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Volvo Car Malaysia Opens Bookings for Locally Assembled EX30 Electric SUV

Volvo Car Malaysia has officially opened bookings for the locally assembled (CKD) Volvo EX30, following the overwhelming success of its fully imported (CBU) units launched in September 2024. The introduction of the EX30 underscores Volvo’s commitment to offering sustainable, safe, and innovative mobility solutions tailored to the Malaysian market.

The locally assembled Volvo EX30 Model Year 2025 (MY25) will be available in two variants: the Ultra and Ultra Twin Performance. Pricing starts at RM208,888 for the Ultra variant, while the Ultra Twin Performance variant is priced at RM228,888. Customers can choose from three stunning colours: Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey, and Crystal White. The first deliveries are expected in the second week of January 2025, making the EX30 an exciting addition to the growing electric vehicle market in Malaysia.

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Mazda Breaks U.S. Sales Record While Taking a Cautious Approach to Electrification

Mazda is defying industry trends by thriving in a market increasingly focused on electrification. The Japanese automaker is poised to break its long-standing U.S. sales record from 1986, projecting over 420,000 vehicles sold in 2024, marking a 16% year-over-year increase. The surge is largely attributed to the popularity of Mazda’s compact crossovers and mid-size SUVs, with an ambitious target of 450,000 vehicles set for 2025.

“We’re growing our business in what has largely been a stable industry,” said Tom Donnelly, Mazda’s president of North American operations. This growth is underpinned by consistent demand for models like the CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50, which dominate the company’s lineup and resonate strongly with U.S. consumers.

Cautious Steps Toward Electrification

Despite its sales success, Mazda has been measured in its approach to electrification. Currently, the company offers three hybrid models: the Toyota-assisted CX-50 Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs. While these hybrids have garnered mixed reviews, Mazda’s fully electric ambitions remain modest.

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BYD Reports Record Sales in 2024 Amid Global Trade Tensions

BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced an impressive surge in vehicle sales for 2024, reflecting its growing dominance in both domestic and international markets. The company reported a remarkable 41.3% year-on-year increase, selling 4,272,145 vehicles compared to 3,024,417 units in 2023.

December proved particularly strong for BYD’s overseas sales, with 57,154 vehicles sold outside of China, a 58.3% increase from the same month in 2023. These figures underline BYD’s expanding global footprint despite intensifying trade disputes between China and Western nations.

Global Expansion and Challenges

As the largest EV manufacturer in China—also the world’s biggest automotive market—BYD has made significant strides in penetrating international markets. Its achievements come on the back of robust domestic growth initially supported by generous subsidies from the Chinese government.

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Volkswagen Malaysia Adjusts Touareg R-Line Pricing to Boost Appeal

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced revised pricing for its flagship SUV, the Touareg R-Line, aiming to make the luxury model more attractive to Malaysian customers. The locally assembled Touareg R-Line is now priced at RM382,690, excluding the Volkswagen Assurance Package (previously priced at RM469,990, inclusive of VAP), reflecting the brand’s commitment to passing operational savings onto consumers amid favourable market conditions.

Performance and Features

The Touareg R-Line is celebrated for its cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, and commanding design. Under the hood, the SUV boasts a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that delivers an impressive 340PS and 450Nm of torque, ensuring a dynamic and robust performance for discerning drivers.

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Four Puspakom Staff Under Investigation Following Ops Gempur Surprise Checks

Four employees from the Puspakom Wangsa Maju branch have been questioned by the Road Transport Department (RTD) over allegations that a vehicle was approved despite failing to meet inspection standards. This comes after RTD conducted surprise checks as part of its nationwide Ops Gempur initiative on December 31.

Puspakom Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman clarified the situation at a press conference held at the Shah Alam Puspakom branch. Initially, only two staff members were summoned to provide statements, but RTD later extended the investigation to two more employees from the same branch.

Clarification on Media Reports

Mahmood addressed media reports that incorrectly stated three staff members had been summoned. He explained that a photograph published in the media depicted Puspakom’s central region director accompanying staff during the RTD checks, but the director was not involved in the questioning.

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JPJ Cracks Down on Traffic Offences Nationwide in New Year’s Eve Operations

In a sweeping nationwide effort to enhance road safety, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) inspected over 12,000 vehicles across several states on New Year’s Eve, resulting in significant enforcement actions. The operation, spanning Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor, Pahang, Perak, Penang, and Terengganu, targeted traffic law compliance, especially among motorcyclists, and involved collaborative efforts with agencies like the Immigration Department and National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).

Kuala Lumpur: 731 Vehicles Penalized, 117 Impounded

In the federal capital, authorities inspected 5,094 vehicles, issuing penalties to 731 for various offences. Among these, 117 vehicles—including 101 motorcycles—were impounded. According to JPJ Kuala Lumpur director Hamidi Adam, the operation, starting at 8 pm, prioritized safety and legal compliance.

Authorities detained 30 foreign drivers from Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka during the inspections. Meanwhile, the AADK conducted urine tests on 26 individuals, with three testing positive for methamphetamine or opiate drugs. A separate traffic operation targeting reckless motorcyclists resulted in 38 motorcycles being seized and 92 summonses issued for violations such as driving without a license and improper vehicle modifications.

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Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out Enhanced Drive Pilot System for SAE Level 3 Autonomous Driving

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a significant milestone in autonomous driving with the latest update to its Drive Pilot system, now certified by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority. This upgrade positions Drive Pilot as the fastest conditionally automated driving system (SAE Level 3) available in standard production vehicles. The feature is set to hit the market in early 2025, offered on the S-Class and EQS luxury saloons at a starting price of €5,950 (around RM27,620).

Existing vehicles equipped with Drive Pilot can receive the software update for free, either over-the-air or at authorized service centres, with no need for hardware modifications.

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Volkswagen Avoids Immediate Layoffs Amid Historic Union Deal

In the culmination of Volkswagen’s longest-ever union negotiations, the German automaker reached a critical agreement to delay plant closures and sweeping layoffs, while workers stepped back from further strikes. The resolution, finalized after a gruelling 70 hours of discussions, ensures all 10 of Volkswagen’s German plants will remain operational, with involuntary layoffs postponed until 2030.

The agreement marks a temporary win for the automaker’s 120,000 German workers. However, it does not fully resolve Volkswagen’s broader struggles in the European market. The company has committed to a restructuring plan that includes shedding over 35,000 positions, primarily through early retirement packages and buyouts, as production scales down by approximately 734,000 vehicles.

Key Concessions on Both Sides

Volkswagen withdrew its initial proposal of a 10% wage cut, while the union compromised on its demand for a 7% pay increase. These negotiations followed months of unrest, including a major strike earlier this month involving 100,000 metalworkers, with another strike planned for January.

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Tesla Announces Free Lifetime Supercharging for Cybertruck Foundation Series Orders

Tesla has unveiled a tempting perk for latecomers to its Cybertruck Foundation Series: free lifetime Supercharging for all orders placed on or after December 27, 2024. This exclusive benefit adds to the allure of owning one of Tesla’s highly anticipated electric trucks, which debuted earlier this year.

The Foundation Series, akin to a collector’s edition, includes the first Cybertrucks to roll off the assembly line, starting in October 2024. Early adopters who shelled out an extra $20,000 (around RM89,641) for the privilege received not only priority delivery but also access to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite, a Powershare mobile connector, and various customisation options.

Terms and Conditions of Lifetime Supercharging

While free lifetime Supercharging is an attractive feature, it comes with limitations. The benefit is linked exclusively to the original owner’s Tesla account and cannot be transferred to subsequent owners or other Tesla vehicles. This means that if you decide to sell your Cybertruck, the new owner won’t inherit the lifetime Supercharging perk, and you won’t be able to transfer it to any future Tesla purchase.

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Beijing Greenlights Autonomous Driving, Paves Way for Driverless Taxis and Buses

China’s capital, Beijing, has passed new regulations to bolster autonomous driving technology, positioning the city as a leader in intelligent transportation. The regulations, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, aim to facilitate the adoption of driverless public buses, taxis, and private autonomous vehicles.

According to the Beijing Daily, autonomous vehicles that successfully pass road testing and safety evaluations will be eligible for road trials. The move reflects Beijing’s broader ambition to integrate autonomous technology into urban transit systems, including private cars, urban buses, trams, and taxis. To support this, the city plans to accelerate the construction of intelligent road infrastructure tailored to autonomous vehicles.

Expanding Autonomous Vehicle Trials Across China

Beijing’s announcement comes amid a nationwide push to promote self-driving technology. Wuhan, another major Chinese city, recently approved its own regulations to support the development of intelligent connected vehicles. Across China, at least 19 cities are actively conducting trials for robotaxis and robobuses, signalling rapid progress in this sector.

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English

Volvo Car Malaysia Opens Bookings for Locally Assembled EX30 Electric SUV

Mazda Breaks U.S. Sales Record While Taking a Cautious Approach to Electrification

BYD Reports Record Sales in 2024 Amid Global Trade Tensions

Volkswagen Malaysia Adjusts Touareg R-Line Pricing to Boost Appeal

Four Puspakom Staff Under Investigation Following Ops Gempur Surprise Checks

JPJ Cracks Down on Traffic Offences Nationwide in New Year’s Eve Operations

Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out Enhanced Drive Pilot System for SAE Level 3 Autonomous Driving

Volkswagen Avoids Immediate Layoffs Amid Historic Union Deal

Tesla Announces Free Lifetime Supercharging for Cybertruck Foundation Series Orders

Beijing Greenlights Autonomous Driving, Paves Way for Driverless Taxis and Buses

Volvo Car Malaysia Opens Bookings for Locally Assembled EX30 Electric SUV

Mazda Breaks U.S. Sales Record While Taking a Cautious Approach to Electrification

BYD Reports Record Sales in 2024 Amid Global Trade Tensions

Volkswagen Malaysia Adjusts Touareg R-Line Pricing to Boost Appeal

Four Puspakom Staff Under Investigation Following Ops Gempur Surprise Checks

JPJ Cracks Down on Traffic Offences Nationwide in New Year’s Eve Operations

Mercedes-Benz Rolls Out Enhanced Drive Pilot System for SAE Level 3 Autonomous Driving

Volkswagen Avoids Immediate Layoffs Amid Historic Union Deal

Tesla Announces Free Lifetime Supercharging for Cybertruck Foundation Series Orders

Beijing Greenlights Autonomous Driving, Paves Way for Driverless Taxis and Buses

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