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Volvo Car Malaysia Achieves Record-Breaking Electrification Milestone in 2024

Volvo Car Malaysia has concluded the 2024 calendar year with a record-breaking sales mix for its fully electric (BEV) segment, which accounted for 30% of total retail sales—a significant 18% increase from 2023.

The combined sales of Volvo Car Malaysia’s BEV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models made up 83% of total retail sales, compared to 71% in the previous year. This milestone aligns with Volvo’s global sustainability ambition to sell between 90% to 100% electrified vehicles by 2030, encompassing models with plug-in high-voltage battery drivetrains.

A Leader in Electrification

Since 2020, Volvo Car Malaysia has been at the forefront of electrification, offering only fully electric or hybrid electric variants across all new models. Customers in Malaysia currently have the option of choosing between plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrains for internal combustion engine models.

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Honda CR-V Secures Top Spot as Malaysia’s No.1 Mid-Size SUV in 2024

Honda Malaysia has achieved a significant milestone with the sale of over 11,300 units of its flagship model, the 6th Generation CR-V, securing its position as the No.1 Mid-Size SUV in 2024 with a commanding 36% market share in the segment.

Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, expressed his delight at the CR-V’s outstanding market performance. “Since its launch in December 2023, the CR-V has received strong market acceptance, further solidifying its dominant position. This growing demand is reflected in its remarkable 40% year-on-year growth within its segment. Notably, the CR-V ranked as the third best-selling model in Honda Malaysia’s lineup for 2024.”

Impressive Sales Contribution from Hybrid and Petrol Variants

The introduction of the 2.0L e:HEV RS hybrid variant has significantly boosted demand, contributing to 20% of overall CR-V sales. Within the Mid-Size SUV hybrid segment, the e:HEV RS commands an 87% market share, reflecting strong consumer confidence in Honda’s advanced hybrid technology.

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Proton Begins Construction of Malaysia’s First Dedicated EV Production Plant

Proton has officially commenced construction of its first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) production plant at its high-tech Tanjung Malim facility, marking a major milestone in the company’s transition toward local EV manufacturing. The facility, which represents an investment of RM82 million, is set to be completed by the end of 2025.

The first phase of Proton’s EV assembly plant will have an initial production capacity of 20,000 units per year. Once completed, the plant will manufacture multiple models based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, starting with the Proton e.MAS 7, the first EV model from a Malaysian automotive brand.

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Jaecoo Begins Nationwide Deliveries of C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe

Jaecoo Malaysia has commenced the nationwide delivery of up to 500 units of the C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe to dealerships across the country, following strong market demand.

Powered by a 2.0 TGDI inline four-cylinder petrol engine, the C9 delivers 257hp and 400Nm of torque. The 2WD variant offers three driving modes, tailored for city and light off-road usage, while the AWD variant expands versatility with seven driving modes, including settings for urban commutes, sporty drives, and challenging terrains.

Pricing and Warranty

The Jaecoo C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe is available in two variants:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD): RM188,800
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD): RM168,800

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Ferrari to Unveil Its First Electric Car Along Five Other Models

Ferrari is set to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) later this year, marking a historic shift for the legendary Italian automaker. CEO Benedetto Vigna confirmed the news during Ferrari’s latest financial results presentation but remained tight-lipped on specific details. However, he assured that the new model would stand apart from other EVs, promising a “unique” combination of style, performance, and driving excitement.

A Crossover or GT, Not a Traditional Sports Car?

While Ferrari has yet to reveal the vehicle’s design, spy photos circulating online suggest the EV will likely be a crossover or grand tourer (GT) rather than a traditional sports car. Test mules spotted around Maranello feature a four-door hatchback-style body, fake exhaust pipes, and synthesised engine sounds, hinting at Ferrari’s approach to blending electrification with its signature driving experience.

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Toyota to Build Lexus EV Plant in Shanghai, Raises Profit Forecast to Nearly $30 Billion

Toyota has announced plans to establish an electric vehicle (EV) plant in Shanghai dedicated to its luxury Lexus brand, reinforcing its commitment to China’s growing EV market. This move comes as foreign automakers face increasing challenges in the world’s largest auto market.

The Japanese automotive giant, the world’s top-selling carmaker, revealed the decision while also raising its annual net profit forecast to nearly $30 billion and increasing its revenue projection.

Toyota stated that it will set up a wholly owned company in Shanghai for the development and production of Lexus battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and batteries. Production is expected to commence after 2027, with the facility creating 1,000 new jobs and boasting an annual output capacity of approximately 100,000 vehicles.

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Aston Martin Unveils Valkyrie Hypercar for Le Mans and Endurance Racing

Aston Martin is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in its storied motorsport legacy with the debut of the Valkyrie hypercar, marking the brand’s return to the top tier of endurance racing. The Valkyrie, derived from its road-going counterpart, will compete for overall victory at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and take on both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA).

A Unique Hypercar Entry

Unlike any other competitor, the Valkyrie is the only racing car in the Hypercar category derived from a road-legal hypercar. It will make its global competition debut at the 2025 WEC season opener, the Qatar 1812km, on February 28. Aston Martin’s THOR Team will field two Valkyrie entries in WEC, further cementing its place in endurance racing history.

British Talent Leads Aston Martin’s Le Mans Line-up

Aston Martin has assembled a formidable driver lineup for the Valkyrie program. In WEC, the #007 Valkyrie will feature British endurance racer Harry Tincknell alongside rising star Tom Gamble. The #009 Valkyrie will be piloted by three-time FIA GT World Champion Marco Sørensen (DEN) and accomplished endurance racer Alex Riberas (ESP).

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Toyota Gazoo Racing Opens Orders for Updated GR Corolla in Japan

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has officially begun accepting orders for the newly enhanced GR Corolla, a high-performance model refined with insights from the brand’s motorsport experience. The updated version features a turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 299hp and is available with either an eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (GR-DAT) or a six-speed manual transmission.

The automatic variant is equipped with an Ultrasuede-upholstered shift knob accented by an aluminate red trim ring and a shift lever boot. Meanwhile, the manual version features a similar design but with the addition of the GR logo. Both models include a manual parking brake, a parking brake boot, and three-point ELR seat belts for added safety.

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BYD’s Stella Li Awarded 2025 World Car Person of the Year

Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, has been awarded the 2025 World Car Person of the Year, making history as the first woman and the first representative of a Chinese automaker to receive this prestigious accolade.

Li played a pivotal role in BYD’s rapid global expansion over the past year, spearheading the launch of key models, facilitating the company’s entry into new markets, and overseeing the production of BYD’s 10-millionth new energy vehicle.

A panel of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries selected Li from a competitive shortlist, which included Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles and Toyota’s Chief Branding Officer and Design Chief Simon Humphries. Candidates were evaluated based on their contributions to the global automotive industry over the past year.

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Hyundai Ioniq 9 Now Available for Preorder in South Korea

Hyundai has officially opened preorders for the Ioniq 9 in South Korea as of February 3, 2025. The three-row electric SUV is expected to make a significant impact on the global EV market, beginning with its home country.

Combining high performance with advanced electric vehicle technology, the Ioniq 9 boasts an impressive driving range of up to 620km (WLTP). The Long-Range RWD model is powered by a 215hp rear motor, while the Long-Range AWD variant adds a 94 hp front motor alongside the same 215hp rear motor. For those seeking maximum performance, the AWD Performance version features dual 215hp motors, delivering power to both the front and rear wheels.

Designed for efficiency and practicality, the Ioniq 9 achieves its 620km all-electric range in the Ultimate 215hp rear-wheel-drive model equipped with 20-inch wheels. Additionally, the advanced 800V battery system supports ultra-fast DC charging of up to 350 kW, ensuring rapid recharges.

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English

Volvo Car Malaysia Achieves Record-Breaking Electrification Milestone in 2024

Honda CR-V Secures Top Spot as Malaysia’s No.1 Mid-Size SUV in 2024

Proton Begins Construction of Malaysia’s First Dedicated EV Production Plant

Jaecoo Begins Nationwide Deliveries of C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe

Ferrari to Unveil Its First Electric Car Along Five Other Models

Toyota to Build Lexus EV Plant in Shanghai, Raises Profit Forecast to Nearly $30 Billion

Aston Martin Unveils Valkyrie Hypercar for Le Mans and Endurance Racing

Toyota Gazoo Racing Opens Orders for Updated GR Corolla in Japan

BYD’s Stella Li Awarded 2025 World Car Person of the Year

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Now Available for Preorder in South Korea

Porsche Launches Pilot Project for High-Voltage Battery Recycling

Aston Martin Valhalla Nears Final Validation Ahead of Q2 2025 Production – 1,079PS, 1,100Nm of Tourque

Hyundai Unveils “Pleos” Infotainment System, Taking Aim at Tesla

New Rates For Puspakom’s Mobile Services Effective 1 April 2025

Porsche Enhances Digital Experience for 911, Taycan, Panamera, and Cayenne

Malaysian Government-Owned ‘1M’ Number Plate Among UK’s Most Expensive, Valued Over RM5.7 Million

BHPetrol’s ‘Balik Kampung Dengan Selamat’ Program Ensures a Safe Hari Raya Journey

RM1.9 Billion Allocated for New Diesel and EV Buses

Government Announces 50% Toll Discount for Hari Raya

Nissan Confirms the GT-R’s Return, but Details Remain Unclear

Archive

Nissan to Downsize Shonan Plant Amid Domestic Restructuring Efforts

BYD Introduces “God’s Eye” ADAS, Bringing Advanced Driving Tech to Affordable Cars

Mitsubishi Unveils Xforce HEV in Thailand as Part of ASEAN Electrification Strategy

Porsche Rumoured to Bring Back Petrol-Powered Macan Amidst EV Strategy

Mazda Unveils Mazda6e BEV for Europe at the Brussels Motor Show 2025

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