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The automotive market landscape in Southeast Asia is witnessing significant shifts, with Malaysia emerging as the region’s second-largest auto market, surpassing Thailand and trailing only behind Indonesia. This transformation underscores Malaysia’s growing importance in the automotive sector, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s automotive industry dynamics.

Data compiled by sources reveals that Malaysia’s auto sales figures have consistently outpaced those of Thailand for three consecutive quarters through January-March 2024. The Malaysian Automotive Association reports a 5% increase in auto sales in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 202,245 vehicles. This growth follows an impressive 11% surge in 2023, setting a record of 799,731 vehicles sold.

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Evo Cartech Sdn. Bhd., an authorised dealer of GAC vehicles in Cyberjaya, officially opens its operations today, unveiling a 4,434-square-foot showroom located in the heart of the city centre. As part of the GAC Motor dealership network in Malaysia, the newly opened showroom will showcase GAC Motor’s latest lineup of automotive products, beginning with the compact SUV GAC GS3 Emzoom. This model will be available for public viewing and test drives starting from the opening day.

Distributed in Malaysia by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn. Bhd., the newly introduced GAC GS3 Emzoom SUV boasts a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 177PS and 270Nm of torque. Its striking design is complemented by advanced technology features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features.

From May 16 to 19, visitors can experience the GAC GS3 Emzoom at the GAC Cyberjaya showroom, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. For further details, interested individuals can visit facebook.com/GACMotorCyberjaya.

Hyundai Malaysia has issued a statement announcing the compromise of its official Instagram account, @hyundaimy_official. The breach occurred on May 14, 2024, at approximately 6:40 PM. The company has swiftly responded by collaborating with Meta, the parent company of Instagram, to rectify the situation and regain control of the account.

In light of the compromise, Hyundai Malaysia has advised its followers and the wider social media community to exercise caution. They have specifically cautioned against interacting with any posts, messages, or links originating from the compromised account, @hyundaimy_official.

As a precautionary measure, Hyundai Malaysia has opted to communicate official updates and announcements solely through alternative social media channels. These include the official Hyundai Malaysia Facebook account, “Hyundai Malaysia,” and the LinkedIn account of “Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn. Bhd.”

The company reassures its followers that efforts are underway to resolve the issue promptly. Updates regarding the progress of account recovery and any further developments will be communicated in due course.

Florence Lee, who filed a lawsuit after sustaining severe injuries in an LRT train collision near the Kampung Baru station in Kuala Lumpur three years ago, will have to wait until January 2028 for the case to proceed to trial.

According to FMT, at a case management session in the Kuala Lumpur High Court last week, Justice Shahrir Salleh scheduled trial dates from Jan 10 to 13, 2028.

Lee’s lawsuit, initiated in December last year, names Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, the owner and operator of the LRT system, as defendants. She alleges negligence and breaches of statutory duty by the defendants, seeking to recover RM113,524.08 in special damages, including medical expenses and general damages.

The collision, occurring on May 24, 2021, along the Kelana Jaya line, resulted in physical and mental injuries to Lee, including nervous shock, mental depression, pain, suffering, and loss of amenities, from which she claims she has been unable to fully recover.

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The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) conducted raids on four premises in Petaling Jaya and Kepong on May 9th, resulting in the seizure of 153 vehicle windshields suspected to be counterfeit.

Datuk Azman Adam, the Director-General of Enforcement at KPDN, revealed that the raids were prompted by complaints from registered trademark owners and initial investigations. Further scrutiny of the premises uncovered the suspected counterfeit vehicle windshields, allegedly bearing trademarks improperly under the Trademarks Act 2019.

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Pickup trucks have come a long way. Improving on looks, performance and strength. The third-generation Isuzu D-Max is no exception. The multiple award-winning D-Max simply raised the bar for pick-up trucks.

The new 2024 Isuzu D-Max however, promises to elevate the experience of owning a pick-up truck with its refreshed design and enhanced features. One of the standout updates is the redesigned frontal appearance, which includes a distinctive central bulge on the bonnet, giving the vehicle a more muscular and sporty look. 

The bumper integrates with the bodyline, contributing to efficient airflow and aerodynamic performance. Additionally, the new honeycomb lattice design on the bumper ensures improved cooling, while the enlarged foglamp housings and relocated turn signals add to the vehicle’s visual appeal.

Moving to the interior, the new D-Max offers a welcoming ambience with stylish welcome lamps and illuminated scuff plates and footwells. The cabin exudes sophistication with its MIURA-inspired design on the door panels and dashboard, complemented by driver-selectable ambient lighting in seven colours. 

Soft-touch materials and leather cladding on the steering wheel and seats enhance the premium feel of the interior, while perforations on the seats improve ventilation and comfort. The upgraded 10-inch infotainment system provides quick access to key functions like the Reverse Camera and 360° Around View Monitor, offering a seamless connectivity experience with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Powering this workhorse is a 4JJ3-TCX 3.0-litre inline-four with 190PS and 450Nm of torque. Also available is an RZ4E-TC 1.9 litre inline-four making 150PS and 350Nm. It is mated to either a six-speed manual or an automatic  transmission and four-wheel drive is standard.

 

In terms of safety, the D-Max X-Terrain boasts a maximum 5-star ASEAN ANCAP safety rating and introduces a new generation of Allsight safety functions. The enhanced stereo camera system improves forward detection distance and pedestrian safety, while the Rear Cross Traffic Brake system provides additional assistance while reversing in urban settings.

ADAS features include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Turn Assist, AT Pedal Misapplication Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Manual Speed Limiter (MSL), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Cross, Traffic Brake (RCTB) and Multi Collision Brake.

For off-road enthusiasts, the D-Max offers impressive capability with features like 240mm ground clearance, 800mm wading capability, and all-terrain tyres. The Terrain Command switch allows drivers to easily select between different driving modes, while the Rough Terrain Mode assists drivers with limited off-road experience by intelligently apportioning power to maintain traction and stability.

Prices of The new Isuzu D-Max range starts from RM98,949.20 for the 1.9-litre Single Cab while the flagship X-Terrain is priced at RM157,938.40 on the road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.

Castrol, a global lubricants brand, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of the first flagship Castrol Auto Service (CAS) store in Malaysia. Era Maju Automobil (M) Sdn Bhd, based in Johor Bahru, was chosen for its outstanding customer service, reflecting a shared commitment to providing the highest quality automotive care.

The flagship CAS store, located at the Rosmerah outlet owned by Era Maju Automobil, showcases Castrol’s refreshed branding and offers a comprehensive range of services. With this upgrade, customers can expect an enhanced workshop experience, benefiting from Castrol’s expertise in a modern and innovative environment. A grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, celebrated this significant milestone.

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The Petronas Automotive Entrepreneur Development Program (PUMP) has earmarked RM2.5 million to support seven automotive entrepreneurs in establishing vehicle service centres in Terengganu.

PUMP is a structured initiative encompassing entrepreneurship training, business financing, advisory services, and periodic monitoring by the People’s Trust Council (MARA) and Petronas. Through collaboration between MARA and Petronas Lubricants Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (PLMM), the program has significantly contributed to empowering the Bumiputera economy, particularly in the automotive sector.

From a pool of 120 entrepreneurs who attended briefings and interviews in August 2022 for the East Coast zone, 55 were selected. This selection process covered three states: Terengganu, Kelantan, and Pahang. In Terengganu alone, MARA aims to establish 10 operational branches, with three already operational in Kuala Nerus, Kemaman, and Dungun, while seven more are currently under development and expected to start operating this year.

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The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has announced that buses from Thailand are now permitted to enter all states in Malaysia, subject to approval from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). Transport Minister Anthony Loke clarified that this permission is not limited to states near the border.

According to Berita Harian, Loke stated that this decision was made recently, allowing buses from Thailand to enter Malaysia. They simply need to apply to APAD, and upon approval, a temporary permit will be issued.

However, buses from Thailand must provide specific information, including details of tour packages, the number of passengers, and accommodation locations.

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The estimated overall cost of providing Light Rail Transit (LRT) infrastructure in Johor is projected to be RM16.7 billion, whereas the provision of Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) infrastructure is estimated to cost RM7 billion. Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, the state executive councillor for Transport, Infrastructure, and Communications, revealed this valuation after a detailed comparison analysis between the LRT and ART systems, following presentations from two consortia proposing these public transport systems, as reported by Bernama.

Regarding the LRT system, Mohamad Fazli mentioned that it necessitates a new design for the elevated section and requires approval of the railway scheme. Additionally, infrastructure for depots and LRT stations would involve land acquisition for the depot in Desa Jaya and five acres of land for track switching/shunting.

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