2024 PROTON X50 launched today - More refinement, better inforainment performance and more for the same price

The newly upgraded Proton X50 has been launched but if you look at the photos here, you'd not notice it. This isn't a facelift folks, but more of a real upgrade underneath. It has more sound proofing, so better NVH (less noise, vibration and harshness), the larger infotainment screen is shared on all models, a more powerful CPU and more RAM for the infotainment system, better response on the dual clutch transmission and the two top models get the auto tailgate (previously only the highest Flagship variant). So while nothing has changed in terms of looks, and pricing as it actually comes in like previously, you get a better can and with the current early bird promotions, a lot of your money's worth for what is PROTON's best selling B segment SUV.

Red Bull Malaysia (Red Bull), the No.1 energy drink brand in the nation, has announced its sponsorship for the PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing Teams at PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.

On Friday, the 31st of May, Red Bull Malaysia (Red Bull), the energy drink brand in the nation, announced its sponsorship for the PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing Teams which are participating in the PETRONAS MAM Malaysian Cub Prix. The partnership was held at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit and was officiated through a contract signing ceremony alongside three PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Racing Teams, namely PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha 31 Racing, PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha CKJ, and PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Maju Motor.

All-new fully-electric Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range Premium City Bus makes official debut in Malaysia - Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd and Volvo Buses signs MOU for a trial operation of the new electric city bus expected to start July this year

On 21st May 2024, Volvo Buses, part of the Volvo Group (“Volvo”) together with Gemilang International Ltd (“Gemilang”), one of Malaysia’s manufacturers of bodywork for buses and coaches, jointly launched the all-new, flagship Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range, offering Volvo’s first and locally-built electric low-floor, two-door, premium class, city bus in Malaysia.  A signing ceremony with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (“Rapid Bus”) was held to confirm the Implementation of a trial operation involving the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range for Rapid KL bus service.

Mercedes Benz Malaysia launches the EQE 350+ Electric Art Line, EQE 350+ AMG Line EV sedans and the EQE 350+ SUV Electric Art Line &EQE 350+ SUV AMG Line

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had launched four new Mercedes-Benz EQE variants in conjunction with the roll out of Star Elegance, a first-of-its-kind lifestyle retail concept within the automotive industry, which made its debut at Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi. The concept, tailored for those that need a little pampering while waiting to get their Mercedes-Benz matters can look forward to getting their nails done in comfort. Anyway, this article is about the new Mercedes-Benz EQE EVs launched at the same time as Star Elegance

smart Malaysia updates #1 EV pricing and opens booking of the upcoming #3

 

On the 21st of May 2024, smart Malaysia at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 unveiled the All-New smart #3 SUV Coupe and opened bookings for the lower rooflline, similar in size to the #1 EV crossover hatchback. They also announced new prices for two of the lower priced #1 variants. These now start at RM169,000 before any insurance, a welcome move in the hotly contested under RM200,000 premium EV segment. You can view both the smart #1 and the #3 at the autoshow at MAEPS, Serdang where it is ongoing till 26th May 2024.

PROTON displays their new S70 race car made for the upcoming S1K race in Sepang

PROTON has unveiled the Proton S70 R3 racing car developed by  its motorsport arm, R3 Motorsports at the ongoing 2024 Malaysia Autoshow, in MAEPS, Serdang (till the 26th of May 2024). The Proton S70 R3 marks Proton R3's first all-new racing car since the Proton Saga R3 back in 2019. This is brand's return to the S1K endurance race since 2019, as if you remember, by the next year or so, we had a pandemic and so on. With five wins under its belt, more than any other team to date, Proton R3 achieved a remarkable feat by securing victory for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019. 

Work in Progress, Perodua's first working EV prototype - the Myvi Conversion

On 21st May 2024, Perodua unveiled its first working electric vehicle (EV) prototype which they have officially named  as the Myvi Conversion. Unofficially, it seems that it should be called EMO-1, as we see that plastered on the doors of the concept car which was unveiled and displayed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (till the 26th of May). This would be the foundation on which the Malaysian compact car manufacturer intends to base its electrification technology on.

Stellantis Malaysia at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 - Peugeot, Citroën & Leapmotor vehicles featured as well as autoshow sales promotional specials on Peugeot

 

For those that aren't in the know, Stellantis is a global automotive leader and the world's fourth-largest automaker. It currently owns brands like Peugeot, Citroen, Jeep and Fiat to name a few. The automotive conglomerate is in Malaysia in this new form and have marked its debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024. This comes after the recent launch of the all-new PEUGEOT 408 less than a month ago. So now, the automaker continues its reintroduction into Malaysia (as a group) by showcasing a lineup of vehicles from three brands under the Stellantis’ brand portfolio at the Autoshow. These are PEUGEOT, Citroën and Leapmotor.

GWM TANK 300 - A proper off-road SUV, and the GWM Haval H6 Premium SUV are now available for booking in Malaysia -

Great Wall Motor (GWM) have announced that the GWM TANK 300 and the GWM Haval H6 HEV is open for booking in Malaysia. While the H6 is slated for launch in the third quarter of 2024, the TANK300  is expected to be delivered in July 2024 with an estimated price is RM 250,000. The TANK is a proper, chunky looking SUV with off-road capabilities, so it isn't some urban runabout. Something different in today's urban SUV market and you can see it at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (till 26th May 2024 at MAEPS, Serdang).

New brand JAECOO now has 35 Dealerships, Dedicated Auto Parts Warehouse, Production Plant and Innovative Product Line-Up - Officially signs up 30 new dealerships at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024

New brand JAECOO is ensuring that its progress into the Malaysian automotive market is doing well. With Malaysia  recently coming in front of Thailand to become Southeast Asia's second-largest auto market, after Indonesia, global premium off-road SUV brand, JAECOO, is committed to developing a strong service network in Malaysia and making sure it can gain a foothold here. So recently, it has signed into a partnership with 30 dedicated dealers as part of its long-term growth strategy at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.

GAC AION Y PLUS (CBU) launched at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 - New EV car priced from RM119,000 onwards

 

Yesterday, at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in MAEPS, Serdang, WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, officially launched the 2024 GAC AION Y Plus all-electric compact crossover model for the Malaysian market. The All-New 2024 GAC AION Y Plus CBU (fully imported) is priced from RM119,800.00 onwards.

BMW Group Malaysia returns to the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 with special autoshow only offerings for BMW, BMW Motorad and MINI vehicles.

BMW GROUP Malaysia has unveils a remarkable array of exclusive deals and special campaigns across its various portfolios for customers to enjoy, available on a limited-time basis in conjunction with their return to this year's edition of the Malaysia Autoshow which is ongoing from today until 26th May 2024. The promotions and offers can be had throughout the months of May and June 2024.

Locally Assembled Golf R Now Available from RM332,990 with VAP - Akrapovič titanium exhaust and Drift and Special mode come standard - View it at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) have launched  the locally assembled Golf R - the only country to assemble it outside of Germany, and you can see it on display at the ongoing (till 26th May 2024) Malaysia Autoshow 2024 at MAEPS Serdang. The new Golf R will be sold at the recommended retail price of RM332,990. The price is inclusive of Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which supports owners with 5 years maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, and 5 years roadside assistance. With this package and the goodies which you can read in the paragraph below, this is super value for money. Better than the Civic Type-R which sells for around RM400,000. When I say it's better, it is as compared to the Civic, you actually get better ride, better comfort, better ergonomics and less boy racer attitude and its cheaper. Of course, if you want attitude, this is understated and the CTR has more of that.

The Malaysia Autoshow 2024 is just around the corner! - 45 Car and Bike launches starting from 22nd to 26th May 2024

Expect an influx of passenger car and bike related news this next few days. The Malaysia Autoshow 2024 will start on the 22nd of May and run till 26th May 2024. If you have nothing to do during those days, do hed over the MAEPS, Serdang. The Autoshow will have about 45 car and bike launches so you will get the see the latest vehicles that we will see on our roads over there.

Expect deals too as the Malaysia Autoshow is all about deals and offers. Lots of gifts for visitors too.

Do read the details in the official press release below.

Isuzu Malaysia launches the newly facelifted and refreshed D-Max for the Malaysian market

 

Yesterday evening, Isuzu Malaysia launched the facelifted and refreshed 2024 third generation Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. Coming with a refreshed front end with a new grille, lights, bumper, new rear lights and a larger infotainment screen as well as other interior refreshments, the new D-Max looks like it is more comfortable and car-like inside and looks like it can take on the elements from the outside. Like it always has. The D-Max has always been a favourite here among the pickup truck crowd (even with me) and with the refreshed looks as well as features, it should be welcomed here.

Sunmaju adds another 2 UD Trucks to their fleet - This time it is the latest Euro 5 Quester

Sunmaju Sdn Bhd (Sunmaju), has purchased 2 units of the UD Quester in its latest Euro 5 variant. A commercial fuels reseller, Sunmaju is moving towards better environmental sustainability by being the first company in the petroleum industry here to operate UD Trucks’ latest Euro 5 prime movers. This happened in a recent handover ceremony in which the two heavy-duty Euro 5 UD Quester were handed over. Sunmaju had purchased through Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd’s (TCIE) Batu Caves dealership.

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur introduces the new Aston Martin Vantage for the Malaysian market

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur earlier today officially launched the new Aston Martin Vantage in Malaysia. This is latest generation of Aston Martin's sports car and it is the fastest Vantage to ever roll out of the Gaydon facilities to date. The new Vantage combines a finely-tuned front-engine with a race honed rear-wheel drive chassis to achieve what Aston Martin believes is the perfect balance of power and handling. Of course, this is until they come up with another Vantage a few years from now. But, aside from engine performance and handling, one must always consider the fact that sometimes, we want an Aston for how it looks and the new Vantage is a looker. .For a mere RM2,370 million with taxes, and a 3 year factory warranty which is able to be extended up to two decades, it could be a value buy, relatively speaking, of a lifetime.

MAN Truck & Bus at MCVE 2024 - Showcasing their full range of commercial vehicles from Truck, Bus to Van in Malaysia for the first time ever

MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia) had come out full swing at this year's edition of the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) 2024. The European brand came with their full range of its products and services for the first time in Malaysia and shows their commitment in promoting the brand here. This is another milestone after the previous MCVE in 2022 where the brand had just gone on the push to make the brand move visible here than it has ever been before.

At MCVE 2024 -- CAM launches the CAM KINGO 6AT 15/18 Seat Van with Euro 5 standards

R&A Marketing sdn. bhd, a company under the Sendok Group, the official distributor of CAM and King Long minivans in Malaysia since 2010 has launched the CAM KINGO 6AT 15/18 seater van at MCVE2024.  It has an all new Italian JV 2.4l euro5 diesel engine 145ps and an all important flat torque from 1400-2400rpm of 400Nm. one of the first few to bring in the much cleaner Euro5 vans here, which means it brings cleaner engine tech and in line with engine technology in developed countries.

ZF Aftermarket has tailor-made aftermarket parts solutions for the South East Asian market - Featured at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) 2024.

At the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024, I attended a short press conference with the people at ZF Aftermarket, renowned for its comprehensive systems solutions. They have reintroduced us to the brand and had unveiled a series of innovation poised to raise the benchmark for the commercial vehicle industry. ZF as a group, which most of us know as probably the best automotive transmission manufacturer in the world also has a foot hold in aftermarket parts with brands like Sachs, TRW and Wabco. So together with this and  its strong legacy in e-mobility and digitalization, ZF Aftermarket has launched a much-anticipated suite of products, meticulously developed to meet the stringent requirements of commercial vehicles.