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Maserati Celebrates Tignanello’s 50th Anniversary with Customised GranCabrio Folgore

To mark the 50th anniversary of Tignanello, one of the most iconic red wines, Maserati has unveiled a customised Fuoriserie version of its latest electric creation, the GranCabrio Folgore. This bespoke car, crafted exclusively for Marchesi Antinori, will be auctioned on July 14 in California at Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala, one of the leading arts charity events in the United States.

A Collaboration of Italian Excellence

In celebration of its 110th anniversary, Maserati has partnered with Marchesi Antinori, a family with a 600-year history in winemaking, passed down through 26 generations. This collaboration symbolises the shared values of tradition, innovation, and excellence that define both brands. Marchesi Antinori and its Tignanello wine represent the passion and pioneering spirit that has always characterised Maserati.

Design Inspired by Vineyards

The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello draws inspiration from the vineyard, a symbol of roots and heritage. The car’s body features a custom Terra di Tignanello paint, a rich chestnut colour with a metallic tint inspired by the vineyard’s soil and the hues of Tignanello’s barrels. The rims and calipers are in matte and gloss black, respectively, with copper-coloured emblems, and the Maserati logo in glossy copper.

Inside, the car showcases leather seats adorned with a silver and burgundy ribbed weave made of Vegea, a fabric derived from vineyards that resembles leather. This innovative material is used for the first time in a Maserati. Dark briar wood with laser engravings recalls the oak barrels used in winemaking, while the headrests feature embroidered Maserati Tridents combined with the Tignanello sun emblem. The central tunnel is also laser-engraved with the dates 1971-2021, marking Tignanello’s 50-year legacy.

GranCabrio Folgore: A Benchmark in Electric Luxury

The GranCabrio Folgore is Maserati’s first 100% electric convertible, boasting cutting-edge performance and comfort. Equipped with an 800V battery system, developed with Formula E technology, the GranCabrio Folgore offers outstanding performance. Its three electric motors produce a combined 818hp and 1,350Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds. The 92.5 kWh battery provides an EPA-estimated range of 375km between charges.

Comfort and Innovation

The GranCabrio Folgore offers four true seats, made possible by its soft top. It features innovative systems such as a neck warmer for comfortable open-top driving in cooler weather and a wind stopper to reduce turbulence inside the passenger compartment.

Tignanello: A Legacy of Innovation

Tignanello was the first Sangiovese wine aged in barriques and the first contemporary red blended with non-traditional grape varieties, specifically Cabernet. It is crafted from a meticulous selection of Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes from the Tenuta Tignanello vineyard in Chianti Classico, covering 57 hectares (141 acres).

Auction

The unique GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello will be auctioned on July 14 at the Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala.

First Fourth-Generation BMW 1 Series Rolls Off Production Line at BMW Group Plant Leipzig

The first fourth-generation BMW 1 Series, a BMW 120, has rolled off the production line at BMW Group Plant Leipzig. This premium compact model, exclusively manufactured in Saxony, Germany, marks a significant milestone for BMW. The plant can produce up to 500 units of the 1 Series per day, contributing to a total daily output of 1,300 vehicles when combined with the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and MINI Countryman. The new BMW 1 Series is scheduled for market launch in October 2024.

A New Chapter in BMW’s Compact Segment

The fourth-generation BMW 1 Series continues the brand’s nearly 20-year legacy in the compact segment. Production began with the three-door model at Plant Leipzig in 2007, and since then, over 1.3 million units have been manufactured. By the end of June 2024, nearly 443,000 third-generation BMW 1 Series vehicles had been delivered to customers. “The new BMW 1 Series will remain a key factor in maintaining high capacity utilisation here at Plant Leipzig,” said Petra Peterhänsel, Plant Director.

This increase in production volumes is not only securing existing jobs but also creating new ones. By the end of 2024, an additional 900 people are expected to join vehicle production, bringing the total workforce at Plant Leipzig to around 7,000.

Dynamic Design and Enhanced Features

The new BMW 1 Series boasts a dynamic design, a revised drive portfolio, and improved chassis technology. The front end is notably flat and sits lower to the road, emphasising its sporty driving capabilities. The wide, forward-leaning radiator grille features an innovative arrangement of vertical and diagonal bars, while standard LED headlights give the car a striking “four-eyed face.”

The rear apron, vertical reflectors, two-part rear lights, and black diffusor-style insert contribute to the vehicle’s powerful appearance. Inside, the BMW 1 Series is now completely leather-free as standard, featuring a redesigned cockpit with the BMW Curved Display. The optional M Sport Package and M Sport Design equipment option, available at market launch in Europe, further enhance its dynamic look.

Innovative Contrast Roof

For the first time, the BMW 1 Series offers an optional contrast roof in high-gloss black, using an overspray-free painting process piloted at Plant Leipzig. This method is more resource-efficient and avoids the mist of excess paint typically produced during painting.

Market Launch and Key Markets

The new BMW 1 Series is set to launch on October 5, 2024. Germany, Europe, the UK, and Italy have been the strongest markets for the 1 Series so far, and the brand expects continued strong performance in these regions.

Upgraded Plant for Increased Capacity

Since 2018, BMW Group Plant Leipzig has undergone systematic upgrades, increasing its annual production capacity to 350,000 units—100,000 more than before. The plant now manufactures four models with three different types of drive by two brands on the same production line. The addition of the MINI Countryman to the production lineup in November 2023 has boosted output, with production of the MINI set to rise to 500 units per day, alongside approximately 800 BMW vehicles.

Honda Malaysia Introduces Upgraded Honda Insurance Plus for Enhanced Protection

Honda Malaysia has unveiled the upgraded Honda Insurance Plus (HiP), an enhanced automotive insurance plan designed to provide exceptional value and comprehensive protection exclusively for Honda owners. The improved HiP package now includes three significant benefits: unlimited mileage towing, 100% payout for up to 15 years, and 100% coverage on accidental repairs (no betterment) for up to 13 years.

Upgraded HiP Package Focuses on Three Core Pillars:

1. Rescue: The enhanced HiP offers added assurance with unlimited mileage towing for accidents, breakdowns, and floods. Roadside repair services include free labour up to RM200 per event (excluding spare parts). Customers can access 24/7 HiP Emergency Assistance by calling 1-800-18-1177 for vehicle breakdown and accident services. The 24/7 rescue team is ready to assist with unforeseen incidents, including flat tyres.

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Batang Kali-Genting Highlands Route Reopens Following Landslide Tragedy

The B66 Jalan Batang Kali-Genting Highlands route, closed since December 2022 due to a devastating landslide that claimed 31 lives, will reopen to the public today.

The Hulu Selangor District’s Public Works Department (JKR) has announced that the route will be accessible to all road users starting at 3PM.

The Ministry of Public Works initially closed the road in December 2022, projecting a one-year closure to facilitate slope and road repair work at the landslide site. In April, Deputy Minister of Public Works Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan reported that the repair project, costing approximately RM19 million, had reached 86% completion, with remaining tasks including the installation of fence rails and wall construction.

The reopening marks a significant milestone in the recovery efforts following the tragic incident, ensuring the safety and accessibility of the route for all travellers.

MyCINTA System in Development to Prevent Children Being Forgotten in Cars

It has come to a point where to address the tragic issue of children being left unattended in vehicles, the Transport Ministry is developing a new system called MyCINTA, announced Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

The MyCINTA system, spearheaded by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), aims to prevent such incidents through advanced tracking and alerting technology. According to Minister Loke, the system is undergoing a refinement process to enhance its hardware and programming capabilities, with a target completion date set for 2024-2025.

System Development and Testing

“The target for 2024-2025 in relation to the MyCINTA system is to complete the design refinement process to increase the system’s capabilities in terms of hardware and programming,” stated Loke, according to The Star. The refinement phase is crucial for ensuring the system’s effectiveness and reliability.

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Nissan Introduces ‘Second Delivery’ Program to Ensure Customer Satisfaction

In a move to ensure customer satisfaction and improve owner education, Nissan has unveiled a new “Second Delivery” program specifically for its all-electric Ariya. This initiative aims to provide Ariya owners with a comprehensive understanding of their new vehicle’s features and functionality.

Doppler Automotive to Assist with Deliveries

Nissan has partnered with Doppler Automotive, a third-party service, to manage the Second Delivery process. This collaboration allows dealerships to focus on sales while ensuring customers receive detailed walkthroughs of their new cars. The costs associated with Doppler’s services are covered by Nissan corporate, making it a seamless option for dealerships.

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Contest Winners Announced for BHPetrol ‘Beli dan Menang Ka-Ching’ Contest!

Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) recently held a prize presentation for its BHPetrol ‘Beli dan Menang Ka-Ching’ contest at BHPetrol Jalan Meru 2, Klang. The contest, which ran from March 1 to April 30, 2024, at participating BHPetrol service stations, rewarded a total of 80 winners.

The winners were announced as follows:

20 main prize winners received RM5,000 cash each.
20 second prize winners received free petrol for one year worth RM4,000 each.
20 third prize winners received HABIB vouchers worth RM3,000 each.
20 consolation prize winners received HABIB 5g 999.9 gold bars.

Additionally, another 20 winners of consolation prizes of RM1,000 cash each were announced on the BHPetrol official website.

To participate in the contest, BHPetrol eCard members needed to spend a minimum of RM40 per transaction on fuels or mart products during the promotion period.

Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, BHPetrol’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic response and high participation in the contest. He noted that the exciting offer attracted both new and loyal customers to BHPetrol, and he hopes the prizes will be beneficial to the winners in their daily lives.

After the prize giving ceremonies and the ensuing entertainment, BHPetrol also announced the commencement of the latest contest. Beginning the 1st of July till 31st of August, anyone who spends a minimum of RM40 at any BHPetrol outlet stands a chance to win RM5,000 in cash, RM3,000 for the second prize or a RM3,000 fuel card for third place.

All you have to do scan the QR code on the receipt after you make a purchase at any BHPetrol outlet. Better yet, become a member of the BHPetrol eCard (it’s very easy, just download the app) and you get even more chances of winning.

For more information, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my!

Four-Cylinder Toyota Supra Dead for the 2025 Model Year

Toyota has decided to discontinue the four-cylinder Supra for the 2025 model year after just three years of production. The entry-level model, which featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 255hp and 400Nm of torque, did not sell as well as expected.

In 2023, only 2,652 Supras were sold, and although Toyota did not provide a breakdown by engine type, it is assumed that the four-cylinder model was the slower mover.

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Report: Chinese Automakers to Triple Global Market Presence by 2030

Chinese automakers are poised to capture 33% of the global automotive market by 2030, a significant increase from their forecasted 21% market share this year, according to a recent report by AlixPartners, a financial advisory and global consulting firm. This growth will predominantly occur outside China, with sales expected to rise from 3 million this year to 9 million by the end of the decade, increasing their global market share from 3% to 13%.

The rapid expansion of Chinese automakers presents a challenge to legacy automakers and has raised concerns among global politicians. The fear is that more affordable, China-made vehicles will inundate markets, particularly impacting the all-electric vehicle sector.

AlixPartners predicts Chinese brands will expand across all global markets but at a slower pace in Japan and North America. In North America, the stringent vehicle safety standards and a 100% tariff on imported Chinese EVs are expected to limit their market share to 3%, primarily in Mexico, where Chinese brands could represent 20% of vehicles by 2030. In contrast, substantial growth is anticipated in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and Africa.

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GWM Tank 300 Arrived at Port Klang – Scheduled for Mid-July Launch with Lifetime Engine & Transmission Warranty

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia has announced the highly-anticipated arrival of the GWM Tank 300 at Port Klang. Scheduled for a mid-July launch, this off-road SUV will also begin its deliveries to GWM’s customers.

The GWM Tank 300 is renowned as one of the top off-road SUV brands in the world and has been recognised as the champion off-road SUV for 41 consecutive months in China. Celebrated for its rugged exterior and sophisticated interior, the Tank 300 has earned a 5-star safety certification from ANCAP. As a newcomer to the Malaysian automobile scene, it is set to transform public perceptions of an off-roader with its luxurious and intelligent features.

As a gesture of appreciation, GWM is offering the first 300 GWM Tank 300 customers five years OR 100,000km of free maintenance package, whichever comes first. Additionally, first-hand owners of the GWM TANK 300 will receive a lifetime Engine & Transmission warranty with unlimited mileage. On the official launch, these customers will also receive mystery rewards.

The Tank 300’s engine produces 217hp and 380Nm of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a dual-speed, electronically-controlled part-time four-wheel drive system. Key technical features include an all-terrain control system with nine driving modes and a maximum wading depth of 700mm. Back in May, GWM opened the order books for the Tank 300.