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Direct Lending partners with Tan Chong Motor to Introduce a Shariah-compliant Auto Service Financing Plan

Direct Lending, a prominent Malaysian digital lending platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (Tan Chong) to introduce a Shariah-compliant, fully digital auto service financing plan at Nissan Service Centres across the nation.

Aligned with its commitment to offering Nissan car owners a seamless experience at their service centres, Tan Chong customers can now undergo financial eligibility checks and document validation via the online platform, enabling immediate financing compared to conventional options. This initiative aims to provide peace of mind for car owners by offering increased flexibility in managing their car service and repair expenses, with a repayment period of up to 12 months.

The application process is streamlined into three simple steps: applicants fill in their details, submit their identification card along with the last three months’ bank statements, and finalise the process by making the first payment, setting up monthly payments, and signing the financing agreement—all completed digitally via smartphone.

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The New Porsche Panamera is Available to Order Now – Starting from RM1.3 Million

The third-generation Porsche Panamera embodies the fusion of luxury and sportiness, with significant enhancements across design, performance, and technology.

One of the standout features is the Porsche Active Ride suspension system, which strikes a balance between comfort and performance, ensuring a smooth ride while maintaining the car’s dynamic driving characteristics. Coupled with the optional rear-axle steering, the Panamera offers superior handling and agility on the road.

Under the hood, the 2.9-litre V6 turbo engine has been revamped to deliver 353PS and 500Nm of torque – an increase of 23PS and 50Nm compared to its predecessor. This results in improved acceleration and top speed. Combined with the 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the Panamera achieves impressive performance metrics, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds.

The exterior design reflects the Panamera’s sporting character, with modern updates that enhance its visual appeal and aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the driver-centred control concept ensures intuitive access to essential driving functions, while the optional passenger display integrates the co-pilot into the driving experience seamlessly.

The latest driver-centred control concept is also featured in the new Panamera. An ideal balance between digital and analogue control elements, the Porsche Driver Experience control concept positions the input and output elements essential for driving along the driver’s axis. The gear selector lever is located at the left of the steering wheel. The mode switch for the Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving programmes and the assistance control stalks are also directly accessible to the driver. This means that they don’t need to take their eyes off the road in order to adjust the drive programmes and assistance systems.

An optional passenger display closely integrates the passenger into the driving experience. The 10.9-inch screen displays vehicle performance data on request. It also allows operation of the infotainment system and supports video streaming while the car is in motion. In order to avoid distracting whomever is behind the wheel, the passenger display cannot be seen from the driver’s seat.

The digital experience is further enriched by the integration of the driver’s personal ecosystem through the Porsche Communication Management (PCM), offering enhanced connectivity and usability. Advanced assistance systems, including standard Matrix LED headlights and traffic sign recognition, elevate safety and convenience for the driver.

With its comprehensive standard equipment and extended range of features, the new Porsche Panamera sets a new benchmark in the luxury sedan segment. Available for order starting from RM1,300,000, it represents a compelling choice for discerning drivers seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.

The USMCA Conundrum: Mexico’s Dilemma with Chinese Automakers

The recent developments in Mexico regarding its relationship with Chinese automakers underscore the complex dynamics at play in the global automotive industry and the shifting landscape of international trade.

With pressure from the United States, Mexico has put meetings with Chinese carmakers on hold, reflecting concerns about potential circumvention of tariffs and the implications for North American EV production under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This move highlights the growing influence of geopolitical considerations on trade policies and industry dynamics.

The Biden administration’s stance against allowing Chinese automakers to flood the market with vehicles perceived as a threat to national security aligns with broader efforts to protect domestic industries and strategic interests. As Mexico navigates these pressures, it faces the challenge of balancing its economic relationships with the US and China while safeguarding its own interests and maintaining its position within the global automotive supply chain.

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Automobili Pininfarina Unveils Bruce Wayne-Inspired Electric Vehicles

Automobili Pininfarina has collaborated with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and Relevance International to create a collection of bespoke pure-electric vehicles inspired by DC’s Bruce Wayne. These cars, named the B95 and Battista, come in two distinct trims which are Gotham and Dark Knight, reflecting different aspects of Wayne’s persona.

The Gotham trim embodies Bruce Wayne’s civilian sophistication, featuring tan leather upholstery with bespoke quilting and tan stitching. The Gotham Battista sports an Argento Vittorio gloss paint finish with a Nero Torino gloss paint Goccia roof, while the Gotham B95 has matching wheels and detailing.

On the other hand, the Dark Knight trim represents Wayne’s use of technology in his fight against Gotham City’s criminal underworld. It features black Alcantara and leather upholstery with black and gold duo-tone contrast stitching. The Dark Knight Battista comes in Nero Profondo gloss paint with a Nero Torino ‘Goccia’ roof, while the Dark Knight B95 matches with ceramic-polished rims.

Both the B95 and Battista models are powered by a high-capacity 120kWh lithium-ion battery and four motors, generating 1,900hp and accelerating from 0-100km/h in less than two seconds. The interiors feature new door and roof designs with curved glass to lighten the interior ambience. Additionally, the vehicles boast Wayne Enterprises-inspired HMI display enhancements and unique exterior detailing, such as Wayne Enterprises logos and aluminium chassis and door plates.

While the pricing for these Batman-themed special editions has not been disclosed, the standard Battista starts at $2.2 million, while the B95 is priced at $4.8 million.

BMW Drops the “i” From Its ICE Models After 50 Years

It’s indeed a significant shift for BMW to drop the iconic “i” from the end of its internal combustion engine model names, marking the end of a tradition that dates back to the early 1970s. Originally denoting the use of fuel injection, the “i” became synonymous with BMW’s lineup, indicating models that featured the latest automotive technology.

However, as BMW expanded its range to include SUVs, roadsters, and electric vehicles, the significance of the “i” began to blur. With the introduction of electric cars, where “i” stood for “innovation,” the distinction between petrol and electric models became less clear.

The decision to simplify the naming structure by dropping the “i” from internal combustion engine models reflects BMW’s commitment to clarity and consistency. By using a format where the first number indicates the model and the last two numbers represent the engine, BMW aims to streamline its lineup and make it easier for customers to understand.

The transition will occur gradually, with the next-generation X3 being the first to drop the “i,” followed by other models such as the 1 Series and possibly the 2 Series Gran Coupe. The facelifted 7 Series may also undergo this change.

Although the decision may disappoint some fans who have grown accustomed to the “i” designation over the years, it reflects BMW’s commitment to adapting its brand identity to evolving market trends and technological advancements.

Aston Martin’s New V12 Engine Produces 1,000Nm of Torque!

Aston Martin has unveiled a groundbreaking new V12 engine, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s storied history of producing powerful and luxurious vehicles. With a staggering 835PS and an extraordinary 1000Nm of torque, this new engine sets a new standard for performance and efficiency in its class.

The development of this new V12 engine represents a meticulous process of optimisation and improvement, with every aspect of the internal combustion process refined to deliver unparalleled power and efficiency. Key hardware highlights include a strengthened cylinder block and conrods, redesigned cylinder heads with reprofiled camshafts, and new intake and exhaust ports.

Additionally, repositioned spark plugs and higher flowrate fuel injectors ensure optimised combustion, while new higher-speed, reduced-inertia turbochargers enhance performance and throttle response.

The new V12 engine will be featured exclusively in Aston Martin’s most exclusive and limited availability models, underscoring its status as a symbol of luxurious sporting intent. Handcrafted in strictly limited numbers, it will debut in a new flagship model later in 2024, further solidifying Aston Martin’s reputation for dynamic excellence and innovation. Further technical details about the new flagship model will be revealed closer to its launch date.