Local News Archives

Neta X SUV Officially Launched With Prices Starting From RM119,888

Neta has officially introduced the Neta X battery-electric SUV in Malaysia, presenting three variants: the 400 Comfort, 400 Luxury and 500 Luxury. This launch marks a significant step in expanding the electric vehicle market in the region.

Performance and Powertrain

The Neta X is equipped with a single front-mounted motor that delivers 163PS and 210Nm of torque. This powertrain allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in under 9.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 150km/h. The SUV offers two battery options:

400 Variants: A 52.49 kWh battery providing a range of 401km.
500 Variants: A 64.14 kWh battery offering a range of over 480km.

Charging times are approximately 9 hours for the 52.49 kWh battery and 11 hours for the 64.14 kWh battery using AC charging. DC fast charging from 30% to 80% takes about 30 minutes.

Suspension and Driving Modes

The Neta X features MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link layout in the rear for suspension, ensuring a smooth ride. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 225/60R18 tyres. The SUV offers multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and a one-pedal driving mode, complemented by an Auto Hold function for added convenience.

Exterior Features

Externally, the Neta X boasts:

LED headlamps, tail lamps, DRLs, and a rear fog lamp.
LED high-mount brake lamp.
Panoramic sunroof.
Roof rack.
Heated, auto-folding mirrors with turn signals.
Rain-sensing wipers.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Neta X features:

LED reading lights and luggage compartment light.
15.6-inch central touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, real-time navigation with location services, OTA software updates, voice control, online music playback, and Bluetooth connectivity.
An eight-speaker sound system for a premium audio experience.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Neta X is well-equipped with safety and driver assistance features:

Comfort Variants: Regular cruise control.
Luxury Variants: Forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, lane change assist with blind spot detection, door opening warning, rear cross traffic alert, full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, intelligent cruise assist, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, and an emergency lane keeping system.

Colours and Upholstery Options

The Neta X is available in five exterior colours: Pearl White, Sky Grey, Jet Black, Glacier Blue, and Amber Brown. Interior upholstery options include brown or black.

Customer Benefits

5yr/150,000km warranty
8yr/160,000km battery warrantyUntil 31st July
Double booking value
Free wallbox or 2500kW ChargEV credits
2yrs/40,000km free maintenance

Pricing

400 Comfort – RM119,888

400 Luxury – RM127,888

500 Luxury – RM135,888

Neta X Warranties:

EV High Voltage Part Warranty: Covers the vehicle controller assembly, motor controller assembly, drive motor assembly, battery pack assembly, resolver, high voltage relay, and BMS system for up to 8 years or 180,000 km, whichever comes first.
General Part Warranty: Covers parts for up to 5 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first.

Special Financing

Affin Bank is offering a special financing rate as low as 2.20% and a priority lane to expedite the approval process within 6 hours of receiving completed applications for NETA EV.

The Neta X, with its combination of performance, advanced features, and customer benefits, aims to make a significant impact in Malaysia’s electric vehicle market.

Puspakom: New TIN Mandate Integrated Seamlessly, No Queue Increases Expected

Puspakom has assured customers that the new requirement to produce their tax identification number (TIN) from today will not lead to delays or longer queues at any of its inspection centres. The new mandate comes from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) as part of the e-invoicing system set to begin on August 1.

Integrated Process

According to FMT, Puspakom CEO Mahmood Razak Bahman explained that the TIN requirement has been seamlessly integrated into the MyPuspakom website for customers making online bookings. “Customers only need to update their TIN details on MyPuspakom once, and future bookings will proceed as they do now,” he said. This early rollout aims to address any potential glitches, with Puspakom committed to supporting customers throughout the transition.

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Honda Malaysia Delivers 170,000th Civic and 150,000th HR-V

Honda Malaysia celebrated a major milestone today with the delivery of its 170,000th Civic and 150,000th HR-V in Malaysia. The event took place at Honda Botanic Auto Mall Sdn. Bhd., marking a double achievement for the popular models.

Historic Milestone

The 170,000th Civic, a 2.0L e:HEV RS, was handed over to Mr. Lim Chin Hui, while the 150,000th HR-V, a 1.5L e:HEV RS, was delivered to Ms. Asha Waheda. Both customers received exclusive gifts and Honda Genuine Accessories valued at RM10,000 as part of the celebration.

Sales and Growth

In the first half of 2024, Honda Malaysia reported total sales exceeding 39,200 units, a 16% increase from the same period in 2023. The HR-V led sales in the Non-National Compact SUV Segment, contributing 28% to Honda Malaysia’s total sales. The City model followed with 24%, and the CR-V contributed 15%.

The company also noted a growing demand for its e:HEV technology. The e:HEV variants, available in models like the City, City Hatchback, Civic, HR-V, and CR-V, accounted for 13% of sales in the first half of 2024, reflecting substantial growth for Honda’s hybrid models.

Future Commitment

Honda Malaysia continues to uphold its “How We Move You” tagline, focusing on creating mobility products and services that drive progress and enhance the joy and freedom of mobility for its customers. The company remains dedicated to advancing its offerings and meeting the evolving needs of the Malaysian market.

Sime Darby Berhad and Porsche Expand Local Assembly Facility in Malaysia

Sime Darby Berhad and Porsche have announced a significant expansion of Porsche’s assembly facility at Inokom in Kulim, Kedah. This expansion marks a milestone in their longstanding partnership and aims to drive growth in the ASEAN region. Here are the key highlights of this development:

Expansion Details:

Facility Size: The assembly facility has been expanded to 11,000 square meters.
New Assembly Line: The expansion includes the introduction of a new assembly line for the plug-in hybrid Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe.
Export Milestone: The Cayenne S E-Hybrid will be the first locally assembled Porsche model to be exported to Thailand, highlighting the facility’s growing capabilities.

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Naza Italia Unveils the MY24 Maserati Grecale in Malaysia From RM635k

Naza Italia has introduced the MY24 Maserati Grecale in Malaysia, offering both GT hybrid and Trofeo versions of the brand’s highly anticipated SUV. Dubbed “The Everyday Exceptional,” the Grecale balances versatility, elegance, performance, and innovation, ensuring a blend of performance, comfort, and safety.

The Maserati Grecale, named after a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, was developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena and produced at the Cassino plant. Launched globally in 2022, the Grecale inaugurates a new SUV segment for Maserati, offering three engine variants: conventional internal combustion, hybrid, and full-electric.

The Grecale GT is powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine delivering 300hp, embodying urban sophistication suitable for dynamic individuals with a refined style. Meanwhile, the Grecale Trofeo is equipped with a high-performance 3.0L 530-hp petrol V6 based on the Nettuno engine from the MC20, designed for those seeking disruptive performance.

The Grecale showcases Maserati’s new visual identity, first seen with the MC20. Its exterior features a low, imposing grille, fluid body lines, boomerang taillights inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT, and 20” alloy wheels with body-colour bumpers and side skirts. Inside, the Grecale boasts spaciousness, comfort, and “best-in-class” features such as interior space, driveability, handling, acceleration, sound quality, and fine materials like wood, carbon fibre, and leather. Dimensions for the GT version include a length of 4,846mm, a wheelbase of 2,901mm, and a height of 1,670mm, just slightly bigger than the BMW X4.

The cabin of the Grecale features a sophisticated environment inspired by interior design rather than the automotive sector. A digital transformation of the traditional clockface acts as an in-car concierge via voice control, while touch-based controls are managed by a 12.3” central screen, an 8.8” display for extra controls, and an optional heads-up display in the Trofeo version. The Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) manages the infotainment system, complemented by an immersive Sonus Faber 3D sound system offering up to 21 speakers.

The new Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system provides 360° control over the car, enhancing handling and driving experience. The VDCM system supports various drive modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Off-Road, allowing drivers to shift from utmost comfort to extreme responsiveness.

The Grecale GT is priced from RM634,889.00, inclusive of local duties and taxes, excluding customizations, road tax, and insurance. The Grecale Trofeo is priced from RM1,100,000, inclusive of local duties and taxes, excluding customizations, road tax, and insurance. Both models come with a 3-year full Maserati warranty with no mileage restrictions, with an option to extend the warranty for up to 10 years.

The MY24 Maserati Grecale represents a bold statement for those who live audaciously and choose to stand out, offering an exceptional driving experience every day.

Trofeo

Federal Court Dismisses Former Grab Driver’s Appeal

The Federal Court has dismissed an application by former Grab driver, Loh Guet Ching, seeking leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal decision that upheld the Human Resources Minister’s refusal to refer her alleged unfair dismissal case to the Industrial Court.

Panel and Decision

The three-member panel, comprising Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Justice Nallini Pathmanathan, and Justice Rhodzariah Bujang, found that the questions of law presented did not meet the requirements under Section 96 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964. The decision was delivered in online proceedings, with no order as to costs.

Questions of Law

Loh’s lawyer, Ng Kian Nam, sought the court’s determination on six legal questions concerning whether e-hailing drivers and gig economy workers should pursue unfair dismissal disputes in the industrial or civil courts. However, the Senior Federal Counsel, Nik Noor Nik Kar, and lawyer T Thavalingam, representing MyTeksi Sdn Bhd (operating under Grab), contended that the questions were not novel and thus did not justify the appeal.

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Firefly Launches Jet Operations at Subang Airport

Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has officially launched its jet operations at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang (SZB). Ticket sales for Penang and Kota Kinabalu routes begin on July 22, 2024.

Promotional Fares and Travel Dates

To celebrate the launch, Firefly is offering promotional fares:

Subang to Penang (PEN): RM129 one-way
Subang to Kota Kinabalu (BKI): RM249 one-way

These promotional fares are available for travel between August 29, 2024, and August 6, 2025. The all-inclusive fares come with:

10kg of check-in baggage
7kg of carry-on baggage
Free onboard refreshments

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smart Malaysia Launches smartCO: Community Privileges Programme for smart EV Owners

smart Malaysia proudly announces the launch of smartCO, a groundbreaking community privileges programme designed exclusively for smart EV owners. This initiative stands as one of the industry’s pioneering efforts to cultivate a robust community where business opportunities flourish, all seamlessly integrated via the cutting-edge Hello smart App.

smartCO is more than just a programme; it embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration, inviting all smart EV owners to co-create a dynamic community that thrives on mutual benefits. Whether you’re a restaurateur, photographer, legal consultant, or freelance writer, smartCO welcomes businesses of all kinds to join this movement.

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2024 Proton X50 To Boost Production, Over 8,000 Bookings In First Month

Proton has announced that the newly-launched 2024 Proton X50 has received an overwhelming response, amassing a total of 8,000 bookings within just one month since its debut in June. This positive demand has far exceeded our expectations, setting a new benchmark for its segment. Since its original debut in 2020, the Proton X50 has been Malaysia’s best-selling SUV, with 115,262 units sold up to June.

Ramp up production to meet overwhelming demand

The enthusiastic reception of the 2024 Proton X50 underscores its prominent position in the SUV market. In response to this overwhelming demand, Proton is ramping up production to expedite delivery timeline for eager customers by August 2024. All customers who are entitled for early bird promotion of RM7,000 cash discount and RM1,000/ RM1,500 trade-in support will receive it accordingly.

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Jaecoo J7 Officially Launched – FWD RM138,800, AWD RM148,800

Jaecoo, a rising star in the off-road vehicle market, has swiftly built a reputation for delivering exceptional off-road performance. In less than a year, the brand has gained a dedicated following in numerous countries and regions. Under the guiding principle of “From Classic, Beyond Classic,” Jaecoo has introduced its latest urban premium off-road SUV, the Jaecoo J7.

Malaysia stands out as the first Southeast Asian country to experience the launch of the Jaecoo J7. Prior to its debut, the J7 underwent extensive testing at Malaysia’s famed “M4TREC” off-road track, where it demonstrated its prowess in handling extreme off-road conditions.

Advanced Technology and Performance

All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS):
- The ARDIS enhances the off-road experience with a variety of driving modes tailored to different terrains.
- The BOSCH Intelligent Power Brake (IPB) control system ensures quick response times and superior braking performance, crucial for off-road adventures.

Powerful Engine:
- The J7 is powered by a 1.6TGDI engine, delivering 197PS and 290Nm of torque.
- Paired with a 7 speed dual-clutch transmission, the J7 offers robust power and agility, comparable to luxury off-road vehicles.
Variants:
- Available in both all-wheel-drive (AWD) and front-wheel-drive (FWD) models.
- Both variants feature a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Interior and Comfort

Luxurious Seating:
- The interior draws inspiration from Land Rover, especially evident in the “all-sense” seats.
- These seats are designed for maximum comfort, offering heating, cooling, and 10 levels of adjustability.

High-Tech Displays:
- The J7 features dual screens: a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.8-inch infotainment screen, providing a seamless blend of functionality and modern aesthetics.
- Sony audio system.

Available colours:

Model Green
Khaki White
Carbon Crystal Black
Moonlight Silver

Pricing

All-wheel-drive: RM148,800

Front-wheel-drive: RM138,800

It comes with 7 years warranty or up to 150,000km mileage. Early birds get a 10 years engine warranty or up to 1,000,000km mileage. First 300 customers for the 2WD variant will get a 14.8 inch screen.

The Jaecoo J7 marks a significant entry in the urban premium off-road SUV segment, blending advanced technology, powerful performance, and luxurious comfort. With its debut in Malaysia and rigorous testing proving its capabilities, the J7 sets a new standard for off-road vehicles in its class, showcasing Jaecoo’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the off-road market.