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MITI wants Proton and Perodua to expedite national EV

It seems that after attending Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s launch of their locally assembled EV, MITI minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz can’t wait to see a national electric vehicle – which is why he has pulled Perodua and Proton aside to discuss the expedition of a national EV.

According to Bernama’s report, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is in talks with local vehicle manufacturers Proton and Perodua, to accelerate the production of national electric vehicles so that Malaysians can have the option to purchase an affordable electric vehicle.

Tengku Zafrul also emphasized at the same time that the current import permit (AP) guidelines have been eased to provide flexibility on the maximum quantity of fully assembled vehicles (CBU), for the pre-assembly market research (Market Research Pre-Assembly – MRA) sector. 

MRA vehicles are essentially study vehicles, so local assembly companies can better assess new market needs for the EV segment before starting production.

“This measure is expected to help give the people more EV options,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat recently.

It seems that MITI can’t wait to flood the market with EVs, as Norazman Ayub, Deputy Secretary General of MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry), also stated last week that the ministry is ‘encouraging’ more car companies to bring in more affordable EV models into the country, and that will be made available later this year.

The Malaysian government will also push to expand the EV charging infrastructure network to at least 10,000 charging stations by 2025. They are looking at getting around RM20 billion worth of investments to strengthen the Malaysia EV ecosystem by 2025 and RM40 billion by the year 2030.

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Police looking for petrol station theft suspects

The police are currently on the lookout for two suspects that were involved in a theft incident at a petrol station in Cheras earlier this week.

A dashcam recording has gone viral where the female victim was seen looking at the receipt upon finishing refueling her car. While she was walking back to the car, one of the suspects approached the passenger side of the car and waited for the victim to unlock her vehicle before opening the door and taking her bag.

The suspect then ran to his motorcycle together with his accomplice which was also on another bike before the victim gave chase. Unfortunately, the suspects were able to escape and knocked the victim to the ground. Luckily, she was not badly hurt in the fall.

The Star reported a loss of around RM500 from the bag that was stolen by the two suspects. Cheras OCPD is currently on the grounds to obtain more information about the crime that took place on 22 February 2023 at a petrol station somewhere in Cheras.

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2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV price confirmed in the US – From RM184k

Hyundai Motor America has officially revealed the pricing for its 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 offering in the country.

The entire range consists of the choice of either the 53kWh battery pack or the bigger 77.4kWh unit for the long-range models as well as the options of either the rear electric motor or dual electric motor layouts.

Priced from RM184k to RM217k (in the US, not Malaysia okay)

The most affordable side for the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV is the SE Standard Range priced from $41,600 (around RM184,475) and this is fitted with the 53kWh battery pack and rear electric motor combination. The SE Long Range variant still runs the rear electric motor-only combo, but the bigger 74kWh battery unit kicks the price up to $45,500 (around RM201,805).

For those who prefer the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV with a bigger kick, the dual-motor variants are priced from $49,000 (around RM217,339). Paired to the 74kWh battery pack, the range can go up to 508km – a tad shorter the same battery pack is mated to the single rear electric motor unit, which can go up to 580km (EPA-rated).

Hyundai Ioniq 6 coming to Malaysia soon?

Hyundai Malaysia has already teased the future arrival of its new models for 2023. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV was briefly shown alongside the new Creta, Santa Fe, and Palisade together with the message, “Coming Soon”.

As for pricing, you can expect the Ioniq 6 to be slightly north of the current Ioniq 5 here in Malaysia, which can be purchased from RM207k to RM270k. It’s not the cheapest out of the whole EV bunch in the country, but it sure is one of the most exciting offerings yet.

 

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2024 Mercedes-Benz interior revealed – 3 screens, selfie camera and TikTok all part of the new experience

Mercedes-Benz has released pictures of the dash on the next-gen W214 E-Class, and it’s all about screens! 

After many months of spy shots and speculations, Mercedes-Benz is slowly releasing teasers for their next generation E-Class, starting with its screen-heavy dashboard.

If you feel like the dashboard design looks familiar, that’s because you’ve seen the interior of the Mercedes-Benz EQS and EQE, which feature a screen-heavy theme.

Yes, what you see in the teaser picture is the next-gen E-Class’ version of the much-talked-about Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen. Although it might look similar, it’s not an exact carbon copy.

Mercedes-Benz’s Hyperscreen is a digital dashboard that spans the entire width of the car’s dash, with three screens placed underneath one piece of glass.

Although at first sight it might seem like the next-gen E-Class will have the exact same feature, the screens in the upcoming W214 Benz is slightly different.

One of the major differences between it and the Hyperscreens found in Mercedes’ electric vehicles is that the meter cluster is a standalone floating screen. The other two screens follow the Hyperscreen’s theme of placing them underneath one piece of glass.

The air conditioning vents are also different in the next-gen E-Class when compared to other models. Instead of the iconic turbine-inspired A/C vents, the next-gen E-Class will feature slimmer streamlined air vents, following the shape of the outer part of the dashboard. This one-piece-looking A/C vent which stretches from one end of the dash to the other, really is in our opinion a piece of art, just like the turbine vents.

There’s also a camera now on top of the dashboard (optional), which can apparently help you be more productive in the car. When the car is stationary, the camera can be switched on, where you can then use it to take photos or videos and even conference calls. Apparently social media apps like TikTok will be embedded in the infotainment system, allowing you to have some fun with the camera. 

There’s also a camera monitoring your eyes, which will adjust the screen brightness according to the driver’s eye movement. 

The ambient lighting in the W214 E-Class can also operate as disco lights, as it is clever enough to work with the audio system to provide you with a light show based on a song’s rhythm. This too like the camera is an optional extra, but we’re pretty sure people can live without it.

What do you think of the new dashboard design for the new E-Class? classy or technocrazy? Will the rest of the lineup follow the design? Only time can answer that question right now.

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Another Tesla EV in China lost control resulting in a high-speed crash that left one dead and another in a coma.

The South China Morning Post shared the disturbing video taken from a series of CCTV footage which was seen zooming at dangerous speeds before crashing into a bus and another passenger car.

Tesla crash in China – one dead, one in a coma

The unfortunate event also claimed the life of the passenger while the driver is currently in a coma. Both victims are husband and wife. The cause of the incident is still currently being investigated but so far, no official statements have been released by Tesla regarding the incident.

The Tesla Model 3 in question was reported to be around three years old with no issues during its usage prior to this unfortunate incident.

This is not the first time that a Tesla lost control in China. There were two different incidents last year in November and December, both models were the Tesla Model Y which also resulted in several deaths and injuries.

 

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It’ll be difficult to lower road tax, provides RM3b yearly to the government – Loke

Transport Minister, Anthony Loke wants to study the current road tax structure, but admits that lowering it might be a difficult task.

It seems that Anthony Loke is trying to revolutionise another aspect of vehicle ownership in Malaysia, but this time, his attempt might lead to a dead end.

At a recent parliament meeting, the Transport Minister mentioned that the current road tax structure must be looked at once again.

Although he said that the road tax structure would be looked at, he also mentioned that lowering road tax prices would be difficult as it provides a steady stream of revenue for the government.

 “It is necessary to conduct a comprehensive study to see the road tax structure, but it is necessary to understand that the collection of road tax is a huge revenue for the government.

“The revenue we get from road tax is almost RM3 billion, so due to the current lack of revenue, any decision to lower the road tax will indeed have a negative impact,” he said recently during a session at the Dewan Rakyat.

At the same time, Anthony said a comprehensive study for EV road tax would be carried out and that the price structure would be in line with the government’s policy that promotes the use of that type of vehicle.

He said, in an effort to encourage the use of EV vehicles, there should be various incentives in terms of competitive tax prices, charging station facilities and facilities.

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JPJ runners to be affected by Anthony Loke’s digitalisation revolution?

Will JPJ ‘runners’ be affected by the government’s move to digitalise driving licenses and road tax stickers? 

The perception of JPJ runners is a bit of a mixed bag.

While some loathe them because they feel their fees add on the cost of their vehicle registration, some actually do appreciate their services, as they can do all the nitty gritty associated with a vehicle, such as the necessary trip to PUSPAKOM for a vehicle inspection, name change and renewal of driving license and road tax.

Well, like it or hate, they might become a thing of the past soon as the government’s announcement of introducing a digital driving license and road tax sticker system might affect their income.

This was brought to light by Kosmo recently, where they interviewed a runner concerned about his future.

According to the interview, 38-year-old Rahim said that his services are still popular and well-received, but he also has to think of other ways of income, if in future the demand for runners is no longer there.

Rahim is a realist and has yet to rule out the possibility that most customers aged 40 and under will switch to a digital system online.

“The cost of ‘upah’ taken to deal with JPJ, including money for fuel, food and travel is between RM10 to RM15.”

“The amount of income possible for a week’s work for road tax renewal services is about RM150 to RM500. This depends on the number of existing customers, but generally, we get this if we deal between 40 to 50 people.”

“I was thinking, if the income starts to be affected, I might change my career as a food delivery or despatch rider. This is all that is suitable at the moment,” he told Kosmo.

But not all runners share Rahim’s sentiments. 40-year-old runner by the name of Ronney said he does not feel that this career is in jeopardy since all vehicle owners still have to renew their road tax every year.

“It’s not that there is no need to renew the road tax, it’s just that it doesn’t need to be affixed to the vehicle’s windshield. For us, this is no problem and will not affect income.”

 

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AC100 2023 Toyota Vios accidentally leaked on Instagram

UMW Toyota released the ‘Defy’ video teaser which we all theorised that the new 2023 Toyota Vios is coming to Malaysia.

Now, we can definitely confirm the news thanks to an accidental photo leak by the person who’s in the commercial shoot to promote the AC100 2023 Toyota Vios, Malaysian actor Sean Lee. Thanks, buddy.

2023 Toyota Vios – launch date 24 February 2023?

The series of photos posted by Sean Lee on his Instagram page (already deleted) showcased the all-new AC100 2023 Toyota Vios model in some sort of commercial shoot. The photos also confirmed that we’re not getting Thailand’s Yaris Atix, but rather the same model as the folks in Indonesia.

You’ll notice the same 17-inch ‘Machining Alloy’ rim design as the one offered in Indonesia, which also means that the 2023 Toyota Vios in Malaysia will also get the 1.5-litre 2NR-VE engine paired with D-CVT (Dual Mode CVT) transmission package.

The red colour option also appears to be new as compared to the current-generation Red Mica Metallic, but that’s the name of the colour for the new Toyota Vios for the Indonesian market. More info will be released on 24 February onwards.

 

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The recent earthquake tragedies in Turkey and Syria have taken over 47,000 lives and Mazda has stepped in with a ¥10 million (around RM329,000) donation to help out.

Mazda Motor Corporation has extended its condolences to all of those affected by the major disaster that is currently affecting these two countries. The Japanese Red Cross Society is currently there to lend a helping hand, which is also where the donation will be provided to those who need them.

Official statement from Mazda Motor Corporation

*Image credit: Japanese Red Cross Society

Below is the official statement released by Mazda Motor Corporation regarding the major disaster that struck both Turkey and Syria.

Support for those affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria

We are deeply saddened by the terrible loss of life following the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives as well as our sincerest sympathies to everyone affected by this major disaster.

Mazda Motor Corporation has decided to donate ¥10 million to help support the affected regions and survivors of the earthquake. The donation will be provided via the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Mazda operations in the neighboring countries of Turkey and Syria are also making financial contributions to registered charitable organizations to support the humanitarian efforts taking place in the affected areas.

It is our earnest hope that the affected areas of Turkey and Syria are soon able to begin the process of recovery.

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You don’t need a high IQ to know that BMW is a top brand

Consumer Reports has just crowned BMW as their top auto brand. 

A recent research by Scrap Car Comparison has found that BMW and Land Rover drivers have the lowest IQs – and while their research seems to think that these people are just a bunch of knuckleheads, we think BMW drivers are just buying BMWs because they are simply one of the best cars around.

Well, let’s take a look at Consumer Reports’ latest findings, where they have just completed their annual list of top auto brands. It seems there is some merit behind the idea that BMW drivers are just buying BMWs because they are a top auto manufacturer.

According to Carscoop, who has access to Consumer Reports’ full findings, the Bavarian automaker has snatched first place for the first time in Consumer Reports’ annual list of top brands.

They knocked Subaru off the perch, jumping up two spots from the findings in previous years. The overall score was given by collating data from their own findings and customer feedback, based on four key factors, a road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety.

“BMW builds many high-performing, full-featured, and reliable models, so it’s not surprising to see it at the top of our brand rankings,” said Jake Fisher, senior director of automotive testing at Consumer Reports. 

“But non-luxury brands like Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda have also consistently ranked high over the past few years, ensuring that consumers don’t have to sacrifice affordability to get a high-quality car.”

It also seems that BMW Group is generally producing good quality cars, as sister brand MINI has also climbed up the table, jumping five spots and moving up to third. 

The rest that makes up the top part of the table is predictably full of Japanese auto manufacturers, but it is surprising to see Toyota not making the top 5, as they are placed underneath Subaru, Lexus and Honda, respectively. 

However, CR’s report doesn’t allow us to defend Land Rover owners, as they are placed all the way down in the 32nd spot, with one point being the difference between them and Jeep, who sit in the 31st spot.

They always say you buy a Land Rover with your heart and not with your head, so perhaps Scrap Car Comparison’s findings are true about Land Rover drivers.

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