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The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) has dismissed a report by Thai daily The Nation alleging that US electric car maker Tesla has abandoned its plans to establish factories in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

According to FMT, a source from MITI stated that the report, which cited an unnamed government source, does not reflect an official statement from Tesla and lacks confirmation from the company itself.

“The report cited is not an official statement from Tesla, and confirmation would need to come directly from Tesla,” the MITI source emphasised.

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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially launched the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ in an enticing special edition known as the “Limited Edition.” This unique model promises to deliver unmatched exclusivity and performance in the compact sports car segment.

Striking Design and Unique Features

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Limited Edition stands out with its distinctive “AMG green hell magno” paintwork. This striking colour, previously seen on the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, is making its debut in the compact segment. The edition features AMG logo foiling and large “45 S” lettering on the doors, along with an AMG crest on the bonnet.

The vehicle is equipped with exclusive matt black 19-inch AMG forged wheels in a seven-twin-spoke design, highlighted by yellow accents on the rim spokes. Matching the wheel colour, the high-performance brake callipers are finished in glossy black with white AMG logos. Additional refined details include an AMG-branded fuel cap and a light projector that illuminates the AMG coat of arms when entering or exiting the vehicle.

Enhanced Equipment Packages

The Limited Edition comes with three premium equipment packages:

  • AMG Night Package: This package includes striking black and high-gloss black design elements such as the front splitter, exterior mirror housings, and beltlines.
  • AMG Night Package II: It features darkened struts on the radiator trim, black chrome typography on the front fenders and tailgate, and exclusive black door handles and Mercedes stars on the wheel hub caps.
  • AMG Aerodynamics Package: Developed in a wind tunnel, this package includes special add-on parts and a fixed AMG rear wing to enhance aerodynamic performance and stability at high speeds.

Distinctive Interior Design

The interior of the Limited Edition is equally impressive, featuring AMG performance seats upholstered in black ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT microfibre. Yellow decorative stitching throughout the seats, door panels, and instrument panel creates a striking contrast. The front headrests are embroidered with “45 S” labels, while the AMG performance steering wheel, trimmed in nappa leather and MICROCUT microfibre, is accented with yellow stitching.

Additional interior details include aluminum trim elements with AMG pattern and yellow AMG lettering, illuminated AMG door sills, and AMG floor mats with “45 S” lettering and yellow stitching.

Powerful Performance

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that delivers an impressive 421hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 270km/h. The vehicle features fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG TORQUE CONTROL, allowing dynamic distribution of power between the front and rear axles, as well as between the left and right rear wheels.

Exclusive Availability and Pricing

Limited to just 10 units, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Limited Edition is available for order exclusively through the online showroom at Mercedes-Benz Store. The retail price is RM558,888 (including 10% sales tax) for Peninsular Malaysia, on the road without insurance.

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Limited Edition promises to be a standout in the compact sports car market, combining unparalleled performance with exclusive design elements.

Thermal paint coatings are commonly used in commercial buildings to reflect solar energy and keep interiors cool. However, adapting these coatings for automotive use presents unique challenges due to the need for light, thin, and durable finishes. Nissan is addressing these challenges with its new “cool paint,” designed specifically for vehicles.

Overview of Nissan’s Cool Paint

Nissan’s cool paint is a white paint that reflects solar energy, aiming to reduce interior temperatures and air conditioning use. This is particularly beneficial for electric vehicles (EVs), where air conditioning is a significant energy drain. Nissan has tested this paint on service vans at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and recorded a 9°F (5°C) lower interior temperature compared to standard-painted vehicles.

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Since its launch a little more than two months ago, the updated 2024 Proton X50 has achieved remarkable success, particularly in July, where it sold 2,585 units, marking its best performance of the year. This solidifies its position as Malaysia’s top-selling compact SUV. Since its debut on October 27, 2020, amid the pandemic, the X50 has sold nearly 120,000 units, making it the fastest-selling SUV in Malaysian automotive history. It commands a 10.3% market share in the SUV segment from January to June 2024, outperforming competitors from Japanese and Chinese brands.

Enhanced Features and Customer Feedback

The 2024 Proton X50 includes several key updates based on customer feedback. These enhancements focus on improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels for better driving comfort. Despite maintaining a similar exterior to its predecessor, the updated model offers noticeable improvements in refinement.

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Five of Europe’s largest car manufacturers recently reported a significant decline in profits for the first half of 2024. This drop is attributed to several key factors, including weak demand for electric vehicles (EVs), cost competition from Chinese manufacturers, and rising research and development (R&D) expenses.

Volkswagen Faces Major Challenges

Volkswagen’s CEO, Oliver Blume, highlighted rising costs and lower factory utilisation during a recent earnings conference. Blume stated, “We have made all the necessary technical decisions. We have implemented the relevant organisational measures. Now, our primary focus is on costs, costs, and costs.”

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BMW is launching a new iteration of its popular X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) exclusively for the Chinese market, featuring a longer wheelbase and enhanced interior comfort. This new version, the BMW X3 25L xDrive and BMW X3 30L xDrive, marks the brand’s commitment to catering specifically to the preferences of Chinese consumers.

The extended wheelbase of the new X3 models, increased by 110mm to 2,975mm, significantly enhances rear-seat legroom, providing a more comfortable experience for passengers. The updated BMW X3 boasts an exterior length of 4,865mm and a width of 1,920mm, making it the largest in its competitive segment. The new design incorporates the brand’s latest styling cues with a sleek roofline and modern proportions that reflect BMW’s current design language.

Inside, the BMW X3 offers a luxurious environment with the latest BMW iDrive system based on the BMW Operating System 9. This system includes digital services tailored specifically for the Chinese market. The interior features a BMW Curved Display, BMW Interaction Bar, and a steering wheel with a flattened lower rim. High-quality materials, such as Veganza sports seats and optional “Crafted Clarity” glass applications, contribute to a premium feel. The panoramic glass roof with optional Skylounge lighting adds to the ambience, providing a sophisticated touch to the vehicle’s interior.

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