The GWM HAVAL H6 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is now officially available for booking. GWM Malaysia is set to launch the premium Ultra variant in the local market with an estimated on-the-road price of below RM 145,000 (excluding insurance). This new model adds to the options in the C-segment SUV category, offering another luxurious alternative for consumers. (more…)
BYD has officially launched its newest minivan, the BYD Xia, which will hit the Chinese market later this year with a starting price of 300,000 yuan (RM183,362). The Xia, part of BYD’s Dynasty series, is a flagship product named after China’s ancient Xia dynasty, symbolising its prestigious status within the lineup.
The BYD Xia is a large MPV, measuring 5145mm in length, 1970mm in width, and 1805mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3045mm. Its size slightly surpasses that of the Toyota Alphard, which is also popular in markets such as here in Malaysia. The minivan’s design is unique yet aligns with BYD’s signature Dragon Face design language, featuring a trapeze-shaped grille, chrome accents, elongated headlights, and a BYD logo prominently placed on the front. The vehicle also features a flat roofline, rear sliding doors, and a roof spoiler.
BYD is taking significant strides in expanding its presence in Europe by planning to acquire its German distributor, Hedin Electric Mobility. This strategic move will bolster BYD’s control over its vehicle sales and operations in Germany, enhancing its position as a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer on the continent. The acquisition is expected to be finalised by the fourth quarter of this year, pending approval.
With this purchase, BYD will take full responsibility for the sales and distribution of its vehicles and spare parts in Germany, and also manage key stores in Stuttgart and Frankfurt. This move comes as the German EV market faces declining sales in 2024, but BYD remains determined to overcome the challenge by strengthening its local operations. In 2022, BYD successfully sold over 4,000 vehicles in Germany, underscoring its growing foothold in the country.
Mercedes-AMG is moving forward with the final development phase of its highly anticipated and exclusive PureSpeed sports car, which made its debut as a concept in May 2024 in Monaco. Currently, prototypes of the limited-production vehicle are undergoing rigorous test drives across various terrains in northern Italy, with a focus on its radical design and performance. The testing program will cover over 3,000km and eventually take the car to the high-speed Nardò test track in southern Italy.
This two-seater, completely open sports car, lacking both a roof and windscreen, is a tribute to motorsport, blending modern engineering with vintage racing inspiration. During this phase, Mercedes-AMG’s development team is focused on testing the PureSpeed’s systems under real-world conditions to ensure optimal functionality and performance. The vehicle’s intricate bodywork is also being evaluated to meet the brand’s high-quality standards, especially under dynamic and high-speed scenarios. Testing on public roads is carried out in collaboration with Pininfarina, a specialist in bespoke small-volume vehicles.
The Zeekr 7X made its anticipated debut at the Chengdu Auto Show on August 30, marking the latest innovation in Zeekr’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup. Set for deliveries in China by the end of September, with international shipments within a year, the 7X is designed with a global audience in mind.
The 7X is a midsize electric SUV built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, utilising advanced 800V architecture. It measures 4,825 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, and features a wheelbase of 2,925 mm, slightly bigger than a Honda CR-V, with a curb weight ranging from 2,298 to 2,475 kg.
Chery Malaysia proudly celebrated the grand opening of its latest 4S showroom and service centre in Negeri Sembilan, operated by long-time dealer-partner Taycn Kredit Sdn Bhd. The formal launch event was attended by Chery’s existing customers and was marked with festivities.
The new 4S centre, located at Lot 2413, Pekan Rahang Baru, Jalan Tampin, Seremban, spans 1,317 square meters and provides a comprehensive experience for customers, from vehicle viewing to after-sales service and maintenance. It offers a fully equipped service centre with four service bays, all staffed by Chery’s highly trained technicians.
The grand launch of Chery Seremban was joined by members of the WCWL (With Chery, With Love) community, a group of passionate Chery owners, adding a sense of camaraderie to the event. Following the ceremony, members of the WCWL group participated in a convoy around Seremban town, showcasing their pride in the brand.
Jaecoo Malaysia is making significant strides in delivering its premium off-road J7 SUVs to eager customers across the nation. The highly anticipated J7 All-wheel Drive SUV has begun hitting Malaysian roads and off-road terrains, with over 500 units already handed over to excited new owners.
The first wave of deliveries represents the timely arrival of the All-wheel Drive J7s at dealerships nationwide. As Jaecoo Malaysia continues to meet demand, the company is also preparing for an earlier-than-expected delivery of the J7 Two-wheel Drive variant, which will now reach dealerships ahead of the initial September date.
Jaecoo Elevates Ownership Experience with Exclusive J-Club Membership
Jaecoo is positioning the ownership experience as more than just a handover process. Emily Lek, Vice President of Jaecoo Malaysia, emphasised that the journey continues through the elite J-Club. “Every Jaecoo owner automatically becomes an elite J-Club member, enjoying benefits that go beyond standard service. This includes personalised service from highly trained personnel dedicated to ensuring peace of mind for each owner.”
BMW has introduced the fourth generation of its popular X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), boasting a sportier and more versatile design that enhances its appeal for everyday use, leisure, and travel. With a new design language and an array of customisation options, the latest X3 promises a dynamic driving experience and elevated style.
New Design Language and M Sport Enhancements
The new BMW X3 features a refreshed design language that gives it a commanding presence on the road. Available with the M Sport Package and M Sport Package Pro, the new X3 offers an even more elegant and athletic appearance. For those seeking further personalisation, BMW M Performance Parts are also available, crafted from high-quality materials such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), aramid, and high-gloss polyurethane. These parts are designed to perfectly match the X3’s geometry and enhance its sporty character.
Exterior Enhancements for a Distinctive Look
The new X3 can be customised with several exterior enhancements. The M Performance front splitter, made from CFRP and finished in high-gloss black, adds a bold touch to the front of the vehicle. Complementing this is the M Performance front ornamental grille, also painted in high-gloss black.
Domestic car sales in Thailand took a sharp dive in July 2024, registering a year-on-year decrease of 20.5%, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The significant drop, which saw sales volumes fall to 46,394 units, is largely attributed to the country’s sluggish economic growth and mounting household debt.
The decline in car sales mirrored a 16.6% year-on-year fall in overall car manufacturing, with production numbers dropping to 124,829 units for the month.
Banks have tightened their lending requirements amid concerns over rising non-performing loans, which soared by 29.7% in July compared to the same period last year. These loans, now valued at 250 billion baht, have made it harder for potential buyers to secure auto financing. This is compounded by the nation’s household debt-to-GDP ratio, which stands at a staggering 91%.
Particularly affected were pure pickup sales, which plunged by 35.1% year-on-year, totalling just 13,167 units in July. This steep decline in the pickup segment was a key contributor to the overall drop in domestic car sales.
The Thai government’s 2024 budget allocation was delayed due to the lengthy formation of the Pheu Thai-led coalition government following the May 2023 general election. Although the budget plan was finally approved in March, the delay dampened economic activity and contributed to the prolonged slump in car sales.
As a result of the weak domestic market, the FTI has reduced its car manufacturing target for 2024 to 1.7 million units, down from the initial goal of 1.9 million units.
Residents in Taman Ipoh Timur, commonly known as Ipoh Garden East, are expressing growing concerns over the frequent accidents occurring on Jalan Perajurit, especially at the junction with Persiaran Perajurit 3. This road, a key thoroughfare for locals, connects residential areas such as Taman Kaya, Taman Kemuncak, and Taman Perak, and also leads to other neighbourhoods in Bercham, Tambun, and Sunway City Ipoh.
According to The Star, the accidents are caused by inadequate speed bumps, low dividers, speeding, and insufficient road signage. A long-time resident highlighted that this issue has persisted for over 15 years, noting that the junction near a coffee shop on Persiaran Perajurit 3 is particularly problematic. Motorcyclists often cut across vehicles, contributing to daily accidents, sometimes multiple times a day.
Residents are also frustrated by motorists who park illegally near the hawker stalls at the junction, exacerbating the traffic situation. Despite the availability of parking behind the shophouses, many drivers refuse to use them.
During a town hall meeting organised by the Ipoh City Council (MBI), other residents echoed these concerns. A housewife recounted her own near-miss due to reckless motorcyclists. Another resident since 1992, emphasised the severity of the situation, noting numerous unreported accidents and the unbearable noise from motorbikes at night. He suggested raising the road’s dividers and adding reflective signage to enhance visibility and safety.
In response to the residents’ concerns, MBI has proposed installing two traffic lights—one at the Persiaran Perajurit 3 junction and another at Laluan Perajurit 1—and converting several roads into one-way streets to improve traffic flow. While some believe these measures will help, others, like the president of the Taman Kaya Residents Association, argue that these are only temporary solutions. He called for a long-term plan, especially with upcoming developments in the area, including a university, a shopping centre, and a hospital, which are expected to increase traffic significantly.
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