysia’s ‘September Special Benefits’ promotion for the month offers up to RM6,000 worth of benefits for customers. A Special Financing Program that will be available until December 31, 2021 allows customers who purchase new vehicles to pay lower monthly instalments during the early stage of their ownership. Honda dealers have more details on this program.

Customers who have already made up their mind which Honda model they want to buy can make use of the Online Pre-Booking Platform. Available on the Honda Malaysia Official Website and HondaTouch application, this platform enables customers to pre-book any Honda model at anytime from anywhere (as long as they have an internet connection) with a minimum fee of just RM99. This can start the purchase process without them having to visit the showroom so soon.

With the HondaTouch application on their smartphone or tablet, Honda owners can enjoy a faster and simpler aftersales service appointment process prior to visiting the dealerships. The app has 10 features which are particularly useful for owners, providing them with accessibility to their vehicle and its information wherever they are.

In line with Honda’s aim to be a company that society wants to exist, Honda Malaysia has been reaching out to assist local communities who are facing hardships due to the pandemic and prolonged lockdown. The company undertook initiatives such as contributing packs comprising food, beverages and personal care products to patients under quarantine, providing the BR-V to staff at the Low-Risk Treatment Centre (PKRC) in the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) for daily commute, and distributing necessities to charity homes.

Honda Malaysia continues to provide assistance to local communities

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