Great Wall Motor’s (GWM) strategic expansion in Malaysia reflects its broader global vision and commitment to the ASEAN market. The company’s impressive global sales growth and its approach to localisation are central to its success. Here’s a summary of the key points:
GWM’s Global Strategy and Growth
Four Globalisation Pillars: GWM focuses on four strategic pillars:
Locally Built
Locally Operated
Locally Cultivated
Supply Chain Integration
Sales Performance: The company reported a 62.59% year-on-year increase in global sales, with 201,500 units sold internationally in the first half of 2024.
The Audi A6 e-tron concept debuted at the Auto Shanghai 2021 trade fair and now, the Audi A6 e-tron is making a significant debut as the first all-electric Audi available in both Sportback and Avant versions, showcasing the new PPE platform. The exterior design of the A6 e-tron features a sleek, dynamic roofline and a wide, expressive front with slim daytime running lights and a black mask that encloses functional elements. Aerodynamically, the A6 e-tron excels with a drag coefficient of 0.21 for the Sportback and 0.24 for the Avant, thanks to air curtains, a slim greenhouse, and optimised underbody components.
Inside, the A6 e-tron is equipped with innovative features such as a panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency, second-generation virtual exterior mirrors, and a highly advanced MMI panoramic display. It also includes an optional augmented reality head-up display (AR HuD). The car’s infotainment system features an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, a 14.5-inch MMI touch display, and a 10.9-inch front passenger display. The integration of Android Automotive OS, over-the-air updates, and third-party apps enhances its technological appeal.
In terms of performance, the A6 e-tron offers a range of up to 756km for the Sportback and up to 720km for the Avant. It features 800-volt technology for rapid charging with a maximum capacity of 270kW. The S6 e-tron variant delivers even higher performance, with a top speed of 240km/h and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds with a range of up to 675km. The advanced recuperation system and two-stage regenerative braking improve both efficiency and range, while the adaptive air suspension balances comfort and handling.
The A6 e-tron comes with a power output of 362hp and rear-wheel drive, whereas the S6 e-tron offers 496hp and quattro all-wheel drive. Both variants will be available in Sportback and Avant versions at launch, with further models expected to follow depending on the market.
For driver assistance and safety, the A6 e-tron includes comprehensive systems such as adaptive driving assistant plus, park assist plus, traffic sign recognition, and various other driver aids to enhance comfort and safety.
Pricing for the A6 e-tron starts at €75,600 (RM375,960) for the Sportback and €77,250 (RM382,524) for the Avant. The performance-oriented S6 e-tron34 is priced at €99,500 for the Sportback and €101,150 for the Avant. Orders for these models will open in September 2024.
The Audi A6 e-tron aims to combine high performance with advanced technology, aerodynamics, and a luxurious interior, making it a notable entry in the electric vehicle market.
Two years ago, Pagani Automobili unveiled the Utopia, a car that embodies the relentless pursuit of perfection. Now, the company is expanding its vision with the introduction of the Utopia Roadster, developed alongside the Coupé model from the start. This dual development approach allows enthusiasts to choose between the closed and open versions, each reflecting Pagani’s commitment to excellence.
A Dual Approach to Perfection
Traditionally, the Roadster versions of Pagani’s models, such as the Zonda and Huayra, were developed after their Coupé counterparts. The Utopia, however, was designed with both variants in mind from the outset. This approach allows Pagani to offer both closed and open cabin versions simultaneously, catering to the diverse preferences of automotive enthusiasts.
Innovative Design and Versatility
The Utopia Roadster features a design that harmonizes with its Coupé sibling. Both versions share elegant butterfly doors and a sophisticated hard-top mechanism. The hard-top can be stored on a stand, becoming a design piece itself, while a soft-top can be stowed in place of the vanity case. This versatility allows the car to transform into three different configurations, catering to different driving experiences and weather conditions.
Advanced Materials and Engineering
Pagani’s commitment to technological innovation is evident in the Utopia Roadster. Weighing just 1,280 kg (2,822 lbs) despite its large size and V12 engine, the Roadster features a redesigned monocoque chassis for optimal rigidity without heavy reinforcements. The car’s aerodynamic design, perfected in the wind tunnel, avoids protruding appendages while ensuring high downforce and efficiency.
Performance and Power
The Utopia Roadster maintains the same performance as the Coupé, thanks to the advanced Pagani V12 engine developed in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG. Producing 864hp and 1,100 Nm of torque, this engine delivers both smooth low-rev operation and explosive acceleration. The seven-speed manual gearbox, developed with Xtrac, and the lightweight triple-disc clutch ensure precise and responsive performance.
Sophisticated Interior and Design
Inside, the Utopia Roadster features floor mats with a texture reminiscent of outboard boats and a redesigned key reflecting the car’s open design. The cabin’s nearly endless color and material choices are highlighted by the unique visibility of the interior. Pagani’s attention to detail extends to bespoke luggage, including leather-covered carbon suitcases and garment bags, all crafted with meticulous care.
Technological Integration
Pagani has incorporated state-of-the-art technology in the Utopia Roadster, including Pirelli Cyber Tyres equipped with sensors to interact with the vehicle’s stability control systems. The Utopia is fitted with exclusive tires developed specifically for its performance needs, ensuring optimal safety and handling.
A Philosophy of Driving Pleasure
The Utopia Roadster delivers a unique driving experience, blending traditional analog controls with cutting-edge technology. The manual gearbox, a hallmark of Pagani’s design, is paired with an automated option for those who prefer quicker shifts. The steering wheel, crafted from a single block of metal, exemplifies the brand’s dedication to both aesthetic and functional excellence.
Exclusive Production and Pricing
Pagani will produce only 130 units of the Utopia Roadster, each priced at 3.1 million euros, excluding local taxes. This exclusivity underscores Pagani’s commitment to creating a masterpiece that combines engineering prowess with unparalleled driving pleasure.
Naza Eastern Motors Sdn Bhd today unveiled the highly anticipated 5-door variant of the iconic Suzuki Jimny, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic expansion into Malaysia’s rapidly growing SUV market.
Naza Eastern Motors is confident that the introduction of the 5-door Jimny will bolster its market position and drive future growth. The company plans to implement targeted marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships to enhance brand visibility and reach new customer segments. Additionally, Naza Eastern Motors aims to expand its dealership network to better serve its growing customer base across Malaysia.
Underneath the iconic design lies a machine built for adventure. With its powerful 1.5L engine with Idle Start Stop technology capable of producing 101 horsepower, this efficient powerplant paired with the new ALLGRIP PRO 4WD system, 4 Speed low range transfer gear and LSD Traction Control Brake provides not only sufficient power but also gives drivers control and confidence on any adventure.
The ALLGRIP PRO 4WD system with low-range transfer gear offers extreme off-road capability, enabling seamless shifting from 2H two-wheel drive to 4H four-wheel drive on the fly. This unique feature provides unparalleled adaptability while navigating adventurous ground. If you’re stuck, simply shift to 4L mode which transforms the Jimny into a veritable mountain climber, allowing it to conquer even the most unforgiving off-road terrain.
With optimised torque delivery and specially 4-speed automatic transmission options. The 5-doors may be rooted in heritage, but it also embraces innovation. Modern features such as touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and advanced safety features enhance the driving experience without compromising on Jimny’s raw spirit.
Interior wise, the Jimny 5-doors is optimised through minimalistic design to avoid distractions so that the driver stays focused. This is achieved with basic black shades to avoid distractions while silver inserts highlight functional elements.
The dashboard and centre console has been designed to maximise the driver’s awareness of the angle of the car. Sections of the interior have a pattern that includes a perfect combination of practicality and utility. The 5-doors offer a large boot space with a wide rear opening, making the loading and unloading of luggage accessible and easy.
Safety is not forgotten. The Jimny is designed to assure you and your passengers’ safety. The Jimny features 6 airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist function, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Brake Limited Slip Differential, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Side-Impact Door Beams, 3-point Emergency Locking retractor Seatbelts, ISOFIX Child Seat anchorages, Seatbelt Pretensioner, and Rear View Camera – all built on top of Suzuki’s renowned Ladder Frame, providing superior safety performance.
The 5-door Jimny has an overall length of 3850mm compared to the 3-door which measures 3,550mm. That is an additional space of 300mm, translating to a longer wheelbase, an increase in cabin space, and additional legroom and luggage room in the rear.
Equipped with a body-on-frame design, the rugged Jimny provides a sense of solidity offering unique experience. The Jimny has LED projector headlamps with washers to ensure visibility remains uncompromised in the toughest of conditions. The optimised bumpers with angled edges enhance wheel clearance for agile manoeuvring and the protective black textured sections safeguard against damage. Meticulously designed, the Jimny combines form and innovation, augmenting the driving experience.
The Jimny 5-door’s price starts from MYR 199,380.00 (OTR price without insurance).
Reviewing a tyre is never easy as tyre manufacturers love to claim the impossible yet testing it in real world situations can be tricky. For example, how do you test improved stopping distance on regular roads? You can easily do that in a controlled environment such as on a track where you pit tyres against each other, but in the real world, it is incredibly difficult.
That is why we have shied away from such requests from tyre manufacturers. So, when Goodyear approached us to test out their tyres some months ago, we shelved it, waiting for the opportune moment to do so.
The moment came about recently when the time came to swap the tyres of the family car – a 2021 Mazda CX-5 2.5T.
The Mazda runs on Toyo tyres straight out of the factory. There were no problems with the Toyo’s, so we thought, because we didn’t know anything better. But in hindsight, there were moments where we thought there was too much noise intruding back into the cabin, and there was that occasional twitch when the car hit a puddle of water.
We just didn’t know better, so always thought the noise and twitch was normal.
Then we swapped for the Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres, and no, things didn’t magically change. There was no snap of the finger moment where the noise disappeared, and the car felt planted like a cicak to the wall.
That is the thing about tyre reviews, things don’t magically happen as soon as you swap out the tyres. It takes time to feel the differences of a tyre under different circumstances such as in the rain, braking, cornering, etc.
But there was one thing that was noticeably better – tyre noise.
From Sunway where a designated tyre shop was given the responsibility of swapping our tyres, to our office in Citta Mall, Ara Damansara, there were parts where we needed to pile on speed especially over the federal highway and on the Subang airport stretch. And that is where we noticed the one thing that solved one problem with the Toyos – the cabin noise was down a couple of notches.
According to Goodyear, this quitter ride is achieved by using an angled block design in its tread pattern along with the redesigned ribs and narrower grooves working concurrently to isolate road noise before it is transferred.
This is probably one of the most impressive aspects about the Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres and you can feel it immediately after swapping tyres.
We have since been using the tyres for the past few months, and in all honesty, will never go back to using the Toyo tyres that the car came with.
This writer regularly drives to Ipoh and back to KL and in all conditions, including our torrential monsoon rains.
Malaysian highways are notorious for a number of things including puddles of water where drainage is poor. And then you get pockets of flowing water, and sometimes that can get quite bad.
The Mazda CX5 2.5 Turbo is an all-wheel-drive machine, so it gives you the confidence and grip you need in the rain. But while the car has the tech to manage everything the roads throw at it, its ultimately limited by the tyre.
And during some of those drives in the rain, the Mazda did tend to slip every once in a while, over pockets of water. Nothing too dramatic that will need steering correction, but you feel that sudden twitch of the car. The car has always corrected itself, that is probably one of the benefits of the all-wheel-drive powertrain.
However, that twitch should not be happening. And that could potentially be worse for other cars.
And after a few months of having the tyres on, we have since did the journey to Ipoh a number of times, and have done close to 6,000km on the tyre, which is plenty of distance to be able to tell the difference between the Goodyear’s and the Toyo’s.
Goodyear has incorporated two different technologies into its Assurance MaxGuard tyres. One being ActiveGrip and the other being DuraGuard, which we will talk about later.
The ActiveGrip technology is said to provide 17% better braking in wet conditions and also offers best-in-class wet braking distance. In fact, Goodyear says that the tyre has its wet weather handling characteristics improved by a stonking 25%. All of the improvements are benchmarked against its predecessor, the Goodyear Wrangler TripleMax.
As we found out, this is not just marketing lingo because that twitch and squirm we talked about earlier has faded. And while no one should be driving fast in the wet, but the car feels more confident and planted.
Goodyear achieved this by using a redesigned tread pattern with vertical serrations, and this is said to maximise wet weather grip.
But the best way to increase grip in all conditions is to increase the point of contact where the tyre meets the road. And that is exactly what Goodyear has done.
The contact patch of the tyre is now wider and is more squared than rounded, and while this improves grip, it also evens out tyre wear over time. So, you no longer gets uneven wear which you sometimes see with older tyres.
Then there is the DuraGuard tech, which is designed to keep the tyre lasting as long as possible. In fact, the Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres are said to have a lifespan of between 40,000 to 60,000km. The average driver does about 20,000km a year, so if you are an average driver, then these tyres should last you between two to three years.
The DuraGuard technology works by reducing premature tyre that sometimes happens due to the weight of an SUV. It does did by utilising two-ply construction that uses a reinforced steel belt package that also improves shock resistance. This means that the tyre has a better chance of surviving contact with a menacing pothole.
This also means that the tyre has a better ability to withstand cuts which we sometimes get when accidentally reverse into the roadside curb. And punctures from road debris.
After about 6,000km with the tyre, the wear is still not obvious. Being an all-wheel-drive machine, the wear tends to be greater since all tyres are rotating and transferring power to the road. But this is still not apparent.
Tyres are probably the single most important aspect of a car. You can have all the power and tech, but if you are tyres are not up to mark, that’s akin to skating on ice blindfolded. The Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres are undoubtedly impressive, and if you appreciate a quiet interior, wet weather grip and durability, then perhaps this is worth considering.
To find out more about the Goodyear Assurance MaxGuard SUV tyres, click here.
Tyre punctures can turn any journey into a major disruption, especially on Malaysian roads plagued by heavy rainfall, high traffic, potholes, and debris. Waiting for roadside assistance and repairs can be time-consuming and frustrating. Continental is now addressing these challenges with the expanded availability of its innovative ContiSeal technology, which promises to transform how drivers handle tyre punctures.
Enhanced Safety with ContiSeal Technology
First introduced in 2003, ContiSeal technology has undergone significant refinement over two decades. It now offers immediate sealing of 80% of all punctures and 99.9% of punctures up to 5mm in diameter. The technology uses a vulcanisation process to enhance the tyre’s durability and elasticity, reducing cavity noise by up to 3dB.
How ContiSeal Works
ContiSeal tyres are designed to seal holes up to 5mm in diameter. The sealant layer, applied inside the tyre’s tread area, creates an airtight seal that prevents air leakage. This means drivers can continue their journey without needing immediate roadside repairs, even if a foreign object like a nail penetrates the tyre. The seal remains effective even if the object is removed.
