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In a landmark move set to reshape Malaysia’s automotive landscape, Berjaya Corporation Bhd’s Founder and Advisor, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, joined Mr. Ke Chuandeng, Vice President of Jetour Auto, to officiate the signing of a strategic agreement between Berjaya Assembly Sdn Bhd (a wholly owned subsidiary of Berjaya Assets Bhd) and Jetour Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone, focusing on Completely Knocked Down (CKD) projects and the introduction of Jetour’s next-generation vehicles to the Malaysian market. The agreement is poised to catalyse local assembly operations and position Malaysia as a key hub for Jetour’s expansion across Southeast Asia.

Advancing Industry 4.0 Manufacturing

Central to the partnership is a shared commitment to Industry 4.0 principles, incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics into the manufacturing ecosystem. This integration aims to optimise productivity, boost flexibility, and support Malaysia’s ambitions to become a leader in smart, sustainable automotive manufacturing.

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Jetour Malaysia has officially marked its debut in the country’s competitive automotive landscape with the unveiling of the all-new Dashing SUV, introduced in an elegant launch ceremony at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

The Dashing represents Jetour’s first foray into Malaysia’s SUV segment, embodying a contemporary design philosophy, refined features, and a commitment to delivering high-value mobility solutions tailored to Malaysian preferences.

Crafted as a five-seater SUV with striking proportions, the Dashing features a sleek 3D coupe fastback silhouette measuring 4,590mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,685mm in height, slightly smaller than a Proton X70.

Among the Dashing’s standout exterior highlights are intelligent invisible sensing door handles that extend upon detecting the smart key, enhancing both aerodynamics and aesthetic appeal. Split matrix LED headlamps offer intelligent illumination, automatically activating 100 metres before tunnel entrances, and include adjustable height settings along with follow-me-home functionality. Meanwhile, the ‘Mecha-Eyes’ inspired daytime running lights and checkered flag-themed rear lights reinforce the SUV’s futuristic and sporty styling cues.

The Dashing is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels designed to provide superior road grip and stability, contributing to assured driving across varying road conditions. Enhancing the open-cabin atmosphere is a panoramic 75-inch sunroof, offering a connection to the outdoors while preserving the comfort expected of a premium SUV.

Inside, Jetour has employed a minimalist yet intelligent approach to cabin design. Customers can choose between two elegant interior colour schemes — off-white or a dual-tone black and red finish. The interior omits the conventional centre rear hump, ensuring optimal comfort even for passengers seated in the middle. The boot space is tailored to accommodate leisure equipment such as camping gear or outdoor BBQ sets, underlining the vehicle’s lifestyle appeal.

A key technological highlight is the intelligent voice command system, which enables control over various functions including climate settings, windows, navigation, and entertainment. The system features position-specific voice recognition, enhancing convenience and interaction.

Comfort and wellness have also been prioritised. The cabin air is filtered through a CN95-level purification system, delivering clean, allergen-free air to all occupants. Higher trim levels benefit from customisable ambient lighting, while dedicated rear air vents ensure consistent temperature control throughout the vehicle.

The electrically powered tailgate is both programmable and equipped with anti-pinch safety features, and connectivity options include wireless smartphone charging, along with seamless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Jetour has embedded a comprehensive suite of safety technologies into the Dashing, including blind spot detection using millimetre wave radar, which becomes active at speeds above 15 km/h. The SUV also features lane change warnings, rear cross traffic alert systems, and door opening warnings to protect occupants from oncoming vehicles.

Under the bonnet, the Dashing is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 156PS and 230Nm of torque. This powertrain delivers responsive urban acceleration and composed highway cruising, catering to everyday driving demands.

The Dashing will be offered in two variants — Comfort and Prime — with the Comfort variant priced at RM109,800, and the Prime variant goes for RM116,800. Both variants will be available in five exterior finishes: Carbon Black, Khaki White, Aurora Green, Phantom Grey, and Hematite Red. These are complemented by dual-tone interior treatments with red accents.

Standard packaging will include five times free service, seven years/150,000km vehicle warranty coverage and 10 years/1,000,000km engine warranty coverage. Additionally, the first 500 customers get a RM2,000 cash rebate.

In preparation for its Malaysian rollout, Jetour has already established more than 30 sales and service outlets across the country, with over 30 additional 3S and 4S centres set to open by the end of 2025. These centres will span both Peninsular and East Malaysia, including key regions such as Selangor, Penang, Johor, Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka, Seremban, and Ipoh. The company has also committed to a nationwide spare parts inventory to ensure dependable after-sales support.

The All-New Jetour Dashing will be available for viewing and purchase at all authorised Jetour showrooms nationwide beginning April 2025, setting the stage for what promises to be a dynamic new chapter in Malaysia’s SUV market.

Bermaz Motor, the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, introduces the highly anticipated Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition—a tribute to 35 years of driving joy, timeless design, and the spirit of Jinba-Ittai, Mazda’s philosophy of perfect harmony between driver and machine.

Since its global debut in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has consistently delivered a driver-centric experience, evolving through four generations while staying true to its lightweight, dynamic roots. From the iconic NA to today’s ND series, the MX-5 continues to exemplify pure roadster exhilaration.

In celebration of this legacy, the 35th Anniversary Edition makes its debut in Malaysia in limited numbers. This commemorative model combines heritage-inspired details with modern upgrades in performance, design, and connectivity—making it a collector’s dream.

Mazda’s Kodo: Soul of Motion design language is brought to life in this exclusive edition, particularly through the debut of the Artisan Red Premium exterior. Created using Mazda’s advanced Takuminuri painting technology, this deep and radiant red finish enhances the car’s sculpted lines with a sense of movement, strength, and elegance—even while stationary.

Exclusive to this edition is a 35th Anniversary badge on the rear fender, body-coloured outer mirrors, and striking 17-inch Bright Metallic alloy wheels. Inside, the Sports Tan leather interior features matching dashboard trim, carpeting, and floor mats—all embroidered or embossed with the 35th Anniversary logo. Artisan Red accents on the air-conditioning vents and door panels tie the cabin together for a unified aesthetic.

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 range also sees key design and equipment enhancements. Exterior updates include redesigned LED headlamps with recessed low beams, giving the car a unique “eye-like” expression. A concave rear combination lamp lens evokes an “afterburner” visual effect, while the bumper now features updated reflectors and rear fog lights.

Inside, all variants benefit from a newly designed meter cluster with improved readability and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. A new 8.8-inch infotainment display supports voice recognition, USB-C charging, and a high-definition reverse camera for improved usability and safety.

Under the hood, the 2025 MX-5 RF continues with the spirited Skyactiv-G 2.0L engine, delivering 181hp and 205Nm of torque with a top speed of 200km/h. A key highlight is the addition of DSC-TRACK mode and an Asymmetric Limited Slip Differential (LSD) in the manual variant. These performance technologies provide greater control and improved traction during spirited driving.

Mazda has also refined the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system to enhance responsiveness, with a 5% reduction in rack friction and improved motor control logic, delivering more natural and linear steering feel.

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 RF is available in several colours, including Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, and the newly added Aero Gray. The 35th Anniversary Edition is exclusively available in Artisan Red Premium. Pricing for the Mazda MX-5 RF (Manual/Auto) starts from RM293,000.00, and the Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition is priced at RM315,000.00.

All new Mazda models come with a 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty and 5-Year Free Maintenance (including parts, labour, and lubricants, excluding Mazda B50), with a mileage limit of 100,000 km or five years, whichever comes first.

The Mazda MX-5 35th Anniversary Edition will be showcased at the Bermaz Auto Showcase from 10th to 13th April 2025 at the Oval Concourse, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

In conjunction with the launch, an exclusive Mazda MX-5 Photo Contest will also take place from 10th to 13th April at both 1 Utama and Sunway Carnival Mall (Northern Region), offering fans a chance to win exciting Mazda merchandise.

Ferrari is preparing to bring back the legendary gated manual gearbox, marking a major shift in its performance philosophy after more than ten years of focusing purely on speed and technology.

For years, Ferrari resisted reintroducing manual transmissions, favouring dual-clutch gearboxes that deliver lightning-fast shifts and maximum performance. But now, the company says it has reached the limits of what today’s technology — and human bodies — can handle.

Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari’s Head of Product Development, explained that performance levels have peaked. With cars like the SF90 XX hitting 0–100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds, further gains in acceleration are becoming less meaningful — especially for rear-wheel-drive models like the 296 GTB, which already produce over 800hp.

Ferrari has found that increasing power beyond 900hp presents serious challenges. Not only do tyres and chassis struggle to keep up, but the forces placed on drivers are so intense that it would require Formula 1-level physical training just to enjoy the car. Fulgenzi said this isn’t realistic or desirable for most Ferrari owners.

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PRO-NET, a subsidiary of national carmaker Proton, has announced a significant milestone for its electric SUV, the Proton e.MAS 7, which recorded 1,853 cumulative deliveries in the first quarter of 2025. With 797 units delivered in March alone, the vehicle is estimated to hold a commanding 30% share of the Malaysian EV market, securing its position as the nation’s top-selling electric vehicle.

According to PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang, the achievement reflects the growing trust and enthusiasm among Malaysian consumers for Proton’s electrification journey. He stated that customer confidence in both the e.MAS 7 and the broader EV ecosystem Proton is building have been instrumental to this success. He also acknowledged the role of dealers and partners in establishing a comprehensive support infrastructure for EV adoption, adding that the company is committed to continuous improvement in quality and ownership experience.

Accessible, Feature-Rich, and Designed for Malaysians

The Proton e.MAS 7 has gained traction among Malaysian buyers thanks to its competitive pricing and array of advanced features. Priced from RM105,800 for the Prime variant and RM119,800 for the Premium, the e.MAS 7 offers exceptional value for those seeking sustainable mobility without compromising on comfort or safety.

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A Chinese tyre manufacturer operating in Thailand is under official investigation following allegations of smuggling substandard tyres into the country, altering them, and fraudulently labelling them as newly produced products for both local sale and export.

According to an Industry Ministry official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, the company in question had been granted investment privileges to manufacture vehicle tyres in Thailand using imported raw materials from China. Despite this, the company is reported to employ only Chinese workers at its Thai facility.

Authorities were alerted through tip-offs alleging that defective tyres, which had failed to meet safety and quality standards in China, were being smuggled into Thailand. These tyres were reportedly stripped of their original brand logos and rebranded before being released into the Thai market or prepared for export.

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Mercedes-Benz is reportedly preparing to overhaul its AMG offerings for the C-Class as part of an upcoming mid-cycle facelift, with plans to retire both the C43 and C63 variants. Industry insiders suggest that a new model, expected to be named the AMG C53, will take their place as the brand repositions its performance sedans for a new era.

According to sources familiar with the automaker’s product strategy, the C53 will likely adopt a six-cylinder powertrain, representing a significant departure from the current C63, which uses a highly electrified four-cylinder engine. The rumored new model is said to employ a version of the M256M inline-six engine, enhanced with mild-hybrid technology but without a plug-in hybrid system. This change suggests that Mercedes-AMG could be shifting away from complex electrified setups in favor of a more traditional performance configuration.

Speculation about the C53’s power output places it between the current AMG C43 and C63 models. While exact figures remain unconfirmed, expectations point to an engine delivering more than the 416 horsepower of the C43, but less than the 671hp offered by the plug-in hybrid C63. Comparisons are being drawn to the CLE53, which utilizes the same engine and delivers around 443hp. Analysts anticipate a similar figure for the upcoming C53, which would position it competitively in the performance sedan segment.

Mercedes-Benz officials have previously indicated to Motor1 that the V8 engine will not return to the C-Class platform, confirming the end of an era for traditional AMG powertrains in this segment. While some company executives had earlier expressed confidence in the electrified four-cylinder’s potential, its reception among enthusiasts has been lukewarm. This has led to heavy discounting in key markets such as Germany and the United States, signaling a disconnect between product positioning and consumer demand.

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In a time when the automotive industry increasingly leans into digital interfaces, Hyundai is taking a measured stance against the overuse of touchscreen technology in modern car interiors. While many automakers continue to integrate oversized screens in place of traditional tactile controls, Hyundai has signaled a renewed focus on driver ergonomics and safety.

The company has acknowledged growing consumer frustration over the excessive reliance on digital displays, noting that an over-dependence on touchscreens can lead to driver distraction and discomfort. According to Hyundai’s Senior Vice President of Design, Simon Loasby, the automaker intends to retain physical buttons for frequently used features to ensure safer and more intuitive control for drivers.

Loasby explained that future Hyundai interiors are being developed with an emphasis on minimising visual distraction. The priority, he said, is to keep drivers’ attention at eye level rather than on central displays. By preserving certain physical controls, Hyundai aims to leverage drivers’ muscle memory, enabling adjustments without diverting their gaze from the road.

The move comes amid increasing criticism of touchscreen-heavy designs, which many argue prioritise aesthetic minimalism and manufacturing efficiency over user experience and safety. Hyundai’s leadership appears to share these concerns. Luc Donckerwolke, the company’s Chief Creative Officer, stated that large displays often serve as a cost-saving measure, reducing the need for tooling and physical components. However, he acknowledged that consumers still appreciate and desire analog interactions.

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The government is considering the adoption of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven road monitoring system to curb pothole-related accidents, following renewed concerns over road safety and infrastructure maintenance.

According to NST, the proposed system, tabled by road safety expert Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, would incorporate scanning technology, inspection drones, and a public feedback platform via a dedicated mobile app to identify and address road defects more efficiently.

Professor Law said the AI system would use smart algorithms to analyse data, predict high-risk zones, and prioritise repairs based on damage severity. “The collected information would be displayed on a central dashboard accessible to authorities and concessionaires, with automatic alerts to ensure prompt action and greater accountability,” he explained.

The call for urgent reform follows a recent fatal accident in Kuantan, where a motorcyclist lost his life after skidding into a pothole on the Kuantan–Cherok Paloh road. Just weeks earlier, a similar incident in Kluang, Johor, claimed the lives of two school-going siblings.

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Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has announced the appointment of Mr. Narushi Yazaki as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, who has helmed the company for the past three years.

Mr. Yazaki brings over 25 years of global experience within Honda, having held senior leadership roles in Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Prior to his Malaysian posting, he was with the Corporate Administration Operations division at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo.

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