The Proton X70 has been a sales story of epic proportions ever since it was introduced back in 2018. Featuring technologies that others could only dream about back then, the X70 was accepted with arms wide open by Malaysians, and thus demolished the Malaysian automotive c-segment.
Since then, the Proton X70 has been made available in 11 countries with over 100,000 units sold, making it the most popular premium SUV in its category.
In fact, the X70’s donor car, the Geely Boyue is a success story by itself, with over 1.8 million units sold in 49 global markets.
BMW has announced its plans to launch its first-ever series production Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in 2028, adding a new zero-emission powertrain option to its lineup. The company has teamed up with Toyota Motor Corporation, extending their collaboration to accelerate the development of next-generation hydrogen fuel cell technology. Both companies are committed to advancing the hydrogen economy by providing sustainable mobility solutions for the future.
Key Highlights:
Partnership with Toyota:
BMW and Toyota are pooling their resources and technological capabilities to create a new generation of fuel cell powertrains.
This collaboration aims to develop FCEV systems for both commercial and passenger vehicles, providing customers with new hydrogen-powered options while maintaining the distinct brand identities of BMW and Toyota.
Renault has teamed up with French designer Ora Ïto to bring back the spirit of the classic Renault 17 with a modern electric restomod, the Renault R17. Revealed recently, the R17 takes the iconic design from the 1970s and infuses it with contemporary aesthetics and technology, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge innovation.
Exterior Design
The Renault R17 retains the essence of the original Renault 17 hatchback (sold between 1971 and 1979) while modernizing its appearance with a carbon fibre body and sleek proportions. Key features include:
Rectangular LED headlights integrated into the front fascia.
A minimalist, full-width LED taillight bar that complements the car’s simple, elegant lines.
Flared fenders for a sportier stance than the original, giving the car a more aggressive look.
Subtle louvers that add a touch of flair and homage to its vintage roots.
Peugeot Malaysia announced a special 5-year free service maintenance promo, effective from 1 September 2024. This limited-time offer is available across all Peugeot models and variants, including the all-new 408, 2008, 3008, 5008, and Landtrek.
Details of the Promo
Customers who register their Peugeot vehicles from 1 September 2024 onwards will be eligible for this 5-year free service maintenance, which covers the cost of parts for up to 10 services over five years. The maintenance is scheduled every 10,000 kilometres or every six months, whichever comes first. While parts costs are covered, customers are responsible for the labour costs associated with each service.
Proton has achieved another significant milestone in 2024, with year-to-date (YTD) sales surpassing the 100,000-unit mark for the sixth consecutive year. As of August, the company sold 101,489 units, solidifying its second-place position in the national automotive sales rankings with an estimated 19% market share. August saw 12,690 units sold, including both domestic and export sales, reflecting the brand’s continued strength.
The Proton X50 remained a key driver of growth, with 2,440 units sold in August, marking the third time in 2024 that sales have surpassed 2,000 units in a month. Year-to-date, the X50 has sold 15,229 units, making it the most popular SUV in Proton’s lineup. The strong performance reflects the success of the 2024 model, which was launched in June and has continued to outshine its B-segment SUV rivals.
Meanwhile, the Proton Saga maintained its robust sales momentum following a record-breaking 7,855 deliveries in July. In August, 6,211 units were sold, bringing its YTD total to 48,904 units—an increase of 6.7% compared to 2023.
In a significant step towards empowering women and promoting gender equality in the workforce, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks) has introduced its global Volvo Iron Women initiative to Malaysia. The programme, which aims to develop skilled heavy-duty truck drivers, was launched in collaboration with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
At the inaugural Volvo Iron Women graduation ceremony, five women celebrated their certification as fully qualified heavy-duty truck drivers, marking the programme’s successful debut in Southeast Asia.
“Volvo Iron Women has seen global success, and we’re excited about the opportunities it will unlock in Malaysia as a pioneer of the programme in this region,” said Johan Selvén, Vice President of Volvo Trucks International. He added that this initiative would significantly contribute to the nation’s social and economic development by creating skilled employment opportunities for women.
Johan Selvén, Vice President of Volvo Trucks International
Anthony O’Connell, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the initiative in advancing women’s participation in the logistics industry. “The Volvo Iron Women programme is a testament to our commitment to empowering women. We are deeply encouraged by the support from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry in partnering with us for the long term,” O’Connell stated.
Anthony O’Connell, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato’ Seri Hajah Nancy Shukri, who officiated the event, praised the collaboration between Volvo Trucks and her ministry. “This initiative is a shining example of an impactful public-private partnership that addresses gender disparities in the workforce,” she said. She also congratulated the first batch of graduates and recognised their families for their support during the rigorous training programme.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato’ Seri Hajah Nancy Shukri
The Ministry has pledged its ongoing assistance to the Volvo Iron Women programme, offering resources to help graduates navigate the traditionally male-dominated industry. This includes counselling and training on gender bias harassment, along with a dedicated hotline for women drivers in need of support. The Ministry also plans to identify and recommend viable candidates for future cohorts.
The first group of graduates will be employed by Taipanco Sdn Bhd, one of the few logistics companies that recognises the value of women in the heavy-duty trucking industry. Dato’ Nazari Akhbar, Executive Director of Taipanco, expressed his excitement at welcoming the new drivers to his company. “We see great potential in empowering women to address the industry’s growing demand for skilled truck drivers,” he remarked.
Dato’ Nazari Akhbar, Executive Director of Taipanco
The Volvo Iron Women programme in Malaysia covers comprehensive training, from securing a Class E license for heavy vehicles to gaining a Goods Driving License (GDL). Graduates complete a detailed three-module course that includes practical training in defensive driving, trailer coupling, and fatigue management. This hands-on approach ensures that all participants are fully equipped to succeed in their new roles.
Volvo Malaysia’s investment in the Iron Women initiative is part of a broader strategy to contribute to the country’s economic growth while empowering women to reinvest in their families and communities.
By 2025, Volvo Malaysia aims to train and certify around 100 women as heavy-duty truck drivers, with intake now open for the 2025 cohorts. Depending on experience, training can last from three days to eight weeks. The programme, which began globally in 2016, has already graduated over 820 women worldwide, and Malaysia’s logistics industry has embraced the initiative with enthusiasm, as the demand for skilled drivers continues to rise.
The Volvo Iron Women programme is expected to have a long-lasting impact on Malaysia’s haulage and logistics sector, empowering women to break barriers and lead the way in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Dato’ Nazari Akhbar, Executive Director of Taipanco
