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Proton sold a total of 10,999 units (domestic and export) in June 2024, maintaining its stronghold in the automotive sales table at second place. Despite a planned one-week plant shutdown for scheduled operations improvement, Proton achieved a market share of 19.1% for both June and the year-to-date (YTD). This brings the total sales for the first half of 2024 to 73,696 units.

The Total Industry Volume (TIV) for June is forecasted to be softer than any month this year, with an estimated 57,700 units sold, lower than the previous low in April, which was affected by the long festive holiday. However, the cumulative forecast TIV figure for the first six months of 2024 is approximately 386,600 units, nearly 20,000 units more than the same period in 2023 when it reached a new record high.

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Koenigsegg has once again etched its name into the history books, setting four world records in a single high-speed run with the Jesko Absolut hypercar at an airfield in Orebro, Sweden. Koenigsegg reclaimed the 0–400–0km/h crown from itself, this time using a new model.

Koenigsegg test driver Markus Lundh was the chosen pilot for this record-breaking attempt. Lundh clocked an impressive 0–400–0 km/h time of 27.83 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 28.81 seconds set by the Koenigsegg Regera in 2023. But one world record was not enough for Lundh. He continued to push the limits, reaching a top speed of 412km/h and setting three additional records in the process.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre V-8 engine running on E85 fuel, the Jesko Absolut boasts an astonishing 1600hp. Lundh reached 400km/h in 18.82 seconds, hit 402km/h in 19.20 seconds, and achieved a 0–402–0km/h time of 28.27 seconds. Remarkably, the Jesko Absolut’s top speed of 412km/h indicates even greater potential.

The record-breaking run took place around five in the morning to take advantage of calm winds and low temperatures. Aside from a roll cage for safety and a seat borrowed from a Koenigsegg One:1, the Jesko Absolut was in standard condition, running on E85 fuel and equipped with standard Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres.

This extraordinary feat reaffirms Koenigsegg’s status as a leader in high-performance automotive engineering and sets a new benchmark in the world of hypercars.

PRO-NET, a subsidiary of national carmaker Proton, has taken control over managing e.MAS, the newest addition to its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio, following the official launch of the e.MAS brand on June 12, 2024.

PRO-NET is now responsible for establishing the e.MAS brand, enhancing its market presence and preparing for upcoming product launches. Their tasks include recruiting a dedicated team, setting up a robust dealer network, and fostering partnerships with charging providers to ensure a seamless EV ecosystem.

With a successful track record from launching the smart #1, currently a top contender in the Premium SUV segment, and the impending introduction of the smart #3, PRO-NET is well-equipped to champion the e.MAS brand. The team leverages its established networks, digital platforms, and expert personnel to ensure that e.MAS not only matches but surpasses the success seen with the smart models in the EV landscape.

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that the government has not yet finalised a decision regarding the implementation of targeted RON95 petrol subsidies, noting that no policy paper has been prepared on the matter.

According to FMT, during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar highlighted that while studies have been conducted, the government prefers to first evaluate the outcomes of subsidy rationalisation for electricity, chicken, and diesel implemented over the past year.

“Let’s see the impact and gauge the public reaction. After that, we’ll be ready to discuss what needs to be done,” Anwar stated in response to a supplementary question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) on potential targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol.

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Malaysia’s biggest annual Kustom & Counter Culture event returns to the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS) – a 452,084 sqft indoor venue, 8.6-acre outdoor venue – with every event hall locked in and plenty of fun-filled activities and exhibitions for fans and visitors over the weekend. MAEPS will host Art of Speed 2024 (AOS 2024) on 27 July 2024 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm) and 28 July 2024 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm).

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Starting April 1, 2026, foreign-registered commercial diesel vehicles with smoke emissions of 50 Hartridge Smoke Units (HSU) or more will be turned back at land checkpoints and denied entry into Singapore. The National Environment Agency (NEA) announced that this new threshold aligns with the emissions standards under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit.

In preparation for this change, from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, the NEA will issue advisories to foreign commercial diesel vehicles entering Singapore, reminding them of the new emission threshold and implementation date.

Currently, if the smoke emissions of a local or foreign commercial diesel vehicle exceed 40 HSU, the motorist is issued a compound fine. Foreign commercial diesel vehicles emitting 60 HSU or more are already turned back at land checkpoints. The new regulation lowers the turnback threshold to 50 HSU, aiming to reduce air pollution from high-emission vehicles.

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To mark the 50th anniversary of Tignanello, one of the most iconic red wines, Maserati has unveiled a customised Fuoriserie version of its latest electric creation, the GranCabrio Folgore. This bespoke car, crafted exclusively for Marchesi Antinori, will be auctioned on July 14 in California at Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala, one of the leading arts charity events in the United States.

A Collaboration of Italian Excellence

In celebration of its 110th anniversary, Maserati has partnered with Marchesi Antinori, a family with a 600-year history in winemaking, passed down through 26 generations. This collaboration symbolises the shared values of tradition, innovation, and excellence that define both brands. Marchesi Antinori and its Tignanello wine represent the passion and pioneering spirit that has always characterised Maserati.

Design Inspired by Vineyards

The GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello draws inspiration from the vineyard, a symbol of roots and heritage. The car’s body features a custom Terra di Tignanello paint, a rich chestnut colour with a metallic tint inspired by the vineyard’s soil and the hues of Tignanello’s barrels. The rims and calipers are in matte and gloss black, respectively, with copper-coloured emblems, and the Maserati logo in glossy copper.

Inside, the car showcases leather seats adorned with a silver and burgundy ribbed weave made of Vegea, a fabric derived from vineyards that resembles leather. This innovative material is used for the first time in a Maserati. Dark briar wood with laser engravings recalls the oak barrels used in winemaking, while the headrests feature embroidered Maserati Tridents combined with the Tignanello sun emblem. The central tunnel is also laser-engraved with the dates 1971-2021, marking Tignanello’s 50-year legacy.

GranCabrio Folgore: A Benchmark in Electric Luxury

The GranCabrio Folgore is Maserati’s first 100% electric convertible, boasting cutting-edge performance and comfort. Equipped with an 800V battery system, developed with Formula E technology, the GranCabrio Folgore offers outstanding performance. Its three electric motors produce a combined 818hp and 1,350Nm of torque, enabling acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds. The 92.5 kWh battery provides an EPA-estimated range of 375km between charges.

Comfort and Innovation

The GranCabrio Folgore offers four true seats, made possible by its soft top. It features innovative systems such as a neck warmer for comfortable open-top driving in cooler weather and a wind stopper to reduce turbulence inside the passenger compartment.

Tignanello: A Legacy of Innovation

Tignanello was the first Sangiovese wine aged in barriques and the first contemporary red blended with non-traditional grape varieties, specifically Cabernet. It is crafted from a meticulous selection of Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes from the Tenuta Tignanello vineyard in Chianti Classico, covering 57 hectares (141 acres).

Auction

The unique GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello will be auctioned on July 14 at the Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala.

The first fourth-generation BMW 1 Series, a BMW 120, has rolled off the production line at BMW Group Plant Leipzig. This premium compact model, exclusively manufactured in Saxony, Germany, marks a significant milestone for BMW. The plant can produce up to 500 units of the 1 Series per day, contributing to a total daily output of 1,300 vehicles when combined with the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, and MINI Countryman. The new BMW 1 Series is scheduled for market launch in October 2024.

A New Chapter in BMW’s Compact Segment

The fourth-generation BMW 1 Series continues the brand’s nearly 20-year legacy in the compact segment. Production began with the three-door model at Plant Leipzig in 2007, and since then, over 1.3 million units have been manufactured. By the end of June 2024, nearly 443,000 third-generation BMW 1 Series vehicles had been delivered to customers. “The new BMW 1 Series will remain a key factor in maintaining high capacity utilisation here at Plant Leipzig,” said Petra Peterhänsel, Plant Director.

This increase in production volumes is not only securing existing jobs but also creating new ones. By the end of 2024, an additional 900 people are expected to join vehicle production, bringing the total workforce at Plant Leipzig to around 7,000.

Dynamic Design and Enhanced Features

The new BMW 1 Series boasts a dynamic design, a revised drive portfolio, and improved chassis technology. The front end is notably flat and sits lower to the road, emphasising its sporty driving capabilities. The wide, forward-leaning radiator grille features an innovative arrangement of vertical and diagonal bars, while standard LED headlights give the car a striking “four-eyed face.”

The rear apron, vertical reflectors, two-part rear lights, and black diffusor-style insert contribute to the vehicle’s powerful appearance. Inside, the BMW 1 Series is now completely leather-free as standard, featuring a redesigned cockpit with the BMW Curved Display. The optional M Sport Package and M Sport Design equipment option, available at market launch in Europe, further enhance its dynamic look.

Innovative Contrast Roof

For the first time, the BMW 1 Series offers an optional contrast roof in high-gloss black, using an overspray-free painting process piloted at Plant Leipzig. This method is more resource-efficient and avoids the mist of excess paint typically produced during painting.

Market Launch and Key Markets

The new BMW 1 Series is set to launch on October 5, 2024. Germany, Europe, the UK, and Italy have been the strongest markets for the 1 Series so far, and the brand expects continued strong performance in these regions.

Upgraded Plant for Increased Capacity

Since 2018, BMW Group Plant Leipzig has undergone systematic upgrades, increasing its annual production capacity to 350,000 units—100,000 more than before. The plant now manufactures four models with three different types of drive by two brands on the same production line. The addition of the MINI Countryman to the production lineup in November 2023 has boosted output, with production of the MINI set to rise to 500 units per day, alongside approximately 800 BMW vehicles.

Honda Malaysia has unveiled the upgraded Honda Insurance Plus (HiP), an enhanced automotive insurance plan designed to provide exceptional value and comprehensive protection exclusively for Honda owners. The improved HiP package now includes three significant benefits: unlimited mileage towing, 100% payout for up to 15 years, and 100% coverage on accidental repairs (no betterment) for up to 13 years.

Upgraded HiP Package Focuses on Three Core Pillars:

1. Rescue: The enhanced HiP offers added assurance with unlimited mileage towing for accidents, breakdowns, and floods. Roadside repair services include free labour up to RM200 per event (excluding spare parts). Customers can access 24/7 HiP Emergency Assistance by calling 1-800-18-1177 for vehicle breakdown and accident services. The 24/7 rescue team is ready to assist with unforeseen incidents, including flat tyres.

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The B66 Jalan Batang Kali-Genting Highlands route, closed since December 2022 due to a devastating landslide that claimed 31 lives, will reopen to the public today.

The Hulu Selangor District’s Public Works Department (JKR) has announced that the route will be accessible to all road users starting at 3PM.

The Ministry of Public Works initially closed the road in December 2022, projecting a one-year closure to facilitate slope and road repair work at the landslide site. In April, Deputy Minister of Public Works Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan reported that the repair project, costing approximately RM19 million, had reached 86% completion, with remaining tasks including the installation of fence rails and wall construction.

The reopening marks a significant milestone in the recovery efforts following the tragic incident, ensuring the safety and accessibility of the route for all travellers.

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