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Mitsubishi Motors Weighing Decision to Opt Out of Nissan-Honda Merger Talks

Mitsubishi Motors, a junior partner of Nissan Motor, is reportedly considering staying out of the planned merger between Nissan and Honda Motor, according to sources cited by Reuters.

While Mitsubishi Motors plans to maintain its cooperative relationship with both automakers, the company aims to remain listed as an independent entity, three insiders revealed under the condition of anonymity.

The potential decision has impacted Mitsubishi Motors’ shares, which fell 3.9% by midday after an initial slump of over 6% during early trading on Friday. Shares of Nissan dropped by 0.7%, while Honda’s shares slipped 0.1%.

The merger between Nissan and Honda, announced last year, is projected to create the world’s third-largest auto group, boasting an annual output of 7.4 million vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors, in which Nissan holds a 24% stake, anticipated deciding by this month whether to join the tie-up.

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JPJ Cannot Revoke Licences of Disabled Drivers Arbitrarily

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) does not have the authority to arbitrarily revoke the driving licences of individuals certified as disabled, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

According to The Star, Loke emphasised that the majority of disabled individuals are fully capable of driving or riding their vehicles safely. Addressing the media on Thursday (Jan 23), he stated, “If there is a specific or isolated case involving disabled drivers, we will review whether their licences should be revoked, but I must stress that this is not our policy.”

He further explained, “We cannot generalise all disabled individuals because many of them are safe drivers and are heavily dependent on their driving licences. For instance, we have many e-hailing drivers among disabled persons, including those who are deaf or mute.”

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Smart Confirms Plug-in Hybrid Version of #5 SUV Amid Market Changes

The new Smart #5 SUV is set to be sold with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain alongside previously revealed pure-electric variants in response to growing concerns around sales in some global markets.

The move, confirmed by Chinese-based Smart officials after photos of test mules were posted on social media, represents a major step-change for the Geely- and Mercedes-Benz-owned company, which previously committed to exclusively selling new-generation Smart models with electric power.

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Citroën Considers Reviving the Iconic 2CV with an Electric Twist

Citroën is reportedly in the early stages of developing a modern successor to its legendary 2CV, more than three decades after the original ceased production. Preliminary design work on the revival of the no-frills classic, credited with mobilizing post-war France, is underway. While Citroën had previously denied plans to reintroduce the 2CV, this latest move reflects a shift in strategy, spurred by the success of retro-inspired models like the Renault 5.

The Renault 5, launched with a starting price of £22,995 (around RM132,000), has been a runaway success in France, selling 9,973 units last month—1,721 more than Citroën’s new ë-C3. Its popularity has also boosted Renault’s share of the French electric car market from 16.3% to 23.2% in just one month.

Unlike the Renault 5, which imagines an evolution of its classic design, the revived 2CV is expected to closely mirror its original counterpart’s aesthetic. Citroën has already shown its appetite for retro design with the new Ami, unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. The Ami borrows design cues from the classic 2CV, such as distinctive round headlights, wing indentations, and Citroën’s historic logo.

According to Autocar, Citroën’s design chief, Pierre Leclercq, hinted at the possibility of more retro-inspired models at this year’s Brussels Motor Show. While stopping short of confirming the new 2CV, he acknowledged that the philosophy behind such models remains significant. “We’re not closing the door [on retro designs], but I think the philosophy is important,” he said.

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Lexus Unveils 2025 IS F Sport Mode Black IV Special Edition in Japan

Lexus has introduced a new special edition for its IS sedan in Japan, alongside updates for the 2025 model year lineup. The IS300 and IS300h models now come with the F Sport Mode Black IV package, which offers aesthetic enhancements and additional features aimed at elevating the sedan’s sporty appeal.

The F Sport Mode Black IV stands out with its new set of black forged alloy wheels, designed by BBS, and black mirror caps featuring a smoked finish for the chrome accents. These details differentiate the latest edition from its predecessor, the F Sport Black III, which also incorporated black exterior elements.

Inside, the F Sport Mode Black IV offers premium upgrades, including Ashwood inserts on the door panels and steering wheel. The steering wheel and gear shift knob feature dimpled leather, while the heated and ventilated sports seats are upholstered in luxurious Ultrasuede material. The 8-inch digital instrument cluster now comes with updated opening graphics, and the Panoramic View Monitor has been added as standard equipment, enhancing both convenience and driver visibility.

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Petronas AutoExpert and Carsome Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Aftersales Services

Petronas AutoExpert and Carsome Group Inc., Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, have joined forces to transform the automotive service landscape in Malaysia. This landmark partnership aims to enhance aftersales offerings while building a comprehensive ecosystem that supports vehicle owners beyond the point of sale.

Under the agreement, Petronas AutoExpert has been appointed as Carsome’s Official Panel Workshop, strengthening collaboration between the two entities. Carsome will contribute by providing training, internships, and workforce resources to support the expansion of Petronas AutoExpert’s current and future service centres. Additionally, Carsome Academy, the group’s accredited automotive training institution, will work with Petronas AutoExpert outlets through the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) TVET Apprenticeship Program. This initiative will certify technicians to meet Malaysian standards while emphasising workforce upskilling and reskilling to address industry demands.

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