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.
Jaecoo has significantly expanded its service network by launching its first dealership in East Malaysia, located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This move aligns with the premium off-road SUV brand’s commitment to ensuring network readiness following a successful month of J7 deliveries.
Leo Chen, Executive Vice President of Chery Corporate Malaysia, emphasised the importance of East Malaysia to the brand, noting that the Jaecoo J7 is well-suited to meet the strong demand for SUVs in Sabah. The dealership launch represents the brand’s continued effort to offer a premium ownership experience consistent with the “From Classic, Beyond Classic” brand ethos.
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) have officially initiated the pilot phase of the new standardised number plates, known as JPJePlate. This new system is mandatory for all new battery-powered and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (excluding motorcycles) delivered from today onwards. The objective of JPJePlate is to introduce a national standard for vehicle plates, beginning with electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-powered cars.
Key Details of the JPJePlate:
Pilot Phase: Initially applicable to new electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles delivered during this phase.
Existing EV Owners: Existing EV owners can begin ordering JPJePlate starting November 9, 2024, although registration of interest is available now.
Pricing and Package Information:
Cost: Each JPJePlate set is priced at RM98.
Availability: Currently, JPJePlates can only be ordered by car manufacturers and dealers via the official JPJePlate website.
Package Contents:
1x Front vehicle plate
1x Rear vehicle plate
1x RFID windshield sticker
1x Set of anti-theft one-way screws
Delivery: The RM98 cost includes delivery to an authorised installation partner, but plates will be sent directly to dealerships at this stage.
Porsche has collaborated with Porsche Asia Pacific to create an exceptional Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade through its Sonderwunsch programme. This one-of-a-kind fully electric sports car features a remarkable pigmented paint that shifts colours based on light and viewing angles.
Inspired by the intricate patterns of jade, a precious gemstone revered in Asia, this design pays tribute to Southeast Asia’s rich traditions and innovative spirit.
The Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade made its global debut on 5 September in Singapore, followed by a regional tour across Southeast Asia before being auctioned for charity in 2025. This special edition is based on the upgraded 2024 Taycan Turbo S, featuring enhanced power and performance. The Turbo S delivers up to 952PS with Launch Control, sprinting from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.4 seconds.
For the first time, Porsche has combined two Chromaflair effect paints in a single vehicle, an intricate process that took a year to develop and 80 hours to complete by hand. The unique paints—Urban Bamboo, a vibrant green with yellow and gold tones, and Shifting Carbon, a dark grey with black and blue hues—symbolise jade’s timeless elegance and carbon’s strength and innovation. This colour scheme represents happiness, longevity, and Porsche’s pioneering spirit, making the Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade a striking blend of tradition and modernity.
BMW M is once again demonstrating its long-standing commitment to MotoGP with the introduction of the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car. This latest safety car will make its debut at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini in Misano on Saturday, 7th September. The car was unveiled at a special event in Milan by Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at BMW M GmbH, alongside Massimiliano Di Silvestre, CEO of BMW Italia.
The BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car is based on the electrified BMW M5, featuring the M Hybrid system that combines a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor to produce a powerful 727hp. Its debut follows the success of the BMW XM Label Red Safety Car and underscores BMW M’s focus on cutting-edge hybrid technology.
Volvo Car Malaysia is set to offer a unique opportunity for customers to experience the new Volvo EX30 at an exciting event, The Volvo EX30 Experience, happening from 26 to 29 September at KL Base, Sungai Besi. This first-of-its-kind showcase follows the official unveiling of the fully electric SUV, scheduled for 25 September.
What to Expect at The Volvo EX30 Experience
Attendees will be among the first to interact with the Volvo EX30, a car packed with advanced technology and designed to have the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo vehicle to date. The EX30 features:
Automatic parking
Google Built-in integration
Upgraded Pilot Assist
360° environmental awareness through cameras, sensors, and radars
Dynamic handling and fast acceleration, making it Volvo’s fastest car yet
At Volvo Cars’ Capital Markets Day in Gothenburg, Sweden, the company introduced a revolutionary approach to technology that will define its future—centred around the concept of continuously improving its vehicles over time. This shift in strategy will focus on engineering a single technological foundation, ensuring that Volvo’s cars get better with each update.
The Volvo Cars Superset Tech Stack
At the core of this strategy is the Volvo Cars Superset tech stack. This comprehensive system of modules, software, and hardware will serve as the foundational base for all future electric vehicles, starting with the EX90. The tech stack is like a set of configurable building blocks, allowing Volvo to adapt and enhance various models from a single base. This shift will enable continuous improvements across the entire product lineup, enhancing cars already in the hands of customers and speeding up the development of new vehicles.
According to Anders Bell, Volvo Cars’ Chief Engineering & Technology Officer, the Superset tech stack will dramatically improve quality, accelerate speed-to-market, and allow the brand to focus all engineering efforts in one direction, rather than spreading resources across multiple projects.
SAIC Motor continues its dominance in the Chinese auto industry, delivering a total of 2.12 million vehicles in the first half of 2024, as reported on July 5. The company’s impressive performance is driven by what SAIC calls the New Triad of Growth Drivers: self-owned brands, new energy vehicles (NEVs), and expanding success in overseas markets.
From January to June, sales of SAIC’s self-owned brands soared to 1.26 million units, making up 59% of total company sales. Deliveries of NEVs reached 522,000 units, marking a 29.5% year-on-year growth, while overseas deliveries hit an industry-leading 554,000 units, reflecting a 13.9% increase over the previous year.
SAIC’s growth in NEVs has been exceptional, with annual NEV sales skyrocketing from 142,000 units in 2018 to 1.12 million units in 2023, cementing its position among the global leaders in the NEV market. Similarly, the company has significantly expanded its overseas presence, with sales climbing from 277,000 units in 2018 to 1.2 million units in 2023, maintaining its lead as China’s top exporter of vehicles.
After the successful debut of the BYD Seal earlier this year, with over 2,200 units registered by the end of August 2024, Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD in Malaysia, has introduced the new BYD Seal Dynamic RWD variant. This addition completes the lineup alongside the existing Premium and Performance models, offering more options for Malaysian consumers seeking electric sedans with a blend of style, technology, and performance.
BYD Seal Dynamic RWD: Features and Pricing
The BYD Seal Dynamic RWD is available in two sleek colour options: Cosmos Black and Aurora White. While pricing starts from a competitive RM163,800, the first 100 bookings come with a complimentary Wall Box Home Charger, adding extra value for early customers.
The new Dynamic RWD variant is backed by an extensive warranty package, including a 6-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year or 160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, and an 8-year or 150,000 km drive unit warranty, offering customers peace of mind.
For those seeking an affordable yet advanced electric sedan, the BYD Seal Dynamic RWD provides cutting-edge technology with a stylish design. The Seal lineup also includes the RWD Premium variant, starting at RM179,800, offering a balance between performance and range, and the AWD Performance variant, tailored for driving enthusiasts, starting at RM199,800.
Design and Technology Highlights
The BYD Seal Dynamic RWD showcases an aerodynamic coupe-like silhouette that’s both eye-catching and efficient. Its Ocean Aesthetics design has won accolades, including the iF Design Award, and it was named a Top 3 finalist in the 2024 World Car of the Year Awards. Additionally, it has been recognised locally, winning Electric Performance Sedan of the Year at the VOTY 2024 awards.
While the entire Seal range shares a similar design language, the Dynamic RWD variant stands out with a new rim design. Inside, the car boasts a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen that integrates the BYD App and voice command features. A premium 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system and an advanced PM2.5 filtration system further enhance the cabin experience.
The BYD Seal Dynamic RWD prioritizes safety with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the innovative Blade Battery technology, and nine airbags. All variants come equipped with BYD’s ADAS suite and a 360-degree camera system, ensuring optimal safety and driver confidence.
Performance and Range
Powered by a 61.44 kWh LFP Blade battery, the Dynamic RWD delivers 201 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The Dynamic RWD variant offers an impressive range of 510 km (NEDC cycle), making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer journeys. By comparison, the Premium variant offers a range of 650 km, and the Performance variant provides 580 km.
The Dynamic variant supports DC fast charging up to 110 kW and features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, increasing its versatility. With 450 litres of cargo space, including a 50-litre front trunk, the Seal Dynamic combines practicality with advanced electric mobility.
Customer Service and Expansion
BYD is committed to delivering exceptional customer service, with 25 showrooms and service centers already operational across Malaysia and plans to expand to over 30 by the end of 2024. The BYD App also provides convenient digital solutions, allowing customers to access service center locations and even unlock their vehicles remotely.
In addition to launching the BYD Seal Dynamic RWD, BYD has upgraded the BYD Atto 3 with a 60.48 kWh battery, extending its range to 480 km and improving its acceleration to 7.3 seconds from 0-100 km/h. The first 300 buyers of the new Atto 3 will receive a Wallbox Home Charger, a 3-Year Service Package, and 4 Years of Free Road Tax.
Exclusive Promotions
From September 6 to 8, 2024, car enthusiasts can experience the BYD Seal Dynamic and the new BYD Atto 3 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Carpark B. Special promotions include RM800 charging credits for BYD Seal and Dolphin bookings and a chance to win a BMW CE 02 Motorrad with bookings during the event.
This latest launch from BYD underscores their commitment to delivering cutting-edge electric vehicles and exceptional customer experiences in Malaysia.
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) announced that the Hyundai Santa Fe is open for booking across Malaysia. Available in both 2.2L Diesel and 1.6L Hybrid variants, the fourth-generation Santa Fe continues to set the benchmark for family SUVs.
The Santa Fe’s modern design makes a striking impression. Its wide grille, featuring Hyundai’s signature geometric pattern, seamlessly integrates with T-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights, creating a commanding presence on the road. The SUV’s sporty profile is further accentuated by a dynamic line that flows from front to rear, while the rear features a sleek illuminated bar connecting the taillights, emphasising the mid-size vehicle’s width and stability.
The locally assembled (CKD) Santa Fe offers two compelling powertrain options to suit different driving preferences. The 2.2L Diesel model, powered by a robust CRDi engine, delivers an impressive 202PS and 440Nm of torque, providing a smooth drive when embarking on long-distance journeys. Meanwhile, eco-conscious drivers can opt for the 1.6L Hybrid, which combines a Gamma-II T-GDi Hybrid engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 230PS and 350Nm of torque. This hybrid powertrain offers enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without compromising on performance.