Piston.my

Latest News

The new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé made a stunning debut in an exclusive, technology-forward setting at ApeFest 2024 in Lisbon, where BMW showcased its latest model alongside an innovative in-car gaming experience. Held annually by the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), ApeFest is a prominent gathering for holders of the BAYC NFT collection by Yuga Labs, renowned for its 10,000 unique digital ape characters. The event draws a Web3-savvy audience passionate about digital innovation, a fitting match for BMW’s forward-looking brand.

BMW brought an interactive edge to this year’s ApeFest by introducing a customised, BAYC-inspired BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé designed through an art contest. Rida, a 3D artist from Dubai, created the winning design, known as the “ApeCar.” This one-off model features a sleek exterior with golden accents and a mosaic of ape silhouettes symbolising community spirit. BMW also enhanced the vehicle with exclusive BMW M Performance Parts to accentuate its sporty appeal. BAYC members had the opportunity to register their interest in purchasing this exclusive model, which BMW will customize according to the buyer’s market and equip with unique digital features.

(more…)

The inaugural Malaysia Mini Day 2024 gathered Mini enthusiasts, known as Miniacs, for an unforgettable weekend at Resorts World Awana, Genting Highlands, marking it as Malaysia’s largest-ever Mini gathering. Organised by the Mini Pattern Group, a passionate club of Mini owners, the event set a national record with 543 Minis by the end, celebrating the unity and excitement within the Mini community.

The festivities commenced on October 26 with a dinner marking the 10th anniversary of the Mini Pattern Group. The next day, the open car park transformed into a Mini-themed festival, featuring a special test drive experience. In collaboration with Millennium Welt, participants test-drove the latest Mini Electric models, including the Mini Cooper 3-Door, Mini Countryman, and the new Mini Aceman, embracing the brand’s iconic go-kart feel and agility.

(more…)

Jaecoo recently introduced its latest premium off-road SUV, the J7 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), in Malaysia through a pop-up experience store that attracted over 3,000 visitors in just five days. This PHEV preview allowed Jaecoo to highlight the advantages of PHEV technology, focusing on efficiency and flexibility, as the company aims to support drivers in making well-informed decisions about hybrid and electric vehicle options.

Leo Chen, Executive Vice President of Chery Corporate Malaysia, emphasised Jaecoo’s dedication to pioneering efficient automotive solutions, positioning PHEVs as central to a sustainable future. Emily Lek, Vice President of Jaecoo Malaysia, echoed this by underscoring the brand’s commitment to educating drivers on electric and hybrid technologies.

(more…)

Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest automaker, has announced the launch of a new Regional Parts Hub in Malaysia as part of its strategic plan to enhance its footprint in the India & Asia Pacific region. This new hub is set to strengthen Stellantis’ supply chain, supporting over 20 countries, including Malaysia, and will begin operations by the first quarter of 2025.

Daniel Gonzalez, Stellantis ASEAN’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the hub’s role in solidifying Malaysia as a key player in the regional automotive sector. “This investment underpins Stellantis’ long-term commitment to strengthening our footprint and growth in the region,” Gonzalez stated, highlighting Stellantis’ aim to improve customer service and operational efficiency for the India & Asia Pacific region.

(more…)

The government has announced toll exemptions for all highways on Tuesday and Wednesday in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations. This initiative, which will cover personal vehicles only, is expected to cost the government approximately RM38 million.

According to Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, the exemptions will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday. However, tolls at the country’s border checkpoints—the Sultan Iskandar Building and Tanjung Kupang toll plazas in Johor—are excluded from this exemption.

Nanta emphasised that the initiative aligns with the unity government’s goal to ease the cost of living while fostering cultural unity across Malaysia’s diverse society. He also urged road users to plan their journeys in advance and to follow the travel advisories provided by highway authorities.

Porsche is restructuring its strategy in China, reducing its dealership network to counter declining demand and a sluggish EV market transition in the country. This move is part of broader cost-cutting efforts, aiming for billions in savings by 2030, as shared by CFO Lutz Meschke. The company is recalibrating to a global sales outlook of around 250,000 vehicles annually, down from previous years where it exceeded 300,000. This shift reflects not only Porsche’s concerns but also aligns with similar challenges faced by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which have also been forced to trim costs due to weakening demand in China.

Porsche’s third-quarter results underscore these difficulties, with operating profit down by 41% to €974 million—significantly missing analysts’ expectations. Revenue also slipped to €9.1 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 10.7%, well below Porsche’s medium-term target of 17%-19%. The weak demand in China, exacerbated by an economic downturn impacting luxury spending, has prompted Porsche to adjust its product lineup, budgets, and expenses to bolster flexibility and resilience.

(more…)

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube