Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled a landmark collaboration with prestigious hotels and golf courses across the nation, solidifying its dedication to blending luxury experiences with sustainable electric mobility. This initiative integrates cutting-edge EV solutions with exclusive lifestyle benefits, redefining customer engagement and the luxury ownership journey.
At the heart of this effort is Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to expanding its EV charging ecosystem and tailoring personalised experiences for its corporate partners and customers. Speaking at the signing of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) held at Saujana Golf & Country Club, Amanda Zhang, CEO & President of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, emphasised the brand’s vision.
“Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the future of mobility and luxury through strategic collaborations. By merging electric mobility with exclusive lifestyle experiences, we are reshaping what it means to be a Mercedes-Benz customer,” Zhang stated. “Our long-term strategy is to make EV ownership more accessible while enhancing every aspect of our customers’ journey through sustainability and innovation.”
Authorities have detained six individuals, including the son of a well-known local singer, in connection with the theft of a Ferrari left at a car wash in Hulu Klang on November 17.
Sources revealed that the victim, a businessman in his 50s, had entrusted a staff member to send his red luxury vehicle for washing several days before the incident. The victim later discovered the car was missing on the morning of November 17 and immediately lodged a police report.
Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed the arrests, stating that a team from the Ampang Jaya Criminal Investigation Division apprehended four male suspects, aged 23 to 33, in the Ampang area. A subsequent operation on November 20 led to the arrest of a fifth suspect, a 38-year-old man.
State and municipal authorities must strictly follow the Public Works Ministry’s (KKR) standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure damaged federal roads are repaired within 24 hours, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan emphasised.
Speaking at the KKR Media Night and CIDB Media Awards 2024, Ahmad Maslan highlighted discrepancies in adherence to these guidelines, particularly for non-federal roads under state and municipal jurisdiction. These roads, managed by state Public Works Departments (JKR) and local authorities, often fail to meet the ministry’s stipulated standards for prompt repairs.
Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad has been recognised at both the Global Brand Awards and The Global Economics Awards, securing accolades for Most Innovative Motor Insurance Brand (SOMPO Motor & SOMPO MotorSafe) and Most Innovative Mobile Application (MySOMPO).
Offering much more than basic motor protection, Berjaya Sompo’s innovative policies deliver peace of mind with features like special perils coverage, unlimited towing, and all-drivers protection—all included seamlessly, without the need for additional add-ons. Combined with the award-winning MySOMPO app, customers enjoy hassle-free access to roadside assistance, claims submissions, rewards, and more, directly from their smartphones.
These wins highlight Berjaya Sompo’s dedication to innovation and its focus on empowering drivers through The Good Drivers initiative. This programme, part of The Good Policy, offers comprehensive motor protection alongside education on car care, safety, and financial security.
The MySOMPO app further elevates the customer experience with easy claims submission, 24-hour roadside assistance, and more—proving the company’s leadership in digital insurance solutions.
Team Proton R3 (R3), the motorsport division of Proton, achieved a commendable fifth-place finish in the Malaysian Touring Car (MTC) category during the 2024 Sepang 1000KM (S1K) race. The event marked the competitive debut of the Proton S70 R3, a milestone that showcased the team’s determination despite significant setbacks, including the early retirement of one car and a lengthy pit stop for another due to technical issues.
Car 82, piloted by Ariff Azmi and Alister Yoong, delivered a notable performance despite these challenges, demonstrating remarkable resilience and earning admiration from competitors and fans alike. Meanwhile, car 81, driven by Syafiq Ali and Fahrizal Hasan, was forced to withdraw after an incident early in the race.
The S1K marked the first race outing for the Proton S70 R3, a car introduced on November 28, 2023. As Proton’s first C-segment sedan in 12 years, the S70 has quickly established dominance in its segment, outperforming long-standing rivals. The decision to debut the S70 in motorsport was made over a year ago, with R3 dedicating its efforts to fielding two race-ready units.
Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) has revealed plans to invest RM 2.2 billion (USD 479 million) in Malaysia over the next five years, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy for Southeast Asia. The investment is set to bolster the automotive sector in Malaysia, with the first phase of production scheduled to begin in mid-2025 at Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd.’s Kedah facility.
Under the new initiative, Hyundai will focus on the local assembly of a range of vehicles, starting with a premium multipurpose van, according to WapCar. The company’s expansion will later extend to include mid- and large-sized SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) under both the Hyundai and Genesis brands. While Hyundai has not yet disclosed the specific models to be produced, it is anticipated that the next-generation Hyundai Santa Fe and Staria, which are currently imported as completely built-up (CBU) units from South Korea, will be part of the initial lineup.
This move is a part of Hyundai’s broader strategy to support Malaysia’s sustainability objectives by focusing on internal combustion and hybrid vehicles in the early stages of production, with plans to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) in future phases. As part of this plan, approximately 30% of the vehicles manufactured in Malaysia will be exported to other Southeast Asian markets, contributing to the region’s economic development and enhancing Malaysia’s standing as an automotive manufacturing hub.
In the second phase of Hyundai’s investment, the company will establish a battery pack assembly plant for electric vehicles, which will further integrate sustainable technologies into the country’s automotive infrastructure. The investment will cover the development of six different models, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has announced that there are no immediate plans to impose additional conditions on senior drivers, particularly those aged 65 and above, for obtaining or renewing their driving licenses, according to Bernama.
Currently, senior citizens can continue driving without restrictions, with the only requirement being a competency and health assessment to ensure road safety.
JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli clarified that the department continues to facilitate license applications and renewals for seniors without imposing any special limitations. “We do not limit licenses or impose additional conditions for seniors to obtain or renew their driving licenses. However, JPJ and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) are exploring future plans regarding this matter, pending a thorough study and policy review by the MOT,” he explained.
The BMW Group continues to lead the way in production innovation with the advancement of Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) technology as part of its BMW iFACTORY framework. Following successful pilot tests since 2022, the AFW project has now entered series operation, beginning at the company’s largest European plant in Dingolfing.
The system leverages advanced digitalisation and automation, enhancing production efficiency and logistics. After the launch in Dingolfing, BMW’s Leipzig plant is set to adopt this cutting-edge technology, with other facilities in the production network slated to follow in phases.
Revolutionising Plant Operations with Automation
The AFW technology enables new BMW and Mini vehicles to drive autonomously through designated routes within the plant. For example, in Dingolfing, vehicles travel autonomously over one kilometre from assembly halls through the “short test course” to the finishing area.
Key to this innovation is the extensive LIDAR infrastructure, the largest in Europe, supported by state-of-the-art cloud architecture. This system, developed in collaboration with Swiss startup Embotech AG, ensures smooth and precise movements of vehicles, regardless of their equipment configurations.
Expanding Automation Across BMW Facilities
Dingolfing: Successfully implementing AFW for BMW 5 Series and 7 Series models.
Leipzig: Expanding to Mini Countryman and other BMW models, targeting 90% automation of vehicle movements.
Regensburg and Oxford: Set to adopt AFW by 2025.
Debrecen, Hungary: Launching the technology with the commencement of series production at the new site.
Future Applications and Developments
BMW plans to extend the use of AFW beyond in-plant operations, including:
Automated vehicle driving through testing zones.
Autonomous movement in outdoor distribution areas.
The development team is also exploring integration with on-board vehicle technology, which will work in tandem with external sensors to enhance efficiency.
Setting Benchmarks for Autonomous Driving
The AFW project represents BMW Group’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automation and digitalisation. Over the next decade, BMW plans to log millions of test kilometres with AFW technology within its global production network.
This pioneering step further cements BMW’s position as an innovation leader, transforming its production facilities into hubs of advanced technology and operational excellence.
Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLR Malaysia) has once again demonstrated its dominance in the luxury automotive industry, securing the coveted Retailer of the Year (Asia Pacific) title at the Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Awards 2023/2024. This marks the company’s fifth overall win and an impressive fourth consecutive victory, underscoring its reputation as a leader in delivering exceptional automotive experiences.
Commitment to Excellence
The Retailer of the Year Award recognises outstanding performance across key areas, including marketing, sales, customer service, staff training, and retailer presentation. JLR Malaysia’s continued success reflects its ability to consistently exceed the highest industry standards.
Central to this success are Sime Motors’ core values of “Care for All, Act with Integrity, and Win Together”. These principles have shaped a customer-centric culture and collaborative approach, driving JLR Malaysia’s achievements year after year.
Thirteen out of 33 highway concessionaires in Malaysia have not yet agreed to the implementation of the multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) gateless toll collection system, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Negotiations with all concession companies are ongoing, with a deadline set for December 16, 2024. The MLFF system, which eliminates physical toll booths in favour of automated electronic toll collection, is already in use in countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Ahmad highlighted the complexities involved, stating that the MLFF system represents a “concession over a concession” arrangement.
“We have 33 highway concessionaires, but not all of them are on board yet. As of now, 20 companies are engaged in negotiations, while 13 are still holding out. If we fail to secure unanimous agreement by December 16, we will propose alternative solutions,” Ahmad said in response to a question from Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh).
