Applications for the Bantuan Subsidi MADANI (BUDI MADANI) Program, targeting private diesel vehicle owners, small-scale farmers, and commodity planters, will commence tomorrow.
Under this program, eligible recipients will receive monthly assistance of RM200, aligning with the diesel subsidy implementation.
Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the Second Finance Minister, clarified that private diesel vehicle owners meeting specific criteria can apply under the BUDI Individual category. On the other hand, small-scale farmers and commodity planters are eligible to apply under the BUDI Agri-Commodity category.
To qualify for the BUDI Individual category, applicants must be Malaysian citizens who own registered private diesel vehicles with valid road tax. These vehicles should not be classified as luxury vehicles and must be under 10 years old. Additionally, the individual or their spouse’s annual income should not exceed RM100,000.
Ever since its grand entrance into the automotive scene in 2019, the Lexus LM has been the epitome of luxury mobility, setting the gold standard in its class. Branded as the ‘Luxury Mover’, the first-generation Lexus LM resonated deeply with discerning consumers seeking a vehicle that not only offered elevated transportation but also embodied comfort and luxury at its finest.
The Lexus LM made its mark upon release in China and several East Asian markets, including Malaysia. Combining flagship limousine qualities with the spaciousness of an MPV, it exemplifies Lexus’s premium luxury brand image.
The Lexus LM’s appeal lies in its design and sophisticated features, extending Lexus’ Omotenashi hospitality principles. Focused on impeccable comfort and passengers’ well-being, it sets a high bar for customers seeking class-leading vehicles to meet lifestyle and mobility needs.
Since its debut, the luxury MPV has achieved impressive sales, with 16,114 units sold globally, including 2,788 units in the East Asian region and 32 units in Malaysia. With the launch of the new flagship model in Malaysia, these numbers are expected to rise.
The new Lexus LM, available in two variants in Malaysia, caters to customers’ needs while enhancing the chauffeured luxury experience. Customers can choose between the four-seater Lexus LM500 or the seven-seater LM350h.
Both variants feature self-charging hybrid electric powertrains, ensuring quiet operation and refined driving performance with high efficiency. The LM500h features a 2.4L, 4-cylinder in-line Turbo Hybrid petrol engine with Direct 4 All-Wheel Drive, delivering 371hp and 460Nm of torque, coupled with impressive fuel economy. Meanwhile, the LM350h comes equipped with a naturally-aspirated 2.5L, 4-cylinder in-line full Hybrid engine, delivering power to the front wheels and striking a balance between driving performance and fuel efficiency.
The new Lexus LM exhibits a bold presence with attention to detail in its exterior design. Standout features include a redesigned frontal appearance with a new Spindle Body grille and 19-inch Multi-Spoke Mesh Aluminium Wheels. It is available in four exterior colours: Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, and Sonic Agate.
Inside, the Lexus LM offers comfort and opulence, with premium materials and thoughtful appointments. The cabin provides a modern, serene environment with minimalist aesthetics, allowing occupants to utilise the space as a living area or mobile office.
Additional interior features include a built-in thermistor for the steering wheel, an independent glass roof with integrated sunshade, and individual multi-operation panels for rear passengers. The LM500 variant features a 48-inch Ultrawide Display with dual-screen functionality.
The new Lexus LM350h and Lexus LM500h are priced from RM1,228,000 and RM1,468,000, respectively, reaffirming Lexus’s commitment to delivering excellence in luxury mobility.
GWM Malaysia introduced the Ora 07 just last month but back then it was introduced as a single variant. Now though, GWM Malaysia is building on that momentum with the introduction of the Performance variant that focuses on power and fun. Here’s 10 things you need to know about the latest variant.
1. The Ora 07 is GWM Malaysia’s second electric model after the Good Cat that was introduced in 2022.
2. The Performance model is focused on all-out performance and has dual motors fitted on either axle.
3. Owners will get to enjoy 402hp and 680Nm of torque while the acceleration to 100km/h in done in just 4.3 seconds while top speed is rated at 180km/h.
4. The Performance uses the same 83.5kWh ternary lithium battery pack as the Long Range model but because it is more powerful, it has a range of 550km on the NEDC cycle or 483km on the WLTP cycle.
5. As for charging, the Ora 07 can support AC charging of up to 11kW and DC charging of up to 88kW. This allows it to be recharged from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. It will take up to 15 hours to charge up the massive battery using AC charging.
6. In some markets, the Ora 07 is known as the Grand Cat or Lightning Cat.
7. The 07 also has a 3.3kW vehicle-to-load function that will let you power up some electrical appliances.
8. The 07 counts the Tesla Model 3 as one of its main rivals, but it is considerably bigger than the Tesla making it perfect for families.
9. Inside, you get a mega 12.3-inch infotainment system with Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well as a 11-speaker Infinity sound system.
10. The Ora 07 Performance is priced at RM189,800 and that includes a six-year or 150,000km warranty and an eight-year or 180,000km warranty for the battery and motor. GWM Malaysia is also offering a one-to-one battery replacement offer should the health of the battery drop below 70% during the warranty period.
When GWM (Great Wall Motor) debuted here in Malaysia in 2022, the brand revealed that the Haval H6 Hybrid would be entering the Malaysian market.
At the recent Malaysia Autoshow 2024, GWM displayed the Haval H6 Hybrid and it is slated to make its debut in the third quarter of 2024, after the debut of the Tank 300.
Before the official launch, here are 10 things that you need to know about the new Haval H6:
1. The H6 has a length of 4,683mm, a width of 1,886mm and a height of 1,730mm which makes it a competitor of the Proton X70, Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V.
2. It comes in two variants which are the Pro and the Ultra and at the heart of it lies a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine and an electric motor combination with a total output of 240hp and 530Nm of torque.
3. Power is sent through a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
4. The Pro rides on 18” wheels wrapped in 225/60 tyres and the Ultra has 19” wheels wrapped in 225/55 tyres.
5. The Ultra comes with a Panoramic sunroof and one-colour ambient lighting.
6. You get a big 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and for the driver, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
7. The front seats are power-adjustable and ventilated.
8. To cool you down because of our current Malaysian weather, the H6 comes with dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a second-row AC ventilation outlet, a cn95 filter, and an air quality management system (AQS).
9. Safety wise, the H6 comes with six airbags, child safety locks, child seat fixing (isofix), an electronic stability program (esp), traction control (TCS), secondary collision mitigation (SCM), cornering brake control (CBC), rollover mitigation (RMI), hill descent control (HDC), hill assist control and USB power interface dashcam.
10. The H6 will first go on sale here as a fully-imported unit (CBU) and later on, it will be locally assembled at EP Manufacturing’s plant in Melaka. Pricing will be announced during the official launch.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia has achieved a notable milestone with 150 pre-launch bookings for the GWM Tank 300, marking a strong entry into the Malaysian market for this luxury off-road SUV. The Tank 300’s appeal lies in its rugged design, advanced features, and reliable performance, catering to Malaysian consumers who demand vehicles capable of navigating both urban and tough terrains. This success is indicative of the model’s resonance with customers prioritising adventure, durability, and versatility in their vehicles.
Special Offers for the First 300 Customers
GWM Malaysia has announced exclusive offers for the first 300 customers of the Tank 300, showcasing their confidence in the product’s quality and their commitment to customer satisfaction. The special package includes:
5-Year/100,000 km Free Service Package: Covers parts and labour, providing significant savings and peace of mind for the initial years of ownership.
Lifetime Engine and Transmission Warranty: Available to first-hand owners with unlimited mileage, underscoring GWM’s confidence in the vehicle’s long-term reliability.
Mystery Gifts: GWM has prepared special mystery gifts for these 300 owners, to be revealed during the official launch, adding an element of excitement and exclusivity.
Market Leadership and Global Success
GWM TANK is the leading off-road SUV brand in China, dominating over 50% of the off-road SUV market. It has maintained the top spot for 40 consecutive months and achieved over 400,000 global sales. This track record of success is a testament to the brand’s strong market presence and customer trust.
The public is being urged to exercise caution when purchasing used imported cars to avoid falling victim to unscrupulous dealers. This warning comes from Ahmad Aliff A S Ahmad Shariffuddin, founder of SCRUT, who highlighted several common scams in the used car trade, such as odometer fraud, vehicles damaged in accidents, and cars affected by natural disasters like floods.
According to Sinar Harian, Ahmad Aliff pointed out that many dealers do not inform consumers about the true condition of the vehicle, even though it may look perfect externally without any visible flaws. He noted that attractive offers and unreasonably low prices often lure consumers into these deceptive deals. Ahmad Aliff emphasised that for decades, car buyers have been deceived by unscrupulous capitalists in the used vehicle market, and he advised consumers to be more savvy and thoroughly check the vehicle before proceeding with any transactions.
Despite a robust beginning to the year, experts are anticipating a slowdown in the Malaysian automotive market’s Total Industry Volume (TIV) in the months ahead. The surge in consumer demand and festive season purchases that fuelled the industry’s momentum in the first four months of the year is expected to wane as 2024 progresses.
In 2023, Malaysia witnessed a record-high TIV of nearly 800,000 units, setting a benchmark for the industry. The positive trend continued into 2024, with the TIV for the first four months (4M24) growing by 8% to reach 260,236 units, compared to 240,417 units in the same period in 2023, as reported by The Star.
Angeline Chin, an analyst at TA Research, attributes the strong performance in April to the traditional spike in sales during the Hari Raya festive season. However, she anticipates a gradual slowdown in sales moving forward, with consumers adopting a cautious stance, particularly regarding electric vehicles (EVs).
WTCA, a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd and the exclusive distributor of GAC AION electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia, has officially introduced the 2024 GAC AION Y Plus all-electric crossover model to the Malaysian market. The unveiling took place during the Press Day of the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, organised by the Malaysia Automotive Robotics & loT Institute (MARii) at MAEPS, Serdang.
Available in ‘Elite’ and ‘Premium’ variants, the GAC AION Y Plus marks WTCA’s debut in the EV segment with accessible price tags of RM119,800.00 (Elite) and RM135,800.00 (Premium). Malaysian consumers can choose from seven vibrant exterior colour options and five interior colour choices, providing a total of 35 combinations to suit individual preferences.
Both the Elite and Premium variants share the same front-mounted e-motor rated at 204PS and 225NM that drive the front wheels. This setup grants the GAC AION Y Plus with respectably zippy performance as demonstrated by its 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.5 seconds. Crucially, the e-motor is also endowed with versatility thanks to the offer of up to four selectable driving modes, including an ‘i-Pedal’ single-pedal driving mode.
For its exterior design, the GAC AION Y Plus merges both trendy SUV elements with a dash of high-tech intelligence. Key design touches include Angel Wing LED headlights, Skyline through-type LED taillights, powered stow-away door handles, a panoramic sunroof present across both variants, as well as 17-inch (Elite) and 18-inch (Premium) alloy wheels design.
Underpinning the AEP 2.0 dedicated EV platform, said construct also houses GAC’s innovative 63.2 kWh Magazine Battery 2.0. With each full charge, this lithium iron phosphate (LFP) type battery is capable at delivering up to 490km (NEDC) of driving range. As for charging, the both 6.6 KW AC (Type 2) and up to 80 kW DC fast-charging (CCS2) inputs are accepted.
The GAC AION Y Plus presents a spacious cabin packed with premium amenities and features tailored to diverse urban lifestyles. Its six-way power-adjustable driver seat ensures comfort, while the 10.25-inch digital instrumentation offers essential vehicle information at a glance. Keyless entry adds convenience, complemented by automatic climate control with dedicated rear vents and a built-in PM2.5 air filter for a pleasant interior environment.
Entertainment and connectivity are handled by a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, boasting Apple CarPlay functionality. The Premium variant elevates the experience with driver seat ventilation, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Ambient lighting with music mode enhances the cabin’s ambiance, while split-folding rear seats expand cargo space up to 1,200 litres.
Safety features include six airbags, ABS, VDC, HHC, 360-degree View Monitor, and TPMS, standard across both variants. The Premium variant further enhances safety with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, including ACC with Stop & Go function, FCW, AEB, LDW with LKA, and TJA.
The firm spent the last four months establishing its network of 21 new showrooms and service centres nationwide, and more are set to become operational within this year.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has expanded its lineup with the launch of four new EQE variants, alongside the introduction of the Star Elegance lifestyle retail concept at Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi. The EQE sedan offers the essential functions of the EQS in a slightly more compact format, featuring a sporty ‘purpose design’ with characteristic elements of Mercedes-Benz EQ.
This includes one-bow lines and a cab-forward design that emphasises sensual purity with generously modelled surfaces, reduced joints, and seamless transitions. The vehicle has short overhangs, a short front end, and a dynamic rear with a sharp spoiler. The battery provides a usable energy content of 90.56 kWh, offering a range of up to 682 km according to WLTP.
The base variant, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ Electric Art Line, boasts an Electric Art exterior and interior, 19-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, ARTICO man-made leather black/space grey upholstery, and an Advanced Sound System. It includes an AC onboard charging system capable of charging up to 22 kW. Other features include DIGITAL LIGHT, a Driving Assistance Package, laser-cut backlit trim with Mercedes-Benz pattern, active ambient lighting, KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package, and a Parking Package with a 360° camera.
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line enhances the experience with a panoramic sunroof, a radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz pattern, rear axle steering with up to 10° adjustment, AIRMATIC air suspension, and an electric charging socket flap. This model also includes an AC onboard charging system with up to 22 kW capacity, setting a benchmark for electric luxury business sedans in Malaysia.
In a previous article, we mentioned that the Jaecoo J6 also known as the iCar 03 in China, is confirmed for its arrival in the Malaysian market. At the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow, Jaecoo revealed the J6. However, there was no confirmation regarding the specifications that we would be getting.
From what we know, with dimensions measuring 4,406mm in length, 1,910mm in width, and 1,715mm in height, it offers a spacious interior and a relatively long wheelbase of 2,715mm. While slightly shorter than its counterpart, the J7, the J6 boasts a wider and taller stance.
In China, it comes with a choice of rear or all-wheel drive electric motor configurations. The dual motor version delivers 279PS and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, with a limited top speed of 150km/h. It is equipped with a 69.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supplied by CATL, offering a range of up to 501km according to the CLTC standard.
Adding on to the off-roading domination route, Jaecoo revealed the J7 PHEV. The Jaecoo J7 PHEV features a design that closely mirrors the non-hybrid J7, but it distinguishes itself with more premium and sporty accents.
This plug-in hybrid vehicle is equipped with a 1.5-litre TGDi petrol engine and a front-mounted single electric motor, together generating a total output of 347hp and 525 Nm of torque. This powertrain is coupled with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), which is designed to optimise efficiency and performance.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV boasts a claimed consumption rate of 20.4 km/l. It can travel up to 88km on electric power alone, making it suitable for daily commutes without relying on petrol. Although details about the DC fast charging rate and speeds have not been disclosed, the vehicle does support this feature. Additionally, it includes a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which allows users to power external appliances directly from the vehicle.
Pricing and further details about its market availability are expected to be announced soon, along with specific information on its charging capabilities.
