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FAW-Volkswagen to Launch Two New NEVs in China by 2027 on CMP Platform

FAW-Volkswagen, the long-standing joint venture between China’s FAW Group and Germany’s Volkswagen, has announced plans to introduce two new energy vehicles (NEVs) by 2027, both of which will be based on the China-developed CMP platform. These models will be manufactured exclusively for the domestic Chinese market and will not be exported abroad.

The new vehicles will offer customers the choice between fully electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configurations. The announcement follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding on 4 June between FAW-Volkswagen and the Tianjin Economic Development Zone Government, aimed at accelerating the growth of the NEV sector within the region.

As part of this collaboration, FAW-Volkswagen confirmed that its assembly plant in Tianjin, which currently has a production capacity of 300,000 vehicles annually, will serve as the manufacturing hub for the two upcoming models. The move marks a significant step in the company’s broader strategy to localise innovation and expand its NEV lineup in China.

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Full Enforcement of Vehicle Entry Permit for Singaporean Vehicles Begins 1 July

Starting 1 July, all vehicles from Singapore entering Malaysia by land must display a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), as the Malaysian government moves from an advisory phase into full enforcement of the regulation.

According to The Star, the announcement was made by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who confirmed that from this date onwards, any foreign-registered vehicle found entering Malaysia without a VEP will be fined in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1987. The penalty, set at RM300, applies to both private and company-owned vehicles, and offenders will not be allowed to exit the country without settling the fine and completing the necessary registration process.

The VEP system, initially introduced in October last year, was rolled out with a soft enforcement approach focused on public awareness. Since its launch, no fines have been issued during this preliminary phase. However, the government will now transition to active enforcement under Section 66H(7) of the Road Transport Act, which makes it an offence to drive a foreign-registered vehicle in Malaysia without a valid permit.

Each VEP is issued in the form of an RFID tag linked to a Touch ‘n Go eWallet account. The registration process can be completed via the official portal at vep.jpj.gov.my, with the RFID tag itself costing RM10 and a service fee of RM30 for collection through appointed agents. Vehicle owners may either collect their RFID tag from the VEP Tag Collection Centre in Danga Bay, Johor, or opt for delivery by post.

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Kia Unveils PV5 WAV: Wheelchair Accessible Electric Vehicle

Kia Corporation has unveiled its latest innovation in accessible transport with the debut of its PV5 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) at the Financial Times’ Future of the Car Summit, held in collaboration with the UK’s Motability Operations Ltd. The showcase marks a significant advancement in Kia’s global commitment to inclusive and sustainable mobility.

The PV5 WAV, part of Kia’s expanding Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) portfolio, represents a fusion of advanced electric vehicle technology and inclusive design. Developed specifically for individuals with mobility challenges, the model exemplifies the automaker’s vision of a future where transport is equitable, sustainable, and accessible to all.

Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the PBV Division at Kia, emphasised that the PV5 WAV is not merely a mode of transport, but a symbol of autonomy and empowerment. He noted that by combining innovative PBV architecture with human-centric design, Kia aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in the transition to electric mobility.

The need for accessible transport is growing globally due to rising life expectancy and an ageing population, which is creating increasing demand for WAVs. Simultaneously, the decline in availability of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which were often adapted into WAVs, has created an urgent need for purpose-built electric alternatives. Kia’s PV5 WAV is a direct response to this shift, offering a ready-made electric solution for the next era of mobility.

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Registrations Now Open for Malaysia’s Largest Padel Tournament

The Volvo Padel Open is set to return in 2025 with its most ambitious edition yet, promising a larger prize pool, expanded competition categories, and enhanced participant experience. The tournament, recognised as the largest of its kind in Malaysia, will run from 21 June to 27 July 2025, with registration now officially open.

Organised in collaboration with three prominent padel venues in the Klang Valley – Joy Division Padel, Padelground, and PadelKu – this year’s tournament will accommodate up to 320 players. Competitors will vie for a share of prizes exceeding RM180,000 in value, including cash, merchandise, complimentary court hours, and an exclusive week-long experience in a fully-electric Volvo vehicle.

The registration window closes on 3 July 2025, with a one-off entry fee of RM160 per person or RM320 per team. In a show of appreciation to its customers, Volvo is offering a 50% discount on individual registration fees for Volvo vehicle owners.

Acknowledging the rising calibre of local players, the 2025 edition introduces three refined competition categories – Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced – aimed at accommodating both seasoned competitors and those new to the sport. The Beginner category will now feature an “americano” format during the qualifying rounds, enabling individual players to partner with multiple teammates in a rotation system. Points are earned through each match, and the top 16 male and female scorers will move on to the semifinals, which are divided into men’s and women’s divisions.

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McLaren Commemorates 30 Years Since Le Mans Triumph with Limited-Run 750S Le Mans Supercar

McLaren Automotive has unveiled a special edition of its 750S supercar to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. This exclusive model, dubbed the 750S Le Mans, marks both a tribute to the brand’s motorsport legacy and its forthcoming return to the event’s top-tier category in 2027. Only 50 units of this special edition will be produced, making it one of the rarest and most desirable McLaren series production cars to date.

On 18 June 1995, the McLaren F1 GTR bearing the number 59 secured an overall win at the world’s most prestigious endurance race. Piloted by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas, and Masanori Sekiya, the car led a fleet of McLarens that finished with three additional entries in the top five—an extraordinary debut for the marque at Le Mans. In a fitting tribute, two McLaren GT3 EVO race cars based on the 750S are set to contest the LMGT3 class at the 2025 edition of the race, just days before the anniversary.

The design of the 750S Le Mans draws direct inspiration from the victorious F1 GTR. The car is available in Le Mans Grey—mirroring the original race car’s livery—or McLaren Orange. A gloss black carbon fibre roof scoop and a set of 5-spoke LM wheels complete the exterior homage. Each car also comes equipped with the newly developed MSO High Downforce Kit (HDK), which includes a raised carbon fibre active rear spoiler with integrated endplates, a pronounced front bumper with an enlarged carbon splitter, and a rear wing, all of which collectively boost aerodynamic downforce by 10% over the standard 750S. Additional features such as gloss black louvres and a new under-wing panel enhance both form and function.

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Toyota to Launch Vios Hybrid in Thailand by August 2025

Toyota Motor Thailand is preparing to introduce a significant update to its popular compact sedan lineup with the launch of the Toyota Yaris ATIV Hybrid, expected to debut in August 2025. Known in Malaysia as the Toyota Vios, this new hybrid variant will bring electrified performance to the model for the first time, marking a notable evolution for the nameplate.

According to AutolifeThailand, the hybrid Yaris ATIV will feature Toyota’s 1.5-litre full hybrid powertrain, likely inherited from the Yaris Cross. Although the core mechanicals are expected to remain similar, there could be minor technical adjustments specific to the sedan platform. This system is comprised of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine, coded 2NR-VEX, which displaces 1,496 cc. It produces 91hp at 5,500 rpm and 121Nm of torque between 4,000 and 4,800 rpm.

Mated to this internal combustion unit is an electric motor generating 80hp and 141Nm of torque, culminating in a combined output of 111hp. The hybrid system is paired with an e-CVT automatic transmission and draws energy from a 0.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. The drivetrain powers the front wheels and is compatible with E20 ethanol fuel. Factory data suggests the vehicle will reach a top speed of 160km/h and deliver an impressive fuel economy of 26.3 km/litre.

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Latest News

FAW-Volkswagen to Launch Two New NEVs in China by 2027 on CMP Platform

Full Enforcement of Vehicle Entry Permit for Singaporean Vehicles Begins 1 July

Kia Unveils PV5 WAV: Wheelchair Accessible Electric Vehicle

Registrations Now Open for Malaysia’s Largest Padel Tournament

McLaren Commemorates 30 Years Since Le Mans Triumph with Limited-Run 750S Le Mans Supercar

Toyota to Launch Vios Hybrid in Thailand by August 2025

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