Leapmotor International, a joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, has successfully shipped its first batch of electric vehicles—Leapmotor C10 SUVs—from Shanghai, China, to various ports across the Asia Pacific region this month. This shipment signifies a significant achievement in the collaboration between the two companies, reflecting their commitment to rapidly advancing sustainable mobility and innovation in the region’s electric vehicle (EV) market.
Leapmotor’s C10 SUV is equipped with advanced EV technology, offering outstanding performance, efficiency, and range, placing the brand at the forefront of the industry. As the third-largest Chinese EV start-up, Leapmotor has already achieved cumulative deliveries of 460,000 units as of September 2024, underscoring its strong presence in the growing EV market.
Proton has officially revealed the car it will race in the 2024 Sepang 1000km (S1K) event, as it aims to add to its record of six wins in Malaysia’s premier endurance race. The Proton S70 R3, first teased at the 2024 Malaysia Autoshow in May, had a development video shared on the company’s social media channels on October 1. Now, Proton has released images of the final car, just ahead of its racing livery application.
Established in 2003, Proton R3—which stands for Race, Rally, Research—is Proton’s factory-supported motorsports division. Over the last 20 years, R3 has campaigned various Proton models both locally and internationally, accumulating racing and rallying success. This experience has also contributed to the development of performance-enhancing components and limited edition models for consumers. Recently, Proton R3 has expanded into performance lubricants, further solidifying its presence in motorsports.
The Proton S70 R3 is the latest addition to Proton’s long-standing motorsports heritage. Proton’s involvement in racing dates back before the creation of R3 and includes models like the Proton Saga, Wira, Satria, Waja, Satria Neo, Preve, Suprima S, Iriz, and the current Saga. The introduction of the Proton S70 R3 is particularly significant as it marks the first time Proton is entering a model co-developed with Geely into competition, just one year after its market debut.
With the Sepang 1000km race set for November 22-24, Proton and the R3 team are in the final stages of preparation. Proton holds the record for the most wins by an OEM in the race’s 15-year history with six victories, while R3 has secured five team victories, including an impressive three consecutive wins from 2017 to 2019.
The Proton S70, launched in November 2023, is Proton’s first C-segment sedan since the Preve and has become a leader in its segment, with nearly 15,000 units registered by September 2024. Powered by a 1.5T engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the S70 is equipped with Proton’s voice command technology and 13 ADAS level 2 features. It is widely recognised for its engaging driving experience, a result of extensive collaboration between Proton and Geely engineers.
Roslan Abdullah further commented, “Despite being a new car, Proton is fielding two units of the S70 R3 in the race, rather than relying on older, proven models. We are determined to demonstrate the capabilities of our newest sedan on the racetrack, and we believe the lessons learned through racing will lead to even better vehicles for our customers in the future.”
With the upcoming race just weeks away, Proton is gearing up for a thrilling return to the track, hoping to extend its motorsports legacy with the all-new S70 R3.
When Great Wall Motor (GWM) entered the Malaysian market in 2022, one of their key announcements was the introduction of the Haval H6 Hybrid. Finally, the Haval H6 Hybrid has been officially launched in Malaysia.
This mid-sized SUV is positioned to compete against models like the Proton X70, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, thanks to its impressive dimensions and hybrid powertrain. Measuring 4,683mm in length, 1,886mm in width, and 1,730mm in height, the Haval H6 provides a spacious and modern SUV option for Malaysian consumers.
The Haval H6 Hybrid is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine paired with an electric motor, which together produces a total output of 240hp and 530Nm of torque. This power is managed by a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), which ensures a smooth and efficient driving experience.
It features 19-inch wheels and 225/55 tyres. In addition to its enhanced wheels, it comes equipped with premium features such as a panoramic sunroof and one-colour ambient lighting, elevating the driving and passenger experience.
The H6 offers offer advanced technology with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected on the go. The driver also benefits from a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for clear vehicle information. For extra comfort, the front seats in both versions are power-adjustable and ventilated, making long drives more pleasant.
Given Malaysia’s tropical climate, the Haval H6 features dual-zone automatic air conditioning, along with rear air conditioning vents, a CN95 filter, and an air quality management system (AQS) to ensure clean and cool air inside the cabin.
Safety is also a top priority, with the H6 boasting six airbags, child safety locks, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a range of advanced safety features such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control (TCS), Secondary Collision Mitigation (SCM), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Rollover Mitigation (RMI), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and Hill Assist Control (HAC). The inclusion of a USB power interface for a dashcam adds convenience and safety for drivers.
The Haval H6 Hybrid combines performance, comfort, and safety, making it a competitive option in the Malaysian SUV market, especially for those looking for a well-rounded hybrid vehicle.
This C-segment SUV is priced at RM139,800 and comes with a few special offers such as the early bird offer that has a RM3,000 rebate when you book by 20th October 2024.
The launch offer has 5 years of free maintenance for owners who registered their GWM Haval H6 HEV in 2024. Besides that, GWM owners loyalty offers additional RM3,000 rebate for existing GWM vehicle owners.
As for the warranties, there is a 10 year/1,000,000km engine warranty, an 8 year/1,000,000km HEV system warranty and a 7 year/200,000km full vehicle warranty.
The 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II has arrived with a refreshed design, though casual observers may not immediately notice the changes. Maintaining the sleek, luxurious silhouette first introduced in 2020, the new Ghost features modest yet meaningful updates to its exterior and interior, elevating the driving experience without departing from its iconic charm.
At first glance, the Ghost’s distinctive shape remains intact, but Rolls-Royce designers have made careful adjustments. The front fascia now sports cleaner lines, creating space for a slightly larger grille, while the new headlights—slimmer and more refined—are enhanced by updated LED elements. At the rear, the taillights now feature vertical bars, inspired by the brand’s electric Spectre model, lending a modern touch to the classic sedan. The 22-inch wheels now come in fresh nine-spoke designs, offering even more options for personalisation.
Honda is exploring innovative ways to retain its celebrated manual transmission experience even as it transitions to electric vehicles (EVs). At a recent tech event showcasing its future “0 Series” of EVs, a Honda engineer confirmed that the company has developed a synthetic manual transmission for EVs, complete with a clutch pedal, according to The Drive. This represents an intriguing approach to preserving the driving dynamics that have made Honda a favourite among enthusiasts, particularly for its manual transmissions.
The development of this synthetic manual system marks a shift from previous scepticism expressed by Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, who in 2022 doubted whether a simulated manual could replace traditional ones. However, Honda’s electrification lead, Shinji Aoyama, suggested that while mechanically challenging, creating an artificial manual transmission is possible, potentially through a system resembling active sound control.
BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. has taken a significant step forward in expanding its footprint in Malaysia by officially signing an Importation & Distribution Agreement for Denza, its premium electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand. The ceremony, held at Sunway Resort Hotel, saw Sime Darby Auto Imports Sdn. Bhd. appointed as the official importer, while BYD Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. was named the official distributor for Denza in Malaysia.
This partnership strengthens the relationship between BYD and Sime Darby, marking the introduction of Denza’s luxury EV lineup to the Malaysian market. The move aims to enhance Malaysia’s EV sector with innovative, premium technology and a refined driving experience tailored to the growing demand for sustainable mobility.
Volvo Car Malaysia is hosting a special Volvo Executive Car Sales event from 19 to 20 October 2024 at Symphony Square, Petaling Jaya. This event offers a fantastic opportunity to own pre-owned Volvo SELEKT vehicles, including models from the company’s corporate fleet, starting at just RM165,000.
Key highlights of the event:
Over 50 Volvo SELEKT cars with low mileage, ranging from 1,200km to 15,000km.
All cars come with a substantial balance of Volvo’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance, and digital services connectivity.
For fully electric models like the Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, there’s also a five-year Volvo Service Inclusive package and an eight-year warranty on the high-voltage battery pack.
Vehicles undergo a 125-point inspection and software upgrades, ensuring quality and reliability, all carried out by trained Volvo technicians.
Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi, a veteran politician and Umno Supreme Council member, expressed his frustration over the persistent traffic congestion plaguing Malaysian highways, particularly along the Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru route. According to Puad, these traffic jams occur not only during holiday seasons but throughout the day, due to ongoing road repairs and outdated lane closure systems.
Mini Malaysia has unveiled the New Mini Aceman, marking its debut as the brand’s first fully electric compact crossover. This innovative model blends the classic Mini styling with a fresh emphasis on sustainable urban mobility, powered by an all-electric drive system. Alongside this, Mini also previewed the New Mini Cooper S 5-Door, which enhances the practicality of the iconic 3-Door model while retaining Mini’s hallmark design and driving experience.
New Mini Aceman: Electrifying Innovation The New Mini Aceman introduces Mini’s first all-electric crossover in the premium small car segment, combining compact size with spacious comfort. Powered by a 218hp motor, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.1 seconds and offers a driving range of up to 406km (WLTP), thanks to its 54.2 kWh high-voltage battery. It supports DC fast charging of up to 95kW, enabling a quick 10-80% charge in 30 minutes.
The Kajang-Seremban (LEKAS) Highway will be temporarily closed this Saturday, starting from 5 pm until 4 am on Sunday, to accommodate the RHB LEKAS Highway Ride 2024 cycling race. According to Kajang district police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof, the event is scheduled to begin at 7.45pm on Saturday, and several key routes will be impacted during this period.
Roads Affected:
Kilometre 2 of the LEKAS Highway (towards Seremban)
