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2024 Yamaha MT-25 new colour for Malaysia, RM23,998
2024 Yamaha MT-25 Midnight Cyan Getting a colour update for the Malaysia market is the 2024 Yamaha MT-25, priced at RM23,998. Previously, the 2023 Yamaha MT-25 was priced at RM22,998, an increase of RM1,000 with all pricing excluding road tax, insurance and registration.
The new colour options for the MT-25 are Midnight Black and Midnight Cyan. Stocks of the MT-25 in the new paint schemes are available in Hong Leong Yamaha dealer showrooms beginning May 8 with every purchase receiving a free Yamaha disc lock worth RM100.
No changes otherwise for the MT-25 in Malaysia, with power coming from a two-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill displacing 249 cc. Power for the MT-25 is claimed to be 35.5 hp at 12,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 23.6 Nm at 10,000 rpm.
2024 Yamaha MT-25 Midnight Black With its naked sportsbike styling, the MT-25 gets a 14 litre fuel tank, with weight rated at 167 kg while seat height is set at 780 mm. Other equipment stays the same, with LED lighting throughout and a monochrome LCD screen displaying all the necessary information.
Single hydraulic brake discs front and rear stop the 17-inch wheels shod with 110/70 front and 140/70 rear rubber with two-channel ABS fitted as standard. Suspension is done with non-adjustable upside front forks, and a preload adjustable monoshock holds up the rear end.
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Fallen tree along Jalan Sultan Ismail causes damage to vehicles – Concorde Hotel stretch closed to traffic
Floods aren’t the only thing one has to worry about during a thunderstorm, because strong winds can also result in all sorts of other hazards coming about, like trees being uprooted and causing more than just traffic disruption.
Such is the case this evening along Jalan Sultan Ismail, where a large tree has toppled on to the section of the road in front of the Concorde Hotel. The tree isn’t the only casualty, because as photos from the location show, it took the archway structure – and bus stop – in front of the hotel with it, with a cross section of the roofing now resting on part of the slow lane.
The tree is of course the larger issue, causing damage to a number of vehicles from its fall through its large branches, with its mass effectively disrupting all movement along the stretch at present.
According to Astro Radio Traffic, the stretch along Jalan Sultan Ismail in both directions has now been closed to traffic until rescue and clearing work is completed. The KL Monorail has also been disrupted, with the service between Hang Tuah and Medan Tunku stations not operational until further notice.
This incident is a timely reminder to have the Special Perils add-on for your vehicle insurance policy. The Special Perils add-on provides coverage for your vehicle should it end up being stuck in rising waters and against damage from fallen trees. Those in the area currently should utilise navigation apps with real-time traffic to seek alternative routes, but expect there to be delays as a result of this incident.
Scary!!!
Moment before the tree fell down at Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
pic.twitter.com/nGVSmhHojO https://t.co/pN6DED59x7
— 🍉Arif E.🍉 (@arfdy12) May 7, 2024
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Monorail service between KL Sentral, Medan Tuanku suspended due to fallen tree – feeder bus provided
Click to enlarge Are you caught in the storm in KL city? If you’re not, but planning to head to town, it might be better to change your plans, as a fallen tree on Jalan Sultan Ismail near Concorde Hotel has caused gridlock. A couple of cars have been damaged by the tree.
The tree is a big one, and it has also fallen on the monorail track along Jalan Sultan Ismail. Rapid KL has announced that Monorail services between KL Sentral and Medan Tuanku have been suspended.
As such, the public transport company is currently running shuttle buses between KL Sentral and Medan Tuanku to bridge the gap, as well as a shuttle train between Medan Tuanku and Titiwangsa on Platform 1.
The free shuttle buses have the following number plates: WVH 9625, WUW 4146 and PJH 4872. Bus frequency is every 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Be safe.
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Beijing 2024: Fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe shown – larger, sharper lines for the three-row SUV
Battery-electric vehicles, particularly from Chinese brands are all the rage at Auto China 2024 in Beijing, though established nameplates also made their presence known at the show, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe which headed to the exhibition in its latest, fifth-generation guise.
Having made its debut in July 2023, the fifth-generation Santa Fe marks a significant departure from its predecessor, not least in its design, which is now dominated by a boxy form and straight lines, in contrast to the fourth-generation model that wore rather more curves and a more ornate front fascia.
As par for the new vehicle course, the latest Santa Fe has grown physically over its predecessor, now measuring 190.2 inches (4,831 mm) long, 74.8 inches (1,900 mm) wide, 69.7 inches (1,770 mm) tall with a wheelbase of 110.8 inches (2,814 mm), according to the brand’s North American market specifications.
Some notable design cues on the Santa Fe include the H-shaped motif on the headlamps and tail lamps, while the black pillars give the body-coloured roof a floating look. Its wheelarches contribute to the angular look, using a polygonal shape over each wheel. At the rear, a single exhaust outlet features beneath the rear bumper.
From its debut, the ‘2.5T’ badging on the vehicle suggests that the Santa Fe will use the manufacturer’s Smartstream G2.5 T-GDI engine that outputs 281 PS and 422 Nm of torque, though that badge is absent from the Beijing show car. One that is present, denotes HTRAC, which is Hyundai’s all-wheel-drive system.
The cabin of the fifth-generation Santa Fe features a Panoramic Curved Display that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with an infotainment screen, which is angled towards the driver. The transmission selector that was located on the centre console on the fourth-generation model is now positioned on the steering column, freeing up space for other conveniences such as dual wireless smartphone chargers.
Inside, further conveniences within the Santa Fe include deep cupholders just aft of the wireless chargers, a storage compartment behind the console as well as a shelf area above the glovebox. In here, as on the outside, the fifth-generation Santa Fe employs wider use of straight lines, compared to the curvier set in its predecessor.
The use of a light colour scheme aids the sense of spaciousness, while sustainable materials also feature, such as recycled plastic on the suede headliner, car mats, and second- and third-row seatbacks. What do you think of the latest Hyundai Santa Fe?
GALLERY: Fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe, official images
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2024 Mercedes-Benz C350e official price in Malaysia – RM338,888 OTR; PHEV with 313 PS, 117 km EV range
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has revealed the official price of the C350e AMG Line that was introduced to us back in February this year. The plug-in hybrid variant of the fifth-generation (W206) C-Class retails for RM338,888 on-the-road without insurance, which is the same as the C300 AMG Line it replaces while being less than the original estimate of RM355,000.
Like the C200 Avantgarde – the only other C-Class variant you can buy here – the C350e AMG Line is locally assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang. On the mention of the base C-Class variant, the price gap between that and the C350e AMG Line is RM42,000.
For the money, the C350e comes with a 2.0 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine that serves up 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) at 6,100 rpm and 320 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. This accompanied by an electric motor rated at 129 PS (127 hp or 95 kW) and 440 Nm, which is integrated into the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
The total system output is 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) and 550 Nm, which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 245 km/h. When running purely on electricity, the sedan can travel for up to 117 km following the WLTP standard and maxes out at 140 km/h.
Power for the electric motor is supplied by a 25.4-kWh lithium-ion battery that supports AC charging at a max capacity of 11 kW, with a full charge taking two hours. The battery is covered by a six-year/100,000-km warranty that goes on top of the usual four-year manufacturer warranty. It should also be noted the C350e is the only W206 C-Class variant that comes with self-levelling air suspension on the rear axle to compensate for the battery’s weight, with steel springs at the front.
In terms of kit, the C350e comes standard with the AMG Line package that includes grille insert featuring a star mesh pattern, sporty front and rear bumpers, more prominent exhaust finishers as well as a rear diffuser-like element. The Night Package is also included and adds black trim and mirrors caps to the exterior.
Other items that come standard are Digital Light LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels, Thermatic dual-zone climate control (with rear vents), a Nappa leather sports steering wheel, Artico man-made leather upholstery, metal-weave trim, powered front seats with memory function, ambient lighting, manual sunblinds for the left and right rear doors, a wireless charging pad, Guard 360, Keyless-Go, AMG floor mats and Hands-Free Access.
Infotainment inside the C350e is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which is represented on an 11.9-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display. The system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and comes with a LTE communications module for Mercedes me connect services, a fingerprint scanner and augmented reality for navigation.
2024 Mercedes-Benz C350e AMG Line Malaysia spec sheet; click to enlarge As for safety and driver assistance systems, the C350e is equipped with, Pre-Safe, pre-installation for Distronic, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist as well as the Parking package with a reverse camera, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic and a 360-degree camera.
At RM338,888, the C350e AMG Line is RM30,000 more than its direct rival, the facelifted BMW 330e M Sport that sells for RM303,888 with the extended warranty and service package. However, the Mercedes-Benz PHEV sedan has more power and provides more electric-only range. Which one would you go for?
GALLERY: 2024 Mercedes-Benz C350e AMG Line in Malaysia
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EON & Sahabat Autofest 2024 lucky draw winner bought a Saga, driving home a Proton S70 Flagship
EON is celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri with an open house at its headquarters at Glenmarie today, and the company used the occasion to announce the winners of the EON & Sahabat Autofest 2024 lucky draw. How about buying a Proton Saga and getting an additional Proton S70 Flagship too?
That’s the luck of grand prize winner Siti Khairunadia Mohd Sharifuddin Paloh. The 21-year old from Johor Bahru purchased her Proton Saga 1.3 Standard during the three-day EON & Sahabat Autofest 2024 event, held from March 1-3. She financed her sedan with EON’s new digital car financing platform.
“I never imaged that I would be selected as the grand prize winner when I booked my Proton Saga I am very happy that I have been rewarded for being a loyal Proton customer,” Siti Khairunadia said.
EON CEO Akkbar Danial presented the the Passion Red S70 to Siti Khairunadia and also handed over four other lucky draw prizes including a Dyson vacuum cleaner and the iPad. The total value of the prizes were RM100,000.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the EON & Sahabat Autofest 2024. We achieved record-breaking sales of over 650 units sold, which was 30% higher that our target. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who came to our autofest. We hope all of you will continue to trust and support us as the country’s largest multi-brand car dealership,” Akkbar said.
EON, a subsidiary of DRB-Hicom, may be synonymous with Proton, but the company is also a dealer for Mitsubishi Motors, Audi, Volkswagen, smart, Isuzu, Daihatsu, Honda, Modenas and Kawasaki.
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smart #3 EV – ROIs for coupé-SUV open in Malaysia
Registrations of interest for the smart #3 have opened in Malaysia, the company has revealed, following the model’s preview at last month’s running of KL Car Free Morning in Kuala Lumpur. This should mean that an official Malaysian-market launch is due soon.
The smart #3 is the second model from the smart Automobile brand that is a joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz, after the brand’s first model, the #1.
Physically, the #3 measures 4,440 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,785 mm, whereas the #1 is slightly shorter but wider and taller, at 4,270 mm long, 1,822 mm wide and 1,636 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. The #3 shares its Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) underpinnings with the #1.
From debut, the #3 is specified with a 66-kWh nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery offering 440 km of range (WLTP), that powers a 272 PS motor driving the rear wheels. There is also a 422 PS dual-motor AWD version that is badged a smart #3 Brabus, denoting its performance slant.
Earlier official images from the debut of the #3 revealed that the model’s dashboard architecture largely mimics that of the #1, save for detail changes such as circular air-conditioning vents on the centre console and oval units on the sides, rather than oval units throughout in the #1.
Further interior equipment includes a 12.8-inch central floating touchscreen, audio is by a 13-speaker Beats sound system, and a panoramic sunroof adds natural light to the cabin, while a multi-colour ambient lighting ensemble adds to the ambience.
Pricing details for the #3 in Malaysia have yet to emerge, though the #3 range in China has been updated to start from 164,900 yuan (RM109,200) for the Standard Range, which is joined by the Dynamic Long Range that is priced at 184,900 yuan (RM122,400). The upper half of the range consists of the Dynamic AWD at 219,900 yuan (RM145,600), and the Brabus variant at 289,900 yuan (RM191,900).
GALLERY: smart #3
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Geely Galaxy E5 revealed in China – new EV built on GEA; previews Proton’s upcoming EV in 2025?
Geely has released official images of the E5, which is the first fully electric SUV in the company’s Galaxy series. Expected to go on sale in China in the second quarter of this year, the E5 will reportedly be priced around 150,000 to 200,000 yuan (about RM99k to RM131k).
According to reports, the E5 is built on the multi-powertrain-capable Geely Electric Architecture (GEA), which is derived from the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) that underpins vehicles like the Polestar 4, Volvo EM90 and Zeekr 001.
For now, the automaker is not revealing powertrain details aside from mentioning the E5 will come with its 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive and Shendun battery safety system. CarNewsChina reports a filing with China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) indicates the E5 will be offered with a single-motor setup rated at 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) for a top speed of 175 km/h, paired with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
In terms of dimensions, the E5 measures 4,615 mm long, 1,901 mm wide, 1,670 mm tall and has wheelbase of 2,750 mm. These figures suggest it to be a mid-size SUV with a footprint in the region of the current Honda CR-V we have here, which also means it isn’t larger than a Tesla Model Y.
As for the design, the E5 appears to draw inspiration from the Galaxy E8 sedan, with familiar cues being slim headlamps as well as light strips that wrap around the corners of the front bumper. We also spot concaved sections on either side of the closed-off grille that lead into air curtains, while the sides are slightly creased and have pop-out door handles.
Around back, there are full-width taillights with a dashed trim piece just above the Geely script, along with a subtle roof spoiler. Moving inside, we find a large infotainment touchscreen on the dashboard alongside a digital instrument cluster.
Elsewhere, there’s an asymmetric centre console that separates the driver from the front passenger, with the former having better access to a dial controller and the central air vents. The driver also gets a head-up display and hexagonal-shaped steering wheel, while both front occupants can store items in the cubby beneath the centre console.
As reported back in March this year, Proton said that its EV will be an all-new model that is co-developed by Proton and Geely, and it will not be a rebadged version of an existing model. With a starting price that is rather competitive (if sold as such here), could this be the base for Proton’s upcoming EV due next year?
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Beijing 2024: Jetour X70 Plus facelift, PHEV versions of the T2 light off-roader and L6 SUV on display
Jetour’s booth at this year’s Auto China featured a few new models, some of which we’ll be covering in this post. The sub-brand of Chery has already announced it will make its public debut in Malaysia next month, with the Dashing and X70 Plus set to be first cars to be launched in the second half of 2024.
Jetour X70 Plus facelift
In China, the X70 Plus received a major facelift this year that brings with it an overhauled front end featuring a large grille with horizontal slats. This is also where you’ll find the main headlamps, with the daytime running lights now being a light strip that runs just beneath the bonnet line.
The changes at the rear are less substantial, with the taillights sporting a new graphic, while the bumper has been tweaked to include corner fins, bold chrome trim and rectangular exhaust trim finishers.
Inside, the updated X70 Plus gets larger dual displays along with a revised dashboard and more prominent chrome air vents. The third touchscreen for the climate system remains unchanged, but the centre console receives a fancy glass-look gear selector.
In terms of powertrains, the new-for-2025 X70 Plus is available with a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 156 PS (154 hp or 115 kW) and 230 Nm in China. This is paired with either a six-speed manual or DCT to drive the front wheels. There’s also a 1.6 litre unit making 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW) and 290 Nm which is paired with a seven-speed DCT, also driving the front wheels.
Jetour L6
A recent addition to the line-up, the L6 is part of Jetour’s Shanhai of new energy vehicle (NEV) series in China. Previewed by the X-2 concept at last year’s Auto Shanghai, the L6 will be offered with plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains, according to CarNewsChina.
The former is said to be Chery’s C-DM system with a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine and an electric motor for a hybrid range of up to 1,400 km – little details about the EV variant for now. The L6 is reportedly the NEV variant of the Dashing and should share the same dimensions of 4,590 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,685 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm.
Moving inside, the interior of the L6 isn’t too dissimilar from the Dashing, with a large touchscreen occupying the dashboard. There’s also an identical steering wheel, while a small digital instrument cluster is integrated into the wide-width trim ahead of the driver. One difference is the centre console, which is connected to the air vents in the L6 but is separated in the Dashing.
Jetour Shanhai T2
The T2, also known as the Traveller, isn’t new in Jetour’s line-up, but the car shown at the company’s booth in Auto China is the plug-in hybrid version. Launched at the show with a price range of between 179,900 and 209,900 yuan (about RM118k and RM138k), the PHEV version is also part of the Shanhai series.
In terms of specifications, the T2 is equipped with a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 156 PS (154 hp or 115 kW) and 220 Nm. This is paired with a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and electric motor, the latter rated at 224 PS (221 hp or 165 kW) and 390 Nm for a total system output of 381 PS (375 hp or 280 kW) and 610 Nm.
Two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are offered, with the first being a 26.7-kWh unit that provides up 100 km of electric-only range following the WLTC standard (129 km CLTC) and enabling a top speed of 197 km/h. The second option is a 43.24-kWh unit that ups the EV-only range to 161 km (208 km CLTC), while the top speed is increased to 210 km/h. In hybrid mode, the maximum comprehensive range possible is 1,300 km.
Jetour didn’t list exact charging capacities on its official website, but it did state the Shanhai T2 can handle both AC and DC charging. It also comes with a vehicle-to-load function capable of delivering up to 6.6 kW, with another external power supply in the boot that can output 2.2 kW.
GALLERY: Jetour X70 Plus at Auto China 2024
GALLERY: Jetour T2 at Auto China 2024
GALLERY: Jetour L6 at Auto China 2024
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Chinese cars secure a 33% share of global car sales in March 2024 – Geely, BYD, Chery, Changan in Q1 top 20
Chinese car brands accounted for 33% of the global sales of passenger vehicles in March 2024, in which 8.15 million units were shifted during the month. This was revealed in statistics released by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), as CarNewsChina reports.
In the first quarter of this year, 21.05 million vehicles were sold worldwide, making for a three percent increase from the same period last year. Among the Chinese players, Geely was the sole automaker from the country to make it into the top 10 list for the quarter, the 738,400 vehicles it sold – accounting for 3.5% of the global market share – giving it 10th spot in the global rankings. Domestically, it held a 2.0% share of the market.
According to the stats, BYD was just behind it in 11th, claiming a 3.2% share of the global market (it had 9% of the Chinese market, making it the best performing domestic brand), while Chery was a step behind in 12th, securing 3.0% of the pie globally (3.0% share in China).
Other Chinese automakers in the global top 20 mix were Changan, which was 15th overall with a 2.6% market share (8% in China) and SAIC, which was 16th with a 1.7% slice of the pie (4% in China).
At the head of the global automaker sales rankings for the quarter was Toyota, with a market share of 10.6%, making it the only company with more than 10% of the market share. Second in the overall standings was the Volkswagen group, with a 9.5% share (despite competition, it managed to secure 10% of the Chinese market). In third was Hyundai, with a 7.4% share. Together, the three companies held a 27.5% share of the global sales market for the first three month of this year.
Elsewhere, Stellantis, with a 6.9% share, was placed fourth. In fifth was the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishe Alliance, with 6.5%, while General Motors was placed sixth, with a 5.4% share of the market. Next, there was Honda and Ford, seventh and eighth respectively, both having 4.7% of the market. Meanwhile, a 4.0% share was good enough to secure ninth place for Suzuki.
The CPCA data also revealed the top five Chinese auto exporters in the first quarter of 2024, and they are SAIC (126,053 units), Chery (117,719 units), Great Wall Motor (77,935 units), BYD (51,138 units) and Geely (46,752 units).
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PDRM collected RM2.4m of unpaid saman over 3 days of Madani govt event – discount policy to continue
The home ministry announced that PDRM collected RM2,452,510 of unpaid saman over three days of the ‘Program Madani Rakyat Zon Utara’ event, which was held from May 3-5 at Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong, Penang. The breakdown is in the graphic above, and it’s no surprise that collection was highest on the final day.
Of course, this is thanks to the 50% discount offered for on-the-spot payment. “The PDRM’s 50% discount for summonses received hot response and helped the public to check for saman and pay the fines. Congratulations PDRM for the initiative and thank you to the visitors who paid their summonses,” KDN said in a Facebook post.
Does KDN’s tone and words sound like the police’s policy of dishing out discounts for summonses will continue. Sounds like an obvious yes to us, and since PDRM’s ‘half price sales’ have been used as a carrot for Madani government events, expect this trend to continue.
The cops giving saman discounts is nothing new, but it’s in stark contrast to the JPJ, which under the transport ministry led by Anthony Loke, upholds a policy of no discounts.
Loke said that the transport ministry has adopted the policy of no discounts since 2018. The Seremban MP said that summonses are a form of education, and giving discounts is unfair to those who pay their dues on time. He added that JPJ, as the agency responsible for road safety, will no compromise on this issue, and the cabinet and chief secretary to the government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali have been informed on the matter.
Which side of the fence are you on?
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Kia EV3 teased – new EV to make its debut on May 23
Kia has released the first teaser images of the EV3, which is set to make its debut later this month on May 23. The upcoming EV3 will join the EV9, EV6 and EV5 in the company’s line-up as a new fully electric compact SUV for the masses.
Based on the provided images, the production EV3 looks to remain true to the concept that previewed it last year, which itself draws inspiration from the flagship EV9. Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy is applied here, with notable cues being boxy rear fenders and tailgate.
The EV3 also sports the brand’s Star Map lighting, as seen on the front headlamps and rear taillights that have a distinctive lighting signature reminiscent of constellations. The concept’s partially blacked-out C-pillars can also be seen on the production model, along with a rear spoiler and gently rounded front end.
We don’t get a glimpse of the interior for now, but we should expect multiple displays and a layout that is in line with Kia’s other ‘EV’ models. Similarly, the company didn’t provide powertrain details in its release, which merely states “the EV3 is a compact yet comprehensively equipped EV SUV that offers outstanding performance through its incorporation of innovative technologies.”
According to Kia, the EV3 will go on sale later this year following its premiere, so look forward to that in just over two weeks’ time.
GALLERY: Kia Concept EV3
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LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling line train to slow down from Bandaraya to Masjid Jamek stations – May 7-10
Take note, commuters on the LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling line. Rapid KL has announced that the train will be moving at a slow speed from Bandaraya to Masjid Jamek stations. This is for track maintenance works and will be in place from today (May 7) till May 10.
If you recall, the LRT track between Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya stations was reopened in February after being closed for more than one year, following damage to the bridge structure and the track near Bandaraya station.
With the reopening Rapid Rail is targeting average daily ridership on the LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling line to reach 200,000 by the end of 2024, compared to 155,000 during the track closure, which needed feeder buses to bridge the gap.
Train frequency during peak hours has been back to normal, with a waiting time of three minutes in the CBD (central business district) and six minutes outside of the CBD, with 37 trains in operation.
Here’s a recap and some background. The said stretch on the LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling line has been closed since January 27, 2023 for safety reasons following damage to the bridge structure and the track near Bandaraya station.
Repair works started on March 17 that year. The two phases were supporting the bridge at P163, P164 and P165, as well as returning the bridge structure to its original position. The rehabilitation works were completed on December 30, 2023, and checks and verification were done by consultant engineers. Tests and observations have been carried out from January 1 to 16 and the reopening of the track has been approved by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
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Beijing 2024: BAIC X55II, BJ40 Plus shown in China – SUVs set for CKD local assembly in Malaysia in 2025
Taking part in the vast exhibitor presence at Auto China 2024 that took place in Beijing is BAIC, which displayed the X55 II and the BJ40 Plus SUVs at the motor show. These models are notable as they have been earmarked not just for sale in Malaysia, but they will also be locally assembled (CKD) in Melaka.
Of these, the X55 II appears that bit closer to Malaysian-market reality as the example shown at Auto Beijing is a right-hand-drive unit, while the BJ40 Plus on the show stand remains a left-hand-drive example.
Badging for the X55 II will change for its entry into Malaysia, where the ‘Beijing’ script seen on the show car here will make way for BAIC branding for our market. As a B-segment SUV entry, this will compete with the likes of the Proton X50 and the Chery Omoda 5, among others.
Next, the BJ40 Plus is a more traditionally off-road styled SUV with its more square-edged, straight-lined form, with shades of Jeep Wrangler to its silhouette. Familiar-looking prefix? That would be the model code for the genesis of a long-running Japanese line.
While the X55 II B-SUV above in China gets a 188 PS/305 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the BJ40 Plus in overseas markets such as the United Arab Emirates gets a 2.3 litre turbocharged petrol engine rated to produce 250 PS and 350 Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
For Malaysia, the aforementioned local assembly plant will be in Pegoh, Melaka, where the new facility will be established by EP Manufacturing (EPMB) over several phases with more than RM100 million set to be committed to the project.
Once completed, the Pegoh plant will have the capacity to produce up to 30,000 vehicles annually, and is set to create 1,000 job opportunities in the state. In addition to the BAIC duo, the EPMB plant in Pegoh is also expected to assemble vehicles for Great Wall Motor.
BAIC X55 II
BAIC BJ40
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Shell said to be in talks to sell its entire Malaysian petrol station network to Saudi Aramco – report
Here’s some big news. Shell is reportedly in talks with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Saudi Aramco to sell its petrol station business in Malaysia, Reuters reports. The news agency cited four industry personnel familiar with the matter as its sources.
According to one of the sources, talks are said to have begun in late 2023, and a deal may be finalised in the coming months. Two other sources who were briefed on the matter placed the deal down at roughly four to five billion ringgit.
With around 950 stations across Malaysia, Shell has the second-largest fuel retail network in the country after Petronas, which operates a larger network. The report indicated that Shell declined to comment on the talks, but said Malaysia is an important country to the company. Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco also declined to comment on the matter.
In addition to its fuel station network, Shell also sells industrial lubricants, produces crude oil and natural gas offshore of Sarawak and Sabah, and is a joint venture partner in two liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.
The report says that the sale is part of Shell CEO Wael Sawan’s efforts to focus the company’s operations on the most profitable businesses, of which it would now seem that fuel retail is not one of them.
It is not known if the Shell Recharge DC and AC electric vehicle charging network and ParkEasy – of which Shell Malaysia initially bought a 50% stake in and later acquired fully – are part of the potential acquisition deal, but there should be some movement on this front, given that it would be rather strange to retain Shell branding at Aramco stations for this purpose.
According to the news report, the company had indicated that it would look to divest 500 stations this year and next, and is in the process of selling its Singapore refinery and petrochemical complex. One of the sources told Reuters that the company’s effort to sell its Malaysia fuel station network is consistent with its move to sell its refinery on Bukom Island in Singapore, which supplies the network.
As for Saudi Aramco, it of course does not have a retail presence in Malaysia, but owns 50% of the 300,000-barrel per day Pengerang refinery in Johor in a JV with Petronas. While Aramco operates petrol stations in Saudi Arabia, it only began doing so in 2019. It also operates fuel stations elsewhere in JVs with French player TotalEnergies and South Korea’s S-Oil Corp.
