Tesla’s legal battle with an Indian battery maker, Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd, has escalated as Tesla sues the company for trademark infringement. The Indian company has been accused of using the brand name “Tesla Power” to promote its products, despite receiving a cease-and-desist notice from Tesla in April 2022.
In a hearing at the Delhi High Court, Tesla argued that Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd continued to advertise its products under the “Tesla Power” brand, prompting the lawsuit seeking damages and a permanent injunction against the Indian company.
During the hearing, Tesla Power India Pvt Ltd defended its position, stating that its primary focus is on manufacturing lead-acid batteries and it has no intention of venturing into the production of electric vehicles.
It would be too cliché to start a review by saying Chinese car makers have come a long way, but it really is true. While some have been in the market for only a few years, others have been ploughing away at the industry for decades.
Of course, the automotive industry is unforgiving and is one of the most highly regulated industries in terms of safety, technology and emissions. So, there are mountains after mountains to climb for any car maker to succeed.
Sometimes they fail too. The recent safety concerns concerning a Chinese brand has put car buyers on edge over the manufacturing standards of cars from China. But this should not affect the entire Chinese industry and blanket statements regarding the Chinese car makers in their entirety should be avoided, because there are other brands that have been in the market for longer, comply with every requirement, and even do their own research and development to create some of the most impressive cars the world has seen.
Take GWM for example, it has been in the automotive industry for over 40 years and has sprawling complexes dedicated to research and development, manufacturing and has even invested heavily in current technologies such as electric vehicles and batteries. As well as in future technologies such as hydrogen, the cleanest form of combustion there currently is.
GWM also has a number of brands under its wing such as Ora, Haval, Wey, Poer (pronounced as pao) and the mightiest of them all, the Tank brand.
Each of these brands have their own unique proposition. The Ora brand focuses on electric vehicles with a touch of femineity. Wey also is an EV brand but is more upmarket and goes up against the likes of BMW. Poer is a pick-up truck brand that is making waves in markets such as Australia and then there is Tank, an off-road focused brand that creates some rugged vehicles that look like they can survive a nuclear fallout.
The Tank brand is the focus of this article as it will soon be available in Malaysia. There are a number of Tank models, the Tank 300, 400, 500 and the 700 (we are not sure why there is no 600 in the range). The 700 is the flagship SUV and looks like a cross between a Mercedes G-Class and a Land Rover Defender. It is filled to the brim with tech. Its headlights for example incorporate 32 different patents and are one of the most advanced in the industry.
But it will be available in our market since it is only available as a left-hand-drive model, for now. The Tank 300 though has been marked for a Malaysian introduction and will apparently make its debut this year.
The entry level Tank has all the good design cues of a Suzuki Jimny and a four-door Jeep Cherokee. It also has some classic design lines such as the bulbous bumpers and side skirts, the rounded headlights, the spare tyre mounted on the side-hinged tailgate as well as that evergreen boxy side profile.
It is not exactly a very original design, but it is one that has stood the test of time, like the Jimny and G-Class, there is no mistaking them for anything else. So, as far as design goes, the Tank 300 is in the right direction to become an icon.
However, GWM has borrowed heavily from Mercedes-Benz for the interior of the Tank 300. From the vertical dashboard to the rounded air-conditioning vents as well as the digital meter panel that seamlessly merges into the centrally mounted digital infotainment screen to create one massive 24.6-inch screen. Just like in a Mercedes-Benz. In fact, even the positioning of the all-wheel-drive controls are in the same place as a G-Class.
The influence is clear, but while some car makers will try to hide their influences, GWM did not make much of an effort at all, for better or worse, we admire that.
If you are unfamiliar with Mercedes-Benz interiors, you will find it to be very impressive. Quality feels good, even after hours of torturing the car off-road and driving it up and down a flight of stairs (really!), nothing rattled or fell out.
As for comfort, the electric seats are big and well bolstered. The rear too offers generous leg space while the 400-litre boot space is decent. Interestingly, GWM has also incorporated a picnic table into the boot space. The boot floor panel doubles up as the tabletop while the table legs are neatly tucked away near the tools. So, if you ever find a nice spot, all you have to do is remove the boot floor panel, screw in the legs and you have a fairly big picnic table.
There are only two problems for us – the first being the boot floor is carpeted, so if you ever spill anything on the table, you risk stinking up the entire car. And secondly, there is no tonneau cover, so it is either you heavily tint the hind three windows, or everyone that walks past your car will be able to see what you have in there.
The GWM Tank 300 has been designed and built for the rugged outdoors, and this is evident in its design, build quality and some of the incorporated features as well. Even its powertrain is a pleasant balance of efficiency and ability.
Powering the Tank 300 is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine putting out 220PS and 380Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels through an eight-speed gearbox while drive can be switched between all-wheel-drive and two-wheel-drive at the press of a button, and in the latter, power is sent to the rear wheels exclusively.
Fuel consumption on the other hand is rated at 9.5-litres per 100km, which you could argue is quite high. But the car is quite big, measuring in at over six feet tall and about six and a half feet wide, it is over 15 feet long and weighs 2110kg. All of that heft requires some power to move which in turn requires quite a bit of fuel.
On the move, the Tank 300 does a surprisingly great job at keeping noise and vibrations level down to a minimum. The double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension is brilliant on and off-road, absorbing the bumpy stuff while maximising traction. All while keeping interior noise down to a minimum thanks to double glazed windows supported by a soundproof windshield. This makes the interior feel as comfortable and quiet as some luxury cars, which is something you need to feel to believe.
But don’t let all that fool you, the Tank 300 is a serious off-roader as well, and offers electronic features designed to crawl over the toughest of terrains as well as traditional set ups such as a differential that can be locked at the touch of a button. It also features nine different driving modes that adapt the car to life on the tarmac or the rugged outdoors.
GWM was keen to let us try out the abilities of the Tank 300, so they let us drive the car down some flight of stairs where traction was minimal since the car only sits on the edges of the steps. It did not lose traction up or down the stairs.
Next, they let us drive up a slippery 45-degree incline that was quite slippery. But the Tank 300 has something called a Creep Mode where the powertrain works with the electronics to provide power without breaking traction so the driver could focus on steering the car. So though it looked intimidating, it was quite a breeze.
They also let us loose on a dry riverbed that was riddled with rocks that could tear the tyres, firmly embedded into the soft sand. Usually you would have to reduce the air of the tyres to enlarge the contact patch so that the tyres don’t get bogged down, not with the Tank 300 though. As long as you kept your foot on the accelerator, the clever electronics distributed power to the wheels that could keep the car going forwards. In all honesty, it made you feel like an off-roading hero.
The SUV segment is demanding where only the very best do well. This is especially so with off-road SUV’s where toughness needs to meet comfort and safety. It is a segment that has long been dominated by the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Everest, and you need to have quite a product to compete against such giants of the industry.
But with what we experienced with the GWM Tank 300, there is no question about its ability. It even has a complete ADAS suite that makes life safer on the road. The real question though is the price. GWM did not reveal its price and did not drop any indications either. But we only need to look at our neighbours in the north to have a clue.
In Thailand, the GWM Tank 300 is priced at about the RM220,000 region. Would GWM Malaysia offer the same price range? That is all speculation for now, but as far as we are concerned, the Tank 300 is a proper off-roading SUV that would appeal to those whose lives dances on the fringes of the urban rat race and the great outdoors. We sure hope that GWM Malaysia makes it more affordable than a Toyota Fortuner.
Chery Auto Malaysia is taking proactive steps to address an incident involving the axle of certain Omoda 5 models. After conducting an in-depth internal investigation, the company has decided to recall a batch of 600 Omoda 5 units. Working closely with the Ministry of Transport (MOT), Chery Auto Malaysia aims to rectify all affected vehicles to ensure the highest standards of safety.
Lee Wen Hsiang, Vice President of Chery Auto Malaysia, emphasised the company’s commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation solutions. He stated that Chery Auto Malaysia voluntarily briefed the MOT on the product inspection status and the root cause of the Omoda 5 axle incident.
Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia has announced the debut of the highly anticipated BYD Atto 3 2024. This upgraded version of the award-winning electric SUV underscores BYD’s unwavering commitment to innovation and quality, offering Malaysian customers an unparalleled driving experience.
Crafted upon BYD’s advanced e-platform 3.0 and featuring the revolutionary Ultra-Safe Patented Blade Battery Technology, the BYD Atto 3 2024 is a high-performance electric vehicle that instils confidence in every journey. Recognised with the maximum five-star rating by the leading independent European safety institute Euro NCAP, it boasts the distinction of being the world’s first intelligent cabin built with the concept of sports and fitness.
Enhancements for 2024 include a sleek black fin at the D-pillar, replacing the previous white fin, while the iconic BYD logo is placed at the rear, replacing the previous “BUILD YOUR DREAMS” wording.
The interior sees an upgrade with the introduction of a new “Black-Dark Blue” colour, enhancing the interior aesthetics. The BYD Atto 3 2024 now offers two interior colour options—Black-Dark Blue and Dark Blue-Light Grey, subject to the selected exterior colour options. Advanced Technology comes with wireless charging capabilities and an expanded intelligent rotating touch screen from 12.8 inches to 15.6 inches, providing enhanced entertainment features and visibility. Seamless connectivity with existing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay features ensures a convenient and integrated driving experience. Additionally, a new colour option, Cosmos Black, is added to the lineup, offering customers more choices to suit their preferences.
The BYD Atto 3 2024 has received numerous accolades worldwide, solidifying its position as a top contender in the electric vehicle industry. As the world’s No. 1 New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, the model has been recognized with prestigious awards such as “Electric Car of the Year” by News UK and “Best EV SUV” in Thailand’s Car of the Year 2023 awards.
Regarding pricing and packages, the BYD Atto 3 2024 is available in a single variant at RM149,800, offering optimal performance value and tailored features for customers. It comes in four colors – Boulder Grey, Ski White, Surf Blue, and Cosmos Black. The Boulder Grey and Cosmos Black variants feature a new interior color of Black-Dark Blue.
The comprehensive warranty package includes a 6-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, 8-year or 160,000km battery warranty, and 8-year or 150,000km drive unit warranty. Additionally, BYD offers Service Standard and Service Plus packages, with the Service Plus package now including additional services such as tire rotation, alignment, and balancing, along with annual 12V battery replacement. These comprehensive service packages ensure a seamless ownership experience and long-term cost savings for BYD EV owners.
Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd introduces the highly anticipated All-New Kia EV9 to Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in Kia’s journey towards sustainable mobility. Recognised globally with prestigious awards such as the 2024 World Car of The Year and the Best of the Best Award in the Cars and Motorcycle category by Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024, the Kia EV9 represents a groundbreaking shift towards electrification.
As Kia’s first dedicated three-row flagship SUV, the EV9 is built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), embodying Kia’s commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility solutions. Its striking exterior design exudes a sense of modernity and sophistication, characterised by clean lines and bold proportions. With a wheelbase of 3,100mm and 21-inch Alloy wheels, the EV9 commands attention on the road with its commanding presence.
At the forefront of the EV9’s design is the signature “Digital Tiger Face,” which integrates a distinctive “Digital Pattern Lighting Grille” to enhance its dynamic appeal. The rear of the EV9 features “Star Map” LED daytime running lights (DRL) taillights, creating a sophisticated lighting pattern that sets it apart from the competition.
The EV9 GT-line model offers a unique aesthetic with front and rear bumpers, wheels, and roof rack finished in a distinctive black colour palette, exuding strength and assertiveness.
Inside, the EV9 offers a spacious and adaptable environment tailored to elevate the experience for millennial families. With seating configurations available in six-seat and seven-seat options, the EV9 prioritises comfort and versatility. The interior design reflects Kia’s philosophy of “Technology for Life,” incorporating intuitive technology and premium materials to create a user-friendly and luxurious cabin environment.
The EV9 is equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance safety, connectivity, and infotainment. Features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and USB-C ports ensure seamless connectivity and convenience for passengers. The EV9 also boasts a powerful 14-speaker Meridian surround audio system for an immersive sound experience.
Powered by Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and fourth-generation battery technology, the EV9 delivers impressive performance and range. With a high-voltage battery pack of 99.8 kWh and dual electric motors powering the front and rear axles, the EV9 offers a maximum range of 505km on a single charge, with 380hp and 700Nm of torque.
Safety is a top priority in the EV9, with standard and advanced safety features to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Standard safety features include 10 SRS airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and more. Advanced safety features such as High Beam Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist further enhance safety on the road.
Available in a range of colours including Ocean Blue, Snow White Pearl, Pebble Gray, Aurora Black Pearl, and Iceberg Green, the Kia EV9 is now available for booking with a starting price of RM368,888 for the 7-seater and RM374,668 for the 6-seater. Customers can pre-order the vehicle at their nearest Kia showroom, backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty (or first 150,000km) and an EV battery warranty coverage of up to 8 years or 160,000km, whichever comes first. Experience the future of mobility with the All-New Kia EV9.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé, unveiled by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, continues the brand’s legacy of blending sportiness with elegance. Combining elements from both the C-Class and E-Class, this two-door coupé exudes a powerful presence and timeless sophistication.
From every angle, the CLE Coupé makes an emotional statement, showcasing a harmonious blend of coupé proportions and modern design language characterised by Sensual Purity. Flowing surfaces with seamless transitions and distinctive character lines contribute to its sculptural appearance, while the forward-leaning front section, low-slung bonnet, and striking Digital Light headlights emphasise its athletic yet elegant demeanour.
The AMG Line exterior, featuring the Night Package, adds expressive black design elements to enhance the car’s sporty appeal along with 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. Inside, the focus is on the driver, with a striking 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and an 11.9-inch central display positioned for optimal visibility and accessibility. The interior boasts meticulous attention to detail, with premium materials like Artico man-made leather in a Nappa look and a sophisticated mixed fabric-look finish.
Exclusive features include a multi-function sports steering wheel in Nappa leather, avant-garde sports seats with integrated headrests, and dynamic ambient lighting in 64 colours. The CLE Coupé offers enhanced convenience and connectivity with the MBUX infotainment system, MBUX Interior Assistant, and Burmester 3D surround sound system.
Powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine, it produces 259PS and 400Nm of torque. It also has a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid ISG system with 23PS and 205Nm and power is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of safety and assistance systems, the CLE Coupé is equipped with Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Parking package with Memory Parking Assist, among others.
Priced at RM518,888 (including 10% ST) for Peninsular Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and advanced technology, reaffirming its position as a leader in the segment.
