VIDEO: We had a go at the 2025 Geely Galaxy E5 aka the upcoming Proton e-MAS 7 EV SUV at the Proton Test Track - Good specs, equipment levels and tech as well as overall styling. Let's Hope that the e-MAS 7 gives us the same

Yesterday, Monday, the 23rd of September 2024, PROTON, together with their technology partner, Geely, hosted a Driving Impression event for members of the media and other guests of which the 2025 Geely E5 battery EV was the subject matter, at the PROTON Test Track. The event provided an opportunity for us to experience the left-hand drive variant of the very recently launched Geely E5, which is the development sibling of the upcoming right hand drive Proton e.MAS 7. If you are not interested in reading this article, you can watch what we think in the video posted from our YouTube channel below.

JAECOO Malaysia previews the upcoming 2025 OMODA C9 SUV - Coupe SUV styling, a very premium feeling cabin and a 2.0liter turbocharged 2wd or AWD variants estimated to be under RM200K, it is incredible

 

JAECOO Malaysia has just previewed the OMODA C9 (C9) SUV. This very premium looking and feeling SUV is planned to be launched in December of this year, and after looking at it at the preview today, this C9 should shake-up the D-segment SUV market with its engine performance, safety technology, creature comforts and signature competitive pricing strategy. JAECOO Malaysia aim to price even the full spec C9 under RM200,000, and I believe, many other brands that have a D segment SUV in and around the RM150,000 to RM225,000 price range will be sweating a little.

VIDEO: Test Drive - The 2024/2025 Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4X4 AT X=Terrain - A pickup truck for daily driving and more

 New test drive video on our YouTube channel folks! This time its a 2024 onwards Isuzu D-Max. The 2024 onwards Isuzu D-Maxis more than a facelift according to the folks at Isuzu. Numerous changes particularly to the front and rear design elements, wheels and interior have been given attention to provide the vehicle with fresh appeal. The pickup truck tested is the Malaysian spec Isuzu D-Max 3.0L 4X4 X-Terrain.

Proton e.MAS 7 Tour continues the Geely E5 world tour with a Malaysia wide tour of about 2,000km

Yesterday evening, PROTON, celebrated a significant milestone at its Centre of Excellence (COE) with the official launch of the Proton e.MAS 7 Tour. This journey marks the handover from the e-MAS 7's  base vehicle, the Geely Galaxy E5  EV SUV which has completed over 3,750km travelling from China, through Laos, Thailand and then to Malaysia. This has been a successful part of the E5's Long Test Drive World Tour, and for the Malaysian leg, the baton is passed to the Proton e.MAS 7 to embark on

an exciting new chapter of innovation and exploration across Malaysia.

As the nation’s first EV brand, it is fitting for Proton e.MAS to also be the first to undertake a nationwide tour with an EV on such a large scale, The Proton e.MAS 7 Tour aims to engage Malaysians and provide them with a unique opportunity to experience the vehicle first hand as it covers well over 2,000km across diverse terrains and landscapes ranging from coastal roads to mountainous regions, while showcasing its capabilities. So the best thing for us Malaysians is that the Geely E5's Malaysian leg gets to be handled by the Proton variant of the SUV.

 

smart Roadshow at Midvalley Southkey Mall, JB this weekend till Sunday 22th September 2024

 

If you are in or around JB this weekend, smart Malaysia has brought the smart Tour Brand Roadshow to the Southern region, over at Midvalley Southkey Mall in Johor Bahru. This event continues the newly launched here in Malaysia EV brand nationwide. This is their effort to showcase the innovative smart #1 and #3 offering a closer look at the future of electric mobility.

The new locally assembled Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC is now available - Priced at RM398,888 OTR before insurance

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has introduced the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, the GLC 350 e 4MATIC.which is assembled here in Pekan, Pahang, The new PHEV GLC was unveiled during the Malaysian launch of the new W214 E-Class sedan. The new variant of the GLC is a model that adds  to the GLC SUV range here and combines electrified efficiency with uncompromised performance. It is now available at RM 398,888 inclusive of 10% Sales Tax (for Peninsular Malaysia), which seems to be quite a nice figure as it is still under the RM400K threshold. More than that for a C-Class variant of the Mercedes-Benz SUV and it would be quite hard to swallow for a C-Class I figure. MBM must feel the same too to price it as such.

The new E-Class gets its Malaysian launch - Locally assembled E200 and E350e Plug in Hybrids offered

 

The car favoured by many Malaysian businessmen has been improved. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the latest and feature packed E-Class sedan here. The variants of the new E-Class official sold here are locally assembled and are the Mercedes-Benz E 200 and Mercedes-Benz E 350 e plug-in hybrid..This continues the E-Class legacy here as for over 75 years, the model has actually been the standard for what is the epitome of a mid-range luxury sedan. Can't call it mid-sized, as the current range of E-Classes are large sized cars these days you know.

Of course, being a Mercedes-Benz, the luxury sedan is laden with technology and the latest in equipment. This time, even the infotainment system get an upgrade. The new E-Class is touted as the most advanced business sedan with its artificial intelligence (AI) learning capabilities via “routines” making everyday tasks easier by learning and automating frequently used comfort systems. The new E-Class ups the connectivity needs with 5G and video conferencing, and also offers third-party app compatibility for video streaming, gaming, and internet browsing, ensuring constant connection and entertainment. 

The Mercedes-Benz E 200 is fitted with a mild hybrid system which delivers an additional 17 kW of power and up to 205 Nm of torque boost to the 2.0liter 204hp 320Nm turbocharged petrol engine, As for the range topping plug-in hybrid, the E 350 e is capable of achieving a fully electric drive of up to 118 km (WLTP).  It gets the same 2.0liter engine but gets a 95kW motor and 440Nm torque. You then add the 204Hp to the 95kW you get about 320hp in total meaning the E350 e is fast - 0-100kmh in 6.4seconds with a top speed of 236kmh (note that the E200 can do 0-100kmh in 7.3seconds but has a maximum speed of 240kmh, so there)

Volvo Iron Women Programme first round of graduates celebrated - Women drivers and those interested are encouraged to apply

Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Volvo Trucks), has introduced its Volvo Iron Women initiative to Malaysia. With the support of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry as strategic partner, Volvo Trucks recently celebrated the inaugural graduation of five women as fully certified heavy-duty truck drivers. The women will be employed by Taipanco Sdn Bhd who are also interested in expanding its pool of drivers.

VIDEO: First Real World Drive of the new Facelifted 2025 Proton X70 in Sabah - Our initial impressions about Proton's best selling SUV

New video below folks! PROTON invited members of the media, from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak to try out the newly launched, facelifted 2025 Proton X70 1.5TGDi SUV over in Sabah.. This was held in conjunction with the X70's official launch in East Malaysia. Something new and something which we believe is a good move as East Malaysia is now a major local market for Proton. 

Proton X70 facelift officially launched in East Malaysia

The 2025 PROTON X70 has been launched in East Malaysia. This was a unique moment as it was the first time Proton has held a separate launch for the SUV model specific for its customers in Sabah and Sarawak. This event was held yesterday, the 28th of August 2024, following the official launch last 15th of August 2024.

Proton e.Mas to make appearance at this year's Malaysian National Day parade

The Proton e.MAS 7, aka the first ever fully battery electric powered Proton will be making its public appearance at Malaysia’s 67th National Day (if you're unaware, that's this 31st of August 2024). The brand’s first EV model was previewed to the media on 2 August, and will be launched at the end of the year. However, it will appear with a special camouflage motif representing the colours of the Jalur Gemilang, as part of a 25-car contingent featuring various Proton models. So still under some disguise and not showing its true colours yet.

MODENAS Launches New Logo and Brand Identity as well as launching the new Euro 4 Kriss 110 motorcycle

Earlier today Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional (MODENAS), subsidiary of DRB-Hicom Berhad (KLSE:DRBHCOM) has launched its new logo and brand identity as well as launching the first Euro 4 Modenas Kriss 110 motorcycle to the Malaysian market. 

Video: I test drive the 2024 /2025 Scania New Bus Generation K410 Bus with the new Euro 5 Super series powertrain, 12 speed transmission and new axle

 So the other day Scania did their official launch of their Super series of engines for both their New Truck Generation and New Bus Generation. These are essentially their new Euro 5 engines first introduced here in Malaysia sometime last year but Scania Malaysia was a tad bit busy with, well, things to have an event celebrating their presence here. But eventually they did, you can read it here and at the event, I managed to try out their K410 bus with the new Super series engine. The bus here is operated by Sri Maju, an established bus operator and one of those that keep ahead of the curve when it comes to having proper, modern buses here in Malaysia.

The Volvo EX30 battery electric SUV will be launched in Malaysia soon

 

Volvo Car Malaysia will be launching the EX30 fully electric SUV here soon. This is Volvo’s best-selling fully electric car this year and winner of multiple international awards and you can actually place a booking for it now at all authorised dealers in Malaysia.

McLaren Kuala Lumpur launches the McLaren Actura Spider hybrid supercar - Open top performance and silence when you want it to be

Today I attended the Malaysian launch of McLaren's New 2025 Artura Spider supercar/hypercar. This is McLaren’s first-ever High-Performance Hybrid convertible; and this brings a new dimension to Artura and McLaren supercar range.It is different as you can actually run this supercar in full electric mode, but when you want to, the redesigned exhaust system from its 3.0L V6 will allow it to sing the song of supercars.

Scania officially launches the New Truck Generation with the Super drivetrains & engines, the New Bus Generation and their newest Driver Application

While already sold in Malaysia since mid 2023, Scania has officially launched the new Super truck (Super) based on the New Truck Generation platform and New Bus Generation (NBG). These new truck and bus feature powertrain and drive trains that deliver up to 8-9% more fuel economy on average together with a new and wide range of digital solutions like Driver App for drivers. These vehicles are also FAME-prepared up to B100 biofuel as standard to help reduce CO2 emissions of up to 80% while supporting the national economy and customers’ ESG goals. Scania Malaysia held a customer launch and test drive’ event at Bandar Malaysia last week which seem to popular with customers. We happened to attend the event and Scania Malaysia had signed various purchase agreements with customers, new and old, for vehicles too.

The 2024 Golf Fan Fest: Celebrate 50 Years of Golf

The celebration of everything Volkswagen Golf will take place on 24th August 2024, from 11am to 8pm at Sepang International Circuit. This is where and when Volkswagen Malaysia are aiming for a Malaysia Book of Records of biggest Golf gathering to date. So if you have no plans this weekend, have a Golf, are not playing golf (the sport) or you need an excuse to give your wife or husband that you don't want to go to that family gathering, the 2024 Golf Fan Fest is where you need to be.

More details are in the official press release below.

KUALA LUMPUR – Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be making a bid for the Malaysia Book of Records as it hosts what could be the largest gathering of Volkswagen Golf owners and enthusiasts in the country, the 2024 Golf Fan Fest. 

Videos - MAN TGS Van in caravan spec. Foton Aumark S light truck - Both at MCVE 2024

Here are some of the videos over on our YouTube channel that somehow I forgot to link up here. First, we have the MAN TGE van that has been converted into a caravan. This was at the recent Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2024. 

This second one is on the China made Foton Aumark S light truck. Also at the recent MCVE 2024 Been doing so many other things aside from writing and publishing on this blog. But anyway, here are two videos that I haven't linked in here. But actually, do follow my stuff over on YouTube, in case I happen to forget linking it here immediately.

2025 Facelifted Proton X70 SUV launched - Many upgrades with better NVH, Fuel economy and upgraded ADAS with Level 2 are some of the improvements

Many, many moons after its debut on 12 December 2018, Proton’s first SUV has finally been facelifted and upgraded. The popular and now facelifted Proton X70 SUV, a C segment sized SUV, has been unveiled at the Marriott Hotel, Putrajaya. This facelift is about time, and adds a nicely revised exterior, new interior styling bits, new equipment and an upgraded ADAS 2 active safety technology too. But those that want added connectivity to their phone, the X70 is now the first Proton with Apply CarPlay and Android Auto to come with the car.

Federal Auto Group opens a new JAECOO dealership at Menara MBMR, Kuala Lumpur

Yesterday, the Federal Auto Group, a subsidiary of MBM Resources Berhad (who has a stake in Perodua and Daihatsu Malaysia directly aside from Federal Auto dealership brands), announced their latest strategic partnership. The group has opened a new Jaecoo dealership at Menara MBMR in Jalan Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur. The partnership with Jaecoo Malaysia, marks a significant milestone in Federal Auto’s commitment in providing the premium automotive experience to its esteemed customers, as well as adding more products for them to sell.