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Pursuant to its unveiling in April during the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Dream Cars Collection showcase, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé now gets a confirmed retail price. This fusion of style and performance, offering the best of the C-Class and E-Class models, is priced at RM518,888 (on the road including 10% sales tax and excluding insurance).

Sporting a sleek 2-door design, the CLE Coupé gives off a sense of power and sophistication from every angle. Its exterior design is inspired by Mercedes-Benz’s Sensual Purity philosophy and features flowing lines and a distinctive silhouette that commands attention. Notable exterior elements include the forward-leaning front section with DIGITAL LIGHT headlights, a dynamic radiator grille, and AMG line enhancements such as the Night Package, including 19″ AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, which adds expressive black design elements. The car also comes with a panoramic sliding sunroof, Driving Assistance Package Plus, and ambient lighting with projection of brand logo. Further, the HD lighting system works like a projector and reacts to changing conditions of traffic, road, or weather with constantly adjusted light.

Inside the cabin, the focus is on the driver, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of the design. The centerpiece of the interior is the striking 12.3″ digital instrument display, complemented by an 11.9″ central display that integrates into the console. The use of high-quality materials like ARTICO man-made leather in nappa finish adds a touch of luxury, while features like the multi-function sports steering wheel in nappa leather and climatised front seats with 4-way lumbar support enhance comfort and convenience.

There is also a new, EASY-ENTRY function to ensure easy access to the rear. The front seats are not unlocked with a lever but with an elegant loop made of nappa leather which is conveniently located at the
upper edge of the backrest. Also, anyone who has not buckled their seat belt immediately after boarding can reactivate the seat belt feeder via a button on the central display or simply by opening and closing the door again. In addition, the CLE Coupé is one of the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles with an optimised warning if the seat belt is not fastened. The system only reacts to seats on which someone who has not buckled their seat belt is actually sitting.

With a 25 mm longer wheelbase, the CLE Coupé offers significantly more space than the C-Class Coupé. Benefitting from this will be the rear passengers who gain 10 mm more headroom, 72 mm more knee room and also 19 mm more shoulder and elbow room.

The CLE Coupé also boasts advanced technology, including the 3rd generation MBUX infotainment system which offers a new level of personalisation and interaction. The system is complemented by the MBUX Interior Assistant which responds to body language for touchless operation, including natural active hand movements and intelligent occupant recognition. Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with a Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos. There is also the Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Parking package with Memory Parking Assist, Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, 360° camera, and GUARD 360° Vehicle protection. Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Coupe_2.0L Turbo Engine

In terms of performance, the CLE 300 4MATIC Coupé has a 2.0L turbo engine to deliver a dynamic driving experience. This coupé provides an output of 258 hp (190 kW) @ 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm @ 2,000 – 3,200 rpm. The electric assistance provides 17 kW and 205 Nm. In combination, this enables the car to do the 0 – 100 km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds; speed tops out at 250 km/h. In addition, the self-steering rear wheels with up to 2.5° steering angle adjustment provides a more agile and stable ride.

For more information, visit www.mercedes-benz.com.my/CLE. Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4M_Side

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Perodua is set to significantly boost its exports by 79% this year up to 1,960 vehicles compared to the 1,094 vehicles it exported in 2023, marking a significant expansion in its overseas markets.

The company kicked off its foreign market expansion in 2024 by introducing the Alza AV and H, as well as the Axia AV and G models in Brunei earlier this month, with sales targets of 120 units and 40 units respectively.Perodua_Brunei_Alza_Axia

In addition to these offerings, Perodua also exports the Bezza 1.0L G to Brunei, aiming to sell 300 units, and bringing the total expected sales in Brunei to 460 units in 2024. Thus far, Brunei is the company’s largest export market; it sold 300 Bezza 1.0 G in 2023.

“We foresee 2024 to be our first year of our export expansion as we are now at a point where the Malaysian automotive ecosystem would be able to cope with the ever-growing demand of our vehicles both within and outside the country,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Offer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

Puan Norain Binti Matnoor, the first Perodua Alza owner in Brunei
Puan Norain Binti Matnoor, the first Perodua Alza owner in Brunei

He emphasised that the growth in exports will be supported by aggressive expansion of operations and production capabilities of Perodua’s vendors.

For Perodua, Brunei serves as the first export market in its expansion plan that won’t compromising domestic vehicle allocation as it had made preparations to reduce waiting periods for popular models and hold an inventory for selected ones.

Furthermore, the increased export targets present opportunities for Perodua’s vendors to grow their sales volumes in parallel with the demand for spare parts.

In Brunei, the Perodua Alza AV is priced at B$30,900, the H variant at B$27,900, while the Axia AV is B$21,900 and the Axia G is B$17,900. The Bezza 1.0L G is sold at B$16,900. All prices are inclusive of road tax and insurance. (B$1 = RM3.51)

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Mitchell Cheah and Naquib Azlan made a successful debut for Team Wing Hin Motorsports in Round 1 of the Thailand Super Series. The pair achieved commendable results, securing a strong 2nd and 5th place overall finish in their championship debut in the Super Compact class. Their performance not only marked a class win in the normally-aspirated category but also showcased their potential in the series.

Starting from 6th place on the grid, the Wing Hin Motorsports duo piloted their Toyota Yaris to an impressive 2nd place finish in Race 1 on Saturday. However, Race 2 on Sunday presented challenges as Naquib navigated through a first corner incident, and demonstrated skill and agility to maintain his position amidst the chaos. Despite the hurdles, Naquib climbed to 3rd position before the compulsory pit stop, highlighting strategic prowess and adaptability under challenging conditions. Thailand Super Series_Round 1_Wing Hin Motorsports_Mitchell Cheah_Naquib Azlan

“In a 1-hour race and with conditions being extremely hot (42 degree Celcius), the plan from the very beginning was to find a sweet spot in terms of reliability, consistency and outright performance in the Toyota Yaris. We have a strong line-up of drivers in Cheah and Naquib and they are also matured and experienced enough to know when to push and when to sit tight and plan their attack on track,” said Wing Hin Motorsports Team Principal William Loh. “And that was precisely what played to our advantage this weekend.”

“This is our first year in the Thailand Super Series and it is intended to be a learning year for us, therefore, coming away with a podium and 5th place finish in the very first round is an outstanding result. We could not be happier with this outcome given the high level of competitiveness in the class,” he added, acknowledging the learning curve and the team’s commitment to providing opportunities for young Malaysian drivers to excel in higher racing classes. Wing Hin Motorsports_Toyota Yaris_Thailand Super Series

Looking ahead, Wing Hin Motorsports is gearing up for Round 2 at the Bangsaen Street Circuit in July, where the team will introduce a Toyota Supra GT4, marking its debut in GT racing and reinforcing its mission to nurture Malaysian racing talent.

In Race 1, Cheah and Naquib showcased composure and determination, securing a notable 2nd place overall finish after navigating through a challenging 1-hour + 1 lap race. Starting 6th on the grid, Cheah maintained track position until he came in after 28 minutes for the compulsory pitstop and driver change. Naquib rejoined the race in 8th but gradually made his way up to 5th, 3rd and eventually 2nd by the 44th minute as he chased down race leader T. Thanaroj in the Honda CRZ who was 3.7 seconds ahead. Naquib and Thanaroj traded quickest lap times but it wasn’t enough for him to take the lead and Thanoraj eventually kept a steady 3-second lead driving across the finish line.

Race 2 presented a different set of obstacles, with Naquib starting from 6th position and facing early setbacks due to a first corner incident. Despite the setback, Naquib displayed resilience, gradually climbing back up the ranks and making strategic decisions during the pit window. His decision to stay out for almost 9 minutes extra when the pit window for the compulsory driver change opened brought him as high as 3rd position, before handing over the second driving stint to Cheah who rejoined in 6th. Cheah continued the momentum, ultimately securing a commendable 5th place finish amidst intense competition.

“It was a hectic first stint which began when I got tagged at turn 1 and lost a lot of positions. From there it was pushing to the max, trying to get as much positions as I could. The initial plan was to box early but the pace was strong so we decided to extend my stint, saving us crucial time,” said Naquib. Thailand Super Series_Wing Hin Motorsports

A problem with race leader J. Achitaphon’s Honda CRZ just minutes after Cheah’s stint, however moved the Wing Hin Motorsports Toyota Yaris another position up to 5th. Tragedy also struck P. Thananthorn who inherited the lead which promoted Cheah into 4th. With 10 minutes to the finish Cheah came under pressure from Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand’s Na Dol V. for track position and eventually conceded 4th for 5th place. The race was won by M. Chaiya with S. Thanapattra and A. Norrarat in 2nd and 3rd places respectively.

“I would like to thank all the Thai teams, drivers and race fans for welcoming us as guests to the Thailand Super Series. It is an incredibly competitive racing series and to finish as high up as we did, is definitely a great start to the season,” said Naquib.

For further updates and information, visit www.thailandsuperseries.net.

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Alongside models which may or may not make it to Malaysia (e.g. Tiggo 4, Tiggo 9, Arrizo 8), Chery International provided the Tiggo 7 for a brief driving session. It was admittedly a short course divided into an acceleration and braking course, and a slalom plus figure of 8 one, both designed to show the agility and driving quality of the vehicles. Chery International_Test Drive

At a model preview in late March, Chery Auto Malaysia displayed a Tiggo 7 with 225/55 R18 Atlas tyres, which presumably will be the default tyre when the 2024 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is sold here (the official launch is said to be at the end of May). However, the Tiggo 7 which we drove in China wore Cooper branded tyres so the experience may not be exactly the same, though these are not sensitive formula race cars and thus the difference in OE tyre performance should not differ much.

In the slalom run, the Tiggo 7 got off the line quick to the first cones. The steering feel is on the light side and as we got faster and faster through the course, the sidewall flex of the tyres became more obvious. This led to some tapering off of the throttle to control the car around the figure of 8 as the tyres screeched; there were 4 adults in the Tiggo 7. As a rear passenger, you would feel the weight transfer as the car changed direction. No brakes were harmed in this course as they were used only at the end of the course. Chery_Tiggo 7_Slalom

The brakes were however, abused in the acceleration course which was pedal to metal from the start and ending quite abruptly. The acceleration feel of the 1.6L turbo is within expectations – there is a slight lag followed by traction control reining in the tyres for grip. Brake feel was progressive and there was no doubt the vehicle would stop. If I recall correctly, the drive mode wasn’t in Sport (we just jumped in and drove) which would have held engine revs for longer and added weight to the steering. But these are all very extreme manoeuvres few owners of SUVs would make on a regular basis. The Tiggo 7 is also designed for the family oriented buyer so comfort and space are the greater priority. But for those who drive more enthusiastically, a switch to ultra high performance tyres should remedy some of the shortcomings. Again, I qualify that this was a brief drive session.

Spec-wise, the Malaysian version of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro uses a 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission to deliver 197 hp and 290 Nm of torque. Officially, the 0 – 100 km/h sprint time is 8.3 seconds and top speed is 205 km/h. Officially, the company wants to price it in the region of RM130,000.

The Tiggo 7 Pro is a 5-seater SUV with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. Its physical dimensions measure 4,513 mm (length), 1,862 mm (width) and 1,696 mm (height) (pictured here with average sized adults for comparison). This places it among the C-segment and makes it larger and more spacious than Chery’s other 5-seater SUV, the Omoda 5 (4,400 mm long, 1,830 mm wide and 1,588 mm tall, with wheelbase of 2,630 mm). Furthermore, the Tiggo 7 Pro’s rear cargo volume is 475 litres and expands to 1,672 litres with the seats folded. Chery Tiggo 7

There will only be one variant on offer here and it will be fitted with dual widescreen displays each measuring 24.6”. This infotainment system is hooked up to an 8-speaker Sony sound system and includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is a 50W wireless charger up front with active cooling, and 2 USB Type-A and 1 USB Type-C ports. Cabin comfort is complemented by a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting system and ventilated leatherette front seats. Chery Tiggo 7_Dashboard_Steering_Centre Console

For safety, the Tiggo 7 Pro comes with the latest Advanced Driver Assistance System 2.5 (ADAS 2.5). This carries 16 active safety features i.e. Autonomous Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Detection, Door Opening Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Traffic Jam Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent High Beam, Multi-collision Brake, Adaptive Cruise Control, Integrated Cruise Assist. Other key features include a tyre pressure monitoring system, Hill Descent Control, 7 airbags and a 540-degree panoramic camera view which allows you to view the ground under the vehicle. Chery_Tiggo 7_Rear

On another note, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV was also shown. If it is confirmed for Malaysia, it would come in the latter part of 2025. And if all the puzzle tiles fall in place, there is a probability Chery Auto Malaysia will offer this as a locally assembled model as well.

Chery_PHEV_AC ChargerBased on the information available, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV pairs a 1.5L petrol engine with 2 electric motors to generate a combined output of 360 hp and 530 Nm of torque. The motors get power from a 19.27 kWh lithium ternary battery and power is transferred to the wheels via a CVT. The Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV has a claimed electric driving range of 80 km, and the battery can accept up to 7 kW of AC charging, with a full charge achievable in about 3 hours.

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Chery Auto Malaysia has followed up on the case of the Omoda 5 rear axle incident and has started a precautionary recall. Attached below is the company’s official statement:

Chery Auto Malaysia is striving to keep customers informed about the recent incident involving the axle of an OMODA 5 vehicle. Following a detailed internal investigation, the automaker has recalled a batch of 600 OMODA 5 vehicles and is working closely with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to ensure the rectification of all affected vehicles to the highest standards of safety.

“Chery Auto Malaysia is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation solutions, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all our vehicles meet the highest safety standards. In line with this commitment, Chery Auto Malaysia voluntarily arranged a meeting to brief the Ministry of Transport (MOT) on the current product inspection status and the root cause involving the OMODA 5 axle incident,” Chery Auto Malaysia Vice President, Lee Wen Hsiang, explained.

The automaker conducted a thorough investigation into the isolated case and reached out to the parts vendor for further clarification. “Following a comprehensive investigation, the vendor reported that the issue was due to a facility upgrade during which a worn-out tip of the automated welding machine was replaced by a new welding tip. The replacement of the new welding tip resulted in a miscalibration of the equipment,” said Lee. Chery_Omoda 5_Rear Axle_Recall

As a direct result, the automaker says that there are a total of 60 units of OMODA 5 vehicles with the affected parts in Malaysia, produced on 15 August 2023. Chery Auto Malaysia has since taken additional precautionary measures by casting a wider net by implementing a special service campaign to call in and inspect OMODA 5 vehicles with rear axles produced between 14 to 17 August 2023, totalling 600 units.

Lee said, “Chery Auto Malaysia views this matter most seriously as customer safety is our utmost priority. We are in the process of reaching out to customers of the affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) to request them to bring their vehicle to our authorised service centres for a detailed inspection.”

“We have also set up a website for OMODA 5 users to confirm their vehicles are not affected which can be done by simply keying in their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Our authorised service centres and technicians are well prepared to serve our customers potentially affected by this,” Lee concluded.

Chery Auto Malaysia has confirmed that no other vehicles by the brand are affected.

Owners of OMODA 5 can check if their vehicles are affected by keying in their VIN number at https://www.chery.my/chery-product-update

As of 3 May 2024, Chery Auto Malaysia has contacted more than 53% (32/60) of the affected owners.

To ensure Chery customers are well informed, a weekly update will be publicly shared to provide ongoing information about the status of the recall programme.

Chery Auto Malaysia thanks all our customers for their patience, understanding and cooperation, and the Ministry of Transport for its advice and guidance in this matter.

For queries kindly contact the Chery Malaysia Customer Careline at +603 – 2771 7070 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm). Chery Showroom

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Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, has unveiled the all-new Kia EV9. Making its debut in March 2023, this is Kia’s first dedicated 3-row flagship SUV, and has won such accolades as the 2024 World Car Of The Year and the Best Of The Best Award in the Cars and Motorcycle category by Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024.

The EV9 is built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), showcasing Kia’s fusion of innovation, design, and eco-conscious engineering. The Kia EV9 uses the “Opposites United” design philosophy to present a commanding visual presence. Featuring a 3,100 mm wheelbase and 21″ alloy wheels, the EV9 stands 5,010 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,755 mm tall.

At the front is the EV9’s signature “Digital Tiger Face” grille, complemented by vertical headlamps to create a futuristic look, while the rear boasts “Star Map” LED daytime running lights for a distinctive visual identity.

The GT-line model design features a unique aesthetic that distinguishes its front and rear bumpers, wheels and roof rack, with a distinctive black colour finish that projects a strong and assertive presence.

Inside, the EV9 prioritises space and comfort, and packaged with cutting-edge technology. With 2 seating configurations available i.e. 6-seat and 7-seat layouts, the EV9 caters to a range of needs. The spacious cabin though fitted with recycled materials, exudes premium quality and user-friendly design.

Equipped with dual 12.3″ touch screens and a 5″ segment display, the floating panoramic dashboard seamlessly integrates technology for intuitive control and a minimalist feel. Further, the interior mood lighting enhances the cabin ambiance, while the 14-speaker Meridian surround audio system delivers an immersive sound experience for passengers. Other features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a fast wireless smartphone charger, and USB-C ports for charging (in the 2nd and 3rd rows as well).

In terms of performance, the all-wheel-drive Kia EV9 is propelled by dual electric motors which get energy from the 99.8 kWh battery pack. It is also the first Kia to get 4th-generation battery technology designed to improved energy density. This configuration offers a driving range of up to 505 kilometers (WLTP) on a single charge, and delivers 380 hp and 700 Nm of torque.

Furthermore, the flexibility of its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system enables the vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kWh of power and is capable of operating lifestyle electronic accessories.

Safety features in the EV9 include 10 SRS airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Safe Exit Assist (SEA) system which automatically provides a warning and locks the door if an approaching vehicle from the rear side is detected within the blind spot. Traction Control System (TCS),  Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points and Top Tethers as well as Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) also comes as standard.

Other advanced safety features include High Beam Assist (HBA), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA2) with Junction Turning (JT), Junction Crossing (JX), Lane-Change Oncoming (LCO), Direct Oncoming (DO), Lane-Change Side (LCS), Driving Steering Assist (DSA) and Auto Evasive Steering Assist (ESA), which provides preventive safety when navigating through junctions,  Lane Following Assist (LFA2) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC). Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD

The Kia EV9 is imported CBU from South Korea. The exterior colour choices include Ocean Blue, Snow White Pearl, Pebble Gray, Aurora Black Pearl and Iceberg Green.

The on-the-road prices (without insurance, for private registration in Peninsular Malaysia) are RM369,668 for the Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD 7-seater, and RM374,668 for the Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD 6-seater. The vehicle comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty (or 150,000 km, whichever comes first). In addition, the EV battery has warranty coverage up to 8 years (or 160,000 km, whichever comes first).

The Kia EV9 is now officially open for booking at the nearest Kia showroom to you.

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Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, also known as Volvo Trucks Malaysia, has disclosed that it had earlier started an asset sale to Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd in Sarawak. In accordance with the agreement, Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd will procure key assets from Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s truck business for its Kuching and Bintulu dealerships.

This transaction empowers both Volvo Trucks Malaysia and Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd to collaborate and expand their operations, ensuring dependable solutions for the heavyweight automotive sector. This strategic manoeuvre is in line with Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s commitment to enhance customer experiences and value. Volvo Trucks_Dai Lieng Machinery

“We are excited about this asset sale, which is a testament to our focus on strategic goals and innovation,” said Volvo Trucks Malaysia Managing Director, Anthony O’Connell. “By partnering with Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd we believe we are positioning Volvo Trucks Malaysia for even greater success in both East and West Malaysia in the future.”

Volvo_FM_Truck“Dai Lieng is looking forward to this transition, and Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s customers in East Malaysia can be assured that we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of service that are associated with the Volvo brand,” added Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Michael Tiong.

Upon completion of this asset procurement exercise, Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd became the sole Volvo Trucks Malaysia dealer in East Malaysia. The company has branches strategically located in Miri (headquarters), Kuching, Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau. Operations had commenced under Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd starting 2 May 2024.

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According to Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), its Mitsubishi Xpander has retained the top spot in the non-national MPV segment in the Malaysian market. In its 2023 fiscal year (April 2023 to March 2024), MMM sold 11,384 units of the Xpander.

Since the Xpander’s introduction to Malaysia in 2020, the 3-row-seating MPV has consistently attracted buyers with its design, handling, and driveability. “We are thrilled to witness the Xpander’s continued dominance in Malaysia. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles that resonate with the needs and preferences of Malaysian customers. The No. 1 spot also highlights that the Xpander is the preferred choice among Malaysian families seeking a versatile MPV,” commented Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia. Mitsubishi Xpander_Water Wading

The Xpander is also the only one in its class with flat-folding 2nd and 3rd row seats to maximise the cargo area. Both the rear rows have backrests that recline, with the 2nd row getting easy one-touch tumble fold mechanism. Extra storage options include a cargo floor box with lid, under-seat storage, glove box with double compartment, and centre console box.

The Xpander is built on a 2,775 mm wheelbase and measures 4,475 mm long, 1,750 mm wide and 1,730 mm tall. Furthermore, it has a ground clearance of 205 mm. It is powered by a 1.5L MIVEC engine with 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic and tuned for a balance of power delivery and fuel economy. Additionally, the driver gets a tilt & telescoping steering for a more comfortable driving position.

In MMM’s portfolio for Malaysia is the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. In FY23, the company sold 8,636 units of the Triton to keep it in 2nd place in the pickup truck segment. Ikeda added, “Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is the top 3 non-national brand in Malaysia. Looking ahead to 2024, Mitsubishi Motors is continuously initiating changes for the better and an ownership experience of the highest standards. We are excited to keep moving forward and appreciate all our customers for their faithful support of the Mitsubishi brand.”

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Malaysian carmaker, PROTON, has opened its research and development (R&D) centre in China last weekend. Located within the Geely Automobile Research Institute (GRI) in Hangzhou Bay, this R&D centre is meant to strengthen PROTON’s collaborative efforts with partner Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely) and complement its existing facilities in Malaysia.

The opening of PROTON R&D Centre (China) also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. PROTON’s ability to conceptualise, design, develop and manufacture new vehicles from the ground up has differentiated it from other national brands. The company continues to invest and expand R&D facilities locally in Shah Alam and Tanjong Malim, Malaysia while developing an experienced human capital pool. Over the past few decades, PROTON has built up a wealth of competencies unique not only to Malaysia but the ASEAN region as well. PROTON_R&D Centre_Hangzhou Bay_China_Geely

With the addition of PROTON R&D Centre (China), these abilities will be strengthened by the synergies of PROTON’s existing in-house competencies with the resources and know-how of Geely. The centre will also help to enhance cross-border collaboration, facilitate knowledge transfer between PROTON and Geely as well as drive innovation for products tailored to meet the needs of PROTON’s customers.

Aspiring to mirror the success story of China Euro Vehicle Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, this latest development moves PROTON’s R&D facilities in Malaysia closer to becoming the 6th in the Geely Group’s global network of R&D centres.

In order to maximise the respective strengths of each partner and to adapt to the strategic development needs of the group, the new centre will draw from the combined expertise and experience of engineers from both Malaysia and China. Eventually, with a workforce of approximately 50 employees, it will become a framework for PROTON and Geely’s international talent training and output.

The objective of the new centre is to be a conduit for joint development between PROTON and Geely where new concepts across all areas are brought to fruition, from top-hat and platform integration for ICE and future EV models, to intelligent driving, and project management. This will include the upgrading of PROTON’s homegrown models where the centre will leverage on its joint resources with Geely to assist in the work being led by PROTON R&D engineers in Malaysia.

By leveraging on Geely’s global footprint, PROTON will also be able to enhance its competitiveness. The centre will also function as a critical liaison platform for PROTON to engage with capable vendors for the continuous development of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley in Tanjong Malim, Perak, including focusing on full business life cycle areas such as quality, procurement, and manufacturing.

The new centre has 3 departments to ensure smooth operations i.e. the Central Research Institute, Data Intelligence Development Centre, and R&D Digitisation Centre. These departments are tasked with coordinating closely with their Geely counterparts to leverage local resources in China and are responsible for the development results of their respective teams. PROTON R&D Centre China_Pioneer Engineering Team

The Central Research Institute is responsible for coordinating the R&D system for vehicles and to strengthen PROTON’s technology capabilities. The Data Intelligence Development includes the research development and delivery of big data and artificial intelligence before formulating product deployment plans, while the R&D Digitisation Centre explores and manages the digitisation needs of the R&D system and formulating of strategies for digital transformation.  In addition, the centre has also established an external cooperation research institute, which will be tasked with the delivery of whole vehicle functions and the development of ecosystem integration for external projects.

“We have witnessed the birth of a facility that allows us to work closer than ever with our partners and will inspire connections for years to come while helping to expand PROTON’s global presence. It is our hope this important milestone would enable us to move towards our goal of PROTON becoming the 6th Geely Group R&D centre, while bolstering PROTON’s existing capabilities that are already well established in Malaysia. We remain steadfast in our commitment to pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and making endless possibilities for the future of mobility,” Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON said.  PROTON R&D Centre_China_Launch

Dr. Li was at the official opening with Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON; Jerry Gan, Chief Executive Officer of Geely Auto Group; Li Chuanhai, President of Zhejiang Geely Automotive Research Institute; Cai Shijie, Deputy Director of Hangzhou Bay New District Administrative Committee; Tuan Syed Farizal Aminy Syed Mohamad – Malaysian Consul General in Shanghai; Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, PROTON; Muhammad Zulhilmi Ahmad, Director of Industry Development Division MITI; Steven Cheng Seng Hock, Director MIDA Shanghai Consul (Investment), as well as representatives from the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and members of PROTON’s senior management team.

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Chery Auto Malaysia has responded to the incident that was shared in social media recently where an Omoda 5 owner reported a failure of her vehicle’s rear axle.

Through its inspection of the affected vehicle, Chery Auto Malaysia was able to determine the cause of the issue. To be transparent and accountable to its customers in Malaysia, Chery will widen the scope of its inspection and replacement exercise to 600 units of the Omoda 5.Chery_Omoda 5_Wheel_Tyre_Brake

Chery Auto Malaysia is making arrangements to be in direct contact with these owners and update them on the necessary actions to be taken.

Not to diminish the severity of this issue, we also need take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Since its launch in Malaysia, Chery Auto Malaysia sold about 8,000 units of the Omoda 5. In 2023, over 76,000 units of it were sold globally.

As Chery is thus far the biggest exporter of vehicles among the China brands, and continues to have strong ambition to expand to more international markets, it can be assumed that it has taken note of this problem and will ensure the necessary steps are taken to rectify it.

Attached below is the official statement from the company:

Chery Auto Malaysia is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation solutions, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all our vehicles meet the highest safety standards. The customer-reported issue highlighted on Facebook recently was determined to be an isolated case. We have promptly addressed this concern by replacing the rear axle beam component and conducting comprehensive quality control tests on the affected vehicle. We can confirm that the matter has been successfully resolved. Chery Auto Malaysia views this matter seriously as customer safety is our utmost priority. In ensuring that we provide full transparency and accountability we have reached out to the parts vendor and have done an in-depth analysis. We are now able to confirm that 600 vehicles are potentially affected due to the facility upgrade exercise.

As a precautionary measure, Chery Auto Malaysia will be reaching out to customers of the affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) for a detailed inspection to resolve all technical component issues.

We would like to reassure customers that no other vehicles are affected. Chery Auto Malaysia continues to focus on upholding the safety of our customers and ensuring their peace of mind. A website to cater to this precautionary measure will be in place for all OMODA 5 customers to confirm that their vehicles are not affected.

Customer satisfaction is our utmost priority. Chery Auto Malaysia is dedicated to ensuring we produce the best vehicles and deliver the best service to our customers. For queries kindly contact the Chery Malaysia Customer Careline at +603- 2771 7070.

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