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UMW Toyota Motor Delivers Outstanding Sales Performance In September 2024

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has reported impressive sales figures for September 2024, with approximately 7,700 units sold, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) total to over 72,000 units. This sustained growth highlights UMWT’s strong standing in the Malaysian automotive market, driven by its reliable and innovative vehicle lineup.

The Toyota Vios, Hilux, and Corolla Cross led the sales, accounting for 69% of units sold, underscoring the trust Malaysian consumers place in Toyota for quality, durability, and performance. These models cater to a wide range of customer needs, from urban commutes to off-road adventures.

Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, expressed his satisfaction with the results, attributing the success to the loyalty of customers and the strength of Toyota’s product offerings. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering value and innovation to meet Malaysian consumers’ evolving demands.

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Sime Darby Motors Achieves Over 10,000 BYD Sales in Malaysia

Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, recently celebrated a significant achievement, surpassing 10,000 BYD cars sold nationwide. To commemorate this milestone, Sime Darby Motors hosted a special event called the ‘BYD Dream Drive Melaka 2024’, a convoy drive involving more than 60 BYD vehicles. The convoy departed from the BYD showroom in Ara Damansara and headed to Melaka for an exciting two-day, one-night journey. The choice of Melaka as the destination was particularly meaningful, as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, celebrating historical ties between the two nations.

During their stay in Melaka, participants enjoyed cultural activities, including a visit to Encore Melaka to watch the Puteri Hang Li Po Musical Theatre, a performance based on the historical story of Sultan Mansur Shah and Princess Hang Li Po from China’s Ming Dynasty. This cultural highlight reinforced the significance of the golden anniversary of Malaysia-China relations.

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Innovation Recognised: Berjaya Sompo Triumphs at Global Brand and Economics Awards

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad has been recognised at both the Global Brand Awards and The Global Economics Awards, securing accolades for Most Innovative Motor Insurance Brand (SOMPO Motor & SOMPO MotorSafe) and Most Innovative Mobile Application (MySOMPO).

Offering much more than basic motor protection, Berjaya Sompo’s innovative policies deliver peace of mind with features like special perils coverage, unlimited towing, and all-drivers protection—all included seamlessly, without the need for additional add-ons. Combined with the award-winning MySOMPO app, customers enjoy hassle-free access to roadside assistance, claims submissions, rewards, and more, directly from their smartphones.

These wins highlight Berjaya Sompo’s dedication to innovation and its focus on empowering drivers through The Good Drivers initiative. This programme, part of The Good Policy, offers comprehensive motor protection alongside education on car care, safety, and financial security.

The MySOMPO app further elevates the customer experience with easy claims submission, 24-hour roadside assistance, and more—proving the company’s leadership in digital insurance solutions.

To learn more about The Good Drivers initiative, visit: https://www.berjayasompo.com.my/good-drivers

EV Market Faces First Decline as Hybrids Gain Ground in 2024

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are facing new challenges as the market share for fully electric vehicles has retracted in 2024 for the first time since the data collection began, according to a report from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. While the decline is minimal—just 0.1%—it signals a shift in consumer preferences. Despite this setback, traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have experienced the largest drop in market share, losing 2.3% in 2024. Consumers are instead gravitating toward plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and traditional hybrids, with market share increases of 0.3% and 2.2%, respectively.

EV sales have seen substantial growth over the past few years, particularly during the pandemic, rising from less than 1% of total vehicle sales in 2016 to nearly 8% by the end of 2023. However, the cooling of EV demand in 2024 could signal a shift toward hybrid technologies as buyers seek alternatives that balance electric and traditional petrol power.

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Negligent Maintenance: A Key Factor in Commercial Vehicle Accidents, Warns JPJ

Negligent vehicle maintenance has been identified as a significant cause of accidents involving commercial vehicles, according to the Director General of the Road Transport Department (JPJ), Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

Speaking at a press conference during the Commercial Vehicle Special Operation at Batu 5, Jalan Bangi Lama, he highlighted that many of these accidents stem from non-compliance with technical standards required for roadworthiness, which is often due to poor maintenance practices, according to Harian Metro.

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McLaren W1: McLaren’s Most Powerful Road Car – 1,258hp, 1,339Nm of Torque

The McLaren W1 marks another monumental achievement in McLaren’s history, combining cutting-edge hybrid technology with staggering performance figures. More than 30 years after the legendary McLaren F1 set the hypercar standard, and a decade after the hybrid P1 revolutionised the segment, McLaren is again pushing the boundaries with its most powerful road car ever.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the McLaren W1 is the all-new MPH-8 twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, which delivers a jaw-dropping 916hp and boasts the highest power density of any McLaren engine ever—an astounding 230 bhp-per-litre. Complementing this powerful V8 is an advanced hybrid system called the E-Module, which adds 342hp through a compact radial flux electric motor and a 1.4 kWh battery pack. The total combined output reaches an impressive 1,258hp and 1339Nm of torque.

This power allows the W1 to sprint from 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 349km/h, matching the McLaren P1. The hybrid system also offers a minimal electric-only range of 2km.

Lightweight Design and Aerodynamics

One of the most remarkable features of the W1 is its lightweight construction. Despite its hybrid components, the car has a dry weight of just 1398kg, only 4kgs heavier than the P1. McLaren’s engineers achieved this by trimming 40kgs from the hybrid system compared to the P1. The chassis, dubbed Aerocell, is a monocoque design that integrates fixed seating, allowing for more compact dimensions, while also offering adjustable steering and pedals.

Aerodynamics are a key focus in the W1’s design. With over 350 hours of wind tunnel testing, McLaren refined the W1 to be its most aerodynamic car yet. The Active Long Tail rear wing, inspired by the F1 GTR, dynamically adjusts to improve drag and downforce. The W1 generates a total downforce of 2,205 pounds—with 772 pounds at the front and 1,433 pounds at the rear in Race mode. An innovative airflow diverter on the roof channels fresh air to the engine, further enhancing cooling and performance.

Handling and Braking

The W1 is equipped with McLaren’s Race Active Chassis Control III, offering configurable suspension settings: Comfort, Sport, and Race. In Race mode, the car’s ride height drops by 1.5 inches at the front and 0.7 inches at the rear, and the long tail spoiler extends up to 11.8 inches, also acting as an air brake.

To match its immense power, the W1 uses carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear. From 100km/h, the W1 can come to a complete stop in 95 feet, and from 200km/h, it requires just 328 feet.

The W1 rides on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires as standard, with options for P Zero R tyres for daily driving or P Zero Winter tires for colder conditions.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the W1 offers a minimalist but high-tech cockpit, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It includes USB-A and USB-C connections, along with a small storage shelf that offers 116L of space behind the seats.

Exclusivity and Pricing

As expected from such an extreme hypercar, the McLaren W1 is priced at a hefty $2.1 million. McLaren plans to build only 399 units, all of which are already sold out.

The McLaren W1 continues the brand’s legacy of redefining what is possible in automotive engineering, delivering a driving experience that blends extraordinary power, lightweight construction, and advanced hybrid technology.