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Isuzu Malaysia has appointed Mr Tomoyuki Yamaguchi as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 24 April 2025, succeeding Mr Shunsuke Okazoe, who has returned to Japan to assume the role of Vice President, Japan Sales Division at Isuzu Motors Ltd.

With nearly three decades of experience within Isuzu Motors, Mr Yamaguchi brings a wealth of international expertise to his new role. A graduate of Toyo University, he joined the company in 1997 and began his career in the International Operations Department, managing markets such as Russia and Ukraine. His extensive work across the CIS countries and South-West Asia was later complemented by a leadership stint in South Africa, where he played a pivotal role in revitalising Isuzu’s commercial vehicle business.

Upon his arrival in Malaysia, Mr Yamaguchi expressed admiration for the maturity and growth of Isuzu Malaysia, which has achieved a strong market presence within just two decades of incorporation. He commended the company’s loyal customer base and its reputation for delivering durable and capable vehicles.

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) and authorised dealer Millennium Autohaus Sdn Bhd have officially opened a new Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare Parts) in Kajang, further strengthening the brand’s footprint in the Klang Valley. This latest development brings the number of Mitsubishi 3S centres in the region to 19, underlining the company’s commitment to growth and customer service excellence.

The new showroom is strategically located at Lot 1872A, Jalan Semenyih, Kajang 43500, Selangor, and is well-positioned to serve the growing customer base in Kajang and its surrounding areas. Set on a 15,800 square-foot plot of land, the 9,600 square-foot facility is designed to provide a comprehensive Mitsubishi brand experience, combining both sales and after-sales services under one roof for enhanced convenience.

According to Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Shinya Ikeda, the opening of the new outlet in Kajang is a reflection of MMM’s ongoing partnership with Millennium Autohaus and their shared dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Ikeda stated that the launch not only strengthens the brand’s presence across the Klang Valley but also affirms Mitsubishi’s focus on meeting customer expectations at every stage of vehicle ownership.

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd expanded its Gazoo Racing family today with the launch of two new performance models — the GR Supra Track Edition and the GR Yaris Automatic Variant. Both vehicles brought motorsport engineering and rally-honed capabilities to public roads, further strengthening Toyota’s commitment to delivering exhilarating, driver-centric experiences.

The GR Supra Track Edition continued the brand’s proud four-decade legacy, offering sharper handling, refined chassis control, and purposeful, track-ready styling. Meanwhile, the GR Yaris Automatic Variant introduced a newly developed 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, broadening the reach of the GR brand to a wider range of enthusiasts without sacrificing its competitive motorsport heritage.

The GR Supra Track Edition stood as the flagship of Toyota’s GR lineup, evolving into an even more focused machine through a series of comprehensive upgrades. Powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 388PS and 500Nm of torque, the model was available with a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Acceleration figures confirmed its potency, with the automatic variant achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, while the manual version managed the sprint in 4.3 seconds.

Beyond its raw power, the GR Supra Track Edition benefited from significant chassis enhancements. The Adaptive Variable Suspension system was retuned for superior grip, while the Electric Power Steering and Limited Slip Differential received exclusive control mapping for sharper feedback and increased stability at high speeds. Larger 374 mm front brake discs paired with four-piston Brembo callipers provided robust and consistent braking under heavy loads.

Aerodynamic improvements included expanded tyre spats, aero flaps, and a carbon fibre ducktail spoiler, all contributing to greater downforce. Reinforced front control arms, enhanced front negative camber adjustment, stiffened stabiliser bars, and upgraded bushings further refined agility and responsiveness.

The model rode on lightweight 19-inch matte black forged alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, engineered to reduce unsprung mass and optimise handling performance. The interior, designed to complement the car’s dynamic nature, featured black Alcantara and leather upholstery with GR embroidery, red seatbelts, and a distinctive red-ring shift knob for manual variants. A 12-speaker JBL HiFi surround system and a full-colour Head-Up Display ensured an immersive driving experience.

Safety remained paramount, with the GR Supra Track Edition equipped with Toyota Supra Safety, which included Pre-Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and intelligent parking sensors with Emergency Braking Support. The GR Supra Track Edition was priced from RM698,000.00.

Alongside it, the GR Yaris Automatic Variant made its debut, marking a significant milestone for the rally-inspired model first launched in 2021. Building on the momentum from the recently introduced facelifted manual variant, the automatic version brought enhanced accessibility without diluting the core performance ethos of the GR brand.

Developed with insights from the Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission delivered remarkably swift and precise gear shifts. Unlike conventional automatics that reacted primarily to vehicle movement, this system was engineered to anticipate driver intent, creating a more connected and intuitive driving experience.

The GR Yaris Automatic Variant retained its 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine — the most powerful of its kind — producing 300PS and 400Nm of torque. It could sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. To maintain consistent performance in Malaysia’s demanding climate, the automatic variant came fitted with a standard cooling package, including a sub radiator, an intercooler spray, and a combined water-cooled and air-cooled ATF cooler.

New to the variant was the introduction of Launch Control, designed to optimise engine torque and traction for more aggressive, controlled take-offs. This feature worked in tandem with the newly developed automatic transmission and motorsport-calibrated paddle shifters to deliver a rally-inspired driving experience during everyday use.

Safety technologies were not overlooked. The GR Yaris Automatic Variant featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering enhanced Pre-Collision Systems, Lane Tracing Assist, Radar Cruise Control, and Expert Mode, providing seasoned drivers with greater dynamic control without entirely disengaging the vehicle’s stability systems. The GR Yaris Automatic Variant was priced at RM325,600.00.

Both the GR Supra Track Edition and GR Yaris Automatic Variant were now available through GR Garage dealerships nationwide, complete with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and comprehensive aftersales support. GR Garage outlets also stocked a full range of performance parts, GR merchandise, and customer services tailored for performance car enthusiasts.

UMW Toyota Motor reaffirmed that mobility was not solely about speed but about inclusivity and community. Through the introduction of the GR Yaris Automatic and GR Supra Track Edition, Toyota aimed to expand the accessibility of passion-driven motoring experiences. These models symbolised more than engineering achievement; they represented an invitation to join a vibrant community bound by a shared love for driving excellence.

By building vehicles that stirred emotion and cultivated confidence, Toyota was not merely moving people — it was forging communities that inspired one another to strive forward.

On its journey toward the Neue Klasse era, the BMW Group presented the innovations of its next-generation vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2025.

“Innovative strength, a pioneering spirit, and sheer driving pleasure — these traits are deeply rooted in BMW’s DNA,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “With the Neue Klasse, our customers experience them on an entirely new level: a more intuitive user interface, even more progressive design, and a driving experience that is more precise and dynamic than ever. By the end of this year, we will put the mobility of the future on the road.”

At the heart of BMW’s presentation were two key innovations: the BMW Panoramic iDrive smart display and operating system, and the lightning-fast Heart of Joy central computer.

BMW introduced the Panoramic iDrive in a version developed specifically for the Chinese market. In collaboration with local technology partners, BMW tailored its Operating System X to Chinese users, offering exclusive digital functions available only in China.

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We just witnessed the global unveiling of the Omoda 3, a sporty-looking compact crossover that will be positioned below the Omoda 5 and Omoda 7. Depending on the market, the crossover may also be called the Omoda C3, similar to how the Omoda 5 and 7 are referred to as the C5 and C7, respectively.

As you can see from its striking and angular design, the Omoda 3 is clearly aimed at younger buyers, as stated by brand director Roy Xie. In fact, the car was designed by a team of designers with an average age of just 28 years.

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We have seen the Jaecoo J5, a compact SUV aimed at the ever-competitive segment populated by the likes of Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross and the Proton X50. This time, however, at the Auto Shanghai 2025 we are looking at the Jaecoo J5 EV, the fully-electric version capable of up to 470km driving range.

The zero-emissions version gets a slightly different look compared to the regular petrol sibling, especially from the front. The waterfall grille is gone, replaced by a transparent strip connecting the two LED headlights, with “JAECOO” lettering. Lower down at the bumper, there are some perforated body panels and intakes with square pins. Overall, the J5 EV has a cleaner look compared to the J5.

By the side, you don’t get the blacked-out A-pillars like on the bigger J7, but you do however, still get a floating roof effect with the blacked-out D-pillars. There’s also conventional door handles rather than flush pop-out ones, and you get a full-width tail-light strip, a rear spoiler, and a plastic diffuser.

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