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LRT Ampang line disruption for another two weeks

The LRT Ampang line disruption will continue for another two weeks following the discovery of major structural damage.

The cracked viaduct and pier located near the Bandaraya station mean that the particular line between this station and Masjid Jamek will be temporarily cut off in order to remedy the situation.

LRT Ampang line still operational, except between these stations

While Rapid Rail has appointed an experienced consulting firm to identify the source and cause of this significant damage, those who intend to travel between the Bandaraya and Masjid Jamek stations will have no choice but to take the shuttle bus.

The rest of the LRT Ampang Line is still operational, which means that the trains are running normally to all the stations between Sentul Timur and Bandaraya as well as between Masjid Jamek and Ampang. The shuttle bus will assist those who want to get from Bandaraya to Masjid Jamek.

200 Prasarana staff assigned to help commuters

The Star reported that our Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, stated that 200 Prasarana staff have been assigned to help the commuters as well as assist in the repair works for the next two weeks. Other agencies from the Works Department, City Hall, and the Public Transport Agency will lend their hands via a special committee that was formed to resolve the matter as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As for the cost of repairs, there’s no specific figure so far as the situation is being treated as an emergency. As with most things in relation to emergencies, safety is the number one priority, which is why the two-week disruption decision was taken and is currently being handled intensively.

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MAA President Datuk Aishah Ahmad passes away in Jeddah

Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), passed away on 2 February 2023.

She held the helm of the MAA since the start of 2000 and just finished performing Umrah earlier this week before planning to return to Malaysia on 4 February 2023. Sadly, she passed away in Jeddah yesterday at the age of 71.

Her work in the automotive industry had been a vital one throughout her career and several high-ranked positions, particularly her role as the CEO of Sime Darby Auto Imports, Senior Consultant for Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, and more.

Our condolences go out to Datuk Aishah Ahmad’s family, relatives, and friends. May Allah bless her soul and place her in Jannah.

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As part of its global commitment to environmental and social responsibility, Continental Tyre Malaysia held its Energy & Environment Day to showcase and celebrate its achievements towards energy and environmental efficiency.

The event is aimed at all Continental’s employees and partners in Malaysia. This year, over 400 people participated to learn more about the company’s commitment to higher energy efficiency and a sustainable environment towards its 2050 global sustainability ambitions and goals.

The theme for this event, “Energizing a Green Future”, highlighted the journey ahead for Continental in terms of contributing to a sustainable environment. Besides gaining a deeper understanding of ways they could play a role in the company’s wider sustainability plans, participants were made aware of the greater need for collaboration among all parties in order to support and commit to the changing environment.

According Thomas Poehnert, Plant Manager of Continental Tyre Malaysia, Continental is cognizant that it needs the support of all stakeholders including employees, partners, dealers and above all else, its customers to collectively contribute towards environmental protection and conservation.

“While Continental has earnestly rolled out its plans to realise its sustainability ambitions, the public, and more specifically our customers, is key to our plans to continue to drive environment and energy efficiency. We have purposeful and clear goals in place to support this agenda, and we need all our partners and customers to embrace and take this journey with us. Our people are the lifeblood of our company, so they too have a critical role to understand our value creation beyond developing quality products but doing so in a manner that is extremely innovative and environmentally friendly,” Thomas said.

In Malaysia currently, some of Continental’s sustainability efforts include recycling systems for rainwater and plastic. Rainwater collected at the Continental plant is reused in its production, replacing the need for water from the main supply. Meanwhile, plastic is recycled within the plant and reused in its tyre production, thus minimizing the need for new plastic sheets. 

Andrea Somorova, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia said driving sustainable growth must be complemented by innovation towards sustainable solutions and waste reduction.

Andrea said, “The Energy & Environment Day gave our people and partners the opportunity to come together and exchange ideas in terms of the plans already in place and what they can expect in the coming years. We also got to celebrate their achievements in contributing to Continental’s goals within this area.”

Continental’s commitment to drive sustainable and value-creating solutions along the entire value chain covers four key areas with targets to be achieved by 2050. These are: material sourcing – fair and 100% sustainable material sourcing practices; operations – to become highly energy and resource efficient, complemented by low emissions operations with 100% carbon neutral production; product usage – safe, energy-efficient and long-lasting products contributing to a carbon neutral business with emission-free mobility; and end of life – with 100 percent renewing and recycling of tires.

Activities on the day included two Tesla EV cars that were being exhibited to showcase the sustainability commitment that Continental has towards future mobility. Continental tyres are suitable for most of the EV cars; seven out of 10 most successful manufacturers of electric vehicles worldwide rely on Continental tyres as their original equipment (OE). Participants also learned from partners which included GSPARX, Exoticmods, Festo, Suruhanjaya Tenaga, and Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) who had booths at the event about detailed information, knowledge sharing sessions related to energy saving, technology, and recycling.

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Proton’s “new powertrain” equals Iriz turbo?

Proton is halfway through its current 10-year business plan and part of that roadmap includes new powertrain integration onto its vehicles. Does that mean that there will be a Proton Iriz turbo model in the future?

While the national automaker is making big moves with the current Proton X70 and X50 SUV models as well as the upcoming Proton X90 (possibly the brand’s first MHEV model), a huge portion of their sales figures still consists of the four non-X models. And all of them are due for a big change.

Proton’s PIES range – Persona, Iriz, Exora, Saga

If you look at the photo above closely, the second last point that states “New powertrain integration onto Proton vehicles” and “Energy-efficient technologies with commendable performance” should point towards the top blue box on the left which states “PIES MC upgrading” or “Persona, Iriz, Exora, and Saga Minor Change Upgrading”.

In other words, we will indeed see these four core Proton models getting significant upgrades and enhancements by 2027, particularly in the powertrain department. Proton’s engine assembly plant in Tanjung Malim is already working hard on building the powertrains for the X50 and X70 models, but more variations of that will be produced in the future other models, as stated by the company’s deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah.

Proton Iriz turbo in the works?

While no specific details have been confirmed by Proton just yet, it is without a doubt that all four of the model offerings in the PIES range are overdue for significant changes in the powertrain department. The Saga and Persona could do with a new and more fuel-efficient engine and transmission package.

The Exora and all of its woes, particularly the ‘oil cooler hose’ issues can also be dealt with a new powertrain offering, but the prospect of stuffing a turbocharged engine into the small-yet-mightly Iriz is probably the one that our imaginative little heads are most excited about.  And yes, Proton did showcase a prototype Proton Iriz turbo back in 2015 from its R&D facility so we all know it can be done.

Throw in a six-speed manual variant and who knows? Maybe a one-make Proton Iriz race cup series can rival the likes of the Vios Challenge from Toyota. If there’s even a remote chance of this happening, we would definitely want to push it into existence by playing Shia LaBeouf’s “Just Do It” motivational speech for both of Proton’s R&D department and top management offices.

 

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3 Hot Picks For A New Year, New Ride This Chinese New Year

Making that hometown journey would be so sweet if you pulled up in a shiny new car to call your own. We’ve all had that feeling or at least the desire to impress our friends and families during the festive season.

From now until 28th February 2023, CARSOME is offering prospective car owners to get behind the wheel of the car of their dreams with low interest rates as low as 1.88% for the first 8 months and discounts of up to RM8,000 on selected CARSOME Certified cars.

Whether for first time owners or those looking for an awesome deal on your next car, the choices at CARSOME are plentiful and often pretty tempting. And because they are Certified under CARSOME comprehensive inspection and refurbishment process, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a pre-owned car that’s definitely a cut above the rest.

Here are some cars that would make the perfect companion for your hometown journey and beyond:

1. Perodua Myvi

Malaysia’s ubiquitous hatchback is dubbed the King for good reason. So many of us regard this car in high esteem due to its unbeatable versatility and value. Over the years, it has been modernised and refined into a truly formidable force in the B-segment hatchback market, utterly dominating the competition.

With a big boot, spacious cabin, a solid reliability track record and a stable of frugal engines ranging from 1.3-litres to 1.5-litre four-cylinders, the Myvi is the consummate 5-door hatchback. It remains a local favourite, and now a quality example can be yours and an even more attractive price point.

2. Nissan Almera

The Nissan Almera might not be as popular as the Honda City or Toyota Vios in the very competitive B-segment sedan market, especially as these 3 cars are manufactured by Japanese automakers, but that only serves to increase the Nissan’s appeal as a rarer sight on the road.

Despite any misconceptions, the Almera is a shockingly impressive car for the price. In its first-generation guise, the boot is enormous (great for family trips), the cabin comfortable, and the ride rather refined.

Like the other cars in this segment, a 1.5-litre normally aspirated 4-cylinder sits under its bonnet, one that is equally famed for being a problem-free workhorse rather than for its athletic performance. For that, you might want to set your sights a little higher to its second-generation successor.

Armed with a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, the newest Almera has a sportier edge to match its bolder styling and upmarket interior. It’s a stand out car, for sure, and a bit of an unexpected left-field hidden gem.

3. Honda City

The Honda City needs no introduction. Many regard it as the consummate four-door sedan that can handle anything and last (almost) forever. There’s an unbelievable amount of space inside with rear legroom, rivalling cars several segments larger, and this is bolstered by class-leading boot space.

There’s also that ‘Honda’ badge-factor, and even that i-VTEC designation that might hold some thread of significance to the screaming motors made famous by the brand.

Quality and materials are also great as Honda has been consistently improving the perception of their vehicles throughout the years. These days, they’re no longer only seen as a mass market contender. Perhaps the best part of choosing a City is how you can hardly go wrong. The basic formula has been retained for almost 3 model generations. Honda knows when not to mess with a good thing.

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Again, with interest rates as low as 1.88% and discounts up to RM8,000 for selected CARSOME Certified cars, there’s more reason than ever to indulge in your dream car to kick start your new year!

But you’d better act quick as CARSOME is offering these low interest rates as little as 1.88% for the first 8 months and discounts of up to RM8,000 on selected CARSOME Certified cars only until 28th February. Terms and conditions apply.

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Proton to aggressively re-enter Thailand and Indonesian markets

Proton is planning to return to both the Thailand and Indonesia markets in the near future.

This news was shared with us during a media event where they briefly explained their export strategy that involves an interim breakthrough of 10,000 units. It’s indeed an achievable figure to accomplish considering that Proton saw an increase in exports by 79.1% in 2022 with a total of 5,406 units exported across several markets.

Proton available in 14 countries in 2022

2022 showed a lot of improvements for Proton’s export game which grew from just nine countries in 2018 to 14 countries last year. The biggest markets outside of Malaysia right now are Pakistan and Bangladesh where they’ve established CKD operations in both countries.

Other markets include South Africa, Brunei, Egypt, Irag, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Fiji, Bermuda, Jordan, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea. As for Thailand and Indonesia, the return of Proton into these particular markets would be a vital one considering that both countries are prominent automotive markets in Southeast Asia.

The core of the brand’s strategy to re-enter these two very vital markets includes the use of new subsidiaries that handle the load in both Thailand and Indonesia. Interesting times ahead for Proton, wouldn’t you say?

Proton Saga remains the crowd favourite

Close to half of the total exported units were of the Proton Saga unit with 2,408 units delivered to several markets around the globe in 2022. The X70 and X50 SUV duo also showed promising results with tremendous growth in demand by 101% and 277% respectively.

Proton is currently in the second half of its 10-year business plan to become not only the automotive leader in Malaysia, but also looking to be placed in the top 3 spots in ASEAN. That timeline will also include the launches of several model upgrades as well as NEV models involving mild-hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and yes, electric vehicles.

 

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7 out of 10 youths in Malaysia are in debt, mainly due to car loans

It seems that cars are one of the main culprits for youths being in debt in Malaysia.

 Debts can be a heavy burden for youths. When young people are in debt, it can impact their ability to make future financial decisions, limit their financial freedom, and cause stress and anxiety.

For this exact reason, we always hope that youths never get themselves into debt, but a recent finding from local University UCSI tells a worrying tale about youths in Malaysia.

UCSI has found that 73% of 1,077 Malaysians aged between 18 and 40 are in debt. According to them, the main reasons given for taking loans were financial constraint (42%), inflation (22%) and luxurious lifestyle (21%).

According to the report in Malay Mail, “this indicates that about three-quarters of Malaysian youths do not have sufficient capital for financial commitments.”

“Although the number of borrowers among the youngsters is worrying, 83% of them could pay their loans on time,” said UCSI University’s head of research and postgraduate studies in its Faculty of Business and Management, Hassanudin Mohd Thas Thaker.

What’s even more worrying is that youths are burdening themselves just for the sake of a vehicle, which according to the University, is one of the top causes. The survey found that 30% of the loans were for vehicles, 28% were for education, and 16% were for buying houses.

“It is alarming to have vehicle loans on top of the pyramid as according to the Insolvency Department Malaysia, vehicle loans (14.39%) have been the second causal factor of bankruptcy rate after personal loans (42.24%) in the year 2022,” said Hassanuddin.

And it’s not like they don’t know the consequences of defaulting the loans because 73% of them know what will happen if they don’t pay up. Hassanuddin added that this shows Malaysian youths do not apply for loans blindly.

But Hassanuddin has given them a hall pass as he believes that one of the reasons that youths are in debt is due to COVID-19. Change in lifestyle may have been necessary to some of the youths because many things changed during the pandemic.

“One of the examples are university students’ transition from physical classes to online classes.”

“This requires each student to have their own laptop and home Wi-Fi facility for them to join online classes, which indirectly affected their daily financial well-being,” he said.

Another finding is that most youths are in debt as they do not have enough savings to begin a new chapter of their life which later causes them to apply for loans.

“Based on the outcome of this research, it could be concluded that the majority of the youths are having greater financial constraints due to the Covid-19 waves,” he said.

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Proton has showcased its timeline or roadmap in electrifying its offerings, beginning with MHEV followed by PHEV and BEV.

The implementation of this roadmap from Proton does not indicate any specific timing, but the message from the deputy CEO himself gave an interesting impression of Proton’s future. A part of that statement went something like “a plan to synergise our EV industrialisation strategy with other brands in the Geely group”.

First Proton mild-hybrid coming soon – X90?

The first phase of the Proton NEV roadmap will start with a mild-hybrid model which will be paired with the introduction of the smart X1 EV. The latter is targeted to be officially available in the fourth quarter of 2023, but the brand’s first MHEV? We have a feeling that it’ll be the new Proton X90 and it’ll be introduced within the first half of the year.

The seven-seater SUV has been spotted several times being tested on Malaysian roads. Featuring a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid three-cylinder petrol engine, it is said that the upcoming Proton X90 will churn out around 190PS and 300Nm of torque. Proton’s deputy CEO did mention that a few things will happen in the next coming months, but the last one which happens to be May sounds about right to launch a brand-new model.

Proton to become a right-hand-drive hub for EVs

The roadmap of Proton’s NEV plans is split into three phases – pioneering, EV growth, and lastly, EV RHD hub. New models and powertrains will be introduced within these timelines until the brand reaches its status as a true development and production hub for right-hand-drive EVs in the region.

Considering all the good things of being a part of the Geely group means that Proton will have first dibs when it comes to dealing with brands like Polestar and Zeekr, the one that still remains in our hearts is the imminent arrival of Lynk & Co into Malaysia. Only a few years away from 2025, folks.

 

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Tesla to enter Malaysia? SSM filings suggest they might just do!

Rumours are circulating that Tesla is about to set up shop in Malaysia, with the basis of it all coming from SSM leaked documents.

Leaks of SSM (Companies Commission of Malaysia) documents have been circulating on WhatsApp recently, showing that Tesla Sdn Bhd has been registered with Malaysia’s company commission organisation.

The rumour went into overdrive when it was also discovered that Tesla Inc has also listed Tesla Sdn Bhd as one of its subsidiaries in its FY2022 annual report filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A screenshot of this listing, along with the leaked SSM documents, has sparked many conversations speculating that Tesla will soon be officially selling their cars in Malaysia, which has excited many electric vehicles and Tesla fans.

To give the speculation more substance, Tesla Sdn Bhd also lists its business nature on the SSM document as a company that will operate as a wholesale and retailer of new motor vehicles, other service activities incidental to land transportation n.e. and maintenance and repair of motor vehicles.

This is not the first time we have seen a Tesla name on SSM, as previously, there was Tesla Services Sdn. Bhd, which was established in 2017. The company that shut down its office in Penang in 2020 was apparently in Malaysia, operating as Tesla’s accounting and finance activities in EMEA and Asia Pacific.

The same company apparently asked SSM for its name to be changed to Tesla Sdn Bhd late last year, which leads to where we are now about Tesla’s apparent intention of setting up shop in Malaysia. 

While this speculation has undoubtedly excited many, it has also brought with it some fears, especially to those who are selling Teslas through the grey market as well as those who have bought Teslas from recon sellers.

If Tesla Inc wants to be irate about things, they could actually make a lot of moves to cut out unofficial importers, such as only being willing to support vehicles bought directly from Tesla Inc. 

We will have to see, but whatever it is, we hope Tesla supports all existing customers, whether they bought the car from them or through grey importers.

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2024 Mazda CX-90 debut – Both the 3.3-litre and 2.5-litre engines have 500Nm of torque, AWD is standard

The much-awaited premier of the 2024 CX-90 has taken its course as Mazda has unveiled the company’s new mid-size crossover SUV.

Following the CX-60 released last year, the CX-90 is the second model in Mazda’s Large Product Group and offers a significant evolution in safety performance and greater joy of driving. 

According to Mazda, the CX-90 is a crossover SUV newly developed in light of features that customers in the important North American market demand. This wide-body three-row SUV offers greater comfort, functionality, and safety performance, making driving more enjoyable when travelling, especially when you can bring several friends and family with you, thanks to its third row of seats.

Main headline – Debut of Mazda’s new electrified 3.3-litre inline-six engine

Mazda will offer a new range of electrified turbocharged engines for the powertrain, including a 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine supported by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, as well as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system called e-SKYACTIV PHEV, comprising of a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engine.

The larger engine, which is augmented by a 48-volt hybrid system, produces 340 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, while the 2.5 PHEV engine, which comes with a 17.8-kWh battery pack, pushes out a similar 323 horsepower and 500Nm of torque. Mazda has not released any specific details yet, but the PHEV should be able to drive in pure electric mode anywhere from 30 – 50 kilometres.

There’s also a new automatic eight-speed transmission which both engines will be mated to. The new tranny is quite interesting as it does not have a torque converter, but instead, it has a multi-plate wet-clutch setup, which according to Car and Driver, is a similar arrangement in AMGs. 

Combined with the new rear-biased AWD architecture, the CX-90 offers what Mazda calls “superior environmental performance while honouring the driver’s intentions”.

Design – Premium is the name of the game

The CX-90’s long hood suggests something a lot more than your regular Mazda SUVs, as it gives off elegant and upscale vibes. The CX-90’s grille detailing also suggests this is an upscale Mazda SUV, and the chrome trim on the lower body further accentuates this. 

A few new colours will be offered apparently, with a unique new tone called Artisan Red leading the way. For those of you who love Mazda’s current Soul Red, that too will be made available.

According to Mazda, the interior is an expression of Japanese aesthetics, incorporating the dynamism of light and natural materials in an orderly, elegant space.

They focused meticulous attention on creating a comfortable environment for all on board, where the space in the interior has been enlarged around the seats. Speaking of seats, there are many of them in the SUV, where the third row is designed to seat three but will probably be highly comfortable for two. The third-row passengers will also have access to their own air-conditioning vents.

Furthermore, the cabin also sees the inclusion of Mazda’s See-Through View, which allows you to see everything around your car without the car’s body obscuring your view. There will also be a sizeable active driving display (meter cluster) that’ll support safe vehicle operation and enhance the driver’s peace of mind.

More information will be available soon according to Mazda, but many are already speculating that the SUV in the states at least will be priced between $40,000 – $60,000 (RM170k – RM254k). The CX-90 will go on sale in the US around April 2023. 

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