After enjoying a bull run, sales for UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) seems to have stabilised as the company ended March 2204 with total sales of 9,688 units for Toyota and Lexus models combined. This comprises 9,471 units for Toyota and 217 units for Lexus and a total year-to-date sales as of March 2024 of 23,444.
This figure is down from the 25,219 units sold in the same period of 2023, which can be attributed to the rush to register cars before the SST exemption expired, and perhaps even the pent up demand from the post pandemic era.
UMW Toyota (UMWT) does not reveal sales by model so there is no telling which model took the lead in sales.
Complementing that is the new Toyota HiAce Super Long Wheelbase (SLWB), which boasts significant size enhancements for increased interior space, offering unparalleled comfort for passengers and cargo. Equipped with a powerful 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine, the HiAce SLWB promises robust performance with 177 PS and 450 Nm of torque.
It has been almost a year since Proton DX, the country’s first automotive digital centre that houses a blend of interactive technology, leisure and lifestyle elements, was launched.
With an aim to be the centre for automotive and technological learning for all ages, Proton DX also wants to spark interest in STEM learning among the younger generation.
STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is considered an important aspect in human capital development for Malaysia, and recently received an allocation of RM100 million in the 2024 budget for the empowerment of STEM. The budget is for the maintenance and upgrading of existing facilities and the purchase of equipment.
To cultivate interest and foster understanding of STEM, Proton DX, an ACO Tech development in collaboration with Proton and China Construction Bank (CCB), announced its availability as a community engagement platform for STEM exploration.
The centre hosts a monthly Student Robotic Car Workshop targeting secondary school students. At the workshop, students learn the basics of assembling and programming their own mini autonomous vehicle using an Arduino platform.
Over 50 Malaysian youths across the Klang Valley, including a group of 20 students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, have participated in the workshop. Students who complete this workshop receive a certificate and goodie bag.
ACO Tech is targeting to engage with at least 200 Malaysian youths through this workshop and other upcoming STEM activities by the end of 2024.
In order to maximise the facilities on offer, Proton DX is also actively welcoming collaborations from local companies in search of a platform to conduct events and workshops promoting STEM awareness and education among Malaysian youths. Activities that can foster unity among local communities are also welcome.
PROTON DX also welcomes visitors of all ages to visit the centre. Visitors get to learn about ACO Tech’s technologies and products, and experience engaging activities available in Proton DX such as the Virtual Cockpit, a virtual drive in a purpose- built enclosed theatre-like dome to experience smart mobility. Proton DX is also able to model a bespoke virtual cockpit experience for partners at trade shows such as E-Mobility Asia.
Proton DX has a carefully laid out floor plan that allows it to be a space for community engagements such as networking sessions and barista classes by Proton DX’s very own certified barista.
The centre, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, has a space spanning over 5,000 square feet that can fit around 40 guests comfortably at any given time, including a private VIP lounge equipped with an 86-inch TV for meetings.
The centre opens daily from 10:00AM to 10:00PM and is located at Ground Floor, Quill City Mall, 1018, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
For collaborative events, schools, universities, local businesses, and potential partners can reach out via protondx@acotech.my or its Facebook or Instagram pages.
After years of struggling to stay afloat, McLaren has undergone a significant change in ownership, being acquired by Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat. Mumtalakat, already McLaren’s largest single shareholder, has now assumed full ownership of the McLaren Group.
The transition in ownership is hailed as a crucial milestone for the company, promising to inject much-needed stability after enduring years of tumultuous production and staff layoffs. McLaren has grappled with financial woes since 2020, resulting in significant workforce reductions, temporary production halts, and the sale of both its headquarters and cherished heritage vehicle collection to finance the development of the Artura.
“We are delighted with Mumtalakat’s continued commitment to McLaren through this deal,” stated McLaren Group’s executive chairman, Paul Walsh. “This will further enable us to focus on delivering our long-term business strategy, including investment in new products and technologies, while continuing to explore potential technical partnership with industry partners,” Walsh added.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that the restructuring and simplified organizational setup position McLaren for future success and pave the way for strategic partnerships to drive the company’s growth in the years ahead.
In addition to its renowned sports car division responsible for crafting models like the 750S, GTS, and Artura, the McLaren Group holds a majority stake in McLaren Racing, fielding factory teams across various competitive arenas such as Formula 1, IndyCar, Formula E, and Extreme E.
Despite its relatively young age compared to traditional automakers, McLaren has left an indelible mark with its lineup of iconic cars, from the groundbreaking three-seater F1 to the lightning-fast P1 and Senna models. The continuation of McLaren’s story under new ownership signals optimism for the future of the company and its legacy in the automotive world.
Chery Malaysia has introduced a vibrant new colour for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations.
Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro will now be available in Aurora Green, a unique yet pleasant soft green colour that seems to be quite popular among car makers these days.
The Aurora Green will only be available for the Tiggo 8 Pro for the moment, which is befitting since it is the flagship SUV.
The Tiggo 8 Pro first made its debut in the Malaysian market back in July of 2023, and has endeared itself to Malaysians, which is no surprise since it offers impressive value for money.
The combination of a spacious interior, advanced features and safety tech as well as a powerful 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine makes it difficult to ignore.
The engine offers 256hp and 390Nm of torque with power sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The interior is comfortable with some of the best seats in its category. Features include wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a 540-degree Panoramic Camera, a gargantuan 24.6-inch dual-screen display, and a Sony audio system.
It also offers an array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot Detection, among others of course.
But what is truly impressive however is the refinement levels that it offers. It achieves this by using soundproof Acoustic Glass that keeps the interior silent and isolated from the hustle and bustle of the world outside.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro is undeniably one of the finest SUV’s in its segment today, and the new Aurora Green further adds a touch of class to an already good-looking SUV. However, you have to be quick if you like the colour as it is available to just 120 units, lending it a touch of exclusivity.
Priced from RM159,800, the Tiggo 8 Pro comes with a comprehensive warranty package that includes 7-years of coverage or up to 150,000km, along with a complimentary 5-years of labour service.
Customers also have the option to enhance their coverage by topping up an additional sum of RM 2,000 for the Extended Warranty Package, which provides a 10-year warranty or 1,000,000KM for their vehicle’s engine.
Additionally, Chery Malaysia is currently offering the Extra Peace of Mind Package, which includes a 10-year extended vehicle engine warranty or 1,000,000KM and 7-years of service maintenance, all for just RM 11,600.
So is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro the best SUV in its segment? Is it a better buy than a Proton X90? Read our full review of the Tiggo 8 Pro here, and check out the comparison video below:
Check out our full gallery of the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro here:
After previewing the ORA 07 last month, GWM Malaysia has officially launched its first sedan model for the Malaysian market.
The ORA 07 is available in two variants:
GWM ORA 07 Long Range Ultra – RM169,800
The entry level 07 is powered by a single motor that drives the front wheels and outputs 204PS and 340Nm of torque. GWM says this variant is able to travel 640km on a single charge, but that is on the NEDC cycle. For the more accurate WLTP cycle, this variant is able to travel about 512km before it runs out of juice.
The Long Range Ultra accelerates to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and maxes out at 170km/h.
As for the interior, this variant gets two colour choices – black or brown, the latter being a RM2,500 option.
With a focus on range rather than performance, this variant rolls on 18-inch wheels.
The Long Range Ultra also gets five driving modes – Normal, Sport, Well-Being, Individual and Eco.
GWM ORA 07 Performance – RM189,800
Unlike the Long Range Ultra, the Performance variant benefits from dual motors, one for each axle. It offers 408PS and 680Nm of torque. But because it focuses on performance rather than on all out range, the Performance model can travel 550km (NEDC) or 440km on the WLTP cycle.
The Performance variant sees of the sprint to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 180km/h.
The interior of the Performance model can only be had in brown.
The Performance variant gets six driving modes – Normal, Sport, Well-Being, Individual, Eco and Sport Plus.
This top of the line variant rolls on 19 inch wheels.
Both variants come with a massive panoramic roof, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a Infinity sound system with 11 speakers. There is also a wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heads up display and a special USB port designed for dash cams.
As for charging, both cars are powered by the same 83.499kWh Ternary Lithium Battery that can be charged via a 11kW Type 2 AC charging port or a 88kW CCS2 DC charging port. Both cars will take 32 minutes to recharge from 30-80% with a DC charger, or 15 hours to recharge from 0-100% with a AC charger.
On the safety front, both cars benefit from a full range of ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Assistance, Traffic Jam Assist, Front Collision Warning, Auto Emergency Braking, Auto Emergency Braking – Pedestrians, Auto Emergency Braking – Bicycle, Parking Distance Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Evade, Lane Change Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Overspeed Alert, Intelligent Speed Alerting, Secondary Collision Mitigation, Emergency Signal Braking, Door Opening Warning, Rear Collision Warning, AEB Junction Assist, Emergency Braking at Low Speed, Front Radar Auto Turn On at Low Speed, Blind Spot Detection System, Electronic Stability Program and finally Integrated Intelligent Parking (phew).
And just in case you were wondering, the 07 is 4871mm long, 1862mm wide, 1500mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2870mm. Boot space on the other hand measures in at 333 litres.
The ORA 07 is covered by a six year or 150,000km vehicle warranty and eight year or 180,000km warranty for the battery, electric motor and the electric motor control unit. On top of that, the 07 is also covered by a 12 year car rust and corrosion warranty.
GWM Malaysia is also offering a ‘one-to-one’ battery replacement if the state of charge falls below 70%.
However, to further sweeten the deal, GWM Malaysia is also including a complimentary home Wallbox charger and an additional two-year vehicle warranty that takes it up to eight years or 180,000km on top of the warranty mentioned above. But this is only for the first 500 customers.
If you are a current GWM owner, GWM Malaysia will give you an exclusive RM3,000 Loyalty Offer if you purchase an ORA 07.
The ORA 07 is now available in Malaysia in three colours – Grey, Purple and White.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduced its Dream Cars Collection, which is says embodyies the pinnacle of automotive luxury and sophistication. Crafted in accordance with the brand’s design philosophy of sensual purity, passion, and captivating desire, these vehicles promise pure performance, breathtaking style, and cutting-edge engineering. (more…)
The fifth generation of the Mini Cooper offers a diverse range of drivetrain options, including purely electric engines and efficient petrol engines. The Mini Cooper S, equipped with a four-cylinder petrol engine, combines power with agile handling, making it a thrilling driving experience.
Powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower turbo engine producing 204hp and 300Nm of torque, the Mini Cooper S accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds. Its suspension and damping system are tuned for agile handling, ensuring a dynamic ride on any road.
There are four vehicle trims available for the Mini Cooper S, with the Classic Trim offering additional body colours and contrasting roof finishes. The Ocean Wave Green colour enhances the minimalist design, while the contrasting white roof and mirror caps add to its presence.
The interior of the Classic Trim features black-blue surfaces made of two-tone knitted material, complemented by high-quality Vescin seats in grey or black. The perforated houndstooth pattern and blue accent stitching add to the stylish design of the interior.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Mini Cooper S offers maximum driving fun, with increased track width for optimised driving dynamics. Various driver assistance systems, such as Safe Exit, Active Cruise Control, and Parking Assistant, enhance safety and comfort. Additionally, the Mini Interaction Unit features the brand’s first full-fledged voice assistant, making operation even more convenient while on the go.
Mercedes-Benz USA has introduced the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S “Edition 1,” elevating the dynamic prowess of the AMG CLA portfolio. Limited to just 25 units for the U.S. market, this special edition model boasts unique exterior and interior design elements, along with a comprehensive suite of standard equipment. Priced at $81,195 (RM385,716), the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S “Edition 1” is set to arrive soon at U.S. dealerships.
The Edition 1 stands out with its Manufaktur Mountain Grey Magno paint and distinctive graphics along the vehicle’s profile, featuring the AMG logo and AMG pattern in a checkered flag design. Exclusive design accents in orange, the AMG Night Package Plus, and AMG Aerodynamics Package with a larger front splitter and rear spoiler enhance the dynamic character. Matte black 19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels and red AMG Performance brake callipers provide an attractive contrast.
Inside, the Edition 1 features AMG Performance seats with black microfiber upholstery and orange stitching, offering exceptional support during dynamic driving. The integrated headrests proudly display “CLA 45 S” branding in orange. Striking accents continue to the instrument panel with orange contrast stitching, red illuminated AMG door sill panels, and Edition 1-specific red lighting. The interior is further complemented by the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather/microfibre and AMG trim elements in aluminium and black, matching the exterior graphics.
Under the hood, the Handcrafted AMG 2.0-litre turbocharged M139 engine delivers 416hp and 500Nm of torque, enabling the sporty coupe to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.0 seconds. The standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control ensures dynamic driving performance. Equipped with two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches at the rear differential, the system allows for variable power distribution between the front and rear axles, as well as between the left and right rear wheels, further enhancing performance capabilities.
smart Malaysia has announced an exclusive 30% discount on public charging fees for smart car owners who charge and pay via the Hello smart App. This initiative, in collaboration with Charging Point Operators (CPOs), aims to enhance the ‘Balik Kampung’ experience during the holy month of Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya celebration. Valid from 6 to 14 April 2024, this offer provides customers with more affordable and convenient journeys.
Through the Hello smart App, users can enjoy 30% savings and access a nationwide network of charging stations with over 1,000 public charging points seamlessly integrated. They can easily locate nearby points, check station availability, and initiate charging sessions hassle-free. Additionally, partners like Gentari, JomCharge, and chargEV stations across more than 400 locations nationwide, including shopping malls, office buildings, and public parking facilities, are included in this offer.
For a personalised experience, smart car owners can visit their nearest smart dealership, equipped with dedicated charging stations. While their cars charge, owners can enjoy the dealership’s amenities, including comfortable waiting areas and refreshments. This innovative approach not only offers a convenient charging solution but also elevates the dealership experience, ensuring customers enjoy both convenience and relaxation during their visit.
BMW Malaysia has officially opened pre-booking for the First-Ever BMW iX2 xDrive30 in the Malaysian market, introducing a versatile all-electric Sports Activity Coupe designed for various situations.
It boasts a rebellious appearance, featuring a redesigned closed BMW kidney grille with a black mesh grille and a black high-gloss kidney frame, accentuated by the BMW Kidney Iconic Glow. Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective beam and vertically arranged daytime running lights enhance visibility and add a contemporary design touch. The front apron is equipped with a black radiator grille in black high gloss.
Its muscular silhouette is characterised by a gently sloping roofline, M high-gloss Shadow line, and V-spoke style 873 M Bicolour 20-inch M light alloy wheels, emphasising its sportiness. The rear features LED taillights and a distinctive high-gloss black rear spoiler.
Inside, the cockpit showcases the fully digital BMW Curved Display with a 10.25-inch instrument display cluster and 10.7-inch control display, along with a BMW Head-Up Display, wireless charging tray, and Harman Kardon Hi-Fi speaker system. The interior boasts M multifunction leather steering wheel, Aluminium Hexacube Pale M interior trim, Luxury instrument panel, and “Veganza” leather-alternative upholstery with contrast stitching. Standard sport seats provide support and comfort, while the rear seats offer variable loading with a 40:20:40 split.
Powered by one electric motor per axle, the iX2 xDrive30 delivers a system output of 313hp and a WLTP range of up to 449km from its 66.5 kWh high-voltage battery. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds and has a maximum speed of 180km/h. The car features upgraded stabiliser bearings, Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport Steering, and M Sports Brakes for enhanced driving dynamics.
Charging technology allows for quick and convenient charging, with a maximum charging power of 130kW at a High-Power Charging station and 11kW via AC charging. The BMW Curved Display is powered by BMW Operating System 9, offering advanced connectivity and intelligent systems.
The First-Ever BMW iX2 xDrive30 is available in a range of exterior colours and upholstery options. It comes with comprehensive financial plans from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia and a complete ownership experience, including a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, 8-Year / 160,000 km Battery Warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance, BMW Service Online, and BMW Service & Repair Inclusive.
The recommended retail pricing for the First-Ever BMW iX2 xDrive30 is RM 282,800.00 (on the road, without insurance).
