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2024 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line on display at Volkswagen Tour at 1 Utama New Wing until April 21
In Cars, Local News, Volkswagen / By Jonathan Lee / / 0 comment
Launched last month, the Volkswagen Touareg R-Line is making its first public appearance at the Volkswagen Tour showcase, returning to 1 Utama this week, from today until Sunday, April 21. The flagship SUV will be displayed alongside the Arteon R-Line 4Motion, Mk8 Golf GTI and Tiguan Allspace.
The showcase, located at the New Wing, Oval Concourse on the Lower Ground floor, will also provide free ice cream and Volkswagen merchandise to those who visit. There’s also a racing simulator competition with prizes to be given away.
Locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, the CKD third-generation Touareg arrives in facelifted form, priced at RM472,272 with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. Power comes from a 3.0 litre turbocharged petrol V6 producing 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Highlights include IQ.Light matrix LED headlights, 20-inch “Braga” alloy wheels, a massive 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 13-speaker, 730-watt Dynaudio Consequence sound system, self-levelling air suspension and a full complement of IQ.Drive driver assistance systems. There’s even night vision, a first for a Volkswagen in Malaysia.
Can’t make it to the Volkswagen Tour this week? Not to worry – you can check the big SUV out in our full photo gallery below.
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Johor state gov’t to develop multi-tiered Automated Rapid Transit to ease traffic congestion in Johor Bahru
In Local News, Public Transport / By Mick Chan / / 4 comments
Automated rapid transit system in China The Johor state government intends to develop a multi-tiered automated rapid transit (ART) system in the city of Johor Bahru in order to address traffic congestion in the city, Bernama has reported. DYMM Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar and Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail had consented to the proposal to be presented at the federal level for further consideration, said Johor menteri besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, according to the report.
“At the state level, we have obtained consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Regent of Johor to implement the multi-tiered ART as preparation for the increase in the number of travellers to Singapore after the completion of the Rapid Transit System (RTS),” Onn Hafiz said.
“Johor Bahru also requires various public transportation options to facilitate the smooth movement of the public in and out of the city, he said, adding that the Johor government is committed to transforming its transportation system through the increased use of electric vehicles, including in its public services.
The Johor state government will be implementing initiatives to introduce electric buses through the Johor Public Transport Corporation (PAJ), Onn Hafiz added.
Meanwhile, bus service provider Handal Indah has invested RM80 million towards the purchase of 60 EV buses and to develop charging infrastructure for the buses as part of its commitment towards environmental sustainability, Handal Indah founder and chairman Lim Han Weng.
The first automated rapid transit system in the country arrived in Johor in January 2021 for its bus pilot testing programme, and is managed by Mobilus, a joint venture of 51:49 share between Ireka Corporation and CRRC Urban Traffic, the latter a member of the CRRC Group.
The ART multi-carriage vehicles have a passenger capacity of more than 300 passengers in three carriages, and can be expanded to accommodate around 500 passengers in five carriages, according to a report by The Edge Markets at the time.
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2024 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain with Ironguard power roller shutter in Malaysia – fr RM156k, limited units offered
In Cars, Isuzu, Local News / By Gerard Lye / / 2 comments
Isuzu Malaysia has introduced a new variant of the Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck that comes with an Ironguard power roller shutter. Priced at RM155,938.40, it costs RM3,000 more than the regular 3.0L 4X4 X-Terrain it is based on and will be offered in limited units.
Said power roller shutter is essentially a motorised cover for the bed of the pick-up truck that can be locked and has an anti-theft design to deter break-ins. To further protect valuables stored in the bed, the cover is also water and dust resistant.
Opening or closing the roller shutter can be done using the key fob, buttons near the tailgate or inside the cabin as well as via a dedicated mobile app. Other features include rails for mounting accessories, bed illumination and there is also an anti-pinch mechanism to prevent squished limbs.
Aside from the Ironguard item, the rest of the pick-up truck is pretty much identical to the standard X-Terrain. Under the bonnet is still a 4JJ3-TCX 3.0 litre inline-four turbodiesel making 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and selectable four-wheel drive system.
The kit list includes automatic bi-LED projected headlamps, LED DRLs, front and rear LED fog lamps, roof rails, 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels with 265/60 profile all-terrain tyres, a 4.2-inch multi-info instrument display, keyless entry and start, remote engine start, ambient lighting, a 9-inch touchscreen head unit (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), dual-zone climate control (with rear vents), leather seat upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, illuminated sill plates and a wireless charging pad.
Click to enlarge Safety and driver assistance features are seven airbags, the usual array of passive systems (ESC, traction control, ABS, EBD), hill start assist, hill descent control, front and rear parking sensors, an around view monitor, autonomous emergency braking, pedal misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Like the X-Terrain, a sports bar and cargo tray are optional add-ons, but the Ironguard-equipped variant comes with one less colour option. Available hues are Islay Grey, Valencia Orange and Onyx Black – the Dolomite White Pearl option is the fourth colour for the standard X-Terrain. A seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty accompanies each purchase, with the Ironguard power roller shutter being covered for 18 months.
GALLERY: 2024 Isuzu D-Max with Ironguard Power Roller Shutter brochure and price list
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KL Car Free Morning is back this Sun after Raya break
In Local News / By Danny Tan / / 0 comment
The KL Car Free Morning (KLCFM) working committee has announced that there will be KLCFM this Sunday, April 21. This comes after the weekly Sunday morning open circuit around the city took a two-week break for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.
As usual, KLCFM will start at Dataran DBKL near Dataran Merdeka and city centre roads will be blocked off to traffic to allow cyclists, runners and skaters full freedom on Sunday mornings.
It’s the longer 7km route this Sunday, and there will be free bicycle rental, dance sessions and an appearance by the DBKL brass band. The city council’s horses will also be there and you can ride in their wagon. Lucky draw, too. KLCFM is from 7am to 9am.
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2024 smart #1 and #3 up to RM18k cheaper in China as price war mounts – now starts from RM103k
In Cars, International News, smart / By Jonathan Lee / / 8 comments
Yet another Chinese carmaker has fallen victim to the ongoing electric vehicle price war, and the latest one is smart. The joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz has slashed prices of its #1 and #3 SUVs to better compete with the likes of BYD and Tesla, which have also engaged in the race to the bottom.
Prices for the #1 now start at 154,900 yuan (RM102,600) for the Standard model (previously Pure+), rising up to 174,900 yuan (RM115,800) for the Long Range (previously Pro+) and 199,900 yuan (RM132,300) for the Deluxe model (previously Premium+). That’s a saving of between 21,700 (RM14,400) and 26,700 yuan (RM17,700) from when the car was launched in 2022. The Pure+ had already received a price drop to 179,900 yuan (RM119,100) in January when it was renamed the Pro.
Meanwhile, the #3 range has been reconfigured and now features a shorter-range Standard base model at 164,900 yuan (RM109,200). This takes over from the 209,900 yuan (RM139,000) long-range Pro+, which has been renamed the Dynamic Long Range and is now priced at 184,900 yuan (RM122,400).
The Dynamic AWD model is the new undisputed flagship but still manages to be 20,000 yuan (RM13,200) cheaper than outgoing mid-tier Pulse+ AWD, costing 219,900 yuan (RM145,600). No word on any changes to the Brabus models, which still retail at 284,900 yuan (RM188,600) for the #1 and 289,900 yuan (RM191,900) for the #3.
Mechanically, the #1 and #3 are identical to before, powered by a single rear motor that produces 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque. This gets the #1 from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the #3 is somehow much quicker – it takes nearly a second out of the century sprint, which it completes in 5.8 seconds (5.4 seconds for the Dynamic Long Range, for some reason).
The sole outlier is the #3 Dynamic AWD that gets a second front motor, churning out 156 PS (115 kW) and 200 Nm. Combined outputs are identical to the Brabus at 428 PS (315 kW) and 543 Nm, yet despite this, it needs seven more tenths of a second to get to 100 km/h, taking 4.3 seconds.
As ever, there are two battery sizes available. The smallest 49 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a range of 400 km on the #1 Standard and 415 km on the #3 Standard; both figures are on China’s lenient CLTC cycle. There’s also a 66 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery that delivers a range of 535 km on the #1 Long Range and Deluxe, 555 km on the #3 Dynamic Long Range and 520 km on the Dynamic AWD.
Charging the #1 and #3 from 10 to 80% takes less than 30 minutes using a 150 kW DC fast charger. In China, a 7.2 kW onboard charger comes standard, so bringing the battery charge to the same percentage takes under five and a half hours with the 49 kWh unit and seven and a half hours with the 66 kWh version.
The company says the restructuring of the #1 and #3 lineup optimises the variants to better meet the needs of actual buyers. To that end, smart has taken out some features such as seat and steering wheel heating, repackaging them as cost options and packages. The carmaker is also offering promotions such as discounts, flexi-purchase deals and low interest rates until May 31.
In Malaysia, the smart #1 has been on sale since November, priced at RM189,000 for the Pro, RM219,000 for the long-range Premium and RM249,000 for the Brabus. Might we see a similar price cut here in the future?
GALLERY: smart #1 Premium in Malaysia -
EVlution debuts charging stations at RHB Centre KL – new CPO targets 100 chargers in 1H 2024, 2k by 2025
In Local News / By Danny Tan / / 2 comments
There’s a new EV charge point operator (CPO) in town and EVlution’s chargers have made their debut at RHB Centre in KL. That’s the bank’s headquarters along Jalan Tun Razak, opposite TRX. The chargers were launched today by transport minister Anthony Loke in conjunction with the RHB Green Week showcase.
The company is being very bullish, targeting 100 chargers in the first half of 2024, which gives them slightly over two months to achieve. EVlution’s longer term goal is to deploy 2,000 chargers nationwide by 2025.
“Our mission at EVlution is clear: to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s automotive landscape by providing cutting-edge EV charging solutions that are accessible, reliable, and sustainable. As we embark on this journey, we have set ambitious targets to have 100 EV charging bays operational by the first half of 2024 within metropolitan areas in Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor,” said EVlution CEO Jeffrey Ong.
“Moreover, our commitment extends beyond just providing EV charging infrastructure; we are dedicated to promoting renewable and clean energy. In fact, we are currently in progress of bidding in the fifth round of the Large Scale Solar (LSS) programme this year, furthering our commitment to sustainable energy solutions for a brighter future,” he added.
EVlution says that it is the only CPO in Malaysia to offer a combined payment system that allows users to pay for charging through the EVlution mobile app or via debit/credit card. The CPO has a partnership with RHB Bank and Mastercard, which is why the latter’s branding is very prominent, but Visa cards can also be used. EVlution, RHB and Mastercard are planning campaigns and special offers for customers, to be announced in the coming months.
Meanwhile, RHB says that it has provided financing for over 2,000 green vehicles totalling RM325 million, as of December 2023. Financing for EVs, plug-in hybrids and regular hybrids are up to RM500,000, with interest rates from as low as 2.1% per annum. The two EVlution chargers at RHB Centre’s lobby are 22 kW AC units by Autel, and the max rate is 40 sen per minute if you take in above 12 kW.
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Honda Ye EV lineup introduced in China – P7, S7 and GT Concept, RWD and AWD, launching end-2024
In Cars, Honda, International News / By Jonathan Lee / / 0 comment
It’s safe to say that Honda has been left behind in the electric vehicle stakes, but the company is in the midst of staging a comeback. Early this year, it announced a new 0 (Zero) series of EVs for the global market, but for China, the Japanese carmaker is instead developing a new range of electric models called Ye.
Not to be confused with the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, the new Ye (Mandarin for “shine brilliantly”) sub-brand will make its debut at Auto China in Beijing next week, initially consisting of the P7 and S7 SUVs as well as the GT Concept sedan.
Honda Ye P7 (top) and S7 All three cars look to be far more production-ready than the 0 Space Hub and Saloon concepts – not surprising, given that the P7 and S7 are due to go on sale at the end of the year. Both crossovers appear to be almost identical, featuring a wraparound windscreen design, sloping rear windscreen and thick D-pillars that bring to mind the China-only Avancier and UR-V.
The differences lie in the front and rear treatments, in particular the full-width head- and taillights – the P7 has conventional C-shaped items, while the S7 has distinctive X and H graphics at the front and rear respectively. We can safely assume that each model will be built and sold exclusively through Honda’s two local joint venture companies, these being GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda.
Common to both models are features first seen on the Honda e, such as flush pop-out door handles and side-view cameras. They also feature the new Honda branding that debuted on the 0 series, consisting of the borderless old-style H logo at the front and the spaced-out Honda script at the back; the Honda branding also features on the front doors. Unlike previous Honda EVs, the charging ports are located on the front fenders, rather than on the front.
Inside, the P7 and S7 continue the template set by the HR-V-based e:N1, equipped with a large portrait-format touchscreen in the middle and a widescreen digital instrument display in front of the driver. Unlike on the e:N1, the instrument screen is positioned higher up the dashboard near the driver’s line of sight, necessitating the fitment of a flattened steering wheel with the Honda script.
Other features include an AI-based voice control system and an illuminated dash and door cards that will light up based on certain functions. No mechanical details as yet, but it’s been confirmed that the P7 and S7 will be offered in rear- and all-wheel-drive forms.
The GT Concept, meanwhile, previews a new sedan that will go on sale by the end of 2025. This low-slung four door features a far sportier design, with the same X-shaped head- and taillight graphic as the S7, deep fender air vents, a Formula 1-style rear fog light and what appears to be a split rear windscreen – similar to the old CR-Z and Insight.
But it’s on the inside that Honda has truly gone wild, with lots of red trim, an almost yoke-style steering wheel and no less than six screens, including one on the centre console (including what appears to be a touch-based gear selector) and another for the front passenger. Honda says this provides an “immersive space similar to a private theatre.” An R button on the steering wheel, similar to the centre console button on the Civic Type R, suggests there will eventually be a Type R version – interesting to say the least.
Honda says that it plans to introduce six Ye models by 2027, and when combined with the e:NP1 and e:NS1 (the Chinese-market versions of the e:N1), the company will have launched ten EVs in China by then. No idea what the two missing models are, but the company aims to become an EV-only brand in the Middle Kingdom by 2035.
GALLERY: Honda Ye P7
GALLERY: Honda Ye S7
GALLERY: Honda Ye GT Concept -
smart #1 claims third spot in premium EV SUV market in Malaysia among models priced above RM180k
In Cars, Local News, smart / By Gerard Lye / / 7 comments
smart Malaysia has announced the smart #1 (sold by Proton New Energy Technology or Pro-Net) ranked third in terms of sales in the fully electric SUV segment, specifically among premium models priced above RM180,000.
The company did not provide actual sales figures in its release, but we did ask and were told that the claim to the third spot is based on the year-to-date sale volume until February this year. What was provided were sales figures relating to the overall electric vehicle (EV) market, which rose from 3,079 units (0.43% market share) in 2022 to 11,624 units (1.45% market share) in 2023.
“Against this backdrop of rapid electrification and shifting consumer preferences, smart has emerged as a frontrunner, capturing the hearts and minds of Malaysian consumers with its commitment to innovation and customer-centricity,” read the release.
“This milestone reflects the growing demand for urban mobility solutions in the region and reaffirms smart’s goal to position itself as a leader in the premium EV segment. He further added, with only one model sold, as opposed to other key players in the industry, we have achieved this great success. This exemplifies the trust our customers have in our product and services, and I would like to express my gratitude to our customers,” commented Zhang Qiang, CEO of smart Malaysia.
This year saw the start of deliveries of the Pro variant of the #1 in March, which is one of three variants offered when the EV went on sale last November – prices range from RM189,000 to RM249,000 OTR without insurance. The other two are the Premium and Brabus, the former being the focus of our review posted earlier this month – there’s also a video covering the good and bad of the #1.
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Tesla Model Y LR RWD introduced with 600 km range
In Cars, Tesla Motors / By Paul Tan / / 5 comments
Tesla has introduced a new variant of the Tesla Model Y in Europe called the LR RWD. This combines the larger battery pack from the LR AWD model with only a single rear motor for maximum efficiency.
As a result, it offers the longest range of any Model Y at 600 km WLTP, compared to 533 km for the LR AWD. Making do with only one motor, it hits 100 km/h slightly slower at 5.9 seconds versus the AWD’s 5.0 seconds, but it’s still 1 second faster than the cheapest RWD model’s 6.9 seconds sprint time.
In terms of pricing, the LR RWD slots in between the RWD and the LR AWD at 48,990 Euro in Germany, while the RWD goes for 44,990 Euro and the LR AWD goes for 54,990 Euro.
Tesla quotes a consumption of 14.9 kWh/100 km for the LR RWD model, which they claim is the lowest cost per km in the electric SUV market.
In Malaysia, the Model Y is available as a RWD, LR AWD and Performance. Would you prefer the additional choice of longer range over the AWD’s better performance? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Continental MaxContact MC7 launched in Malaysia
In Local News / By Gerard Lye / / 1 comment
Continental Tyre Malaysia (CTM) has launched the new MaxContact MC7, which joins other products in the brand’s Generation 7 range that includes the SportContact 7, Ultra Contact UC7 as well as the ComfortContact CC7. Available in sizes ranging from 16 to 21 inches, the MaxContact MC7 was designed to provide maximum control, shorter braking distances and reduced noise levels.
“Developed and tested by a team of 25 engineers and material experts through more than 8,000 hours in R&D, we engineered a high-performance sporty tyre that meets the unique needs of the drivers who seek the thrill from their everyday driving,” said Tolga Mutlu, head of product management, Continental Replacement Tyres APAC.
Key features of the MC7 include optimisation of pressure distribution within the tyre to maximise the contact area with the road to create a wider footprint. Along with the Cornering Macroblocks, this redistributes force for a more controlled and stable drive to enable sharper turns at higher speeds and around corners.
Click to enlarge Additionally, the ReFlex Compound creates a higher resistance to tyre deformation, leading to improved steering response and accuracy. The compound that is comprised of polymer blend also enhances the transfer of kinetic energy to heat when braking, leading to shorter braking distances on both dry and wet roads.
The latter is not uncommon in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, so the MC7 is also designed with 3D laser-cut sipes to reduce the risk of aquaplaning by expelling water quickly through the tyre grooves. Meanwhile, the upgraded two-in-one Noise Breaker 3.0 prevents noise from building up and transmitted to the cabin by breaking up sound waves into smaller frequencies.
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Proton EV leaked? Geely Galaxy E5 is a new global electric SUV with 218 PS, developed for RHD markets
In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Geely, International News, Proton / By Jonathan Lee / / 11 comments
Geely’s burgeoning Galaxy lineup of new energy vehicles (NEV) is gaining a new member in the shape of the Galaxy E5, an electric SUV that will complement the E8 sedan. The crossover was declared on China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) website, hinting at an impending launch.
As expected, the E5 bears all the Galaxy lineup’s design cues, including the slim headlights, grille-less front end, L-shaped bumper corners, flush pop-out door handles, scalloped sides and full-width taillights. You also get the Galaxy-specific six-segment rectangular front badge, which is different from Geely’s more shield-shaped insignia.
It’s been reported by Autohome that the E5 will be powered by a single 218 PS (160 kW) motor. This is slightly lower than what the rear-wheel-drive E8 makes – 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, figures that are identical to the smart #1 Pro and Premium.
While battery details have yet to be revealed, it’s likely the E5 will utilise the base E8’s 62 kWh battery, which in the four-door provides a range of 550 km on China’s lenient CLTC cycle. It’s also unclear if the E5 will adopt the E8’s 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables between 150 and 360 kW of DC fast charging power.
Interestingly, the E5 will reportedly be the first global Galaxy model and has allegedly been developed for right-hand-drive markets from the get-go. Obviously, this raises the possibility of it coming to Malaysia as a Proton, especially given that the only Geely models that have been converted to RHD have been sold as Protons (X70, X50, X90 and S70).
The suggestion that the RHD model is being been created concurrently with the LHD version certainly tracks with Proton CEO Roslan Abdullah’s claim that the national carmaker’s first EV will be co-developed with Geely – and not simply a rebadge of an existing model. The E5’s impending Chinese launch also fits the 2025 timeline that Proton has confirmed for its new electric car.
Click to enlarge However, if the E5 does end up being Proton’s first EV, it’s unlikely it will be priced under the RM100,000 threshold promised by the government. That’s because it’s quite a bit bigger than even the not-exactly-small X70 – the same Autohome report notes that the E5 measures 4,615 mm long, 1,901 mm wide and 1,670 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase.
Against the X70, this new model is 96 mm longer and 70 mm wider, and has an 80 mm longer wheelbase, putting it closer to the ballpark of the latest sixth-generation Honda CR-V. Additionally, the E5 will almost certainly offer greater sophistication and a higher level of technology and standard equipment, especially if the Boyue L-based Galaxy L7 plug-in hybrid – the closest parallel to the E5 – is anything to go by (triple screens, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, dual Qi wireless chargers, etc).
However, there is still hope – Autohome said that the E5 is expected to be priced between 150,000 (RM99,300) and 200,000 yuan (RM132,500). With the government’s ongoing tax exemption, it is possible that the base model might be able to sneak under the magic RM100,000 mark.
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KTM Komuter Tg Malim – KL Sentral route to operate with 15 minutes frequency from next Mon, April 22
In Local News, Public Transport / By Danny Tan / / 1 comment
This is huge and much-awaited news for those who live north of the Klang Valley. KTM has announced that the Komuter Tanjung Malim – KL Sentral route will operate with a frequency of 15 minutes on workday peak hours. It starts next Monday, April 22.
Those within the Klang Valley might not understand as they benefit from the LRT and MRT, but this announcement is a big upgrade that makes the KTM Komuter a viable way to commute to KL and back for those living in Kuang, Rawang, Serendah and further north.
According to the rail operator, one can expect time savings of between 15 to 50 minutes with this improvement. If it’s been awhile since you’ve been on the KTM Komuter, this line takes you direct to KL Sentral and passes by Sungai Buloh, Kepong, Segambut, Putra (PWTC), Bank Negara and the old KL train station. You can switch to the MRT at Sg Buloh and Kepong Sentral stations.
By the way, KTM Komuter has adopted the open payment system, which means that you can wave your Visa/Mastercard debit or credit cards to pay, aside from the usual Touch n Go.
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Tesla lays off more than 10% of its global workforce
In Cars, International News, Tesla Motors / By Gerard Lye / / 9 comments
According to a report by Reuters, Tesla will lay off more than 10% of its global workforce due to declining sales and an intensifying price war for electric vehicles (EVs). The New York Times reports the job cuts will affect about 14,000 people, with two senior executives – Drew Baglino and Rohan Patel – already confirmed to have left the company.
News of the layoffs surfaced after a company-wide email was leaked and reported by Electrek, in which Tesla CEO Elon Musk said, “over the years, we have grown rapidly with multiple factories scaling around the globe. With this rapid growth there has been duplication of roles and job functions in certain areas. As we prepare the company for our next phase of growth, it is extremely important to look at every aspect of the company for cost reductions and increasing productivity.”
“As part of this effort, we have done a thorough review of the organisation and made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by more than 10% globally. There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done. This will enable us to be lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle,” he added.
In Q1 2024, Tesla missed delivery estimates and reported a rare year-on-year (YoY) drop in sales by 8.5% (compared to Q1 2023) with 386,810 units. This represents the company’s first YoY decline in deliveries since 2020 when its operations were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
While Tesla does not provide a breakdown of deliveries by region, it is assumed that the decline largely occurred in China, where Chinese EV makers are gaining ground and pushing to expand its export market. Tesla has also reportedly cancelled plans for a low-cost EV which was expected to start at about USD25,000 (about RM120k) due to fierce competition from Chinese automakers that can offer EVs at even lower prices.
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140 years of Piaggio with Vespa special edition scooter
In Bikes, International Bike News, Vespa / By Mohan K Ramanujam / / 2 comments
To celebrate 140 years of Italian scooter maker Piaggio, a special edition Vespa 140th of Piaggio will go on sale. Coming in a limited edition of only 140 units, the Vespa 140th of Piaggio can only be purchased at the Vespa Village, during the Vespa World Days 2024, 18 to 24 April, in Pontedera, Italy, or online at Vespa.com.
Designed by the Piaggio Style Centre, the Vespa 140th of Piaggio comes in blue and light blue on a white chassis, signifying Piaggio’s corporate colours. The colour scheme is combined with classic graphics and the new Vespa monogram, as well as the 140-years logo.
Adding to the Vespa 140th of Piaggio is the single seat, with double tone-on-tone stitching. The rear saddle cover comes as standard equipment, and the model specific wheels are finished in blue with light blue inserts, along with a numbered celebratory plate located on the rear shield.
Based on the Vespa 300 Gtv, the Vespa 140th of Piaggio is powered by a single-cylinder, four-valve, liquid cooled 300 cc Vespa HPE mill, producing 23.8 HP. The LED headlight is located low on the front mudguard, a nod to Vespa’s racing history with the instrument panel is a round LCD gauge.
Keyless start is standard, as is traction control and ABS while the Vespa MIA Bluetooth connectivity system is available as an accessory. A range of official accessories, including a top quality large rear leather bag with the Vespa logo embossed, front and rear luggage carriers, a large windscreen and crash bars is available.
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Smartlane activated on PLUS Tapah to Gopeng today
In Local News / By Danny Tan / / 0 comment
The Malaysian Highway Authority’s (LLM) traffic management centre has announced the activation of a Smartlane on the PLUS North South Highway between Tapah and Gopeng, northbound to Ipoh.
Specifically, the stretch is from KM 303.2 to KM 297.0, starting from Gua Tempurung. The active period for this Smartlane is today (April 16) from 9am till 7pm.
For those who are not aware of the Smartlane initiative, it allows the use of the emergency lane at a specific stretch, to widen traffic flow and ease congestion. At the end of the designated Smartlane stretch, vehicles on the emergency lane must flow back into the normal lanes. Drive safe.