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Toyota Gazoo Racing Unveils GR Parts Styling Packages for 2025 HiAce For Japan

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s GR Parts division has introduced two distinct styling packages for the H200-generation HiAce, which continues into the 2025 model year in Japan. Despite its longstanding presence since 2004, the van remains a popular choice, prompting Toyota to enhance its appeal with new design upgrades.

The two styling kits, named Version I and Version II, offer unique aesthetic modifications catering to different customer preferences. Version I features an off-road-inspired design, including a rugged bolt-on front bumper insert with integrated LED lights and a metal-style skid plate. Side skirts resembling side steps and GR-branded mudflaps, available in red or black, further emphasize its robust appearance. This package is priced at ¥231,000, approximately RM7,392.

Version II, in contrast, adopts a sportier approach. It includes a front splitter and more subtle side skirt extensions, enhancing the van’s dynamic look. Additional options for this version include a deeper rear bumper with a miniature diffuser, new 15-inch alloy wheels, and a number plate frame with GR bolts. The Version II body kit is priced at ¥143,000, translating to around RM4,576.

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Stellantis Explores Eggshells as Sustainable Tyre Component

Stellantis, the multinational automotive giant, has filed a patent for an innovative and eco-friendly tyre compound that incorporates discarded eggshells. This groundbreaking development aims to replace traditional fillers like carbon black and silica with calcium oxide (CaO) extracted from eggshells, potentially improving both environmental sustainability and tyre performance.

A New Use for Eggshells

The patent, initially submitted in mid-2023 and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 23, 2024, details Stellantis’ plan to use calcium oxide derived from eggshells as a coupling agent in tyre production. This approach could significantly reduce waste by repurposing bio-waste while also minimising reliance on chemical-based materials.

Hen eggshells, which are over 90% calcium carbonate, can be transformed into calcium oxide through high-temperature processing. According to Stellantis, this innovative material could enhance a tyre’s rolling resistance, improve grip in wet conditions, and increase fuel efficiency by approximately 3%, while reducing rolling resistance by 20% compared to conventional tyres containing carbon black.

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Volvo Unveils EX30 Cross Country: A Rugged, Fully Electric SUV for Adventurers

Volvo has officially revealed the EX30 Cross Country, an all-electric SUV designed for adventure seekers looking to explore beyond city limits. The unveiling took place at a secluded winter cabin in northern Sweden, in collaboration with outdoor equipment brand Fjällräven.

Blending Urban Utility with Off-Road Capability

The EX30 Cross Country builds upon the existing EX30 model, incorporating rugged enhancements to navigate challenging terrains. It offers a fully electric powertrain with a range of up to 427 km and a rapid charging capability that allows for a 10-80% charge in just 26 minutes. The vehicle comes equipped with all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, ensuring smooth travel across diverse landscapes.

Additional features include larger wheels with an optional 18-inch all-terrain tyre upgrade, providing greater stability on rough surfaces. Volvo aims to cater to drivers who seek both urban convenience and off-road versatility, making the EX30 Cross Country a compelling choice for modern explorers.

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PRO-NET Expands Proton e.MAS Dealerships to East Malaysia

PRO-NET, the new energy vehicle subsidiary of Proton, has taken a significant step in its nationwide dealership expansion with the official launch of Proton e.MAS dealerships in Sabah and Sarawak. This move aims to introduce advanced electric mobility solutions to customers in East Malaysia.

The first of these new dealerships was inaugurated in Kota Kinabalu on February 8 by the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship of Sabah, YB Datuk Phoong Jin Tze. Harapan Maju Sabah Sdn. Bhd. now operates the Proton e.MAS showroom in the state capital. In Sarawak, Ybhg. Dato Wee Hong Seng, Mayor of Kuching South, launched the e.MAS dealership by Melinau EV Sdn. Bhd. on February 11. Further expansions will see Ghee Hua Co. Sdn. Bhd. opening its showroom in Sarawak on February 13, followed by Fook Loi Eurocar Sdn. Bhd. in Sabah on February 28.

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JPJ Warns Against Rising Use of ‘Dummy Buckles’ to Bypass Seat Belt Alarms

The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (JPJ) has raised concerns over an increasing trend of vehicle owners using “dummy buckles” to silence seat belt alarms instead of wearing seat belts properly.

Negeri Sembilan JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf revealed that the highest number of notices issued during the special Chinese New Year operation were for seat belt violations, with 195 offences recorded. Alarmingly, more than 30% of these cases involved drivers using dummy buckles—accessories that resemble real seat belt buckles—to disable seat belt reminders.

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Alpine A110 R Ultime: A High-Performance Farewell to a Modern Classic

Alpine has introduced the A110 R Ultime, the most extreme and high-performance version of its iconic two-seater sports car. This limited-edition model serves as the grand finale for the A110 lineup, pushing its capabilities to new heights.

The A110 R Ultime has been confirmed to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife approximately 20 seconds faster than the standard A110 R, achieving an estimated lap time of 7 minutes and 15 seconds. This places it ahead of high-performance models such as the BMW M4 CSL and Porsche 911 Turbo S (991), and just a few seconds behind the Mercedes-AMG GT R and Porsche Carrera GT.

Alpine has leveraged its GT4 racing experience to refine the Ultime, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS. Extensive weight-saving measures, including carbon-fibre body panels, are expected to keep the car’s kerb weight under 1,100kg.

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