Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan Motor, is reportedly considering staying out of the planned merger between Nissan and Honda Motor, according to sources cited by Reuters.
While Mitsubishi Motors plans to maintain its cooperative relationship with both automakers, the company aims to remain listed as an independent entity, three insiders revealed under the condition of anonymity.
The potential decision has impacted Mitsubishi Motors’ shares, which fell 3.9% by midday after an initial slump of over 6% during early trading on Friday. Shares of Nissan dropped by 0.7%, while Honda’s shares slipped 0.1%.
The merger between Nissan and Honda, announced last year, is projected to create the world’s third-largest auto group, boasting an annual output of 7.4 million vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan holds a 24% stake, anticipated deciding by this month whether to join the tie-up.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) does not have the authority to arbitrarily revoke the driving licences of individuals certified as disabled, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
According to The Star, Loke emphasised that the majority of disabled individuals are fully capable of driving or riding their vehicles safely. Addressing the media on Thursday (Jan 23), he stated, “If there is a specific or isolated case involving disabled drivers, we will review whether their licences should be revoked, but I must stress that this is not our policy.”
He further explained, “We cannot generalise all disabled individuals because many of them are safe drivers and are heavily dependent on their driving licences. For instance, we have many e-hailing drivers among disabled persons, including those who are deaf or mute.”
The new Smart #5 SUV is set to be sold with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain alongside previously revealed pure-electric variants in response to growing concerns around sales in some global markets.
The move, confirmed by Chinese-based Smart officials after photos of test mules were posted on social media, represents a major step-change for the Geely- and Mercedes-Benz-owned company, which previously committed to exclusively selling new-generation Smart models with electric power.
Citroën is reportedly in the early stages of developing a modern successor to its legendary 2CV, more than three decades after the original ceased production. Preliminary design work on the revival of the no-frills classic, credited with mobilizing post-war France, is underway. While Citroën had previously denied plans to reintroduce the 2CV, this latest move reflects a shift in strategy, spurred by the success of retro-inspired models like the Renault 5.
The Renault 5, launched with a starting price of £22,995 (around RM132,000), has been a runaway success in France, selling 9,973 units last month—1,721 more than Citroën’s new ë-C3. Its popularity has also boosted Renault’s share of the French electric car market from 16.3% to 23.2% in just one month.
Unlike the Renault 5, which imagines an evolution of its classic design, the revived 2CV is expected to closely mirror its original counterpart’s aesthetic. Citroën has already shown its appetite for retro design with the new Ami, unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. The Ami borrows design cues from the classic 2CV, such as distinctive round headlights, wing indentations, and Citroën’s historic logo.
According to Autocar, Citroën’s design chief, Pierre Leclercq, hinted at the possibility of more retro-inspired models at this year’s Brussels Motor Show. While stopping short of confirming the new 2CV, he acknowledged that the philosophy behind such models remains significant. “We’re not closing the door [on retro designs], but I think the philosophy is important,” he said.
Lexus has introduced a new special edition for its IS sedan in Japan, alongside updates for the 2025 model year lineup. The IS300 and IS300h models now come with the F Sport Mode Black IV package, which offers aesthetic enhancements and additional features aimed at elevating the sedan’s sporty appeal.
The F Sport Mode Black IV stands out with its new set of black forged alloy wheels, designed by BBS, and black mirror caps featuring a smoked finish for the chrome accents. These details differentiate the latest edition from its predecessor, the F Sport Black III, which also incorporated black exterior elements.
Inside, the F Sport Mode Black IV offers premium upgrades, including Ashwood inserts on the door panels and steering wheel. The steering wheel and gear shift knob feature dimpled leather, while the heated and ventilated sports seats are upholstered in luxurious Ultrasuede material. The 8-inch digital instrument cluster now comes with updated opening graphics, and the Panoramic View Monitor has been added as standard equipment, enhancing both convenience and driver visibility.
Petronas AutoExpert and Carsome Group Inc., Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, have joined forces to transform the automotive service landscape in Malaysia. This landmark partnership aims to enhance aftersales offerings while building a comprehensive ecosystem that supports vehicle owners beyond the point of sale.
Under the agreement, Petronas AutoExpert has been appointed as Carsome’s Official Panel Workshop, strengthening collaboration between the two entities. Carsome will contribute by providing training, internships, and workforce resources to support the expansion of Petronas AutoExpert’s current and future service centres. Additionally, Carsome Academy, the group’s accredited automotive training institution, will work with Petronas AutoExpert outlets through the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) TVET Apprenticeship Program. This initiative will certify technicians to meet Malaysian standards while emphasising workforce upskilling and reskilling to address industry demands.
Internal combustion engines (ICEs) have outlasted many predictions of their demise, with vehicles like the Land Rover Defender remaining a stronghold of traditional powertrains. Despite JLR’s commitment to electrification, the Defender’s current generation, built on the D7x platform, wasn’t designed to go fully electric. Here’s why and what to expect moving forward:
Why the Current Defender Can’t Go Electric
Platform Limitations:
The D7x platform, introduced with the L663 Defender, was optimised for off-road capability and durability, but it lacks the design flexibility needed for a fully electric drivetrain.
Lennard Hoornik, JLR’s Chief Commercial Officer, acknowledged the difficulty of integrating the required battery and motor systems due to axle packaging constraints and the platform’s focus on rugged utility.
The possibility of Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi merging into a unified auto group has stirred excitement, as it could create the world’s third-largest automaker. Beyond strategic advantages like resource sharing and market reach, the merger presents an intriguing opportunity for collaborative vehicle development. Here’s a look at potential outcomes from such a partnership:
A Full-Size Honda SUV Based on the Nissan Armada
The Concept:
The Nissan Armada, also known as the Patrol globally, sits on a rugged body-on-frame chassis and boasts impressive size and power, with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 delivering 425hp and 699Nm of torque.
Potential for Honda:
Honda could use the Armada’s platform to create its first full-size SUV, offering a counterpart to American family hauliers like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.
A refined version of the Armada chassis could support a new Honda model, possibly named “Crossroad,” harkening back to Honda’s past forays into rugged SUVs.
For powertrains, Honda could either adopt the Armada’s V6 or develop a hybridized version of its legendary J35 V6 for enhanced performance and efficiency.
Nissan Motor Co. has announced plans to scale back operations at its subsidiary’s Shonan Plant in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, as part of broader domestic restructuring efforts. The move is expected to lead to the loss of hundreds of jobs and marks the first detailed restructuring initiative within Japan following the company’s global downsizing announcement last year.
Production Changes at Shonan Plant
The Shonan Plant, operated by Nissan’s subsidiary Nissan Shatai Co., focuses on manufacturing commercial vehicles such as the AD van and NV200 Vanette. Key updates include:
Cessation of AD Van Production: Nissan plans to halt production of the AD van by November, citing declining sales and intensified competition from Toyota.
Review of NV200 Vanette Production: The automaker is also considering scaling down production of the NV200 Vanette as part of its restructuring strategy.
Impact on Plant Capacity: The Shonan Plant has an annual production capacity of 150,000 units, but the downsizing measures are expected to significantly reduce this figure.
The SUV market in Malaysia has grown immensely in recent months. The surge in popularity is unsurprising – SUVs offer a perfect balance of style, practicality, and functionality. However, with so many options flooding the market, standing out is no easy feat. Yet, the Honda CR-V continues to rise above the competition, cementing its position as one of the best family SUVs in Malaysia.
This sixth-generation Honda CR-V brings a refined design, advanced features, and the reliability Honda is renowned for. Plenty has been said about the CR-V already but we recently got a chance to get reacquainted with it, so let’s take look once again at why it continues to be a top contender for families.
Spaciousness and Practicality
One of the key selling points of the Honda CR-V is its spacious interior. Compared to the previous generation CR-V, this one is 10mm wider, 80mm longer and has a 40mm longer wheelbase – measuring 4,691mm in length, 1,866mm in width, and a wheelbase of 2,700mm – the CR-V offers an abundance of cabin space. This is particularly beneficial for Malaysian families who often take extended road trips or need room for larger families.
While the CR-V isn’t a seven-seater (not in Malaysia at least), its clever interior layout allows for comfortable seating for up to six passengers (including children), thanks to its wide rear bench. The rear ISOFIX anchors ensure easy and secure installation of child seats, catering to families with younger children.
The boot is another highlight, offering an impressive 589 litres of cargo space. Whether it’s luggage for a weekend getaway, a stroller, or even groceries for a week, the CR-V has you covered. The hands-free power tailgate with a walk-away close function adds a touch of convenience, making it effortless to load and unload cargo even when your hands are full.
Comfort for Long Drives
A family SUV must prioritise comfort, and the Honda CR-V excels in this area. Honda’s body-stabilising seats ensure excellent support, particularly during long journeys. The seats are well-cushioned and ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue for both the driver and passengers. Additionally, the driver’s seat position memory function allows multiple drivers to easily revert to their preferred settings.
Noise insulation is another area where the CR-V shines. While the e:HEV RS variant with wheel resonators offers superior NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) performance, the non-hybrid models still provide a quiet and serene cabin environment. This allows families to enjoy conversations or music without interruptions from external noise.
Family-Centric Technology
The CR-V’s infotainment system is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its nine-inch advanced display audio touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to connect smartphones for navigation, calls, or music streaming. The eight-speaker sound system delivers crisp audio quality, ensuring every road trip is accompanied by great entertainment.
For the driver, the seven-inch TFT instrument display provides essential information at a glance. It is customisable to show details like audio info, fuel range, or all-wheel-drive (AWD) power distribution. Even for those less tech-savvy, the system’s intuitive design makes it easy to navigate.
Safety First
Safety is a priority in the CR-V, with features like autonomous emergency braking, vehicle stability assist, and eight airbags covering the front, sides, side curtains, and knees.
Additionally, the Driver Attention Monitor alerts drivers when signs of fatigue are detected, promoting safer driving. Adaptive cruise control and low-speed follow functions further enhance convenience and reduce driver fatigue during extended journeys.
Another feature that I really like about the CR-V is the built-in tyre pressure monitoring system. The pressure was low when I collected the car and it kept informing me which I find is really good because I have seen cases of tyres bursting due to negligence of proper tyre care. All you have to do is pump air into the tyres and calibrate the system via the infotainment screen.
Performance That Delivers
The Honda CR-V’s 1.5-litre DOHC VTEC Turbo engine delivers 193PS and 243Nm of torque. Mated to a CVT gearbox, this setup offers smooth acceleration and reliable performance, whether on city roads or highways. With a 0-100km/h time of 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h, the CR-V balances power and efficiency effortlessly.
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system enhances the SUV’s capability on various terrains, making it suitable for occasional off-road adventures. The inclusion of a multi-view 360-degree camera also makes navigating tight urban spaces a breeze.
Small Touches That Matter
Honda is known for its attention to detail, and the CR-V is no exception. Thoughtful features like the walk-away auto-lock, which secures the vehicle automatically as you leave, and the inclusion of multiple USB ports for charging devices, show Honda’s understanding of modern family needs.
The addition of a wireless charging pad is a welcome feature, though it could benefit from faster charging speeds. Families who prefer a clutter-free cabin may find the slower charging speeds slightly inconvenient, as relying on USB cables adds to cabin messiness.
Areas for Improvement
While the CR-V boasts numerous strengths, improvements could be made in some areas. For instance, the absence of a “teh-tarik” hook might inconvenience some users. The LaneWatch system, which activates when the left indicator is used, overrides the infotainment display, temporarily obscuring navigation information. This can be frustrating for drivers relying on GPS guidance but can be turned off, but then again, what is the point of LaneWatch if you are just going to turn it off? A Blind Spot Monitoring system would be a more effective and user-friendly solution.
Another area for improvement is the wireless charging pad, which is slow to charge devices. Although USB ports and a 12V outlet are available as alternatives, they may result in a cluttered cabin with tangled cables. Addressing these issues would further enhance the CR-V’s appeal and functionality.
Value for Money
Priced at RM181,900 for the 1.5 V AWD variant, the CR-V represents excellent value for its segment. Its comprehensive suite of features, spacious interior, and reliable performance make it a worthy investment for families seeking an all-rounder SUV. Compared to rivals, the CR-V’s blend of practicality, technology, and comfort offers a compelling package that’s hard to beat.
The Honda CR-V’s latest iteration builds on its legacy of being a reliable and versatile family SUV. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and thoughtful touches, it remains a top contender in the Malaysian market.
Though it has a few minor drawbacks, the CR-V’s strengths far outweigh them, making it an ideal choice for families looking for a dependable, feature-rich vehicle. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a road trip, the Honda CR-V promises a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.
For families in Malaysia, the Honda CR-V is not just a car—it’s a trusted companion ready to meet the demands of modern life with style and grace.
Specifications:
1.5 V AWD:
Engine: 1.5 litre DOHC VTEC Turbo engine
Power: 193PS @ 6000rpm
Torque: 243Nm from 1,700 to 5,000rpm
Gearbox: CVT
0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Price (as tested): RM181,900
We like: Comfort, space and practicality.
We don’t like: Slow wireless charging and no “teh-tarik” hook
