The Perak customs department has reported the seizure of 28 luxury vehicles with unpaid duties totalling RM10.4 million during the first two months of the year, according to state director Abdul Ghafar Mohamad.
Ghafar mentioned that the enforcement division conducted raids at 12 locations across Perak and Selangor, resulting in the confiscation of vehicles such as Porsche, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz models.
Volvo Car Malaysia organised its first-ever Safety Driving Experience as part of its For Life campaign at KL Base, Sungai Besi – the country’s iconic first airstrip.
Over the first weekend of March, the event welcomed 240 participants, including Volvo owners and enthusiasts, who engaged in learning essential defensive driving skills. Exercises such as brake, steer, and avoid, along with quick-reaction lane changing, were conducted to enhance participants’ defensive driving capabilities.
Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to test the acceleration and handling of Volvo cars through a slalom course on the 1.8km-long runway. Volvo’s onboard safety technology, including cross-traffic alert and pilot assist, was featured between turns to showcase the brand’s commitment to safety.
The event also presented Volvo’s entire range of fully electric and plug-in hybrid models, including SUVs like the Volvo XC90 and XC60, sedans such as the Volvo S90 and S60, the Volvo V60 estate, and the sub-compact Volvo XC40 offered with either a fully electric or mild hybrid powertrain.
A standout feature of the display was the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric crossover SUV, presented in a new Vapour Grey colourway option. Updated for model year 2024, the C40 Recharge boasts up to 550km in electric range, faster DC charging for a larger battery pack, and pixel headlight technology.
Patricia Yaw, Head of Marketing & PR of Volvo Car Malaysia, emphasised the significance of the Volvo Safety Driving Experience, stating, “When you feel safe, you can be truly free.” The event aimed to empower Volvo drivers with the necessary mindset and knowledge for road safety, equipping them with life-saving skills and confidence in Volvo cars equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and safety innovations.
Key activities during the event included the “brake, swerve, avoid” exercise to build drivers’ confidence in handling unexpected obstacles on the road, as well as training reflexes for challenging situations like sudden lane changing without braking to avoid head-on collisions. Additionally, participants enjoyed experiencing the cars’ acceleration and handling on KL Base’s 1.8km-long runway, further enhancing their driving skills and confidence behind the wheel.
Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET) announced the expansion of its smart dealership network, bringing the innovative smart #1 electric vehicle closer to enthusiasts across Malaysia. The opening of a smart hub in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah marks a significant milestone in our journey, promising a dynamic space that caters to the vibrant community of electric vehicle enthusiasts in East Malaysia.
In addition to Kota Kinabalu, our commitment to accessible and community-centric mobility extends to Petaling Jaya and the city of Kuantan in the Peninsular. We are excited to announce strategic partnerships with Fook Loi Eurocar Sdn Bhd for smart Kota Kinabalu, Naza Automotive Group for smart Petaling Jaya, and Hoi Keen Service Sdn Bhd for smart Kuantan. These alliances are aimed at streamlining the adoption of the smart #1 electric vehicle, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for customers nationwide.
Mini has unveiled the limited-edition Mini Countryman JCW Trim, boasting bold exterior and interior enhancements designed to make a statement on the road.
The Mini Countryman has garnered acclaim since its debut in 2011, particularly after the local assembly began in 2013 at Kulim. As the top-performing Mini model in Malaysia, the stylish Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) combines iconic Mini DNA with increased space for enhanced enjoyment. The Mini Countryman JCW Trim represents the culmination of this success, offering a final flourish for Malaysian enthusiasts.
This exclusive edition of the Mini Countryman features the John Cooper Works (JCW) aerodynamic kit, including a front apron with built-in air ducts, a rear bumper with a diffuser, JCW door sill finishers, a sporty rear spoiler, and 19-inch JCW Circuit Spoke Wheels with run-flat tyres.
Great Wall Motor Malaysia (GWM) introduced the GWM Ora 07, a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) that sets new standards in mobility, during its Media Preview event. The GWM Ora 07 leads GWM’s ambitious 2024 lineup, paving the way for subsequent releases like the GWM Haval H6 HEV in Q2 and the GWM Tank 300 in Q3 of 2024.
The Ora 07, a sleek electric coupe, has a dynamic and sophisticated design but slightly resembles a Porsche Panamera. A fusion of retro and modern elements, including a closed grille and oval-shaped headlights, positions the car firmly in the future while evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Inside, the 07 boasts a supercar-inspired cockpit with premium leather, a T-shaped hollow centre console with rotating panels, and ergonomic seats with massage features for the driver and front passenger. A sporty tri-dashboard complements the multifunctional steering wheel. A 1.7m2 dome-style panoramic sunroof and a smart air conditioning system that delivers a three-dimensional flow enhance the luxurious interior ambience.
Available in sophisticated grey, purple, and white, the Ora 07 offers both Long Range and Performance variants, highlighting superior performance and versatility. Powered by an advanced 83.499 kWh ternary lithium battery, the Long Range variant delivers 204PS of power, 340Nm of torque, and a range of 640km. The Performance model offers 408PS and 680Nm of torque, with a range of up to 550km.
The Ora 07 also prioritises safety with innovative technology and intelligent systems. Rigorous testing, including China’s EV Rollover Challenge and Intersection Collision Challenge, ensures robustness against real-life scenarios. Advanced sensors, surround cameras, and a cage-style high-strength body set the standard in safety, offering top-notch security for every journey.
The introduction of the GWM Ora 07 marks the beginning of GWM’s journey in 2024. With upcoming launches like the GWM Haval H6 and GWM Tank 300, GWM reaffirms its commitment to enriching the Malaysian automotive landscape with inspiring, high-performing, and safe vehicles.
The media visit to Proton Parts Centre Sdn Bhd (PPCSB) provided insight into the company’s robust warehousing ecosystem and outlined the latest developments in Proton’s parts supply chain warehousing improvement plan for 2024. Located in the Hicom-Glenmarie Industrial Park, Shah Alam, Selangor, PPCSB has been a key player in the worldwide trading of motor vehicle components, spare parts, and accessories since its inception in 1992.
Facts and figures presented during the visit shed light on PPCSB’s extensive customer base, which includes 354 Body & Paint, Stockist, and Authorised Service Dealers, along with 26 overseas distributors. Notably, PPCSB has significantly expanded its warehouse space by over 35% in the past two years, reflecting a strategic investment to enhance stock holdings and ensure timely market supply across all regions.
Most car enthusiasts love modifying their brand-new cars, knowing that doing so may affect the warranty. One common modification is a rim change to give their rides a more “sporty” look. However, with the new Honda CR-V e:HEV RS, doing so may take away one important feature that the SUV has: the wheel resonators, also known as noise-reducing wheels.
Continuous noise emitted by tyres while driving on highways can become a source of irritation for drivers. This noise results from resonance occurring within the hollow spaces of the tyres when encountering uneven surfaces on the road. For automobile manufacturers aiming to offer a smooth and quiet driving experience, this has posed a significant challenge. To address this issue, noise-reducing wheels have been developed, employing hollow resonators to dampen unwanted resonance and ensure a serene and comfortable ride.
The noise produced within the tyre resembles the resonant sound of bouncing a basketball or volleyball on a hard surface. In cars, this pipe resonance, along with accompanying vibrations, travels from the wheels through the suspension and into the cabin, creating undesirable and bothersome noise.
Honda embarked on a mission to mitigate this noise problem. Recognising that the frequency of pipe resonance varies based on the shape and volume of the air enclosure—similar to the differing sounds produced when bouncing different types of balls—led to the realisation that tyre size determines pipe resonance frequency. Armed with this understanding, Honda devised a method to counteract pipe resonance by generating sound waves that neutralise this specific frequency.
To achieve this, Honda explored the concept of Helmholtz resonance, where sound is produced when air is blown across the opening of a container, such as an empty bottle, with the container’s shape and air volume dictating the resulting frequency. Leveraging this principle, Honda devised a resonator encircling the wheel, capable of emitting sound waves matching the frequency of pipe resonance generated by the tire. This innovative design effectively suppresses unwanted noise, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Now, you may have the idea that you can purchase the wheel resonators separately and apply them to your new rims, but during a recent press conference, Honda stated that it is not possible to do so. Mr. Sarly Adle Sarkum, President and Chief Operating Officer of Honda, stated, “Someone had tried to purchase the resonators and apply them on the lower variant CR-Vs, and that’s just not possible because it would not fit.”
When Piston Malaysia asked Mr. Yujiro Sugino, Executive Coordinator, and Mr. Eisuke Sato, Large Project Leader (CR-V), about the wheel resonators, as well as the Bose sound system being introduced into the lower variants, they stated, “There is a possibility of doing so, but we would need to consider the model positioning and what is required for those models.” Sugino also stated that “The resonators were designed specifically for the hybrid variant for higher noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance, which is why the other variants do not have it.”
On another note, since the Honda City now comes in five variants rather than the previous four since the petrol versions now also have their own RS model, we asked if the same concept would be applied to the new CR-V, and Sugino replied with a simple “As of now, no.” It would be a nice touch if Honda did so.
When asked about the introduction of the AWD hybrid variant, similar to the one offered in Thailand, Sugino said that “If we were to do so, we would be adding another option of variant, which would give customers more choices but at the same time it would not be optimal for efficiency in production, which is why we decided it was best to go with the 2WD option.”
smart Malaysia is elated to commemorate its first 100 days in the market, coinciding with a rare leap-year occurrence. As the company marks this significant milestone, it reiterates its unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding products and services to its esteemed customers.
During its inaugural 100 days, smart Malaysia organised the smart Tech Insight Day, a tailored event designed to enrich the understanding of existing smart #1 customers regarding their ownership experience. Covering crucial topics such as warranty details, product features, the convenient charging ecosystem, and real-life owner anecdotes, this event set the stage for future engagements aimed at nurturing the smart community. Furthermore, customers benefitted from enhanced convenience through the Hello smart App platform, where they could readily access FAQs to swiftly address their queries.
Looking ahead, smart Malaysia will roll out more events, including driving experiences for smart owners and enthusiasts, providing them with the opportunity to explore the dynamic driving characteristics of the smart #1. This initiative seeks to deepen engagement and cultivate a robust network of smart enthusiasts.
With a notable expansion of its dealer network from 10 operational dealerships in 2023 to soon-to-be 13, including the forthcoming establishment of the first-ever centre in East Malaysia, smart Malaysia continues to broaden its footprint. The smart #1 BRABUS remains the preferred choice among the customer base, underscoring its enduring appeal and exceptional performance. Additionally, smart #1 Premium and Pro owners appreciate the simplicity and efficiency offered for city driving.
smart Malaysia is dedicated to expanding its charging infrastructure and forging partnerships in response to the growing demand for EVs nationwide. With 70% of charging station data already integrated into the Hello smart app, EV owners can anticipate even broader coverage as collaborative efforts with key stakeholders in the EV ecosystem progress. This collaboration aims to facilitate convenient access to charging facilities nationwide, further bolstering the adoption of electric vehicles. Additionally, the updated app now facilitates debit or credit card payments, enabling owners to conveniently pay for charging sessions or purchase in-car internet data directly through the app.
Starting from March 1, 2024, Stellantis Malaysia National Sales Company (Stellantis Malaysia) will inaugurate a comprehensive one-stop call centre dedicated to Peugeot, DS, and Citroen vehicles in Malaysia. This initiative is part of Stellantis’ strategic shift towards consolidating sales distribution and enhancing the ownership experience of its vehicles under Stellantis Malaysia’s management, aimed at providing seamless customer care throughout this transition period.
The newly established call centre will serve as a centralised hub for all customer support services, catering to both sales and after-sales inquiries, as well as addressing any complaints or concerns. Owners of Peugeot, DS, and Citroen vehicles can conveniently reach out to the call centre through the following channels:
– Toll-Free Number: 1800-18-STLA (7852)
– Email Address: customersupport.my@stellantis.com
Operating hours for the call centre are scheduled from Monday to Sunday, spanning from 8:45 AM to 5:45 PM. Furthermore, to ensure continuous assistance during emergencies, Stellantis Malaysia will extend 24-hour support for accident and breakdown cases, underscoring their commitment to providing prompt and reliable customer service.
Volvo Car Malaysia has introduced the updated model year 2024 version of the C40 Recharge Pure Electric, marking Volvo’s commitment to electrification and sustainability. This crossover SUV, Volvo’s first electric-only model, now offers impressive enhancements, including an extended electric range of up to 550km, faster DC charging capabilities for its larger 82kWh battery pack, and advanced pixel headlight technology.
In Malaysia, Volvo Car Malaysia presents the top-of-the-line variant featuring a twin motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. This variant showcases a more powerful second-generation permanent magnet rear electric motor, developed in-house by Volvo. With an output of 245hp at the rear axle and a new 156hp asynchronous electric motor at the front axle, the new configuration emphasises rear power delivery, enhancing the driving experience with a maximum power output of 402hp.
Moreover, the upgraded 82kWh battery pack, an improvement from the previous 78kWh capacity, now supports a higher maximum input of 200kW for DC charging. This enhancement enables a remarkable 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 27 minutes, significantly reducing charging times. Coupled with the efficiency improvements in battery cooling and the new twin-motor configuration, the updated Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric boasts a substantially improved range, offering 100km more than its predecessor.
These improvements make the fully electric models even more attractive than they already were and are a big step towards becoming a fully electric car maker by 2030.
Designed from the ground up to be fully electric, the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric features a distinctive design and cutting-edge safety technology, making it a standout in the compact SUV segment. The 2024 model year upgrades further solidify Volvo’s position as a leader in the e-luxury segment.
Additional enhancements include new pixel headlights with sensor-controlled forward lighting, new 19-inch alloy wheels for improved aerodynamics, and a new exterior colour option, Vapour Grey, joining the existing range of colourways.
Customers can enjoy 5-year complimentary Digital Services, providing access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and remote functions through the Volvo Cars app. Despite these significant upgrades, the updated Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric maintains a similar price point to its predecessor at RM288,888, offering flexible financing options and lower interest rates through Volvo Car Financial Services.
To make ownership more accessible, Volvo Car Malaysia is offering an instant rebate of RM10,000 for online orders of the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric placed before 31 March 2024. Bookings for all Volvo fully electric cars can be conveniently made online at www.volvocars.com/my/cars/c40-electric.
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