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Jeep Takes European Car Of The Year Title For The First Time With Avenger EV

Since the European Car of the Year (COTY) awards began in 1964, the winners have come from European brands with the first one from Japan in 1993. That of course discounts Ford as being as American brand as the Ford models that won were essentially European models. So there has never been an American brand winning the European COTY – until 2023.

At the Brussels Motor Show today, the Jeep Avenger was announced as this year’s winner, probably a surprise to many as there were strong contenders among the other six finalists. It’s the first time that Jeep – a thoroughly American brand – has won the award though other brands in the Stellantis Group (which it is part of) have won awards over the years.

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Mazda Brings Back The Rotary Engine – As Part Of A Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain in MX-30 e-SKYACTIV

The Wankel rotary engine was first used in a car in 1964 and it seemed like a revolutionary concept that many carmakers licensed it to use for their models. However, virtually all found it to have issues which they didn’t want to waste time and money trying to address and gave up. Only Mazda worked hard to commercialize the rotary engine and succeeded in doing so from 1967.

Unfortunately, some of the characteristics of the rotary engine – high emissions and consumption – were unacceptable as the world grew more environment conscious. By 2012, Mazda had no choice but to stop using the rotary engine and it seemed that it was gone forever. From time to time, there would be rumours of its return and Mazda insiders would say ‘we are working on it but still need time…’. The last time the rumour was strong was with the Vision Study Coupe concept.

Today, the rotary engine returns but not in the way enthusiasts would expect it. It is not used as a primary propulsion system but is instead adapted for use more as a power generator in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain of the new MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV model.

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Mitsubishi XPANDER Venture Event Shows Off Capabilities Of 7-Seater Crossover

Words, pictures and even videos cannot convey the same appreciation of a vehicle’s capabilities in the same way as personally driving it, and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) understands that. To provide the experiences of its products, it has had events where the public can get behind the wheel to take a test-drive in specially prepared courses. To show more extreme capabilities of models like the Triton, they even brought in Dakar Rally champ, Hiroshi Masuoka, to provide ‘taxi rides’.

During the first quarter of 2023, there are opportunities to experience their bestselling model, the XPANDER 7-seater crossover, at the Mitsubishi XPANDER Venture Event. The first one will be held this weekend (January 14/15) at Dataran Karnival, Perkarangan Shah Alam, Selangor. The location is next to the Shah Alam Stadium (click here for directions).

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Nissan Promotions For Chinese New Year

Festive seasons are times when many people may want something new to celebrate and if it’s a new car you’re considering, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has some special offers for new Nissan vehicles. Its Chinese New Year promotion to welcome the Year of the Rabbit is from January 1 to 31, 2023 and purchasers of the new Nissan Serena, Navara, X-Trail and Almera can enjoy savings of up to RM9,950.

The promotion includes an add-on of RM1,000 for a customized Accessories Package for the respective models, as shown below:

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BMW Group Malaysia and Pentas Flora Sign MoU To Recycle Used Oil From Service Centres

In the automotive aftersales industry, waste products are unavoidable and over the years, the more responsible companies have ensured that the waste products are properly disposed and do not damage the environment. Local authorities also have strict regulations to ensure that waste products like used oil do not get into the public drainage system.

One of the companies which has stepped up its efforts in this area of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is BMW Group Malaysia which recently commemorated their partnership with Pentas Flora in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

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eVX – The Suzuki Vitara Of The Future

To show what its future direction is like, Suzuki is presenting its eVX concept model at India’s Auto Expo 2023 in Delhi this week. The eVX is the carmaker’s first global strategic electric vehicle (EV) which will be the basis of an all-new SUV model to be launched in 2025.

The design of the eVX draws on models like the Grand Vitara and S-Cross while moving the brand forward with new elements that brings its 4×4 legacy into the electric era. With no need for air to cool the radiator, the front end is closed off and a large Suzuki badge is mounted in the centre. The futuristic lights are likely to be just for the showcar as they would unlikely be able to meet regulations.

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