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At the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, Great Wall Motors (GWM) made waves with a global press conference, spotlighting its strides in global development and charting a course forward aligned with its vision of “ecological globalisation.”

GWM’s global strategy spans the entire value chain, from research to production and sales. With local subsidiaries and a focus on localised marketing and product development, GWM operates vehicle production plants in Thailand and Brazil, complemented by KD factories in Pakistan, Ecuador, and other regions. This localisation enables tailored R&D and production to meet regional driving environments and preferences.

Mr. Parker Shi, Head of GWM International and VP of GWM Group, delved into the company’s global journey, highlighting the success of its five major product series across over 170 countries and regions, serving over 1.4 million international users. In 2023, overseas sales surged past 314,000 vehicles, signalling substantial year-on-year growth.

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German cars have long been associated with luxury and performance, but when it comes to reliability, they often fall short compared to their Japanese counterparts. However, one notable exception to this trend is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a rugged off-roader that has stood the test of time since its debut in 1979.

2022 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Michael Schiebe, CEO of AMG and head of the G-Class and Maybach business units, recently spoke about the legendary durability of the G-Class during a roundtable interview in France. He highlighted that an impressive 80 per cent of all G-Class vehicles ever produced are still on the road today, a testament to their longevity and reliability.

Despite the complexity of its design and higher servicing costs compared to compact cars, the G-Class has proven to be a stalwart in terms of durability. Schiebe emphasised that the new electric G-Class, equipped with EQ Technology, is expected to maintain the same level of longevity as its gas-powered counterparts.

Mercedes-Benz reached a significant milestone in 2023 with the production of the 500,000th G-Class, indicating that over 400,000 of these vehicles are still actively driving on roads worldwide. This remarkable retention rate surpasses that of other iconic vehicles like the Porsche 911.

With the introduction of the electric G580 and other variants, Mercedes-Benz aims to cater to a wider range of customer preferences. Schiebe expressed confidence that both dealers and customers will find satisfaction in the expanded lineup, which now includes options for V-8 enthusiasts, efficiency-focused drivers, and those embracing electric mobility.

Mercedes-AMG G 63
Mercedes-AMG G 63

In a strategic move, Mercedes-Benz is diversifying its G-Class lineup for the 2025 model year, offering powertrain options beyond the traditional V-8 engine. This marks a significant shift from the brand’s reliance on V-8 power since the G-Class’s introduction in the US in 2002. The new lineup includes an electric variant and a turbo inline-six model with mild-hybrid technology, providing customers with a broader range of choices to suit their preferences and driving needs.

As Schiebe aptly summarised, Mercedes-Benz has implemented a “de-risking strategy” by offering a diverse lineup of G-Class variants, ensuring that there is a model to meet the needs and desires of every customer while maintaining the iconic appeal of the legendary G-Wagon.

Mercedes-AMG introduces the latest addition to its lineup of open-top driving machines, the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet. Joining the ranks alongside the iconic SL Roadster, this four-seater convertible promises an exhilarating driving experience coupled with luxurious comfort features, making it suitable for year-round enjoyment.

Under the hood, the CLE 53 Cabriolet packs a punch with its 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine equipped with twin turbocharging. Generating an impressive output of 449hp, this powertrain delivers a maximum torque of 560Nm (600Nm in overboost for up to 10 seconds). Thanks to its integrated starter generator, an additional 23hp of boost power and 205Nm of torque are briefly available, while also powering the 48-volt electrical system.

With an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, the CLE 53 Cabriolet offers an option to increase it to 270 km/h with the AMG Driver’s package.

From its exterior to interior, the CLE 53 Cabriolet exudes AMG’s signature style and performance. Featuring AMG’s iconic A-shaped radiator grille and full-LED headlights, the car boasts a distinctively dynamic appearance. Optional Digital Light headlights further elevate the design, with daytime running light ellipses and blue illumination adding to its allure. Flared wheel arches, wide track, and available 19-inch or optional 20-inch wheels contribute to its powerful stance.

At the rear, smooth surfaces, LED lights with three-dimensional bodies, and double tailpipe trims underscore the car’s elegance and athleticism.

The interior is equally impressive, with a 12.3-inch fully digital driver display, an 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display, and optional dynamic ambient lighting with 64 colours creating a captivating atmosphere. Integral seats in Artico man-made leather and black Microcut microfibre ensure both comfort and style.

The fabric roof, operable at speeds up to 60km/h, opens and closes in approximately 20 seconds, adding to the convertible’s convenience and versatility.

While pricing for the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet is yet to be announced, anticipation is high for this blend of performance and luxury, setting new standards in the convertible segment.

In a move that could reshape Malaysia’s petrol station landscape, Shell is reportedly in discussions with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Saudi Aramco regarding the potential sale of its petrol station business in the country. The deal, estimated to be worth as much as US$1 billion (RM4.74 billion), is said to be in advanced stages, according to industry insiders familiar with the matter.

While both Shell and Saudi Aramco have declined to comment on the ongoing talks, sources highlight the significance of Malaysia to Shell, where it owns approximately 950 petrol stations, making it the second-largest network in the country after Petronas.

The discussions, which reportedly began in late 2023, are expected to result in a finalised deal in the coming months, with estimated deal sizes ranging from RM4 billion to RM5 billion.

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Astra International, the authorised distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Indonesia, has announced the cessation of Peugeot vehicle sales in the country, marking the end of a 52-year presence.

Rokky Irvayandi, head of Astra’s Peugeot Sales Operation, stated, “Based on information from Stellantis, the principal of Peugeot, Stellantis has made a strategic decision to halt Peugeot sales in Indonesia. This is part of Stellantis’ business growth strategy in the ASEAN region.” Astra respects and acknowledges Stellantis’ decision regarding the discontinuation of Peugeot sales.

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The Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued a statement regarding BJAK Sdn Bhd (BJAK) and its unauthorised road tax renewal transaction services. According to JPJ, BJAK’s advertisement on its website and social media platforms regarding road tax renewal services is false.

JPJ emphasised that BJAK has never received approval from the Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) or JPJ to provide road tax renewal services to the public. Several complaints have been received by JPJ from the public regarding BJAK’s services, including cases where road tax renewal was initiated through BJAK’s website but the validity period of the road tax was not updated.

BJAK advertises online transaction services for Motor Vehicle License (LKM) or road tax, including a free road tax program. However, JPJ clarified that there is no system integration between JPJ’s system (MySIKAP) and the system used by BJAK. Additionally, complaints have been received regarding additional charges imposed by BJAK during road tax renewal transactions.

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