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Jaecoo J7 PHEV Previewed: Official Launch by End of 2024

The Jaecoo J7 PHEV, set to be officially launched in Malaysia by the end of 2024, shares a similar exterior design to its petrol-powered counterpart. Key differences include its hybrid engine, extended range, DC charging capabilities, and an external output feature that allows users to power electronics like projectors or kettles during outdoor activities.

Available in two variants, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is estimated to be priced between RM170,000 and RM180,000. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant offers seven driving modes—Economy, Standard, Sport, Sand, Mud, Snow, and Off-Road—while the Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) variant comes with three modes: Standard, Sport, and Economy. The PHEV is equipped with an 18.3kWh battery and a 60-litre fuel tank, producing 525Nm of torque. It also supports fast charging up to 40kW via a DC charger.

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Mazda Unveils 2025 BT-50 with Enhanced Design, Safety, and Functionality

Mazda has revealed the 2025 Mazda BT-50, showcasing significant design changes, safety upgrades, new accessories, and improved functionality. As Australia remains the leading market for the BT-50 globally, this versatile ute has cemented its reputation as a reliable partner since its debut in 2020.

This latest update, the largest of four since its launch, introduces a tougher and more powerful stance, building on Mazda’s ‘Kodo – soul of motion’ design philosophy. The bold, commanding exterior is most striking at the front, where the BT-50 features unique LED headlamps framed by a redesigned radiator grille and bumper, which includes an aerodynamic ‘air curtain’ to enhance fuel efficiency.

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BMW Marks 30 Years in Mexico with Exclusive M2 Coupe 30 Years Edition

BMW is celebrating three decades of operations in Mexico with the launch of a special-edition M2, the BMW M2 Coupe 30 Years Edition. Though the M2 itself is less than a decade old—having debuted as the F87 model in 2015—the limited-edition model honours the company’s 30-year milestone in the country, where it has maintained a strong presence.

The M2 30 Years Edition is a locally built vehicle, produced at BMW’s San Luis Potosi plant, and designed by Mexican native José Casas. Only 30 units of this exclusive sports coupe will be produced, one for each year since the first BMW 3 Series E36 rolled off the assembly line at the Lerma Plant in Toluca back in 1994.

This limited-run version comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and will be offered in two matte finishes from BMW’s Individual catalogue: Frozen Portimao Blue and Frozen Pure Grey. Inside, the M2 is outfitted with carbon bucket front seats, offering an immersive driving experience.

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Volkswagen Faces Uncertain Future with Possible Closure of Historic Brussels Plant

Volkswagen’s iconic Brussels plant, home to the production of the Audi Q8 E-Tron, is on the brink of closure as the company struggles to maintain demand in a slowing electric vehicle (EV) market. The plant, which has been producing cars since 1949, could be permanently shut down, marking a significant moment for both the automaker and the European EV sector.

The Audi Q8 E-Tron was anticipated to be a major player in Volkswagen’s EV strategy. However, the plant’s production figures reveal a different outcome. Despite the facility having a production capacity of 120,000 vehicles, the numbers have been dwindling. In 2022, only 47,900 units were produced, dropping to 37,400 last year, with just 23,900 vehicles delivered so far in 2024.

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New R&R Stop Along CSR to be Completed by August 2025

A new Rest and Recreation (R&R) stop on the Central Spine Road (CSR) Section 4A, from Kampung Relong to Ladang Jerkoh in Kuala Lipis, is expected to be completed by August 2025. According to Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Deputy Minister of Public Works, construction is slated to begin by March 2025, if not earlier.

“Currently, only the platform has been built, with work on the road leading to it expected to commence soon,” Ahmad shared during a Dewan Rakyat Special Chamber session, according to Bernama.

This new facility is part of efforts to improve infrastructure in Kelantan and will complement existing R&R stops at Gua Musang Utara and Gua Musang Selatan. The stops will be equipped with basic amenities, including rest areas, toilets, prayer rooms, food stalls, children’s play areas, and parking lots, all aimed at enhancing the comfort and safety of road users.

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Mini Unveils the New John Cooper Works Models: Power, Performance, and Iconic Go-Kart Feel

Mini has taken the wraps off its latest high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) models, continuing the legacy of racing legend John Cooper with exhilarating driving experiences and cutting-edge design. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, the new Mini JCW models deliver 231hp and 380Nm of torque, promising an unmatched go-kart feel on the road.

The new Mini JCW hardtop can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds, while the convertible achieves this in 6.4 seconds. Both models boast impressive top speeds, reaching 250km/h in the hardtop and 245km/h in the convertible. Fuel efficiency ranges from 6.5 to 7.1 L/100km, with CO2 emissions as low as 147 g/km, making these cars as efficient as they are fast.

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Jaecoo J5 Launches with Pet-Focused Features and Outdoor Capabilities – Set for Malaysia Launch in 2025

The Jaecoo J5, a compact SUV, made its debut at the 2024 Omoda Jaecoo International User Summit in Wuhu, China. Positioned as the smaller sibling to the Jaecoo J7, it retains much of the J7’s design elements and is tailored for ‘new urban youths’ with a strong emphasis on pet-friendliness.

Key Features:

Pet-Friendly Design: The J5 includes special features to accommodate pets, such as extended seats designed for pet comfort and safety, and an advanced filtration system to block pet hair, keeping the cabin air fresh. It also offers an intelligent temperature control system and an antibacterial health device to inhibit bacteria growth, ensuring a healthier environment for both pets and passengers.
Pet Accessories: Jaecoo will provide accessories like pet-feeding devices and boarding steps for small pets, reinforcing the J5’s appeal to pet owners.

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Chery Aims to Introduce Solid-State Batteries by 2026

Chinese automaker Chery has announced significant progress in its development of solid-state batteries, aiming to introduce them in EVs by 2026. These advancements were revealed during the Chery Global Innovation Conference, where the company shared details about the ongoing development of its high-density solid-state battery prototypes, which currently achieve 400 Wh/kg energy density. By 2025, Chery plans to boost this to 600 Wh/kg, enabling EVs to achieve up to 1,500 km of range on a single charge.

Key Developments:

Solid-State Batteries: Chery is targeting large-scale production of these batteries starting in 2027, with their installation in vehicles beginning the year before. These batteries are expected to provide substantial gains in energy efficiency and vehicle range, marking a major leap in EV technology.
Industry Context: Although solid-state batteries are widely anticipated as a breakthrough for electric vehicles, no EVs with fully solid-state batteries have hit the market yet. However, semi-solid-state battery technology has already made its debut in models like the Nio ET7 and IM L6.

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BMW Malaysia Reprises Its Role as Official Automotive Partner for the Maybank Championship 2024

BMW Malaysia announced its return as the Official E-Mobility Partner for the Maybank Championship 2024, reaffirming its commitment to supporting world-class sporting events while championing Responsible and Sustainable mobility. Sanctioned by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the event reflects Maybank’s commitment to advancing women’s sports by bringing together remarkable athletes and motivating them to reach new heights.

BMW Malaysia will showcase its commitment to Electrified Mobility by providing an extraordinary fleet of 60 premium BMW i electric vehicles, consisting of the BMW iX, BMW i5 and BMW i7. This lineup reflects the brand’s dedication to combining luxury with eco-conscious innovation.

These vehicles will serve as the official transportation for the tournament, ensuring seamless and comfortable mobility for all participating sportswomen, officials, and VVIPs throughout the event at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
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Mercedes-Benz Launches Advanced Battery Recycling Facility in Germany

Mercedes-Benz has launched Europe’s first battery recycling plant with an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process in Kuppenheim, southern Germany. This makes Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to close the battery recycling loop within its own in-house facility. The plant represents a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to promote a circular economy, reduce dependence on primary resources, and improve sustainability across its operations.

Key Features of the Kuppenheim Battery Recycling Plant:

High Recovery Rate: The recycling facility boasts an anticipated recovery rate of over 96%, enabling the extraction of valuable materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt for reuse in new electric vehicle batteries.
Circular Economy: The plant is designed to create a closed-loop recycling system, ensuring that materials from old batteries are repurposed into new ones, furthering Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability.
Innovative Process: The recycling process involves a combination of mechanical sorting of materials such as plastics, copper, and aluminium, followed by hydrometallurgical extraction of critical metals from battery electrodes (the “black mass”).

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English

Jaecoo J7 PHEV Previewed: Official Launch by End of 2024

Mazda Unveils 2025 BT-50 with Enhanced Design, Safety, and Functionality

BMW Marks 30 Years in Mexico with Exclusive M2 Coupe 30 Years Edition

Volkswagen Faces Uncertain Future with Possible Closure of Historic Brussels Plant

New R&R Stop Along CSR to be Completed by August 2025

Mini Unveils the New John Cooper Works Models: Power, Performance, and Iconic Go-Kart Feel

Jaecoo J5 Launches with Pet-Focused Features and Outdoor Capabilities – Set for Malaysia Launch in 2025

Key Features:

Chery Aims to Introduce Solid-State Batteries by 2026

Key Developments:

BMW Malaysia Reprises Its Role as Official Automotive Partner for the Maybank Championship 2024

Mercedes-Benz Launches Advanced Battery Recycling Facility in Germany

Key Features of the Kuppenheim Battery Recycling Plant:

Proton Collaborates With Grab Malaysia To Enhance E-Hailing Vehicle Access

Proton e.MAS 7 Order Book Officially Opens

Review: Proton’s Finest Sedan – Proton S70 is a C-Segment Package for B-Segment Price!

Review: New Mitsubishi XPander Offers More Than Just Good Looks!

Proton e.MAS 7 Tour’s Electrifying Performance and Intelligence Conquers Peninsular Malaysia

CATL Unveils Game-Changing 400km Range Battery for China’s Rising PHEV Market

Stellantis to Test Factorial’s Solid-State Batteries in Dodge Charger Daytona by 2026

Transport Consultant Criticises Focus on Road Projects, Calls for Public Transit Reforms

SAIC Motor Malaysia Opens Bookings for MG Cyberster: All-Electric Roadster Set for ACE 2024 Debut

Subaru Unveils 2025 BRZ Series.Purple Special Edition

Archive

Honda Malaysia Opens Bookings for the New Civic – Launch Set for January 2025

Two Lucky Winners Announced In Proton’s Test Drive & Win Campaign

Mazda Unveils 2025 BT-50 with Enhanced Design, Safety, and Functionality

UMW Toyota Motor Continues Strong Sales Performance

Italian Parts Supplier Group Saves Recaro Automotive

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