Despite assurances that there will be no increase in the cost of living and day to day expenses, it seems like the increase in diesel has had immediate effects on the market.
Some businesses have started posting notices about an immediate increase in price of their services.
One such business is from the tow truck industry, with one business sharing that their business will be increasing the price of their services immediately as they did not qualify for subsidies.
A quick check with the business revealed that towing a car on a flatbed from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur used to cost RM700 but now costs RM1,000.
The increase in prices is expected to have far reaching ripples with this being just the tip of the iceberg.
According to reports, over 300,000 people are expected to benefit from subsidies but the total number of diesel users far exceeds that.
The government has also outlined the type of vehicles that qualify for subsidies and sadly private vehicles that have been registered to be used by companies and organisations do not qualify for that, and that is the category where some tow trucks fall under.
Diesel vehicles that have been registered for e-hailing as well as tourist vans and busses do not qualify for subsidies.
It is unlikely that those operating within this industry will simply absorb the increase in price. This increase in cost will unfortunately be passed on to the paying consumer, inadvertently making daily life more expensive.
Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg has urged the federal government to seek out affordable and sustainable energy alternatives to replace diesel consumption nationwide. He suggested that such alternatives could eliminate the reliance on government-funded diesel subsidies.
Abang Johari made these remarks following the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition (APGH) 2024, where he emphasised the unsustainable nature of continuous diesel subsidies. “If people keep relying on diesel and demanding subsidies whenever diesel prices rise, they’ll just keep asking for subsidies,” he stated.
Peugeot Malaysia is embarking on a nationwide roadshow tour and will be visiting the major cities to showcase the newly launched all-new Peugeot 408. Since its launch at the end of April, the Peugeot 408 has received close to 400 bookings and counting, with the GT variant being the top choice.
Peugeot Malaysia is bringing the all-new 408 to major shopping malls for customers to get up close and personal and behind the wheel to test it for themselves at the locations listed below:
BMW Malaysia has announced the official pricing for the new BMW 520i, now available at authorised dealerships nationwide. The locally assembled premium executive sedan is priced at RM332,800.00.
Debut at Malaysia Autoshow 2024
The new BMW 520i made its debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, joining the BMW 5 Series family. It features a sleek, sporty exterior design and a sophisticated interior that seamlessly blends functionality and elegance.
Flexible Financing Options
With the Easy Drive Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the new BMW 520i can be owned with a monthly installment starting from RM3,881.00, based on an 80% loan over five years. Customers registering for the Easy Drive Financing by June 30, 2024, will also receive a RM10,000 cash rebate.
Alternatively, the Straight-Line Financing Plan offers ownership with a monthly installment from RM3,942.00, based on an 80% loan over seven years. Terms and conditions apply.
Comprehensive Ownership Benefits
Owners of the new BMW 520i will enjoy a complete premium ownership experience from BMW Group Malaysia, which includes:
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
BMW Service Online
Retail Pricing
The retail price for the new BMW 520i, excluding insurance, is as follows:
The New BMW 520i: RM332,800.00
Add-On for BMW Service & Repair Inclusive: RM26,900.00 (includes a 5-Year Extended Warranty and Service Package)
PRO-NET has been awarded the prestigious “Best Oversea Pioneer Partner” by smart Automobile, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely Holding, during the recent smart Global Forum held in Beijing. This accolade highlights PRO-NET’s remarkable performance and leadership in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Selected from a pool of companies across 22 countries, PRO-NET emerged as one of the top three candidates for this award. The recognition from smart Global is attributed to PRO-NET’s outstanding network construction quality, significant EV market share, and innovative marketing efforts, all of which have greatly advanced sustainable mobility solutions.
In a significant development for Malaysia’s rail transit, a cutting-edge third-generation of metre-gauge trains from China is primed to elevate the Electric Train Service (ETS) experience along the West Coast as reported by The Star.
Fresh off the production line at the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. Ltd in Hunan province, this state-of-the-art train was unveiled on Friday.
Ren Zewen, an electrical designer with CRRC, expressed optimism about the game-changing potential of the ETS3 in revolutionising local train transit networks. “The ETS3 promises a substantial boost in passenger capacity and operational efficiency,” Ren emphasised.
Experts foresee a notable impact on Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and substantial savings following the recent adjustment of diesel subsidies by the government, setting the pump price at RM3.35 per litre.
According to NST, Prof Emeritus Dr. Barjoyai Bardai of Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) pointed out a significant surge in Malaysia’s diesel consumption, reaching 10.8 billion litres last year from 6.2 billion litres previously.
He emphasised that despite the new price, Malaysia’s diesel remains competitively priced compared to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. Dr. Barjoyai also highlighted the government’s Budi Madani assistance initiative, aimed at easing the burden on individuals, particularly private diesel vehicle users.
Dr. Barjoyai expressed confidence in the government’s subsidy initiative for those in need, expecting it to help regulate commodity prices, although he stressed the importance of active price monitoring.
GWM Malaysia is thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated GWM ORA 07 Performance variant, marking a significant advancement in the company’s mission to provide environmentally conscious transportation solutions. This new variant seamlessly blends a sleek, stylish design with exceptional performance, setting a new benchmark for electric coupes.
Performance and Design
The GWM ORA 07 Performance variant promises an unparalleled driving experience with its impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The car’s sophisticated design and cutting-edge features are designed to exceed customer expectations, offering both luxury and intelligence in one package.
Arrival and Availability
GWM Malaysia informs its valued customers that the first batch of the GWM ORA 07 Performance variant is expected to arrive by the end of June 2024. This timely arrival ensures that customers will soon be able to enjoy the luxurious and elegant design, along with the car’s advanced intelligent features.
Commitment to Sustainability
The introduction of the GWM ORA 07 Performance variant underscores GWM Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability and the future of eco-friendly transportation. This model represents a significant step forward in providing high-performance electric vehicles to the Malaysian market.
BMW Malaysia has introduced the BMW 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition, along with the BMW X3 sDrive20i Final Edition and BMW X3 xDrive30e Final Edition. These special editions feature sportier aesthetics and enhanced equipment lists, catering to those seeking a blend of luxury and performance.
BMW 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition
Locally Assembled with Dynamic Upgrades
All three models are locally assembled and come equipped with the M Sport package, known for its dynamic and sporty attributes. The BMW 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition maintains its elegance with added Shadowline Extended Contents and 18-inch M light alloy wheels. The interior upgrades include wireless charging and a 10-speaker HiFi system, enhancing convenience and entertainment on the go.
BMW X3 sDrive20i Final Edition
Enhanced BMW X3 Models
The BMW X3 sDrive20i Final Edition and BMW X3 xDrive30e Final Edition maintain their robust off-road appeal. Both models now feature M Lights Shadowline and high-gloss Shadowline extended contents, while the xDrive30e variant is further distinguished by a red high-gloss M Sport brake. Additionally, both models are equipped with Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go Function, improving driving comfort in stop-and-go traffic. The xDrive30e also includes a Head-Up Display and Parking Assistant Plus, providing a 360-degree view and Remote View 3D functionality. Wireless charging is standard in these editions.
BMW X3 xDrive30e Final Edition
Colour and Upholstery Options
The BMW 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition is available in Skyscraper Grey, Black Sapphire, and Alpine White, with interior upholstery in Black Dakota leather with Blue highlights. The BMW X3 models offer exterior colors in Carbon Black, Alpine White, and M Brooklyn Grey. The X3 sDrive20i interior is available in Mocha or Black Vernasca leather with Décor stitching, while the X3 xDrive30e features similar leather options with Blue stitching.
Financial Plans and Premium Ownership
BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia offers flexible financing plans for these models. The Easy Drive Financing Plan provides monthly installments starting from RM2,760 for the BMW 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition, RM3,909 for the BMW X3 sDrive20i Final Edition, and RM4,577 for the BMW X3 xDrive30e Final Edition, based on a 5-year tenure with 100,000 km mileage at 80% loan amount. Customers can also benefit from Easy Drive Cash Rebates starting from RM4,000.
Alternatively, the Straight-Line Financing Plan offers monthly installments starting from RM2,323 for the BMW 218i Gran Coupe, RM3,486 for the BMW X3 sDrive20i, and RM4,000 for the BMW X3 xDrive30e, based on a 7-year tenure at 80% loan amount.
Owners of these Final Edition models will enjoy the comprehensive BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience, including BMW Roadside Assistance, Accident Hotline, and BMW Service Online.
Pricing and Availability
The recommended retail prices for the Final Edition models are:
BMW 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition: RM223,800 (plus RM20,600 for BMW Service & Repair Inclusive)
BMW X3 sDrive20i Final Edition: RM311,800 (plus RM26,700 for BMW Service & Repair Inclusive)
BMW X3 xDrive30e Final Edition: RM357,800 (plus RM26,700 for BMW Service & Repair Inclusive)
These special edition variants will be available at all authorized BMW dealerships starting Friday, June 7, 2024. They will also be showcased at the Auto Bavaria AutoFest 2024, taking place at KL Base, Kuala Lumpur, from June 7 to 9, 2024, from 9 am to 7 pm.
In a tragic incident at a factory area on Jalan Lahat-Simpang Pulai, a lorry driver with a record of 100 traffic summonses has been implicated in the death of an elderly man. The accident occurred on Wednesday, June 5.
Ipoh police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad revealed that the 44-year-old lorry driver also has three previous traffic accident offences. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver, while reversing his vehicle, failed to notice the senior citizen standing behind. The impact resulted in the victim’s immediate death due to severe injuries to the chest and abdomen. The lorry driver did not sustain any injuries.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death due to reckless or dangerous driving.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to come forward and assist with the investigation. Individuals with information are urged to contact the investigating officer, Insp Muhammad Syafiq Fauze, at 013-6713177, or visit the nearest police station.
This incident highlights the critical need for stringent enforcement of traffic regulations and the importance of maintaining road safety to prevent such unfortunate occurrences.
