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The all-electric Mercedes Vision EQXX continues to make waves in the automotive industry, showcasing groundbreaking innovation and remarkable efficiency. Following its impressive 1,008km and 1,202km single-charge drives, the Vision EQXX has embarked on another monumental road trip that was 1,010km, this time braving the desert heat to test its advanced thermal management system under extreme conditions.

The primary objective of the desert expedition was to evaluate the car’s thermal management system’s effectiveness in temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius. Despite the harsh environment, the intelligent on-demand system flawlessly maintained optimal temperatures for both the electric drivetrain and cabin, ensuring minimal impact on energy efficiency. The air conditioning system, powered by a multi-source heat pump, played a crucial role in maintaining comfort while conserving energy.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into a tragic crash that occurred on February 24 in San Antonio, Texas, involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E equipped with the advanced hands-free driving assist technology, BlueCruise. The collision, which resulted in the fatality of Jeffrey Allen Johnson, the driver of a stationary Honda CR-V, has prompted scrutiny of the role of Ford’s BlueCruise system.

Ford’s BlueCruise is recognised as one of the most capable hands-free driving assist systems available in the U.S. market, allowing drivers to temporarily remove their hands from the steering wheel while driving on certain designated highways. However, drivers are required to maintain their attention on the road, with a driver monitoring system in place to track eye movements and disengage BlueCruise if prolonged diversion is detected.

2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Unlike previous investigations into collisions involving Tesla’s Autopilot, which focused on inadequate driver monitoring, this incident highlights the importance of robust driver monitoring systems in preventing accidents. While it remains uncertain whether BlueCruise was active during the crash, its potential involvement raises concerns about the efficacy of hands-free driving technologies and their impact on road safety.

If BlueCruise is found to have played a role in the crash, this incident could have far-reaching implications not only for Ford but also for the wider automotive industry. Nevertheless, the investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the collision and identify any necessary enhancements to hands-free driving systems to improve overall safety on the roads.

The new Audi Q6 E-Tron has been unveiled, showcasing Audi’s Premium Platform Electric architecture, shared with the Porsche Macan EV and featuring Audi badging for the first time. This architecture operates on an 800-volt system and incorporates two electric motors biased towards the rear in both power and vehicle weight distribution.

At launch, the Q6 E-Tron will be available in two trims—Q6 and the performance-focused SQ6—both equipped with a 100-kWh (94.9-kWh net) battery pack. Sportback trims will be introduced later, along with a rear-wheel-drive version aimed at extending the range.

In North America, buyers can expect a combined 422hp from the Q6 E-Tron, marking a modest 40hp increase compared to the European model. The sportier SQ6 boasts 483hp, with both trims offering enhanced acceleration through launch control. Audi claims the Q6 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in approximately 5.0 seconds with launch control, while the SQ6 achieves this in just 4.2 seconds.

 

Audi estimates a range of 482km for the standard Q6 E-Tron, with SQ6 range estimates pending. Both trims utilise the same battery, with the SQ6 likely to offer slightly less range. Of notable mention is the Q6 E-Tron’s 800-volt charging capability, allowing it to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 21 minutes using a DC fast charger, capable of pulling 270 kW.

The PPE architecture of the Audi Q6 E-Tron is engineered to optimise electric packaging while delivering robust driving dynamics. Features include control arms positioned in front of suspension arms for improved battery positioning and a fixed steering rack to enhance control. Additionally, Audi equips the Q6 with wider tires at the rear for optimised performance.

Beyond performance, the advanced technology integrated into the Q6 E-Tron is a standout feature. The SUV boasts the E3 (End-to-End Electronic) architecture, powered by AI to manage various Android-based systems and provide proactive suggestions based on learned behaviors. The SUV also features digital screens including an 11.9-inch driver display, a 10.9-inch passenger screen, and an optional augmented-reality heads-up display.

Pricing details for the 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 E-Tron models are to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has emphasised the role of the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) in ensuring that airport operators maintain adequate facilities. Speaking after the signing of a new operating agreement between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and the government, Loke stated that Mavcom monitors airport operators to ensure compliance with a set of criteria regarding airport facilities and maintenance. He highlighted that operators collecting the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) must meet these criteria and that Mavcom would take action against those that do not.

Loke addressed concerns about airport facilities in relation to revenue generated through the PSC, which was revised on March 13. He clarified that while there was no real increase in the PSC, rates for Asean nations and international destinations had been standardized. Previously, there was a lower rate for destinations within Asean. The revised rates, effective from June 1 to Dec 31, 2026, set the PSC at RM73 for international travel from KLIA and RM50 from KLIA2 and other airports, with the domestic departure PSC remaining at RM11 at all airports except Senai International Airport.

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Uber has agreed to pay nearly $272 million (RM1,284,520 000) to compensate taxi and hire car drivers affected by its aggressive entry into the Australian market. Maurice Blackburn Lawyers announced that the class action against Uber, expected to go to trial at the Supreme Court of Victoria, would be abandoned after the rideshare company agreed to the substantial settlement.

This settlement, the fifth-largest in Australia’s history, represents a significant victory for more than 8000 taxi and hire car owners and drivers who suffered financial losses due to Uber’s market entry. Maurice Blackburn principal lawyer Michael Donelly described the five-year legal battle as “gruelling” and emphasised how Uber had attempted to deny compensation to those affected.

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Chery Malaysia announces the opening of a new showroom and service centre in Sabah, operated by dealer-partner Universal Chery Sdn Bhd. Located at Lot 7, Jalan Limau Manis Off Jalan Lintas Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the expansive 3S centre spans 1,400 square meters, providing customers with a comprehensive experience in vehicle viewing, customer service, and maintenance.

Within the showroom, customers can explore the full fleet of Chery vehicles and enjoy the amenities of the customer lounge. The service centre features 8 service bays staffed by trained Chery technicians, capable of servicing up to 830 vehicles monthly.

Chery Malaysia Vice President Lee Wen Hsiang expressed excitement about expanding their network in Sabah, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional service and convenience to customers. He highlighted the opportunity for more Malaysians to experience the quality and reliability of Chery vehicles through the new showroom and service centre.

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