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For the 2025 model year, Hyundai has pushed its Ioniq 5 closer to that rally heritage with the introduction of the XRT trim, engineered for dirt roads and light trails. Along with its off-road capabilities, the new model year brings significant updates, including larger batteries and a new production facility.

The XRT is the highlight of the lineup, featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive and a suspension lift of 0.9 inches. This boost improves not only ground clearance but also approach (19.8 degrees) and departure angles (30 degrees). While it’s not built for extreme off-roading, the XRT’s 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres enhance its ability on dirt roads. Aesthetic changes include black plastic bumpers with a pixelated camouflage pattern, black trim and badging, and bright red recovery hooks. The interior follows suit with an all-black colour scheme, leatherette seats, and rubber floor mats designed to hide scuffs and scrapes from rough terrain.

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smart Malaysia is thrilled to announce the arrival of the smart Tour Brand Roadshow in Penang, continuing its nationwide showcase of the innovative smart #1 and #3 electric vehicles. This roadshow offers electric vehicle enthusiasts the chance to explore these groundbreaking models up close, with live demonstrations highlighting key features such as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities and the Hello smart app.

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Volkswagen Group is reportedly contemplating significant cost-cutting measures, including the potential closure of two factories in Germany, marking a historic move since the company’s founding in 1937. According to reports, the facilities under review are located in Dresden and Osnabruck.

The Osnabruck plant currently produces the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, both of which are set to be phased out soon. However, the facility also manufactures the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, Europe’s most popular convertible. The Dresden factory, much smaller in scale and opened in 2002, initially produced the Phaeton model and now assembles the VW ID.3 EV.

In addition to the factory closures, Volkswagen’s work safety program, which has prevented layoffs since its implementation in 1994, is also being reviewed. CEO Thomas Schäfer described the situation as “extremely tense” and acknowledged that simple cost-cutting strategies would not suffice to resolve the issues.

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Novitec, renowned for its automotive refinement expertise, has introduced the striking N-LARGO widebody version of the Ferrari 296 GTB. Designed by Vittorio Strosek, this exclusive model, limited to just 15 units, stands out with its bold styling, aerodynamic enhancements, and exceptional performance.

The N-LARGO features a high-strength carbon body, extending the front by 6 cm and the rear by an impressive 12 cm, bringing the car’s width to 208 cm. Complementing the widebody design, Novitec collaborated with Vossen to create custom 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels that accentuate the car’s wedge shape. These wheels are paired with high-performance tyres (255/30 ZR 21 at the front and 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear).

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Isuzu D-Max owners proudly showcased their patriotic spirit by participating in the Isuzu Merdeka Convoy to celebrate Malaysia’s 67th Independence Day. The event gathered around 3,300 participants with 900 Isuzu D-Max vehicles at 36 Isuzu outlets nationwide, from Alor Setar to Keningau. Each convoy embarked on journeys to local points of interest, where participants took part in various activities such as durian festivals, white water rafting, glamping, treasure hunts, and picnics.

Building on the success of last year’s Merdeka Convoy 66, which featured around 600 Isuzu D-Max vehicles, this year’s event set a new record as the largest ever simultaneous parade of Isuzu D-Max trucks in Malaysia. The initiative aimed to unite D-Max owners in celebrating this significant day in the country’s history.

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BMW Malaysia has introduced the New BMW 520i M Sport, expanding its range of locally assembled BMW 5 Series models. This follows the debut of the BMW 520i at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in May. (more…)

Peugeot Malaysia has announced the grand opening of Peugeot Subang Jaya, operated by Allure Auto Sdn Bhd, located in the heart of Taipan USJ. This marks the first dealership launch under Stellantis Malaysia, now the official entity responsible for overseeing Peugeot’s distribution, marketing, sales, and aftersales services in Malaysia. (more…)

The GWM HAVAL H6 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is now officially available for booking. GWM Malaysia is set to launch the premium Ultra variant in the local market with an estimated on-the-road price of below RM 145,000 (excluding insurance). This new model adds to the options in the C-segment SUV category, offering another luxurious alternative for consumers. (more…)

BYD has officially launched its newest minivan, the BYD Xia, which will hit the Chinese market later this year with a starting price of 300,000 yuan (RM183,362). The Xia, part of BYD’s Dynasty series, is a flagship product named after China’s ancient Xia dynasty, symbolising its prestigious status within the lineup.

The BYD Xia is a large MPV, measuring 5145mm in length, 1970mm in width, and 1805mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3045mm. Its size slightly surpasses that of the Toyota Alphard, which is also popular in markets such as here in Malaysia. The minivan’s design is unique yet aligns with BYD’s signature Dragon Face design language, featuring a trapeze-shaped grille, chrome accents, elongated headlights, and a BYD logo prominently placed on the front. The vehicle also features a flat roofline, rear sliding doors, and a roof spoiler.

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BYD is taking significant strides in expanding its presence in Europe by planning to acquire its German distributor, Hedin Electric Mobility. This strategic move will bolster BYD’s control over its vehicle sales and operations in Germany, enhancing its position as a leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer on the continent. The acquisition is expected to be finalised by the fourth quarter of this year, pending approval.

With this purchase, BYD will take full responsibility for the sales and distribution of its vehicles and spare parts in Germany, and also manage key stores in Stuttgart and Frankfurt. This move comes as the German EV market faces declining sales in 2024, but BYD remains determined to overcome the challenge by strengthening its local operations. In 2022, BYD successfully sold over 4,000 vehicles in Germany, underscoring its growing foothold in the country.

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