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BYD has reported record-breaking electric vehicle (EV) sales for the first quarter of 2025, with nearly one million units sold globally. The Chinese automaker recorded a total of 990,711 passenger vehicle sales in Q1, marking a significant 58.7% increase from the 624,398 units sold in the same period last year.

In March alone, BYD delivered 377,420 vehicles globally, of which 371,419 were passenger cars. This represented a 15% increase compared to February and a 23.1% rise from the previous year. The company also produced 395,091 vehicles in March, a 33% increase from 296,253 units in March 2024. The difference between production and sales stood at 17,671 vehicles.

Export figures reached an all-time monthly high, with 72,723 units sold overseas in March. This marked an 8.5% increase from February and a staggering 90% jump compared to the same month last year. In total, BYD exported 206,084 vehicles in Q1 2025, a sharp 110.5% increase from the first quarter of 2024.

Breaking down the Q1 sales figures, the company sold 416,388 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), reflecting a 39% increase from the 300,114 units sold in Q1 2024. BEVs accounted for 42.2% of total sales, a slight decline from 48.1% in the previous year. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) saw an even greater surge, with 569,710 units sold, up 76% from 324,284 in Q1 2024. PHEVs accounted for 57.8% of total sales, up from 51.9% last year.

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Porsche has initiated a pilot project aimed at recovering valuable raw materials from high-voltage batteries at the end of their lifecycle. The initiative seeks to explore a closed-loop raw material cycle, emphasising the growing importance of recycled battery components and the responsible handling of high-voltage batteries. In the long term, the company plans to establish a dedicated recycling network in collaboration with external partners.

The pilot project is structured in three phases to test a process suitable for large-scale application. In the first phase, high-voltage batteries from development vehicles undergo mechanical shredding, producing a material known as “black mass.” This granulated mixture contains essential elements such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, and lithium. To date, Porsche has generated approximately 65 tons of black mass through this process.

The second phase involves refining the black mass to extract its valuable raw materials. Porsche places particular emphasis on ensuring the quality and purity of these recycled materials to produce high-performance batteries for its electric vehicles.

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Aston Martin has officially released on-road images of the Valhalla as it nears the final stages of validation ahead of its production launch in the second quarter of 2025. Currently undergoing rigorous testing both on-road in the UK and on-track near Barcelona, the mid-engined hybrid supercar is being fine-tuned to ensure exceptional performance in real-world conditions.

The Valhalla has been seen in two striking liveries—Podium Green with Lime Green accents and Verdant Jade with Valkyrie Gold—while being put through its paces at the IDIADA proving ground in Spain. Aston Martin engineers, alongside three-time Le Mans class winner Darren Turner, are conducting final calibrations on steering precision, active aerodynamics, and the thermal braking system’s performance. In addition to track testing, another Valhalla, finished in Satin Scintilla Silver with Lime Green highlights, is undergoing damper calibration on UK roads to refine its ride quality and handling characteristics.

Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s Director of Vehicle Performance and Attributes, emphasized the unprecedented dynamic capability of the Valhalla, made possible by its hybrid powertrain that produces an astonishing 1,079PS and 1,100Nm of torque. The car is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8, the most powerful V8 ever fitted to an Aston Martin, and is paired with three electric motors, allowing for plug-in hybrid capability and a dedicated EV driving mode. It also features Aston Martin’s all-new 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which incorporates an integrated e-Motor and an electronic rear differential for enhanced control and efficiency. The front-axle twin motors contribute to an advanced all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, elevating the supercar’s handling dynamics.

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Hyundai Motor Group has revealed its next-generation infotainment and operating system, dubbed “Pleos,” featuring a large centre display reminiscent of Tesla’s signature touchscreen interface. Set to debut in the second quarter of 2026, the new system promises faster performance, enhanced vehicle connectivity, and a sleek, modern user experience.

Unlike Tesla’s button-free approach, Hyundai’s Pleos will retain physical controls, ensuring ease of use while maintaining a futuristic aesthetic. The decision to integrate knobs and buttons may appeal to drivers who prefer a more tactile interface, avoiding the common frustrations associated with fully touch-based controls.

Tesla has long been recognized for its highly responsive infotainment system, and Hyundai appears to be taking inspiration while offering an alternative for consumers looking to move away from the brand. If the prototype is any indication, Pleos could provide a similarly intuitive and feature-rich experience while distinguishing itself with added convenience.

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PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd has announced adjustments to its Mobile Van Services (MVS) and Mobile Truck Services (MTS) charges, set to take effect on April 1, 2025. The revision comes as part of efforts to align service charges with current operational costs, ensuring continued efficiency, reliability, and safety in vehicle inspections.

Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman stated that the adjustments were made following a comprehensive review to maintain the sustainability of PUSPAKOM’s mobile services. He emphasised that the inspection fees at PUSPAKOM branches remain unchanged, meaning only customers using mobile services will be affected.

“The new rates will apply solely to MTS and MVS, while customers bringing their vehicles to PUSPAKOM branches will not experience any changes,” Mahmood explained. “This adjustment reflects the rising operational costs of our Mobile Services, though the vehicle inspection fee itself remains the same,” he added.

Fleet  Distance  Current  

Charge (RM)

Increment 

(RM)

New Charge (RM)  Increment (%)
MTS  

(per day)

1st 

50km 

3,000.00  300.00  3,300.00  10%
MVS  

(per unit)

1st 

50km 

100.00  20.00  120.00  20%

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Porsche is introducing significant upgrades to its Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system across the 911, Taycan, Panamera, and Cayenne models as part of its latest model year updates. The revised system boasts enhanced performance, expanded digital capabilities, and greater user convenience, reinforcing Porsche’s commitment to innovation beyond just powertrains and chassis technology.

The improvements include the introduction of the Porsche App Center, integration of Amazon Alexa as a digital assistant, and support for Dolby Atmos immersive audio technology. Additionally, Porsche Connect will now be included as standard for 10 years, ensuring a seamless and reliable digital experience for owners.

Faster and More Versatile PCM System

The latest PCM update features new hardware that enhances system responsiveness and computing power, allowing for quicker access to infotainment functions. A key addition is the Porsche App Center, which provides direct access to a wide range of third-party applications, similar to app stores on smartphones and tablets.

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