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Mazda EZ-6 EV teased for 2024 Beijing Auto Show, to replace Mazda 6 in China; Mazda 6e for other markets
In Cars, International News, Mazda / By Mick Chan / / 0 comment
With the current-generation Mazda 6 coming to the end of production this year, the Japanese manufacturer is set to unveil the sedan in all-electric guise at the Beijing Auto Show next week, WhichCar has reported.
Said to be badged ‘EZ-6’, the upcoming sedan is designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, however it isn’t solely a Mazda development, and instead is based on the Changan Deepal SL03 and therefore built on a Changan platform, and is said to sport dimensions identical to those of the Chinese model.
The SL03 is otherwise known as the L07, which was launched with the S07 SUV in Thailand at the beginning of this year, offering up to 485 km and 540 km of range (NEDC) for the S07 SUV and L07 sedan, respectively.
The upcoming ‘EZ-6’ will be for the Chinese market, and according to Tycho de Feijter on X/Twitter, Mazda has filed for trademarks for the terms ‘Mazda EZ-6’ and ‘Mazda EZ-60’ in China, with the former likely for the sedan based on the platform codenamed J90A, and the latter likely to be for an upcoming SUV codenamed J90K.
Third-generation Mazda 6 in Malaysia A different naming convention appears to be in the works for the Japanese manufacturer’s upcoming model for other markets such as Japan, Europe, North America and Australasia, according to WhichCar, noting that Mazda has filed to trademark the ‘Mazda 6e’ and ‘6e’ names with the European Union Intellectual Property Office last month to secure its use for “automobiles and their parts”, and “electric cars and their parts”.
The separate naming structure could see the future Mazda 6 for those markets use the manufacturer’s own Skyactiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture, in preparation for its full-scale launch of EV models from 2028 that is part of its three-phase roadmap.
Currently, Mazda’s EV model range globally consists of the MX-30 and the CX-30 EV that is for the Chinese market. In Malaysia, the MX-30 EV was launched in December 2022 in two variants, priced at RM199k and featuring a 35.5 kWh battery for up to 199 km of range.
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JPJ eBid: ANM and VML number plates up for bidding
In Local News / By Danny Tan / / 1 comment
JPJ has announced that ANM and VML are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.
Perak’s latest running number series is ‘ANM’, and will open for tender on April 19. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on April 23. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.
Also available on JPJ eBid is the WP Kuala Lumpur series ‘VML’. The bidding period starts on April 20 and will close at 10pm on April 25. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.
New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.
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2024 Peugeot 408 – first public appearance in Malaysia happening from April 20-21; CKD; launching in May
In Cars, Local News, Peugeot / By Gerard Lye / / 4 comments
The Peugeot 408 is set to make its first public appearance in Malaysia this weekend from April 20-21, 2024 during Peugeot Malaysia’s Sinar Raya open house. The event will take place at several Peugeot showrooms, so register here if you want to get up close with the fastback crossover and even place a pre-booking.
Scheduled to be launched here in May, the 408 will be offered in three locally-assembled (CKD) variants, including the base Allure, mid-spec Premium and range-topping GT. No official pricing, but we were told the target audience are those considering a Honda Civic or Accord, so it is speculated to start around the RM140k to RM150k range.
All variants will share the same turbocharged PureTech engine, which is a 1.6 litre unit with 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. This drives the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
According to a leaked brochure, which should be taken with a pinch of salt until full details are revealed on launch day, the Allure will come standard with LED headlamps with automatic high beam, LED taillights, automatic wipers and 18-inch alloy wheels in a Granite Grey finish. Inside, the base option comes with partial leather seat upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as a six-speaker sound system.
The base option also gets six airbags, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition with speed limit info, lane keep assist, cruise control (presumably adaptive) and autonomous emergency braking.
Stepping up to the Premium adds 18-inch wheels in a Granite Black finish, black Nappa leather seat upholstery, a memory function for the powered driver’s seat, advanced lane keep assistance, lane change assist, a blind spot monitor and reverse warning (presumably rear cross traffic alert).
Peugeot Malaysia Sinar Raya participating showrooms Going up even higher to the GT, the kit list builds upon the Premium by gaining 20-inch Monolithe Black wheels, matrix LED headlamps, Naboo Blue Nappa leather seat upholstery, a massaging function for the driver’s seat, a 10-inch ‘3D Quartz Display’ instrument cluster, a Focal sound system, a 360-degree camera and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with fully customisable touch panel attached for quick access to certain functions.
The current 408 made its global debut in June 2022 and marked a radical departure from past iterations, which adopted a sedan body style, by being a crossover. Riding on Stellantis’ EMP2 platform, the 408 measures 4,687 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,510 mm tall and with a wheelbase that spans 2,787 mm. For context, that’s about the size of a Civic that is 4,678 mm long, 1,802 mm wide, 1,415 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,735 mm.
GALLERY: 2024 Peugeot 408 preview in Malaysia
GALLERY: 2024 Peugeot 408 leaked brochure
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Porsche Approved Hari Raya Open House happening this month – enjoy an additional one-year warranty
In Advertorial, Sales & Promotions / By Harvinder Sidhu /
Passion never ages, just like a Porsche. There are no old Porsches, only new owners. If you’ve been obsessing over getting a Porsche of your own, there’s no better time to do so than at the Porsche Pre-Owned Cars Day set to take place across Porsche Centres in Malaysia this month.
With the Porsche Approved programme, you can rest easy knowing that you’re getting a high-quality sports car that performs just as well as it did when new. To provide this peace of mind, every Porsche Pre-Owned model comes with full documented vehicle history.
Porsche Approved vehicles are required to undergo a thorough 111-point check and professionally prepared by certified technicians with Porsche Genuine Parts before they are allowed to meet their future owners. If that isn’t enough peace of mind for you, a Porsche Approved two-year warranty accompanies each Porsche Approved vehicle.
Celebrate the Hari Raya festivities at the Porsche Pre-Owned Cars Day and treat yourself to a wide line-up of dreamy sports cars from Porsche that need little introduction, from the iconic 911 to the all-electric Taycan. With its arresting looks and performance befitting the brand’s first electric sports car, the Taycan is a testament to Porsche’s commitment to continuously push the boundaries of what’s technologically possible for a road car. This is an electric sports car that you’ll want to experience first-hand.
Place a booking on your desired Porsche Approved model at the event and receive an additional one-year Porsche Approved warranty for better peace of mind ownership as well as a Porsche Design travel luggage*. For a limited time only, enjoy additional savings on selected Porsche Taycan models on top of an exclusive complimentary three-year Shell Recharge Platinum membership.
To make your Porsche ownership journey even more seamless, you can schedule an appraisal and trade in your current model. A successful trade-in will be rewarded with a RM1,000 Porsche Lifestyle voucher, where you get in style with the latest Porsche apparels. An extra treat for the lovers of classics is a newly restored Porsche 964 at Porsche Centre Ara Damansara. The Porsche Pre-Owned Cars Day is happening at Porsche Centre Ara Damansara from April 20-21, 2024 from 9am to 6pm – register your interest now.
Porsche Centre Penang and Johor Bahru will host the Porsche Pre-Owned Car Day from April 27-28, 2024 from 9am to 5pm. With so much in store, this is one event you don’t want to miss if you want to be a part of the Porsche family and enter into its hallowed heritage.
*Applicable for the following Porsche Approved models: Taycan, Macan, Cayenne and Panamera.
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Petrol subsidies in Malaysia confirmed to be reduced this year – unsubsidised RON95 to be RM3.38/litre?
In Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices / By Mick Chan / / 15 comments
Economy minister Rafizi Ramli has reportedly confirmed that Malaysia will reduce subsidies for petrol this year in order to reduce the country’s fiscal deficit, Malay Mail reported, citing Bloomberg.
The Malaysian government remains on track in focusing its handouts on aid for the needy, Rafizi said, adding that the government ‘needs to manage the sequence’ of subsidy cuts, as there is a risk of inflation picking up even before the cuts are implemented. “We are sticking to it,” Bloomberg quoted the minister as saying in an interview.
The government aims to reduce its fiscal deficit from 5% in 2023 to 4.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, and Rafizi said that the country plans to phase out blanket subsidies for RON 95 petrol which formed the bulk of the RM81 billion spent by the government last year, according to the report.
“In order to reach the fiscal target of 4.3 per cent, a certain timeline has to be abided. Otherwise the dollars and cents will be off,” Rafizi was quoted by the news outlet as saying.
In Malaysia, only locally-registered vehicles are allowed to use subsidised fuel – currently priced at RM2.05 per litre for RON 95 petrol and RM2.15 per litre for Euro 5 B10 and B20 diesel – and unsubsidised RON 95 petrol went on sale in Perlis in February 2023 at RM3.22 per litre, with diesel at RM3.45 per litre at the time. According to the website for unsubsidised fuel outlet Double, unsubsidised RON 95 sells for RM3.38 per litre as of today (April 17).
Last year, Rafizi stated that the subsidy programme for RON 95 petrol to replace the blanket subsidy programme would be introduced in second half of this year.
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Perak state govt proposes Tg Malim – Lumut highway
In Local News / By Danny Tan / / 0 comment
The West Ipoh Span Expressway (WISE) from Gopeng to Kuala Kangsar was only recently approved, but the Perak state government is already proposing another new highway – from Tanjong Malim to Lumut.
According to MB Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, the proposed highway is one of the projects forwarded to the finance ministry’s attention. It’s a long term plan that will improve logistics from the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim to the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC) on the coast.
“We had 10 projects listed when PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Perak recently. First, we listed a water transfer project from Sungai Perak to Kerian, and secondly, the Tanjong Malim – Lumut highway. So, the products manufactured at AHTV will be sent to LuMIC to be exported and we’ll boost the Lumut port,” he told reporters in Parit Buntar yesterday.
The Kota Tampan ADUN added that the project will take time to implement and is expected to start along with the development of AHTV in Tanjong Malim, which is of course also the home of Proton. Apart from the start and end points, there are no details yet on the exact proposed route and distance.
More on the WISE here, which Gopeng – Kuala Kangsar route bypasses the Menora Tunnel on the PLUS.
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BYD pick-up truck spotted completely undisguised – PHEV first, EV version later; to be called the Shark?
In BYD, Cars, International News / By Gerard Lye / / 7 comments
Here’s an even clearer look at BYD’s pick-up truck, which was spotted completely undisguised in Mexico by AutoDinamico. The upcoming rival to the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux is still without a name for now, but there are some possible options based on recent trademark filings for ‘Shark’, ‘King’ and ‘King L’, as previously reported by Australia’s carsales.com.au.
Of the three, the Shark name seems very likely and fits in well with BYD’s marine-themed Ocean line-up of cars that include the Seal and Dolphin electric vehicles (EVs). The BYD pick-up truck is expected to get a fully electric powertrain later on as an alternative to a plug-in hybrid option that will be initially offered at launch.
Details are limited, but the PHEV setup is said to feature a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine augmented by a pair of electric motors – one on each axle. Exact outputs are also unknown, with some reports claiming 496 PS (489 hp or 365 kW), while others claim the pick-up truck will pack 687 PS (677 hp or 505 kW) to match the Fang Cheng Bao 5, an off-road SUV from BYD’s sub-brand.
Design-wise, the Shark (let’s call it that for now) sports a boxy front end that is reminiscent of the current Ranger, but without the C-shaped daytime running lights. Instead, each headlamp flanking the branded grille has a light strip dividing the two main lighting elements.
A prominent skid plate gives the Shark a more rugged look, while the roof rails and a sports bar suggest this to be a higher-spec variant. As for the rear, the rectangular taillights are connected by what appears to be a light bar across the tailgate.
Previous spyshots of the interior show the pick-up truck will have a digital instrument cluster as well as a large infotainment touchscreen, robust-looking grab handles, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and chunky gear selector.
GALLERY: BYD pick-up truck spyshots
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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 / / 1 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 / / 6 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 / / 17 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 / / 3 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 / / 1 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 / / 8 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.