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Motul Asia Pacific recently excited the motorsports world with its exhilarating showcase of speed, skill, and endurance at the Motul 12 Hours of Sepang endurance race, held at the Sepang International Circuit from March 15th to 16th, 2023. Stepping up from being the official Lubricant Partner to Title Sponsor for the second consecutive year, Motul solidified its commitment to Malaysia’s dynamic automotive community while demonstrating its deep-rooted dedication to motorsports.

The event brought together 17 teams comprising Asia’s finest drivers across three categories, pushing their limits in the challenging Asian climate. Motul’s sponsorship not only underscored its passion for motorsports but also highlighted its support for Malaysia’s automotive enthusiasts and professionals.

Motul curated exclusive engagement activities for over 170 key customers, offering pit tours with the Malaysia-based Viper Niza Racing team and technical training sessions comparing track and road products. A highlight was the presentation on Motul’s innovative CACE (Chemical, Additive, Care, and Essential) product range, showcasing the brand’s cutting-edge capabilities. Additionally, a presentation by Scantrust highlighted Motul’s commitment to product traceability and anti-counterfeit measures.

Ravi Shankar, Motul Malaysia’s Country Manager, emphasised the event’s theme “Accelerate as One” and Motul’s dedication to fostering a sense of community among customers. He reiterated Motul’s focus on growth and becoming the preferred choice for synthetic lubricant oil in Malaysia.

As the title sponsor, Motul’s logo adorned all 17 cars, reinforcing the brand’s strong presence and support. Mazryianto Bin Mahadzir from Yano Auto Parts and Bryan Chan from Promote Auto Care expressed gratitude for Motul’s commitment to knowledge sharing and customer value creation.

Carlo Savoca, Motul Asia Pacific’s Chief Marketing Officer, shared Motul’s optimism towards supporting more motorsports events in Southeast Asia, highlighting motorsports as a crucial platform for innovative product development.

As the Motul 12 Hours of Sepang concluded, Motul looks forward to continuing its journey of innovation, excellence, and collaboration within Malaysia’s automotive landscape, cementing its position as a driving force in the industry.

Are you thinking of rewarding yourself or your loved one with a new ride? Perhaps you have been shopping around for a while already but can’t seem to find that ideal car. We have news for you!

Ingress Group, the dealer for everything BMW, MINI, Volvo and Mitsubishi, is having its Ingress Group Auto Fair 2024! 

Renowned for amazing offers and a great selection, the Ingress Group Auto Fair 2024 offers an exceptional automotive experience with exclusive deals and unbeatable offers. 

So if you are on the hunt for a new BMW, MINI, Volvo or a Mitsubishi, here’s why you should make sure not to miss out on this exciting event:

Exclusive Offers: Explore exclusive deals and incentives available only during the Auto Fair, providing you with the chance to save significantly on your next vehicle purchase.

Wide Selection: Discover a diverse range of the latest models from top brands like BMW, MINI, Mitsubishi, and Volvo, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect vehicle to meet your needs and preferences.

Savings Galore: Take advantage of attractive rebates of up to RM35,000, low financing rates starting from 0.00%, and high trade-in values, making it easier than ever to afford the car of your dreams.

Exciting Prizes: Participate in special lucky draws for a chance to win fantastic prizes, adding an extra element of excitement to your Auto Fair experience.

Complimentary Flight Tickets: Purchase selected models and receive a complimentary MAS return flight, adding even more value to your purchase.

But that is not all, here’s a roundup of what you stand to get:

BMW:

  • Cash rebates of up to RM35,000
  • Financing as low as 0%
  • 5 years warranty
  • Complimentary RM1,000 BMW Lifestyle Voucher
  • Complimentary BMW Advanced Car Eye
  • MAS Return Flight Ticket 

MINI:

  • Cash rebates of up to RM15,000
  • Financing as low as 0%
  • MINI 4+1 MSRI
  • MAS Return Flight Ticket

Volvo:

  • Volvo SELEKT Cars starting from RM180,000
  • Cash rebates and complimentary Bowers and Wilkins PI7 S2 earbuds
  • Attractive financing rates*
  • Complimentary 1-year service*
  • Complimentary Digital Video Recorder on selected models* 
  • Complimentary Polestar running boards on selected models*
  • Complimentary genuine Volvo accessories on selected models*
  • Stand a chance to be among the first 10 to book Volvo SELEKT cars and get an instant RM5,000 cash*

Mitsubishi:

  • Cash rebates, government schemes, loyalty rewards, and Duit Raya
  • Interest rates as low as 0.88%

But the Ingress Group Auto Fair is more than just a sales event, it has other activities that are perfect for the family as well, such as the Mitsubishi Off-Road Activation where you will get to experience the thrill of off-road driving with selected Mitsubishis.

There are also Test Drives activities where you can get behind the wheel and test drive some of your favorite models to experience their performance first hand.

And just to make it more convenient for you, Ingress Auto will prepare Valet Parking so you can enjoy the convenience of valet parking services during your visit to the Auto Fair.

And finally, in the spirit of Ramadhan, Ingress Auto has prepared a special BMW Lifestyle Raya Sales so you get to explore exclusive Raya sales on BMW Lifestyle products, adding extra excitement to your shopping experience.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to drive home your dream car with unbeatable deals and exclusive offers at the Ingress Group Auto Fair 2024. 

Mark your calendars for March 23rd and 24th, from 10 am to 5 pm, at Carpark A, Ingress Auto, Damansara. 

*Terms and Conditions apply

The all-electric Mercedes Vision EQXX continues to make waves in the automotive industry, showcasing groundbreaking innovation and remarkable efficiency. Following its impressive 1,008km and 1,202km single-charge drives, the Vision EQXX has embarked on another monumental road trip that was 1,010km, this time braving the desert heat to test its advanced thermal management system under extreme conditions.

The primary objective of the desert expedition was to evaluate the car’s thermal management system’s effectiveness in temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius. Despite the harsh environment, the intelligent on-demand system flawlessly maintained optimal temperatures for both the electric drivetrain and cabin, ensuring minimal impact on energy efficiency. The air conditioning system, powered by a multi-source heat pump, played a crucial role in maintaining comfort while conserving energy.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into a tragic crash that occurred on February 24 in San Antonio, Texas, involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E equipped with the advanced hands-free driving assist technology, BlueCruise. The collision, which resulted in the fatality of Jeffrey Allen Johnson, the driver of a stationary Honda CR-V, has prompted scrutiny of the role of Ford’s BlueCruise system.

Ford’s BlueCruise is recognised as one of the most capable hands-free driving assist systems available in the U.S. market, allowing drivers to temporarily remove their hands from the steering wheel while driving on certain designated highways. However, drivers are required to maintain their attention on the road, with a driver monitoring system in place to track eye movements and disengage BlueCruise if prolonged diversion is detected.

2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Unlike previous investigations into collisions involving Tesla’s Autopilot, which focused on inadequate driver monitoring, this incident highlights the importance of robust driver monitoring systems in preventing accidents. While it remains uncertain whether BlueCruise was active during the crash, its potential involvement raises concerns about the efficacy of hands-free driving technologies and their impact on road safety.

If BlueCruise is found to have played a role in the crash, this incident could have far-reaching implications not only for Ford but also for the wider automotive industry. Nevertheless, the investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the collision and identify any necessary enhancements to hands-free driving systems to improve overall safety on the roads.

The new Audi Q6 E-Tron has been unveiled, showcasing Audi’s Premium Platform Electric architecture, shared with the Porsche Macan EV and featuring Audi badging for the first time. This architecture operates on an 800-volt system and incorporates two electric motors biased towards the rear in both power and vehicle weight distribution.

At launch, the Q6 E-Tron will be available in two trims—Q6 and the performance-focused SQ6—both equipped with a 100-kWh (94.9-kWh net) battery pack. Sportback trims will be introduced later, along with a rear-wheel-drive version aimed at extending the range.

In North America, buyers can expect a combined 422hp from the Q6 E-Tron, marking a modest 40hp increase compared to the European model. The sportier SQ6 boasts 483hp, with both trims offering enhanced acceleration through launch control. Audi claims the Q6 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in approximately 5.0 seconds with launch control, while the SQ6 achieves this in just 4.2 seconds.

 

Audi estimates a range of 482km for the standard Q6 E-Tron, with SQ6 range estimates pending. Both trims utilise the same battery, with the SQ6 likely to offer slightly less range. Of notable mention is the Q6 E-Tron’s 800-volt charging capability, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 21 minutes using a DC fast charger, capable of pulling 270 kW.

The PPE architecture of the Audi Q6 E-Tron is engineered to optimise electric packaging while delivering robust driving dynamics. Features include control arms positioned in front of suspension arms for improved battery positioning and a fixed steering rack to enhance control. Additionally, Audi equips the Q6 with wider tires at the rear for optimised performance.

Beyond performance, the advanced technology integrated into the Q6 E-Tron is a standout feature. The SUV boasts the E3 (End-to-End Electronic) architecture, powered by AI to manage various Android-based systems and provide proactive suggestions based on learned behaviors. The SUV also features digital screens including an 11.9-inch driver display, a 10.9-inch passenger screen, and an optional augmented-reality heads-up display.

Pricing details for the 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 E-Tron models are to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has emphasised the role of the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) in ensuring that airport operators maintain adequate facilities. Speaking after the signing of a new operating agreement between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and the government, Loke stated that Mavcom monitors airport operators to ensure compliance with a set of criteria regarding airport facilities and maintenance. He highlighted that operators collecting the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) must meet these criteria and that Mavcom would take action against those that do not.

Loke addressed concerns about airport facilities in relation to revenue generated through the PSC, which was revised on March 13. He clarified that while there was no real increase in the PSC, rates for Asean nations and international destinations had been standardized. Previously, there was a lower rate for destinations within Asean. The revised rates, effective from June 1 to Dec 31, 2026, set the PSC at RM73 for international travel from KLIA and RM50 from KLIA2 and other airports, with the domestic departure PSC remaining at RM11 at all airports except Senai International Airport.

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Uber has agreed to pay nearly $272 million (RM1,284,520 000) to compensate taxi and hire car drivers affected by its aggressive entry into the Australian market. Maurice Blackburn Lawyers announced that the class action against Uber, expected to go to trial at the Supreme Court of Victoria, would be abandoned after the rideshare company agreed to the substantial settlement.

This settlement, the fifth-largest in Australia’s history, represents a significant victory for more than 8000 taxi and hire car owners and drivers who suffered financial losses due to Uber’s market entry. Maurice Blackburn principal lawyer Michael Donelly described the five-year legal battle as “gruelling” and emphasised how Uber had attempted to deny compensation to those affected.

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Chery Malaysia announces the opening of a new showroom and service centre in Sabah, operated by dealer-partner Universal Chery Sdn Bhd. Located at Lot 7, Jalan Limau Manis Off Jalan Lintas Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the expansive 3S centre spans 1,400 square meters, providing customers with a comprehensive experience in vehicle viewing, customer service, and maintenance.

Within the showroom, customers can explore the full fleet of Chery vehicles and enjoy the amenities of the customer lounge. The service centre features 8 service bays staffed by trained Chery technicians, capable of servicing up to 830 vehicles monthly.

Chery Malaysia Vice President Lee Wen Hsiang expressed excitement about expanding their network in Sabah, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional service and convenience to customers. He highlighted the opportunity for more Malaysians to experience the quality and reliability of Chery vehicles through the new showroom and service centre.

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Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the exclusive distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Orang Asli communities through a second collaboration with Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Malaysia. This partnership focuses on supporting GPF’s OA-Eco Farm program in four Orang Asli Villages in Kuala Rompin, Pahang.

The OA-Eco Farm program is a food farming initiative aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable income among Orang Asli families. It provides hands-on training, coaching, and subsidies for tools and seedlings.

With a generous contribution of US$10,000 (RM45,745) from Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, 22 staff volunteers from SDAC joined forces with the GPF team to visit the villages on March 9th. They brought donations of seedlings, farming equipment, kitchen tools, and enthusiasm.

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Hertz Global Holdings Inc. is making a change in leadership following challenges stemming from its investments in electric vehicles. Stephen Scherr, who has been serving as CEO for just over two years, has decided to step down. He will be replaced by Gil West, the former chief operating officer of General Motors Co.’s Cruise Robotaxi unit, effective April 1.

Scherr’s tenure at Hertz coincided with the company’s ambitious foray into electric vehicles, which began shortly after emerging from bankruptcy. Hertz made significant investments in EVs, including placing orders for 100,000 vehicles from Tesla Inc., as part of its strategy to modernise its fleet and capitalise on the growing demand for electric mobility.

However, these bets on EVs did not yield the expected results. Last year, Tesla’s price cuts significantly reduced the resale value of Hertz’s used EVs, leading to challenges related to depreciation and demand. As a result, Hertz announced plans to sell off a substantial portion of its EV fleet, citing lacklustre demand and costly depreciation.

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