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Chery Holding Achieves Record Sales and Revenue in 2024

Chery Holding has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, setting a new historical record with an annual sales volume of 2,603,916 vehicles. For the first time, the company’s annual revenue reached an impressive 480 billion RMB (around RM302.4 billion), reflecting its robust performance and continued growth in the global automotive market.

The company’s exports played a significant role in its success, with 1,144,588 vehicles exported in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 21.4%. This solidifies Chery’s position as a major player in the international automotive industry. Additionally, Chery’s new energy vehicle (NEV) segment saw exceptional growth, with annual sales reaching 583,569 units—a staggering year-on-year increase of 232.7%.

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Volvo Car Malaysia Opens Bookings for Locally Assembled EX30 Electric SUV

Volvo Car Malaysia has officially opened bookings for the locally assembled (CKD) Volvo EX30, following the overwhelming success of its fully imported (CBU) units launched in September 2024. The introduction of the EX30 underscores Volvo’s commitment to offering sustainable, safe, and innovative mobility solutions tailored to the Malaysian market.

The locally assembled Volvo EX30 Model Year 2025 (MY25) will be available in two variants: the Ultra and Ultra Twin Performance. Pricing starts at RM208,888 for the Ultra variant, while the Ultra Twin Performance variant is priced at RM228,888. Customers can choose from three stunning colours: Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey, and Crystal White. The first deliveries are expected in the second week of January 2025, making the EX30 an exciting addition to the growing electric vehicle market in Malaysia.

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Mazda Breaks U.S. Sales Record While Taking a Cautious Approach to Electrification

Mazda is defying industry trends by thriving in a market increasingly focused on electrification. The Japanese automaker is poised to break its long-standing U.S. sales record from 1986, projecting over 420,000 vehicles sold in 2024, marking a 16% year-over-year increase. The surge is largely attributed to the popularity of Mazda’s compact crossovers and mid-size SUVs, with an ambitious target of 450,000 vehicles set for 2025.

“We’re growing our business in what has largely been a stable industry,” said Tom Donnelly, Mazda’s president of North American operations. This growth is underpinned by consistent demand for models like the CX-5, CX-30, and CX-50, which dominate the company’s lineup and resonate strongly with U.S. consumers.

Cautious Steps Toward Electrification

Despite its sales success, Mazda has been measured in its approach to electrification. Currently, the company offers three hybrid models: the Toyota-assisted CX-50 Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs. While these hybrids have garnered mixed reviews, Mazda’s fully electric ambitions remain modest.

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BYD Reports Record Sales in 2024 Amid Global Trade Tensions

BYD, China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced an impressive surge in vehicle sales for 2024, reflecting its growing dominance in both domestic and international markets. The company reported a remarkable 41.3% year-on-year increase, selling 4,272,145 vehicles compared to 3,024,417 units in 2023.

December proved particularly strong for BYD’s overseas sales, with 57,154 vehicles sold outside of China, a 58.3% increase from the same month in 2023. These figures underline BYD’s expanding global footprint despite intensifying trade disputes between China and Western nations.

Global Expansion and Challenges

As the largest EV manufacturer in China—also the world’s biggest automotive market—BYD has made significant strides in penetrating international markets. Its achievements come on the back of robust domestic growth initially supported by generous subsidies from the Chinese government.

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Volkswagen Malaysia Adjusts Touareg R-Line Pricing to Boost Appeal

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced revised pricing for its flagship SUV, the Touareg R-Line, aiming to make the luxury model more attractive to Malaysian customers. The locally assembled Touareg R-Line is now priced at RM382,690, excluding the Volkswagen Assurance Package (previously priced at RM469,990, inclusive of VAP), reflecting the brand’s commitment to passing operational savings onto consumers amid favourable market conditions.

Performance and Features

The Touareg R-Line is celebrated for its cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, and commanding design. Under the hood, the SUV boasts a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine that delivers an impressive 340PS and 450Nm of torque, ensuring a dynamic and robust performance for discerning drivers.

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Four Puspakom Staff Under Investigation Following Ops Gempur Surprise Checks

Four employees from the Puspakom Wangsa Maju branch have been questioned by the Road Transport Department (RTD) over allegations that a vehicle was approved despite failing to meet inspection standards. This comes after RTD conducted surprise checks as part of its nationwide Ops Gempur initiative on December 31.

Puspakom Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman clarified the situation at a press conference held at the Shah Alam Puspakom branch. Initially, only two staff members were summoned to provide statements, but RTD later extended the investigation to two more employees from the same branch.

Clarification on Media Reports

Mahmood addressed media reports that incorrectly stated three staff members had been summoned. He explained that a photograph published in the media depicted Puspakom’s central region director accompanying staff during the RTD checks, but the director was not involved in the questioning.

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