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Mazda has taken its popular CX-5 SUV to new heights with the introduction of the Mazda CX-5 MS Limited Edition at KLIMS 2024. This exclusive variant, offered through the MazdaSports (MS) package, is designed for drivers who crave an athletic edge while enjoying the practicality of an SUV. The MS Limited Edition integrates sporty design elements, enhanced driving dynamics, and a luxurious interior, showcasing Mazda’s commitment to innovation and its “Zoom-Zoom” philosophy.

The exterior of the CX-5 MS Limited Edition features bold styling updates that enhance its sporty appeal. Gloss black accents are strategically placed on the signature wing, bumpers, side mirrors, wheel arches, and rocker panels, complementing the sleek design. A body-coloured rear roof spoiler and an MS exhaust tip contribute to the SUV’s aggressive stance, while a black front strut bar adds a touch of performance-oriented aesthetic and improves structural stability. The 19-inch alloy wheels, finished in gloss black, further underline the SUV’s athletic personality.

Inside, the cabin reflects the same sporty ethos with touches of exclusivity. Red stitching details adorn the suede-finished steering wheel, door panels, seats, centre console, armrest, and push-start button, adding a dynamic contrast to the premium materials. The front seats, upholstered in luxurious suede, are embroidered with the MS initials, emphasizing the special edition’s unique identity. Additional sporty touches include MS sports pedals, MS floor mats, and an MS Limited Edition badge positioned on the dashboard, reinforcing its collector-worthy status.

Mazda ensures that the MS Limited Edition is as functional as it is stylish, with performance upgrades tailored to deliver a spirited driving experience. A reinforced chassis and sport-tuned components enhance agility and handling, making this SUV as enjoyable to drive as it is practical for daily use. Backing these enhancements is Mazda’s 1-year Genuine Accessory Warranty, providing buyers with confidence in their investment.

 

Priced at RM 12,000, the MS Limited Edition package offers significant value for those seeking a unique blend of performance, style, and luxury in an SUV. Mazda has already opened bookings, and deliveries are expected to begin in 2025. The Mazda CX-5 MS Limited Edition redefines the balance between excitement and practicality, making it a standout choice for discerning drivers.

Bermaz Motor has proudly presented the All-New Mazda CX-80 at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2024 (KLIMS 2024). First introduced in Europe in April 2024, the Mazda CX-80 is a mid-size three-row crossover SUV that reflects Mazda’s ongoing commitment to creating vehicles that deliver an exceptional driving experience while focusing on environmental sustainability and advanced safety technologies. This premium vehicle showcases the brand’s unwavering dedication to luxury, performance, and eco-friendly design.

The Mazda CX-80 is developed under the theme “Graceful Driving SUV”, a concept that highlights the vehicle’s perfect balance between performance, elegance, and functionality. Central to the CX-80’s design is Mazda’s Jinba-Ittai philosophy, which emphasises the unity between car and driver, allowing for a truly connected driving experience. This philosophy ensures that every journey in the CX-80 is not only comfortable but exhilarating, providing precise control and an engaging ride.

The human-centric design of the CX-80 further amplifies Mazda’s commitment to creating vehicles that feel intuitive and natural to drive. The interior is designed to enhance the connection between the driver and their surroundings, ensuring the driving experience is both harmonious and enjoyable. At the same time, the CX-80 prioritizes safety and efficiency, boasting cutting-edge drivetrains and advanced safety features. These elements work together to provide a secure and sustainable driving experience, whether for families or individuals, while still maintaining Mazda’s high-performance standards.

Design-wise, the Mazda CX-80 features a concept of “Graceful Toughness,” which seamlessly combines strength and sophistication. On the exterior, the vehicle presents a commanding stance, accentuated by Mazda’s signature styling cues. Fluid lines and sculpted surfaces create an aerodynamic profile that exudes power while retaining an elegant appearance. This dynamic combination ensures the CX-80 stands out in any environment, whether on the road or parked.

Inside, the Mazda CX-80 offers three-row seating that accommodates up to seven passengers comfortably. The second-row bench can fit three adults, making it perfect for family use. Additionally, the CX-80 provides a spacious cargo area that offers versatility, easily storing items such as golf bags, strollers, or larger items when the second and third rows are folded down. The cabin itself reflects premium craftsmanship, combining high-quality materials with thoughtful design to create a serene and luxurious environment for passengers.

For an enhanced in-cabin experience, the Mazda CX-80 is equipped with a premium sound system. This high-fidelity system is designed to offer clarity and balance, ensuring every journey is accompanied by exceptional sound quality. Whether driving solo or with family, the system makes long drives more enjoyable, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks.

As a whole, the Mazda CX-80 sets a new standard in the mid-size SUV segment. By blending practicality with luxury, it stands as a top choice for those seeking a vehicle that offers both versatility and refinement. The Mazda CX-80 is well-suited for modern families and individuals who desire a premium driving experience without compromising on functionality or style.

With its debut at KLIMS 2024, Bermaz Motor has reinforced Mazda’s commitment to exceeding modern drivers’ expectations. Bookings for the Mazda CX-80 are expected to open soon, with further details and updates to be provided as the vehicle nears its market debut.

BMW is taking autonomous technology beyond the highway and into its factories. The company has been refining its Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) system since 2022, starting with a pilot project in its Dingolfing, Germany plant—the automaker’s largest production facility. This groundbreaking system has now received CE certification, paving the way for wider adoption across the European Union.

Revolutionising In-Plant Logistics

At the Dingolfing plant, which employs over 17,000 people and produces a range of BMW models (including the 5 Series, 7 Series, and Rolls-Royce bodies), AFW enables newly assembled vehicles to drive autonomously for nearly a mile. The vehicles navigate from the assembly line through a test course and onto the finishing area, all without a driver.

The system relies on a sophisticated LIDAR infrastructure, Europe’s largest, which tracks vehicles along their route. Unlike traditional semi-autonomous systems, the AFW process does not depend on the vehicle’s built-in autonomy features. Instead, the cars are guided by external LIDAR sensors and a cutting-edge cloud-based architecture, ensuring precision and safety throughout the plant.

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Since the advent of wheeled vehicles, braking systems have traditionally been installed at each wheel to provide individual stopping power. Now, Mercedes-Benz aims to disrupt that age-old design with an innovative approach tailored to the electric vehicle (EV) era.

At its R&D centre in Sindelfingen, Mercedes engineers propose relocating traditional brake components to the centre of the car, housed within the electric drive unit alongside the motor, transmission, and differential. This radical idea could reduce environmental impact, improve ride quality, and redefine aerodynamics.

The Case for Centralised Braking

Modern EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking, minimising the use of traditional brakes except during emergencies. By placing the brake discs centrally within the drive unit, Mercedes seeks to achieve several advantages:

  • Environmental Benefits: The aluminium housings would trap brake dust, a significant pollutant, preventing it from dispersing into the environment.
  • Improved Ride Dynamics: Centralising the braking system reduces unsprung mass at the wheels, potentially enhancing ride comfort and handling.
  • Aerodynamic Gains: Removing traditional wheel-mounted brakes allows for fully enclosed, streamlined wheels similar to those on Salt Flats racers, reducing drag and improving efficiency.

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It’s a turbulent period for German automaker Volkswagen as it contends with major economic pressures. In North America, management reshuffles have dominated headlines, while globally, the company is implementing plant closures, wage reductions, and layoffs to save billions of dollars. Despite these hurdles, Volkswagen is charting a path forward, starting with significant updates to its electric vehicle (EV) lineup and platforms.

Revamping the Electric Future

At the LA Auto Show, Volkswagen’s Head of Research & Development, Kai Grünitz, outlined the company’s roadmap for a revamped all-electric lineup. Central to this effort is the Modular Electric (MEB) platform, which underpins models such as the ID.4 and the recently launched ID. Buzz van. Grünitz promised “huge improvements” to the platform, including a fresh design language that aims to bring the brand closer to its roots and revive its appeal.

The first step in this journey is the production-ready ID.2all, a compact EV concept unveiled in 2023. Initially slated for a 2025 release, economic challenges and a slowdown in EV demand have cast uncertainty over its launch schedule. Nonetheless, Volkswagen remains committed to the ID.2all as part of the updated MEB platform, with an accompanying SUV model expected to debut at the Munich Motor Show in September 2025.

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Stellantis has unveiled the specifications for its STLA Frame platform, a modular chassis designed to support a new generation of full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, and light commercial vehicles, many of which will be electric. This platform will also accommodate plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hydrogen-powered vehicles, further reinforcing Stellantis’ commitment to versatile and sustainable mobility. It is one of four modular platforms in Stellantis’ lineup, alongside STLA Small, STLA Medium, and STLA Large, each designed for flexibility and upgradability in components such as battery chemistry, electric motors, and software.

The STLA Frame platform features a ladder-type frame chassis, with a widened central section to house the battery pack for electric models. A full-length belly pan reduces aerodynamic drag, maximising efficiency. Battery sizes will range from 159 kWh to over 200 kWh, supporting 800-volt architecture for high-speed charging up to 350 kW, adding 160km of range in just 10 minutes under optimal conditions. Series PHEVs will use a 400-volt system, capable of charging at up to 175 kW.

2025 Ram 1500 REV

Performance-wise, the platform supports up to 804km of range in EV mode and 1,110km in series PHEV mode. It offers impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,350kg and a payload capacity of 1,224kg, surpassing the performance of some current Ram light-duty models. The platform is designed for off-road enthusiasts, able to ford up to 24 inches of water and accommodate tyres up to 33 inches in diameter, with ground clearance ranging from 6.6 to 10.3 inches. Dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations are supported, with the most powerful electric motors delivering 335hp, enabling some models to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds.

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