Home - Piston.my

Piston.my

Latest News

Mini Plant Oxford Resumes Production of Mini Cooper Convertible

Mini Plant Oxford, the historic home of the Mini brand, has resumed production of the Mini Cooper Convertible for the first time since 2015. The convertible now joins the Mini Cooper 3-Door and Mini Cooper 5-Door, establishing Oxford as the production hub for the entire Mini Cooper family.

A New Era for the Mini Convertible

The relaunch of the fourth-generation Mini Cooper Convertible, announced last month, brings a refreshed design inside and out alongside an advanced digital experience.

Integrated UK Manufacturing

Production of the Mini Convertible involves contributions from three UK-based BMW Group facilities:

BMW Group Plant Swindon: Responsible for body pressings and sub-assemblies.
BMW Group Plant Hams Hall (North Warwickshire): Manufactures the advanced four-cylinder petrol engines.
Mini Plant Oxford: Handles body shell production, paintwork, and final assembly.

(more…)

BYD Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Historic 10-Millionth NEV Milestone

BYD, the global leader in new energy vehicles (NEVs) and power batteries, achieved a monumental milestone by rolling off its 10-millionth NEV from its Xiaomo Production Base in the Shenzhen-Shanwei Special Cooperation Zone. This achievement, marking the company’s 30th anniversary, highlights BYD’s commitment to sustainable transportation and reinforces its standing as a global automotive leader.

Pioneering NEV Production

BYD is the first automaker globally to produce 10 million NEVs, a feat achieved through a rapid acceleration of production. The company took 15 years to manufacture its first 5 million NEVs but achieved the next 5 million in just 15 months. This milestone underscores BYD’s strategic focus on NEVs and its leadership in sustainable development.

The 10-millionth vehicle, a DENZA Z9, was ceremoniously presented to Mr. Feng Ji, the Founder and CEO of Game Science, known for the critically acclaimed game Black Myth: Wukong.

(more…)

Surviving Borneo: We Experience Borneo Safari, One of The Toughest 4X4 Challenges In The World

When we think of car enthusiasts, we often think of those with a thirst for power, speed, grip and loud engines. But the reality is quite different than that, because car enthusiasts come in all shapes and forms. (more…)

QR Code Usage at Johor Causeway to Expand in 2024

Beginning next year, the use of Quick Response (QR) codes at the Johor Causeway will extend beyond buses and motorcycles to include other modes of transportation, announced Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Currently, QR codes are utilised by Malaysians travelling to Singapore by bus via the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and motorcyclists using the automated MBike Immigration clearance system at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB). While no specific timeline for the implementation was disclosed, Saifuddin confirmed that the procurement process will be finalised within the current financial year.

(more…)

Naza Eastern Motors Unveils the Suzuki Jimny Arctic in Malaysia

Naza Eastern Motors Sdn. Bhd., the exclusive distributor of Suzuki vehicles in Malaysia, has introduced the Suzuki Jimny Arctic, a limited-edition addition to the Jimny 3-Door lineup. The highly anticipated reveal took place at the 3rd edition of the Jimny Lifestyle Drive, a gathering of nearly 50 Suzuki Jimny vehicles for an adventurous convoy to Aman Rimba Private Estate in Janda Baik, Pahang.

A Celebration of Adventure and Innovation

Speaking at the launch, Mohamad Irwan Shahril highlighted the significance of the Jimny Arctic’s unveiling, calling it a “milestone for Suzuki Cars Malaysia.” He emphasised the brand’s commitment to offering vehicles that cater to off-road enthusiasts while maintaining Suzuki’s hallmarks of quality, reliability, and style.

He added, “The Jimny Arctic is a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional vehicles tailored for our local customers. With its unique design enhancements and features, it brings a fresh level of excitement to the SUV market in Malaysia.”

(more…)

CATL Says That Elon Musk Does Not Know How to Make a Battery

Robin Zeng, founder and chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s leading battery manufacturer, has expressed openness to building a U.S. plant if the political climate under President-elect Donald Trump allows for Chinese investment in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.

Barriers to Entry for Chinese Battery Makers

Zeng highlighted that Chinese EV and battery manufacturers, including CATL and BYD, have faced significant trade restrictions in the U.S., including high tariffs, protectionist policies, and national security concerns. The Biden administration’s policies excluded Chinese-made batteries from EV subsidies, while a Republican-backed bill seeks to limit EV incentives for vehicles using Chinese battery technology, even when licensed by American firms like Ford and Tesla.

Despite these challenges, Zeng noted Trump’s potential openness to allowing Chinese automakers to set up U.S.-based manufacturing plants under conditions that benefit American workers. “I do hope that in the future they are open to investments,” Zeng said.

(more…)