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Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company to comply with China’s newly updated national battery safety standard, well ahead of its implementation in 2026.

The new regulation, officially titled GB 38031-2025 Safety Requirements for Power Batteries for Electric Vehicles, was announced on 28 March 2025 and will come into effect on 1 July 2026. This updated standard introduces more rigorous safety protocols, particularly addressing thermal runaway incidents, a major safety concern in electric vehicles (EVs).

Unlike the earlier version, which primarily mandated the issuance of warning signals prior to battery failure, the revised regulation stipulates that batteries must not catch fire or explode even if a thermal runaway occurs. Additionally, any smoke released during such incidents must not cause harm to vehicle occupants.

CATL confirmed that its latest generation Qilin battery, built on the third iteration of its CTP (cell-to-pack) platform, has successfully passed all the necessary certification tests outlined under GB 38031-2025. The tests, conducted by the China Automotive Technology & Research Centre (CATARC), evaluated both battery cells and packs. These trials included bottom impact tests and the ability to endure 300 rapid charging cycles without combustion or explosion in subsequent short-circuit scenarios.

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Great Wall Motor began pre-sales for the second-generation Haval H9 in August of last year, a rugged, off-road-focused SUV that enters the Chinese market with three distinct trim levels. Prices range from ¥205,900 to ¥235,900, which roughly converts to RM132,600 to RM151,900.

Recently showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025, the all-new Haval H9 is aimed at off-road enthusiasts seeking a robust, medium-to-large SUV. Notably, two exterior variants are offered – one with an external spare tyre and another with an external storage box in place of the spare wheel.

The dimensions of the external spare tyre version are 5070mm (length) x 1976mm (width) x 1930mm (height) with a 2850mm wheelbase, while the external storage box version measures slightly shorter at 4950–5000 mm in length, with similar width and height. Despite the slight differences in length, both variants share the same wheelbase, ensuring similar cabin space.

Engineered for rugged terrain, the second-generation H9 boasts a maximum ground clearance of 224 mm, wading depth of 800 mm, and approach and departure angles of 31° and 25° respectively. This off-road capability is supported by a new exterior design that adopts a boxy silhouette, paying homage to retro SUV styling. Distinctive elements include a square front grille with circular headlamps, side-opening tailgate, vertically-stacked rear lights, roof racks, a panoramic sunroof, and classic door handles.

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BYD Sisma Auto has further reinforced its presence in the Klang Valley with the grand opening of a new showroom at IPC Shopping Centre in Mutiara Damansara, marking the company’s third outlet in the region. This latest development highlights Sisma Auto’s ongoing efforts to make BYD’s cutting-edge electric vehicles more accessible to Malaysian consumers.

Strategically located on the ground floor of IPC Shopping Centre (units G.29 and G.A29), the showroom is designed to offer a contemporary and inviting environment. Visitors can explore the full range of BYD’s electric vehicles and take advantage of on-site test drive opportunities to experience the brand’s technological innovation and performance first-hand.

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After its global debut in Australia last year, the smart #5 is now poised for a Malaysian entry — teased on smart Malaysia’s social platforms with the message: “Bold new adventures are just ahead. The spirit of discovery is calling – are you ready?”

The smart #5 represents a significant evolution for the brand, both in scale and in character. This third SUV from smart is the company’s largest production model to date, measuring 4,705 mm in length—making it substantially longer than the smart #3 by 265 mm. Notably, it also surpasses other well-known rivals in the segment, such as the Honda CR-V, in terms of length, underscoring the #5’s commanding road presence.

Visually, the #5 takes a rugged and assertive design approach. The front and rear ends are defined by squared-off lighting elements connected by a full-width transparent strip, which integrates distinctive oblong light clusters. Adding to its bold demeanour is a protruding centre bumper section that evokes the look of a bull bar, enhancing the vehicle’s off-road-ready styling. Along the flanks, the SUV features subtly flared fenders and a unique kink in the window line that flows into thick D-pillars, each adorned with a smart logo. Additional design highlights include two-tone rectangular door mirrors and a triangular embellishment on the front fender, while flush pop-out door handles and frameless windows contribute to its premium appeal. The SUV also features floating wheel centre caps, inspired by Rolls-Royce, which remain upright while the wheels are in motion.

A special Summit Edition will also be available, featuring the Adventurers’ Collection package designed for off-road excursions. This variant is equipped with a roof carrier, rugged side steps, a roof-mounted light bar, and ladders on both sides. It also includes underbody protection and a power-retractable tow hook. The smart #5 boasts a towing capacity of up to 1,600kg, cementing its credentials as a practical adventure companion.

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Proton is officially making its return to Singapore with the debut of its first electric vehicle (EV), the Proton e.MAS 7, at The Car Expo 2025 this weekend, marking the brand’s first appearance in the city-state in over a decade.

Following its international debut in Nepal in March, the e.MAS 7 has quickly risen to prominence as Malaysia’s best-selling EV for the first four months of 2025. Its upcoming sneak preview at booth D25 in Singapore EXPO Hall 3 & 4 offers a first glimpse for the local public, highlighting Proton’s commitment to regional electrification.

Proton’s re-entry into Singapore is made possible through its new distributor, VINCAR Group, which will manage sales and retail operations for the e.MAS brand across the country. The move is strategic, aligning with Singapore’s aggressive push toward green mobility — a market that has seen EV penetration grow from 12% in 2022 to 18% in 2023, with projections of 55% by 2027.

In support of this shift, the Singapore government aims to install 12,000 EV charging points by 2025 in over 2,000 HDB carparks, expanding to 60,000 by 2030. The country also targets 100% clean-energy vehicles by 2040 as part of its broader net-zero emissions roadmap.

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Malaysia and Thailand are taking steps to reinstate a direct train service linking Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok this year, according to Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The move aims to enhance connectivity and tourism between the two capitals by leveraging the existing rail infrastructure.

Speaking after a one-day working visit to Thailand, Loke confirmed that the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have been tasked with making initial preparations within three months to relaunch the service.

“This does not require new tracks but depends on coordination, marketing, and joint ticketing between the two countries,” Loke told Bernama. The route would operate along the existing Bangkok–Padang Besar–Butterworth–Kuala Lumpur rail line, which is already in place.

During the visit, Loke also held discussions with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, and visited the Bang Sue Central Terminal Station, where he was briefed on Thailand’s high-speed rail initiatives.

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