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Kia Strengthens Asia Pacific Presence with Launch of Training Centre in Malaysia

Kia Asia Pacific has made a significant leap in its regional presence with the grand opening of the Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. This state-of-the-art facility is the fifth global training hub for the automaker, joining established centres in Germany, Russia, the UAE, and the USA. The centre serves as a testament to Kia’s confidence in Malaysia’s pivotal role as a hub for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, where Kuala Lumpur functions as the regional headquarters.

The Kia Asia Pacific Training Centre is designed to drive innovation and raise service standards across the region. It will offer a range of training programmes aimed at operational staff, sales teams, and aftersales personnel. The focus is on automotive training excellence, providing comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for the ever-evolving automotive industry.

Kevin Ahn, President and CEO of Kia Asia Pacific, highlighted the strategic importance of the centre: “The opening of our Kia APAC Training Centre aligns with our company’s philosophy of fostering a customer-centric and people-focused culture. This training centre represents our commitment to continuous improvements, ensuring we deliver top-quality service that exceeds customer expectations.”

Ahn further emphasised Malaysia’s selection as the site for the new training hub, stating that the country’s strategic location, diverse talent pool, and language proficiency made it the ideal choice. “Malaysia was selected out of our 34 markets in APAC for its strategic location, allowing us to meet the evolving needs of the industry while keeping our teams at the forefront of technological advancements,” he said.

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Honda Malaysia Introduces Special Edition Models of the City V and the WRV

Honda Malaysia has introduced special edition models for the popular Honda WRV as well as the Honda City.

The Honda WRV, a small, versatile SUV that has been quite popular among Malaysians with over 13,400 units sold, now comes with aesthetic upgrades that will appeal to those looking to distinguish themselves from the rest of the WRV crowd.

The new WRV offers a touch of exclusivity with new exterior upgrades such as a new front, side and rear skirtings, or under spoilers as some call it. Further distinguishing the special edition model from the rest of the pack is a chrome exhaust pipe finisher, or exhaust tip.

You also get something Honda calls a rear panel lining cover, or otherwise known as anti-scratch boot sill. This is particularly useful to avoid scratching the boot liner when storing and removing items.

And to avoid unnecessary spending, the special edition WRV also gets a Digital Video Recorder (dash cam), as standard. Just so that everyone knows that you are driving something unique, the WRV also comes with a Special Edition emblem on the boot lid.

Everything else remains the same. You still get a versatile interior that can accommodate active lifestyles with foldable seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as safety systems that include eight systems that make up the Honda Sensing safety suite.

The special edition Honda City on the other hand (not available for photos as of publishing) also gets a refreshed exterior with new front, side and rear skirts. You also get a Special Edition emblem that is also placed on the boot lid.

Inside, the new City offers a Honda Digital Video Recorder, foot lights that light up the foot wells, side step garnishes and a trunk tray for added convenience.

These updates are limited to the Honda City V variant only and the car has other notable features such as an eight speaker sound system, 60:40 split rear seats, 519 litres of boot space, six airbags, Honda Sensing suite with eight safety features, and walk away auto lock.

The Honda City Special Edition is available at RM94,900 but if you opt for the Platinum White Pearl Colour, that will set you back an additional RM300.

The Honda WRV Special Edition on the other hand is priced at RM107,900, and is available in Stellar Diamond Pearl colour only.

Honda Malaysia will showcase the WRV special edition models at its dealerships starting today (12 September, 2024), while the City special edition will be available for viewing at the of September, 2024.

For inquiries, you can call Honda Malaysia’s toll-free number at 1800-8-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my.

Mitsubishi Malaysia Rolls Out Facelifted Xpander, Opens Bookings at RM115k Introductory Price

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, has officially begun production of the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander seven-seater. Bookings are now open with an introductory price of RM115,000 for a limited time. The much-anticipated model is expected to be launched later this month, with production taking place in Pekan, Pahang.

Upgraded Design and Features

The facelifted Xpander brings enhanced SUV styling along with upgraded features. According to Ikeda, the Xpander’s new design offers “a more robust and dynamic look,” with updates to the rear, including a new light shape, horizontally styled rear spoiler, and a re-designed bumper to reflect an active lifestyle.

For practicality, the Xpander offers best-in-class features such as 225mm ground clearance and a spacious interior with 837 litres of cargo space when the second-row seats are folded. Other notable upgrades include a rear-driving video recorder, an electric parking brake, and various enhancements for added convenience.

To mark the launch of the facelifted Xpander, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has introduced several promotions as part of its “Drive Your Ambition Brand Festival.” Customers who act quickly will benefit from the special introductory price of RM115,000, which is available for a limited time only.

Furthermore, the first 500 customers who book and register their Xpander through the Mitsubishi Online Showroom will receive a complimentary Naturehike Camping Wagon worth RM400. The company is also planning a series of nationwide showroom events and activities beginning in September, where potential customers can experience the new Xpander firsthand.

The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 Launched from RM355,888

For over 75 years, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has set the standard for mid-range luxury sedans. In 2024, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia redefines that benchmark with the launch of the new locally assembled E-Class, featuring a groundbreaking electronic architecture that delivers an intuitive and futuristic digital user experience.

The latest iteration of this iconic sedan is available in two distinct variants: the Mercedes-Benz E 200 AVANTGARDE priced at RM355,888 and the Mercedes-Benz E 350 e AMG Line priced at RM418,888, offering customers a choice between a powerful electrified internal combustion engine and an advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The 2024 E-Class retains its classic “cab-backward” design, with a long bonnet, sleek passenger compartment, and short front overhang that seamlessly transitions into a well-proportioned rear. A nearly three-centimetre increase in wheelbase (2,961 mm) enhances passenger space, giving the sedan an even more striking profile.

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BYD Unveils Updated Han Sedan in China – PHEV and EV Powertrain Options

BYD has revealed an updated version of its popular Han sedan in China, focusing on improved technology and a slight reduction in its starting price. Originally launched in 2020 and receiving a facelift in 2022, this marks the second significant update for the electrified model.

The most notable exterior change is that the BYD Han DM-i (plug-in hybrid) now shares the same design as its all-electric counterpart, streamlining the look across the lineup. New additions include a Fashion Grey colour option and a Black Sports package. Additionally, a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor is present, hinting at enhanced Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

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Mechanic and Staff Injured After BMW Owner Drives Off Without Paying RM38,000 Bill

A mechanic and two of his staff were injured after a BMW owner drove off with his car, which had been fitted with upgraded accessories, without settling the RM38,000 bill at a workshop in Taman Setia Tropika yesterday.

Johor Baru North police chief, Assistant Commissioner Balveer Singh, reported that the 29-year-old mechanic, who owns the workshop, lodged a police report regarding the incident. According to the mechanic, the 40-year-old BMW owner had initially left his car at the workshop on Saturday, September 7, for upgrades, including new tyres, sports rims, and other accessories, with an agreed-upon total cost of RM38,000.

According to NST, the customer returned to the workshop the following day with another individual, requesting a test drive of the upgraded vehicle. Concerned that the customer might leave without paying, the mechanic instructed his 23-year-old employee to accompany them on the test drive in Taman Bukit Kempas.

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Selangor Accelerates Pothole Repairs with New RM1 Million Jetpatcher

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.

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Toyota, Volvo, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz Scale Back EV Production Plans

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.

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The Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster is a 1,817hp Six-Speed Manual Beast

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.

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The 2025 Bentley Flying Spur is the Most Powerful Bentley Sedan – V8, 771hp, 1,000Nm of Torque

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.

Kia Strengthens Asia Pacific Presence with Launch of Training Centre in Malaysia

  • 12/09/2024
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

Honda Malaysia Introduces Special Edition Models of the City V and the WRV

  • 12/09/2024
  • English, Local News
  • Keshy Dhillon

Mitsubishi Malaysia Rolls Out Facelifted Xpander, Opens Bookings at RM115k Introductory Price

  • 12/09/2024
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 Launched from RM355,888

  • 12/09/2024
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

BYD Unveils Updated Han Sedan in China – PHEV and EV Powertrain Options

  • 12/09/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Mechanic and Staff Injured After BMW Owner Drives Off Without Paying RM38,000 Bill

  • 12/09/2024
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

Selangor Accelerates Pothole Repairs with New RM1 Million Jetpatcher

  • 11/09/2024
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

Toyota, Volvo, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz Scale Back EV Production Plans

  • 11/09/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

The Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster is a 1,817hp Six-Speed Manual Beast

  • 11/09/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

The 2025 Bentley Flying Spur is the Most Powerful Bentley Sedan – V8, 771hp, 1,000Nm of Torque

  • 11/09/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash
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