Category: Auto news

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has rolled out their promised RM5 rebate to encourage Malaysians to renew their driver’s license digitally.

Initially announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke back in January in conjunction with the rollout of the Pembaharuan Lesen Memandu Malaysia Digital (e-LMM), the rebate will apply to all e-LLM renewals from February 1st to 31st December 2024.

The electronic renewal option for both passenger cars and motorcycles will obviously not include a new physical license or renewal slip. Just as is the case for digital road tax renewals introduced in 2023, motorists are therefore expected to have their myJPJ app installed and set up on their smartphones to display should they be asked by authorities.

JPJ also clarified that, in addition to the  this initiative also applies those who choose e-LMM during renewal either through the JPJ counter, mySIKAP portal, and JPJ business partners (Pejabat Pos Malaysia and MyEG Services Berhad).

Proton’s latest sales figures paint a vibrant picture to the start to 2024. With a reported total of 12,882 units sold in January for both domestically and in export markets, the company celebrates its most auspicious beginning since 2013.

These figures mark a 1.3% surge in volume from December 2023 and an impressive 10.3% escalation compared to the same period last year.

Maintaining its stronghold as the second-best performer in overall sales, Proton boasts a significant market share of 19.5%, a notable 3.3% leap from the previous month. Remarkably, despite January’s total-industry-volume (TIV) plummeting by 15.6% to 66,134 units compared to December, Proton’s market share remains robust.

Delving into specific models, the Saga once again emerges as the frontrunner for the national automaker, with a resounding 6,129 units sold, comprising nearly half of Proton’s total sales for January.

Following suit is the X50, selling 2,002 units, maintaining its status as the top-selling B-segment SUV in the local market.

The Persona secures third place with 1,846 units sold, while the new S70 sedan debuts impressively with 1,442 units delivered, hinting at promising prospects as series production deliveries commence.

With 8,000 orders already in the pipeline, the S70 is poised for further ascent in Proton’s internal rankings. Notably, it also marks its entry into the export market with 15 units dispatched to Brunei ahead of its official launch there later this month.

In other highlights, Iriz sales surged by 7%, totalling 523 units, while 372 X70s and 365 X90s found buyers in January. Even the discontinued Exora continued to attract interest, with 203 units delivered.

Expressing his elation at the strong start, Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah emphasises the resonance of their models with buyers seeking innovation. He pledges unwavering commitment to meeting customer demands, ensuring timely deliveries, and surpassing expectations.

Despite projections of a contraction in Malaysian automotive sales for 2024, driven by factors like increased SST and the luxury goods tax, Proton remains steadfast in its optimism.

Anchored by a robust beginning, the company looks ahead with confidence, aiming for sustained growth through innovation, quality, and exceptional customer service throughout the year.

The official launch of the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom is just around the corner and to hype its arrival, the GAC GS3 Emzoo Roving Roadshow will be making a few appearances within the Klang Valley.

WTC Automotif (WTCA), the official distributor for GAC here in Malaysia, will be conducting this special preview event from 2-8 February 2024, 11 am to 3 pm, at four different locations listed below:

Fri, 2/2 – Main Entrance of Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, KL

Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, South Block, 142-A, Jln Ampang, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google maps link here.

Mon, 5/2 – Main Entrance of Menara TM, Jalan Pantai Baharu, KL

Jalan Pantai Baharu, 50672 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Google maps link here.

Tue, 6/2 Main Entrance of Mercu Maybank i-City, Shah Alam

Mercu Maybank Finance Avenue, I-City, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor
Google maps link here.

Wed, 7/2 – Main Entrance of Surian Tower, PJ

1, Jln PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Google maps link here.

To make things even more interesting, you stand a chance to win a premium DDPAI Official Malaysia Store Dashcam – Z50 GPS Front & Rear camera worth RM749! Five lucky winners will be selected and it’s a very simple task to participate in the Snap & Win Contest (terms and conditions apply).

If you can manage to spot the GAC GS3 Emzoom Roving Truck driving around town, snap a photo, and post it up on your social media with the hashtags #GACMotor #GS3EMZOOM #GoAndChange, you stand a chance to win the DDPai dashcam (do remember to set your post for public view!)

To improve your chances of winning, head over to any of the four locations and dates listed above and you’re guaranteed to find the GAC GS3 Emzoom Roving Truck in all of its glory just waiting to get its photos taken. It’s that simple, folks!

The all-new GAC GS3 Emzoom is built on the latest GAC Global Platform Modular Architecture (GMPA) and while we’re eagerly waiting on the finalised specs for the Malaysian market, you can expect this SUV to feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a DCT transmission that produces 177PS and 270Nm of torque.

If you see the GAC GS3 Emzoom Roving Truck, grab the chance to snap a photo, post it up on your social media (don’t forget to include all the hashtags and change the privacy settings to public), and you’ll be in the running to win a brand new DDPai dashcam. All the best!

Toyota has unveiled a revamped HiLux for 2024, injecting a dash of electrification with a mild-hybrid powertrain offered to selected 4X4 double-cab variants in the Australian market.

Down under, Toyota Australia boasts that the 48-volt system champions engine finesse and efficiency, elevating fuel economy by a commendable 6% to 10% compared to its predecessor, contingent upon the variant.

Under the hood of the 2024 HiLux lies a 48-volt MHEV system comprising a motor generator, 48-volt lithium-ion battery, and a DC/DC converter, enabling the integration of a stop-start system while refining performance and fuel efficiency.

Toyota affirms that this enhancement mitigates noise, vibration, and harshness, offering a smoother ride. Models equipped with the 48-volt mild-hybrid system also receive Multi-Terrain Select as a standard feature.

Disclosed specifications from Toyota divulge that the 48-volt mild-hybrid system bolsters the HiLux with an additional 16 PS and 65 Nm, synergising with the diesel engine’s output of 204PS at 3,400 rpm and 500Nm.

The exterior receives a makeover, boasting a revamped grille and front bumper, culminating in an octagonal grille and a trapezoidal lower section, exuding a refreshed aura.

Scheduled for a March debut in Australian showrooms, the mild-hybrid HiLux marks a stride towards eco-conscious motoring.

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the HiLux underwent its latest transformation in 2023 with the introduction of the GR Sport variant, featuring a souped-up 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine that sees an increase in power to 224PS and torque to 550Nm.

Although the Malaysian iteration lacks the aggressive exterior cues of its Australian counterpart, retaining essential features such as the six-speed automatic transmission, part-time four-wheel drive system, automatic limited-slip differential, rear differential lock, and Active Traction Control (A-TRC).

Given its end-Q1 debut for the notoriously truck-hungry Aussie market, we might not have too long a wait ahead of us given the Southeast Asian market’s appetite isn’t far off behind, especially in Thailand, making a latter 2024 entry quite plausible.

Together with the official preview and arrival of the 2024 GAC GS3 Emkoom,  WTC Automotif (WTCA) also showcased two more models that’ll arrive here in Malaysia this year – the GAC Emkoo and GAC Aion Y Plus EV.

While the GAC GS3 Emzoom is said to be fighting against the heavy hitters in the B-segment SUV segment like the Proton 50, Honda HR-V, and Chery Omoda 5, the GAC Emkoo will be competing with the likes of the Proton X70 and Honda CR-V to name a few.

Just like the GS3 Emzoom, the GAC Emkoo‘s main attraction has to be its exterior design featuring several appealing features such as its Borderless V-Shape Grille, “Eyes of Revelations” LED headlamps, and a similarly exciting-looking rear end with a unique set of tail lights.

No news on the powertrain just yet, but the GAC Emkoo comes in three powertrain options – a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, and a 2.0-litre hybrid. It is expected that the option that’ll arrive here in Malaysia would most likely be the 1.5-litre, which is the same as the GS3 Emzoom with 177PS and 270Nm of torque.

Moving to the last eye-catcher of the night, the GAC Aion Y Plus EV will be officially launched here in Malaysia within the first half of 2024. With almost similar dimensions to the BYD Atto 3 (apart from being 80mm longer with an extra 30mm wheelbase), this all-electric SUV (some might call it an MPV) certainly has that Gulf Racing vibe with the blue and orange combo.

Riding on the GAC AION Electric Platform (AEP2.0) which has been extensively developed exclusively for EVs, the Aion Y Plus’ extended body also features the widest wheelbase of its segment at 2,750mm and a very spacious interior space that can be transformed into a 1.8-metre-wide double bed.

Other highlights include the Angel’s Wing headlights with seven horizontal light bars positioned in between a very smooth and almost completely covered front end. Positioned to attract the younger crowd, the Aion Y Plus will be available in seven exciting exterior colour options.

As for power and range, the GAC Aion Y Plus carries a single electric motor powering the front wheels with 204PS and 225Nm of torque paired with the 63.2kWh ‘Magazine Battery’ pack which can cover up to 430km (WLTP) in a single charge.

WTCA also confirmed the signing of the GAC Aion Distribution agreement last month to make them the sole distributor of GAC Aion vehicles here in Malaysia. This is a part of their strategic move towards the future of sustainable mobility.

Looks like 2024 will be a defining year for the GAC brand here in Malaysia.

WTC Automotif (WTCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings (a Tan Chong Group company), has officially previewed the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom here in Malaysia with two variants available for booking right now – Exclusive and Premium-R.

Marking the brand’s first-ever CKD operations outside of China (which will begin in Q2 2024), the new GAC GS3 Emzoom is unlike the GS3 launched here back in 2021. Gunning against the likes of the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and Chery Omoda 5, the GS3 Emzoom is built on GAC’s latest Global Platform Modular Architecture (GPMA) platform.

The result is a more modern and very appealing B-segment SUV with a sportier facade, interior equipment, and of course, performance. Speaking of performance, the GAC GS3 Emzoom comes packed with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 177PS and 270Nm of torque.

Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), it is said that the GAC GS3 Emzoom can hit 0-100km/h in just 7.5 seconds. As for fuel consumption, it is rated at 5.9L/100km.

Those who are into sporty SUVs will appreciate its bold exterior thanks to its sharp-looking Mecha Wing front grille, aggressive-looking Laser Eye Split LED headlights, electric hidden door handles, and an even more enticing rear end with the Light Dart taillights, centrally-mounted twin exhaust tips and what seems to be a race-inspired diffuser design.

The interior is just as sleek with a very modern feel via its 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a crystal shift knob to operate its shift-by-wire system, as well as colour-coded air vents plus interior trim.

The 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom is said to be estimated below RM130,000 and bookings are now opened with a fee of RM1,000 for the first batch of CBU units. Four colour options are available – Ivory White, Starlight Silver, Lake Blue, and Graphene Green.

Public previews of the 2024 GAC GS3 Emzoom will be held next week in several locations across the Klang Valley along with several showroom openings across Malaysia within the first half of the year. Stay tuned for more updates.

Celebrate this Chinese New Year with CARSOME with the first installment on the house for every car purchased from 1-29 February 2024.

It’s definitely a good way to share joy and prosperity with your family and loved ones. This limited-time offer applies to all vehicles sold by CARSOME including CARSOME Certified and Value Cars up to RM600 per car via loan purchases only.

Going on a budget? During this month, any CARSOME Value cars stand to get a one-year Extended Warranty Program for all brands and models for peace of mind. 

From 1st to 31st January 2024, any car sold to us gets an additional RM800 payout so long as your car must have its value appraised for RM10,000 and above. This offer applies to all brand models brought in for inspection. Huat Ah! 

On top of our complimentary one-year warranty, you can also purchase an extended warranty upgrade or our CARSOME Service Center vouchers to futureproof your ride.

There’s also a set of Service Vouchers bundled up together in the CARSOME Service Center Package that can be used at any CARSOME Service center around Malaysia.

You can mix and match one each from our Peace of Mind package or our Service Center package and get a 20% discount on checkout OR elevate your driving experience with CARSOME’s TRAPO Gear Up Package listed below.

All CARSOME Certified cars are selected via a stringent 175-point inspection to ensure they are free from major accidents, floods, and fire damage. All of CARSOME’s curated selection of vehicles are sent for refurbishment at our CARSOME Certified Lab under a professional team with updated aesthetics and safety standards.

Additionally, for your peace of mind with each purchase, all CARSOME Certified car comes with the following promise:

1-year warranty: Our warranty plan covers everything from the engine to the vehicle’s chassis, after-sales support, and easy claims. 
5-day money-back guarantee: If you have changed your mind about your purchase, we allow all vehicles to be refunded within 5 days with no questions asked. 
Fixed prices and no hidden fees: The prices displayed on our website are final inclusive of PUSPAKOM inspection, owner transfers, and loan application fees.

Don’t miss out on these deals from CARSOME! Start the Year of the Dragon with carsome.my, or download the CARSOME app for Android and IOS today for free!

It’s only a month into the new year and we can already expect yet another brand to enter the Malaysian market – MG.

Morris Garages (MG) has not stated when this market penetration will take place but what we do know is that the brand will be taken care of by SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

As an automotive brand that has been around for 100 years, MG has a rich history with roots embedded in racing but it has now transformed into offering electric vehicles for the global market.

There’s already an MG Malaysia website showcasing the brand’s century of excellence. What’s even more interesting would be the question of which models will be launched here in the country first.

Scroll a bit down and you’ll find three EVs – MG4 hatchback, ZS EV SUV, and perhaps the most interesting model from MG, the Cyberster.

Both the MG4 and ZS EV are already available in several different variants in Thailand while the Cyberster is still waiting for its global debut on the showroom floors.

Expect to hear a lot more about MG here in Malaysia within the first quarter of 2024. Stay tuned for more news.