Malaysia’s import license or approved permit (AP) system for motor vehicles will be upheld to give precedence to the domestic automotive industry, aligning with the objectives of the National Automotive Policy 2020. The move aims to foster an inclusive automotive industry development and curtail the influx of completely built-up (CBU) imports, including electric vehicles (EVs), that do not meet road safety standards.
As reported by Bernama, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, emphasised the significance of retaining the AP system, citing multiple justifications during a session of Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
The AP system serves as a mechanism to gather data and information, enhancing the regulation and guidelines for the advancement of Malaysia’s automotive sector. Furthermore, it ensures that all imported new or used CBU vehicles adhere to the requirements set forth by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (Miti).
The Minister was responding to a query from Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Kepong), who inquired about the government’s measures to safeguard the issuance of import APs and tax exemptions, including excise duty and import taxes, for various types of EVs, including commercial vehicles and motorcycles.
Honda Malaysia has made an announcement offering buyers the opportunity to drive home the popular Honda City B-segment sedan with a 100% loan option, completely eliminating the need for an initial downpayment. This incredible offer stands in contrast to the typical 90% loan and 10% downpayment arrangement.
Participating Banks: The partner banks facilitating this groundbreaking offer are Maybank and Bank Muamalat. Potential buyers will, of course, need to meet the loan qualifications to take advantage of this opportunity. It’s essential to note that the offer pertains exclusively to the Honda City sedan, and there is no mention of the City Hatchback in this deal.
Nissan Motor has introduced the latest addition to its series of concept vehicles, the Nissan Hyper Punk, which is set to make its physical debut at the Japan Mobility Show on October 25. This groundbreaking electric compact crossover is designed for content creators, artists, and individuals who appreciate style and innovation.
To build anticipation for the show, Nissan has displayed its four EV concept cars, including the Nissan Hyper Punk, on the digital-3D billboard Cross Shinjuku Vision in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. This visual display will run until October 25, offering a glimpse of the future of electric mobility.
Back in September Tesla Malaysia revealed the pricing of the Model 3 Facelift, codenamed Project Highland. The Model 3 has been officially launched and it is available in two variants: the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and the Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive.
After six years and outstanding sales of two million units globally, Tesla has redesigned the Model 3 with additional features, a longer range, and cosmetic enhancements. One of the most anxiously awaited electric vehicles of the year is likely to be the updated Model 3.
The updated Model 3 features a better interior and a more contoured appearance with new front and back sections. Internally, it is also referred to as Project Highland. According to Tesla, aerodynamic advancements would boost range while decreasing wind noise and drag.
The car now has a more angular and defined look thanks to slimmer lines, updated headlamp housing, new unique LED daytime running lights, and a more defined front end. The once-subtle dip along the edge of the hood, which used to taper beneath the headlamps, has become substantially more pronounced and longer, now reaching all the way to the fenders.
The Tesla name is now spelt out at the rear, replacing the emblem and it has conspicuous wraparound C-shaped rear lights. The general design of the automobile is unaffected. There has also been a brand-new multi-spoke wheel design. Two additional colour choices, Ultra Red and Stealth Grey, will be added to the palette.
The car is 1,765kg in weight, 2,089mm in width, 1,441mm in height, and 4,720mm in length. For contrast, the Model Y has dimensions of 4,750mm in length, 1,623mm in height, and 1,920mm in width.
With the optional 19-inch “Nova” wheels, the RWD Model 3 will cover around 513 km on the WLTP cycle, while the Long Range (LR) version is approved for about 629 km. The RWD variant and the LR all-wheel-drive clock in at 0-100 km/h speeds of 6.1 and 4.4 seconds, respectively.
The inside of the Model 3 has been updated to be cosier and more lounge-like. It has a wraparound shape and an “enveloping architecture,” mixing textile and aluminium-based materials. The whole cabin now features updated ambient lighting. Tesla claims that the improved acoustic glass and improved soundproofing materials have made the cabin quieter.
A bigger digital layout is contained there. The 15.4-inch central screen’s useable area has not changed, even if the bezels have become slimmer. Another new feature is an 8.0-inch back display with integrated temperature, ventilation, and infotainment settings.
The 17 speakers in the LR model—an increase of three over the previous setup, including two subwoofers and two amplifiers—will provide customers with a better audio experience. The RWD model will include nine speakers, one subwoofer, and one amplifier. Additionally, the microphone has been upgraded to increase call quality.
The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is priced at RM189,000 and the Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive variant is priced at RM218,000. The car is available in a Pearl White Multi-Coat base colour, with additional colours available at an extra cost: Solid Black is RM5,000, Deep Blue Metallic is RM5,000, Stealth Grey is RM7,500 and Ultra Red will cost you RM11,000.
According to Tesla Malaysia, estimated deliveries are slated for late 2023, with a non-refundable order fee of RM1,000.
Hyundai, the exclusive North American automotive sponsor for the Disney100 Celebration, has unveiled the Ioniq 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition during the magical “Dancing with the Stars” Disney100 Night. The Ioniq 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition, initially showcased as a concept car at the 2023 New York Auto Show, takes centre stage in the opening scene and features during rehearsals driven by the show’s talented performers.
Limited to 1,000 units, the Ioniq 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition is set to hit the market in early 2024, blending automotive innovation with Disney magic.
Key Features of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Disney100 Platinum Edition:
– Gravity Gold Matte exterior color
– Disney-inspired wheel designs
– Disney100 Platinum exterior badging
– Disney100 logo embossed on front seat headrests and center console
– Disney100 logo on the floormats
– Disney-inspired front and rear door trim strip
– Disney-themed intro on the interior screen upon car activation, featuring iconic Disney music and pixie dust
This release is part of Hyundai’s comprehensive 360-degree integrated marketing campaign, encompassing advertising, experiential events, new content, merchandising, and more. Hyundai’s exclusive North American automotive sponsorship of Disney100, celebrating a century of Disney’s timeless stories and characters, underscores their commitment to being part of remarkable experiences.
In addition to its unveiling during the opening scene, Hyundai’s sponsorship of “Dancing with the Stars” Disney100 Night includes various branding elements throughout the show, exclusive advertisements during the first hour, and advertisement spots on Disney+ during “Dancing with the Stars” from September 18 to October 31, reinforcing Hyundai’s association with the Disney100 Celebration.
A Scottish couple recently experienced an unexpected and costly ordeal when their Tesla electric car suffered extensive damage during a rainstorm. Johnny Bacigalupo and Rob Hussey, owners of a Tesla Model 3, were shocked to receive a repair bill totalling £17,374 (RM100,306) after their car malfunctioned following exposure to heavy rain.
According to a report by Edinburgh Live, the couple had driven their Model 3 to a restaurant during torrential rains in the Scottish capital. However, upon attempting to drive back home, the car failed to operate. After a five-hour wait for roadside assistance, the car was transported to Tesla Edinburgh for assessment and repair.
