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Mitsubishi Ralliart Gears Up for AXCR 2025 with Enhanced Triton Rally Car

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has confirmed its participation in the upcoming 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), with Team Mitsubishi Ralliart set to compete in the gruelling event using a specially modified Triton pickup truck. The rally, which will take place this August, will span across Thailand and Cambodia, marking the event’s 30th anniversary with an extended course and tougher conditions.

The updated Triton rally car, built to T1 cross-country specifications, was unveiled today at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show. Featuring a striking new livery, the vehicle has been upgraded with improved engine durability, refined chassis tuning, and additional enhancements designed to boost its endurance and competitiveness. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart has set its sights on reclaiming the AXCR title, which it last won in 2022.

Aiming for Redemption

In the 2024 AXCR, Mitsubishi entered four Tritons, which showcased improved handling and performance to compete against high-displacement rivals. Thai driver Chayapon Yotha had taken the overall lead by Leg 4, securing a significant 20-minute advantage. However, an engine failure forced him to retire, dashing the team’s championship hopes.

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Tesla Roadster: Eight Years of Delay and Still Taking RM221k for Reservations

Tesla continues to accept reservations for its long-promised second-generation Roadster, despite nearly eight years passing since its unveiling in November 2017. While the company has remained silent on a firm production timeline, the vehicle remains listed on Tesla’s website, inviting enthusiasts to place deposits without any clear indication of when—or if—their orders will be fulfilled.

The Roadster was initially introduced as a revolutionary high-performance EV, with Tesla projecting a production start in 2020. However, that timeline has been repeatedly pushed back, first to 2021, then to 2022, 2023, and now 2024. Last year, Elon Musk suggested a potential 2025 production date but reiterated that Tesla’s mainstream models would always take precedence in development.

Beyond its ever-shifting launch schedule, the Roadster has been at the centre of some of Tesla’s most ambitious claims. The company continues to promote performance targets announced in 2017, including a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 1.9 seconds, an 8.8-second quarter-mile, a top speed exceeding 402km/h, and a driving range of 997km. The Roadster is also expected to feature all-wheel drive and a four-seat configuration, setting it apart from many traditional supercars.

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BYD Launches Denza N9 Plug-in Hybrid SUV in China

BYD has officially launched its new flagship plug-in hybrid SUV, the Denza N9, in China, with prices ranging between 389,800 and 449,800 yuan (approximately RM253,370 to RM292,370). The SUV introduces BYD’s cutting-edge e3 “Yisanfang” technology, which enhances manoeuvrability with features such as crab walking, tank turns, and stability control at speeds of up to 180 km/h in the event of a tyre burst.

The Denza N9 is available in four exterior colours—black, silver, grey, and green. It measures 5,258 mm in length, 2,030 mm in width, and 1,830 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. A panoramic sunroof, spanning 3.2 square meters, extends across all three rows, offering an open and spacious cabin experience.

Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the N9 is powered by a tri-motor system that includes a front AC asynchronous motor and two rear permanent magnet synchronous motors. The front motor delivers 268hp and 315Nm of torque, while the rear motor produces 322hp and 360Nm of torque. This system is paired with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that generates 204hp and 325Nm of torque. The SUV is equipped with a 46.9 kWh Blade battery pack, which provides a pure electric range of 202km under the CLTC cycle and a combined range of 1,302 km. With a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.9 seconds, the Denza N9 is one of the quickest SUVs in its segment. The vehicle has a minimum turning radius of 4.65 metres, while fast charging capabilities enable a 30% to 80% charge in just 19 minutes.

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Nearly 7,000 Police Officers to be Deployed for Ops Selamat 24

Nearly 7,000 police officers will be deployed for Ops Selamat 24, an operation focused on ensuring road safety during the upcoming Hari Raya festive season. Authorities will prioritise accident-prone areas along major highways, where an influx of vehicles is expected.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director, Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, confirmed that 6,957 traffic personnel have been assigned to the operation, which will run from March 29 to April 3. Special attention will be given to 25 hotspots and 46 black spots identified along major highways. Additionally, 407 hotspots and 76 black spots have been located on federal and municipal roads nationwide, all of which will be closely monitored to enhance traffic safety.

An estimated 2.2 million vehicles are expected on highways throughout the festive period. In response, continuous surveillance will be carried out to provide assistance to motorists in cases of emergencies.

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Toyota Launches Circular Factory in UK to Advance Vehicle Recycling

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced the launch of its first Toyota Circular Factory (TCF), a facility dedicated to processing end-of-life vehicles through recycling, repurposing, and remanufacturing. The initiative marks a significant step in Toyota’s broader sustainability efforts aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.

The inaugural TCF will be established at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, with operations scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year. The facility is designed to serve as a centre of excellence for future recycling processes across Europe and other global markets.

The primary objective of the TCF is to extract reusable components from decommissioned vehicles, remanufacture essential parts, and recycle raw materials. Reusable parts will be thoroughly inspected and validated before being reintroduced into the market through Toyota’s retail and distribution network. Commodity items such as batteries and wheels will be evaluated for potential remanufacturing, repurposing, or recycling, depending on their condition and viability. Additionally, raw materials including copper, aluminium, steel, and plastic will be recovered and processed to reduce reliance on virgin resources in new vehicle production.

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Proton Expands Global Footprint with e.MAS 7 Launch in Nepal

Proton’s International Sales Division (ISD) has officially entered Nepal’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the Proton e.MAS 7. This strategic move capitalizes on Nepal’s EV sector, which has experienced a remarkable nine-fold growth in recent years. The launch builds upon the model’s strong performance in Malaysia since its debut on December 16, 2023, and serves as a stepping stone for Proton’s broader international expansion strategy.

Official Launch Event

The launch event, held at the Regency Ballroom of the Hotel Hyatt Boudha in Kathmandu, was attended by key representatives from Malaysia and Proton. Notable attendees included Mohammad Firdaus Azman, Chargé d’Affaires of Malaysia in Nepal; Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton; Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET; and Edmund Lim Meng Thong, Director of International Sales. Proton’s official distributor in Nepal, Jagdamba Motors Pvt. Ltd., was represented by its leadership, including Chairman Shanker Lal Agrawal, Executive Director Akhil Gupta, Managing Director Sahli Agrawal, and Senior Vice President Raju Bhetwaal.

Dealer Network and Charging Infrastructure Expansion

Proton’s expansion strategy in Nepal includes a growing dealer network and charging infrastructure development. Currently, three dealers are operational, with plans to establish 12 dealerships nationwide by the end of 2025. Jagdamba Motors Pvt. Ltd. is actively working to enhance Nepal’s EV ecosystem by investing in charging stations and service centres, aiming to alleviate consumer concerns about EV adoption.

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Honda Unveils Next-Generation Fuel Cell Module and Power Generator

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled the specifications for its Honda Next Generation Fuel Cell Module and Honda Fuel Cell Power Generator at the 23rd International Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo (H2 & FC EXPO) in Tokyo. These advancements mark a significant step in Honda’s commitment to hydrogen-powered technology and sustainability.

Mass Production Timeline

Honda announced that mass production of the Next Generation Fuel Cell Module will commence in 2027, while the Fuel Cell Power Generator is set to enter production in 2026. These developments align with Honda’s long-term vision of promoting clean energy solutions and achieving carbon neutrality across its operations by 2050.

Next-Generation Fuel Cell Module

The newly introduced fuel cell module has been independently developed by Honda as a successor to the previous model, which was jointly created with General Motors. It features a rated output of 150 kW, improved efficiency, and a significantly reduced production cost—cutting costs in half while more than doubling its durability compared to the current version.

The module’s volumetric power density has increased more than threefold, resulting in a more compact design that enhances installation flexibility. By expanding the applications and market reach of this next-generation module, Honda aims to further contribute to a sustainable, energy-efficient society.

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ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 Flagged Off, Proton e.MAS 7 Embarks On 9,000km Journey

The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), with support from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and Tourism Malaysia, has officially launched the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 (AUD 2025). The initiative, which aims to promote sustainability in mobility, marks the start of an ambitious 9,000km journey across nine ASEAN countries.

A landmark initiative in Malaysia’s leadership in green mobility, cross-border collaboration, and automotive innovation, AUD 2025 will culminate at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025), scheduled to take place from May 9 to May 15, 2025, at MAEPS, Serdang.

The official flag-off ceremony was held at Menara MITI and was officiated by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. He emphasized that the initiative represents the region’s collective strength in advancing sustainable mobility while reinforcing economic integration and environmental stewardship. Malaysia remains committed to shaping a unified mobility ecosystem that accelerates innovation, harmonizes standards, and strengthens ASEAN’s position as a global leader in next-generation transportation. This drive, he noted, is a vital step towards a future-ready automotive industry benefiting the entire region.

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Proton Premiers 2025 Hari Raya Film And Launches Recruitment Drive

Proton premiered the latest instalment of its Hari Raya short film series at a special buka puasa event, marking the second consecutive year of collaboration with Elite Definition Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Little Joe Air Freshener in Malaysia.

The 2025 edition features the Proton e.MAS 7, the brand’s latest C-segment electric SUV, showcases its standout features that have made it Malaysia’s best-selling EV for the first two months of the year. With a runtime of nearly 27 minutes, the film explores themes of family, forgiveness, and communication—core elements of Hari Raya traditions. Directed by Pekin Ibrahim, the production stars Que Haidar, Azwan Ali, and Fatimah Abu Bakar, bringing an emotional narrative to life.

Proton’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Roslan Abdullah highlighted the success of last year’s Hari Raya short film, which garnered 5.2 million views across social media. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the company decided to produce another film that integrates cultural values with the introduction of its first electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS 7.

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New MG4 Electric Hatchback Revealed in China with Larger Dimensions and Redesigned Look

A new version of the MG4 all-electric hatchback has been revealed in regulatory filings in China, showcasing a significantly larger design and a complete overhaul in styling. The development suggests that MG may be taking a fresh approach to its entry-level EV, particularly as the current MG4 has struggled with low sales in the Chinese market.

The new MG4, now listed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), measures 4,395 mm in length, 1,842 mm in width, and 1,551 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. Compared to its predecessor, which had dimensions of 4,287 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width, and 1,516 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,705 mm, the new model is notably larger in all aspects. The increased size suggests it is more than just a facelift and represents an entirely new generation.

The redesign extends beyond dimensions, as the new MG4 features an overhauled front fascia, reworked doors, and a revamped rear section. The greenhouse structure between the A and C pillars has also been modified. The styling appears to draw inspiration from the MG3 hatchback while incorporating elements from the MG Cyberster, particularly in the rear, where a wide light strip and arrow-shaped taillights create a striking visual resemblance.

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English

Mitsubishi Ralliart Gears Up for AXCR 2025 with Enhanced Triton Rally Car

Tesla Roadster: Eight Years of Delay and Still Taking RM221k for Reservations

BYD Launches Denza N9 Plug-in Hybrid SUV in China

Nearly 7,000 Police Officers to be Deployed for Ops Selamat 24

Toyota Launches Circular Factory in UK to Advance Vehicle Recycling

Proton Expands Global Footprint with e.MAS 7 Launch in Nepal

Honda Unveils Next-Generation Fuel Cell Module and Power Generator

ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 Flagged Off, Proton e.MAS 7 Embarks On 9,000km Journey

Proton Premiers 2025 Hari Raya Film And Launches Recruitment Drive

New MG4 Electric Hatchback Revealed in China with Larger Dimensions and Redesigned Look

Mitsubishi Ralliart Gears Up for AXCR 2025 with Enhanced Triton Rally Car

Tesla Roadster: Eight Years of Delay and Still Taking RM221k for Reservations

BYD Launches Denza N9 Plug-in Hybrid SUV in China

Nearly 7,000 Police Officers to be Deployed for Ops Selamat 24

Toyota Launches Circular Factory in UK to Advance Vehicle Recycling

Proton Expands Global Footprint with e.MAS 7 Launch in Nepal

Honda Unveils Next-Generation Fuel Cell Module and Power Generator

ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 Flagged Off, Proton e.MAS 7 Embarks On 9,000km Journey

Proton Premiers 2025 Hari Raya Film And Launches Recruitment Drive

New MG4 Electric Hatchback Revealed in China with Larger Dimensions and Redesigned Look

Archive

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Proton Premiers 2025 Hari Raya Film And Launches Recruitment Drive

JPJ to Enforce Temporary Driving Ban on Goods Vehicles During Hari Raya Aidilfitri

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