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Canadian Arrested in US for Allegedly Stealing Tesla’s Trade Secrets

A Canadian resident of China has been arrested in the United States for allegedly stealing trade secrets from electric car manufacturer Tesla and conspiring to sell them to undercover law enforcement officers.

Klaus Pflugbeil, the operator of a China-based business selling technology used in electric vehicles, was apprehended in New York after travelling for a meeting with undercover agents posing as Long Island businesspeople.

Pflugbeil, along with business partner Yilong Shao, allegedly built their enterprise using trade secrets belonging to “a leading U.S.-based electric vehicle company,” although prosecutors did not explicitly name Tesla. Both individuals are former employees of a Canadian company that Tesla acquired in 2019, fitting the description of Hibar.

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Rimac Group Teases Futuristic Hatchback-Like Model: Robotaxi Project?

Mate Rimac, the visionary founder of the Rimac Group, has stirred excitement among enthusiasts with a recent social media teaser hinting at a new model set to be unveiled on June 26. The glimpse suggests a hatchback-like model, shrouded in mystery and urban allure, accompanied by futuristic music evoking a sense of innovation.

While Rimac has made waves in the realm of high-performance electric vehicles, such as the acclaimed Nevera electric hypercar, the teased model appears to deviate from the traditional hot hatch concept exemplified by Rivian’s R3 and R3X models. Speculation swirls around the possibility of this unveiling being linked to Rimac’s ambitious robotaxi project, known as Project 3 Mobility, which has been in development for the past five years.

Initially announced in 2021 and supported by automotive giants Kia and Hyundai, Project 3 Mobility aims to revolutionise urban transportation by introducing autonomous robotaxis. The project is slated to debut in Rimac’s home city of Zagreb, Croatia, with plans for expansion to 20 cities across Europe and the Middle East by 2026. The teaser’s windshield angle, reminiscent of the iconic Johnny Cab robotaxi from the film “Total Recall,” further fuels speculation regarding the model’s design and purpose.

As Rimac Group prepares to unveil its latest innovation on June 26, anticipation mounts for the potential debut of a futuristic, hatchback-inspired vehicle poised to redefine urban mobility through cutting-edge technology and visionary design.

GWM Malaysia Unveils Strategic Pricing and Exclusive Offers for the Ora Good Cat

GWM Malaysia has introduced a new strategic pricing approach for the GWM Ora Good Cat electric hatchback, setting a starting price of RM113,800 for the 2024 models. Dubbed the “New A-meow-zing Price,” this initiative aims to make the Ora Good Cat one of the best-value electric vehicles (EVs) within the RM120,000 price range. Mike Cui An Qi, Managing Director of GWM Malaysia, expressed confidence in the Ora Good Cat’s affordability, elegance, cutting-edge technology, and superior performance with this strategic pricing.

The Ora Good Cat now offers seven colour options, with variants starting from RM113,800 for the 400 Pro and RM143,800 for the 500 Ultra. Buyers will benefit from a comprehensive warranty package covering a 5-year/150,000 KM full-vehicle warranty, an 8-year/180,000km power battery warranty, and an 8-year/180,000km electric motor and electric motor control unit warranty.

In addition to the new pricing structure, GWM Malaysia is showing appreciation to existing Ora Good Cat owners by offering exclusive benefits. Current owners will receive an additional 2 years of vehicle warranty up to 150,000km, along with an extra 5 years or 75,000km of free maintenance (parts and labour included) based on the last completed service interval. This gesture underscores GWM Malaysia’s commitment to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Furthermore, in line with the festive season, GWM Malaysia is offering a special Raya deal. Customers purchasing any new GWM Ora Good Cat will receive a complimentary Home Wall Box Charger and 3 Pin Portable Charger. This promotion is valid for new registrations until April 30, enhancing the appeal of the Ora Good Cat as a practical and desirable electric vehicle option for consumers in Malaysia.

Preparations for Aidilfitri: SmartLane System Reactivated and Road Improvements Underway

Ahead of the upcoming Aidilfitri festival season, the Ministry of Works has announced the reactivation of the SmartLane system on major highways, including the North-South Highway (PLUS). Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam, the Secretary General of the Ministry, highlighted improvements made to the system based on feedback received during its previous activation, particularly during the Chinese New Year celebrations, as reported by Sinar Harian.

During the previous implementation, road users provided valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the SmartLane system, which led to adjustments to enhance its efficiency. Hasnol expressed gratitude for this feedback and emphasised the ministry’s commitment to continually refining the system to ensure road safety and smoother traffic flow.

In response to previous criticisms regarding a lack of notification about SmartLane activation locations, Hasnol urged relevant concession companies to communicate clearly with road users regarding the activation dates and the number of SmartLane locations on each highway. This measure aims to minimise confusion and ensure that road users understand the purpose of the SmartLane, preventing misunderstandings during its operation.

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Malaysia Airlines and Manchester United: A Global Partnership Takes Flight

In a strategic move aimed at expanding its global presence, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has entered into a multi-year partnership with Manchester United Football Club (MUFC), solidifying its position as the official commercial airline of the renowned football club. The partnership seeks to capitalise on MUFC’s extensive global fanbase of over 1.1 billion followers to enhance MAS’s brand visibility on a global scale.

During the announcement of the partnership, Izham Ismail, managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), underscored the significance of the collaboration between two esteemed global entities – Malaysia Airlines and MUFC. Ismail emphasised the joint mission of creating memorable experiences for fans and customers alike through this partnership.

Aligning with a powerhouse like Manchester United strategically positions Malaysia Airlines to engage with a vast international audience, particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia where MUFC enjoys a substantial fan following. Ismail expressed MAS’s enthusiasm for the myriad opportunities this collaboration presents and the excitement it brings to football enthusiasts worldwide.

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Volkswagen ID.Buzz GTX: An Electric Van For Families That Are In A Hurry

Expanding its successful high-performance EV lineup, Volkswagen unveils the ID.Buzz GTX, a sporty electric van designed for families who are in a hurry. Following the footsteps of the ID.4 and ID.5 GTX models, as well as the recent ID.3 GTX and ID.7 GTX Tourer, this latest addition from VW’s Commercial Vehicles division promises a more potent iteration of the iconic Microbus for European markets.

The ID.Buzz GTX comes standard with all-wheel drive, powered by two electric motors. Customers can opt for either a standard-wheelbase version with a 79.0-kilowatt-hour battery or a longer-wheelbase model featuring a higher 86.0-kilowatt-hour usable energy content.

With dual motors, the ID.Buzz GTX delivers a combined output of 335hp, enabling a swift sprint to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds for both versions. The van boasts an electronically limited top speed of 160km/h.

For towing capabilities, the standard ID.Buzz GTX can tow up to 1,799kg, while the longer-wheelbase model with the larger battery is slightly less at 1,599kg. Although specific combined torque figures are not provided, Volkswagen mentions that the rear-mounted motor delivers 560Nm, while the front motor provides 134Nm.

Charging power varies depending on the battery size, with the smaller pack supporting 185 kilowatts and the upgraded pack capable of accepting 200 kilowatts. Charging times are efficient, with the base battery requiring approximately 25 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent, while the larger one needs less than 30 minutes.

The ID.Buzz GTX receives various styling enhancements, including redesigned bumpers, a honeycomb grille, and striking Cherry Red paint. It also features standard 19-inch wheels, with two optional sets of 21-inch alloys available. Unique boomerang-shaped lower lights, dark accents, a black headliner, and sporty seats further distinguish the ID.Buzz GTX.

Inside, the van boasts a slightly larger touchscreen which is 12.9 inches, a new optional head-up display, and illuminated touch sliders for the AC and volume controls. The long-wheelbase model offers an optional panoramic sunroof that transitions from opaque to transparent at the touch of a button.

Set to go on sale in Europe this June, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz GTX promises a blend of performance, versatility, and modern design tailored to today’s discerning families.