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Suzuki Motor Corporation is collaborating with Nagoya-based startup Tier IV to develop autonomous driving technology specifically for minicars, aiming to address the unique transportation needs of Japan’s less-populated regions. This initiative is a strategic move to meet the increasing demand for compact, self-driving vehicles capable of navigating narrow and often challenging rural roads.

Investment and Partnership

Suzuki has made a strategic investment in Tier IV, contributing to a substantial 8 billion yen capital increase. This partnership will see Tier IV develop a prototype of an autonomous minicar using existing Suzuki models. The goal is to integrate this technology into Suzuki’s next-generation vehicles, leveraging Tier IV’s expertise in autonomous systems.

Historical Collaboration

The two companies have an established relationship, having jointly tested a Suzuki car equipped with Tier IV’s autonomous driving system in 2022. This successful collaboration set the stage for deeper integration of Tier IV’s technology into Suzuki’s vehicle lineup.

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Chery Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd has marked a significant milestone along its growth journey in Malaysia with the launch of the Chery Corporate Malaysia Factory in Shah Alam. The facility will be the first in the ASEAN region to produce the highly anticipated premium off-road SUV, the Jaecoo J7.

The factory launch was commemorated with the first ever Jaecoo J7 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) premium off-road SUV rolling off its production line, witnessed by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Dr Jin Zhuanglong.

A tour of the facility showcased the cutting-edge technology and stringent quality control processes applied to every Jaecoo vehicle assembled. The Jaecoo J7 AWD and Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) variants will be the inaugural models assembled at the facility in Shah Alam. The set-up of the factory has resulted in the creation of 500 new jobs with the potential to grow further in line with market demands.

Strategically located in the Shah Alam industrial zone, the Chery Corporate Malaysia Factory is in close proximity to local manufacturers who are critical to its supply chain. The facility is also geographically located close to Malaysia’s busiest port and the second largest in Southeast Asia, which primes the automaker’s readiness to export to the ASEAN region in the future.

To date, Chery, as a whole, is responsible for the creation of over 1,000 jobs in Malaysia through its local operations. The brand also has a network of 100 sales and service centres across the nation.

In line with its brand ecology, “New Energy, New Eco, New Era,” Jaecoo teased the market with a taste of its future EV portfolio recently, previewing the Tiggo 8 Pro Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Jaecoo J7 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and the Jaecoo J6 full-fledged Electric Vehicle (EV) at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in May.

The new production facility launch will be closely followed by the official launch of Jaecoo’s premium off-road SUV, the J7, in Malaysia, which will be celebrated over three days, from 19 to 21 July. The Jaecoo J7 is powered by a 1.6 TGDI engine that produces 194hp and 290Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The new Mini Countryman D is the versatile all-rounder of the Mini lineup, seamlessly blending agility for city driving with comfort for countryside travels. This model, featuring a two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, expands the drive options available to Mini enthusiasts, complementing the existing electric and petrol variants.

Advanced Diesel Efficiency and Performance

The Mini Countryman D boasts an efficient diesel engine coupled with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, which recovers braking energy and provides an additional 18hp of electric drive power. This hybrid integration allows for more responsive performance at low engine speeds and enhances overall fuel efficiency.

  • Fuel Consumption: 4.9 — 4.6 l/100 km
  • CO2 Emissions: 127 — 120 g/km (WLTP)
  • Output: 163hp
  • Acceleration: 0 to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds

The Countryman D offers a quiet, smooth driving experience with the hallmark Mini go-kart feeling, thanks to its direct steering and the combination of single-joint McPherson strut front axle and multi-link rear axle.

Distinctive and Customisable Design

The Mini Countryman D’s design is Minimalist yet expressive, with four trim variants—Essential, Classic, Favoured, and John Cooper Works—allowing for personalised styling.

  • Exterior Features:
    • Favoured Trim with Midnight Black metallic paint
    • Octagonal front grille in vibrant silver
    • Mini LED headlamps
    • Short overhangs and an elegantly stretched roof
    • C-pillar in matching colour with a trim badge
    • Standard piano black roof rails
    • Light alloy wheels available in 17 to 21 inches

Spacious and Innovative Interior

Increased dimensions enhance interior comfort, providing more space for both driver and passengers. The rear seat can be adjusted for additional legroom or cargo space, and the backrest can be positioned in six different ways.

  • Interior Features:
    • Additional three centimetres of width in shoulder and elbow area
    • Adjustable rear seats and backrest
    • Trunk volume expandable from 450 to 1460 litres
    • New textile surfaces on dashboard and interior door panels
    • Panoramic glass roof for added brightness and visibility
    • Central 10″ diameter OLED display for infotainment and assistance systems
    • Mini toggle switch strip for controlling driving functions

Enhanced Driving Experience

The Mini Countryman D includes several innovative technologies to enhance the driving experience:

  • Mini Experience Modes: Combine visual design, ambient lighting, and sound design for an immersive experience.
  • Driving Assistant Plus: Offers partially automated Level 2 driving on motorways, allowing hands-off steering up to 60 km/h, provided the driver remains attentive and ready to intervene.

The Mini Countryman D epitomises versatility and innovation, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a car that excels in both urban and rural environments. With its efficient diesel engine, customisable design, spacious interior, and advanced technologies, the Countryman D continues Mini’s tradition of delivering unique and high-performing cars.

Bentley’s bespoke studio Mulliner has introduced a limited-edition series of Bentayga SUVs, drawing inspiration from invigorating travel, nature, and well-being. The Extraordinary Journeys Collection captures the essence of Bentley’s curated global travel experiences, designed to offer exclusive access to the finest local cuisine, design, architecture, and wellness.

The collection, comprised of five unique models, reflects the spirit of journeys through New Mexico, Scandinavia, China, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Each SUV embodies the character and ambience of its respective region through bespoke materials, colours, and finishes.

New Mexico: Ruggedness and Reverence

The New Mexico edition channels the ancient world’s connection and rugged beauty with warm browns and tans. It features Amber over Burnt Oak duo-tone paintwork, body-coloured wheels, and an interior palette of Saddle, Camel, and Coral, complemented by Copper Stone veneer. This design is inspired by the Sangre de Cristo mountains and vivid canyons, mirroring Bentley’s route towards Santa Fe.

Scandinavia: Natural Beauty and Ecological Sensitivity

The Scandinavian Bentayga combines Portofino blue exterior paint with Dark Sapphire wheels. Inside, it boasts a Mulliner White main hide, Imperial Blue secondary hide, light blue Stratos accents, and contrast stitching, alongside a Slate Stone open-pore veneer. This model reflects the crystal-clear fjords, seafaring traditions, and sustainable architecture experienced on Bentley’s five-day itinerary across Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

China: Serenity and Relaxation

China’s edition symbolises serenity through nature, featuring Arabica exterior paint and Pale Brodgar silver wheels. The interior showcases Linen-coloured hide, Burnt Oak and Odyssean tweed accents, Gold Green stone veneer, and Piano Burnt Oak veneer on the centre console. Inspired by the northwest of China, this model spans the Helan Mountains, Alashan Gobi, Yellow River, and the towering dunes of the Tengri desert.

New Zealand: Awe and Tranquillity

The New Zealand edition is painted in White Sand with Pale Brodgar silver wheels and a brown and grey interior featuring Portland main hide, Burnt Oak secondary hide, Highland Hare accents, and Jeera Green Stone veneer. This design reflects the majestic Milford Sound, historic gold mines, and Bentley’s journey through the Ahuriri Valley, Lake Tekapo, and the Southern Alps.

United Kingdom: Tradition and Reflection

The UK-inspired Bentayga celebrates wilderness and escapism with Alpine Green satin paint, Grey satin wheels, and a green-themed interior dominated by British Racing Green and Cumbrian Green. This model evokes Bentley’s heritage in endurance racing and passes through the Lake District, Crewe, Scotland’s Cairngorms, and The Macallan whiskey distillery in Speyside.

The Bentayga Azure, ideal for long-distance adventures, offers unmatched interior space and comfort. The Extraordinary Journeys Collection by Mulliner represents the pinnacle of luxury, blending bespoke interior shades with topographical embroidered cushions denoting each region.

In a bid to rejuvenate its vehicle lineup and boost sales, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled hints of upcoming new models during the company’s annual stockholder meeting. Musk presented a slide displaying three vehicles under white covers, though he refrained from providing specific details about these models.

“Obviously, we’ve got some new products that we’re working on under the covers,” Musk said. “I think these are going to be pretty special.”

One of the veiled models appeared to be a tall van, potentially indicating Tesla’s entry into the electric van segment, targeting both commercial and personal markets. The other two models were lower and sleeker, suggesting new additions to Tesla’s existing sedan and sports car lineup.

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Proton has been honoured with the prestigious Excellence Award – Industry at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards 2024, recognising the company’s relentless commitment to advancing vehicle safety and improving safety features across its entire model lineup. This accolade marks Proton as the first Malaysian brand to achieve this honour, reflecting its consistent prioritisation of safety in all its models over the years.

Proton’s newest models, the Proton S70 and Proton X90, are equipped with advanced features like the Fatigue Driving Reminder System (FDRS), aimed at reducing driver fatigue and enhancing safety.

Proton’s 5-Star Rated Models

Proton’s best-selling SUVs, the Proton X50 and Proton X70, have both achieved 5-star safety ratings. The 2024 Proton X50, for instance, is equipped with six SRS airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), level two Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), showcasing the company’s commitment to integrating advanced safety technologies.

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