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SAIC Motor Malaysia Celebrates First Wave of MG5 Sedan Deliveries

SAIC Motor Malaysia recently celebrated a major milestone for the MG5 sedan at the MG5 Car Delivery Event at MG Motor Glenmarie (Mega Galeri Sdn Bhd), where over 20 new owners gathered to receive their cars. The event, attended by SAIC Motor Malaysia’s management, fostered a strong community atmosphere, uniting MG fans and showcasing the brand’s commitment to its customers.

The success of the MG5 is largely due to efficient coordination among 18 strategically placed MG Motor Authorized Dealerships, allowing prompt vehicle deliveries across Malaysia. This dealer network is key to SAIC Motor Malaysia’s mission to meet the demands of Malaysia’s style-conscious market.

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Hyundai Acknowledges Touchscreen Woes, Brings Back Physical Controls

Hyundai’s recent acknowledgement of the challenges with touchscreens in vehicles highlights a growing trend that some are calling the “Tesla Effect.” Following in Tesla’s footsteps, many automakers have phased out traditional physical controls for digital interfaces on touchscreens, aiming to create sleek, tech-centric cabins. However, Hyundai has found that American buyers aren’t entirely on board with the touchscreen-only setup.

According to HDNA Vice President Ha Hak-soo, Hyundai’s experience with touchscreen-based controls revealed that drivers often feel frustrated when trying to quickly adjust settings on the go, especially when physical dials or buttons could have made adjustments more straightforward. Hyundai’s internal testing with focus groups found that drivers found it stressful to control certain functions on a touchscreen when needing immediate responsiveness.

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Nissan Sells A Significant Portion Of Its Shares To Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi announced plans to repurchase a substantial portion of its shares from Nissan, with an order placed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange to buy up to 149,028,300 shares at approximately $3.01 per share. This buyback will reduce Nissan’s current stake in Mitsubishi from 34.07% to 24.05%, effectively altering Nissan’s influence in the company. Despite the sale, Mitsubishi emphasised that both brands will continue their alliance and collaboration on vehicle projects.

Although specific collaborative projects were not detailed, Mitsubishi and Nissan are both part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which includes joint efforts in various global markets. In the U.S., for instance, the Nissan Rogue serves as the base for Mitsubishi’s Outlander. Looking forward, the alliance is expected to introduce multiple jointly developed models, including a mid-size pickup aimed at the U.S. market.

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RON95 Fuel Subsidy Targeting: Economists Favor MyKad Quota Over Cash Assistance

Economists are backing a proposal for Malaysia’s RON95 petrol subsidy targeting system, suggesting it could be implemented effectively through a MyKad-based monthly quota system. According to FMT, economist Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff from Putra Business School noted that this approach, compared to direct cash subsidies, would limit abuse and prevent inflated prices for other goods. He explained that by setting a monthly MyKad quota, users would receive subsidised RON95 fuel up to a certain amount, after which they’d pay the full market rate, thus minimising the misuse of subsidies.

The MyKad system, he said, is reliable due to its security features and can authenticate the user’s identity, with options for biometric verification at petrol stations, reducing the need for a new subsidy system. Ahmed added that cash-based subsidies risk raising food prices, as traders may take advantage of increased consumer spending power.

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Mercedes-Benz Expands in Asia-Pacific with New Regional Logistics Center in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz has strengthened its presence in the Asia-Pacific with the inauguration of its Regional Logistics Center Malaysia (RLCM) in Senai Airport City. Managed by Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd., this new facility will streamline logistics across 20 countries, enhancing after-sales service and logistics efficiency in the region.

Jan Fischer, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Asia Pacific, emphasised the strategic significance of this investment for customer care and Malaysia’s role as a logistics hub, underlining its impact on operational efficiency and Malaysia’s skilled workforce. Johor Chief Minister, YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the centre’s contribution to Johor’s economic growth and its role in developing local talent.

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Test Drive The New Omoda C9 This Weekend!

This is your chance to drive the highly anticipated Omoda C9 set to be officially launched soon by Jaecoo Malaysia.

The 5-seater SUV will take on the likes of the Honda CRV, Proton X90 and the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro when officially launched here.

There are two variants for Malaysians, one is a 2WD model with an estimated price of RM185,000, and another is an AWD model with an unconfirmed price tag of RM195,000.

Powering the C9 is a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-four petrol engine putting out 261PS and 400Nm with power channelled to the wheels through an 8-speed transmission.