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Mercedes-Benz has launched Europe’s first battery recycling plant with an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process in Kuppenheim, southern Germany. This makes Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to close the battery recycling loop within its own in-house facility. The plant represents a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to promote a circular economy, reduce dependence on primary resources, and improve sustainability across its operations.

Key Features of the Kuppenheim Battery Recycling Plant:
  • High Recovery Rate: The recycling facility boasts an anticipated recovery rate of over 96%, enabling the extraction of valuable materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt for reuse in new electric vehicle batteries.
  • Circular Economy: The plant is designed to create a closed-loop recycling system, ensuring that materials from old batteries are repurposed into new ones, furthering Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability.
  • Innovative Process: The recycling process involves a combination of mechanical sorting of materials such as plastics, copper, and aluminium, followed by hydrometallurgical extraction of critical metals from battery electrodes (the “black mass”).

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Subaru Corporation has announced the debut of its next-generation hybrid system, which will first be featured in the Subaru Crosstrek (Japan model) slated for release in December 2024. This innovative hybrid system is designed to balance driving enjoyment with environmental performance, promising advancements in both areas.

Key Highlights of the Next-Generation Hybrid System:
  • 2.5-Litre Horizontally-Opposed Engine: The newly developed BOXER engine offers dynamic performance with improved thermal efficiency, contributing to better fuel economy. Integrated with a power control unit atop the engine, it optimises electric power usage from the high-voltage battery.
  • Series-Parallel Hybrid System: This system efficiently switches between engine and electric motor power depending on driving conditions, ensuring smooth acceleration and a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
  • Mechanical All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical AWD is retained, providing precise control and stable driving in various road conditions by mechanically linking the front and rear wheels through a propeller shaft.

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Stellantis Malaysia has officially opened its second showroom, Allure Auto Old Klang Road, marking its first multi-brand dealership in the country. This new facility showcases both Peugeot models and the all-new Leapmotor C10 electric SUV, following the recent launch of the Leapmotor brand. Strategically located on Old Klang Road, the spacious showroom can display up to five vehicles and is designed with modern aesthetics to reflect the branding of both Peugeot and Leapmotor.

The dealership offers a comprehensive customer experience, featuring a comfortable lounge, vehicle delivery bay, and an interactive configurator display for enhanced customer engagement.

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Growing up in Malaysia during the 1980s and 1990s, Proton sedans were a common fixture in many households, known for their affordability, reliability, and practicality. These cars, proudly made in Malaysia, often served as the first vehicle for families and were passed down to younger generations as children grew up and needed a means to commute to college or work. Proton’s legacy, now more than 40 years strong, continues as the top-selling brand for sedans in Malaysia, with a remarkable 3.85 million units sold to date.

Last original Proton Saga 2008

This legacy is built on iconic models such as the Proton Saga, Proton Wira, and Proton Waja, with some even serving as police cars in Humberside County, UK. Proton has also introduced newer models, such as two generations of the Proton Persona, the Proton Prevé, and the latest addition, the Proton S70, which was launched in November 2023.

The Proton S70 has quickly become a favorite in the C-sedan category, achieving 14,877 sales as of September this year. With an average of 1,640 units sold per month since January, it leads the segment, particularly in Selangor, Johor, and Penang. However, the biggest success story remains the Proton Saga, with over 2 million sales since its launch in 1985. Over three generations, the Saga has evolved significantly, with improvements in safety, design, performance, and comfort.

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Malaysia’s Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has announced that the government is considering implementing a two-tiered pricing system for RON95 petrol subsidies. However, the exact mechanism is still under discussion, with input from various stakeholders, including the Petrol Dealers Association.

Rafizi explained that earlier proposals involved providing cash payments to families, which would not have involved petrol stations or a tiered pricing system. The current deliberations focus on determining how best to redirect subsidy savings, whether through cash payments or direct subsidies to benefit the 85% of the population who are expected to continue receiving subsidies.

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Sony Group and Honda Motor are collaborating to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the development of autonomous driving features for their joint electric vehicle (EV) venture, Honda Mobility. Their luxury EV brand, Afeela, will debut in Japan and the U.S. by 2026, featuring AI-driven autonomous capabilities.

The AI in these vehicles will continuously improve self-driving functionality through software updates, potentially once or twice a year. The initial AI systems are expected to support Level 3 autonomy, allowing for autonomous driving on highways and under specific conditions. This level of autonomy means the car can handle driving tasks while still requiring human intervention in certain scenarios.

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