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Sharp has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with its first concept car, the LDK+, revealed at the Sharp technology exhibition in Tokyo from 17-18 September 2024. Known for its expertise in electronics, Sharp aims to redefine electric vehicles by focusing on not just efficiency but also transforming them into entertainment hubs. The LDK+ concept boasts a futuristic design, with a notably wide rear section resembling a living room, complete with a large LCD screen—highlighting the company’s vision of merging home entertainment with mobility.

To expedite its foray into the EV space, Sharp has partnered with Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn), the manufacturing giant behind companies like Apple. This collaboration is expected to accelerate both the development and mass production of Sharp’s electric vehicles in the coming years.

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The Malaysian automotive industry saw a six per cent increase in vehicle sales from January to August 2024, with 533,301 units sold compared to 503,783 units during the same period in 2023.

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), 488,277 units were passenger vehicles, while 45,024 were commercial vehicles, compared to 451,403 passenger vehicles and 52,380 commercial vehicles sold in the first eight months of 2023.

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Nissan marks the 40th anniversary of NISMO, the company’s renowned in-house tuning, motorsports, and performance division. Established on 17th September 1984 as Nissan Motorsport International Co. Limited, NISMO has become synonymous with high performance both on the racetrack and on public roads. Over the past four decades, NISMO has embodied Nissan’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering.

Originally based in Omori, Tokyo, NISMO has played a pivotal role in creating some of Nissan’s most exhilarating vehicles and driving the brand’s motorsports ambitions. The company’s guiding principle of “Track to road” reflects its mission to take lessons from the racetrack and apply them to everyday road cars, offering customers a thrilling driving experience with a strong foundation in motorsport technology.

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Just a few days back, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, had a media preview of the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander and stated that they had officially begun production of the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander seven-seater.

Now, the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander has officially been launched, with production taking place in Pekan, Pahang. The new Xpander, designed to enhance its SUV styling, brings a host of upgraded features, making it more appealing to Malaysian drivers seeking a robust and practical seven-seater.

The facelifted Xpander showcases a refreshed, dynamic look, particularly in its rear design. It now features a redesigned light shape, a horizontally styled rear spoiler, and an updated bumper, all reflecting an active, sporty lifestyle that complements its SUV nature.

In terms of practicality, the Xpander remains a top contender with its best-in-class features. It boasts a 225mm ground clearance, making it well-suited for a variety of terrains. The interior offers exceptional space, providing up to 837 litres of cargo capacity when the second-row seats are folded. The facelift also brings additional enhancements, including a rear-driving video recorder and an electric parking brake, catering to the modern driver’s need for convenience and ease.

The interior has also received significant upgrades. A new, straight-cut dashboard is now complemented by brown leather trim pieces, which extend to the door cards. The 9.0 inch infotainment system is now displayed on a free-standing touchscreen, while the steering wheel has been simplified with a round horn pad for a cleaner look.

The air conditioning controls have been updated with a digital display, along with hard buttons and toggle switches for fan speed and temperature. New additions like a wireless charger and an electronic parking brake with auto hold further elevate the Xpander’s comfort level. The removal of the handbrake also allows for a centre front armrest, providing additional storage space.

For added convenience, both front and rear dashcams are now included. Middle-row passengers benefit from a fold-down centre armrest equipped with cupholders, and behind the front armrest, charging ports are available – one USB-A and one USB-C. The rear blower on the roof, with adjustable speed, ensures that passengers in the back remain comfortable during journeys.

Under the hood, the facelifted Xpander retains its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 105PS and 141Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

On the road prices without insurance start at RM99,980 for the standard variant and RM109,980 for the Xpander Plus variant. The first 500 customers who book and register the Xpander via the Mitsubishi Online Showroom will receive a Naturehike Camping Wagon worth RM400. The updated Mitsubishi Xpandr also comes with 5-Year warranty with unlimited mileage, for both variants.

Maserati’s recent struggles, as highlighted in Stellantis’ half-year report, point to a sharp decline in sales, with customer deliveries plummeting from 15,300 units in the first half of 2023 to just 6,500 by June 2024. Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, attributed this worrying sales drop to ineffective marketing rather than issues with Maserati’s products or pricing.

This decline is particularly concerning given Tavares’ past statements, where he warned that underperforming brands within the Stellantis group could face shutdown if they fail to generate profit. While Maserati wasn’t explicitly singled out, the warning applied to all brands under the Stellantis umbrella.

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In October 2023, Stellantis and Leapmotor announced a strategic joint venture, a groundbreaking partnership aimed at reshaping the global automotive industry with a focus on electrification and sustainability. This collaboration has led to the creation of Leapmotor International, with Stellantis holding a 51% stake and Leapmotor 49%. The venture is set to accelerate Leapmotor’s expansion beyond China, leveraging Stellantis’ global reach and expertise. By July 2024, Leapmotor had already achieved impressive growth, with 400,000 units sold, positioning it as one of China’s top three electric vehicle (EV) startups.

Driven by the increasing demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in China, Leapmotor is now eyeing global markets. The brand has established itself as a leader in innovation, developing and patenting over 443 technologies. These technologies are integrated across its vehicle lineup, which includes models such as the mid-sized C01 sedan, C11 SUV, flagship C16, compact T03, and the soon-to-be-released C10 SUV.

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