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The MAN hTGX hydrogen combustion truck has won the Truck Innovation Award 2025, a significant recognition for its contribution to zero-emission road freight transport. The award was accepted by Dr. Frederik Zohm, Executive Board member for Research & Development at MAN Truck & Bus, during the press event. MAN Truck & Bus became the first European truck manufacturer to produce a small series of trucks powered by hydrogen combustion.

Dr. Zohm expressed the company’s satisfaction with the recognition, highlighting that the MAN hTGX complements the company’s battery-electric vehicles by offering an alternative zero-emission solution for heavy-duty applications and special markets. The hydrogen truck’s classification as a zero-emission vehicle underscores its contribution to decarbonising road transport.

Highlights of the MAN hTGX:
  • Hydrogen Combustion Engine: Powered by a 16.8-litre H4576 six-cylinder in-line engine, it delivers diesel-like performance with almost zero emissions.
  • Range and Efficiency: The truck boasts a range of around 600 kilometres, enabled by a 56-kilo hydrogen tank with 700-bar pressure and a simplified exhaust gas aftertreatment system.
  • Production Plans: The small series, consisting of around 200 units, will be available for customers in Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, and selected non-European countries starting in 2025.

The MAN hTGX is designed for heavy-duty applications, including construction, tank transport, timber transport, and regions with insufficient charging infrastructure but available hydrogen supply. The truck will come in 6×2 and 6×4 axle configurations, allowing for a high payload and significant range. Its H45 hydrogen engine is based on the proven D38 diesel unit and will be produced at the Nuremberg engine and battery plant.

This award marks MAN Truck & Bus’s third win, with previous honors in 2024 for autonomous driving projects (ANITA and ATLAS-L4) and 2019 for the AFAS automated construction site protection vehicle.

Volkswagen has downgraded its 2024 financial outlook amid significant challenges, marking a difficult period for the automotive giant. Facing high production costs, slow progress in its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and rising competition in key markets like China, VW has warned of potential factory closures in Germany, a move that could lead to major job cuts.

Key Updates:
  • Revenue Forecasts: VW now expects 2024 revenues to be around €320 billion, down from earlier projections of a 5% increase over 2023’s €322.3 billion.
  • Vehicle Deliveries: The company anticipates delivering around nine million vehicles, scaling back from a previous goal of up to 3% growth over 2023’s 9.24 million vehicles.
  • Operating Return on Sales: VW reduced its projected operating return on sales to 5.6%, from a previously forecasted range of 6.5% to 7.0%.

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Volkswagen is making a significant shift in its design philosophy, moving away from the use of cheap, scratchy plastics in favour of higher-quality fabrics in its interiors. This decision is part of a broader commitment to enhancing cabin quality while also streamlining production processes, ultimately saving money for the company. This change, as described by Andy Mindt, VW’s head of design, and Christian Schreiber, head of design strategy, is intended to create a more refined and functional experience for Volkswagen drivers.

Schreiber highlighted that the brand’s cabins will focus on simplicity and usability, ensuring that design choices prioritize function over unnecessary decoration. He emphasised that a Volkswagen should feel intuitive and supportive to its user: “When you open the door of a Volkswagen, it needs to be simple and usable, and not overly decorated,” Schreiber explained. Additionally, Volkswagen will incorporate nostalgic design elements, such as specific patterns for GTI models, maintaining a sense of heritage without overextending these unique features across the range.

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The 2025 Chery Tiggo 9 is available in five variants, with prices ranging from 152,900 – 203,900 yuan (approximately RM90,187 to RM120,199). Additionally, the Tiggo 9 C-DM plug-in hybrid comes in two variants priced between 165,900 – 175,900 yuan (approximately RM97,817 to RM103,620). Both models offer the choice of 5- or 7-seat configurations, making them versatile for various customer needs.

Exterior Design

The Tiggo 9 retains its signature wide front grille, now with a more refined “waterfall” pattern. Design features such as hidden door handles, a floating roof, roof rails, and an electric tailgate remain. The model comes in five exterior colors, including black, silver, gray, and two-tone white. The rims have been updated for a more stylish look.

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Hyundai, Kia, and Samsung have joined forces to create a next-generation infotainment system that will link software-defined vehicles from the automakers with smartphones. This collaboration, alongside Hyundai Motor Group’s global software centre, 42dot, will integrate future Hyundai and Kia models into Samsung’s ‘SmartThings’ ecosystem, allowing vehicle owners to operate smart Samsung devices remotely via an Internet of Things (IoT) platform.

This partnership will enable drivers to control smart home devices, like Samsung air conditioners, wirelessly from their vehicles. Additionally, the ‘SmartThings Find’ feature will allow Hyundai and Kia drivers to track their vehicles using crowdsourced data from millions of Samsung Galaxy devices, enhancing vehicle security. If a vehicle is stolen, this system could help locate it globally.

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Switching lanes in stop-and-go traffic might seem like a good idea, but experts advise against it. According to safety specialists from Tüv Thüringen, a German technical inspection agency, changing lanes does not save time and can increase the risk of accidents.

Drivers in traffic jams often get distracted, which means they may not notice someone switching lanes until too late, raising the likelihood of rear-end collisions.

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It’s been over a decade since the McLaren P1 debuted, and it seems a successor may finally be on the horizon. McLaren recently released a video highlighting its iconic “1” cars, the F1 and P1, with employees discussing what makes these models legendary. The video concludes with a date and time: October 6th, 1:00 PM British Summer Time, hinting at a potential unveiling, possibly of the long-awaited P1 successor, or at least a teaser.

Earlier this year, McLaren reportedly gave dealers a preview of a new hypercar, code-named P18, which is expected to feature a hybrid V8 powertrain. This new engine, which McLaren confirmed to be in development last year, will replace the twin-turbo V8 that has powered the brand’s models since 2011’s MP4-12C. Alongside this new engine, the P1 successor will introduce a fresh design language.

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Toyota is ambitiously developing a new family of four-cylinder engines aimed at surpassing the legendary 2JZ-GTE, which powered iconic models like the Toyota Supra. This new engine family ranges from 1.5-litre naturally aspirated versions to 2.0-litre turbocharged models and is being designed with electrification in mind to ensure higher efficiency, power, and compactness.

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The new Mini Cooper C offers a modern twist on the brand’s iconic go-kart driving experience, powered by an efficient three-cylinder petrol engine. Featuring a sleek design, compact proportions, and a striking front grille, the car effortlessly blends tradition with innovation. Inside, the Minimalist interior design focuses on clean lines, enhanced space, and a state-of-the-art OLED central instrument.

A standout feature of the Mini Cooper C is its in-car gaming capability, thanks to a partnership with Mattel, Inc. and AirConsole. Passengers can enjoy games like UNO Car Party!, connecting their personal devices to the car’s infotainment system, creating an exciting entertainment option while the car is stationary.

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Car manufacturers benefiting from the Thai government’s electric vehicle (EV) promotion measures will be required to invest in the domestic production of key EV components by 2026, according to the Bangkok Post. The three essential components—electric motors, reducers, and inverters—must be assembled locally. These parts are critical to an EV’s function, with electric motors converting electrical energy into kinetic energy, reducers acting like gearboxes, and inverters converting battery DC power into AC for the motor.

Mr. Ekniti highlighted that since the introduction of the government’s EV promotion initiatives—Phase 3.0 and 3.5—auto manufacturers have begun establishing production bases in Thailand, leading to a total investment of over 80 billion baht. The measures stipulate that participating companies must manufacture EVs domestically to match 100% of their first-year sales. If the local manufacturing requirement is not met in the second year, companies must produce 1.5 times the sales volume.

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