Mercedes-Benz has launched Europe’s first battery recycling plant with an integrated mechanical-hydrometallurgical process in Kuppenheim, southern Germany. This makes Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to close the battery recycling loop within its own in-house facility. The plant represents a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to promote a circular economy, reduce dependence on primary resources, and improve sustainability across its operations.
Key Features of the Kuppenheim Battery Recycling Plant:
High Recovery Rate: The recycling facility boasts an anticipated recovery rate of over 96%, enabling the extraction of valuable materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt for reuse in new electric vehicle batteries.
Circular Economy: The plant is designed to create a closed-loop recycling system, ensuring that materials from old batteries are repurposed into new ones, furthering Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability.
Innovative Process: The recycling process involves a combination of mechanical sorting of materials such as plastics, copper, and aluminium, followed by hydrometallurgical extraction of critical metals from battery electrodes (the “black mass”).
Subaru Corporation has announced the debut of its next-generation hybrid system, which will first be featured in the Subaru Crosstrek (Japan model) slated for release in December 2024. This innovative hybrid system is designed to balance driving enjoyment with environmental performance, promising advancements in both areas.
Key Highlights of the Next-Generation Hybrid System:
2.5-Litre Horizontally-Opposed Engine: The newly developed BOXER engine offers dynamic performance with improved thermal efficiency, contributing to better fuel economy. Integrated with a power control unit atop the engine, it optimises electric power usage from the high-voltage battery.
Series-Parallel Hybrid System: This system efficiently switches between engine and electric motor power depending on driving conditions, ensuring smooth acceleration and a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Mechanical All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical AWD is retained, providing precise control and stable driving in various road conditions by mechanically linking the front and rear wheels through a propeller shaft.
Stellantis Malaysia has officially opened its second showroom, Allure Auto Old Klang Road, marking its first multi-brand dealership in the country. This new facility showcases both Peugeot models and the all-new Leapmotor C10 electric SUV, following the recent launch of the Leapmotor brand. Strategically located on Old Klang Road, the spacious showroom can display up to five vehicles and is designed with modern aesthetics to reflect the branding of both Peugeot and Leapmotor.
The dealership offers a comprehensive customer experience, featuring a comfortable lounge, vehicle delivery bay, and an interactive configurator display for enhanced customer engagement.
Growing up in Malaysia during the 1980s and 1990s, Proton sedans were a common fixture in many households, known for their affordability, reliability, and practicality. These cars, proudly made in Malaysia, often served as the first vehicle for families and were passed down to younger generations as children grew up and needed a means to commute to college or work. Proton’s legacy, now more than 40 years strong, continues as the top-selling brand for sedans in Malaysia, with a remarkable 3.85 million units sold to date.
This legacy is built on iconic models such as the Proton Saga, Proton Wira, and Proton Waja, with some even serving as police cars in Humberside County, UK. Proton has also introduced newer models, such as two generations of the Proton Persona, the Proton Prevé, and the latest addition, the Proton S70, which was launched in November 2023.
The Proton S70 has quickly become a favorite in the C-sedan category, achieving 14,877 sales as of September this year. With an average of 1,640 units sold per month since January, it leads the segment, particularly in Selangor, Johor, and Penang. However, the biggest success story remains the Proton Saga, with over 2 million sales since its launch in 1985. Over three generations, the Saga has evolved significantly, with improvements in safety, design, performance, and comfort.
Malaysia’s Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has announced that the government is considering implementing a two-tiered pricing system for RON95 petrol subsidies. However, the exact mechanism is still under discussion, with input from various stakeholders, including the Petrol Dealers Association.
Rafizi explained that earlier proposals involved providing cash payments to families, which would not have involved petrol stations or a tiered pricing system. The current deliberations focus on determining how best to redirect subsidy savings, whether through cash payments or direct subsidies to benefit the 85% of the population who are expected to continue receiving subsidies.
Sony Group and Honda Motor are collaborating to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the development of autonomous driving features for their joint electric vehicle (EV) venture, Honda Mobility. Their luxury EV brand, Afeela, will debut in Japan and the U.S. by 2026, featuring AI-driven autonomous capabilities.
The AI in these vehicles will continuously improve self-driving functionality through software updates, potentially once or twice a year. The initial AI systems are expected to support Level 3 autonomy, allowing for autonomous driving on highways and under specific conditions. This level of autonomy means the car can handle driving tasks while still requiring human intervention in certain scenarios.
BMW’s Neue Klasse concepts have given enthusiasts a preview of the brand’s future design direction, but it turns out that this influence will not be limited solely to its electric vehicles. According to Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s head of design, the design language showcased in the Neue Klasse sedan and X crossover concepts will be carried across the entire range, including combustion engine models.
Van Hooydonk emphasised that both petrol-powered and electric BMWs will adopt these new design cues, with subtle differences in their design elements and proportions to distinguish them. This is part of a broader strategy to offer modern, cohesive styling across all BMW vehicles, allowing customers to choose between internal combustion or electric drivetrains without feeling they are choosing between different aesthetics.
When the diesel subsidies were removed, everyone expected the pick-up truck segment to take a significant hit. While pick-up trucks are great workhorses for all industries, a significant slice of the segment bought pick-up trucks for lifestyle purposes. Whether it was for hiking, fishing or for general use, pick-up trucks are a great companion.
So, when the subsidies were removed, the sales of pick-up trucks were expected to slow. And while some did off-load their trucks or cancelled their planned purchase, the segment did not slow down as drastically as expected. In fact, the segment is still vibrant, just not as before. (more…)
The police have detained 14 cars as part of an illegal racing operation that took place over two days, focusing on the Bandar Baru Kijal business area. The operation, led by the Kemaman District Police, came in response to complaints from local residents about the noise and disturbances caused by the gatherings. The site was identified as a hotspot where groups not only engaged in racing but also played loud music.
According to Kemaman District Police Chief, Superintendent Hanyan Ramlan, the illegal activities had become increasingly frequent over the past four months, prompting the police to intensify their monitoring efforts. During the operation, the Kemaman District Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division detained the 14 vehicles, which were then taken to the police station for further investigation. Some of these vehicles were found to have been modified beyond permitted specifications.
Porsche is celebrating 25 years of the GT3 by unveiling the 2025 911 GT3, the latest iteration of its iconic sports car. This updated 992.2 model retains the hallmark features that have made the GT3 so revered, including its naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine that produces 502hp and revs to 9,000 rpm. Remarkably, it remains purely powered by internal combustion despite stringent emissions regulations, incorporating two gas-particulate filters and four catalytic converters to meet modern standards.
To maintain its performance edge, the GT3 has received several mechanical upgrades, including hotter camshafts from the GT3 RS, new throttle bodies, revised cylinder heads, and new oil coolers. For those who enjoy the manual experience, the 6-speed manual transmission now has a shorter final drive, addressing complaints about the long gearing in previous manual 911s. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available.
Enhanced Aerodynamics and Suspension
Borrowing some aerodynamic lessons from the GT3 RS, the front suspension now features suspension links with an aerofoil shape, improving both downforce and brake cooling. The lower mounting point for the front wishbone helps reduce dive under braking, while the new headlight design allows for larger aerodynamic inlets. At the rear, updates to the diffuser and engine cover help balance the front downforce improvements.
Performance Tyres and Wheels
The 255/35ZR20 front tyres and 315/30ZR21 rear tires enhance performance, particularly in wet conditions, with a track-focused, stickier tire option available. The new standard wheels shave off 1.4kg of unsprung weight, contributing to overall performance gains.
Weissach and Touring Packages
The Weissach Package, previously exclusive to Porsche’s RS models, is now available for the GT3. This includes carbon-fibre components such as the roof, anti-roll bars, and mirror caps, as well as the option for lighter magnesium wheels.
Touring
Simultaneously, Porsche has also launched the GT3 Touring Package, which removes the rear wing for a more understated appearance. It includes a Leichtbau (lightweight) package, featuring carbon-fibre suspension components, a body-colour carbon-fibre roof, and magnesium wheels.
Interior and Features
Inside, the GT3 shares many updates with the new 911 Carrera but keeps its ignition switch instead of the newer push-button start. New carbon-fibre bucket seats with folding backrests and optional heating are available, and for the first time, the GT3 Touring can be equipped with rear seats.
Touring
At its lightest, the 2025 GT3 weighs 1,419kg, impressively lean for a modern performance car.
The new 911 GT3 continues Porsche’s legacy of building thrilling, track-focused sports cars, and while it’s an evolution rather than a revolution, it’s a fitting tribute to 25 years of one of the most desirable 911 models.
