English Archives

Hot Wheels and Ferrari Reunite After a Decade

After a ten-year hiatus, Hot Wheels is set to bring Ferrari die-cast models back to its lineup, reigniting a partnership that fans have long awaited. Revealed at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, Mattel announced a diverse range of Ferrari toys, including basic 1/64-scale models priced at just $1 (RM4.60), exclusive Mattel Creations editions, and remote-controlled cars. The collection will highlight Ferrari’s iconic road cars and racing machines, featuring both classic and modern designs. The first wave of models is expected to launch this March, with more to follow.

A Look Back: From Allies to Rivals

Throughout the 2000s, Hot Wheels and Ferrari collaborated on a series of premium models, including Michael Schumacher’s championship-winning F1 cars and timeless classics like the 365 GTS/4 Daytona. However, the partnership ended in 2014 when Ferrari signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Maisto and Bburago. This shift limited Ferrari die-casts to these brands, which were less accessible in North American markets.

The last Hot Wheels Ferrari was the LaFerrari, released in 2014. Since then, collectors have been eagerly awaiting the return of officially licensed Ferrari models to the Hot Wheels lineup—and that moment has finally arrived.

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Honda Hints at Ultra-High-Performance Models with HRC Racing Technologies

While SUVs dominate global sales, Honda continues to uphold its legacy as a builder of accessible, enthusiast-driven cars. Models like the Honda Civic Si, Civic Type R, and their Acura counterparts, the Integra and Integra Type S, exemplify this commitment with their perfect blend of street prowess and track-ready performance. But Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) President Koji Watanabe has suggested the possibility of taking things even further—a tier above the already impressive Type R and Type S trims.

Higher-Performance Models in the Works?

In an interview, Watanabe hinted that Honda is considering the development of ultra-high-performance models using genuine HRC racing technologies. “Today I cannot tell the exact plan yet, but yes, we should create such kind of performance model together with HRC racing technologies,” said Watanabe. He also confirmed that Honda’s American division (HRC US) has already begun work on developing performance parts.

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Alfa Romeo Rethinks EV-Only Strategy, Adopts Multi-Energy Plan

The automotive industry has been grappling with ambitious EV goals, and Alfa Romeo is the latest brand to revise its plans. Originally set to transition to an all-electric lineup in North America by 2027, the Italian marque, part of the Stellantis group, has now opted for a “multi-energy” strategy, which includes petrol, electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

A Pragmatic Shift for Dealers

According to reports, Chris Feuell, head of Alfa Romeo North America, acknowledged that requiring dealers to sell only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) within a few years would be overly restrictive. “We’ve got 110 dealers in our US network, and it would be very challenging for them to survive with a BEV-only portfolio,” Feuell explained.

The decision comes amidst challenging circumstances for the brand in the US, with sales declining 19% last year to just 8,865 units. This shift reflects a more flexible approach to ensure the sustainability of its dealer network and cater to a broader range of consumer preferences.

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Chinese New Year Celebration With BHPetrol

In celebration of Chinese New Year, BHPetrol hosted a festive gathering today at the newly launched BHPetrol PLUS Nilai Layby Southbound station at R&R Nilai (Southbound), Negeri Sembilan. The station, which began operations in March 2024, provides motorists travelling along the PLUS Highway with high-quality fuel options, including BHPetrol Infiniti Petrol 95, 97, Diesel B10, and Diesel 7. Strategically located, the station also features amenities such as a BHPetromart convenience store, prayer facilities, Zus Coffee, and spacious, well-maintained restrooms to enhance customer comfort.

A Festive Celebration

The event was officiated by BHPetrol’s Chief Executive Officer, Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, and attended by notable figures such as:

YBhg Datuk Jazmine Bin Shafawi, Deputy Director General (Planning & Operations) of the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Puan Vanitha A/P Mohan, Director of the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Encik Mohd Fauzi Bin Puniran, Chief Commercial Officer of PLUS.
Encik Adnan Mohdhar Aidid Bin Md Aizat Teh, Head of Commercial Development at PLUS.

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Nissan Faces Tough Decisions: U.S. Factory Job Cuts Loom Amid Global Restructuring

Nissan is reportedly preparing to significantly reduce its U.S. workforce as part of a global cost-cutting initiative, signalling a shift toward leaner operations. According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun Online, nearly 2,000 factory jobs at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee, and Canton, Mississippi, plants may be eliminated by the end of the year. These adjustments align with Nissan’s November 2024 announcement to cut 9,000 jobs worldwide and reduce global production capacity by 20%.

Factory Production Cuts in the U.S.

The U.S. factories in question currently have a combined production capacity of approximately one million units annually. The planned reductions could decrease capacity by 25%, potentially reducing the number of active production lines from four to two.

Smyrna, Tennessee: Produces models like the Murano, Pathfinder, Rogue, and Infiniti QX60. Changes could begin after April.
Canton, Mississippi: Produces the Altima and Frontier, with adjustments expected after the fall.

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Audi Unveils Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept: A Revolutionary Electric Off-Roader

Audi has introduced the Q6 e-tron offroad concept, a groundbreaking prototype designed to push the boundaries of electric off-road vehicles. Featuring twin electric motors delivering a combined output of 509hp, the concept boasts remarkable capabilities, including the ability to conquer gradients of up to 100% thanks to newly developed portal axles.

The Q6 e-tron offroad concept stands out with its bold design. An increased ride height of 160 mm and a wider track of 250 mm give it a striking and commanding presence.

Advanced Portal Axle Design

Traditional portal axles typically boost torque at the wheels by 20–30%, but Audi’s innovative design achieves a 50% increase, resulting in combined torque at all wheels peaking at 13,400Nm for short bursts. This innovation enhances climbing power while maintaining a top speed of 175km/h, ideal for off-road performance.

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Honda Has Not Given Up On Developing An Electric Type R

Honda has been exploring the concept of an electric Type R since 2020, but the wait for a high-performance EV bearing the iconic red badge is far from over. Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda’s Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Development Center, recently revealed the significant challenges in creating an electric car that matches the visceral thrill of the brand’s petrol-powered Type R models.

Speaking on the complexities, Akiwa explained, “A battery and motor have different characteristics, so we can’t come up with something exactly the same as before. As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? We haven’t given up, of course, but it’s not just about power. It’s about the sound, vibration, acceleration, and the human experience. These are the joys of driving.”

This admission highlights the difficulty of replicating the unique sensory experiences that define Honda’s Type R legacy in an electric vehicle. Despite these hurdles, Honda remains committed to launching an electric sports car by the end of the decade.

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RTD to Enforce Blacklist for Outstanding Summonses Starting July

Vehicle owners with unpaid fines for three specific categories of Road Transport Department (RTD) summonses will face blacklisting and restrictions on conducting RTD transactions starting July, according to RTD director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

The affected summons categories include the Automated Awareness Safety System (AwAS) summons (53A), Notice 114 (investigation interview notice), and Notice 115 (affixed summons notice).

According to NST, Aedy Fadly announced that stricter enforcement would commence following the conclusion of a special compound offer of RM150 for these offences, which ends on June 30.

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Mitsubishi Motors Weighing Decision to Opt Out of Nissan-Honda Merger Talks

Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan Motor, is reportedly considering staying out of the planned merger between Nissan and Honda Motor, according to sources cited by Reuters.

While Mitsubishi Motors plans to maintain its cooperative relationship with both automakers, the company aims to remain listed as an independent entity, three insiders revealed under the condition of anonymity.

The potential decision has impacted Mitsubishi Motors’ shares, which fell 3.9% by midday after an initial slump of over 6% during early trading on Friday. Shares of Nissan dropped by 0.7%, while Honda’s shares slipped 0.1%.

The merger between Nissan and Honda, announced last year, is projected to create the world’s third-largest auto group, boasting an annual output of 7.4 million vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan holds a 24% stake, anticipated deciding by this month whether to join the tie-up.

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JPJ Cannot Revoke Licences of Disabled Drivers Arbitrarily

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) does not have the authority to arbitrarily revoke the driving licences of individuals certified as disabled, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

According to The Star, Loke emphasised that the majority of disabled individuals are fully capable of driving or riding their vehicles safely. Addressing the media on Thursday (Jan 23), he stated, “If there is a specific or isolated case involving disabled drivers, we will review whether their licences should be revoked, but I must stress that this is not our policy.”

He further explained, “We cannot generalise all disabled individuals because many of them are safe drivers and are heavily dependent on their driving licences. For instance, we have many e-hailing drivers among disabled persons, including those who are deaf or mute.”

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English

Hot Wheels and Ferrari Reunite After a Decade

Honda Hints at Ultra-High-Performance Models with HRC Racing Technologies

Alfa Romeo Rethinks EV-Only Strategy, Adopts Multi-Energy Plan

Chinese New Year Celebration With BHPetrol

Nissan Faces Tough Decisions: U.S. Factory Job Cuts Loom Amid Global Restructuring

Audi Unveils Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept: A Revolutionary Electric Off-Roader

Honda Has Not Given Up On Developing An Electric Type R

RTD to Enforce Blacklist for Outstanding Summonses Starting July

Mitsubishi Motors Weighing Decision to Opt Out of Nissan-Honda Merger Talks

JPJ Cannot Revoke Licences of Disabled Drivers Arbitrarily

Audi Q7 Returns to Malaysia in Locally Assembled Form with Premium Appeal and Competitive Pricing

Porsche Malaysia Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Launch of New 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 GTS

New Volvo EX90 and Update XC90 SUVs Launched in Malaysia – Prices Start at RM418,888

Bermaz Unveils Striking Mazda3 Concept Prototype

Stellantis Faces Crisis as Tariffs Hit Alfa Romeo and Maserati Hard

Proton Records Strong Q1 Growth with EV and ICE Sales Boosting Market Share

Berjaya Assets and Jetour Malaysia Forge Strategic CKD Partnership

Jetour Enters Malaysian Market with Launch of All-New Dashing SUV – Pricing Starts From RM109,800!

Exclusive Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition Launched in Malaysia – RM315k

Ferrari Set to Revive Gated Manual Transmission After Over a Decade

Archive

Honda CR-V Secures Top Spot as Malaysia’s No.1 Mid-Size SUV in 2024

Hyundai Unveils Ioniq 5 N DK Edition: A Drifting Icon in the Making

Review: BYD Seal Performance – A Testament in Performance

Denza D9 Luxury MPV Makes Grand Entry into Malaysia – Prices Starting From RM259,000

Govt Mulls AI-Based System to Combat Fatal Potholes

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