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2024 Aston Martin Vantage launched in Malaysia – 665 PS/800 Nm 4.0L biturbo V8; fr RM2.37m before options
The 2024 Aston Martin Vantage has now been launched in Malaysia, wearing updated styling atop revised technical specifications for the British marque’s most compact V8 two-door model. In Malaysia, the 2023 Aston Martin Vantage is priced from RM2.37 million before options and personalisation.
The front-engined, rear-drive formula continues here, with a 4.0 litre biturbo petrol V8 engine rated to produce 665 PS and 800 Nm, or 155 PS and 115 Nm more than its predecessor, sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. These outputs propel the 2024 Vantage from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and to a top speed of 325 km/h.
In addition to the revised styling, the 2024 Vantage gains technical revisions including modified cam profiles, revised compression ratios, larger turbochargers and improved cooling, enabling the aforementioned uprated power and torque figures.
Cooling equipment updates for the engine brings an additional low temperature radiator has been installed in the charge cooler water circuit, and another two auxiliary coolers join the central main radiator for greater thermal capacity.
The bodyshell features an optimised front cross member and engine cross brace for a stiffer chassis front end, while reinforced rear suspension towers bring a 29% increase in stiffness under cornering load, says Aston Martin.
An integral part of the car’s ‘intensified handling character’ is brought by its advanced vehicle dynamics control system, which draws data from multiple sensors including its six-axis IMU, powertrain, braking and e-diff sensors and apply them to the overall management of the car’s electronic stability programming.
Its electronically controlled rear differential can go from zero (fully open) to fully locked in 135 milliseconds, and react in as little as 60 milliseconds, while the car’s ESP has been tuned to be a performance aid rather than a performance limiter, says the marque.
Accompanying the changes on the chassis side are an electrically power assisted steering (EPAS) system, with a non-isolated steering column to yield tactile information from the road to the driver via the steering. This has 12.8:1 ratio for 2.27 turns lock-to-lock, with gradually reducing assistance as driver goes to increasingly aggressive drive modes.
Wheels on the 2024 Vantage are 21-inch forged alloy wheels measuring 9.5J in front and 11.5J at the rear, shod in tyres measuring 275/35R21 103Y in front and 325/30R21 108Y at the rear. Brakes as standard are 400 mm cast-iron discs in front and 360 mm units at the rear, while optional equipment are carbon-ceramics which save 27 kg.
Inside, the cabin ofthe 2024 Vantage joins the Aston Martin design direction that bring an interior architecture that was earlier uncovered on the DB12, the firm’s grand tourer model which arrived in Malaysia last July.
Accompanying the new interior is the 10.25-inch infotainment located high on the centre console, bringing physical switches and buttons for transmission and drive mode selection, as well as controls for chassis, ESP, exhaust mode, lane assist and parking sensors plus air-conditioning.
Infotainment revisions bring Aston Martin’s in-house setup that supports wireless Apple CarPlay (Android Auto support will follow soon), and is joined by a new connectivity mobile app for Apple and Android devices, enabling control and monitoring of selected aspects of the 2024 Vantage.
Audio comes from a 390-watt, 11-speaker Aston Martin system, or this can be optionally upgraded to a 1,170-watt, 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins ensemble with 3D headliner speaker ensemble with subwoofer.
To recap, the 2024 Aston Martin Vantage is priced from RM2.37 million before options and personalisation, and includes a three-year factory warranty which can be extended for up to 20 years of coverage.
2024 Aston Martin launched in Malaysia – official images
2024 Aston Martin Vantage, global debut official images
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2024 Proton X70 facelift sighted without disguise – new headlights, grille and bumper seen uncovered
The Proton X70 facelift has been previously been sighted a number of times, but always disguised to mask its looks, even up to when it was seen out in the open earlier this month. Now, it has been spotted for the first time without camo in a photo sent in by reader Prince El Rachid.
The image shows the front half of the refreshed SUV, uncovered, presumably undergoing what looks to be a TVC shoot, offering a clear view of the vehicle’s new face. There’s a new bumper as well as slimmer, reprofiled LED headlights and a new grille design – with cascading pin motifs – that was partially shown in earlier spy shots.
As highlighted previously, the car also gets a new wheel design, in this case similar in styling to that used on the Geely Boyue update that emerged in 2022. No view of the rear, so the changes there will have to wait to be documented when the time comes.
Aside from the exterior changes, it has been ventured that the refresh doesn’t alter the interior, with the reworked car set to offer the same Hangzhou Bay Bridge-inspired dashboard design as seen on the current model.
The tech however should get an upgrade, with the facelift tipped to add a new steering wheel, seven-inch digital instrument display and 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen – all lifted from the newer X50.
It has also been confirmed that the reworked SUV’s driving assistance system will also get upgrades, with Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), which combines ACC with stop and go and lane centring, expected to be added to its kit list. What do you think of the new face?
GALLERY: 2024 Proton X70 spyshots
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Bentley Continental GT Azure in Malaysia – ‘wellness, comfort’ spec, glass roof, 48V active anti-roll, RM2.98m
The Bentley Continental GT Azure has arrived at Bentley Kuala Lumpur, completing the availability of the full Azure range in Malaysia following the Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga Extended Wheelbase.
Petrolheads might be more familiar with Speed, but Azure emphasises the other side of Bentley – developed with the help of wellbeing experts and even neuroscientists, the Continental GT Azure features a curated selection of elements designed for ‘wellbeing behind the wheel’.
The Continental GT Azure comes with Bentley’s 48V active anti-roll control system that enhances ride comfort and limits roll for even smoother journeys. The system electronically decouples the anti-roll bars when appropriate to smoothen the ride, then applies up to 1,300 Nm of anti-roll torque in 0.3 seconds when cornering to keep the big coupe flat and stable.
The system works together with the three-chamber air springs to provide a chassis that’s both dynamically capable and exceptionally comfortable, Bentley says. Trust Crewe to fuse those seemingly contradictory values into its cars.
The Continental GT’s interior, which is still lovely after all these years, is ‘tailored specifically to the modern luxury customer’ in Azure spec. There’s tech, there’s craftsmanship with fine natural materials, and there’s also natural light – the Azure gets a fixed panoramic glass sunroof.
Bentleys have great NVH as a standard feature, but Crewe says that the focus with the Azure is as much now on the quality of whatever sound that you can hear. “Escaping the outside world into a personalised environment, with less outside noise, that could otherwise reduce attention, impact memory, and increase stress response, is now a priority in the Continental GT Azure suite,” Bentley says.
At the end of the day, Azure’s mission is to leave driver and passengers to alight at journey’s end feeling refreshed, alert and ready to resume their busy lives. Sounds like first class on a plane, and you can take this daily flight for RM2.976 million before insurance, road tax and registration.
Oh, and there’s a lovely 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 with 550 PS/770 Nm under that long hood, and no shortage of chrome, which is fitting on Bentley grand tourer. Too ‘old’ for you? Check out the sportier side of the Continental GT with the Speed – no chrome there.
GALLERY: Bentley Continental GT Azure in Malaysia
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JAC i75 EV light duty truck in Malaysia – 210 km range NEDC, 120 kW DC charging; from RM266,800 OTR
Joining the launch of the King Long Kingo 6AT 15-seater and Kingo Plus 18-seater from Sendok Group subsidiary R&A Marketing is the JAC i75 EV light-duty truck, which was shown in its i75 variant and previewed in February this year; also part of the JAC EV truck range is the i90 that offers greater payload capacity.
Chassis cab dimensions for the i75 EV are 5,995 mm in length, 2,105 mm in width and 2,323 mm in height, with wheelbase lengths of 3,365 mm or 3,845 mm. Front and rear track widths are 1,716 mm and 1,650 mm, respectively, while front and rear overhangs are 1,110 mm and 1,520 mm.
Here, the JAC i75 EV is rated for a gross vehicle weight of 7,500 kg, with a chassis weight of 3,200 kg. This is propelled by a single permanent-magnet synchronous motor driving the axle in single-speed transmission, and this outputs 130 kW (177 PS) and 1,200 Nm of peak power and torque, or 65 kW (88.4 PS) and 415 Nm of continuous power and torque.
Energy is supplied from a lithium-iron phosphate battery pack by CATL totalling 107 kWh in capacity, which yields a total range of 210 km on the NEDC testing standard, or up to 370 km at a constant 40 km/h, according to JAC.
Charging is via a CCS2 connection on the left-hand side of the vehicle, which can take up to 120 kW DC for charging from 20-80% state of charge in 0.8 hour. When using AC charging, its battery can be topped up from 20-100% in 6.5 hours. Maximum speed of the JAC i75 EV is 90 km/h, with a maximum grade rating of 20%.
The i75 EV employs air braking for its front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, while maximum front and rear axle capacities are 3,100 kg and 6,200 kg, respectively. Suspension is by leaf springs front and rear, while tyres are sized 215/75R17.5.
In terms of safety equipment, the i75 EV gets dual airbags, auto unlock upon collision, with active safety features including ASR, ESC, and hill start assist, while AEB and lane departure warning can be optionally specified.
Exterior equipment also included LED daytime running lights in front. Inside, the two-seater cab gets an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen unit, along with a dashcam.
The i75 EV is offered in a choice of four body construction types; as a box van, pictured here (RM266,800), corrugated box (RM275,800), curtain sider (RM275,800) or wooden cargo (RM268,800) forms; prices are on-the-road without insurance, from a base price for the chassis cab that starts at RM245,000.
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No KL Car Free Morning this Sun, GFNY cycling event
The KL Car Free Morning (KLCFM) working committee has announced that there will be no KLCFM on May 12, which is this coming Sunday. The weekly Sunday morning open circuit around the city has been cancelled due to a cycling event that is happening in KL on the same day.
A quick check reveals that the GFNY Kuala Lumpur 2024 race will be happening in KL this Sunday, with the flag off at Dataran Merdeka. The event brands itself as KL’s signature international cycling marathon and there are two courses – a 129.1 km competitive long course and a non-ranking 67.5 medium course. If you’re taking part, good luck!
Fans of the KLCFM – where 5/7km of city centre roads are blocked off to traffic to allow cyclists, runners and skaters full freedom on Sunday mornings – will have to wait for further announcement for the next event.
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KTM announces extra ETS trains for school holidays
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) has announced that it is adding two electric train service (ETS) runs for the Padang Besar-KL Sentral and KL Sentral-Padang Besar routes in conjunction with this year’s first term school holidays, from May 24 to June 3.
The additional ETS service will depart from Padang Besar at 11 am and arrive at KL Sentral at 4.36 pm, while the train from KL Sentral will depart at 5.05 pm and arrive at Padang Besar at 10.34 pm.
The rail operator said in a statement that the additional service was to accommodate the high demand during the school holiday season. It added that tickets for the additional train service is now available for purchase. The additional service offers 630 tickets per day, effectively increasing the total number of tickets offered to 6,930, including that in business class coaches.
KTM advised users to get tickets early to avoid missing out the service, and said that tickets can be purchased through the KTM Mobile application (KITS) or on the KTMB website.
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UMW Toyota sold 7,345 units in April 2024, 30.7k YTD
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) ended April 2024 with total sales of 7,345 units, which includes 132 units of Lexus vehicles. The company says that it’s an ‘ongoing positive performance’ amidst a slow market, and year-to-date sales as of April 2024 is at 30,789 units.
No context in terms of percentage were shared though, which is a big hint that sales are down. Our calculator shows that April 2024 sales are 24.18% down from March, but is 8.54% higher year-on-year when compared to the same month last year.
Last month, UMWT introduced the Toyota Yaris G Limited. A 600-unit limited edition aimed at Gen Z drivers, the G Limited isn’t your run of the mill LE but has actual performance and handling upgrades beneath the skin. Commercial vehicle sales have been boosted by the Toyota Hiace Super Long Wheelbase.
“This month, we continue to demonstrate our relentless pursuit of excellence and our ability to deliver vehicles that resonate deeply across various consumer segments. With the Yaris G Limited, we are particularly proud to introduce a vehicle that aligns with the aspirations and lifestyles of our younger customers, showcasing our forward-thinking approach to automotive design and functionality,” said UMWT president Datuk Ravindran K.
“At UMWT, we are committed to providing mobility solutions to our commercial partners, alongside customer-centric innovation. With the introduction of the Toyota Hiace SLWB, we further demonstrate our dedication to supporting the diverse and dynamic needs of the commercial sector, ensuring every organisation we serve achieves greater productivity and efficiency,” he added.
UMWT recently welcomed Laser Motor in Seremban to its dealer network. Originally a 1S outlet, the new 3S facility in Oakland, Seremban now featuring 10 service bays in its service centre. UMWT’s “Peace Of Mind With Every Drive” promotion for May offers rebates of up to RM7,500 and up to 100% financing across 13 Toyota models – enquire at your nearest showroom.
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PLUS highway motorcycle lane at Jawi toll plaza entry to be closed May 11-26, 24 hours a day for resurfacing
PLUS Malaysia has announced that the Jawi toll plaza entry motorcycle lane will be closed from tomorrow, May 11 until May 26 for resurfacing works of the lane that goes around the Jawi toll plaza office complex.
The closure of the motorcycle lane at the toll plaza entry will be for 24 hours a day over the stated closure duration, and motorcyclists approaching the toll plaza will be diverted to the far-left lane in front of the toll plaza office complex for the duration of road works.
“The cooperation of highway users in taking heed of signage at the location throughout the process of the repair work carried out is highly appreciated,” the company said in its statement.
Therefore, for highway users expecting to require the use of the far-left lane at this toll plaza, remember to be on lookout for potentially higher traffic volume in the lane as motorcyclists will need to share this lane during this time.
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2024 King Long Kingo 15-seater, Kingo Plus 18-seater vans launched in Malaysia – RM146k-166k OTR
Distributor of King Long vehicles in Malaysia, Sendok Group subsidiary R&A Marketing has launched today the 2024 Kingo 6AT and Kingo Plus 6AT passenger vans for the Malaysian market, priced at RM146,265.40 and RM166,265.40 respectively; prices are for company private registration, on-the-road without insurance.
The two variants are differentiated chiefly in their size and passenger count capacity, with the Kingo 6AT being a 15-seater and the Kingo Plus 6AT an 18-seater. This launch introduces the Euro 5 2.4L turbodiesel powertrain with a six-speed automatic transmission to the range, succeeding the 2015 King Long Kingo which was powered by a 144 hp/370 Nm 3.0L turbodiesel and five-speed manual.
The Kingo measures 5,470 mm long, 1,885 mm wide and 2,285 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,110 mm, with a kerb weight of 2,520 kg (GVW 3,500 kg). The Kingo Plus measures 5,998 mm long, 1,885 mm wide and 2,285 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,720 mm, with a kerb weight of 2,730 kg (GVW 4,000 kg). Both variants share the same ground clearance at 169 mm.
Powertrain for both the Kingo and Kingo Plus is a YCY24 2.4 litre inline-four turbodiesel engine with a 16:5 compression ratio and 85 mm x 104 mm bore and stroke dimensions, that produces 145 PS at 2,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,400 rpm to 2,000 rpm, driving the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Braking for the Kingo and Kingo Plus are by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes with ABS and EBD, while suspension is handled by double wishbones in front and leaf springs at the back. Wheels are 16-inch units, shod in 215/75R16 tyres front and rear. Both variants also get three-point seat belts on all seats.
Exterior kit includes power-adjustable side mirrors with LED indicators, projector headlamps with daytime running lights, front fog lamps, high-mount third brake lamp, and a demister-equipped rear windscreen.
Interior equipment is closely matched between the 15-seater Kingo and 18-seater Kingo Plus variants – the pink decals on the Kingo Plus are specific to the launch event – with the difference being rear passenger air-conditioner vent count; six vents for the Kingo, and nine for the Kingo Plus. Both variants get double cooling coils for the rear air-conditioning for effective cabin cooling, says CAM.
Standard kit across both includes a 10-inch touchscreen display audio unit with support for Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary audio connectivity, with audio output via six speakers. Rearward vision is augmented by a reversing camera, in addition to reversing sensors.
Both get a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, polyurethane and fabric combination seats, central locking, PVC roof lining and floor mats, powered driver and front passenger windows, anti-glare rear view mirrors, and the three-cupholder centre console.
The King Long Kingo 6AT and Kingo Plus 6AT are sold in Malaysia with a six-year, 200,000 km warranty, with service intervals at 20,000 km. These are also supported by a 24/7 hotline, with free nationwide towing during the vehicle’s warranty period. The King Long Kingo 6AT and Kingo Plus 6AT are assembled locally in Malaysia.
2024 Kingo Plus 6AT, 18-seater
2024 Kingo 6AT, 15-seater
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Perodua enters Bangladesh – PHP to assemble and sell Axia, Myvi, Bezza and Aruz; Ativa and Alza coming
Perodua has added another foreign market to its export portfolio, with the brand now having made its way to Bangladesh. Last month, the national automaker inked a deal with PHP Motors, a subsidiary of the PHP Family, for the latter to assemble and sell its vehicle models in the country.
According to The Business Standard, PHP Motors is launching four Perodua models in Dhaka today. The four models are the Axia, Myvi, Bezza and Aruz, and will be assembled at the company’s Saraipara Halishahar plant in Chattogram (formerly Chittagong). PHP Motors MD Mohammed Akther Parvez added that there were plans to expand the line-up in the coming future.
“Perodua has six models. We are working on all the models. Initially, we will assemble (these) four models in our factory and sell them. The other models (the Alza and Ativa) will also be assembled and launched soon,” he said.
If the PHP name sounds familiar, that’s because the company used to handle Proton. Proton is now represented in Bangladesh by local conglomerate Rancon, which is set to assemble the X90 in the country later this year.
Although PHP has terminated its agreement with Proton, it said it would honour all existing warranties for Proton vehicles. “While signing the agreement with Perodua, we have included this condition to allow us to provide after-sales services to previously sold Proton cars and they have appreciated our commitment,” Akther said.
PHP’s factory is capable of assembling 1,200 units a year. With over 400 employees, the plant can assemble 36 cars in three shifts a day (12 in each shift). The company said that the facility has been running at full capacity since 2019.
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BNM maintains OPR at 3% in May 2024 meeting, so hire purchase interest rates should remain the same
Following today’s monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has decided to maintain the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 3%. The 3% OPR has been the same since May 2023 when it was increased by 25 basis points from 2.75%.
Car loans are affected by the OPR, because if banks have higher borrowing costs, it will pass them on to the consumer with with higher rates resulting in hire purchase loans becoming more expensive and potentially harder to gain approval. Thus, any hike in OPR have an impact on car sales. So with no rate hike, this should be good news for the MAA.
According to BNM, the OPR level is in line with the health of the economy and remains supportive of growth while keeping inflation in check. The BNM MPC meets to make OPR decisions every two months.
The next meeting will be in July 2024.
Here is BNM’s full statement:
Monetary Policy Statement May 2024
At its meeting today, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Bank Negara Malaysia decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 3.00 percent.
The global economy continues to expand amid resilient labour markets in some countries and continued recovery in global trade. Looking ahead, global growth is expected to be sustained, as headwinds from tight monetary policy and reduced fiscal support will be cushioned by positive labour market conditions and moderating inflation. Global trade is expected to strengthen further as the global tech upcycle gains momentum. While global headline and core inflation continued to edge downwards in recent months, the pace for disinflation has slowed in some advanced economies. This increases the prospect of interest rates to remain high for longer, particularly in the US. The growth outlook remains subject to downside risks, mainly from further escalation of geopolitical tensions, higher-than-anticipated inflation outturns, and volatility in global financial markets.
For the Malaysian economy, the latest indicators point towards higher economic activity in the first quarter of 2024, driven by resilient domestic expenditure and a positive turnaround in exports. Going forward, the recovery in exports is expected to gather momentum supported by the global tech upcycle and continued strength in non-electrical and electronics goods. Tourist arrivals and spending are also poised to rise further. Continued employment and wage growth remain supportive of household spending. Investment activity would be supported by the ongoing progress of multi-year projects in both the private and public sectors, the implementation of catalytic initiatives under the national master plans, as well as the higher realisation of approved investments. The growth outlook is subject to downside risks from weaker-than-expected external demand, and larger declines in commodity production. Meanwhile, upside risks to growth mainly emanate from greater spillover from the tech upcycle, more robust tourism activity, and faster implementation of existing and new projects.
Headline and core inflation averaged 1.7% and 1.8% in the first quarter of 2024 respectively. Looking forward, inflation in 2024 is expected to remain moderate, broadly reflecting stable demand conditions and contained cost pressures. The outlook for the rest of the year is dependent on the implementation of domestic policy on subsidies and price controls, as well as global commodity prices and financial market developments. After incorporating the potential impact of subsidy rationalisation, headline and core inflation are projected to average between 2.0% – 3.5% and 2.0% – 3.0% for the year respectively.
The ringgit currently does not reflect Malaysia’s economic fundamentals and growth prospects. External factors, namely shifting expectations of major economies’ monetary policy paths and ongoing geopolitical tensions, have led to heightened volatility in both capital flows and exchange rates across the region, including the ringgit. The coordinated initiatives by the Government and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) with the Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) and Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLICs), and corporate engagements have gained further traction, cushioning the pressure on the ringgit. BNM will continue to manage risks arising from heightened financial market volatility. Over the medium term, domestic structural reforms will provide more enduring support to the ringgit.
At the current OPR level, the monetary policy stance remains supportive of the economy and is consistent with the current assessment of the inflation and growth prospects. The MPC remains vigilant to ongoing developments to inform the assessment on the outlook of domestic inflation and growth. The MPC will ensure that the monetary policy stance remains conducive to sustainable economic growth amid price stability.
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Johor preparing to submit its autonomous rapid transit (ART) proposal for Johor Bahru to federal government
Sarawak’s hydrogen-powered ART system. Having stated its intention to develop a multi-tiered automated rapid transit (ART) system in Johor Bahru in order to address traffic congestion in the city, the Johor state government is now preparing to submit a proposal to the federal government for the project to be green-lighted, the Malay Mail reports.
According to state executive councillor Lee Ting Han, the state will evaluate the proposal before sending it to the transport and economy ministries. “The state government will be submitting a proposal to the federal government about the establishment of an elevated ART. It will be discussed and approved at the state level during the weekly Johor executive council meeting before it is submitted,” he said.
Lee said that the state is anticipating increased traffic once the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) starts operating in about three years. “The RTS Link is able to transport 10,000 passengers per hour per direction, so we are forecasting a high volume of people traveling between Johor and Singapore daily. If each of them takes their own private vehicle, it will be severely congested in the Johor Baru city centre. We must find a way to disperse the crowd and the elevated ART is a good mode to do so,” he said.
Lee said the ART system has been successfully implemented in numerous countries and highlighted its upcoming implementation in Kuching. He said that a team from Johor visited Sarawak to study the feasibility and proposal procedures for the project, and the insights gleaned from the visit will be incorporated into the state government’s submission to the federal government.
As for the proposed routes for the elevated ART system, Lee said that the state intends to utilise the existing alignment of the Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) project, which was announced in 2018 and uses dedicated busways to serve key areas. The choice of utilising the IMBRT alignment would save costs, as it would utilise partially acquired land along the routes.
“So, we are proposing an elevated ART that follows the IMBRT alignment as the land acquisition along the routes has been done partially. Once we receive the federal approvals, we can start work as soon as possible because the clock is ticking. If we do not plan it (properly), we will be choking up the city centre,” he said.
The ART is classed as a medium-capacity transit system for urban passenger transport, which allows for higher passenger capacity at a lower cost of implementation compare to light-rail systems, and will run on clean sources of energy such as electricity or hydrogen.
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Ikigai E01 – Carro Care’s master painter Jumpei Yamamoto talks about his passion in painting cars
In this insightful episode of the “Ikigai” series, we look at the everyday life of a car painter in Malaysia who shares his philosophy on the importance and satisfaction derived from his work.
Despite the common perception that painting cars is a mundane and simplistic job, this episode uncovers what makes Jumpei Yamamoto enjoy his work so much that he has stuck to it over the last 25 years.
Yama-san as he is fondly called has accumulated a wealth of experience at companies like Mitsubishi Motors, Rock Paint Co. Ltd. and even as a Japanese civil servant teaching painting techniques for the Advanced Technical College Painting Course. Yes, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, he has served as a chief examiner for national qualifications in Japan.
The episode begins by addressing the common misconception surrounding the car painter’s job. Often viewed merely as mixing and applying colors, the painter explains how this perception overlooks the artistic and impactful nature of his work. The detailed explanation sheds light on how each stroke and choice of color plays a crucial role in the car’s overall appeal and the owner’s satisfaction.
Watch the episode to learn more about car spray painting and if you would like to get your car repainted by Yama-san’s team you can learn more about Carro Care’s spray paint service by clicking here.
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Volkswagen aims to make Malaysia an export hub for region, plans to assemble EVs here – Tengku Zafrul
While Volkswagen is a major player in the global automotive arena, the brand has a more measured presence in Malaysia, but things may be set to change in the coming future with regards to volume, if what minister of international trade and industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz says rings true.
According to the MITI minister, the German automaker has plans to make Malaysia an export centre for the brand. In a post on X, he said that this was revealed by the company during his recent meeting with Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) executives, said in response to a question he posed as to whether the company had plans to make the country an export hub.
In his post, he said that in addition to conventional models, the company also plans to produce EV vehicles in Malaysia, although no details were revealed as to which models are in that pipeline or when production would begin.
Local assembly is a common thread in the brand’s present line-up in the country, with the Arteon R-Line, Golf GTI, Tiguan Allspace variants and the new Touareg R-Line all built by VGM at the Hicom plant in Pekan, Pahang. For the latter, it’s the first time it’s being assembled outside of Europe.
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EPMB to begin vehicle production at its Melaka plant in Q3, aiming to produce 6,000 units by year-end
EP Manufacturing (EPMB) is targeting to begin vehicle production at its factory in Hicom Pegoh Industrial Park in Melaka in the third quarter of this year. According to EPMB CEO Ahmad Razlan Mohamed, the company is looking to produce 6,000 units by year-end, the Malaysian Reserve reports.
Production, which will be carried out by the company’s subsidiary, Peps-JV Melaka (PJVM), will kick off with builds for two Chinese carmakers. The first is China-based Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC), with the company having inked an 10-year vehicle assembly agreement with the carmaker in April. Initial models slated for production being the BJ40 Plus and X55II SUVs, with the CKD forms expected to debut in 2025.
EPMB will serve as a vehicle assembler, with BAIC providing relevant technical support and training as well as guidance and supervision on the assembly and manufacturing process. The Chinese automaker will be responsible for the sales and marketing of vehicles in the region.
The company will also produce vehicles for Great Wall Motor (GWM), with EPMB, via PJVM, having been appointed earlier this year as a contract vehicle assembler for the Chinese automaker in Malaysia for a period of eight years. EPMB will initially assemble the Haval H6 Hybrid and the Haval Jolion in Malaysia for GWM.
In October last year, EPMB announced that over RM100 million would be invested for the construction of the plant in Melaka. The facility is expected to create around 1,000 new jobs upon full operation and produce up to 30,000 vehicles annually in the first phase of its operations. The company has said it is aiming for an annual output of 20,000 units by 2028.
GALLERY: GWM Haval H6 Hybrid RHD Malaysian-specification previewed in China
GALLERY: BAIC X55 II at Auto China 2024
GALLERY: BAIC BJ40 at Auto China 2024
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