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The Ministry of Works (KKR) is set to present a Cabinet paper next month on the future direction of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system. This follows a decision to cease ongoing negotiations with highway concessionaires involved in the project.

Deputy Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, confirmed the move, stating that the ministry had issued formal notices to concessionaires, informing them of the decision to discontinue discussions.

“The negotiation process has not continued because today (yesterday) marks the final day. We have sent letters to the relevant companies to halt negotiations,” Ahmad Maslan explained during a press conference.

He further added, “The Ministry will prepare and submit a Cabinet paper on the direction of the MLFF to the Cabinet in January 2025 for review and approval.”

The announcement was made during a media briefing at the Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART) Headquarters in Pulau Meranti. The event also included an inspection of the construction site for a disaster simulation project. Selangor JKR Director, Shukri Ishak, and SMART Commander Senior Fire Chief, Mohd Khairul Jamil, were among those in attendance.

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Proton made history today as it took its inaugural step into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the highly anticipated Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s first national EV. The launch, officiated by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s journey towards sustainable mobility and a lower carbon footprint.

A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Malaysia

The Proton e.MAS 7 represents the culmination of over 700,000 man-hours of engineering and testing by Proton and its strategic partner, Geely. The electric SUV underwent rigorous trials, including 100,000km of testing across Malaysia’s diverse terrains and extreme weather conditions, solidifying its status as a groundbreaking vehicle.

The launch is aligned with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which aims to transform Malaysia into a net-zero emissions nation by 2050. The e.MAS 7 underscores Proton’s commitment to contributing to this vision while also strengthening its position as a leader in the EV segment.

A Technological Marvel with Advanced Features

The Proton e.MAS 7 is offered in two variants—Prime and Premium—and is available in five distinctive colours: Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Quartz Rose, and Lithium White. The SUV is built on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform and is powered by an innovative 12-in-1 intelligent electric propulsion system. It also incorporates Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery technology and features the cutting-edge Aegis Short-Blade Battery, a next-generation lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery designed for exceptional safety, efficiency, and performance.

The e.MAS 7’s electric drive unit delivers 214hp of power and 320Nm of torque, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds. Its stopping power is equally impressive, with the vehicle able to brake from 100km/h to a complete stop within 35 meters. The Prime variant is equipped with a 49.52kWh battery offering a WLTP range of 345km, while the Premium variant boasts a 60.22kWh battery, extending the range to 410km. Both models support DC fast charging, allowing for a 30% to 80% charge in just 20 minutes.

Inside, the e.MAS 7 combines cutting-edge technology with comfort. Features include ventilated seats, a 15.4-inch 2.5K resolution touchscreen, 16-speaker Flyme Sound with WANOS System, and best-in-class 256-color ambient lighting. The SUV also offers practical storage solutions with 33 compartments and provides access to an integrated charging map, which covers over 1,700 charging points nationwide through partnerships with leading charge point operators.

Competitive Pricing and Special Launch Benefits

Proton has priced the e.MAS 7 competitively to ensure its accessibility. The Prime variant is priced at RM109,800, while the Premium variant is priced at RM123,800.

To celebrate the launch, Proton is offering special rebates of RM4,000 for the first 3,000 customers, bringing the prices down to RM105,800 (Prime) and RM119,800 (Premium). Additional benefits worth up to RM8,000 include a complimentary 7kW home charger, a V2L adapter, unlimited internet data for five years, and extended warranties for the vehicle and its high-voltage battery.

Future Plans and International Ambitions

Proton has ambitious plans to expand its footprint in the EV market, both locally and internationally. PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang shared that the company plans to export the e.MAS 7 to markets such as Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, and Nepal starting next year. The company has also appointed 37 dealers nationwide, with 30 of them expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024.

With the launch of the Proton e.MAS 7, the company has set a new benchmark for innovation and sustainability in the Malaysian automotive industry, driving the nation closer to a greener, electrified future.

The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) seized 17 vehicles operated by foreign nationals during a Special Ops on Foreign Drivers (PeWA) operation conducted at Bulatan Tun Hussain Onn, Seberang Jaya, yesterday.

The enforcement effort, which lasted approximately three hours starting at 7 a.m., targeted road traffic violations by foreign drivers. According to Harian Metro, during the operation, JPJ officers issued 116 summonses to individuals from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, and the Rohingya ethnic group.

JPJ Pulau Pinang (FB)

Range of Offences

In a statement released today, the Penang JPJ confirmed that the seized vehicles comprised 14 motorcycles, two cars, and a van. Some vehicles were also found to be using registration numbers that did not match their official documentation.

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Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced the introduction of its groundbreaking Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), set to debut in 2026. This modular and scalable platform marks a significant shift for the brand, heralding a new era for both privately positioned and commercial vans.

The VAN.EA platform is designed to offer a clear distinction between luxury-focused private vans and premium commercial vehicles. In the private segment, the new architecture will cater to high-end markets with models ranging from elegant family vans to exclusive VIP shuttles and spacious limousines. By extending its portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is carving out a unique luxury niche in the van segment, redefining the expectations of its sophisticated customer base.

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Porsche has announced restructuring its dealership network in China, reducing the number of Porsche Centers from 138 to about 100 by the end of 2026. This move, described by the company as an “optimisation,” comes as the German luxury carmaker grapples with declining sales in what was once its most important market.

Sales figures for Porsche in China have been on a steady decline over the past two years. In 2023, the company reported a 15% drop in sales, with a total of 79,283 vehicles sold. The situation worsened in 2024, as sales plummeted by 29% in the first nine months of the year. Once regarded as Porsche’s largest market for eight consecutive years, accounting for more than 30% of its global sales, China has become a challenging landscape for the brand amid shifting market dynamics and intensifying competition.

Struggles in the Chinese Market

China’s evolving automotive market has presented significant challenges for foreign brands like Porsche. The rise of local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, coupled with a growing consumer preference for new energy vehicles (NEVs), including battery electric and plug-in hybrid models, has reshaped the industry. Meanwhile, an ongoing price war has put further pressure on luxury automakers, with reports suggesting that some Porsche models have seen discounts of up to 35% at dealerships.

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Renault Group’s inspiring transformation story is the centrepiece of Anatomy of a Comeback, a four-part documentary series premiering on Prime Video. The series chronicles the company’s emergence from a challenging crisis in the early 2020s, driven by the ambitious Renaulution roadmap. This bold strategy redefined Renault’s direction and revitalized its identity, culminating in a remarkable resurgence that is now captured in this exclusive series.

The documentary provides an unprecedented glimpse into Renault’s internal processes, showcasing the innovation and dedication behind its revival. It delves into the manufacturing and design secrets of iconic models like the Renault 5, offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Alpine Formula One Team paddocks, and builds anticipation with a world-first vehicle reveal in the series finale. Through the voices of Renault’s employees, viewers witness the resilience, setbacks, and ultimate triumphs that propelled the company back to prominence.

In a groundbreaking move, the final episode of the series will unveil the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a production vehicle that marks the 44-year revival of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo. This modern reinterpretation reimagines the classic as an all-electric hot hatch, blending the nostalgia of its rallying heritage with cutting-edge technology. The reveal takes viewers into Renault’s Design Department, where executives Luca de Meo, Fabrice Cambolive, and Gilles Vidal confirm the exciting future of this iconic model.

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