English Archives

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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Geely’s New LFP Battery has a Service Life of a Million Kilometres

Geely has unveiled its new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell, boasting an impressive energy density of 192 Wh/kg, a 50-year service life, rapid charging capabilities, and minimal capacity loss in cold weather. This new battery technology aims to address various concerns about electric vehicles (EVs) beyond their initial cost.

Key Features of Geely’s New LFP Battery:

Energy Density and Longevity:
- Energy Density: 192 Wh/kg.
- Service Life: 50 years with 3,500 charge cycles, equating to about a million kilometres.
Rapid Charging:
- Charging Speed: Charges to 80% capacity in under 20 minutes, specifically achieving 10% to 80% charge in just 17 minutes.
- Technological Enhancements: Utilises carbon nanotubes and an enhanced cover film to accelerate lithium ion movement, contributing to faster charging times.
Cold Weather Performance:
- Minimal Range Loss: Experiences only a 10% range loss in extremely cold conditions, comparable to CATL’s fast-charging LFP cell introduced last year.
Durability and Safety:
- Rigorous Testing: Subjected to harsh conditions including exposure to open flames, puncturing, rolling over, submersion in corrosive seawater, and operation in freezing environments.
- Technological Innovations: Features a thermally resistant separator and self-healing electrode technology that passed all durability tests, ensuring robust performance and safety.

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Drive Home A Mercedes-Benz With Goodyear’s “Win A Car” Campaign

Goodyear Malaysia has announced the launch of its “Win A Car” Campaign, running from today until 31 October 2024. This exclusive campaign offers customers the chance to drive home a Mercedes-Benz and win iPhone 15 prizes every two weeks by purchasing two or more 17” and above tyres.

Campaign Highlights:

Grand Prize: A Mercedes-Benz for one lucky winner.
Bi-Weekly Prizes: iPhone 15 for winners every two weeks.

Goodyear’s collaboration with Mercedes-Benz aims to provide customers with the joy of driving luxury cars fitted with premium tyres. This reflects the shared commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction of both brands.

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Proton Strengthens Hold on Second Place with 10,999 Units Sold in June

Proton sold a total of 10,999 units (domestic and export) in June 2024, maintaining its stronghold in the automotive sales table at second place. Despite a planned one-week plant shutdown for scheduled operations improvement, Proton achieved a market share of 19.1% for both June and the year-to-date (YTD). This brings the total sales for the first half of 2024 to 73,696 units.

The Total Industry Volume (TIV) for June is forecasted to be softer than any month this year, with an estimated 57,700 units sold, lower than the previous low in April, which was affected by the long festive holiday. However, the cumulative forecast TIV figure for the first six months of 2024 is approximately 386,600 units, nearly 20,000 units more than the same period in 2023 when it reached a new record high.

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Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Shatters Four World Records in High-Speed Run

Koenigsegg has once again etched its name into the history books, setting four world records in a single high-speed run with the Jesko Absolut hypercar at an airfield in Orebro, Sweden. Koenigsegg reclaimed the 0–400–0km/h crown from itself, this time using a new model.

Koenigsegg test driver Markus Lundh was the chosen pilot for this record-breaking attempt. Lundh clocked an impressive 0–400–0 km/h time of 27.83 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 28.81 seconds set by the Koenigsegg Regera in 2023. But one world record was not enough for Lundh. He continued to push the limits, reaching a top speed of 412km/h and setting three additional records in the process.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre V-8 engine running on E85 fuel, the Jesko Absolut boasts an astonishing 1600hp. Lundh reached 400km/h in 18.82 seconds, hit 402km/h in 19.20 seconds, and achieved a 0–402–0km/h time of 28.27 seconds. Remarkably, the Jesko Absolut’s top speed of 412km/h indicates even greater potential.

The record-breaking run took place around five in the morning to take advantage of calm winds and low temperatures. Aside from a roll cage for safety and a seat borrowed from a Koenigsegg One:1, the Jesko Absolut was in standard condition, running on E85 fuel and equipped with standard Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres.

This extraordinary feat reaffirms Koenigsegg’s status as a leader in high-performance automotive engineering and sets a new benchmark in the world of hypercars.

PRO-NET Takes Charge of e.MAS EV Launch

PRO-NET, a subsidiary of national carmaker Proton, has taken control over managing e.MAS, the newest addition to its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio, following the official launch of the e.MAS brand on June 12, 2024.

PRO-NET is now responsible for establishing the e.MAS brand, enhancing its market presence and preparing for upcoming product launches. Their tasks include recruiting a dedicated team, setting up a robust dealer network, and fostering partnerships with charging providers to ensure a seamless EV ecosystem.

With a successful track record from launching the smart #1, currently a top contender in the Premium SUV segment, and the impending introduction of the smart #3, PRO-NET is well-equipped to champion the e.MAS brand. The team leverages its established networks, digital platforms, and expert personnel to ensure that e.MAS not only matches but surpasses the success seen with the smart models in the EV landscape.

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PM Addresses RON95 Petrol Subsidy Plans

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that the government has not yet finalised a decision regarding the implementation of targeted RON95 petrol subsidies, noting that no policy paper has been prepared on the matter.

According to FMT, during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar highlighted that while studies have been conducted, the government prefers to first evaluate the outcomes of subsidy rationalisation for electricity, chicken, and diesel implemented over the past year.

“Let’s see the impact and gauge the public reaction. After that, we’ll be ready to discuss what needs to be done,” Anwar stated in response to a supplementary question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) on potential targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol.

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Art of Speed Malaysia 2024: Stop The Violence

Malaysia’s biggest annual Kustom & Counter Culture event returns to the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS) – a 452,084 sqft indoor venue, 8.6-acre outdoor venue – with every event hall locked in and plenty of fun-filled activities and exhibitions for fans and visitors over the weekend. MAEPS will host Art of Speed 2024 (AOS 2024) on 27 July 2024 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm) and 28 July 2024 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm).

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Singapore Tightens Emissions Standards for Foreign Diesel Vehicles and Motorcycles

Starting April 1, 2026, foreign-registered commercial diesel vehicles with smoke emissions of 50 Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU) or more will be turned back at land checkpoints and denied entry into Singapore. The National Environment Agency (NEA) announced that this new threshold aligns with the emissions standards under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit.

In preparation for this change, from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, the NEA will issue advisories to foreign commercial diesel vehicles entering Singapore, reminding them of the new emission threshold and implementation date.

Currently, if the smoke emissions of a local or foreign commercial diesel vehicle exceed 40 HSU, the motorist is issued a compound fine. Foreign commercial diesel vehicles emitting 60 HSU or more are already turned back at land checkpoints. The new regulation lowers the turnback threshold to 50 HSU, aiming to reduce air pollution from high-emission vehicles.

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Maserati Celebrates Tignanello’s 50th Anniversary with Customised GranCabrio Folgore

To mark the 50th anniversary of Tignanello, one of the most iconic red wines, Maserati has unveiled a customised Fuoriserie version of its latest electric creation, the GranCabrio Folgore. This bespoke car, crafted exclusively for Marchesi Antinori, will be auctioned on July 14 in California at Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala, one of the leading arts charity events in the United States.

A Collaboration of Italian Excellence

In celebration of its 110th anniversary, Maserati has partnered with Marchesi Antinori, a family with a 600-year history in winemaking, passed down through 26 generations. This collaboration symbolises the shared values of tradition, innovation, and excellence that define both brands. Marchesi Antinori and its Tignanello wine represent the passion and pioneering spirit that has always characterised Maserati.

Design Inspired by Vineyards

The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello draws inspiration from the vineyard, a symbol of roots and heritage. The car’s body features a custom Terra di Tignanello paint, a rich chestnut colour with a metallic tint inspired by the vineyard’s soil and the hues of Tignanello’s barrels. The rims and calipers are in matte and gloss black, respectively, with copper-coloured emblems, and the Maserati logo in glossy copper.

Inside, the car showcases leather seats adorned with a silver and burgundy ribbed weave made of Vegea, a fabric derived from vineyards that resembles leather. This innovative material is used for the first time in a Maserati. Dark briar wood with laser engravings recalls the oak barrels used in winemaking, while the headrests feature embroidered Maserati Tridents combined with the Tignanello sun emblem. The central tunnel is also laser-engraved with the dates 1971-2021, marking Tignanello’s 50-year legacy.

GranCabrio Folgore: A Benchmark in Electric Luxury

The GranCabrio Folgore is Maserati’s first 100% electric convertible, boasting cutting-edge performance and comfort. Equipped with an 800V battery system, developed with Formula E technology, the GranCabrio Folgore offers outstanding performance. Its three electric motors produce a combined 818hp and 1,350Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds. The 92.5 kWh battery provides an EPA-estimated range of 375km between charges.

Comfort and Innovation

The GranCabrio Folgore offers four true seats, made possible by its soft top. It features innovative systems such as a neck warmer for comfortable open-top driving in cooler weather and a wind stopper to reduce turbulence inside the passenger compartment.

Tignanello: A Legacy of Innovation

Tignanello was the first Sangiovese wine aged in barriques and the first contemporary red blended with non-traditional grape varieties, specifically Cabernet. It is crafted from a meticulous selection of Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes from the Tenuta Tignanello vineyard in Chianti Classico, covering 57 hectares (141 acres).