In an intriguing development, the number of registered vehicles in Malaysia has surpassed the country’s population, revealing a total of more than 36.3 million vehicles as of October this year, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
With Malaysia’s population recorded at 32.4 million last year, the data indicates a significant proliferation of vehicles on the nation’s roads. According to NST, Cars take the lead in registered vehicles, numbering 17,244,978, followed closely by motorcycles at 16,773,112, and goods transportation vehicles at 1,429,403. The diversity extends to 84,745 taxis, 64,021 buses, 30,318 rental cars, and 736,410 other vehicles not categorised.
Remarkably, the active motor vehicle licenses or road taxes for 23,822,322 vehicles contrast with the inactivity of 12,540,664 vehicles without road taxes, presenting a comprehensive overview of the nation’s vehicular landscape.
In a high-stakes law enforcement operation, authorities engaged in a dramatic high-speed pursuit involving 28 patrol cars chasing a Perodua Bezza in Cyberjaya.
The pursuit unfolded after police officers in Petaling Jaya observed suspicious behaviour from the car’s occupants, consisting of three men and a woman. When the police attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects evaded capture by accelerating, triggering a dramatic chase.
According to NST, during the pursuit, two of the male occupants managed to escape from the vehicle, while a man and a woman were successfully detained by law enforcement. A subsequent investigation of the car revealed the presence of burglary tools, suggesting potential criminal activity.
The Petaling Jaya District police chief confirmed the incident and the subsequent arrest of the apprehended suspects. Authorities are expected to issue a media statement providing additional details about the case.
In November 2023, Proton continued to assert its robust presence in the automotive market, achieving noteworthy sales figures. The company recorded a total registration of 12,296 units (domestic + export), securing its second position among automotive brands in a fiercely competitive market.
With a total Year-to-Date (YTD) sales figure reaching an impressive 141,900 units (Domestic: 138,876 units, Export: 3,024 units) up to November, Proton has not only surpassed the sales volume of the entire previous year but has also demonstrated a commendable 12% growth year-on-year, solidifying its market share at 19.7%.
A significant highlight for Proton in November was the launch of the Proton S70on the 28th. The model experienced a threefold increase in bookings following its launch and price announcement. With a tagline emphasising “Intelligence that Evolves,” the Proton S70 has resonated well with consumers, surpassing 900 bookings per week. The total bookings for the S70 have already exceeded 3,000 units, showcasing its rapid popularity and alignment with the preferences of the Malaysian market.
The Proton X Series, comprising the X50, X70, and X90 models, has continued to garner praise and consumer interest. The series, known for its innovation, performance, and style, has reached a remarkable milestone of 201,710 units on the road. The Proton X50, a frontrunner in the B-segment SUV category, contributed significantly to November’s success with 2,115 units sold, bringing the total since launch to 102,325 units. The X70, a robust contender in the C SUV segment, maintained its strong market standing with 95,100 units sold since launch. The X90, introduced less than a year ago, has established itself as a leader in the D SUV segment, with 4,285 units in sales, further contributing to the overall success of the X Series.
Proton’s PIES models (Saga, Iriz, Persona, Exora) have played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, recording a substantial 34.3% growth compared to YTD 2022. The Proton Saga, in particular, demonstrated enduring popularity, securing the highest sales with 6,349 units sold in November, marking the second-highest for the year.
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is set to implement a substantial reduction of up to 50 per cent in traffic summonses as part of the MADANI One-Year Program. The program is scheduled to take place from December 8 to 10 at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil grounds.
According to Bernama, Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, the Director of Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department Bukit Aman, clarified that the reduced summonses will not apply to certain traffic offences for the year 2023. These exceptions include accident summonses, court cases with arrest warrants or still in trial, and offences that cannot be compounded.
According to Sapri, individuals can make payments for summonses exclusively at the inspection and traffic summons payment counters at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil grounds.
The payment counters will be operational from 9 am to 4 pm on December 8 (Friday) and from 9 am to 6 pm on December 9 and 10 (Saturday and Sunday). He emphasised the importance of checking summonses early through the MyBayar PDRM portal and application to streamline the payment process and avoid congestion at the payment counters.
Bermaz Motor has introduced an upgraded lineup of Mazda2 models, showcasing a fusion of enhanced features and stylish design. Drawing inspiration from the Evolved Kodo: Soul of Motion design theme, the Mazda2 exudes confidence, style, and quality from every angle. The car features a redesigned front grille, incorporating Mazda’s signature wing, imparting an elegant and sporty aesthetic.
The exterior enhancements include a black honeycomb grille with a red accent and a sleek bumper design. Complemented by 16-inch Black and chrome Alloy wheels, the Mazda2 exhibits a sporty and contrasting appearance. The car incorporates convenient features such as Front Headlights with Auto On/Off function, Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers, and Autofold Outer Rearview Mirrors.
Moving to the interior, the Mazda2 now boasts an Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror, effectively reducing glare from headlights at the rear. The inclusion of Cruise Control functionality allows the driver to effortlessly maintain a preset speed without continuous accelerator use. The interior receives a touch of sophistication with black dashboard trims and Black Leatherette and suede seats adorned with Red Stitching.
Continuing its driver-centric approach, Mazda2 1.5L High Sedan and Hatchback models retain essential features like front LED headlamps and seamless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility accessible through the 7-inch Infotainment System. The car prioritises safety with the inclusion of i-Activsense advanced driver-assist systems.
The Mazda2 lineup offers a vibrant color palette, including timeless options like Snowflake White Pearl and Soul Red Crystal, along with Platinum Quartz, Polymetal Gray (Hatchback variant only), AirStream Blue (Hatchback variant only), and the newly introduced Aero Gray (Sedan variant only).
Sourced as Completely Built-Up (CBU) from Thailand, the Mazda2 starts at an attractive price point of RM 108,670. The car is now open for bookings, accompanied by a robust 5-year Manufacturer’s Warranty and 5-year Free Maintenance, covering labor, parts, and lubricants for five years or 100,000km, providing customers with peace of mind.
The enhanced Mazda2 lineup aims to deliver a refined driving experience, seamlessly blending style, comfort, and advanced technology for discerning customers.
MAZDA2 1.5L SEDAN / HATCHBACK
RM 108,670.00
MAZDA2 1.5L SEDAN / HATCHBACK (SOUL RED CRYSTAL ONLY)
Bermaz Motor has unveiled an upgraded lineup of Mazda CX-3 models, introducing new features and styling enhancements.
The CX-3 1.5L Plus and 2.0L Plus variants showcase improvements, including LED headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, Autofold Outer Rearview Mirrors, and Rear Parking Sensors to enhance driver awareness. The 2.0L High variant boasts new design alloy wheels for a refreshed exterior look.
Interior upgrades feature paddle shifters and Wireless Apple CarPlay, accessible through the 8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment display, enhancing connectivity.
In terms of safety, the CX-3 1.5L Plus and 2.0L Plus variants now come equipped with four additional SRS Airbags, bringing the total to 6 airbags. These models also incorporate i-Activsense safety features, including High Beam Control (HBC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). Previously introduced in the 2022 Mazda CX-3 2.0L High variant, these safety features contribute to an enhanced safety profile for drivers and passengers alike.
Additionally, the color palette for the Mazda CX-3 includes a newly added Aero Gray, expanding the total color options to seven. The models are available in Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray, Soul Red Crystal, and Platinum Quartz (exclusive to the 2.0L High variant).
The New Mazda CX-3 is sourced from Thailand and is priced starting from RM 115,720.00. Bookings for the upgraded models are officially open, and the vehicles come with a 5-year Manufacturer’s Warranty and 5-year Free Maintenance (except BT-50) according to the manufacturer’s standards, inclusive of labor, parts, and lubricants. Both the Manufacturer Warranty and Free Maintenance have a coverage period of five years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.
Auto Bavaria, a BMW and Mini dealership in Malaysia, has become the country’s first dealership to offer specialized services dedicated to BMW and Mini models that have achieved Classic Status. This initiative, commencing operations from November 26, 2023, aims to cater to the needs of classic car enthusiasts.
The service offering, located at Auto Bavaria’s Ara Damansara dealership, is designed for BMW and Mini classic cars defined by the BMW Group as those that have surpassed 15 years after the last series production date. The dedicated team at the Ara Damansara dealership includes two work bays, two skilled technicians, a foreman, and two service advisors.
BHPetrol had recently organised a campaign called ‘Pam & Menang Kembali Lagi 2.0’ where people could stand a chance to win a Proton Iriz 1.6L Active CVT by spending a minimum of RM40 on Infiniti fuels RON 95, RON 97, B10 diesel or B7 diesel or store items in a single receipt at BHPetrol stations.
The campaign was from the first of August 2023 to the 31st of October 2023 and the winners have been selected. A grand prize consisting of a new Iriz and a vacation to Dubai with Malaysian musician, actor, and television host Alif Satar will be given to four lucky winners.
Second-place winners will receive one of four units of the Iriz, while third-place winners will each receive one of fourteen Modenas Kriss 110 motorcycles.
Additional rewards include 32-inch smart TVs, smartphones, BHPetrol SynGard lubricants, special edition BHPetrol umbrellas for weekly winners, and 30,000 e-points.
As the Tesla Cybertruck deliveries have started, specs and range information have finally been revealed. There will be two options available; the tri-motor Cyberbeast which produces 845hp with a range of 514km and the dual-motor option that puts out 600hp and boasts a range of 547km.
There are talks about a single-motor variant in the development with an estimated range of 402km. For the time being, there is no information available about the powertrain.
Facing a backdrop of softened EV demand and increasing competition, the Cybertruck is a crucial player in sustaining Tesla’s sales. However, it is not expected to reach the same volume as Models 3 and Y, both available in Malaysia.
Speaking of which, we came across an interesting find on the official website of Tesla Malaysia. The Cybertruck has been added to the list, joining the Model 3 and Y.
During the production time of the Cybertruck, Elon Musk had stated that the company was facing difficulties and that Tesla had “dug it’s own grave” by undertaking such a task. Back in May, Tesla had axed the production of the Model S and X in Australia due to the halt in production of right-hand-drive variants. With this, we knew that Tesla had no intentions of expanding some models globally.
So would it be right-hand-drive when it eventually arrives here in Malaysia? Well, according to a post dated back in July, Musk had a “solution” for Tesla drivers in right-hand-drive countries. We had a good laugh at this solution. The EV giant had introduced something called “The Reacher”. Yes, it is what you think it is. Imagine driving on the left side of the car and using this tool to pay for tolls and collecting your drive-thru meals. Not very bright now is it?
The Reacher
Just like in Australia, the Malaysian Tesla page does not provide a “Order Now” option but rather a “Get Updates” option. In the US, the Cybertruck is priced at $60,990, which if we do a conversion will be RM284,7620. Before the unnecessary add-ons, the price of the Model 3 here starts from RM189,000 while in the US it is around $40,000. So we can expect the price of the Cybertruck to be around RM290k to RM320K.
We have our doubts that the Cybertruck would actually make it’s way onto our shores. Until then, we will just have to wait and see and keep tabs on any issues that the US buyers are facing with their Cybertrucks or if Tesla has any plans to make a right-hand-drive variant.
The Johor Public Works Department (JKR) is set to embark on a transformative journey by upgrading roads with glow-in-the-dark markings, bringing a futuristic touch to road safety. State executive council member Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh revealed that JKR will meticulously list and assess roads earmarked for this innovative upgrade before the year concludes.
The initiative is backed by the state government’s commitment, as reflected in the 2024 Johor Budget, allocating RM1 million for the integration of light reflection technology into road markings. Mohamad Fazli emphasized that the identified roads would undergo the application of glow-in-the-dark technology in the coming year.
“JKR will assess which roads are suitable for using the glow-in-the-dark technology before the end of this year. The department will look at roads, especially in areas with improper wiring or no electrical poles, as well as those with dangerous and sharp road bends and roads connecting towns,” stated Mohamad Fazli during a press conference held after the launch of the Sungai Masai Bridge Project in Jalan Masai Lama.
