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Hyundai and BAIC Bolster China Joint Venture with $1.1 Billion Investment Amid Sales Decline

Hyundai Motor and BAIC Group are committing $1.1 billion to revive their struggling joint venture, Beijing Hyundai Motor Co., as they aim to reposition themselves in China’s fiercely competitive auto market. The funding is set to stabilize the joint venture’s financial health and accelerate its transition toward electric vehicles (EVs), a segment dominated by domestic manufacturers like BYD.

Facing Challenges in a Shifting Market

Beijing Hyundai has experienced a sharp decline in fortunes, with sales plummeting 41% year-on-year to just 137,300 vehicles through October 2024. This stark drop reflects broader struggles faced by foreign automakers in China, who are losing market share to rapidly rising domestic EV brands.

Financially, the joint venture is in dire straits. Losses amounted to 2.6 billion yuan in the first nine months of 2024, following a 5.4 billion yuan after-tax deficit in 2023. Asset values have also shrunk by nearly 14 billion yuan from the end of 2022 to September 2024, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

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Farewell to a Legend: Volkswagen Ends Production of Iconic VR6 Engine

After nearly 34 years of production and 1.87 million units, Volkswagen has officially retired its legendary narrow-angle VR6 engine. The final unit of the six-cylinder powerhouse was built on December 12, marking the end of an era for an engine that became synonymous with innovation and versatility.

The Birth of the VR6

Introduced in 1991, the VR6 debuted as a 2.8-litre engine in the third-generation Passat and the Corrado coupe. What set the VR6 apart was its unique layout—a narrow-angle V design that combined features of both a V6 and an inline-six. With cylinder banks offset at an exceptionally narrow-angle, the VR6 required only a single cylinder head, simplifying its construction and reducing manufacturing costs.

This innovative design allowed Volkswagen to create a compact engine capable of fitting into smaller cars, making it a perfect choice for front-wheel-drive platforms.

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Nissan Launches Early Bird Promo for the KICKS e-POWER in Malaysia

Nissan Malaysia is creating a buzz with the launch of its exclusive Early Bird Promo for the highly anticipated Nissan KICKS e-POWER. This exciting initiative, available for a limited time, offers customers attractive incentives, making it the perfect opportunity to drive home Nissan’s revolutionary hybrid SUV.

What is the Nissan KICKS e-POWER?

The KICKS e-POWER is Nissan’s next-generation hybrid SUV that blends innovative technology with a bold design. Featuring the unique e-POWER system, the vehicle delivers an electrified driving experience without the need for external charging. This groundbreaking technology uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine to charge the battery, while the wheels are powered entirely by an electric motor, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and responsive drive.

Early Bird Promo Details

Under this limited-time offer, customers who book the Nissan KICKS e-POWER will enjoy:

Attractive booking incentives: Exclusive rebates for early adopters.
Free accessories package: Enhance your KICKS e-POWER with premium accessories.
Extended warranty: Enjoy additional peace of mind with an extended warranty covering both the car and the e-POWER system.

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Next-Gen Fiat 500 To Arrive in 2032 Despite Sales Struggles

Stellantis is going through a tough time after CEO Carlos Tavares suddenly stepped down. Despite this, the company has confirmed that a new Fiat 500 will arrive in 2032. However, the current electric Fiat 500e sales have been slow, leading to production pauses.

Keeping the Fiat 500 in Turin

The Fiat 500, a popular city car in Europe, will continue to be made at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, beyond 2030. Stellantis’ European Chief, Jean-Philippe Imparato, says this decision ensures the plant stays busy and important to the company. In November 2025, a new hybrid version of the Fiat 500, called the Fiat 500 Ibrida, will be introduced to give buyers more choices.

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Chery Malaysia Achieves SIRIM Certification for EV Batteries

Chery Malaysia has become the first automotive brand in the country to receive the prestigious SIRIM certification for its Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Pack – Lithium Battery. This landmark achievement, awarded by SIRIM QAS International, Malaysia’s leading certification, inspection, and testing body, highlights Chery’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality and safety standards.

Chery Malaysia’s dedication to sustainable mobility solutions is further cemented by this certification, positioning the company as a leader in the electric vehicle industry. This achievement also aligns with Chery’s local environmental sustainability and governance (ESG) efforts.

Rigorous Testing and Compliance

The EV battery underwent extensive testing in China, adhering to the UN R100 standard to ensure international safety and performance compliance. The certification guarantees that Chery’s electric vehicles are equipped with batteries meeting stringent safety and quality standards, offering Malaysian consumers assurance in the reliability and innovation of their vehicles.

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Mazda’s Iconic SP: Concept Moves Closer to Production

Over a year has passed since Mazda introduced the Iconic SP concept at the Japan Mobility Show, hinting at the return of its iconic RX series. The sleek two-seater coupe with a two-rotor engine sparked excitement and speculation about the revival of the RX line. Now, Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, has confirmed that work on the Iconic SP is progressing. While not an official confirmation of the RX’s return, his statement suggests that the project is moving forward, and fans can expect the road-going version of the car—though it may be smaller than the concept.

Mazda’s Chief Designer, Masashi Nakayama, previously hinted that the car could be smaller, possibly similar in size to the MX-5 Miata. This has led to speculation that the Iconic SP could preview the next MX-5 rather than a direct RX model. The concept was 4,178mm long, 1,849mm wide, and 45.2 inches tall, with a 1,148mm wheelbase and a weight of 1,450kg. The car’s weight distribution was balanced, which enhanced its performance potential.

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EV Battery Prices Hit Record Low, Sparking Optimism for Mass Adoption

Electric vehicle (EV) battery packs are now more affordable than ever, with average costs dropping 20% in 2024 to $115 (RM517) per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to BloombergNEF’s annual battery price survey. This sharp decline, the most significant since 2017, is attributed to an oversupply of production capacity, reduced prices for raw materials and components, and a growing shift toward lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are more cost-effective than traditional lithium-ion variants.

The affordability of EV battery packs has long been a critical determinant of the viability of electric vehicles. With prices falling so rapidly, experts anticipate that EVs could reach price parity with petrol-powered vehicles by 2026, a milestone expected to catalyze mass adoption. This projection hinges on battery pack prices dropping below $100(RM450)/kWh, a threshold considered pivotal for widespread EV affordability.

China continues to dominate the EV battery industry, producing enough battery cells in 2024 to meet 92% of global demand across EV and stationary storage applications. This vast production capacity has significantly influenced global pricing trends, making EVs in China cheaper than their petrol counterparts. However, part of this cost advantage is supported by government funding, suggesting that market forces alone may not account for the disparity.

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Petrol Stations Report RM181 Million Losses After Diesel Price Float

A total of 3,500 petrol stations across Peninsular Malaysia have reported collective losses amounting to RM181 million following the government’s decision to float the price of diesel in June this year. The financial strain has prompted a call for urgent reforms in the pricing mechanisms governing the fuel industry.

According to The Star, Datin Hanny Julia Haron, honorary secretary of the Bumiputera Petrol Station Operators Association of Malaysia (Bumipeda), described the diesel subsidy rationalisation as a severe economic challenge for station operators. Speaking at the Bumipeda Southern Region Conference held in Kampung Orang Asli Teluk Jawa on Wednesday, she highlighted the widespread impact of the policy change.

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Maserati and Sparco Bring Bespoke Racing Kits

Maserati Corse has announced a collaboration with Sparco, bringing fans of the iconic Trident brand closer to the heart of motorsport. The partnership introduces two bespoke racing kits—“Replica” and “MCXtrema”—designed to embody the pinnacle of performance, innovation, and craftsmanship. This initiative celebrates a shared passion for excellence and reaffirms Maserati and Sparco’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of racing technology.

The collaboration underscores the seamless fusion of vehicle personalisation with racing gear customisation. Enthusiasts can tailor their Sparco kits to complement their Maserati vehicles, ensuring a cohesive and elegant synergy. Every detail, from logos to colour schemes, is meticulously crafted to reflect Maserati’s design ethos and commitment to quality.

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Das Treffen 9: A Celebration of Porsche Passion in Southeast Asia

On December 15, 2024, the ninth edition of Das Treffen—the ultimate gathering for Porsche enthusiasts—brought the karting circuit at Impact Speed Park in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, to life. What began as an intimate meet-up among friends with a shared love for Porsche, envisioned by founder Sihabutr Xoomsai (fondly called Tenn), has grown into a full-fledged festival celebrating the legacy, innovation, and community spirit of the Porsche brand.

Record-Breaking Turnout and a Theme of Exclusivity

Das Treffen 9 broke records this year, attracting 3,050 attendees and showcasing more than 627 Porsche sports cars. Enthusiasts travelled from as far as Singapore and Vietnam to be part of this vibrant celebration. The event’s theme, “Limited Edition,” added an extra touch of exclusivity.

A highlight was the showcase of rare Porsche models, affectionately referred to as “unicorns,” which included iconic creations like the Carrera GT (limited to 1,270 units) and the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 from the 997 generation (only 600 units produced). These vintage and modern masterpieces stood proudly in the heart of the circuit, drawing admiration from fans and collectors alike.

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English

Hyundai and BAIC Bolster China Joint Venture with $1.1 Billion Investment Amid Sales Decline

Farewell to a Legend: Volkswagen Ends Production of Iconic VR6 Engine

Next-Gen Fiat 500 To Arrive in 2032 Despite Sales Struggles

Chery Malaysia Achieves SIRIM Certification for EV Batteries

Mazda’s Iconic SP: Concept Moves Closer to Production

EV Battery Prices Hit Record Low, Sparking Optimism for Mass Adoption

Petrol Stations Report RM181 Million Losses After Diesel Price Float

Maserati and Sparco Bring Bespoke Racing Kits

Das Treffen 9: A Celebration of Porsche Passion in Southeast Asia

Hyundai and BAIC Bolster China Joint Venture with $1.1 Billion Investment Amid Sales Decline

Farewell to a Legend: Volkswagen Ends Production of Iconic VR6 Engine

Next-Gen Fiat 500 To Arrive in 2032 Despite Sales Struggles

Chery Malaysia Achieves SIRIM Certification for EV Batteries

Mazda’s Iconic SP: Concept Moves Closer to Production

EV Battery Prices Hit Record Low, Sparking Optimism for Mass Adoption

Petrol Stations Report RM181 Million Losses After Diesel Price Float

Maserati and Sparco Bring Bespoke Racing Kits

Das Treffen 9: A Celebration of Porsche Passion in Southeast Asia

Archive

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

Nissan Leadership in Question – Board of Directors Considering Candidates to Replace CEO

Northport Becomes First Port Operator in Malaysia to Deploy Proton e.MAS 7 EVs for Security Patrols

Putra Heights Fire: Proton To Donate RM250,000 – Free Inspection For All Affected Proton Cars

Michelin Malaysia Launches Primacy 5 Tyre with Enhanced Performance and Sustainability

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