Gentari’s Deputy CEO and Chief Green Mobility Officer, Shah Yang Razalli, has highlighted that Malaysia’s fuel subsidy policy goes against its efforts to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs). This conflict is hindering the overall push towards greater EV usage in the country.
As reported by TheEdge Malaysia, Razalli stressed that a key aspect in driving EV adoption is achieving a balance in the total cost of ownership (TCO). In simpler words, the question is: Is it more cost-effective to buy and run an EV over its entire lifetime compared to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle? This topic was discussed during a session at the Energy Transition Conference held on August 28.
The obstacle to achieving cost parity between EVs and ICE vehicles is the presence of financial incentives. These incentives include direct subsidies for purchasing EVs and additional benefits such as free public charging, parking, or tolls. At the same time, any discouragement of fossil fuel usage is influenced by measures like fuel taxes or carbon taxes.
Just a few weeks have passed since BMW unveiled the 7 Series / i7 Protection, and now yet another armoured vehicle is stepping into the spotlight. The X5 Protection VR6, a familiar presence having been introduced four years ago, is receiving a Life Cycle Impulse update. BMW’s intention is to align the sturdier variant with the recently refreshed standard X5 model.
Drawing parallels with its predecessor, the X5 Protection VR6 remains rooted in the M Performance lineage. However, in synchronisation with the updated non-M X5, it undergoes a transition from the M50i designation to the M60i nomenclature. At the heart of this enhanced armoured vehicle lies the freshly developed S68 engine – a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 powerhouse generating a 530hp and 750Nm of torque.
The X5 M60i’s armoured equivalent is somewhat slower to accelerate to 100km/h than the X5 M60i’s civilian version, which does it in just 4.3 seconds. It can still complete the same sprint in a respectable 5.9 seconds, proving that it is still fairly capable. The ordinary model’s limiter is programmed to interfere at 250km/h, whereas the armoured variant’s top speed is electronically limited to 210km/h. The X5 Protection VR6 still exhibits notable performance traits that guarantee its functionality and agility despite the weight penalty.
Following the successful debut of the new Cayenne in early 2023, Porsche is culminating the extensively revamped third generation of this renowned SUV with an exciting addition: a fresh flagship model. In line with tradition, the most potent iteration of the Cayenne continues to be a plug-in hybrid. Porsche has undertaken substantial enhancements in the technology of this successor to the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, resulting in noteworthy improvements, particularly in electric range and performance.
Distinguishing itself, the Turbo E-Hybrid boasts a distinctive front fascia, characterised by its enlarged air intakes that exude a sporty and aggressive aesthetic. Porsche’s attention to detail extends to the wheel arches and the lower rear fascia, both of which are elegantly painted in the vehicle’s body colour. Further enhancing its dynamic appearance, the E-Hybrid model showcases vibrant red brake callipers that add a dash of flair. The visual enhancements are rounded off with the inclusion of two dual exhaust outlets, a design element that not only exudes sophistication but also contributes to the SUV’s overall sporty presence.
Taking a page out of the playbook of the all-electric Taycan sedan, the new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid introduces an impressive 12.7-inch gauge cluster. This includes a toggle-style gear selector that draws clear inspiration from its electric counterpart. Meanwhile, the heart of the cabin’s entertainment and navigation functions lies within a central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Notably, Porsche retains its digital display aesthetic, while wisely incorporating a physical volume knob—an element appreciated by many.
For the 2024 fiscal year, it is predicted that the implementation of the automotive agency model will result in lower orders and deliveries in the automotive and auto parts industries, as well as resurrected worries about the automotive supply chain.
With effect from July, Mercedes-Benz has a contract for this strategy with its Malaysian retail partners, Hap Seng Star and Cycle & Carriage. On the other hand, Volvo has also adopted this model and is currently offering electric automobiles for direct online purchase in Malaysia. There is no longer a need to go through a dealer.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), the authorised distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has officially introduced the all-new Toyota Corolla GR Sport and improved Toyota Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E into the Malaysian market.
Corolla GR Sport
In October 2019, the latest iteration of the Corolla was launched in Malaysia, presenting two variants: the Corolla 1.8G and Corolla 1.8E. Since then, the model has achieved remarkable global sales, surpassing 50 million units. Its enduring popularity within its segment is particularly evident among international manufacturers. The cars are brought into Malaysia as completely built-up units (CBUs) from Toyota’s regional manufacturing centre in Thailand.
The Corolla GR Sport, also known as the GR-S, becomes the third option in the GR Sport lineup. The current GR Sport models consist of the Vios GR Sport launched in December 2020, as well as the Corolla Cross GR Sport and Hilux GR Sport, both introduced in February 2023.
Improved Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E
The most recent updates to the Corolla encompass both aesthetic enhancements and the introduction or refinement of features.
The refreshed Corolla’s frontal aspect showcases a novel glossy black lower grille that contributes to an elevated sense of sophistication. This grille features polygonal dots that imbue the vehicle with an “active” expression, causing the visual texture and appearance to transform depending on the vantage point and lighting conditions.
Corolla IMP
Across various lighting functions such as headlamps, turn signals, daytime running lights (DRL), rear combination lamps, as well as front and rear fog lamps, the Corolla employs enduring and energy-efficient LEDs.
The Corolla 1.8G and 1.8E variants offer a selection of five body colours: Calestite Gray Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Platinum White Pearl MC, Attitude Black, and an entirely new exterior colour called Metal Stream ME.
In pursuit of enhanced environmental friendliness, Toyota has adopted the use of Toyota Super Olefin Polymer (TSOP) in various components such as the grille, hook cover, foglamp molding, and bumper. TSOP represents a recyclable thermoplastic resin characterized by its premium surface quality and robust rigidity.
Both versions of the vehicle showcase fresh designs for their lightweight alloy wheels. The Corolla 1.8G model is fitted with 17-inch wheels featuring a multi-axis spoke arrangement that effectively communicates a sense of quality and sporty appeal. On the other hand, the Corolla 1.8E variant’s 16-inch wheels boast a simple yet dynamic twin-spoke style, complemented by a monochrome finish.
The standard tire sizes are 225/45R17 for the Corolla 1.8G and 205/55R16 for the Corolla 1.8E. Additionally, the spare wheels provided are crafted from alloy rims and come equipped with tires of comparable size and type.
Rolls-Royce debuted the Droptail, a very rare new convertible, during this month’s Monterey Car Week. Only four of this special edition, V-12-powered two-door car are expected to be made, and each will be built with a different theme.
The first design, La Rose Noire, featured an exterior painted in a rich and enticing shade of black and an interior ornamented with an amazing 1063 pieces of wood trim placed in a geometric pattern. The second Droptail variation, called after the gemstone “amethyst,” is introduced in the most recent Rolls-Royce unveiling. This version features a purple exterior finish, big areas of open-pore wood inside the cabin, and even real amethyst stones embedded into the design.
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, had previewed plans for a big new Supercharger site in Santa Monica in 2021. A unique drive-in cinema showing movie clips was supposed to be located here, along with a diner decorated in the style of the 1950s.
Despite Musk’s initial declaration, there has not been any significant advancement on this front over the last two years. While many Superchargers have been built throughout the United States during this time, none have the intended 1950s atmosphere. However, recently, things have changed.
BMW unveiled the refreshed edition of BMW’s X5 Li during the Chengdu Motor Show, despite the model’s initial release as recent as March 2022. As anticipated, the extended-wheelbase X5 incorporates the updated front design and enhanced interior introduced in the latest version of the X5.
While maintaining its elongated body and some features tailored for the local market, the X5 Li has also undergone a mild electrification process. Both available powertrain choices now include mild hybrid technology as a standard feature.
With a length of 5,060mm, the BMW X5 Li boasts a wheelbase of 3,105mm, which is notably 130mm longer than the standard X5 model, aligning it with the X7 and XM flagship models. In terms of appearance, it showcases more distinct LED headlights, sleeker air intakes, and taillight graphics in an X-shaped pattern.
Kia introduced the brand-new Kia EV5 compact electric SUV at the Chengu Motor Show in China. As is common for Kia and Hyundai more thorough information about the company’s second zero-emission SUV won’t be made public until October, at the Electric Vehicle (EV) Day event the brand is hosting.
We currently have access to a formal image gallery as well as specific design details scattered throughout the press release. One such element is the addition of a mood lighting system with adjustable brightness levels in the new EV5. Users can choose from a stunning palette of 64 colours, including a group of 10 tones that Kia’s lighting experts have carefully selected.
The manufacturer claims that the mood lighting system, when activated, synchronises with the SUV’s various driving modes, modifies illumination in low-light conditions, and even alerts the driver if the car exceeds the permitted speed limit.
A teaser for Volvo’s first fully electric MPV, the EM90, has been released ahead of its official debut on November 12, 2023, in China.
There are currently few details available about the EM90, but Volvo claims it offers a mobile Scandinavian living room experience intended to maximize time spent in the car. The EM90 provides a space that perfectly fits into your lifestyle, according to the firm, emphasizing that it is more than just a mode of transportation.
