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Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Cullinan Series II, building on the success of its predecessor since its initial launch in 2018. While the Cullinan has been known for its off-road capabilities, the Series II iteration aims to cater to an increasingly urban demographic, incorporating elements of self-driving technology and appealing to a younger clientele.

The exterior design of the Cullinan Series II reflects a modern urban aesthetic, with a focus on clean lines and verticality. The front features a new lamp treatment, emphasising tall daytime running light graphics inspired by illuminated skyscrapers. The illuminated pantheon grille, a first for the Cullinan, adds to its commanding presence on the road.

In profile, the Series II boasts subtle changes to the surfacing, including a new feature line leading from the taillight to the rear wheel, creating a sense of movement. The addition of upsized 23-inch wheels further enhances the SUV’s stance.

A new paint finish called Emperador Truffle, inspired by brown marble, adds a contemporary touch to the exterior.

Inside, the Cullinan Series II features a pillar-to-pillar glass-panel fascia in the upper portion of the dashboard, housing digital displays and incorporating advanced technology like the SPIRIT operating system.

Connectivity has been enhanced throughout the vehicle, with features such as the Whispers app for remote vehicle management and rear seat infotainment with streaming capabilities. Additionally, the Cullinan Series II introduces Bluetooth headphone pairing for the rear seat entertainment system.

For those seeking a more dynamic interpretation of the Cullinan, the Black Badge Cullinan Series II is available at launch. It features a distinct front-end treatment with a darkened grille and blacked-out exterior elements. The interior of the Black Badge variant maintains the dark ambience, with darkened metal finishes and a unique Clock Cabinet featuring an up-lit Spirit of Ecstasy figurine.

Under the hood, both the standard Cullinan and Black Badge Cullinan Series II are powered by the same twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine, delivering 600PS and 900Nm of torque. However, Rolls-Royce has indicated that the days of the V12 engine are numbered, with a commitment to transitioning to electric power by 2030.

The Cullinan Series II represents a bold evolution of the iconic luxury SUV, combining modern design, advanced technology, and uncompromising performance.

Gallery: The Cullinan Series II

Gallery: Cullinan Series II Black Badge

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM) has unveiled the NRC (Nissan Retail Concept) -NEXT concept for its latest Nissan showroom in Cyberjaya, Selangor. This showroom transformation initiative follows similar upgrades to three other showrooms, including the 3S Flagship Store in Petaling Jaya, over the past two years. The introduction of this new showroom concept underscores the company’s dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences and enhancing satisfaction as customers engage with the Nissan brand.

The NRC-NEXT concept aims to revolutionise Nissan dealerships and uphold world-class service standards for Nissan customers worldwide. It focuses on showcasing Nissan’s brand values throughout the entire customer journey at the dealership touchpoint, whether it involves test driving the latest models or scheduling regular service appointments. Every aspect of a NRC- or NRC-NEXT-compliant retail facility is reimagined and refined to deliver excitement and satisfaction to customers.

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PRO-NET has announced the expansion of its charging infrastructure network in response to the increasing demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in Malaysia. With a commitment to accelerating adoption and facilitating convenient travel for EV owners, our organisation is dedicated to providing seamless access to fast and efficient charging solutions across the country.

Since the introduction of the Proton DC Charger at its headquarters last October, PRO-NET has been proactively expanding the charging infrastructure at its Proton Edar Dealerships. In collaboration with partner Gentari, we have successfully deployed six (6) DC Chargers, totalling twelve (12) charging bays, each equipped with two nozzles. This rollout includes a variety of charger types, including 50 kW, 60 kW, 100 kW, and 120 kW DC chargers.

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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has unveiled the latest variant of the popular C-Class: the Mercedes-Benz C 350e Plug-in Hybrid. Assembled at the production plant in Pekan, this model seamlessly combines electric power with traditional fuel for enhanced efficiency.

Under the hood, the C 350e Plug-in Hybrid features a 2.0-litre engine delivering 204hp at 6,100 rpm, coupled with a torque of 320Nm from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. In addition, an electric motor with a rated output of 127hp and a torque of 440Nm supplements the combustion engine, resulting in a maximum rated power system output of 313hp and a peak torque of 550Nm. With an electric range of up to 117km (WLTP), the C 350 e prioritises sustainable mobility.

The car’s high-voltage (HV) battery, with an energy content of 25.4 kWh, supports various journeys and features an internal cooling system for optimal performance. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds and reaching a top speed of 245km/h, the C 350e offers agility and versatility.

Externally, the C-Class boasts AMG Line styling with a distinctive Mercedes-Benz pattern grille and 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels. The Night Package adds sporty design elements in high-gloss black, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

 

Inside, the AMG Line interior features metal structure trim elements, a multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, and Artico man-made leather upholstery. The cabin is equipped with a high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD screen, an 11.9-inch touchscreen central display, and the latest generation of MBUX multimedia system for a digital and intelligent driving experience.

Safety features include a 360° camera, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Guard 360° Vehicle protection. The driving experience is enhanced with an energy recovery function, route-based operating strategy, and selectable driving modes.

Mercedes-Benz Financial offers the Agility+ Plan tailored to the C 350e, providing benefits such as lower monthly instalments, flexible end-of-agreement options, and a guaranteed future value. Additionally, customers enjoy an additional 6 times service packages and up to RM3,800 Star Protect (Motor Insurance) support.

The Mercedes-Benz C 350e is priced at RM338,888 (including 10% ST) for Peninsular Malaysia, inclusive of a 6-year / 100,000 km high-voltage battery warranty.

At the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, Great Wall Motors (GWM) made waves with a global press conference, spotlighting its strides in global development and charting a course forward aligned with its vision of “ecological globalisation.”

GWM’s global strategy spans the entire value chain, from research to production and sales. With local subsidiaries and a focus on localised marketing and product development, GWM operates vehicle production plants in Thailand and Brazil, complemented by KD factories in Pakistan, Ecuador, and other regions. This localisation enables tailored R&D and production to meet regional driving environments and preferences.

Mr. Parker Shi, Head of GWM International and VP of GWM Group, delved into the company’s global journey, highlighting the success of its five major product series across over 170 countries and regions, serving over 1.4 million international users. In 2023, overseas sales surged past 314,000 vehicles, signalling substantial year-on-year growth.

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German cars have long been associated with luxury and performance, but when it comes to reliability, they often fall short compared to their Japanese counterparts. However, one notable exception to this trend is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a rugged off-roader that has stood the test of time since its debut in 1979.

2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Michael Schiebe, CEO of AMG and head of the G-Class and Maybach business units, recently spoke about the legendary durability of the G-Class during a roundtable interview in France. He highlighted that an impressive 80 per cent of all G-Class vehicles ever produced are still on the road today, a testament to their longevity and reliability.

Despite the complexity of its design and higher servicing costs compared to compact cars, the G-Class has proven to be a stalwart in terms of durability. Schiebe emphasised that the new electric G-Class, equipped with EQ Technology, is expected to maintain the same level of longevity as its gas-powered counterparts.

Mercedes-Benz reached a significant milestone in 2023 with the production of the 500,000th G-Class, indicating that over 400,000 of these vehicles are still actively driving on roads worldwide. This remarkable retention rate surpasses that of other iconic vehicles like the Porsche 911.

With the introduction of the electric G580 and other variants, Mercedes-Benz aims to cater to a wider range of customer preferences. Schiebe expressed confidence that both dealers and customers will find satisfaction in the expanded lineup, which now includes options for V-8 enthusiasts, efficiency-focused drivers, and those embracing electric mobility.

Mercedes-AMG G 63
Mercedes-AMG G 63

In a strategic move, Mercedes-Benz is diversifying its G-Class lineup for the 2025 model year, offering powertrain options beyond the traditional V-8 engine. This marks a significant shift from the brand’s reliance on V-8 power since the G-Class’s introduction in the US in 2002. The new lineup includes an electric variant and a turbo inline-six model with mild-hybrid technology, providing customers with a broader range of choices to suit their preferences and driving needs.

As Schiebe aptly summarised, Mercedes-Benz has implemented a “de-risking strategy” by offering a diverse lineup of G-Class variants, ensuring that there is a model to meet the needs and desires of every customer while maintaining the iconic appeal of the legendary G-Wagon.

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