The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has reinforced its stance on the use of retreaded tyres, emphasising that only those meeting mandatory standards are permissible for road use. Transport Minister Anthony Loke warned that uncertified retreaded tyres, which lack proper testing and verification, pose significant safety hazards.
Minister Loke cited the Motor Vehicles (Construction & Use) Rules 1959, which mandate that retreaded tyres must have certification to ensure compliance with safety standards. He pointed out that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) enforces three essential standards: Malaysian Standard (MS) 224, United Nation (UN) Regulation R108, and United Nation (UN) Regulation R109. These standards ensure that retreaded tyres undergo rigorous testing for durability and performance.
Driving high-performance cars in Australia just got more complicated with the enforcement of a new law. A Lamborghini owner was among the first to experience the repercussions on the law’s very first day.
South Australia has introduced a regulation requiring drivers of cars with a power-to-weight ratio of at least 370 hp per 1000 kg to acquire an “ultra-high-performance vehicle” (UHPV) license. Moreover, these drivers must keep traction control and other safety features engaged at all times.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) continues its impressive performance, achieving sales of nearly 8,400 units in November 2024. This brings the total sales for the year to approximately 89,500 units. The Toyota Vios, Hilux, and Yaris were key contributors to Toyota’s sales in November, highlighting the brand’s continued appeal in Malaysia’s automotive market. Consumers prefer vehicles that offer efficiency, reliability, and advanced safety features, demonstrating Toyota’s effective Multi-Pathway approach in meeting diverse customer needs.
Commitment to Excellence: Toyota Skill Contest
UMW Toyota Motor recently held the annual Toyota Skill Contest 2024 from November 16–17 at its headquarters in Shah Alam, emphasising its tradition of nurturing excellence since 1993. With the theme “Customer Delight Through Quality Sales and Services,” the contest aimed to boost customer trust and loyalty by promoting exceptional skills and knowledge among dealer staff in sales and service roles, reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to continuous improvement and outstanding customer experiences. This annual event showcases Toyota’s ongoing dedication to customer service excellence by recognizing and motivating participants.
Honda Malaysia has announced that bookings are now open for the eagerly awaited New Civic, set to be officially launched in January 2025. This new model aims to redefine the C-segment with its stylish design, high performance, and innovative features, continuing Honda’s tradition of excellence and enhancing the driving experience.
The Civic has always held a special place in the hearts of Malaysians. Since the launch of its 11th generation in 2022, over 28,000 units have been sold in Malaysia. Remarkably, the Civic has dominated the non-national C-segment for eight consecutive years since 2016, with a strong 70% market share as of October 2024.
New Variants and Features
The New Civic comes in two RS variants: the e:HEV RS and the Petrol RS. Both models feature distinct designs, with the e:HEV RS sporting a body-coloured front grille extension and lower grille garnishes, while the Petrol RS features black-painted front grille extensions and lower grille garnishes. The e:HEV RS also boasts a new 18-inch Matte Grey Alloy Wheel design.
In a groundbreaking development, Subaru has clinched the top spot in Consumer Reports’ 2024 automotive reliability rankings, outperforming usual front-runners Lexus and Toyota. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Japanese automaker.
According to Steven Elek, head of auto data analytics at Consumer Reports, the key to Subaru’s success lies in the reliability of its shared components across various models. “This strategy allows Subaru to implement fewer changes when redesigning vehicles, thereby minimizing the potential for new issues,” Elek elaborates.
Subaru Surprises as Leader
Though it’s common to see a Japanese brand leading these rankings, Subaru’s position at the top is unexpected. Historically, brands like Toyota or Lexus have dominated the reliability charts. For 2024, however, it is Subaru, known for its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boxer engines, that has triumphed. Consumer Reports highlights that the Forester and Impreza models scored above average, with the remainder of Subaru’s lineup rated from above average to average. The exception is the all-electric Solterra, which is a rebranded Toyota model and the only Subaru vehicle to score below average.
In a historic feat, the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD has firmly etched its name into the annals of automotive performance by becoming the first American car to conquer the Nurburgring Nordschleife in under seven minutes. This iconic track, known as the ultimate proving ground for high-performance vehicles, witnessed the Mustang GTD achieve an impressive lap time of 6:57.685, driven by Multimatic Motorsports’ ace driver Dirk Müller.
This groundbreaking achievement places the Mustang GTD among the elite ranks of production sports cars, boasting the fifth-fastest lap time ever recorded at the Nurburgring. The car, which draws on over 800hp, demonstrates not only raw power but also advanced engineering finesse.
The Aston Martin Valhalla represents a monumental achievement, seamlessly blending Formula 1-inspired technology, extraordinary performance, and stunning design. Now in its advanced stages of development, this mid-engine hybrid supercar sets a new benchmark for the iconic British marque, redefining the boundaries of automotive innovation.
As the first series-production mid-engine supercar in Aston Martin’s history, the Valhalla breaks new ground on multiple fronts. It is also the brand’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle, showcasing an unprecedented level of technical sophistication. At its heart lies a bespoke 4.0-liter twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 engine, the most powerful V8 ever created by Aston Martin, delivering an astonishing 817hp. This internal combustion powerhouse is augmented by three electric motors, collectively boosting the car’s total output to an extraordinary 1,064hp. The hybrid powertrain offers the versatility of a dedicated EV mode, allowing the Valhalla to cover up to 13km of pure electric power at speeds of up to 128km/h. The state-of-the-art 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which incorporates an e-motor and an electronic rear differential, ensures seamless power delivery and dynamic all-wheel-drive performance.
The Valhalla’s performance figures speak volumes about its engineering excellence. With a predicted acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds from 0 to 100km/h and a top speed of 349km/h, it is engineered to deliver exhilarating speed and precision. These capabilities are further enhanced by an active aerodynamic system that generates up to 1,322 pounds of downforce at 239km/h, ensuring exceptional stability and control. A selection of drive modes—Sport, Sport+, and Race—allows drivers to tailor the driving experience, with Race mode offering unrestrained performance for those seeking the thrill of the track. Aston Martin’s Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Control system harmonizes the suspension, brakes, steering, and torque vectoring, resulting in unparalleled handling and responsiveness. The car’s Formula 1-inspired pushrod front suspension and five-link rear setup, both mounted to aluminium subframes, are designed to maximize agility and performance.
Engineered for precision, the Valhalla is built on a lightweight carbon monocoque chassis, which enhances rigidity while keeping its dry weight to just 3,648 pounds. The braking system, equipped with six-piston Brembo callipers and the largest carbon ceramic discs ever used on an Aston Martin, ensures remarkable stopping power. Additionally, specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres mounted on 21-inch rear and 20-inch front wheels provide exceptional grip and performance, making the Valhalla as capable on the road as it is on the track.
Visually, the Valhalla is as striking as it is functional, with a design that merges aerodynamic efficiency with sheer beauty. Its dramatic butterfly doors open to reveal a cockpit that is both minimalist and race-inspired. Exposed carbon fibre, an F1-style steering wheel, digital displays, and carbon bucket seats emphasize the car’s focus on performance. Despite its track-ready nature, the Valhalla does not compromise on luxury, offering features such as satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Alcantara trim, and a premium Bowers & Wilkins stereo system, blending comfort with cutting-edge technology.
Limited to just 999 units, the Valhalla will enter production in the second quarter of 2025. Although pricing has not been disclosed, its exclusivity and groundbreaking performance promise to position it as a landmark in the hybrid supercar segment.
Jaecoo Malaysia is ushering in an exciting 2025 as the first locally assembled C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe rolled off the production line at the Shah Alam assembly plant today. This milestone positions Jaecoo to begin customer deliveries of the C9 SUV Coupe as scheduled in January 2025.
C9 SUV Coupe Variants and Features
The C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe will be available in two configurations:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)
Powered by a robust 2.0 TGDI inline four-cylinder petrol engine, the C9 delivers an impressive 257hp and 400Nm of torque. The 2WD variant offers three driving modes, tailored for city and light off-road usage, while the AWD variant expands versatility with seven driving modes, including settings for urban commutes, sporty drives, and challenging terrains.
Chery Malaysia has launched its ‘Great Year-End Lucky Draw’, offering newly registered Chery car owners an exciting opportunity to win prizes worth over RM150,000. The campaign runs from 1 to 31 December 2024, celebrating the festive season by rewarding customers with exclusive prizes and special promotions.
Exciting Prizes Await
The lucky draw is open to customers who purchase and register their Chery vehicles during the campaign period. Eligible participants stand a chance to win various prizes, including:
Proton recorded 12,194 units in total sales (domestic and export) for November 2024, marking a 4.7% decrease compared to October. This aligns with the 4.1% contraction in Malaysia’s total industry volume (TIV) for the month. However, Proton’s year-to-date (YTD) sales reached 137,751 units, securing its position as the second most popular automotive brand in the country with an estimated 18.2% market share for November and 18.8% YTD.
Despite the monthly dip, Malaysia’s automotive sector remains robust, with an estimated 731,026 units sold YTD, about 10,000 more than the same period in 2023. The market is on course to surpass 800,000 units, setting a new annual record and establishing Malaysia as the second-largest passenger vehicle market in ASEAN for 2024.
Proton X70: Back on Top in the C-Segment SUV Category
November Sales: 1,065 units (+7.7% MoM)
YTD Sales: 7,536 units
The 2025 Proton X70, launched in August, features updated styling, upgraded ADAS Level 2 safety, and competitive pricing. It reclaimed the top spot among C-segment SUVs priced below RM130,000.
Proton X50: Undisputed King of B-Segment SUVs
November Sales: 1,911 units
YTD Sales: 21,033 units
Malaysia’s fastest-selling SUV continues its dominance since its 2020 launch.
