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Porsche has announced a reassessment of its ambitious target for electric vehicle (EV) sales, acknowledging that the transition to EVs is progressing more slowly than anticipated. The German automaker had previously set a goal for 80% of its sales to be all-electric by 2030, but it has now adjusted this target to be more contingent on customer demand and advancements in the electromobility sector.

Key Points from Porsche’s Announcement:

  • Revised EV Target:
    • Originally, Porsche aimed for 80% of its sales to be fully electric by 2030.
    • The updated strategy now states that achieving this goal is dependent on customer demand and the overall development of the electromobility market.

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Naza Italia has introduced the MY24 Maserati Grecale in Malaysia, offering both GT hybrid and Trofeo versions of the brand’s highly anticipated SUV. Dubbed “The Everyday Exceptional,” the Grecale balances versatility, elegance, performance, and innovation, ensuring a blend of performance, comfort, and safety.

The Maserati Grecale, named after a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, was developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena and produced at the Cassino plant. Launched globally in 2022, the Grecale inaugurates a new SUV segment for Maserati, offering three engine variants: conventional internal combustion, hybrid, and full-electric.

The Grecale GT is powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine delivering 300hp, embodying urban sophistication suitable for dynamic individuals with a refined style. Meanwhile, the Grecale Trofeo is equipped with a high-performance 3.0L 530-hp petrol V6 based on the Nettuno engine from the MC20, designed for those seeking disruptive performance.

The Grecale showcases Maserati’s new visual identity, first seen with the MC20. Its exterior features a low, imposing grille, fluid body lines, boomerang taillights inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT, and 20” alloy wheels with body-colour bumpers and side skirts. Inside, the Grecale boasts spaciousness, comfort, and “best-in-class” features such as interior space, driveability, handling, acceleration, sound quality, and fine materials like wood, carbon fibre, and leather. Dimensions for the GT version include a length of 4,846mm, a wheelbase of 2,901mm, and a height of 1,670mm, just slightly bigger than the BMW X4.

The cabin of the Grecale features a sophisticated environment inspired by interior design rather than the automotive sector. A digital transformation of the traditional clockface acts as an in-car concierge via voice control, while touch-based controls are managed by a 12.3” central screen, an 8.8” display for extra controls, and an optional heads-up display in the Trofeo version. The Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) manages the infotainment system, complemented by an immersive Sonus Faber 3D sound system offering up to 21 speakers.

The new Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system provides 360° control over the car, enhancing handling and driving experience. The VDCM system supports various drive modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Off-Road, allowing drivers to shift from utmost comfort to extreme responsiveness.

The Grecale GT is priced from RM634,889.00, inclusive of local duties and taxes, excluding customizations, road tax, and insurance. The Grecale Trofeo is priced from RM1,100,000, inclusive of local duties and taxes, excluding customizations, road tax, and insurance. Both models come with a 3-year full Maserati warranty with no mileage restrictions, with an option to extend the warranty for up to 10 years.

The MY24 Maserati Grecale represents a bold statement for those who live audaciously and choose to stand out, offering an exceptional driving experience every day.

Trofeo

GT

The Federal Court has dismissed an application by former Grab driver, Loh Guet Ching, seeking leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal decision that upheld the Human Resources Minister’s refusal to refer her alleged unfair dismissal case to the Industrial Court.

Panel and Decision

The three-member panel, comprising Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Justice Nallini Pathmanathan, and Justice Rhodzariah Bujang, found that the questions of law presented did not meet the requirements under Section 96 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964. The decision was delivered in online proceedings, with no order as to costs.

Questions of Law

Loh’s lawyer, Ng Kian Nam, sought the court’s determination on six legal questions concerning whether e-hailing drivers and gig economy workers should pursue unfair dismissal disputes in the industrial or civil courts. However, the Senior Federal Counsel, Nik Noor Nik Kar, and lawyer T Thavalingam, representing MyTeksi Sdn Bhd (operating under Grab), contended that the questions were not novel and thus did not justify the appeal.

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Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has officially launched its jet operations at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang (SZB). Ticket sales for Penang and Kota Kinabalu routes begin on July 22, 2024.

Promotional Fares and Travel Dates

To celebrate the launch, Firefly is offering promotional fares:

  • Subang to Penang (PEN): RM129 one-way
  • Subang to Kota Kinabalu (BKI): RM249 one-way

These promotional fares are available for travel between August 29, 2024, and August 6, 2025. The all-inclusive fares come with:

  • 10kg of check-in baggage
  • 7kg of carry-on baggage
  • Free onboard refreshments

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Xpeng Inc will deepen its cooperation with Volkswagen AG, with both companies pledging to develop a new electrical and electronic solution for all battery-powered cars made in China under the VW brand.

New Technical Collaboration Agreement

The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker announced on Monday that it has entered into a technical collaboration agreement with Volkswagen to develop solutions for locally made vehicles. These solutions will be based on VW’s China Main platform and Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform.

Joint Project Houses

To facilitate this collaboration, Xpeng and Volkswagen have established project houses in Guangzhou and Hefei. These locations are where Xpeng and VW’s technology hub in China are respectively based, enabling engineers from both automakers to work closely together. The first car equipped with the jointly developed architecture is expected to start production within approximately 24 months.

XPeng autonomous drive record in China 2021

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smart Malaysia proudly announces the launch of smartCO, a groundbreaking community privileges programme designed exclusively for smart EV owners. This initiative stands as one of the industry’s pioneering efforts to cultivate a robust community where business opportunities flourish, all seamlessly integrated via the cutting-edge Hello smart App.

smartCO is more than just a programme; it embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration, inviting all smart EV owners to co-create a dynamic community that thrives on mutual benefits. Whether you’re a restaurateur, photographer, legal consultant, or freelance writer, smartCO welcomes businesses of all kinds to join this movement.

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Xiaomi Corporation, widely known for its smartphones and home appliances, made a surprising move into the electric vehicle (EV) market this year. This strategic pivot was largely triggered by sanctions imposed on the company by the Trump administration in early 2021. During an annual event in Beijing, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun revealed that these sanctions were the catalyst for the company’s decision to diversify into the automotive industry.

The Sanctions and the Immediate Response

In the final days of the Trump administration, Xiaomi was placed on a U.S. sanction list, a decision that shocked the company. Lei recounted receiving a phone call from a friend about the sanctions, describing the news as “a bolt from the blue.” This unexpected development led to an emergency board meeting where the company quickly decided to embark on the complex journey of developing an electric car.

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BMW’s X3 M, a high-performance variant of the third-generation X3 introduced in 2019, may soon become a part of automotive history. According to a new report from BMWBlog, the German automaker has allegedly decided against developing an M version for the upcoming fourth-generation X3, known as the G45-generation 2025 X3. This decision surfaces amidst earlier reports suggesting that BMW also plans to discontinue the X4, the coupe-style sibling of the X3.

High-Performance Alternatives

While the absence of a new X3 M might disappoint some enthusiasts, BMW continues to cater to those seeking a high-performance compact crossover with the X3 M50. This model is equipped with the B58 straight-six engine, generating 393hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and features sport suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, and an M Sport differential, ensuring a dynamic driving experience.

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Bentley’s renowned Flying Spur sedan, celebrated as the ultimate four-door Grand Tourer, is set for a remarkable transformation with the introduction of the new 782PS Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. This powertrain, which debuted in Bentley’s latest Continental GT Speed, will redefine the Flying Spur, making it the most powerful, dynamic, and efficient four-door vehicle in Bentley’s illustrious 105-year history. The new model will replace the current Flying Spur, which was launched in 2019.

2022 Bentley Flying Spur Speed
2022 Bentley Flying Spur Speed

Unprecedented Power and Efficiency

The new Flying Spur will be equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a powerful, compact electric motor, delivering a combined output of 782PS and 1000Nm of torque. This Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain is a testament to Bentley’s commitment to blending accessible supercar performance with luxurious, silent electric motoring. The Flying Spur will offer a minimum of 72km of electric-only range, CO2 emissions below 40 g/km, and an overall range exceeding 804km, making it a modern grand tourer par excellence.

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Proton has announced that the newly-launched 2024  Proton X50 has received an overwhelming response, amassing a total of 8,000 bookings within just one month  since its debut in June. This positive demand has far exceeded our expectations, setting a new benchmark for its  segment. Since its original debut in 2020, the Proton X50 has been Malaysia’s best-selling SUV, with 115,262 units  sold up to June. 

Ramp up production to meet overwhelming demand 

The enthusiastic reception of the 2024 Proton X50 underscores its prominent position in the SUV market. In  response to this overwhelming demand, Proton is ramping up production to expedite delivery timeline for eager  customers by August 2024. All customers who are entitled for early bird promotion of RM7,000 cash discount and  RM1,000/ RM1,500 trade-in support will receive it accordingly.  

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