Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook announced plans to enhance connectivity by increasing the number of buses on the road.
RapidKL has initiated tenders for adding over 300 new buses, while Prasarana aims to procure approximately 400 vehicles this year. Loke highlighted the importance of expanding bus fleets as a more viable option compared to overhauling mid-life buses.
The transport ministry is collaborating with the human resources ministry through an initiative by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) to address the shortage of lorry drivers in Malaysia, according to FMT. Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook highlighted the challenges posed by this shortage to various industries nationwide.
Loke mentioned that industries are currently facing a shortage of thousands of drivers and emphasised the need to train better drivers.
The collaboration with HRD Corp aims to utilise its funding mechanism to provide training for lorry drivers. This initiative will be complemented by the MyLesen program, which will subsidise the training and licensing costs for lorry drivers.
While urging industry players to collaborate with the transport ministry to facilitate job opportunities for trained drivers, Loke emphasised that the ministry will not intervene in determining wage structures, as these are determined by market forces. He noted that experienced drivers can earn around RM3,000, emphasising the potential for skilled drivers in the industry.
Porsche has confirmed the recall of several thousand electric Taycan models due to risks associated with their batteries potentially catching fire. The recall was initiated after identifying faulty cells in some batteries that could short-circuit and ignite.
Initially, 858 Taycans were recalled in January, but further checks revealed that additional vehicles could be affected. Porsche has now determined that 2,936 Taycans show anomalies requiring changes to the modules in their batteries. Another 4,522 Taycans have yet to be inspected and will need to be brought to repair shops for verification.
Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM), the sole distributor of Foton Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV), Foton Auman, and JMC vehicles in Malaysia, is making strides to revolutionise the domestic logistics landscape with the official launch of three new trucks at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024.
Leading the lineup is the 2024 Foton eAumark, the first pure-electric light-duty truck officially available in Malaysia. This electric truck embodies all the key qualities that define the Foton Aumark, with the added benefit of pure electric propulsion for cleaner and more sustainable performance. The launch of the eAumark aligns with the commitment of ATM and its parent company, Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, to fulfil Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals in line with Malaysia’s shift towards green mobility.
The Foton eAumark boasts impressive specifications, including a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing 154hp and over 900Nm of torque. Equipped with an 81.14kWh iron-phosphate battery, it offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 200km. The electric powertrain is engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and offers 10kW of power to an ePTO port for attaching external equipment.
In addition to the eAumark, ATM introduces the 2024 Foton Aumark S Euro 4, which complies with Euro 4 emission standards mandated by the Malaysian government. Available in four- and six-wheel configurations, it features updated powertrains to meet Euro 4 and B20 biodiesel compatibility for improved operational efficiency.
Completing the lineup is the 2024 Euro 4 JMC Vigus Pro White Series 4×2, the latest variant in the JMC Vigus Pro product range. Powered by a 2.0-litre Puma four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, it offers modern amenities and high utility as an urban workhorse.
The Foton eAumark is priced at an introductory RM238,000 and comes with a comprehensive warranty, while the Foton Aumark S Euro 4 starts from RM98,400 and is backed by an industry-leading six-year/300,000km warranty. The JMC Vigus Pro White Series 4×2 is priced from RM89,999 and comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty.
All three models will be on display at Booth M14 at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024 until May 11, 2024. Interested parties can visit a showroom or contact the respective hotlines for more information.
Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) has unveiled plans to establish Malaysia as an export hub for the Volkswagen brand, according to Tengku Zafrul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry. Following discussions between the ministry and VGM officials, the carmaker has indicated its intention to manufacture both electric vehicles and conventional models within the country.
Previously, Volkswagen models were imported into Malaysia, but now certain models are being assembled locally. Notably, the Touareg model is being assembled in Malaysia for the first time outside of Europe. The locally assembled flagship SUV comes with the recommended retail price of RM469,990.
Tengku Zafrul Aziz expressed confidence that this collaboration would bolster Malaysia’s position in the regional automotive sector, signalling a significant step forward for the country’s automotive industry and positioning Malaysia as a key player in the manufacturing and export of Volkswagen vehicles.
Proton received two awards for its latest models at the Allianz DSF.my Vehicle Of The Year (VOTY) 2024 awards ceremony. The Proton S70 Flagship X, the company’s market-leading C-segment sedan, won the Sedan of The Year category, despite being on sale for less than six months. Additionally, the smart #1 Brabus, distributed by Proton subsidiary PRO-NET, won the Electric Crossover of The Year award.
© Copyright – Piston.my 2024 Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved
