English Archives

Putrajaya to See Rollout of Autonomous Electric Bus Service Trial

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.

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Study Reveals Mixed Reactions to Advanced Tech in 2024 Vehicles

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.

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Hoonigan Describes Bankruptcy as a “Strategic Transaction”

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.

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Japan to Boost EV Battery Production – Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic, Subaru, and Mazda Involved

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.

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Proton Announces The Start Of CKD Operations For Saga In Egypt

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.

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Touch ‘n Go is Back with the Third Edition Hot Wheels Series Card

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.

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First Jaecoo 3S Dealership Opens Its Doors in Kota Kinabalu

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.

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JPJePlate Launch: Setting a National Standard for EV Plates in Malaysia

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.

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Porsche Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade: Paint that Shifts Colours Based on Light

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.

New BMW M5: Official MotoGP Safety Car

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.

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English

Putrajaya to See Rollout of Autonomous Electric Bus Service Trial

Study Reveals Mixed Reactions to Advanced Tech in 2024 Vehicles

Hoonigan Describes Bankruptcy as a “Strategic Transaction”

Japan to Boost EV Battery Production – Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic, Subaru, and Mazda Involved

Proton Announces The Start Of CKD Operations For Saga In Egypt

Touch ‘n Go is Back with the Third Edition Hot Wheels Series Card

First Jaecoo 3S Dealership Opens Its Doors in Kota Kinabalu

JPJePlate Launch: Setting a National Standard for EV Plates in Malaysia

Key Details of the JPJePlate:

Pricing and Package Information:

Porsche Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade: Paint that Shifts Colours Based on Light

New BMW M5: Official MotoGP Safety Car

Putrajaya to See Rollout of Autonomous Electric Bus Service Trial

Study Reveals Mixed Reactions to Advanced Tech in 2024 Vehicles

Hoonigan Describes Bankruptcy as a “Strategic Transaction”

Japan to Boost EV Battery Production – Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic, Subaru, and Mazda Involved

Proton Announces The Start Of CKD Operations For Saga In Egypt

Touch ‘n Go is Back with the Third Edition Hot Wheels Series Card

First Jaecoo 3S Dealership Opens Its Doors in Kota Kinabalu

JPJePlate Launch: Setting a National Standard for EV Plates in Malaysia

Porsche Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade: Paint that Shifts Colours Based on Light

New BMW M5: Official MotoGP Safety Car

Archive

Malaysia to Phase Out Natural Gas Vehicles by 2025

Volkswagen Proposes 10% Wage Cut to Union Amid Financial Struggles

Nissan Sells A Significant Portion Of Its Shares To Mitsubishi

2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Unveils Subtle Yet Elegant Updates

Honda Explores Manual Gearbox Feel for Its Future Electric Vehicles

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