Global News Archives

Volkswagen’s Iconic Polo to Make Way for Smaller and More Affordable Electric SUVs

Volkswagen has been manufacturing Polo models in Pamplona, Spain, since 1984, producing over 8.4 million units. As one of Europe’s best-selling cars, the Polo remains a popular choice, with more than 90,100 units sold through August 2024, making it the 8th top-selling small car in Europe.

However, the Pamplona plant is set to shift gears as Volkswagen prepares to introduce a lineup of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles (EVs). Beginning in 2026, the facility will begin producing two small electric SUVs, marking a significant transition towards electrification for Volkswagen’s iconic production site.

These new SUVs will be built on a modified version of Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the same architecture that powers the brand’s current ID series, including the popular ID.4. The upcoming models are expected to sit below the ID.3 in terms of size and affordability, with prices starting at under 25,000 euros (RM116,753).

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Electric Vehicle Sales Slump: ACEA Warns of Major Setbacks in Europe’s Automotive Industry

Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) market is facing significant challenges, despite the environmental and technological benefits of EVs. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), representing 15 major European brands such as BMW, Ferrari, and Volkswagen, has raised concerns over a steep decline in EV sales, with unit sales down 8.4% this year. Hybrid sales have fallen even further, down nearly 14%. This downward trend, exacerbated by several compounding factors, poses a risk to Europe’s automotive future and its climate targets.

Factors Behind the Decline:

Insufficient Charging Infrastructure: EV adoption is hindered by the lack of readily available charging points, leaving consumers anxious about the feasibility of long trips or quick recharges.
Green Energy Production Gaps: While EVs rely on electricity, not all of it is generated sustainably, creating a disconnect between the promise of green vehicles and the actual energy supply.

Uncompetitive Manufacturing Regulations: European carmakers must comply with strict environmental rules, while competitors from countries with looser regulations, particularly China, gain a price advantage in the EV market.

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Amalgam Introduces the Ferrari 12Cilindri 1:8 Scale Model for RM77k!

Amalgam is back at it again! If you do not remember, Amalgam is renowned for its impeccable scale models and unveiled a meticulously detailed replica of the iconic 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 in 1:8 scale.

For Amalgam’s new creation, they have introduced the stunning Ferrari 12Cilindri in a breathtaking 1:8 scale, a detailed replica that mirrors its life-size counterpart in both aesthetics and craftsmanship. Priced at $18,220 (RM76,735), it’s a fraction of the real car’s price, which hovers around $500,000 (RM2,105,798).

Amalgam has dedicated over 3000 hours to design this remarkable model, working closely with Ferrari to ensure every detail is precise. After creating thousands of individual parts, a team of assemblers spends an additional 300 hours meticulously building each car.

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BYD E-Vali is an Electric Light Commercial Vehicle with 250km EV Range

At the IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hanover, Germany, BYD unveiled its latest innovation, the BYD E-Vali, a pure-electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) designed specifically for the European market. This 3.5-ton/4.25-ton electric LCV is aimed at the last-mile and package delivery sector, offering commercial fleets a sustainable and practical solution.

The BYD E-Vali is powered by the renowned Blade Battery, which boasts excellent safety, durability, and energy efficiency. It offers a range of 220-250 km (WTLP) on a single charge, and the battery can be fast-charged from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. The vehicle is available in two versions: the 3.5-ton model, and the 4.25-ton model, which is larger. The cargo volume reaches up to 17.9 cubic meters, and the 4.25-ton model can handle a payload of up to 1450kg.

Inside the cabin, the E-Vali integrates advanced features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, and Hill Hold Control through its suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The cabin also includes over-the-air (OTA) support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and voice control functionality, enhancing the driver’s comfort and convenience.

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Mercedes-AMG Unveils Exclusive GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ “Motorsport Collectors Edition”

As part of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, Mercedes-AMG has introduced the highly anticipated GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ “Motorsport Collectors Edition.” This limited-edition model, restricted to just 200 units, pays homage to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team with a series of design elements and performance upgrades that appeal to motorsport enthusiasts and car collectors alike.

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Electronics Company Sharp Enters the EV Game with First Concept Car: The LDK+

Sharp has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with its first concept car, the LDK+, revealed at the Sharp technology exhibition in Tokyo from 17-18 September 2024. Known for its expertise in electronics, Sharp aims to redefine electric vehicles by focusing on not just efficiency but also transforming them into entertainment hubs. The LDK+ concept boasts a futuristic design, with a notably wide rear section resembling a living room, complete with a large LCD screen—highlighting the company’s vision of merging home entertainment with mobility.

To expedite its foray into the EV space, Sharp has partnered with Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn), the manufacturing giant behind companies like Apple. This collaboration is expected to accelerate both the development and mass production of Sharp’s electric vehicles in the coming years.

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Nissan Celebrates 40 Years of NISMO Performance Excellence

Nissan marks the 40th anniversary of NISMO, the company’s renowned in-house tuning, motorsports, and performance division. Established on 17th September 1984 as Nissan Motorsport International Co. Limited, NISMO has become synonymous with high performance both on the racetrack and on public roads. Over the past four decades, NISMO has embodied Nissan’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering.

Originally based in Omori, Tokyo, NISMO has played a pivotal role in creating some of Nissan’s most exhilarating vehicles and driving the brand’s motorsports ambitions. The company’s guiding principle of “Track to road” reflects its mission to take lessons from the racetrack and apply them to everyday road cars, offering customers a thrilling driving experience with a strong foundation in motorsport technology.

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Stellantis Blames Ineffective Marketing for Bad Maserati Sales

Maserati’s recent struggles, as highlighted in Stellantis’ half-year report, point to a sharp decline in sales, with customer deliveries plummeting from 15,300 units in the first half of 2023 to just 6,500 by June 2024. Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, attributed this worrying sales drop to ineffective marketing rather than issues with Maserati’s products or pricing.

This decline is particularly concerning given Tavares’ past statements, where he warned that underperforming brands within the Stellantis group could face shutdown if they fail to generate profit. While Maserati wasn’t explicitly singled out, the warning applied to all brands under the Stellantis umbrella.

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Toyota to Join Supercars Championship in 2026 with V8 GR Supra

Toyota has officially announced its entry into the Supercars Championship for the 2026 season, marking a historic move for the Japanese automaker as it becomes the first non-US manufacturer to compete in the top-tier Australian touring car series since Nissan’s departure in 2019. This venture will see Toyota partnering with Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU), a team with deep ties to Australian motorsport, previously known as the Holden Racing Team.

Toyota will develop the GR Supra for Supercars’ Gen3 regulations, replacing the road car’s 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a race-tuned version of the brand’s 5.0-litre V8 from the Lexus F performance models and the Lexus LC500. This entry positions Toyota against rivals Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, which have dominated the series since the closure of the Holden brand in 2020.

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The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is the Ultimate Performance Machine

Ford has officially revealed the highly anticipated 2025 Mustang GTD, marking the most advanced and powerful Mustang ever engineered. With a jaw-dropping 815hp and 900Nm of torque, the Mustang GTD is set to redefine performance in the world of street-legal sports cars. Its top speed of 325km/h makes it the fastest Mustang ever to hit the road, pushing the boundaries of what the iconic brand can achieve.

At the core of the Mustang GTD’s astonishing capabilities is its supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine, which boasts more horsepower per litre than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. According to Greg Goodall, Mustang GTD’s Chief Program Engineer, “We’ve been laser-focused since day one to make the Mustang GTD the first-ever supercar with world-class performance and the soul of a Mustang.”

Engineering Excellence and Track-Ready Performance

One of the key highlights of the Mustang GTD is its cutting-edge active aerodynamics, which includes a Drag Reduction System (DRS). This system adjusts the angle of the rear wing and activates flaps beneath the front of the car to optimize airflow for high-speed performance or downforce, depending on the driving conditions. This technology allows the Mustang GTD to deliver maximum stability and grip at top speeds.

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Global News

Volkswagen’s Iconic Polo to Make Way for Smaller and More Affordable Electric SUVs

Electric Vehicle Sales Slump: ACEA Warns of Major Setbacks in Europe’s Automotive Industry

Amalgam Introduces the Ferrari 12Cilindri 1:8 Scale Model for RM77k!

BYD E-Vali is an Electric Light Commercial Vehicle with 250km EV Range

Mercedes-AMG Unveils Exclusive GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ “Motorsport Collectors Edition”

Electronics Company Sharp Enters the EV Game with First Concept Car: The LDK+

Nissan Celebrates 40 Years of NISMO Performance Excellence

Stellantis Blames Ineffective Marketing for Bad Maserati Sales

Toyota to Join Supercars Championship in 2026 with V8 GR Supra

The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is the Ultimate Performance Machine

Engineering Excellence and Track-Ready Performance

Volkswagen’s Iconic Polo to Make Way for Smaller and More Affordable Electric SUVs

Electric Vehicle Sales Slump: ACEA Warns of Major Setbacks in Europe’s Automotive Industry

Amalgam Introduces the Ferrari 12Cilindri 1:8 Scale Model for RM77k!

BYD E-Vali is an Electric Light Commercial Vehicle with 250km EV Range

Mercedes-AMG Unveils Exclusive GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ “Motorsport Collectors Edition”

Electronics Company Sharp Enters the EV Game with First Concept Car: The LDK+

Nissan Celebrates 40 Years of NISMO Performance Excellence

Stellantis Blames Ineffective Marketing for Bad Maserati Sales

Toyota to Join Supercars Championship in 2026 with V8 GR Supra

The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is the Ultimate Performance Machine

Archive

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