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GWM Unveils Enhanced Tank 500 Hi4-T and Hi4-Z Plug-In Hybrids for China

Great Wall Motor (GWM) has officially introduced the upgraded versions of its Tank 500 Hi4-T and Hi4-Z plug-in hybrid off-road SUVs in China, marking a notable advancement in the brand’s electrified SUV offerings. These refreshed models bring improvements to their exterior styling, interior equipment, and driving assistance technologies. Pre-sales are expected to commence in August.

While the fundamental design of the Tank 500 remains consistent with its predecessor, subtle refinements have been applied to the front grille, and the rear now features the new “GWM” logo. The SUV’s dimensions remain unchanged, measuring 5,078 mm in length, 1,934 mm in width, and 1,905 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the 29° approach angle, 24° departure angle, and a minimum ground clearance of 210 mm. Optional towing capabilities remain, offering a maximum capacity of 2,500kg.

A new exterior shade called Dunhuang Green has been added to the colour palette, joining the existing Kunlun Gold, Pamir Silver, and Mount Everest White.

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Seat Belt Neglect Rampant Among Bus Passengers, Says Melaka JPJ

A widespread disregard for seat belt regulations among bus passengers and drivers has been flagged by the Melaka Road Transport Department (JPJ), following a recent enforcement operation that exposed troubling levels of non-compliance.

According to The Star, Melaka JPJ director Siti Zarina Mohd Yusop stated that many individuals stopped during checks attempted to excuse their failure to buckle up by claiming they had “forgotten.” Others believed it unnecessary to wear a seat belt when travelling in what they perceived as a “large, safe bus,” revealing a dangerous misconception about road safety in public transport.

During the operation conducted on the night of 29 July, JPJ officers inspected 350 express and tour buses. Out of these, 135 passengers and 18 drivers aboard 109 buses were found not to be wearing seat belts — a statistic that points to a significant level of negligence.

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Why Was a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Spotted at Ferrari HQ? Maranello’s Mysterious Benchmark Raises Questions

A curious sight outside Ferrari’s headquarters has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation across the automotive world. A Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype, a Chinese-built electric super saloon, was recently photographed leaving Ferrari’s iconic factory grounds in Maranello, despite the model not being sold anywhere in Italy.

According to CarNewsChina, the car lacked Italian registration, pointing to the likelihood that it had been brought in directly by Ferrari, presumably for research or benchmarking purposes. The move raises questions about the Italian marque’s behind-the-scenes preparations for its first foray into electric performance, especially given that Ferrari’s own EV has now been delayed until 2028.

Officially, Ferrari has attributed the delay to what it described as “zero” demand for a fully electric Prancing Horse. However, the presence of one of China’s most advanced electric vehicles within Ferrari’s private compound suggests that the company is quietly and seriously assessing the technological landscape.

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Governments’ Toll Hike Postponement Spares Private Car Users From Steep Increases

Private vehicle owners narrowly avoided a toll increase ranging from 79% to 83% across 10 major highways this year, following a government decision to delay the scheduled rate hike. Without the postponement, Class 1 vehicle users—comprising private car drivers—would have faced daily toll charges of between RM0.50 and RM4.56, potentially amounting to RM136 monthly or RM1,632 annually for individuals commuting 20 days a month.

According to The Star, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi confirmed the projected figures during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, 29 July. He noted that the deferral was intended to provide immediate financial relief, particularly for those who rely on tolled routes for daily travel. The decision to suspend the increase is seen as part of broader government efforts to manage cost-of-living pressures affecting the rakyat.

The 10 highways affected by the postponed toll adjustments include the Cheras-Kajang Expressway (Grandsaga), Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar), New North Klang Straits Bypass (NNKSB), Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE), East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge (JSAHMS), Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Maju Expressway (MEX), and the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB).

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Volvo Padel Open 2025 Concludes with Record Turnout and High-Intensity Finals

The Volvo Padel Open 2025 concluded on a high note last Sunday, marking the end of six action-packed weekends that have firmly established the tournament as Malaysia’s premier padel event. With its second edition drawing more than 400 participants across the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced categories, the tournament showcased not only the competitive spirit of returning players but also the enthusiasm of 160 newcomers making their first foray into the sport.

Staged in collaboration with three of the Klang Valley’s top padel venues — Joy Division Padel, Padelground, and PadelKu — the tournament brought together a vibrant community of athletes and supporters. Backed by key partners including Coca-Cola Malaysia, Tactical Padel, Directors’ ThinkTank, and REGEN Physio & Sports Rehab, the event featured prize offerings worth over RM180,000, extending beyond monetary rewards to include exclusive court time, Tactical racquets and merchandise, and a unique seven-day experience with a fully electric Volvo vehicle.

To maintain a level playing field and ensure the integrity of each match, players in the Beginner and Intermediate divisions were subject to mandatory assessments conducted by certified coaches. These assessments were complemented by complimentary coaching clinics, aimed at equipping newer participants with technical skills and confidence ahead of their qualifying matches on 19 July for the Beginner category and 26 July for both Intermediate and Advanced divisions.

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Isuzu D-Max Strengthens Grip on Market with Consistent Sales Growth

Isuzu Malaysia continues to reinforce its position as the second leading pick-up truck brand in the country, following a strong showing in the first half of the year. Buoyed by record-setting results in the first quarter, the brand secured a 16 percent market share, translating to 3,081 units sold to date. The performance has been attributed largely to the enduring appeal of the 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max range, which now represents more than 85.8 per cent of total sales.

Among the standout performers is the 1.9-litre 4×4 Auto Premium variant, which has captured 18.6 per cent of overall sales thanks to its compelling combination of fuel efficiency, comfort, and advanced safety features. Notably, this variant played a key role in securing a place in the Malaysian Book of Records for achieving the longest distance travelled on a single tank of fuel—an accolade that has further enhanced its reputation for reliability and efficiency.

Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Yamaguchi, stated that this year’s sales figures reaffirm a trend that emerged last year, where both traditional pick-up buyers and those transitioning from passenger cars began recognising the D-Max’s compelling value proposition. He emphasised the importance of continuing to communicate the vehicle’s core strengths and ensuring satisfying ownership experiences in the months ahead.

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Latest News

GWM Unveils Enhanced Tank 500 Hi4-T and Hi4-Z Plug-In Hybrids for China

Seat Belt Neglect Rampant Among Bus Passengers, Says Melaka JPJ

Why Was a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Spotted at Ferrari HQ? Maranello’s Mysterious Benchmark Raises Questions

Governments’ Toll Hike Postponement Spares Private Car Users From Steep Increases

Volvo Padel Open 2025 Concludes with Record Turnout and High-Intensity Finals

Isuzu D-Max Strengthens Grip on Market with Consistent Sales Growth

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