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Isuzu Motors India is set to unveil its groundbreaking Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) prototype, the D-MAX BEV, at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. First showcased in Thailand earlier this year, the D-MAX BEV exemplifies Isuzu’s commitment to sustainable innovation and its vision for the future of mobility. Designed to cater to a wide range of commercial and passenger vehicle needs, the prototype blends cutting-edge electric technology with the durability and performance synonymous with Isuzu’s pickup trucks.

D-MAX BEV: A New Frontier in Electric Mobility

The D-MAX BEV is engineered with a full-time 4WD system, powered by newly developed e-Axles in the front and rear. This design delivers impressive off-road capabilities and smooth, linear acceleration. With a robust frame and body design, the prototype retains the high towing capacity and rugged performance expected from Isuzu’s diesel models, ensuring it meets the demands of both commercial and personal users.

Highlighting Versatility with the D-MAX S-CAB Z

In addition to the D-MAX BEV, Isuzu will also showcase the accessorized version of its popular D-MAX S-CAB Z. Known for its durability and efficiency, the D-MAX S-CAB Z has become a preferred choice for commercial operations. With enhanced features and functionality, the vehicle continues to embody Isuzu’s legacy of delivering reliable and versatile solutions. Both vehicles reflect the company’s Bharat Mobility theme, “Now… and Forever,” emphasizing long-term sustainability and innovation.

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In a decisive step to protect national security, the Biden administration has finalised new regulations that will effectively prohibit the sale of smart cars containing Chinese or Russian technology in the United States. The rules, announced by the Commerce Department, will impact connected vehicles from model year 2027 onwards and are aimed at addressing concerns over potential exploitation of sensitive data and national security risks.

Key Provisions and Timeline

The regulations will be implemented in phases, with different restrictions applied to software and hardware:

  • Software Restrictions: Effective from model year 2027.
  • Hardware Restrictions: Effective from model year 2030.
  • Non-Year-Labeled Vehicles: Restrictions will begin on January 1, 2029.

The rules will initially apply to passenger vehicles weighing under 4,536 kg. Separate regulations will address commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, at a later stage.

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The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is a stunning convertible designed to blend luxury, performance, and the thrill of open-air driving. As the drop-top version of the Vantage Coupe, this model builds on Aston Martin’s reputation for creating iconic sports cars. It combines advanced engineering, dynamic handling, and timeless aesthetics to offer an unforgettable driving experience.

Under the hood, the Vantage Roadster features a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing an impressive 665PS and 800Nm of torque. This power allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 325km/h. Paired with an eight-speed paddle-shift transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the Roadster offers precise control and agility. The retractable roof enhances the experience by letting drivers enjoy the distinctive roar of the V8 engine.

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Petronas Lubricants International (PLI) has launched its new Petronas Urania Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Engine Oil range, tailored to meet the unique demands of the local LCV market. Designed with StrongTech™ technology, the engine oil promises enhanced durability, superior viscosity retention, and improved overall engine performance.

Features and Benefits

The Petronas Urania LCV Engine Oil is engineered to keep vehicles on the road longer, minimising maintenance needs and reducing costs. Key benefits include:

  • Extended oil drain intervals: Fewer service requirements, leading to lower maintenance costs.
  • Exceptional performance: Resilience in extreme conditions, whether for daily operations, off-road adventures, or fleet management.
  • Advanced protection: Minimizes engine friction, controls harmful deposits, and enhances fuel efficiency.

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Recycling has become a pivotal focus for automakers, with advancements continuing to reshape the industry. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a significant step forward in sustainability by successfully recycling polyurethane seat foam for use in new car seats. According to the company, this innovation marks a first in the automotive sector.

Currently undergoing the full production process, the recycled material will debut in pre-production vehicles early next year. This development builds on JLR’s longstanding commitment to recycling, which began over a decade ago with the full-scale recycling of scrap aluminium at its stamping plants. In 2011, the original Range Rover Evoque incorporated 16 kilograms of recycled plastics, used in components such as headliners, seat covers, centre consoles, and wheel-arch liners, alongside 21 kilograms of renewable materials like cotton and cardboard.

Recycling polyurethane foam, however, presented a greater challenge. Achieving this milestone required a collaborative effort involving JLR, Dow Mobility Science, and automotive seat manufacturer Adient, with key research conducted at the JLR Circularity Lab in Gaydon. The lab plays a crucial role in assessing the feasibility of reintroducing materials into the supply chain at the same quality level, a critical consideration for automotive production.

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At this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, Mazda took centre stage with the unveiling of the production version of the highly anticipated Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster 12R. Based on the soft-top MX-5 Miata, this limited-run special edition brings a suite of enhancements that elevate its performance, design, and exclusivity.

The centrepiece of this special edition is its upgraded 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G engine, which now delivers an impressive 197hp. This marks the second power boost for the ND-generation Miata, which debuted in 2015 with 155hp, and later upgraded to 181hp in 2018. Mazda’s engineers achieved this latest jump by refining the intake, exhaust, cylinder heads, pistons, and camshafts. While the additional 16 hp may seem modest, Mazda assures enthusiasts that the lightweight roadster’s improved dynamics make the difference noticeable.

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Honda has introduced the Racing Black Package for the acclaimed Civic Type R, a model celebrated since its 2022 debut for delivering a blend of speed and driving pleasure. This latest addition refines the Civic Type R’s interior and further enhances the driving experience by focusing on aesthetics and functionality.

The Racing Black Package offers an interior unified in an all-black theme, reflecting Honda’s deep-rooted racing spirit. The dashboard and front door linings are adorned with high-quality black Ultrasuede, while other interior elements are coordinated in black to minimise light reflection and distractions. Honda Type R sports seats, upholstered in Lux Suede with a sleek black finish, add to the premium feel.

Other features include wireless charging capability, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, black pinstripe decorations on the air conditioner outlets, silver accents on the power window switch panel, a knurled black air-conditioning control dial, and black air-conditioner outlet knobs. The seats, steering wheel, shift boot, centre console box, and door armrests are accented with special stitching, completing the sophisticated and focused racing-inspired design.

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Syndicates offering special stickers as a means of avoiding penalties at roadblocks have been uncovered, with many heavy vehicle owners and drivers reportedly relying on this illicit practice. Investigations by Utusan Malaysia reveal that lorry operators acquire these stickers to evade fines and legal actions, even when committing traffic offences such as carrying overloaded vehicles.

How the Scheme Operates

The syndicate sells these special stickers, which feature specific codes and shapes, for as low as RM1,000 per lorry. These stickers are then placed on the front or rear of the vehicles, allowing corrupt enforcement officers to identify vehicles “under their protection.” This arrangement ensures that vehicles with the stickers are waved through roadblocks without scrutiny, regardless of their violations.

Key Details of the Scheme Include:

  • Sticker Pricing: The cost varies depending on the vehicle’s weight and the operating zone. Some vehicles even carry multiple stickers to navigate through different jurisdictions.
  • Monthly Payments: Lorry operators reportedly pay the syndicate monthly to retain their immunity. For instance, a medium-sized operator with 10 lorries may pay up to RM10,000 a month, while syndicates earn substantial profits of RM100,000 monthly from a single zone.
  • Area-Specific Protection: Stickers are zone-specific, meaning operators must purchase additional stickers for access in different regions, further inflating costs.

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The year 2024 marked another historic milestone for Malaysia’s automotive industry, driven by the influx of new market entrants and a series of high-profile vehicle launches. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) responded to this remarkable growth by revising its 2024 total industry volume (TIV) forecast to an impressive 800,000 new vehicle sales. Among the standout performers was premium SUV market challenger Jaecoo, which achieved a remarkable 7,041 Jaecoo J7 SUV registrations within just five months of its retail launch in Malaysia.

To celebrate this extraordinary achievement, Jaecoo Malaysia hosted its first-ever dealership awards ceremony, recognizing 12 top-performing dealerships for their contributions to the brand’s success. Emily Lek, Vice President of Jaecoo Malaysia, expressed gratitude to customers and partners, saying, “We appreciate our customers for their faith in the Jaecoo brand, and we will remain dedicated to delivering on our brand promise with best-in-class vehicles and a premium ownership experience. These awards recognise the vital role our dealer network plays in the brand’s overall achievement. We will continue to expand our dealer network in line with our ambition to provide the absolute best customer experience.”

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, is thrilled to unveil the “Drive Your Ambition” brand festival, a one-of-a-kind 4×4 experiential event set to take place on 18–19 January 2025 at ParkCity Eastwood, Miri, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This exciting two-day event promises to showcase the unparalleled performance and capabilities of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton, alongside a range of activities and attractions for the whole family.

Event Highlights

All-New Triton Obstacle Test Drive

Experience the motorsports-inspired handling of the all-new Triton by navigating through challenging obstacle courses, including:

  • Side traverse
  • Water wading
  • Hill climb
  • Gravel pit
  • Mud pit
  • Articulation crawler

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