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.
Proton has reported a significant 13.6% increase in sales for May, with 12,522 units (domestic and export) sold. This surge has cemented the company’s second position in the national automotive sales ranking, achieving a forecast market share of 19%. The company’s sales for the first five months of the year closed at 62,697 units.
The growth in Proton’s sales aligns with the overall trend in the Total Industry Volume (TIV), which is estimated to have grown by 20.7% to approximately 70,000 units in May. The year-to-date (YTD) TIV figure is estimated at 330,236 units, marking an 8.8% increase over 2023.
Export Sales Surge
Proton’s efforts to expand into international markets, including Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh, and Iraq, have been fruitful, with export sales reaching 509 units in May—the highest shipment recorded for 2024 so far. Since February, the best-selling export model has been the Proton Saga, leading with 360 units exported in May. Cumulative export sales have reached 1,344 units since January.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued a strong advisory to aspiring pilots, emphasising the importance of thorough research into flying schools before enrolling. This comes as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and an increasing number of individuals seek to become pilots.
CAAM, which licenses flying schools and issues clearance letters to trainees after vetting their qualifications, has noted that many aspiring pilots often have unclear expectations or misconceptions regarding the roles of the schools and the regulatory authority. This confusion can lead to frustration and hinder students’ progress toward their aviation careers.
Norazman Mahmud, head of CAAM, advised prospective pilots to visit flying schools to tour the facilities, meet instructors, and understand the training environment. He highlighted the necessity of verifying the schools’ accreditation status, reviewing the training programs offered, and considering the qualifications of instructors and the schools’ safety records.
In a significant update to the MyJPJ app, users can now make direct payments using online banking (FPX) for a variety of transactions within the app, including driving licence and road tax renewals. This addition simplifies the payment process and provides users with more flexibility and convenience.
Expanded Payment Options
Previously, the MyJPJ app only supported payments through debit and credit cards. With the latest update, users can now opt for online banking as a payment method, enhancing the app’s usability. This update allows users to select “Online Banking (FPX)” when making a transaction, choose their preferred bank, and then complete the payment through their bank’s login page.
Malaysia is set to table a new consumer protection act, akin to the “Lemon Law” found in other countries, in the Dewan Rakyat in March. This move aims to enhance consumer rights, particularly for car buyers, by addressing issues related to defective vehicles.
According to NST, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced the initiative, revealing that legal experts have been appointed to conduct a legislative framework study starting this month. This study is expected to be completed by September.
The Lamborghini Urus SE has finally made its way into the Malaysian market. This is Lamborghini’s first Plug-in Hybrid version of the SUV.
The new model showcases a revamped daytime running light signature encircling the headlamp clusters, now equipped with advanced matrix LED technology. Both the front and rear bumpers have undergone subtle modifications, while the rear tailgate boasts a complete redesign. The addition of a spoiler, paired with a revised diffuser, delivers 35% more downforce at high speeds compared to the Urus S.
Aerodynamic improvements are not limited to the exterior. Underbody air vents and updated air ducts enhance cooling efficiency for mechanical and engine components by 15%. The newly designed front section also improves brake cooling by an impressive 30%.
Interior and Infotainment Upgrades
Inside the cabin, the Urus SE features dual 12.3-inch displays and an updated infotainment system, offering improved graphics akin to those in the Revuelto. While the rest of the interior remains familiar, Lamborghini continues to provide extensive customisation options, including wheels ranging from 21 to 23 inches.
Enhanced Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Urus SE retains its powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, producing 611hp and 800Nm of torque. The engine is now complemented by an electric motor delivering 189 hp and 483Nm, resulting in a combined system output of 800hp and 950Nm.
These power figures enable the Urus SE to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 312km/h. The plug-in hybrid version also offers up to 60km of electric-only range, powered by a 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery.
Advanced Drivetrain and Suspension
The Urus SE’s powertrain includes an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, featuring an integrated front differential and a rear electronic limited-slip differential. Air springs allow for adjustable ground clearance, ranging from 15mm in Corsa mode to 75mm when necessary. In addition to Corsa, the Urus SE offers various drive modes, including Strade, Sport, and Neve. PHEV-specific modes such as Hybrid, Recharge, and EV Drive are also available.
With its enhanced design, superior performance, and advanced technology, the Lamborghini Urus SE sets a new benchmark in the luxury SUV segment. The combination of powerful hybrid capabilities and meticulous design updates ensures that the Urus SE remains at the forefront of automotive innovation.
The Lamborghini Urus SE is now open for booking in Malaysia through Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur, the authorised distributor, with a starting price of RM1,028,000 before taxes, duties and customisation.
