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Mercedes-Benz World Event Showcases New AMG Line-Up

The Mercedes-Benz World event, held at KL Base in Sungai Besi from 5 to 7 July 2024, offers an unparalleled showcase of the latest and most luxurious models from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio. This immersive event highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and performance, featuring an extensive lineup of electrified high-tech combustion engines, cutting-edge electric vehicles (EVs), and plug-in hybrid options.

High-Performance Premieres

The event’s centerpiece is the premiere of three new high-performance Mercedes-AMG models: the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition, Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+, and the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC. These models epitomise precision engineering and superior driving dynamics, catering to the most discerning automotive enthusiasts.

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Government Considering Waiving Parking Fees for EVs

The Malaysian government is considering waiving parking fees for electric vehicles (EVs) entering cities as part of efforts to encourage the adoption of EVs over traditional fossil fuel cars as stated by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, according to The Star. This proposal is being examined in conjunction with the recent announcement of “green plates” for EVs.

Key Points:

Encouraging EV Adoption:
- The waiver of parking fees for EVs is being proposed as a measure to make EVs more attractive to potential buyers.
- The initiative aims to promote the use of environmentally friendly vehicles and reduce the reliance on fossil fuel cars.

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Pagani Huayra Epitome: First Huayra With A Manual Transmission!

Pagani has unveiled the Huayra Epitome, a singular creation from its Grandi Complicazioni division, showcasing the pinnacle of luxury and technological innovation in hypercars. This unique car marks a milestone as the first Huayra equipped with a manual transmission, designed to deliver an unparalleled driving experience with extensive customisation and top-tier performance.

Key Features and Specifications:

Engine and Performance:
- Pagani V12 Engine: The Huayra Epitome is powered by a formidable Pagani V12 engine.
- Power Output: It delivers 864hp and 1,099Nm of torque.
- Transmission: The car features a seven-speed manual gearbox by Xtrac, offering a pure mechanical driving experience.

Collaborative Customisation:
- The Huayra Epitome’s creation was a collaborative effort with the commissioning client, aiming to encapsulate elegance and peak performance.
- Bespoke Elements: Custom front and rear bumpers, exclusive light clusters, and a rear hood with an integrated wing were tailored to the client’s specifications.

Advanced Features:
- Suspension and Aerodynamics: Advanced suspension and aerodynamic features ensure exceptional handling, enabling drivers to explore the car’s capabilities safely and comfortably.
- Lightweight Components: The vehicle includes a lightweight titanium exhaust system and forged aluminum alloy wheels, inspired by the client’s Imola Coupé.

Design and Craftsmanship:
- Exterior Design: The car’s aerodynamic profile is meticulously designed to blend performance with aesthetics.
- Interior Luxury: The interior reflects the highest level of luxury, crafted with attention to every detail to provide a unique and opulent driving environment.

The Pagani Huayra Epitome stands as a testament to bespoke automotive artistry, combining high performance with personalised luxury to create a hypercar that is truly one-of-a-kind.

KPDN Moves to Strengthen Consumer Protection with New Lemon Law

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in Malaysia is progressing towards introducing a lemon law or amending existing legislation by March next year. This initiative aims to bolster consumer protection, particularly concerning defective vehicles, aligning with current demands and international best practices.

Key Developments and Strategies:

Expert Report and Engagement Sessions:
- A group of legal experts has been tasked to study best practices from various countries regarding lemon laws. They will engage with relevant stakeholders and prepare a comprehensive report by the end of September.
Existing Legal Framework:
- Malaysia currently applies aspects of lemon law through several acts, including the Consumer Protection Act (Act 599), the Contract Act 1950, the Sale of Goods Act 1950, and the Hire-Purchase Act 1967. The proposed amendments aim to consolidate and enhance these provisions.
Interim Consumer Protection Measures:
- Negotiation Taskforce: KPDN plans to establish a negotiation taskforce for motor vehicle complaints. This involves tripartite negotiations between the ministry, buyers, and distributors or manufacturers.
- Strengthening TTPM: The Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia (TTPM) will be strengthened through collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). This includes facilitating consent letters from financial institutions to aid consumer claims.
Special Focus on New Vehicles:
- The negotiation taskforce will particularly address issues with new motor vehicles less than six months old, still under warranty and unmodified.
Cooperation and Industry Expectations:
- KPDN expects cooperation from industry players, especially in the automotive sector, to support consumer rights and ensure a fair market environment.

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Hubject And Gentari Join Forces To Streamline EV Charging Across Southeast Asia

Hubject, a leader in EV interoperability, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd, to integrate Gentari’s EV charging network with Hubject’s eRoaming platform. This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility and reliability of EV charging infrastructure in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Key Points of the Collaboration:

Integration with Hubject’s eRoaming Platform:
- Gentari’s EV chargers will be connected to Hubject’s eRoaming platform, allowing EV drivers to charge seamlessly across a broader network of charging points in the region.
- This partnership will be significantly enhanced when Gentari’s charging points are certified for Hubject’s Plug&Charge via the Gentari Go app, enabling EV drivers to start charging without using a mobile app or RFID card.
Advancing Seamless Charging Experience:
- Gentari is in talks with OEMs to enable Plug&Charge capabilities for their vehicles, further promoting a seamless charging experience.
Statements from Leaders:
- Christian Hahn, CEO of Hubject: He emphasized the value of the collaboration, highlighting how it supports the adoption of EVs and renewable energy. He sees Gentari as a future EV mobility champion in Southeast Asia.
- Shah Yang Razalli, Deputy CEO of Gentari and CEO of Gentari Green Mobility: He reiterated Gentari’s commitment to sustainable transportation, ensuring safety, reliability, and convenience for customers. He views this partnership as a significant step towards becoming a leading green mobility solutions partner in the Asia Pacific.
Gentari’s Charging Network:
- Gentari operates the largest direct current (DC) charging network in Malaysia, with over 120 DC charging points from more than 400 charging points (CPs) in the country.
- Gentari’s clean energy platform, Gentari Go, provides access to over 2,400 chargers across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand through an EV roaming network.
Global Ambitions:
- Hubject aims to achieve one million networked charge points globally by 2024, and this partnership with Gentari is part of their strategic goal to streamline the EV charging experience in Southeast Asia.

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Debate Heats Up: Concessionaires vs. Government on MLFF Traffic Project

Concessionaires are raising concerns about the federal government’s involvement in the implementation of the multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) traffic project on private highways. This project aims to facilitate toll collection without requiring vehicles to stop or slow down, using advanced technologies like radio-frequency identification devices (RFID) and automated number plate recognition (ANPR).

Key Points of Concern

Government’s Role vs. Private Operators’ Autonomy
- Government’s Plan B: Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan announced that the government intends to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to potentially reduce project costs.
- Concessionaires’ Stance: Private highway operators believe they should have the freedom to select the service providers for implementing MLFF on their highways, as they own and manage these assets.
Cost Implications and Efficiency
- Concessionaires’ View: Operators argue that they can implement the MLFF system more cost-effectively at their own expense. They claim that issuing an RFP and potentially awarding the project to a single company could increase costs and breach existing concession agreements.
- Government’s Rationale: The government believes an RFP could lower project costs, though concessionaires dispute this.
Previous Agreements and Concerns
- Unilateral Decision: In December, the government reportedly signed an agreement with a company linked to YTL Corporation Bhd for a RM3.46 billion project without consulting concessionaires.
- Objections: Concessionaires have objected to this move, suggesting it could inflate costs by up to 30% and violate their agreements with the government.
- Berjaya Group’s Competing Bid: Earlier in the year, Berjaya Group sought support for a rival bid involving the installation of a barrier-free toll system. The government has assured that no final decision has been made and that concessionaires will be consulted.

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Latest News

Mercedes-Benz World Event Showcases New AMG Line-Up

Government Considering Waiving Parking Fees for EVs

Key Points:

Pagani Huayra Epitome: First Huayra With A Manual Transmission!

Key Features and Specifications:

KPDN Moves to Strengthen Consumer Protection with New Lemon Law

Key Developments and Strategies:

Hubject And Gentari Join Forces To Streamline EV Charging Across Southeast Asia

Key Points of the Collaboration:

Debate Heats Up: Concessionaires vs. Government on MLFF Traffic Project

Key Points of Concern

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