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  2027 Proton S70 RS – turbo FL, new interior

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  Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV previewed in Malaysia

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• 2027 Proton S70 RS styling details – Pulse Matrix Grille, Velocity Line, Geostar rims, Commander Dial, Techshifter

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Mick Chan / 10 November 2026 11:11 pm

  

  The Proton S70 RS was revealed last week, gaining the RS suffix that deputy CEO Abdul Rashid Musa says stands for “Refined Sportiness”, and the brand’s updated sedan brings added visual aggression in Sportline trim.

  Today, Proton has held the line-off ceremony for the S70 RS at the carmaker’s Tanjong Malim plant, with Proton chief designer Azlan Othman on location to describe the styling elements that identify the sedan’s latest visual updates.

  The brief was to evolve the S70 from “sporty” to “sports-focused”, Azlan said. Starting at the front of the S70 RS, the updated sedan wears the new Pulse Matrix grille with it latest take on the Infinite Weave design. This is said to mimic the visual patterns of an ECG, said Azlan – one of several references to pulse, heartbeats, and athleticism.

  

  

  

  

  The red ‘S’ badge on the S70 RS has been named the Spark S, placed towards the corner of the front grille to signify the start of a rhythm; the “spark that sets the beat”, Azlan said.

  Along the sides of the car, the side profile of the S70 RS is accentuated by the Velocity Line, a thin red line that runs the length of the side skirt.

  At each end of this is each of the Geostar wheels – measuring 17 inches in diameter and shod in GitiComfort F22 tyres, as with its predecessor – which Azlan says is inspired by Islamic geometry, and which offers a view of the brake calipers painted in Adrenaline Red, the colour that is applied to highlights throughout the S70 RS.

  

  

  Onwards, to the interior of the S70 RS; occupants are first greeted by the ‘S’ badged scuff plates, continuing the Spark S badging as found on the exterior of the new sedan.

  Inside, the interior of the S70 RS is dubbed the Redline Cockpit, so-named for its generous use of red throughout such as on the lower dashboard section, centre console, seat trim sections and seat belts.

  The ambient lighting employed in the cabin of the S70 RS is called Pulse Light, Azlan says, for its visual representation of a heartbeat, which again ties in the the athleticism and sportiness alluded to.

  

  

  

  In here, the S70 RS draws from the facelifted X50, bringing from its B-SUV stablemate the 8.88-inch driver’s instrument display and 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.

  Its centre console is carried over from the Emgrand L EM-i plug-in hybrid, which means new rectangular air vents, twin smartphone trays with a driver’s side Qi wireless charger and a Proton eMas 7-style control knob flanked by physical air-con temperature and fan speed toggles. Here, the rotary controller dubbed the Commander Dial offers a concession to physical control accompanying other touchscreen-based functions.

  Making space for these additions means the omission of the gear shift selector in the outgoing S70, and in its place is a steering column-mounted selector which Proton here calls the Techshifter; the column-mounted shift lever already features in the current, facelifted X50.

  

  For exterior colours, the S70 RS is offered with a selection of five – Quartz Black, Space Grey, Snow White, Marine Blue, and Armour Silver.

  While the Proton S70 RS brings overtly sporty styling, its mechanical specification continues as before, with the 1.5 litre i-GT turbo four-cylinder engine continuing to produce 181 PS and 290 Nm as it did in the MC1 update earlier this year. The same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission pairing follows, and so its 0-100 km/h time remains unchanged at 7.5 seconds.

  There has yet to be pricing details for the S70 RS, and the presentation on the updated sedan remains squarely on its styling. Right now, it continues to be the Sportline variant of the S70 RS that is depicted, and the Premium variant remains to be seen. Now with the insights on the S70 RS styling from Proton’s chief designer, what do you think?

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  2027 Proton S70 RS, official images

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• Li Auto picks Wearnes for Singapore, Zung Fu for Hong Kong; Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines partners named

  In Cars, Li Auto / by Harvinder Sidhu / 10 November 2026 10:04 pm

  

  Li Auto has signed partners for five more Asia-Pacific markets, and three of them drive on the left. At a ceremony in Beijing on November 10, the Chinese carmaker named its partners for Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam. Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore will be its first right-hand-drive (RHD) markets. Li Auto has only built left-hand-drive cars since it was founded in 2015.

  Add Macau, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, which were signed in April, and Li Auto says it is entering nine markets in the region this year. Only Macau has opened so far, in June.

  The first RHD car is the Li Mega, the brand’s fully electric MPV. It makes its RHD debut at the Thailand International Motor Expo, which runs from December 2 to 13, followed by a brand and Mega launch in Hong Kong. Li Auto says more than one RHD model will follow within a year. Chairman and CEO Li Xiang said on the company’s second-quarter earnings call that an RHD Li i6 SUV would complete the line-up.

  Nestor Wu, vice president of Li Auto’s international business, called the five signings “an important milestone as Li Auto officially enters Asia-Pacific markets”. He said the company will work with leading local partners to adapt its products and services to local regulations and customer needs.

  Below, we look at each partner and the other brands they handle, followed by what changes in the RHD Mega.

  Hong Kong: Zung Fu Group

  

  Zung Fu Group will be Li Auto’s general distributor in Hong Kong. Zung Fu has sold Mercedes-Benz cars in Hong Kong since the 1950s and has been part of the Jardine Matheson Group since 1990. Today, it is the authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer for passenger cars and vans in Hong Kong and Macau, and the general distributor for Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses.

  Its other brands are handled by member companies:

  • Hyundai Hong Kong: exclusive Hyundai distributor since 2003
  • Fu Chong Motors: general distributor for the new-generation smart
  • Futeng Motors: general agent for BYD’s luxury brand Denza
  • Yan Tin Motors: Foton commercial vehicles
  • Fudo Motors: BYD commercial vehicles

  Denza’s Hong Kong range includes the D9 MPV, so Zung Fu will be selling the Mega alongside one of its closest rivals. Li Auto hasn’t given a date for the Hong Kong launch.

  Singapore: Wearnes Automotive

  

  Singapore goes to Wearnes Automotive, whose roots go back to 1906. That year, Australian brothers Charlie and Theodore Wearne set up C.F.F. Wearne & Co. and took on the Oldsmobile agency, adding Rolls-Royce in 1909. The StarChase group has owned Wearnes since 2014.

  Wearnes’ Singapore line-up includes Renault, Volvo, Polestar, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lotus, Alpine, Aston Martin, Bentley and Bugatti. It also handles Pininfarina and Rimac hypercars, plus Ducati and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In 2025 it signed up Nio, whose Firefly city EV went on sale in Singapore this year as Nio’s first RHD model. Li Auto and Nio compete head-on in China.

  Outside Singapore, Wearnes’ website lists:

  • Hong Kong: Lotus, Polestar and Volvo
  • Taiwan: Jaguar and Land Rover
  • Thailand: Lotus
  • Vietnam: Bentley
  • Mongolia: Land Rover and Porsche
  • Malaysia: Aston Martin, Bentley, Honda and Koenigsegg

  Wearnes brought Aston Martin back to Malaysia in 2015 and became Koenigsegg’s exclusive partner in Asia in 2019.

  Li Auto’s Singapore showroom will be at 45 Leng Kee Road, the Wearnes headquarters. Sales and aftersales start in the first quarter of 2027, and The Business Times reports that the first deliveries are due in January or February. The launch models will be the Mega and the i6, both fully electric. Local specifications and prices have not been confirmed.

  “We’re excited to work with Li Auto, one of China’s most innovative luxury automotive brands,” said Wearnes CEO Andre Roy.

  Thailand: Li Auto subsidiary with Evante and Infinite Automobile

  

  Thailand is the only one of the five without a distributor. A Li Auto subsidiary will run the market, and two dealer groups will sell the cars. Thai site Autolife Thailand names the subsidiary as Li Auto New Energy (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

  Evante is 51% owned by Synergetic Auto Performance (asap), a car rental company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Evante became the exclusive Thai distributor of SAIC’s Maxus commercial EVs in March. It launched four models at the BIG Motor Sale with prices from 990,000 baht.

  Infinite Automobile belongs to the AAS Group, whose AAS Auto Service has imported Porsche into Thailand since 1986 and was appointed a Bentley dealer in 1990. Infinite was set up to sell EVs. It represents Changan’s Deepal, Avatr and Lumin brands in Thailand, with close to 30 Deepal showrooms and two Avatr showrooms in Bangkok.

  

  According to Autolife Thailand, the first batch of Megas has already been shipped to Thailand, but bookings and sales won’t open until the first quarter of 2027. It estimates a price of 3.5 million baht or more. The i6 will be shown at the motor expo for display only, ahead of its Thai launch in 2027. The site also reports that Li Auto is studying local assembly in Thailand and has held talks with government agencies.

  Vietnam: Neera Motors

  

  Neera Motors is Li Auto’s importer and distributor in Vietnam. It’s a new company: Vietnam’s business registry shows it was set up in Hanoi in February 2026 as Changan Vietnam Automobile Company Limited and later renamed Neera Motors. It also holds Dongfeng’s Forthing brand, which starts with the V9 MPV, a Kia Carnival rival, some time after Li Auto. General director Hoàng Chí Trung told Vietnamese media that the first two Li Auto showrooms will be in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

  Vietnam drives on the right, so it gets the left-hand-drive range, including the extended-range models. Tuoi Tre reports that Neera will introduce four SUVs in December or January: the electric i6 and the L6, L8 and L9 extended-range models. Prices and the sales start have not been announced.

  Philippines: Dangdang New Energy Auto Service

  

  The Philippines is the only one of the five where Li Auto is already on sale. Local distributor HomeAuto launched the L7 and L9 in April 2025 and opened a showroom in Bonifacio Global City the following month. A second showroom followed in Aseana City, Parañaque, in April this year. Li Auto’s announcement names Dangdang New Energy Auto Service as its Philippine partner and doesn’t mention HomeAuto.

  Dangdang brought GAC’s Aion EVs to the Philippines in September 2024. GAC took Aion in-house through GAC International Philippines in October 2025. In China, Dangdang New Energy is an EV sales and service company in which Hong Kong-listed dealer group China Harmony Auto made a strategic investment. In 2023, China Harmony said Dangdang was authorised by Li Auto, Nio, Xpeng, GAC Aion and Voyah.

  Macau, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar

  

  The April round covered Hongyue Group in Macau, SDB Investment in Cambodia, Hongyun Group in Laos and PMPG EV in Myanmar. Rollouts were due to start in May, but only Macau has opened.

  Macau’s Guangdong Hongyue Automobile Sales Group is also Nio’s general distributor there. It opened Li Auto’s first Macau store on June 26 with the i6 and i8, in left-hand drive. In Cambodia, SDB Auto Group is also one of two investors in NSPENG, Xpeng’s official dealer, alongside China’s Guangzhou Nanling Auto Group. PMPG – EV Myanmar Trading is one of the companies licensed under Myanmar’s EV import programme.

  The right-hand-drive Li Mega

  

  For RHD markets, the Mega gets 11 kW charging and a CCS Type 2 port, and Li Auto says it is configured for a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating. Other local changes include:

  • glass specifications and number plate sizes
  • 220-volt sockets in the cabin
  • local languages, SIM and data services
  • AM/FM bands and the infotainment apps

  It keeps the rear-wheel steering (5.5 metre turning radius), 800-volt active anti-roll bars and dual-chamber air suspension.

  In China, the Mega is a 5.35 metre-long seven-seater with dual motors making 400 kW. Its 800-volt platform supports up to 520 kW charging, taking the battery from 10% to 80% in about 10 minutes. Li Auto hasn’t published battery, range or price figures for the RHD car.

  Malaysia not on the list

  

  Malaysia isn’t among the nine markets, but there are signs it could be next. Li Auto advertised for a Malaysia general manager on LinkedIn, and The Business Times says industry reports have the brand poised to enter Malaysia and Australia soon. Li Auto has said nothing officially.

  If it does come, Malaysia’s rules for fully imported EVs, which since July require a CIF value of at least RM200,000 and at least 180 kW of power, would favour the Mega over the cheaper i6.

  Li Auto’s overseas push

  

  Li Xiang founded Li Auto in Beijing in 2015, and its extended-range SUVs made its name in China. It listed on Nasdaq in 2020 and in Hong Kong in 2021. Its first overseas store opened in Uzbekistan in October 2025. Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Egypt followed, along with deals with Al Fahim Motors in the UAE and Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in Saudi Arabia in April. In Europe, the i6 goes on sale as the Li 6 in Norway and the Netherlands in the first quarter of 2027, with the UK due later that year.

  The overseas push comes as sales at home slow. Li Auto delivered 29,025 vehicles in October, 8.6% fewer than a year earlier. It posted a net loss of 1.71 billion yuan (RM1.01 billion) for the second quarter, its second loss in a row, as revenue fell 15.1% to 25.67 billion yuan.

  GALLERY: Li Mega
  

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• Malaysian Cub Prix introduces 140 cc – 185 cc scooter racing category in 2027

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 November 2026 6:48 pm

  

  The Petronas MAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship will introduce a new Open Class Scooter Race category for the 2027 season, expanding its racing programme to include automatic motorcycles with engine capacities ranging from 140cc to 185cc. Presented by race organiser Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd, the new category aims to bring a fresh dimension to the national racing series, with riders competing on production-based automatic motorcycles without manual gearboxes.

  The class will be open to all eligible scooter models within the specified engine capacity range, with Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Modenas expected to feature on the starting grid. Scooters from Chinese and European manufacturers are also eligible, provided they meet the technical regulations.

  

  The introduction of the category is expected to create a new competitive platform for manufacturers, racing teams and privateers, while giving riders an opportunity to develop their racing skills on automatic motorcycles. Beyond the on-track competition, the series will also challenge teams and mechanics to optimise engine performance, acceleration, durability and automatic transmission systems under racing conditions.

  The new category is also intended to broaden grassroots participation in Malaysian motorsports by bringing more accessible and widely used motorcycle platforms into competitive racing. Further details, including technical regulations, rider registration requirements and the full 2027 race calendar, will be announced at a later date.

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• GWM Ora 5 Plus debuts in Thailand – longer wheelbase, more luggage space than Ora 5; 1.5T hybrid, EV variants

  In Cars, GWM, International News / by Mick Chan / 10 November 2026 6:14 pm

  

  Following a teaser last week, the GWM Ora 5 Plus has made its global debut in Thailand. As its name suggests, the Ora 5 Plus is an upsized version of the Ora 5 that went on sale in Thailand in March this year, and which will be launched in Malaysia soon.

  The Ora 5 Plus debuts with EV and Hi2 HEV powertrains, the latter featuring a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, and both launch in Thailand in a sole Ultra trim specification.

  

  

  Size-wise, the Ora 5 Plus measures 4,758 mm long, 1,833 mm wide and 1,630 mm tall with a 2,720 mm wheelbase, regardless of powertrain; for comparison, the Ora 5 measures 4,471 mm long, 1,833 mm wide and 1,641 mm tall with an identical 2,720 mm wheelbase and 1,583 mm/1,577 mm front and rear track widths.

  This makes the Ora 5 Plus 287 mm longer and the same width, but 11 mm lower than the Ora 5. Ground clearance for the Ora 5 Plus is 175 mm, identical to that of the Ora 5. The added length of the Ora 5 Plus relative to the Ora 5 appears to benefit luggage space; the Ora 5 Plus holds 495 litres with its rear seats up, according to GWM, compared to 272 litres in the Ora 5.

  The EV variant of the Ora 5 Plus gets a 204 PS/260 Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor driving the front wheels, drawing from a 58.3 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers 520 km range on the NEDC cycle, or around 442 km on the WLTP testing standard. Charging is supported at up to 120 kW DC and 6.6 kW AC, while vehicle-to-load (V2L) can be supplied at up to 6 kW.

  

  

  GWM Ora 5 Plus EV, HEV running gear

  Alongside this is the Hi2 HEV, which gets a 1,499 cc litre turbocharged petrol engine rated to produce 150 PS from 5,500 rpm to 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,800 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This pairs with a 190 PS/236 Nm electric motor, drawing from a 1.09 kWh battery, to yield combined outputs of 223 PS and 476 Nm.

  Both battery-electric and hybrid powertrains match the output figures of their counterparts in the Ora 5. In the case of the hybrid, fuel tank capacity is 55 litres.

  Suspension layout in the Ora 5 Plus is with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup at the rear, thus matching that of the Ora 5, which in turn matches that of the Good Cat. Wheels are 18-inch alloys, shod in tyres measuring 225/60R18, complemented by a tyre repair kit.

  

  

  Across both EV and hybrid variants, the Ora 5 Plus packs an identical ADAS suite which is comprised of forward and rear collision warning, door open warning, lane change assist, front and rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, blind spot detection, and speed limit warning function.

  Further active safety functions in the Ora 5 Plus include ABS, EBD, traction control, hill start assist, and hill descent control, along with front seatbelt reminder and emergency call function functions. Visual aids also include a 360-degree camera system with a “transparent-body” view; passive safety kit includes front, side and curtain airbags for a total of six airbags.

  Four drive modes are offered in the Ora 5 Plus EV and hybrid variants, both getting Eco, Normal and Sport for the first three. For the fourth, the EV gets a “Well-being” mode, while the hybrid gets a Snow mode.

  

  According to GWM, the Ora 5 Plus chassis has been “internationally tuned” to provide balanced handling, stability and control. Meanwhile, an integrated braking control system is said to provide quicker response, smoother control and better energy recovery.

  Exterior equipment as standard on both EV and hybrid variants of the Ora 5 Plus include automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs, full-width LED tail lights, a panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade, powered tailgate, and power-folding exterior mirrors.

  Inside, both variants get a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat with three-position memory and ventilation, while the front passenger seat has four-way power adjustment and ventilation. Seat upholstery is leatherette, while the multifunction steering wheel is on a four-way adjustable column.

  Infotainment is by a 15.6-inch touchscreen while the driver gets a 10.25-inch digital display, and audio is by a nine-speaker system; voice control supports Thai and English spoken commands. software updates are dispensed over-the-air (OTA).

  

  

  Smartphone connectivity is by wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and charging is supported by a 50-watt wireless charging pad. Also in here are one USB-A and one USB-C port each in the front row, one USB-C in the second row, and an additional USB-A port for powering a dashcam.

  For exterior colours, the Ora 5 Plus is offered in Ebony Black, Hamilton White and Mountain Grey, with Dark Grey interior upholstery. The EV variant gains additional colour choices; Emerald Green exterior paint, and the Brown Beige interior colour scheme.

  While the GWM Ora 5 Plus has just made its debut in Thailand, word of local assembly (CKD) for a station wagon based on the Ora 5 platform has emerged beforehand, during the line-off ceremony for the Wey G9 HEV and Ora 5 HEV at EP Manufacturing’s (EPMB) Pegoh, Melaka plant last week.

  “(The GWM Ora 5 SUV’s) advanced common platform architecture creates opportunities for further models. We hope GWM will entrust Pegoh with related variants from this platform, including perhaps a sedan, and perhaps a station wagon,” EPMB executive chairman Hamidon Abdullah said at the event. Might we see the Ora 5 Plus in Malaysia as a CKD model?

  GWM Ora 5 Plus debut brochure

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• Dodo 11.11 sale – 25% off all car mats, free Go Clear • Pro wiper worth RM159 for first 100 sets, Nov 10-12

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 10 November 2026 6:12 pm

  

  Dodo’s 11.11 Mega Sale is on now, and it only runs for three days, from November 10 to 12. Every Dodo car mat is 25% off, and each mat order comes with a free Dodo Go Clear • Pro wiper worth RM159. There’s no minimum spend.

  Dodo is calling this its biggest sale of the year. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your mats, you’ll pay less than the mats normally cost and get new wipers on top.

  The free wiper is limited to the first 100 sets, so it’s first come, first served. Dodo says buyers can save up to RM433, and the deal is only available on the official Dodo website.

  Custom-fit EVA mats in three ranges

  

  All Dodo mats are made of EVA and custom-fit to your exact car model. They come with Dodo’s Antislip for twice the grip, and they’re water-resistant, so spills don’t soak through to the carpet. There are three ranges to pick from, depending on how you use your car:

  • Dodo Luxury 2.0: dual-layer EVA that traps 80% of dirt and debris in the bottom layer, so the mat looks cleaner for longer. It has an adjustable heel pad, is rated by Dodo as eight times more durable, and comes with a five-year warranty.
  • Dodo Elite 1.0: single-layer EVA with a fixed heel pad. It’s easy to vacuum, rated as five times more durable, and comes with a three-year warranty.
  • Dodo Camouflage: the Elite 1.0 with a rugged camo design for off-road weekends, also with a three-year warranty.

  

  

  Free Go Clear • Pro wiper, worth RM159

  

  Buy a car mat in a standard or combo package and you get a Dodo Go Clear • Pro wiper free. Here’s what it offers:

  • Japanese-formula rubber, backed by 70 years of Japanese rubber expertise, which Dodo says lasts three times longer than standard rubber wipers
  • A hydrophobic coating that makes water bead up and roll off the glass
  • A two-step professional installation that cleans the windscreen before the wiper goes on, for a cleaner wipe and a longer life
  • Built to handle Malaysia’s heat
  • A two-year warranty

  Only need wipers? The Go Clear • Pro is also 50% off on its own during the sale, at RM79.50 instead of RM159.

  

  

  The Dodo 11.11 Mega Sale ends on November 12, and the free wipers will go to the first 100 buyers, so don’t leave it too late. Head to the official Dodo website to choose your mat and find out more. Terms and conditions apply.

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• Anthony Loke’s resignation as transport minister takes effect after High Court decision on Najib

  In Local News / by Harvinder Sidhu / 10 November 2026 6:00 pm

  

  In a media statement issued today, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said his resignation takes effect immediately, following the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision today for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to serve house arrest, and in line with the stand he announced last Friday.

  “This decision holds to the principles and stand that I have explained before,” he said.

  Loke thanked prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the trust and mandate given to him to serve in the cabinet since December 2022. He also thanked the ministry’s top management and staff for their commitment and cooperation during his time leading the ministry.

  He said he will cooperate fully to make sure the handover goes smoothly, and that the ministry’s responsibilities and initiatives continue to be carried out in the interest of the people. The statement doesn’t say who will take over the transport portfolio.

  

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• Proton i-HEV name confirmed for AMA02/Saga Cross/X30 hybrid – 1.5L DHE and DHT with 163 PS, 220 Nm

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Anthony Lim / 10 November 2026 5:13 pm

  

  Shown at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026, and then again at the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026, Proton’s HEV hybrid system now has an official name – the automaker has confirmed i-HEV as the official name of its new hybrid technology, which will make its debut in the upcoming AMA02, or Saga Cross/X30.

  Reiterating that which was indicated previously, the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE) Atkinson-cycle mill offers 111 PS and 136 Nm of torque (which is the same as China’s Geely Preface i-HEV), with a 46.5% thermal efficiency.

  The unit also features a high geometric compression ratio of 14:1, which works with water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to optimise combustion and reduce pumping losses. Elsewhere, a variable displacement oil pump adjusts oil supply according to demand, while an electric water pump manages coolant circulation as needed, helping to reduce the energy consumed by auxiliary systems and support effective engine temperature management.

  

  

  

  Other numbers bandied include a 97.5% transmission efficiency and a 97% dual-motor peak efficiency from its one-speed 11-in-1 dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) with P1 and P3 motors. The P1 motor starts the engine and generates electricity, while the P3 motor drives the vehicle and recovers energy during deceleration.

  Also confirmed is the output of the main driving motor, which is 163 PS and 220 Nm, similar to that on the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6/Emgrand EM-i. It is however lower than the Geely Preface i-HEV’s 190 PS and 240 Nm.

  The i-HEV system features a 1.38 kWh battery that stores energy for electric driving and motor assistance. The engine supplies energy through the generator when required, and like similar HEV systems, also recovers some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy during deceleration via regenerative braking and converts it into electricity for later use.

  

  A power control module (PCM) coordinates the engine, motors and battery, automatically selecting between four operating modes (EV, Series, Parallel and Direct Drive mode) according to vehicle speed, power demand and battery condition, with selection done by the system.

  The automaker said that with a petrol engine developed specifically for hybrid operation, dual electric motors and intelligent energy management, i-HEV is designed to deliver lower fuel consumption alongside smooth, responsive performance. As reported previously, both the engine and DHT are set to be assembled in Tanjong Malim.

  “Malaysian car buyers want technology that makes their daily journeys easier. With i-HEV, we are bringing together fuel efficiency, responsive performance and the convenience of a hybrid system that requires no external charging. Whether driving through city traffic or travelling home for the holidays, the system manages how petrol and electric power are used so drivers can concentrate on their journey,” said Proton deputy CEO Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa.

  GALLERY: Proton i-HEV official images

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  GALLERY: Proton i-HEV showcase at Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2026

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• 2027 Kawasaki KX327 – 327cc fuel-injected two-stroke motocrosser unveiled, in Japan end 2026

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 November 2026 4:01 pm

  

  Kawasaki returns to the big-capacity two-stroke motocross segment with the 2027 Kawasaki KX327, powered by a new 327 cc fuel-injected, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. The KX327 marks the Japanese manufacturer’s return to full-size two-stroke off-road motorcycles after a 19-year absence.

  Developed primarily for motocross competition, the KX327 has its chassis derived from the KX450F. Initially released in the US in June, the KX327 is scheduled to enter the Japanese market in the winter of 2026.

  The new engine is Kawasaki’s first fuel-injected two-stroke powerplant. It combines electronic fuel injection with a newly developed exhaust-valve system to deliver more linear power across the rev range, improving throttle control and traction.

  

  Fuel injection also eliminates manual carburettor jetting adjustments for changes in altitude and weather conditions. However, lubrication remains a conventional pre-mix arrangement. The KX327 gets electric starting, a hydraulic clutch and two selectable engine maps while power is delivered through a five-speed close-ratio transmission.

  Chassis hardware includes an aluminium perimeter frame, a 48 mm KYB inverted coil-spring front fork and a KYB rear shock with Kawasaki’s Uni-Trak linkage. Braking is handled by Nissin callipers, with a 270 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc.

  

  Rolling on 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, the motocrosser also gets adjustable handlebar and footpeg positions, ODI Lock-On grips and tool-free air-filter access. The KX327 supports Kawasaki’s Radiology The App KX2 smartphone application, which uses GPS to record riding data and lap times, monitor engine temperatures and provide maintenance reminders.

  In the United States, the 2027 Kawasaki KX327 is priced at US$9,099 (RM38,200), with availability scheduled for late 2026. European pricing is 10,499 Euro (RM49,000), with deliveries in the Netherlands expected from January 2027.

  

  Kawasaki has also introduced the KX327X, a cross-country version of the KX327 sharing the same engine. The KX327X gets a six-speed transmission, 18-inch rear wheel, a larger fuel tank, handguards, skid plate and side stand.

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• Kove 650RR unveiled, 109 hp supersport arriving in 2027

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kove / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 November 2026 2:56 pm

  

  Kove has unveiled the Kove 650RR, a road-legal supersport developed for track use, powered by a 645 cc engine producing 109 hp and equipped with a bidirectional quickshifter and cornering ABS. The liquid-cooled, 16-valve DOHC engine produces 109 hp at 13,000 rpm (China news reports power at 124 hp) and 60 Nm of torque at 11,000 rpm.

  The 6560RR features ride-by-wire throttle control, three riding modes – Standard, Sport and Custom – and a bi-directional quickshifter. The wing is carried in a double-beam chassis as a stressed-member, with aluminium subframe and swingarm, and adjustable suspension.

  

  Power goes to the rear wheel through a six-speed slipper clutch equipped gearbox. Rider assistance systems include blind-spot monitoring and lane-change assistance while a six-axis IMU (Internal Measurement Unit) controls riding aids.

  Braking is done by twin floating front discs with four-piston calipers, with cornering ABS and traction control as standard equipment. Weighing 195 kg, the motorcycle gets a 17-litre aluminium fuel tank and an 810 mm seat height.

  

  Equipment includes a 6-inch TFT display with MotoPlay connectivity, front and rear cameras, and lane-change assist. Kove has developed the 650RR to combine circuit-focused performance with road-going practicality.

  First deliveries are scheduled for the third quarter of 2027, with pricing and market availability yet to be announced. The company is also preparing the model for competition in the 2027 World Supersport Championship.

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• ECRL trial runs begin ahead of December 12 launch

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Anthony Lim / 10 November 2026 2:19 pm

  

  The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) has commenced trial operations in the final phase of its preparation for commercial passenger services, which is slated to begin on December 12. Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) said the trial operations, which began on November 7 and runs until December 2, will cover journeys on both express and transit services from Gombak to Kota Bharu and vice versa.

  In a statement, MRL said the trial runs will assess operational readiness, service efficiency, station management and the passenger experience in a real operating environment. It added that the ECRL electrified multiple unit trains will operate according to the planned commercial passenger timetable during the trial programme, and will include the issuance of boarding passes and the provision of cabin crew services.

  The train on the first trial run departed at 7am from the Terminal Bersepadu Gombak Station on Saturday and arrived at the KotaSAS station in Kuantan, Pahang, at 8.28 am, completing the trip in just 88 minutes.

  It subsequently departed KotaSAS at 9.33 am, arriving at Kuala Terengganu station at 9.53 am, before departing five minutes later, reaching its final destination, Kota Bharu station, at 10.58 am. The train, which carried 170 passengers, reached speeds of up to 160 km/h during the trip.

  

  

  The latest milestone follows the completion of key testing and commissioning stages, including the system integration test and the successful completion of the fault-free run (FFR) on October 29.

  MRL said it would continue prioritising system testing, certification and operational readiness ahead of the planned launch. It added that as of October 2026, construction of Phase 1 of the ECRL, covering the Kota Bharu-Gombak alignment, had reached 98.47% completion.

  One-way economy-class tickets for the Gombak-Kota Baru route start at RM125 for Transit services and RM147 for Express services, the latter with limited stops. Fares for the Gombak-Kuala Terengganu route start at RM95 (Transit) and RM110 (Express), while the Gombak-KotaSAS fares start at RM60 and RM68 respectively.

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• Average EV flood insurance claims cost 4x lower than ICE cars in Malaysia? Here’s why, according to PIAM

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 10 November 2026 12:45 pm

  

  Click to enlarge

  The General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) held a media roundtable last week on the risks of the current monsoon season, and one statistic stood out because it’s contrary to popular belief.

  Let’s start with something you might have guessed – according to PIAM, 50% of electric vehicles in Malaysia are covered for flood damage (flood coverage is a paid option on top of regular comprehensive auto insurance), versus just 13% for ICE vehicles as of Q2 2026.

  This stat makes sense, as we can imagine EV drivers being more cautious of the battery and electronics in their device on wheels, which are costly to repair and replace. Should these go, it could very likely be a total loss. On the other hand, ICE drivers might be more willing to risk it due to the perception of their powertrain’s higher repairability.

  

  PIAM also points to the fact that EV drivers are mostly urban, which mean that they’re more aware of flood protection and are familiar with flash flood events – in fact, we’re in the middle of a fierce monsoon season now, and visuals of roads turning into rivers have been all over social media and the news.

  When flood claims do happen, ICE cars recorded an average claim cost of RM34,000. EVs? RM8,400, which is four times lower. Along with fire, an electric car in water strikes fear in most people, which is why EV makers go to great lengths to protect their batteries from water and impact – those immersion and puncture tests have real effects, and EVs are less prone to flood damage as a result.

  The industry body explains that EVs have automated high-voltage isolation, which helps to reduce overall damage, and claims cost when they do get caught in water.

  

  PIAM also observed that EVs have lower exposure to hazards. They’re usually not the only car in a household, and are less likely to be used for long distance driving – secondary usage translates to lower exposure.

  While the naked stats might be surprising at a glance, it all makes sense once the reasons are explained. There’s a caveat though – EVs in the mass market are a recent phenomenon and the insurance industry does not have a huge body of claims data to work on, like they do with ICE vehicles.

  So, non-EV owners, would you be afraid of driving an EV in the monsoon season, or is fire the bigger fear?

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• KYMCO CV-X45 adventure scooter shown at EICMA 2026, 427 cc single-cylinder engine, 34.4 hp, 40 Nm

  In Bikes, International Bike News, Kymco / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 November 2026 12:14 pm

  

  Shown at EICMA 2026 is the KYMCO CV-X45 adventure crossover, introducing a new 427 cc model that combines scooter convenience with motorcycle-style chassis engineering and off-road capability. First previewed as the CV-R5 concept, the CV-X45 is powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-valve engine producing 34.4 hp at 7,500 rpm and 40 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm.

  The engine features dual balancers and is mounted centrally in the chassis, rather than being incorporated into the rear swingarm as on conventional scooters. Power is delivered through KYMCO’s Power Transmission Matrix (PTM) system, with a chain final drive.

  The arrangement is intended to reduce unsprung weight and improve handling, giving the CV-X45 a more motorcycle-like layout despite its scooter-inspired design. The rider can choose between three riding modes – Power, Rain and Off-Road – to suit different road and riding conditions.

  

  The chassis is equipped with a 41 mm upside-down front fork in front offering 150 mm of wheel travel, while the rear uses a six-link suspension system with adjustable preload and 150 mm of travel. Ground clearance is 150 mm, supporting its intended use on unpaved roads and light off-road trails.

  Braking is handled by twin front discs and a single rear disc, with ABS and traction control fitted as standard. The CV-X45 rides on 15-inch front and 14-inch rear alloy wheels, shod with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tyres measuring 120/70 and 150/70 respectively.

  

  Other equipment includes full LED lighting, a full-colour digital instrument display, keyless ignition, heated grips and cruise control. Practicality is addressed with under-seat storage capable of accommodating a full-face helmet.

  The CV-X45 has a 13.5-litre fuel tank and weighs 212 kg in running order. Seat height is 800 mm, while its wheelbase measures 1,565 mm. Overall dimensions are 2,240 mm long, 890 mm wide and 1,415 mm tall. KYMCO has confirmed that the production CV-X45 will enter the Taiwanese market in the second quarter of 2027, with a European-market version also planned.

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• Lexus ES350h Luxury in Malaysia – 247 PS hybrid 2.5L, new design, larger overall dimensions; RM366,888 OTR

  In Buyer's Guide, Cars, Lexus / by Mick Chan / 10 November 2026 12:07 pm

  

  The 2027 Lexus ES has been launched in Malaysia earlier this month, and the eighth-generation sedan comes to the Malaysian market in sole ES350h Luxury guise, unlike in other markets such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia where the model is offered in battery-electric and petrol hybrid forms.

  Priced at RM366,888 on-the-road without insurance, the Lexus ES350h gets a powertrain comprised of the A25A-FXE 2.5 litre naturally aspirated inline-four cylinder petrol engine that makes 189 PS at 6,000 rpm and 235 Nm from 4,200 rpm to 5,000 rpm, aided by an electric motor with 204 PS and 270 Nm. Total system output is 247 PS.

  Acceleration is a claimed 7.7 seconds for the 0-100 km/h run while top speed is 200 km/h, and its fuel consumption is rated at 4.4 litres per 100 km on the NEDC cycle.

  

  Cars typically grow as they progress to a new generation; in the case of the Lexus ES, it has grown significantly in all exterior dimensions, measuring 5,140 mm long (165 mm longer than its predecessor), 1,920 mm wide (+55 mm), 1,555 mm tall (+110 mm) and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm (+80 mm).

  Therefore, the eighth-generation ES is approaching the dimensions of the LS flagship sedan, which measures which is 5,235 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, 1,450 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm.

  

  

  

  

  Shown at Auto Shanghai in 2025, The full-model change for the ES marks a significant departure in its design, drawing inspiration from the LF-ZC concept that was shown at the Japan Mobility Show 2023.

  Its “spindle body” front end wears twin-L LED DRLs while its main headlights are integrated into blacked-out corners of the front bumper. Its roofline now tapers to a fastback-style shape at the rear, where slim full-width taillights feature the Lexus branding in the centre, and L-shaped light signatures feature in the lower corners of the rear bumper.

  

  

  

  Also overhauled for the ES is its dashboard architecture, which trades the curvy lines of its predecessor for a simpler layout. A 14-inch infotainment touchscreen accompanies a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel for the driver, and controls for climate control and selected vehicle functions are located in a row of hidden-until-lit buttons in the centre.

  Standard kit in the ES350h Luxury includes a powered panoramic roof, perforated synthetic leather seat upholstery, paddle shifters, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a 17-speaker (+subwoofer) Mark Levinson sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, a Qi wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, and powered front seats with heating and ventilation.

  Beyond the cabin, this gets 19-inch alloy wheels shod in 235/55R19 tyres, as well as rain-sensing wipers and a powered boot lid.

  

  

  

  

  For safety equipment, the ES350h Luxury receives eight airbags including for the front occupants’ knees, plus systems including VSC, ABS, traction control, brake assist, hill start assist, and more. Also on are a panoramic view monitor, tyre pressure monitor and a digital rear-view mirror.

  Advanced driving assistance systems in the new ES comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 ADAS suite, including functions such as pre-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, lane tracing assist, full-range dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure assist.

  Also on are blind spot monitoring, vehicle approach notice, road sign assist, lead car departure notification, safe exit warning, Lexus Teammate Advanced Park (automated parking assist and active cornering assist.

  For exterior colours, this model can be chosen with White Nova Glass Flake, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Iridium and Sou. In Malaysia, the Lexus ES350h Luxury is sold with a five-year/unlimited-mileage, and its hybrid powertrain components are covered with an eight-year warranty.

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• Gov’t reviewing ride-hailing platforms’ 20% commission cap, APAD doing an in-depth study – transport ministry

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 10 November 2026 11:26 am

  

  The transport ministry says the government is reviewing the commission cap for ride-hailing platforms following calls by drivers to reduce Grab’s 20% commission rate. It said the the land public transport agency (APAD) is set to study the cap in depth, and a review would be made after engagement sessions with stakeholders and studies related to the matter.

  While acknowledging drivers’ concerns about lowering the commission rate to increase their income more transparently and fairly, it said in a written parliamentary reply that Grab’s introduction of a proposed new fare structure under a proof of concept (POC) system known as the Grab Service Fee (GSF) had yielded some improvements.

  The structure uses flexible commission rates for daily trips but maintains a 20% cap for the weekly or monthly average, taking into account distance, location, travel time and the real-time movement from a passenger’s drop-off point to a new pick-up location, the Malay Mail reports.

  

  It reported that of May 31, 2026, about 170,944 driver-partners had opted into the new structure. The ministry said the POC trials had recorded an average GSF of 18% and an effective GSF of 15% since it was introduced. It added that the transit-per-minute income of driver-partners who joined the new structure recorded a continuous increase of over 6% since the POC began,

  The ministry said this in response to a question from Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, who had asked the ministry about the government’s efforts to discuss and urge ride-hailing platform Grab to lower its 20% commission rate for e-hailing drivers to ensure greater fairness and increase their income.

  The ministry indicated that Grab had been updating the status and development of the POC to the ministry and APAD regularly. It added that the final review on the commission cap will also take into account the findings of ongoing studies being carried out by it and the human resources ministry regarding gig worker compensation, with these expected to be completed by the end of this year.

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• Bezzecchi wins Qatar MotoGP as Marc Marquez’s title celebrations delayed, Jorge Martin still in contention

  In Bikes, International Bike News, MotoGP / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 November 2026 11:07 am

  

  Marco Bezzecchi took victory in the 2026 Qatar MotoGP at Lusail International Circuit, denying Marc Marquez an early opportunity to secure the MotoGP world championship with two rounds remaining in the season. The Aprilia rider led all 22 laps to claim his sixth Grand Prix victory of the season, finishing 3.083 seconds ahead of Marquez on the Ducati Lenovo Team machine while Trackhouse Aprilia rider Raul Fernandez completed the podium in third.

  Marquez had entered the Qatar weekend with the opportunity to wrap up the championship, having won Saturday’s sprint race. However, his second-place finish meant the title battle will continue to the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao, followed by the season finale in Valencia. The Spaniard now leads the riders’ championship with 431 points, 60 ahead of Aprilia’s Jorge Martin on 371 points. Bezzecchi sits third with 357 points, 74 behind the championship leader.

  Martin made his return to racing in Qatar after missing the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang due to injury. Despite his physical condition, the Spaniard produced an impressive performance in Saturday’s sprint, finishing third after starting from 11th on the grid.

  

  He was unable to repeat that result in Sunday’s main race, eventually crossing the line in seventh. Nevertheless, Martin remains mathematically in contention for the championship, although he will need a significant swing in results over the final two rounds to prevent Marquez from taking the title.

  Marquez could secure his eighth premier-class world championship as early as the Portimao sprint race. A victory there, combined with the necessary points advantage over his remaining challengers, would make the championship mathematically out of reach.

  

  The Qatar race weekend was also notable for the number of absentees. Yamaha withdrew both its factory and Pramac teams, leaving Fabio Quartararo, Alex Rins, Jack Miller and Augusto Fernandez out of the race, citing existing company-wide travel restrictions amid regional security concerns.

  Gresini Ducati’s Alex Marquez also missed the event following surgery, while Honda’s Joan Mir remained sidelined by fatigue-related vision problems. Iker Lecuona and Jake Dixon stepped in as replacements for the two Honda riders.

  

  Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia was another major absentee after suffering foot fractures in a sprint-race crash involving Gresini rider Fermin Aldeguer. Honda rider Luca Marini subsequently withdrew from Sunday’s race after warm-up because of his ongoing fatigue.

  With these withdrawals, just 16 riders started the Qatar Grand Prix, making it the smallest starting grid of the 2026 season. Behind the leading trio, Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura finished fourth, followed by KTM’s Enea Bastianini in fifth and Pedro Acosta in sixth. The championship now heads to Portimao for the penultimate round, where Marquez will have another opportunity to settle the title fight before the final race in Valencia.

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• Thailand changes land border entry rule for Malaysia?

  In Local News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 November 2026 10:06 am

  

  Online reports have emerged saying Malaysian vehicles entering the Sungai Golok land border crossing in Kelantan now require a court issued document authorising the driver to bring the vehicle into Thailand. This was reported in Utusan Malaysia as a measure to prevent stolen vehicles and unauthorised vehicles from being taken across the border, according to Patikorn Liewweha, head of Customs control and inspection at Sungai Golok.

  The new requirement was reported to take immediate effect at the Malaysia-Thailand border crossing in Narathiwat, southern Thailand, on November 9, 2026. This means a conventional permission letter signed by the registered vehicle owner may no longer be sufficient for motorists bringing borrowed or family-owned vehicles into Thailand.

  Previously, a letter of authorisation signed by the registered owner was accepted for temporary vehicle entry. The reported change affects Malaysians travelling in borrowed cars, vehicles belonging to family members and potentially company-registered vehicles.

  Under the existing temporary import arrangements, Malaysian-registered vehicles are exempt from Thailand’s Foreign Vehicle Permit requirement because Malaysia has a reciprocal road transport agreement with Thailand. However, vehicles must still complete customs declaration procedures when entering the country.

  Thailand’s government guidance states that motorists bringing in vehicles they do not own must present authorisation from the registered owner. The newly reported requirement for authorisation issued by a Malaysian court appears to be a stricter additional condition introduced at Sungai Golok.

  However, there is an important distinction concerning the geographical scope of the reported change. Thailand’s Regional Customs Office IV, which oversees several checkpoints along the Malaysian border, continues to publish guidance requiring a letter of authorisation from the vehicle owner when the driver is not the registered owner and does not specifically state that this must be issued by a Malaysian court.

  As such, the court authorisation requirement has so far been reported specifically at Sungai Golok, and there is no confirmed announcement that it has been extended to all Malaysia-Thailand border crossings. Malaysians planning to drive into Thailand through Bukit Kayu Hitam-Sadao, Padang Besar or other checkpoints should check the latest requirements with the relevant customs authorities before travelling.

  paultan.org has reached out to the Thailand Customs Region IV office for clarification and will update this article should further information be received.

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• JPJ eBid: VSD and NEN number plates up for bidding

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 10 November 2026 9:58 am

  

  

  JPJ has announced that VSD and NEN are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.

  WP Kuala Lumpur’s latest running number series is ‘VSD’, and it opened for tender on November 6. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm tonight, November 10. 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 Negeri Sembilan series ‘NEN’. The bidding period starts on November 11, and will close at 10pm on November 15. 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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• Yangwang Altior – BYD’s Rolls-Royce Ghost rival revealed with coach doors, 1,000 km CLTC range

  In Cars, International News, Yangwang / by Harvinder Sidhu / 8 November 2026 6:34 am

  

  The Yangwang Altior, the new all-electric flagship sedan from BYD’s luxury brand, made its world debut in Abu Dhabi on November 7. Known as the Dingyao in China, the car was named and teased last month. It’s aimed at the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.

  The car was shown at Emirates Palace during Yangwang’s first brand event outside China. BYD’s press release gives the Altior’s dimensions and equipment, but not its power output, battery capacity or price.

  The name Altior comes from the Latin word for “higher”. On Weibo, Yangwang said the car blends “unique Eastern heritage and cutting-edge technology”.

  Its shape is based on the ding, the ancient Chinese bronze cauldron that also inspired the U8 SUV, and BYD says the design took three years to develop. BYD executive vice-president Stella Li said the Altior has “luxury in every fibre and power in its soul” and “represents our vision for the future of Chinese luxury”.

  VIDEO: Yangwang Altior reveal film

  Design

  

  The Altior is 5,600 mm long, 2,030 mm wide and 1,590 mm tall, with a 3,500 mm wheelbase. From the side, there’s a short front overhang, a long rear overhang and a separate triangular window in the C-pillar, and twin character lines run for 4.8 metres along the body.

  The front end has the Yangwang family look. The grille is made up of 137 individually polished and placed gems that BYD likens to high jewellery, framing the brand’s oracle-bone-script emblem, which is made of 24K gold. Twelve lighting elements at the front rotate and light up in sequence, from the outside in, as the owner approaches. There’s a lidar sensor on the roof above the windscreen.

  The front doors open to 80 degrees and the rear-hinged rear doors to 90 degrees, and there are umbrellas stored in the doors.

  

  The launch car is painted champagne with a black upper section. There are three 21-inch wheel designs (multi-spoke, polished disc and fully covered), all on 275/45 tyres.

  VIDEO: Yangwang Altior design film

  Interior

  

  Inside, there are four seats, and the two in the back are zero-gravity seats with massage. A one-touch relaxation mode reclines them, raises the leg rests, closes the sun blinds and dims the lights.

  Rear passengers get 354 mm of knee room and 1,209 mm of legroom. The front passenger seat folds forward at one touch to clear the view for the person sitting behind.

  

  Other equipment includes a 39-speaker Dynaudio Platinum Evidence sound system with tweeters that rotate and rise when the car is started, a powered 21.4-inch overhead screen, and fridges in the front and rear. The 5.5-litre rear fridge can also keep things warm.

  The air vents are trimmed in yellow Hetian jade, the upholstery has Suzhou embroidery and the switches are real metal. The official film also shows a crystal-topped rotary controller. Boot space is 532 litres.

  Powertrain and technology

  

  The Altior uses BYD’s e4 platform, which is also found in the U8 and the U9 supercar. Its four independently controlled motors adjust the torque at each wheel more than 100 times per second, which BYD says helps keep the car stable after a high-speed tyre blowout. It can also spin on the spot (tank turn) and has an emergency flotation function in case it ends up in water.

  Body control comes from the next-generation DiSus fully active suspension, which reads the road ahead and adjusts in real time.

  It’s also the first car with BYD’s own 4 nm Xuanji A3 driver-assistance chip, which runs the God’s Eye A system. That system offers navigation assistance on motorways and city streets, can guide the car from one parking space to another, and includes parking assistance.

  The battery is a second-generation Blade unit with more than 1,000 km of range on the CLTC cycle, rather than the solid-state battery that Autohome reported when camouflaged images of the car were shared in September. It uses a 1,000-volt platform and supports BYD’s Flash Charging, but BYD says more technical details and charging specifications will be announced separately.

  Editions and price

  

  The Altior will be offered in Executive and Bespoke editions. The first Bespoke model is the Shanhe Dingyun, inspired by the image of mountains and rivers held within a ding, with a brown and gold exterior and a jade-inspired interior.

  According to Yangwang’s Weibo posts, the Shanhe Dingyun’s brown paint has three layers, and the car gets amber gold twin waistlines, brown and white seats, cloud-pattern door trim and gold speaker grilles, plus limited-edition badging on the waistline, sills and nameplates. The Executive edition has single-colour seats.

  BYD only says it’s a limited run, but the sill plate in the official photos reads “Limited Edition 1 of 399”.

  

  Orders for the Shanhe Dingyun are now open in China with a deposit of 300,000 yuan (about RM180,000), but prices haven’t been announced. Chinese media report that Yangwang’s app lists the car at 2.08 million yuan (about RM1.25 million), though at least one outlet says this is a configurator total rather than an official price.

  Chinese media at the launch also say deliveries are expected to start in the second quarter of 2027.

  Yangwang is already sold in the UAE through local distributor Al-Futtaim, and the U8 recently joined the Dubai Police luxury patrol fleet.

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• Chery Malaysia says Tiggo Cross accident on NKVE with detached wheel is not due to rear axle component failure

  In Cars, Chery, Local News / by Danny Tan / 7 November 2026 9:02 pm

  

  

  Click to enlarge

  Videos and images of an accident that happened today on the NKVE involving a Chery Tiggo Cross and a Perodua Myvi are circulating online. They show damaged cars on the highway’s fast lane, with the wheels of the Chery detached from the car.

  Chery Auto Malaysia has now released an official statement that saying that the ‘detachment of the wheels were a result of the accident and not due to a failure of the vehicle’s component parts’.

  In other words, Chery is distancing this from the rear axle issue of the Omoda 5, which happened last month and led to a recall and an apology from chairman and president Yin Tongyue. Click on the links for context.

  We’ve attached today’s official statement below.

  Chery Auto Malaysia Responds to Concerns Following Road Accident Involving a Chery Vehicle

  Chery Auto Malaysia is aware of an accident involving a Chery brand vehicle on the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) on 7 November 2026 (Saturday).

  We wish to clarify that the damage to the front bumper and detachment of the wheels were a result of the accident and not due to a failure of the vehicle’s component parts.

  Our team has already established contact with the customer involved and is providing the necessary assistance.

  We understand that the incident may have raised concerns among our customers and prompted public speculation. Chery Auto Malaysia urges the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, as this may cause unnecessary concern among road users and contribute to misinformation.

  The safety and well-being of our customers remain our utmost priority. For any enquiries or assistance, please contact Chery Careline at 03-9388 0888.

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• Tesla Supercharger now open at IPC Shopping Centre in PJ – four 250 kW stalls

  In Cars, Local News, Tesla Motors / by Paul Tan / 7 November 2026 11:04 am

  

  Tesla Malaysia has opened a new Supercharger site at IPC Shopping Centre in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya. It has four Superchargers rated at up to 250 kW, as well as two Destination Chargers rated at up to 11 kW.

  According to the Tesla app, the Superchargers are on Level P2 of the mall’s car park, at G5. Parking is chargeable, and the app tells drivers to validate their parking ticket. The mall’s address is 2, Jalan PJU 7/2, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

  

  Supercharging at IPC uses time-of-use pricing. The app lists a rate of RM0.69 per kWh from 11pm to 4am, RM0.88 per kWh from 4am to 9am and RM1.07 per kWh from 9am to 11pm. A congestion fee of up to RM2.00 per minute may also apply when the site is busy.

  The two Destination Chargers are AC units for topping up while you shop. Tesla has charged RM0.88 per kWh for its Destination Chargers since July, when it stopped offering them for free.

  As of October 1, Tesla had 21 Supercharger stations in Malaysia with a total of 92 Superchargers. The company also said it would open six more Supercharger sites by the end of the year, in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Penang.

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