Purem Aapico, a joint venture between Purem by Eberspaecher and AAPICO Hitech Public Company Limited, has marked a significant milestone by officially opening its first plant in Malaysia. The plant is dedicated to the production of exhaust systems for passenger cars, aligning with the growing demand for clean and efficient mobility solutions in the ASEAN region.
Martin Peters, Managing Partner of the Eberspaecher Group, emphasised the strategic importance of this venture, stating that it showcases the success of their products and technologies for clean mobility in the ASEAN market. The establishment of this plant within a year of initiating the joint venture signifies its promising success and sets the stage for further development in the Malaysian market.
Purem by Eberspaecher is recognized globally as a leader in exhaust technologies, providing sustainable solutions that adhere to stringent emission standards for clean and quiet mobility. By partnering with AAPICO, the German company aims to tap into the burgeoning markets of Malaysia and Thailand.
Yeap Swee Chuan, President & CEO of AAPICO Hitech PLC, expressed confidence in Malaysia’s future in the automotive industry and highlighted their pride in bringing Purem by Eberspaecher, a renowned exhaust manufacturer, to Malaysia.
Bermaz Motor has unveiled the 2023 New Mazda3, featuring a refined design inspired by Japanese aesthetics and a philosophy of “less is more.” The updated Mazda3 showcases elegance and maturity in its design, embodying a sophisticated and sleek appearance. Notably, the 2023 Mazda3 2.0L Liftback and Sedan variants have received significant updates, including enhanced connectivity features available as standard across all variants.
The Mazda3, previously recognised as the “Supreme Winner” of the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year award, now incorporates new connectivity enhancements. Standard features across all variants include Qi Wireless Charging and USB-C ports strategically placed at the center console and armrest, providing seamless connectivity to Android Auto. Additionally, Wireless Apple Carplay is now available and accessible via the new 10.25-inch infotainment display screen.
For an enhanced audio experience, the Mazda3 is now equipped with a premium 12-speaker high-performance Bose™ sound system. This sound system is meticulously designed to deliver an accurate and lifelike listening experience, enhancing the overall journey for both the driver and passengers.
In terms of safety, the 2023 New Mazda3 2.0 High and High Plus variants now come with added i-Activsense safety features, including Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS). These safety features, initially introduced in the 2022 Mazda3 2.0L Ignite Edition, further enhance the safety profile of the vehicle.
It is available in a variety of vibrant colours, including Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Polymetal Gray, Platinum Quartz, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, and Snowflake White Pearl, providing a range of options to suit individual preferences.
Imported from Japan as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit, the new Mazda3 is now open for booking. The selling price starts from RM 156,059.00 and includes a comprehensive package of a 5-year Manufacturer Warranty, along with 5 years of Free Maintenance (excluding Mazda BT-50), covering labor, parts, and lubricants. This coverage spans five years or up to 100,000km, whichever comes first, reflecting Mazda’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
2023 New Mazda6 – 20th Anniversary Edition
The Mazda6 20th Anniversary Edition is a commemorative release honouring 20 years since the inception of the first-generation Mazda6 in 2002. This special edition represents the brand’s fundamental message, “Zoom-Zoom,” encapsulating the essence of Mazda’s DNA. It stands as a testament to gratitude for all Mazda customers and embodies the enduring spirit of driving pleasure, incorporating two decades of refined driving experiences, styling, craftsmanship, and an interior that exudes elegance.
The Mazda6 is distinguished by unique styling elements both inside and out. Notable exterior enhancements include a 20th Anniversary badge on the front fender, 19-inch Bright Metallic Alloy Wheels, and a Gunmetal radiator grille, contributing to a sportier and distinctive aesthetic. The interior features Tan-colored leather seats with the “20th Anniversary” embossed on the front seat headrests. The seats are equipped with front ventilation, enhancing comfort. Additionally, it boasts a Frameless Auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 7-inch Multi-info Display Instrument cluster, and a Rear Window Sunshade.
In terms of connectivity, all 2023 Mazda6 variants now come standard with Qi Wireless Charging, providing a convenient and hassle-free charging experience for users.
Safety is a priority in the Mazda6 20th Anniversary Edition and Mazda6 2.5L Touring, as they are equipped with new i-Activsense safety features. These include Front & Rear Smart Brake Support (SBS), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go, and Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS), enhancing overall safety and peace of mind for the driver and passengers.
A wide array of exterior color options is available for the Mazda6, including Arctic White, Deep Crystal Blue, Jet Black, Machine Gray, Sonic Silver, Soul Red Crystal, Polymetal Gray, and newly added colors: Platinum Quartz, Rhodium White Premium, and Artisan Red Premium (exclusive to the 20th Anniversary Edition variant). The Artisan Red Premium color, the fourth special color by Mazda, is crafted using Mazda’s unique Takuminuri painting technology, enhancing the Mazda6’s aesthetic appeal.
The Mazda6’s pricing starts from RM 180,359.00. Each new Mazda vehicle registered comes with a comprehensive package of a 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty and 5-Year Free Maintenance (excluding Mazda BT-50) according to the manufacturer’s standards, covering labor, parts, and lubricants. This coverage spans five years or up to 100,000 km, whichever comes first, showcasing Mazda’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
BMW has taken the covers off the revamped 2024 BMW X2, revealing significant growth in all dimensions compared to its predecessor. This latest iteration, set to make its global debut at the Japan Mobility Show, boasts improvements in size, powertrain options, and modern features.
iX2
The 2024 X2 has seen substantial growth in its dimensions, being longer by 194mm, wider by 21mm, and taller by 64mm. Additionally, the wheelbase has increased by 22mm, promising more space and comfort for passengers.
The signature kidney grille of the X2 has expanded and now features an optional LED running light ring called Iconic Glow. This larger grille also includes active cooling flaps for improved aerodynamics. The electric iX2 version features a sealed-off grille for even better aerodynamic performance
Buyers have three powertrain options to choose from. The entry-level sDrive20i is powered by a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid engine, generating 168bhp. On the other end, the M35i xDrive features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, offering an impressive 296bhp and 400Nm of torque. Finally, there’s the fully electric iX2, the most potent with 309bhp and 493Nm of torque.
The iX2, despite being slightly slower due to its weight, manages a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds. The M35i, a performance-oriented variant, hits 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The sDrive20i achieves the same in 8.3 seconds while showcasing impressive fuel economy.
The iX2, an all-electric variant, incorporates a 64.8kWh battery, providing an impressive range of 428km. Its fast-charging capability allows for a 10-80% replenishment in just 29 minutes.
The iX2 features regenerative braking with adaptive functionality that adjusts the force of the system based on traffic conditions. It can feed the battery at up to 120kW during braking and 60kW under pure deceleration. This feature can be manually overridden via the touchscreen infotainment system.
Inside, the X2 boasts M Sport spec as standard, offering a host of features including adaptive suspension, heated sports seats, a leather steering wheel, navigation, two-zone automatic climate control, and a comprehensive safety suite. The infotainment system integrates a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch touchscreen, running BMW’s latest operating system and supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2024 X2 will make its debut at the Japan Mobility Show on 26 October, with deliveries starting in March 2024. Prices for the X2 start at £39,365 (around RM230k) for the sDrive20i, £47,395 (around RM275k) for the M35i, and £56,540 (around RM330k) for the iX2.
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has unveiled its latest innovation, the Nissan Hyper Adventure, as part of its advanced EV concepts showcased at the Japan Mobility Show on October 25. The second model in this series, the Nissan Hyper Adventure, is designed to meet the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts while incorporating cutting-edge V2X (vehicle-to-everything) technology for sustainable power solutions.
Powering Sustainable Adventures
At the heart of the Nissan Hyper Adventure is its large-capacity battery that not only powers the car but also serves as a versatile energy source. Whether it’s charging gadgets, illuminating campsites, or recharging electric jet skis, the Nissan Hyper Adventure’s V2X technology ensures a steady supply of electricity on the go. This V2X capability extends to providing power to homes (V2H) or contributing surplus power to the grid (V2G), making it an efficient and eco-friendly choice.
Malaysia is setting its sights on sustainable aerospace manufacturing, seeking collaboration with aerospace giant Boeing to leverage advanced technologies and practices. Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysia’s investment, trade, and industry minister, highlighted the need for swift action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration with Boeing is seen as a crucial step towards accelerating sustainable manufacturing in the country’s aerospace industry.
In an effort to expedite the adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices, Malaysia is reaching out to global partners like Boeing, aiming to foster the rapid institutionalisation of these practices. Minister Tengku Zafrul stressed the urgency to act swiftly, underlining the global imperative to reduce greenhouse gases. He emphasised that both speed and scale are essential to drive the integration of sustainable manufacturing practices.
Malaysia is seeking increased incentives and allocations for its aerospace industry in the 2024 Budget. Minister Tengku Zafrul expressed hope for additional support, complementing the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and Malaysian Aerospace Blueprint 2030. These initiatives are aimed at positioning Malaysia as a prominent aerospace hub in Southeast Asia and a crucial part of the global aerospace supply chain by 2030.
UMW Toyota Motor concluded September 2023 with sales totalling 9,228 units (combining Toyota and Lexus). This achievement contributes to a year-to-date sales figure of 76,511 units as of September 2023, marking an 8.0% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
To bolster its position in the Malaysian non-national B-segment hatchback market, Toyota introduced the Yaris IMP. This model, built on the success of its predecessor, offers styling enhancements, new technology, and a refreshed interior ambience. The Yaris IMP is designed to resonate with a Gen-Z audience seeking an upgrade in their status symbol.
