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Maserati Faces Sales Slump but Stellantis Reaffirms Commitment

Maserati has had a challenging start to 2024, with sales dropping by over 50% in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, totalling just 6,500 units. The luxury Italian brand also reported an adjusted operating loss of €82 million, highlighting a significant financial struggle.

Despite these setbacks, Stellantis, the parent company of Maserati, has reaffirmed its commitment to the brand. On July 30, Stellantis emphasised that it remains dedicated to Maserati’s future, rejecting speculation that the brand might be at risk of being sold or shut down.

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Increased Penalties for Vehicle-Related Pollution Under New Environmental Law

The Environmental Quality Act (Amendment) 2024 (Act 127), which took effect on July 7, 2024, has significantly increased the penalties for vehicle users causing noise and air pollution. Under the new law, offenders can face fines of up to RM500,000, a sharp increase from the previous range of RM300 to RM2,000.

According to BH, Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, Director-General of Environment, highlighted that the amended act extends its reach beyond manufacturers and industries to include vehicle users. The new fines target those who contribute to pollution through excessive noise and black smoke emissions. This development follows the act’s gazetting on June 6, 2024.

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Toyota Unveils 2025 GR Corolla with New 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

Toyota has once again pushed the boundaries of performance with the introduction of the 2025 GR Corolla, featuring the new 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT). This latest model is set to bring a fresh wave of excitement to both manual transmission enthusiasts and those who prefer a focus on handling.

Following the GR Corolla’s initial reveal in 2022, Toyota’s Akio Toyoda, known as MORIZO, challenged his team to innovate further. The result is the first GR Corolla equipped with the advanced DAT, designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience inspired by track testing.

The new GR Corolla, tested rigorously on renowned circuits like Fuji International Speedway, boasts an increase in engine torque from 370Nm to 399Nm This enhancement, coupled with refined suspension components, promises an impressive driving performance.

Exterior and Interior Upgrades

The GR Corolla features a redesigned front bumper to accommodate optional cooling components while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the car sports a darker, sportier aesthetic with new trim finishes, enhancing the tactile experience for drivers.

GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission

The 8-speed DAT is a standout feature, offering rapid gear shifts and optimised performance. Unlike previous models, the DAT uses sophisticated control software to sense driver inputs—such as brake and accelerator usage—to predict the optimal timing for gear shifts. This technology aims to provide a driving experience akin to that of professional racers.

Performance Enhancements

For 2025, the GR Corolla is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre G16E-GTS engine, delivering 300hp and 399Nm of torque. To ensure the engine and transmission remain at peak performance, an automatic transmission fluid cooler is standard, with a sub-radiator available as an option on higher grades.

The car’s suspension has been upgraded with rebound springs and improved rear coils to enhance traction and stability during dynamic driving. The GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system, developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, offers three drive modes—Normal, Gravel, and Track—allowing drivers to adjust torque distribution for various driving conditions.

Standard Features and Availability

The 2025 GR Corolla will come equipped with front and rear Torsen Limited-Slip Differentials (LSD) for superior cornering performance. Additionally, launch control has been incorporated to facilitate powerful acceleration from a standstill.

Toyota plans to make the new GR Corolla available at dealerships this Winter, with further details on pricing and specifications to be released later in the year. The latest model aims to attract both seasoned driving enthusiasts and those seeking an exhilarating sports car experience.

All-New Proton e.MAS7 Previewed – Scheduled To Go On Sale by End Of The Year

Proton has officially introduced its eagerly awaited electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS7, marking a significant milestone in the Malaysian automaker’s EV journey. Set to redefine the electric SUV segment, the e.MAS7 combines cutting-edge technology with impressive performance, positioning itself as a sophisticated addition to Proton’s expanding electric vehicle lineup.

The Proton e.MAS7 represents a significant advancement in Proton’s electric vehicle lineup. Co-developed with Geely, this project involved 230 Proton engineers and designers and required 700,000 man hours and 10 million kilometres of testing. The e.MAS7 is built on Geely’s Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA), an evolution of the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA). This platform integrates the battery into the car’s body shell, enhancing rigidity and overall performance. Proton brands this as the Global Modular Architecture (GMA), which aligns with the GEA but is marketed under a different name.

Performance and Battery

The e.MAS7 features a front-mounted electric motor generating 218PS and 320Nm of torque. It achieves a 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h. The vehicle offers two battery options: a 49.52 kWh battery with a range of up to 440km CLTC and a 60.22 kWh battery providing up to 530km CLTC (WLTP is around 420km). The battery technology includes Geely’s Aegis short blade LFP cells, which promise up to 3,500 cycles or approximately 1 million kilometres of driving. Fast-charging capability allows the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Design and Features

While the exact design remains under wraps, the e.MAS7 draws design cues from the Geely E5, featuring slim headlamps, air curtains, flush door handles, and full-width taillights. The interior is expected to resemble that of the E5, equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.4-inch infotainment display, and advanced driver assistance systems. A Proton-specific app will offer telematics and integrate with charging networks.

Market Position and Pricing

The e.MAS7 falls into the C-segment SUV category, measuring 4,615mm in length, 1,901mm in width, and 1,670mm in height. It is positioned between models like the BYD Atto 3 and smart #1, and the Tesla Model Y in terms of size. Pricing in Malaysia will depend on whether the vehicle is fully imported or locally assembled.

Availability

The Proton e.MAS7 is slated for order starting December 2024, with initial availability across 29 dealerships nationwide.

With its advanced technology, competitive range, and innovative design, the Proton e.MAS7 is poised to make a significant impact in the Malaysian EV market.

Volvo Car Malaysia Unveils “A Volvo Made for You” Showcase

Volvo Car Malaysia is set to host a unique event titled “A Volvo Made for You,” celebrating the customisation potential of its fully electric models. This exclusive showcase will take place at the Sentul Depot in Kuala Lumpur from Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 11, featuring a range of special offers and accessory upgrades.

The event, running daily from 10 am to 6 pm, will spotlight Volvo’s C40 and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric models. Visitors will experience these models as canvases for personal expression, enhanced by exclusive one-off offers and complimentary accessory upgrades.

Special Offers and Accessory Packages

During the showcase, customers purchasing a new C40 or XC40 Recharge Pure Electric can take advantage of additional offers, including cash rebates of up to RM25,000. Alternatively, they can opt for the Volvo ‘Made for You’ accessory package valued at RM43,000. This package includes integrated running boards, a sleek hubcap kit, 20” rims and tyres, an illuminated tailgate scuff plate, and a digital interior rearview mirror to further refine the models’ appearance and functionality.

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Proton Achieves Strong Sales Performance in July

Proton has marked a robust start to the second half of 2024 with impressive sales figures, posting a total of 15,103 units sold in July across both domestic and export markets. This surge represents a notable 37.3% rebound from the previous month, which was impacted by a planned plant shutdown for operational improvements. July’s sales volume is the highest recorded since September 2022, reinforcing Proton’s solid position as the second-largest automaker in Malaysia.

Year-to-date (YTD) sales up to the end of July have reached 88,799 units. The total industry volume (TIV) for July is estimated at 73,761 units, reflecting a 27.1% increase over the previous month. Proton’s market share for July has risen to 20.5%, highlighting the brand’s growing influence in the automotive sector.

The Proton Saga, a longstanding favourite in Malaysia, led the sales charge in July, achieving its best monthly sales performance in over a decade. With 7,855 units sold, the Saga reached its highest sales figure since October 2013. Year-to-date sales for the Saga stand at 42,693 units, representing an 8.8% increase compared to 2023 and positioning the model for a standout year.

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Latest News

Maserati Faces Sales Slump but Stellantis Reaffirms Commitment

Increased Penalties for Vehicle-Related Pollution Under New Environmental Law

Toyota Unveils 2025 GR Corolla with New 8-Speed Automatic Transmission

All-New Proton e.MAS7 Previewed – Scheduled To Go On Sale by End Of The Year

Volvo Car Malaysia Unveils “A Volvo Made for You” Showcase

Proton Achieves Strong Sales Performance in July

Hyundai Unveils Elantra N TCR Edition: A High-Performance Sedan with Motorsport DNA

Lexus Unveils Facelifted ES Sedan in China with Updated Design and Features

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Peugeot End of the Year Sales: Savings of Up to RM26,388!

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KLIMS 2024: A Grand Celebration of Mobility and Innovation

SAIC Motor Malaysia Strengthens MG Aftersales Support with New Parts Warehouse

Two Lucky Winners Announced In Proton’s Test Drive & Win Campaign

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