Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the nation’s official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles, has proudly marked the production of 40,000 units of its popular Mitsubishi XPANDER. The momentous occasion was celebrated with the presentation of a brand-new XPANDER to Puan Zaty Ewany, a teacher and mother of five, who became the lucky 40,000th owner of the versatile SUV.
Bermaz Xpeng Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of XPENG vehicles in Malaysia, has officially launched the XPENG G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV. Priced from RM165,000, the G6 is now open for bookings, marking a significant milestone for XPENG as it enters the Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) market.
Founded in 2014, XPENG Inc. is a leading Chinese automaker specialising in smart electric vehicles. The company is known for its cutting-edge designs and technologies, aimed at revolutionising mobility. Bermaz Xpeng’s introduction of the G6 in Malaysia aligns with their sustainability objectives, further reinforcing their commitment to minimising environmental impact by embracing green vehicles and technologies.
The XPENG G6, first revealed at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in April 2023, is built on the state-of-the-art SEPA 2.0 platform. This next-generation architecture is designed to deliver advanced technology, comfort, and space, setting a new standard in the mid-size crossover SUV segment.
BYD is set to make waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market with the upcoming reveal of its first electric hot hatch, the Seal 06 GT. The highly anticipated launch is scheduled for August 30, 2024, and marks the automaker’s entry into the performance electric hatchback segment.
The Seal 06 GT was first previewed as the Ocean-M concept at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year. Positioned between the Seal sedan and the Dolphin, both of which belong to BYD’s “Ocean” family of electric vehicles, the Seal 06 GT represents a bold step forward for the Chinese EV giant as it targets enthusiasts in the hot hatch market. The new model is expected to go head-to-head with the MG 4 XPower, another electric performance hatchback making waves in the industry.
While official specifications are yet to be confirmed, previous filings with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) indicate that the Seal 06 GT will be available in two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant with 214hp of power and a dual-motor flagship version producing 415hp. This positions the Seal 06 GT just shy of the MG 4 XPower’s 429hp output, although both models pale in comparison to BYD’s own Seal Performance sedan, which boasts an impressive 522hp.
BMW led the European battery electric vehicle (BEV) market for the first time in July 2024, surpassing Tesla in a significant milestone. According to data from JATO Dynamics, BMW sold 14,869 BEVs during the month, edging out Tesla by approximately 300 units. This shift underscores the growing success of traditional automakers in the electric vehicle (EV) space, despite Tesla’s dominance.
BMW’s achievement comes amid a broader trend where traditional car brands, bolstered by government policies and strong customer loyalty, are beginning to catch up to pure electric vehicle manufacturers. BMW reported a 35% jump in BEV sales from the previous year, while Tesla saw its registrations fall by 16%.
The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index Study highlights the mixed reception of advanced technology in new cars, showing that while some features are praised, others frustrate owners. The study uses a “problems per 100 vehicles” (PP100) scale to rank the tech issues reported by new car owners within 90 days of purchase.
Some of the most problematic features include gesture controls, which recorded 43.4 PP100, with 21% of owners citing a lack of functionality. Hands-free driving assistance systems also received low ratings for usefulness, with even more advanced versions struggling to gain approval. These findings suggest that while automakers are investing heavily in innovative tech, not all of it resonates with customers.
However, certain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like blind spot monitoring scored favourably. These features, which address specific needs in driving, seem to be more appreciated than newer innovations that drivers find unnecessary or confusing.
Volkswagen’s ambitious goal of producing 200 gigawatt-hours of battery capacity by 2030 is now under reconsideration, according to Thomas Schmall, the company’s head of batteries. Speaking to German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS), Schmall acknowledged that the target is not “set in stone” and that future production would depend heavily on the development of the electric vehicle (EV) market.
While the carmaker had initially set a goal of reaching up to 240 gigawatt-hours of battery capacity by the end of the decade, the revised target now stands at 200 gigawatt-hours, primarily through its battery subsidiary, PowerCo. Volkswagen had planned to build six battery factories across Europe by 2030. However, Schmall’s latest comments indicate that this goal may be re-evaluated as the company monitors consumer demand for EVs.
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