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Toyota Delays First US Electric Vehicle Launch Amid Strategic EV Expansion

Toyota has announced a delay in the start of production for its first US-made electric vehicle (EV), pushing the launch from late 2025 to early 2026. This will affect the manufacturing of a three-row, battery-powered SUV at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant. However, the Japanese automaker remains committed to its EV strategy, planning to introduce up to seven fully electric models in the US within the next two years.

Despite the delay, Toyota is on track to begin production of another all-electric SUV at its Princeton, Indiana factory later in 2026. These efforts are part of Toyota’s broader goal to sell 1.5 million EVs worldwide by 2026. To support this, the company is also constructing a lithium-ion battery plant in North Carolina, expected to begin operations in 2025.

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Used Car Dealer Ordered to Cover Full Cost of Compressor Replacement

In a recent decision by the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal, a used car dealer was ordered to cover the full cost of replacing a compressor in a customer’s hybrid car. Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli emphasised that it is the dealer’s duty to ensure the used cars they sell are in good working condition.

According to The Star, the claimant, N. Kalaivane, was awarded RM7,500, which the dealer must pay directly to a workshop in Taman Daya, Johor Baru, for the compressor replacement and associated services.

Kalaivane and her husband had purchased a German-brand hybrid car from a dealer in Kajang, Selangor, in February 2024. Despite the dealer’s promise to service the car before delivery, the air-conditioning system failed shortly after she returned to Johor Baru.

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Bentley Unveils Mulliner Editions of Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur

Bentley has expanded its portfolio of daily supercars with the introduction of Mulliner versions of the fourth-generation Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur. These models, developed by Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, build upon the performance-focused Speed models, adding enhanced luxury, options, and technology.

Exterior Highlights:

Signature Mulliner ‘Floating Diamond’ grille with chrome surround, chrome lower grilles, and chromeware.
Satin Silver mirror caps or optional gloss black (via Mulliner Blackline).
Unique 22” wheels in Tungsten Grey or gloss black, with self-levelling Bentley Mulliner wheel badges.
Mulliner-specific features, including ‘cut crystal’ reflector headlamps, red-tinted tail lamps, and welcome lights with Bentley wing animations.

Interior Features:

A curated cabin with three-colour combinations, bespoke embroidery, and a Mulliner diamond perforation pattern on hand-stitched seats.
Enhanced wellness seating with Postural Adjust and Auto Climate functions.
Exclusive Mulliner branding on keys, presented in a handcrafted box matching the car’s interior configuration.
Comfort Seat Specification for all Flying Spur seats and front seats in Continental models.

Powertrain:

A new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, combining a 4.0L V8 engine and a 190PS electric motor, delivering a total of 782PS and 1000Nm of torque.
The hybrid setup allows up to 80km of electric range (Continental GT) and a fully replenished battery in as little as 2¾ hours.
Performance-focused features, including a dual valve damper system and air springs, offer a refined balance of handling and comfort.

Customisation and Technology:

Available in a palette of 101 colours, with bespoke paint-matching options.
The most advanced electrical architecture in the luxury segment, offering semi-assisted driving features and an integrated My Bentley App Studio for digital services.

Bentley Mulliner remains the ultimate symbol of craftsmanship and luxury, offering custom design, enhanced performance, and cutting-edge technology in the automotive world.

Court Fines Mechanic RM5k for Ignoring Consumer Tribunal’s Order on Vehicle Repair Case

A mechanic, Muhamad Zamzam Mohd Razali, was fined RM5,000 by the Ipoh Magistrate’s Court for failing to comply with a tribunal order to pay RM6,750 to a lecturer. The fine stems from a case two years ago, where the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal (TTPM) had ruled in favour of the lecturer after the mechanic failed to complete vehicle repairs as promised.

The case was prosecuted by the Perak Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), led by Prosecuting Officer Muhammad Ridzuan Abd Rahim. Magistrate Farah Nabihah Muhamad Dan delivered the verdict, and the court found Muhamad Zamzam guilty under Section 117(1) of the Consumer Protection Act 1999.

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Ford Says Goodbye to Mainstream Models, Hello to Iconic Enthusiast Cars

Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, has announced a major shift in the automaker’s strategy, aiming to leave behind the era of dull, mainstream cars like the Mondeo, Focus, and Fiesta. While these models were once popular, they failed to justify continued investment. Instead, Ford is focusing on iconic vehicles that inspire excitement, such as the Mustang GTD and various Raptor off-road models.

Farley envisions a future where Ford’s lineup is dominated by cars that enthusiasts love and mainstream vehicles that offer higher profit margins, like the Ford Puma compact crossover. With its appealing design and versatility, the Puma represents the kind of higher-priced, more profitable mainstream car Ford wants to build. The production of the Fiesta has already ceased, and the Focus will follow by 2025.

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Ferrari’s Maranello Factory Takes Major Green Leap: Gas Plant Closed Ahead of Schedule

Ferrari has taken a significant step in its journey towards carbon neutrality by shutting down the gas-fuelled trigeneration plant at its Maranello factory. This early shutdown, three months ahead of schedule, is part of Ferrari’s decarbonisation plan, which was unveiled during the 2022 Capital Markets Day. The plant, which had been operational since 2009, generated electricity, heat, and cooling energy using methane gas and was known for its high-efficiency technology.

The closure will lead to a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions and a 70% decrease in methane gas consumption, making it a crucial move towards Ferrari’s 2030 carbon neutrality goals. In place of the trigenerator, Ferrari is doubling its photovoltaic systems with the aim of reaching a capacity of 10 megawatts peak (MWp) by 2030, up from the current 5 MWp.

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Sime Darby Motors Reassures BYD Customers in Malaysia: Recall Limited to China Market

BYD has announced a recall of nearly 100,000 vehicles in China due to a manufacturing fault that presents a potential fire risk. The recall, which involves 96,714 Dolphin and Yuan PLUS electric vehicles, began on September 30th, 2024, according to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).

The issue stems from defects in the electric power steering column assembly (CEPS) controller. During manufacturing, the equipment tool cover may interfere with capacitors on the controller’s circuit board, leading to micro-cracks in the capacitors. Over time, these cracks can expand, causing short circuits, overheating, and potentially resulting in fires.

To address the issue, BYD dealers will install insulation pads on the controllers at no cost, mitigating the risk. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified through registered mail, WeChat, and phone calls, and a customer service hotline has been set up for further assistance.

Meanwhile, Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, has reassured customers that the BYD models sold in Malaysia are not affected by the recent recall announcement by BYD in China. The recall pertains only to vehicles sold in the China market.

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Proton e.MAS Dealers Gain Cutting-Edge Insights on Geely R&D Tour in China

PRO-NET, a subsidiary of Proton, has announced the appointment of 36 Proton e.MAS dealerships, more than doubling the initial 17 dealerships announced in June 2024. This move highlights PRO-NET’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s EV market and expanding its customer service network.

The dealership expansion was complemented by a visit to the Geely Research Institute (GRI) in Hangzhou, China, which was attended by over 40 Malaysian dealer executives and principals. The three-day tour offered participants insights into Geely’s advanced technology and the operations behind selling and servicing premium EV models at Geely dealerships.

Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET, stated that since the Proton e.MAS brand launch in June, the development pace has been rapid. The addition of 19 new dealerships reflects the excitement surrounding the upcoming Proton e.MAS 7 model and the overwhelming enthusiasm from dealer principals who joined the Geely tour. He emphasised how Geely’s intelligent technology and research have prepared the dealerships for the arrival of Malaysia’s first EV.

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Regas Premium Auto Unveils Newly Refurbished 4S Dealership in Kuching

Regas Premium Auto, the authorised 4S dealership in Sarawak, has officially reopened its newly refurbished Retail.NEXT showroom in Kuching. This facility now offers enhanced services for BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, and BMW Premium Selection (BPS) brands, aiming to enrich the Premium Ownership Experience for customers in East Malaysia.

The space now features Retail.NEXT contemporary design, a chic café, a premium lounge, and a Heritage Corner showcasing the BMW 700 Coupé.

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Hyundai’s Remarkable Milestone: 100 Million Cars Produced, With Eyes on the Next 100 Million

Hyundai has achieved a remarkable milestone, having built 100 million cars globally since its founding in 1967. To mark the occasion, the company handed over its 100 millionth and first vehicle, an all-electric Ioniq 5, to its new owner. The symbolic gesture of not highlighting the exact 100 millionth car, but rather the one after, reflects Hyundai’s philosophy of always striving to go “one step further” in its accomplishments.

Hyundai’s automotive journey began in 1968 with the production of its first car, the Pony, at its Ulsan plant in South Korea, which is still a cornerstone of the company and has the capacity to produce 1.6 million cars annually. Over the past 57 years, Hyundai has expanded its global footprint with factories in countries such as the Czech Republic, India, Turkey, and the United States.

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English

Toyota Delays First US Electric Vehicle Launch Amid Strategic EV Expansion

Used Car Dealer Ordered to Cover Full Cost of Compressor Replacement

Bentley Unveils Mulliner Editions of Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur

Court Fines Mechanic RM5k for Ignoring Consumer Tribunal’s Order on Vehicle Repair Case

Ford Says Goodbye to Mainstream Models, Hello to Iconic Enthusiast Cars

Ferrari’s Maranello Factory Takes Major Green Leap: Gas Plant Closed Ahead of Schedule

Sime Darby Motors Reassures BYD Customers in Malaysia: Recall Limited to China Market

Proton e.MAS Dealers Gain Cutting-Edge Insights on Geely R&D Tour in China

Regas Premium Auto Unveils Newly Refurbished 4S Dealership in Kuching

Hyundai’s Remarkable Milestone: 100 Million Cars Produced, With Eyes on the Next 100 Million

Toyota Delays First US Electric Vehicle Launch Amid Strategic EV Expansion

Used Car Dealer Ordered to Cover Full Cost of Compressor Replacement

Bentley Unveils Mulliner Editions of Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur

Court Fines Mechanic RM5k for Ignoring Consumer Tribunal’s Order on Vehicle Repair Case

Ford Says Goodbye to Mainstream Models, Hello to Iconic Enthusiast Cars

Ferrari’s Maranello Factory Takes Major Green Leap: Gas Plant Closed Ahead of Schedule

Sime Darby Motors Reassures BYD Customers in Malaysia: Recall Limited to China Market

Proton e.MAS Dealers Gain Cutting-Edge Insights on Geely R&D Tour in China

Regas Premium Auto Unveils Newly Refurbished 4S Dealership in Kuching

Hyundai’s Remarkable Milestone: 100 Million Cars Produced, With Eyes on the Next 100 Million

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LEKAS Highway Temporarily Closed this Saturday Evening to Sunday Morning

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