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2024 ORA Good Cat 500 Ultra gets Pistachio Green colour and matching interior for Malaysia

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia is introducing the Pistachio Green exterior option for the Ora Good Cat, adding another distinctive shade to the EV’s eclectic palette of choices.

The unique green colour is exclusively offered on the higher-tier 500 Ultra variant, priced at RM169,800. The base 400 Pro model, in case you were wondering, kicks the range off at RM139,800.

Opting for Pistachio Green brings an interior boasting a specific two-tone scheme – light cream for the upholstery, pastel green for the dash/door card panelling and seat accents, with orange highlights for contrast. Additionally, a paw print motif adorns the front of the centre armrest to remind you of its feline association.

The 400 Pro and 500 Ultra are powered by a 143 PS/210 Nm front-mounted electric motor, capable of accelerating the EV from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 152 km/h. However, they vary in battery capacity and composition.

The 400 Pro features a 47.8 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery offering up to 400 km of range (NEDC cycle). Charging via the 6.6 kW AC route takes eight hours, while DC charging at 60 kW requires 46 minutes to reach an 80% state-of-charge.

On the other hand, the 500 Ultra is equipped with a 63.1 kWh ternary lithium battery, providing up to 500 km of travel range (NEDC). AC charging takes around 10 hours for a full charge, while DC fast charging at 60 kW takes approximately 40 minutes to reach an 80% state-of-charge.

Both the 400 Pro and 500 Ultra offer similar features, including a multi-function steering wheel, two USB ports for front occupants, one USB outlet for rear occupants, one USB port for the digital video recorder, and an additional power outlet. A seven-inch multi-information display accompanies a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Toyota announces major leadership shakeup at Daihatsu following safety scandal

The Toyota-Daihatsu vehicle certification scandal that came to light just two months ago has taken a significant turn, signalling a new chapter in the ongoing saga of within the automotive industry.

In 2023, Daihatsu found itself embroiled in a safety scandal which not only tainted its own reputation but also cast a shadow over its parent company, Toyota. The fallout was inevitable with Daihatsu’s president, Soichiro Okudaira, compelled to resign in January.

Now, with the dust still settling, Toyota has made bold moves to address the crisis head-on. In a joint press conference held in Tokyo recently, Toyota’s president, Koji Sato, announced the appointment of Masahiro Inoue, former CEO of Toyota Latin America, as the new head of Daihatsu. The aim is clear: to tighten control over the subsidiary and overhaul its operations to ensure such lapses are not repeated.

Furthermore, Masanori Kuwata will step into the role of executive vice president, tasked with spearheading the reform of Daihatsu’s corporate culture, starting March 1. Concurrently, Daihatsu’s chairman, Sunao Matsubayashi, will retire, all signalling a significant restructuring within the company.

The restructuring entails the departure or reassignment of five senior management members:

Chairman: Sunao Matsubayashi (Stepped down)
President: Soichiro Okudaira (Stepped down)
Director, Sales & Customer Service: Yusuke Takeda (Reassigned as Chief Officer)
Director, Corp. Management: Toshinori Edamoto (Reassigned as Chief Officer)
Director Masahiro Yamamoto (Stepped down)

Additionally, the position of Chairman will be eliminated. The following senior management members will assume new roles:

President: Masahiro Inoue (Former CEO of Toyota Latin America)
Executive Vice President: Masanori Kuwata (Formerly with Lexus International Co. and Toyota Motor Kyushu)
Director: Keiko Yanagi (Formerly with DCO Toyota Customer First Promotion Group)

Inoue acknowledged the challenges ahead, citing the “distortion” caused by Daihatsu’s rapid expansion that needed to be addressed. He expressed his commitment to rebuilding Daihatsu and restoring its integrity in the wake of the scandal. Kuwata’s appointment, given his experience in electrification initiatives and production management, underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues within the organisation.

Sato emphasised the need for a measured approach, acknowledging that Daihatsu would temporarily scale back operations to ensure a thorough resolution of the issues at hand. The decision to halt shipments late last year was prompted by internal investigations that uncovered falsified safety data.

While no injuries or deaths have been linked to this, the repercussions have reverberated throughout the industry, with Toyota itself forced to suspend shipments of certain models due to inappropriate product testing at a group company.

Despite the turmoil, Toyota remains steadfast in its commitment to quality and reliability. By implementing decisive measures, such as replacing Daihatsu’s leadership with trusted Toyota executives, the company aims to restore its reputation and reaffirm its position as a leader in the automotive sector.

Only time will tell if the measures taken by Toyota are sufficient to rebuild trust and ensure the integrity of its operations in the years to come.

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Auto news

Lesen P atau L Tamat Tempoh: Cara renew lesen P Ke CDL ‘Full’

Pemegang lesen P atau L? Pelajari langkah penting ketika lesen hampir tamat. Semak info penting tentang renew/ tukar lesen P ke full (CDL) & renew lesen L di sini!.

 

Apa itu lesen memandu P?

Lesen memandu P ialah lesen percubaan khas yang diperoleh pemandu baharu selama dua tahun dan dikeluarkan oleh Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) . Ia diberikan kepada mereka supaya mereka boleh belajar cara memandu dengan selamat dan menimba pengalaman sebelum mereka boleh memandu tanpa sebarang sekatan. 

Apabila orang mempunyai lesen P dan memandu di jalan raya, ada peraturan tertentu yang mereka perlu patuhi:

Sentiasa membawa lesen memandu percubaan 
Pastikan tiada alkohol sama sekali dalam nafas, darah, atau kencing anda. 
Tampal pelekat “P” besar pada cermin hadapan dan belakang kereta anda.

 

Apa nak buat lepas lesen P tamat tempoh?

Anda perlu memastikan anda mendapat Lesen Memandu Kompeten (CDL) baharu sekurang-kurangnya 7 hari sebelum yang lama tamat tempoh.


Apakah yang berlaku jika anda tidak memperbaharui lesen P anda yang telah tamat tempoh untuk masa yang lama?


Lesen P Sudah Tamat Sebulan

Adalah penting untuk mengetahui bahawa terdapat tempoh masa tertentu untuk tukar lesen P (PDL) anda ke lesen full (CDL). Jika terlewat, anda akan menjadi lebih sukar untuk mendapatkan lesen CDL, malah anda mungkin kehilangan lesen P terus. 
Jika lesen P anda telah tamat tempoh hanya sebulan, anda masih bernasib baik kerana anda boleh renew atau mendapatkan yang baru di JPJ.

 

Lesen P Sudah Tamat Setahun

Jika lesen P seseorang telah tamat tempoh selama setahun penuh dan mereka masih belum mendapat lesen CDL mereka, apa yang akan berlaku?
Pertama, anda perlu menyemak sama ada lesen P telah tamat tempoh hampir setahun atau lebih setahun. 
Jika lesen P anda akan tamat tempoh dalam beberapa hari, anda masih boleh mendapatkan atau hidupkan lesen CDL di JPJ.

 

Lesen P Sudah Tamat Tempoh LEBIH Setahun

Jika lesen P anda telah tamat tempoh lebih daripada setahun, bermakna anda telah menunggu terlalu lama untuk memperbaharuinya. Anda mungkin tidak boleh mendapatkan lesen full /penuh lagi.

Berdasarkan akta yang telah ditetapkan JPJ, ini bermakna jika lesen P anda telah tamat tempoh lebih daripada setahun atau pun hanya satu hari, anda tidak boleh renew lesen percubaan & tukar lesen p ke full (lesen CDL).

Jika lesen P anda tidak diperbaharui selepas 2 atau 3 tahun, anda tidak akan boleh mendapatkan lesen CDL. Bukan itu sahaja, lesen P anda akan dibatalkan dan anda tidak akan dibenarkan memandu kenderaan di jalan raya lagi.

Jika anda benar-benar percaya anda mempunyai alasan yang kukuh, anda boleh menulis surat kepada pihak JPJ dan meminta mengubah keputusan mereka. Sila rujuk dengan cawangan JPJ yang terdekat untuk meneruskan proses rayuan bertulis anda. Tetapi jika mereka rasa alasan anda tidak munasabah, anda mungkin perlu mengambil ujian memandu sekali lagi.


Jangan lupa untuk memperbaharui lesen P anda sebelum tamat tempoh.

Jika anda tidak melakukannya, ia boleh menjadi sangat berbahaya. Jika anda mempunyai lesen P, ingat untuk memperbaharuinya setiap 2 tahun. Ia penting kerana anda tidak membazirkan wang, masa dan tenaga anda untuk perkara yang tidak perlu.

Mempunyai lesen memandu adalah sangat penting pada masa kini. Anda perlu melalui kelas dan ujian yang berbeza untuk mendapatkannya. Dan apabila lesen anda hampir tamat tempoh, pastikan anda memperbaharuinya sekurang-kurangnya 7 hari sebelum itu. Ia juga lebih menyeronokkan untuk memandu apabila anda mempunyai lesen CDL!

 

 

Pembaharuan/ renew lesen secara online tidak boleh dilakukan bagi kelas lesen berikut, dan pemegang lesen ini perlu hadir sendiri ke JPJ berhampiran untuk memperbaharui lesen mereka:

Lesen Belajar Memandu atau Learner Driving License (LDL);
Lesen Memandu Percubaan atau Probationary Driving License (PDL).

 

Klik disini untuk info tentang perbaharui lesen online atau fizikal dengan lebih lanjut – Mana lebih mudah?


Lesen memandu CDL

Apabila seseorang mendapat lesen memandu, mereka boleh menggunakannya sehingga lima tahun sebelum mereka perlu memperbaharuinya. Jika mereka tidak memperbaharuinya dalam tempoh tiga tahun, mereka perlu menjalani ujian sekali lagi untuk mendapatkan lesen baharu.

 

Lesen memandu tamat tempoh

Biasanya, anda boleh memperbaharui lesen CDL ini selagi ia belum tamat tempoh lebih daripada tiga tahun. Tetapi jika ia telah tamat tempoh lebih daripada tiga tahun, anda perlu mengikuti proses khas untuk mendapatkan yang baru:

Tulis sepucuk surat kepada Ketua Pengarah JPJ yang menerangkan sebab lesen anda tamat tempoh. 
Jika permohonan diluluskan, anda akan dikecualikan daripada menghadiri kursus KPP 1, ujian undang-undang, KPP 2 dan QTI.
Tetapi anda masih perlu melakukan ujian memandu praktikal JPJ bahagian 2 (mendaki bukit, parking selari dan pusingan tiga penjuru) dan 3 (ujian jalan raya).
Jika permohonan tidak berjaya, anda perlu bermula sekali lagi untuk mendapatkan lesen.

 

Tukar/ Renew Lesen P ke Full

Anda boleh menukar lesen memandu pemula anda kepada lesen memandu penuh (lesen PDL ke CDL). Tetapi hanya sah dalam masa tujuh hari sebelum lesen pemula anda tamat tempoh. Anda boleh pergi ke pejabat JPJ dan Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) untuk tukar lesen P ke Full. Renew lesen percubaan ini adalah proses yang cepat dan mudah. Anda boleh mendapatkan lesen CDL yang hanya mengambil masa beberapa minit. 

Pergi ke pejabat JPJ atau UTC berdekatan;
Isi borang JPJ L1;
Ambil nombor dan tunggu giliran;
Nyatakan kepada pegawai bertugas anda ingin tukar lesen P ke Full;
Serahkan kad pengenalan dan lesen P anda. Nyatakan juga tempoh pembaharuan lesen anda (antara satu hingga lima tahun);
Jika anda ingin tukar gambar di lesen, bawa bersama gambar dengan latar belakang berwarna putih berukuran 25 mm x 32 mm.

 

Bolehkah Renew Lesen P ke CDL Online (MyEG) atau di Pejabat Pos?

Anda tidak boleh renew lesen P anda kepada lesen CDL secara online (dalam talian) atau di Pejabat Pos. Anda juga tidak boleh memperbaharui lesen GDL (Goods Driving License/Lesen Kenderaan Barangan) secara online, anda perlu pergi ke Pejabat JPJ.
Tetapi jika lesen L (PDL) atau lesen CDL anda telah tamat tempoh, anda boleh memperbaharuinya di cawangan pejabat pos, UTC atau renew lesen L online (dalam talian).


Berapa Lama Tempoh Lesen P dan Bila Lesen P Tamat Tempoh?

Lesen P, juga dikenali sebagai Lesen Memandu Percubaan (PDL), adalah lesen khas yang dapat pemandu baharu. Ia sah selama satu tahun. Jika Lesen P anda tamat tempoh, anda boleh memperbaharuinya dalam tempoh setahun dari tarikh tamat tempoh terakhir. Tapi kalau dah setahun lebih, boleh minta kebenaran Ketua Pengarah JPJ untuk memperbaharuinya.


Berapa Lama Tempoh Lesen L dan Bila Lesen L Tamat Tempoh?

Renew lesen L perlu dilakukan setiap tiga atau enam bulan semasa anda masih belajar memandu. Tetapi anda tidak boleh memiliki lesen LDL selama lebih daripada dua tahun sejak anda mula mendapatkannya. Jika sudah melebihi dua tahun, anda perlu mula semula dan melakukan semua latihan dan ujian sekali lagi untuk mendapatkan lesen L baharu.

 

Harga Pembaharuan/ Renew Lesen Memandu:

Senarai harga renew lesen L adalah seperti berikut: 

Untuk memperbaharui lesen memandu, anda perlu membayar yuran. Harga renew lesen L yang perlu anda bayar bergantung pada jenis lesen yang anda miliki dan tempoh anda ingin memperbaharuinya. 

Untuk sesetengah lesen, seperti L kelas A, anda perlu membayar RM2. 
Bagi yang lain, seperti kelas B2, anda perlu membayar sama ada RM2 atau RM4, bergantung kepada jika anda ingin memperbaharuinya selama tiga atau enam bulan.
Untuk kelas B dan C, anda perlu membayar RM20 untuk tiga bulan atau RM40 untuk enam bulan. 
Dan untuk kelas D dan ke atas, yuran pembaharuan adalah RM30 untuk tiga bulan atau RM60 untuk enam bulan.


Senarai harga Renew Lesen P adalah seperti berikut:

Jika anda mempunyai lesen untuk Kelas A/A1 atau Kelas B2, anda perlu membayar RM2 setiap dua tahun. 
Jika anda mempunyai lesen untuk Kelas B atau Kelas C, anda perlu membayar RM40 setiap dua tahun. 
Bagi Kelas D dan lebih tinggi, yuran pembaharuan adalah RM60 untuk dua tahun.

 

Cara Membuat Temujanji Renew Lesen Memandu

Jika anda ingin memperbaharui lesen memandu atau melakukan apa-apa perkara penting lain di Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan, anda perlu membuat temujanji (booking JPJ renew lesen) terlebih dahulu sebelum hadir ke pejabat untuk urusan pembaharuan lesen memandu, pembaharuan cukai jalan, tukar hak milik kenderaan dan urusan-urusan lain yang berkaitan. 
Ini bermakna pihak JPJ tidak akan menerima kehadiran pelanggan secara walk-in ke pejabat.


Berikut merupakan cara anda boleh membuat temujanji dalam talian untuk memperbaharui lesen memandu anda:

Pergi ke laman web JPJ dengan klik pada pautan ini: https://temujanji.jpj.gov.my/home .
Kemudian klik pada “Tempahan Janji Temu Baharu” dan pilih negeri anda. 
Mereka akan menunjukkan tarikh anda boleh membuat temu janji. 
Jika anda ingin menyemak bila temujanji anda, klik pada “Semak Tempahan Temujanji”.

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Auto news

First Drive: 2024 Smart #1 Premium & Brabus – Trendy and stylish but does it put up a strong fight?

We sampled the Premium and more expensive – not to mention quicker and more powerful – Brabus version over an overnight trip to Penang and back. Here’s what we learned:

The first day began at a location uncommon for these sorts of events: a go-kart track at 8.30am. The itinerary showed we were only to depart to our ultimate destination, Batu Ferringhi, closer to noon.

In between, there would be opportunities to experience the #1 on a closed course, sandwiched between the usual technical briefings and photo opportunities. Interestingly, the cars we’d be abusing (safely, on track) were same ones we’d be driving long distance later on, leaving us a little wary about pushing it too hard. Range anxiety is real!

These ‘media drives’, especially ones with domestic destinations, are a pretty routine affair – even  curated. Show up to a certain spot and take the cars, usually shared between multiple other media representatives, so it’s interesting to observe their opinions form in real time alongside yours.

Smart #1 – Exterior – “Does This Make Me Look Big?”

It arrives fully imported from China, built upon Geely’s SEA platform and tech with styling clearly, and proudly made known, done by Mercedes-Benz. I’ve heard it resembles an even trendier, more sculpted GLB, and I can definitely see why.

The GLB, like the #1, is an SUV/Crossover, though it has very distinct hatchback cues that successfully hides its size at a distance. It sure is a far cry from the truly tiny ForTwo or even the more normally proportioned ForFour from decades past.

As an object, there’s no doubt it’s a good looking one, especially the Brabus and its more aggressive cosmetic touches. More than that, it has a clear aesthetic consistency that’s quite rare in brand new cars. The designers knew the brief, clearly.

Smart #1 – Interior – Minimal But Far From Boring

Stepping into the #1, that consistency and cohesion with the exterior comes through loud and clear regardless if you chose the iPod-like lighter tone of the Pro/Premium or the more shadowy vibes of the Brabus.

Ample space is found inside and that glass roof only serves to multiply its perceived cabin airiness – just be sure to close that shade on those cloudless days. Boot space, at just 273-litres, is just plain disappointing for something with the #1’s dimensions.

There’s a clever (smart?) mix of materials within the cabin. Build quality, too, is rather high, all coming together as a car that feels more European (not quite German…) than Chinese in origin.

Like mostly all EVs, much of the tactile controls are replaced by touchscreen (12.8-inch, centrally mounted) in an otherwise buttonless expanse. The interface is slick and decently intuitive once you get used to the convoluted animated homescreen globe-thing and its often-confused voice assistant.

Unexpectedly, it’s the apparently sportier Brabus that’s has the more refined and comfortable cabin thanks to its liberal use of leather and suede (or faux leather and synthetic suede?). Speaking of which….

Smart #1 Brabus – Worthy of that name?

A typical Brabus-tuned Mercedes-Benz is, put simply, a faster and more powerful interpretation of that factory car. In that sense, the #1 Brabus is just that, minus the boutique engineering and performance appeal that so defined its brand.

However, the #1’s Brabus credentials feels more than a little more hollow. Without the cosmetic touches on the exterior and cabin – which are very well done, by the way – the car just comes off as the ‘dual-motor’ variant.

Acceleration is very rapid at 3.9 seconds (428PS and 543Nm on tap instantly tends to do that), but at no time during our drive, which included some twisty roads on the northwest side of Penang island, did it manage to establish itself as any more talented or engaging behind the wheel.

Though steering is direct and the chassis does seem to display some good EV-like agility (low centre of gravity from that big lump of floor-mounted battery), it still feels rather inert. Is it worth the extra cost (RM30,000) over the Premium?

Yes, it is. It looks significantly more desirable than the other variants and those red/black accents and material upgrades within the interior really does make the car feels extra….well, Premium. Also, that supercar-like point and squirt performance is always good for a few chuckles and is still exploitable in daily driving.

If your budget can stretch that far, the Brabus is definitely the better buy.

Smart #1 Premium – Can it go the distance?

The biggest upgrade between the Smart #1 Pro and Premium is its upsized battery (49kWh vs 66kWh), meaning the latter can go a longer distance with its shared single electric rear motor that produces 272PS and 343Nm of torque.

Officially, it’s advertised with having a WLTP rated range of 440km on a single charge as opposed to the Brabus’ 400km. And therein lies the problem.

We were designated the Premium variant on our return journey to KL, so we were fairly confident that it could manage the 360km journey from our starting point in Georgetown to Proton’s Centre of Excellence, even if we didn’t hypermile. We started our drive at around 2pm with the battery at 90%.

A few hours later, shortly after breaching the Selangor border we found ourselves with an EV indicating just 9% of available juice and an estimated range less than the 82km necessary to reach our destination.

The traffic picking up over the evening rush hour only increased our chances of ending up at the side of the road, so we pulled into the Ulu Bernam R&R to use the DC fast charger at the Petronas station. The charging experience was thankfully very straightforward, provided you’ve got the right app and the payment set up.

About 20 minutes later we got the car up to around 50% and felt secure enough in our power reserves to rejoin the highway. Thanks to the aforementioned evening traffic as we approached the Klang Valley and some less than great weather, we arrived just after 8pm, about 6 hours after we set off.

 

Smart #1 – Is It The EV To Get?

Overall it is a very impressive EV, you know, if you’re into that sort of thing.

There seems to be a clear through-line between how the car was conceived, designed, and built that sets it apart from many options in the EV that themselves are trying very hard to capture the public’s attention.

Its pricing clearly puts it up against the likes of the Model Y, against which it might take a few stumbles in an on-paper comparison, but I’d argue the #1 offers a certain style and trendsetting vibe that makes the Tesla appear about as flavourful as white bread in contrast.

As proven, even the longest-legged Premium it can’t quite manage a medium-length road trip without stopping for a charge, but this is a knock I can probably apply to a lot of EVs out there that similarly fall short of their advertised/rated range.

Upon accepting this reality of a nationwide charging infrastructure that still has a ways to go in Malaysia, the #1 really should excel as either a secondary or daily drive vehicle for the urban dweller. This is especially true if you have home access to wallbox that makes full use of its 22kW AC charging rate (double that of the Model Y), needing just 3 hours to go from 10% to 80%.

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Over 1,200 accidents recorded on Day 5 of Op Selamat 21

Day 5 of the Op Selamat 21 for this year’s Chinese New Year recorded a total of 1,261 road accidents recorded by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

Based on the statistics provided by the Jabatan Siasatan dan Penguatkuasaan Trafik (JSPT) stated that 15 of the recorded accidents involved 17 fatalities.

Compared to the same period last year, that’s an increase of seven road fatalities from the fifth day of Op Selamat 19 despite recording a lower number of road accidents.

Before that, Day 4 of Op Selamat 21 recorded 1,230 road accidents involving 1,480 vehicles and 14 fatalities across Malaysia.

Wishing you a safe and joyful drive this Chinese New Year. May you reach your destination with happiness and good fortune.

Be safe on the roads by obeying traffic rules, staying focused, and taking breaks when needed. Stay safe!

 

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Auto news

Chery to Chery offers brand’s early Malaysian adopters extra RM3,000 when they trade-in

Contrary to most Chinese car brands that have made their way into Malaysia, Chery has maintained a lasting presence in the minds of Malaysians and now, as a reward to their earliest adopters, are offering special trade in program called ‘Chery to Chery’.

Even though the automaker re-entered the scene in 2023 with the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro, you can still spot older models from its initial introduction in Malaysia on the streets.

While many companies might choose to distance themselves from their past, Chery Malaysia embraces with this campaign. Essentially, this initiative allows owners of older Chery models, including the Eastar MPV, the relatively lesser-known Chery Maxime, and the QQ city car, to trade them in for their newer and significantly more advanced models.

For those with Chery vehicles from before Chery Malaysia’s era, the company is offering an extra RM3,000 on top of the trade-in value if you opt for a new Omoda 5 or Tiggo 8 Pro.

Chery Malaysia said in a statement: “This initiative aims to enhance the ownership experience for Chery enthusiasts through a simplified trade-in process and exclusive incentives for their brand loyalty.”

The ‘Chery to Chery Trade-in Campaign’ kicks off on February 9, coinciding with the Chinese New Year celebration at Chery showrooms nationwide, and runs until February 24. In addition to test drives of the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro SUVs, attendees can enjoy various activities such as Chinese calligraphy, workshops on Chinese paper-cutting, games, and lion dance performances.

Looking ahead, the next offerings from the brand include the fully electric Omoda E5 EV set to launch in March and the Tiggo 7 Pro, positioned between the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro in terms of price and positioning, making its debut in Q2.

 

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Auto news

Six new 250kW Tesla Superchargers are now live at Pavilion Bukit Jalil

Tesla has further expanded their network of Superchargers in Malaysia with the opening of their newest location, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, totalling six Supercharging stations and six Destination Charging stations nationwide.

At the B1 carpark near Pillar H19 in the shopping mall, Tesla owners have access to six Superchargers for charging their vehicles. Similar to previous installations in Malaysia, Pavilion Bukit Jalil is equipped with V3 Superchargers capable of providing DC fast charging speeds up to 250kW. Pricing for Pavilion Bukit Jalil’s Supercharger bays is set at RM1.50/kWh.

Adjacent to these Superchargers, there are two Destination Charging bays designated for Tesla owners planning longer stays at the mall. Both the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y  support up to 11kW of AC charging when connected to the Wall Connector at these bays.

Like other Supercharger locations, Pavilion Bukit Jalil’s Superchargers are reserved for Tesla vehicles. Non-Tesla Supercharging capability remains inactive in Malaysia, and the Destination Charging bays are exclusively labeled “Tesla Charging Only,” indicating support only for Tesla vehicles.

Since Tesla’s introduction to Malaysia last July, six Tesla Supercharger sites have been established in Peninsular Malaysia, including Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Sunway Pyramid, Pavilion KL, Tesla Service Centre Cyberjaya, Freeport A’Famosa Melaka, and Sunway Bigbox Iskandar Puteri.

With exception of the Tesla Service Centre at their Cyberjaya headquarters, Sunway Pyramid, and Pavilion KL, all locations serve as Destination Charging sites. Additional sites such as Pavilion Damansara Heights and Sunway Velocity Mall, along with Wall Connectors at All Seasons Place Penang, are still awaiting activation despite installation since early December last year.

While access is currently limited to Tesla vehicles, future changes are anticipated. As per the agreement with the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), Tesla is mandated to build 50 fast chargers by 2026, with at least 30% accessible to all EVs regardless of brand.

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Auto news

Planning to drive overseas? You NEED the RM20 physical card, e-LMM not valid

While we’re slowly but surely moving towards digitalisation for our digital vehicle road tax (e-LKM) and driving licence (e-LMM), it seems that they’re not valid once you cross the borders into other countries.

Online renewals might help in cutting down costs and waiting time, but those who still prefer to have something to hold on to may opt to get a renewal slip in the form of a physical document.

However, this particular physical slip as well as the digital Malaysian Driving License (e-LMM) won’t fly in other countries. If you’re planning to get behind the wheel overseas, you need to apply for a physical plastic card as listed in the FAQ sheet recently shared by JPJ.

This physical driving licence plastic card can only be obtained at JPJ counters and you’ll need to bring supporting documents such as flight tickets, offer letters, passports, and/or others.

Do check if the country you’re planning to drive in requires an international driving permit (IDP). If that’s the case, you’ll need to apply for one at the JPJ counter.

Another interesting fact is that if you’re stopped by the authorities (e.g. roadblocks) here in Malaysia, you may present your e-LMM from the MyJPJ app when requested for proof of driving licence.

The physical LLM renewal slip only acts as a supporting document which needs to be presented together with your current physical driving licence card. At roadblocks, you’ll need both (unless you have the e-LMM, then you just need to show it from the MyJPJ app).

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UMW Toyota clinches Malaysia’s best-selling non-national car brand for 2023

Toyota Malaysia concluded an exceptional 2023, achieving its highest-ever sales performance and maintaining its position as the leading non-national automaker for the third consecutive year.

Throughout last year, Toyota delivered a total of 108,107 units (combination of both Toyota and Lexus), marking a significant milestone and capturing approximately 32 percent of the overall non-national market share in Malaysia.

In specific segments, Toyota excelled as the market leader in pickups, delivering 27,447 units of the Toyota HiLux, and dominated the panel van segment with the Toyota HiAce securing 100 percent of the non-national market share with 3,424 registered vehicles.

Although specific model sales figures were not provided, it’s estimated that the remaining 54,703 units were distributed among sedan, hatchback, MPV, and GR Performance models, including popular ones like Vios, Yaris, Camry, Veloz, Innova, as well as the luxury-oriented Alphard, and Vellfire.

Toyota’s SUV offerings also held strong with the combined numbers of the Corolla Cross, Harrier and Fortuner accounting for 22,533, a 19.6 percent non-national market share.

Comparatively, Honda, which maintains a line up of passenger cars exclusively and doesn’t dabble in the commercial vehicle space, sold a very impressive 80,000 units in Malaysia in 2023.

As of January 2024, Toyota is reported to have delivered an additional 6,276 units for both Toyota and Lexus models. UMWT also expanded its presence by inaugurating a new 3S outlet in Nibong Tebal, aimed at improving customer service and accessibility in the region.

Furthermore, Toyota is set to unveil the next phase of its Beyond Zero initiative in the coming weeks. This event underscores Toyota’s unwavering commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. During the event, UMWT will present its diverse multi-pathway mobility solutions, aligning with Malaysia’s vision for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, had this to say: ”Our success is a reflection of our dedication to delivering high-quality vehicles and an unparalleled ownership journey. We appreciate the positive reception from the market and our customers, acknowledging our diverse model range and forward-thinking approaches. As we continue to set new benchmarks, our focus remains on providing meaningful and innovative mobility.”

 

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BHPetrol holds Lunar New Year celebrations while encouraging safe driving practices for all Malaysians

As the Lunar New Year approaches in just a couple of days and motorists geared to hit the road, BHPetrol organised an event today to commemorate the occasion and advocate for safe travels back home.

The event showcased representatives from the Land Transport Department (JPJ) who shared essential safe driving tips with the public and distributed Lunar New Year gift packs to lucky customers.

Azizul Azily, CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol), expressed that the event aimed to spread joy and promote road safety awareness, aligned with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Aligned with this objective, a gathering took place this morning at the BHPetrol petrol station on Jalan Kebun, Klang. Alongside officials from the Land Transport Department (JPJ), they offered guidance on safe driving practices and distributed Lunar New Year gift packs to fortunate patrons at the station.

“With an expected surge in road traffic during the festive season, and numerous individuals embarking on long journeys to reunite with family and friends, it’s imperative to raise awareness of safe driving practices,”

“We believe this effort can provide a positive step in supporting the government’s efforts to deal with road safety issues in Malaysia. May everyone arrive safely at their respective destinations to celebrate the Chinese New Year. be careful on the road, drive carefully and arrive safely,” Azizul added.

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