Pothole repairs in Selangor are set to be significantly expedited following the state’s acquisition of a high-tech Jetpatcher machine from the United Kingdom. It is expected to be valued at RM1 million, according to reports from Selangor Journal. The Jetpatcher, which was introduced during the launch of the Mega Road Resurfacing 2024 project, promises to cut repair time and improve the overall quality of road patches.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture, Izham Hashim, explained that the new machine requires only 15 minutes to patch a pothole, a stark improvement over the traditional method, which takes more than an hour.
“This machine is highly efficient and can be used even during light rain, unlike conventional methods which can be delayed for days due to wet weather,” Izham said. He also highlighted that the Jetpatcher requires minimal manpower, with just four workers needed per site—two to operate the machine and two to manage traffic. In comparison, the conventional method typically requires a team of 15 people.
Toyota is preparing to reduce its electric vehicle (EV) production goals for next year, revising its original target of producing 1.5 million EVs by 2026 to 1 million. A Toyota spokesperson clarified that this figure isn’t a strict target but rather a guideline aimed at improving the company’s infrastructure and supply chain for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
However, Toyota isn’t alone in reassessing its EV ambitions. Other major automakers like Volvo, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, and Ford have also scaled back their EV production plans.
Recently, Volvo revealed it would no longer aim to be fully electric by 2030. Instead, it plans to retain some hybrid models, targeting 90-100% of its sales to be from fully electric or plug-in hybrids by 2030. Similarly, Porsche announced in July that its goal of achieving 80% EV sales by 2030 depends on market demand and technological advances.
The latest Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster, dubbed the F5-M, now boasts a gated six-speed manual transmission, a feature that required notable interior changes and aerodynamic updates. To accommodate the new gearbox, Hennessey modified the centre console, replacing the previous vertical air vents with horizontal ones and redesigning the air conditioning controls.
Additionally, the F5-M includes new jet-fighter-inspired toggle switches for the windows, positioned just behind the billet aluminium shift gate and carbon-fibre shifter.
The 2025 Bentley Flying Spur boasts an impressive new hybrid V8, surpassing the outgoing W-12 engine in power and performance. This hybrid setup, which first appeared in the 2025 Continental GT Speed, is now available in the Flying Spur, marking it as Bentley’s most powerful sedan to date.
Under the hood, the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 hybrid produces 771hp and 1,000Nm of torque, reflecting a 19% horsepower increase and 11% torque improvement over the previous W-12 engine. With these enhancements, the Flying Spur can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds, a half-second improvement over its predecessor.
The hybrid system also includes a 25.9-kilowatt-hour battery, providing an additional 187hp and 450Nm of torque. This setup offers 75km of electric driving range (based on the EU cycle), with speeds reaching up to 140km/h. Combined with the V8 engine, the total driving range extends to 828km.
Drivers can optimise performance with four battery-specific modes: Pure EV, Electric Boost, Regenerative Braking, and Charge. In Charge mode, the gas engine not only powers the wheels but also helps recharge the battery. Alternatively, using a Level 2 charger, the battery recharges in two hours and 45 minutes at an 11-kilowatt rate.
Bentley’s Active Chassis system comes standard, featuring an adaptive suspension, all-wheel steering, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and updated ESC software. The car’s balanced weight distribution—48.3% front and 51.7% rear—further enhances handling.
Visually, the 2025 Flying Spur retains Bentley’s signature style, with subtle updates like a Speed-specific grille and a redesigned front bumper. Buyers can opt for a Styling Specification aero package in carbon fibre or new body-coloured paint, with 101 exterior colours to choose from.
Inside, the Flying Spur sees significant tech upgrades, including a new digital instrument cluster and centre touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bentley also introduces the My Bentley App Studio, allowing for third-party app integration for entertainment, navigation, and more.
For audiophiles, the standard 10-speaker, 650-watt system can be upgraded to a 16-speaker, 1,500-watt Bang & Olufsen system or a 19-speaker, 2,200-watt system with Active Bass Transducers in the front seats. Additionally, laminated glass makes the Flying Spur nine decibels quieter than the previous model.
Putrajaya is set to see the rollout of an autonomous electric bus service trial later this year, marking Malaysia’s second such initiative. As reported by NST, this trial, which leverages 5G technology, is part of a collaboration between Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), Ericsson, and local autonomous vehicle developer eMooVit Technology Sdn Bhd.
The partnership stems from a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2024, focusing on testing 5G-enabled technologies in autonomous buses. The trials included in-vehicle 5G public Wi-Fi, real-time remote monitoring, and journey data collection without passengers.
Cars today are loaded with advanced technology and safety features, but more isn’t always better for buyers. J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index Study revealed that while some owners appreciate the cutting-edge features in their vehicles, others find them frustrating and difficult to use.
J.D. Power ranks these features using a “problems per 100 vehicles” (PP100) scale. Gesture controls, in particular, received a high 43.4 PP100, with 21% of owners criticising the feature’s lack of functionality, according to a new performance measure introduced in this year’s study. Hands-free driving assistance systems also garnered low scores for usefulness, with even advanced versions struggling to win over drivers.
Hoonigan, the lifestyle and apparel brand established by the late rally icon Ken Block, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it works to reorganise and manage its heavy debt load. Now part of Wheel Pros, an aftermarket wheel company owned by Clearlake Capital, Hoonigan is looking to eliminate $1.2 billion in debt while raising up to $570 million in new capital to stabilise its financial situation.
Originally created as Ken Block’s personal lifestyle venture, Hoonigan gained widespread recognition through its popular YouTube channel, “The Hoonigans,” boasting over 5.73 million subscribers. After Block’s passing in 2023, the channel saw much of its original talent depart, contributing to significant changes in the brand’s direction.
Japan is intensifying its efforts to bolster electric vehicle (EV) battery production with an investment of $2.4 billion in subsidies to strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain. The government has earmarked support for 12 projects focusing on storage batteries and related components, aiming to expand Japan’s annual battery production capacity by 50% to 120 gigawatt-hours (GWh), up from the current 80 GWh.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ken Saito, emphasised that this initiative is designed to improve Japan’s battery industry’s global competitiveness. Major automotive and battery manufacturers, including Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic, Subaru, and Mazda, are involved in these efforts, which reflect Japan’s strategic push to increase domestic battery production.
Proton has expanded its international presence by announcing the launch of CKD (Completely Knocked Down) operations in Egypt. This milestone was marked at Proton’s Centre of Excellence headquarters with a ceremony to flag off 120 units of LHD Proton Saga CKD packs for export to Egypt.
The event saw notable attendees such as H.E. Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr, the Egyptian Ambassador to Malaysia, and Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, alongside Proton’s senior leadership, including Chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar and Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah.
Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd is back with the third edition of its popular Hot Wheels Series card, an exciting offering for both car enthusiasts and collectors. This limited-edition card boasts a dual-tone design that captures the high-speed thrill associated with Hot Wheels, making it a standout collectable.
With only 2,000 units available, this special edition card offers exclusivity for fans. Beyond its collectable appeal, the card is fully functional, offering cashless payment options for daily commutes, tolls, and parking at over 1,500 locations. Its stylish look adds excitement to every transaction.
