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CT-1 – The Shape-Shifting Microcar For Urban Mobility

‘Shape-shifter’ tends to be associated with something scary as it has often been used to describe beings that can transform into something else – usually mean and nasty – like those Terminators. However, the term also refers to anything that can alter its shape and EV tech start-up City Transformer has a shape-shifting microcar that is ideal for urban mobility.

Called the CT-1, it is the world’s first microcar that can change its wheelbase to suit different traffic conditions. It can become narrower for better manoeuvrability and easier parking, and wider for better stability when travelling at higher speeds.

City Transformer presents the CT-1 as the next chapter in sustainable and intelligent urban mobility. With its small footprint, it can address issues of congestion in inner cities without sacrificing key core attributes such as safety, comfort, and the fun-to-drive factor.

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Renault Group and Geely To Form Joint Venture Company For Combustion Engine Production

The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group – more commonly referred to as Geely – is relatively young in the global auto industry, having been established in 1986. Yet over the past decade, it has acquired several well-known international automotive brands and formed alliances or partnerships with others. Its business today spans the automotive value chain, from research, development and design to production, sales and servicing.

The latest partnership announced today is with Renault SA where a 50-50 joint venture will be formed for producing petrol engines and developing hybrid technology that will be used by each company’s brands, and possibly supplied to others.

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Hot Rocket Sim Racing Division To Promote Sim Racing In Malaysia

Simulator racing, or sim racing, has been around since the 1980s. Over 40 years, the virtual form of motorsport has grown in popularity and both the hardware and software have advanced tremendously. Today’s sim racing software is so realistic that even F1 drivers use them for training and they are used for championships with global participation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic when countries went into lockdown and people were confined to their homes, sim racing became even more popular. While real-world racing activities had to be stopped, sim racing took off as an alternative for motorsports lovers.

Almost anyone can get into sim racing. The basic requirements are a computer/game console, sim rig, large monitor and a fast internet connection. Players can compete against computer rivals or real human rivals around the world.

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Genesis Electrified GV70 To Be Brand’s First Model Built Outside Korea

Following the launch of the Genesis GV70 SUV last year, an electrified version is now being introduced in selected markets outside its home market and will be made at the Hyundai Motor Group’s factory in Alabama, USA from next month. It will be the first Genesis model to be built in the USA and the first-ever Genesis production to take place outside South Korea.

The Electrified GV70, as it is referred to, shares the same design based on ‘Athletic Elegance’ as the GV70. The front end shows more attention to aerodynamic efficiency, vital for electric vehicles which need the lowest wind resistance possible. The Genesis signature Crest Grille has thus evolved into an aerodynamic crest that features an inverted G-Matrix Pattern and incorporates a hidden EV charging port, creating a minimalist yet sophisticated look.

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Volvo XC40 Recharge Updated For Model Year 2023

Volvo Car Malaysia has begun sales of an updated version of the Volvo XC40 Pure Electric, the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) from the Volvo range to be introduced in Malaysia. The model was well received when launched in March this year, with over 400 orders received within the first 2 months, all of which were delivered to customers by June 2022.

Priced at RM278,888 (excluding insurance for Peninsular Malaysia registration), the locally assembled XC40 Recharge gets a new colour (Fjord Blue) to join the choices of Black Stone, Crystal White, Sage Green, Silver Dawn, Thunder Grey. There are also minor cosmetic changes at the front and rear as well as new rims. Inside, Charcoal Connect Suede textile is used, with a new shift lever sculpted with leather-free charcoal material.

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Toyota Maintains No.1 Position In Brand Value, With Tesla Recording A 32% Gain

The COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years brought industries to a standstill in 2020 as lockdowns were initiated in many countries. Then, as things seemed to get better in 2021, a global shortage of microprocessors (as well as other parts) slowed production, especially of motor vehicles.

Nevertheless, in spite of having tough challenges to overcome and growing waiting lists of customers, the leading automotive brands still saw their brand values rise in 2021. In the Best Global Brands 2022 listing released by US brand consultancy Interbrand, the top 10 brand leaders in the auto sector remained largely unchanged, with increased values last year.

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