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Honda Launches New Hybrid-Electric Odyssey Minivan in Japan

Honda is set to commence sales of the revamped Odyssey premium minivan in Japan. The refreshed model introduces improvements in design, comfort, and functionality, accompanied by the addition of a new hybrid-electric variant called the e:HEV Absolute Ex Black Edition.

The three available types for the refreshed Odyssey are e:HEV Absolute, e:HEV Absolute Ex, and the newly introduced e:HEV Absolute Ex Black Edition. All three are powered by a 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC + Two-motor hybrid system connected to an eCVT.

While maintaining key features from previous Odyssey generations, such as sedan-like driving stability and distinctive minivan styling enabled by the low-floor platform, the refreshed model enhances original styling and cabin space to better meet customer needs.

A redesigned front grille, featuring an enlarged opening and five horizontal plated bars, emphasises a wider and more premium look. The addition of architectural details further enhances the overall styling, creating a powerful and substantial presence. The e:HEV Absolute Ex Black Edition stands out with a black chrome-plated front grille, black smoked lenses on rear combination lights, matte Berlina Black 18-inch aluminium wheels, and black roof and pillar linings, showcasing a sophisticated aesthetic.

The second-row of all types now features four-way power seats, allowing more precise adjustments for comfortable seating positions. Standard amenities for the second row include heated seats, a foldable centre table, armrests with a mini table, and a USB charger (Type-C), contributing to an enhanced passenger experience.

Notable features include genuine leather seats, a wireless charger, and a hands-free access power tailgate, meeting the expectations of customers seeking higher comfort and quality.

New additions to the Odyssey include a deceleration selector, allowing drivers to adjust the rate of deceleration, and an electric gear selector for smooth shifting using a single finger.

Safety is a priority with the inclusion of the Honda Sensing advanced safety and driver-assistive system, featuring three new functions: Low Speed Brake Function, Auto High Beam Headlights, and Unintended Acceleration Mitigation. The detection range for the Collision Mitigation Braking System has been expanded for improved safety in various driving situations.

For the first time, Honda Connect, an in-vehicle communication module with connected technologies, is integrated into the Odyssey. The Honda Total Care Premium connected service offers remote control of the air-conditioning unit via a smartphone and in-vehicle WiFi for added comfort during long rides.

The refreshed Odyssey embodies Honda’s commitment to delivering a premium and technologically advanced minivan experience for Japanese customers.

Closer to home, the latest offering of the Odyssey is the 2022 facelift priced at RM275,311. With a price tag that high for a 2.4-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, we can only imagine what the new e:HEV model would cost. Which is why it is unlikely for it to be introduced here.

Proton Implements Strict Measures for After-Sales Service Excellence

Proton, Malaysia’s national car manufacturer, is taking a bold step to enhance after-sales service quality through its Proton Operational Excellence (POE) initiative. Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah, has announced stringent measures to ensure customer satisfaction, emphasising a commitment to excellence.

Under the new policy, Proton has introduced a fine of RM1,000 for every customer dissatisfaction complaint received concerning any Proton 3S or 4S Center. However, before any penalties are imposed, the head office will conduct a thorough investigation. Warning letters will be issued to service centres for each complaint received, serving as an initial caution.

Sources reveal that a Proton service centre in Penang has already faced consequences, losing its status as an official Proton service centre due to its failure to meet established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This move underscores Proton’s dedication to upholding high standards in after-sales service across its network.

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KTMB Tebrau Shuttle Service One-Way Fare To Be Standardised At RM5

Starting next year, Malaysian citizens utilising Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad’s (KTMB) Tebrau shuttle service between Woodlands, Singapore, and Johor Bahru will enjoy reduced fares. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the one-way ticket price will be standardised at RM5, eliminating the current disparity where the return trip ticket is SGD5 (RM17.39).

According to NST, the proposal, put forth by KTMB, aims to bridge the fare gap and prevent exploitation. Loke expressed his approval of the plan, highlighting the potential savings for daily commuters. Under the new structure, a worker could save at least RM10 per day, translating to a monthly saving of at least RM100 for those commuting 20 times monthly.

Loke welcomed the proposal at the Johor DAP annual convention and pledged to bring it to the Land Public Transport Agency for approval. He anticipates the implementation to commence in mid-January, acknowledging that adjustments to the ticketing system will require some time.

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Discounts For JPJ Summonses Will Jeopardise Road Safety Education

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has firmly stated that there will be no discounts offered on traffic summonses issued by the road transport department (JPJ). Loke emphasised the need to convey that summonses for road traffic offences are intended for educational purposes, and offering discounts might be perceived as leniency.

According to FMT, while other agencies, such as the police, are currently providing discounts of up to 50% for selected traffic summonses in conjunction with the unity government’s first anniversary, Loke clarified that JPJ, under the transport ministry’s jurisdiction, is prioritising road safety concerns.

Responding to public complaints about the lack of discounts for JPJ summonses, Loke explained that he had previously implemented a no-discount policy during his first term as transport minister in 2018. He recalled cancelling over four million summonses from the automated enforcement system, a decision that, while welcomed by many at the time, was a one-time measure and not intended to establish a precedent.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup Race Car Debut Set For May 2024

Hyundai took centre stage at its N Festival in South Korea, not only to celebrate its racing achievements in 2023 but also to surprise enthusiasts – the unveiling of the concept images of the Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup race car. Alongside the visual revelation, Hyundai shared tantalising technical specifications, aiming to conclude development work by February 2024.

The Ioniq 5 eN1 Cup showcases a bold aesthetic with an aggressive body kit featuring sizable air intakes, a prominent diffuser, and an imposing rear wing. Riding on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 280/680 R18 slick tires, the race car boasts a stiffer suspension setup that lowers its ride height by up to 2.8 inches. Braking prowess is provided by six-piston front and four-piston rear brake callipers, complemented by an air jack for swift lifting. Hyundai enhances safety with a six-point, FIA-compliant roll cage and fortified battery protection.

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Honda to Unveil Global EV Series and Concept Car at CES 2024

Honda is set to make a significant splash at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2024, as it takes a stride toward its goal of introducing 30 new electric vehicles (EVs) globally by 2030. The automaker aims to achieve a sales volume of 2 million EVs and has set an ambitious target of 100 per cent zero-emission cars in North America by 2040, encompassing both battery-electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles.

As part of this endeavour, Honda plans to debut a new global EV series at CES 2024, showcasing its commitment to a sustainable automotive future. The manufacturer will host a booth at the event, complemented by a dedicated website, to present the global EV series models and highlight key technologies symbolising Honda’s transformative journey.

Accompanying the announcement, Honda released a teaser image offering a glimpse of what appears to be an electric concept car poised for its debut at CES 2024. The image reveals a squared-off front end with a low profile, sloping at a steep angle. While much of the vehicle remains concealed, a pixelated wheel design emerges from the shadows, hinting at a futuristic and innovative design.

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Shell Malaysia Introduces Shell Cafe: The Ultimate One-Stop Centre

Shell Malaysia announces the official inauguration of Shell Café, introducing an immersive aromatic journey for consumers. Savour its signature farm-to-cup coffees and indulge in an extended, tempting array of delectable food options. This marks a significant milestone in Shell’s commitment to providing a rewarding experience for their customers.

Positioned as the preferred destination, Shell Café promises an integrated and customer-centric experience, offering not only fresh and appealing food and beverages but also a welcoming space for patrons to fulfil their refuelling requirements seamlessly while on the move.

Setting Shell Cafe apart is its unique coffee blend made from Arabica and Liberica beans, sourced and crafted in Malaysia. The rare Liberica beans, comprising less than 2% of global coffee production, promise a distinctive flavour, ensuring every cup of Shell Café coffee is worth stopping for.

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Advocating Stricter Penalties and Measures to Address Road Rage

In the wake of a recent case involving a fatal road incident, criminologist Datuk P. Sundramoorthy of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research has called for more stringent penalties for road bullies to act as a deterrent and safeguard the well-being of motorists.

As reported by The Star, Sundramoorthy emphasised that imposing severe punishments would send a clear message to potential offenders that violence on the roads would not be tolerated. He referenced the case of IT employee Yew Wei Liang, 45, who received a 16-year prison sentence for causing the death of Syed Muhammad Danial Syed Shakir. While acknowledging the court’s decision, Sundramoorthy expressed the belief that a more robust sentence would be appropriate, given the loss of a human life over a seemingly simple road mishap.

“Road rage cases are becoming rampant,” Sundramoorthy stated. “Although not many result in death, we should not take them lightly. Motorists deserve peace of mind, knowing they can drive safely without fearing road bullies.”

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Bugatti Chiron Super Sport ’57 One of One’: Homage To The Type 57 SC Atlantic

Bugatti commemorates 90 years of the Type 57 SC Atlantic with a bespoke creation, the Chiron Super Sport ’57 One of One.’ Crafted in collaboration with a passionate Bugatti enthusiast, this unique masterpiece pays homage to the iconic design of the Type 57 SC Atlantic, a timeless creation by Jean Bugatti. The customer’s lifelong love for the classic model and a visit to the Mullin Automotive Museum served as the catalyst for this exceptional project.

The journey began when the customer’s husband surprised her for her 70th birthday with a personal invitation from Bugatti to configure her own Chiron Super Sport. Drawing inspiration from the Type 57 SC Atlantic she first encountered 20 years ago, the customer and Jascha Straub, Lead Designer Sur Mesure at Bugatti, embarked on a co-creation journey to bring the ’57 One of One’ to life.

The exterior of the Chiron Super Sport pays homage to the Type 57 SC Atlantic’s striking silver-tinted blue hue, meticulously recreated to capture the essence of the original.

The interior of the ’57 One of One’ is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring the iconic ‘Dancing Elephant’ sculpture of Rembrandt Bugatti is delicately embroidered on the headrests, symbolising the customer’s passion for animals.

Jascha Straub, Lead Designer Sur Mesure at Bugatti, highlighted the customer’s active engagement and enthusiasm throughout the design process, stating, “Her perspective, rooted in a profound respect for Bugatti’s heritage, and driven by a desire to craft an authentic homage, guided us in creating a vehicle that stands at the intersection of history and innovative engineering.”

Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director at Bugatti Automobiles, expressed pride in the project, stating, “A creation like the ’57 One Of One’ is the perfect match for our Sur Mesure offer, bringing a passionate customer with bold ideas together with our endlessly creative and talented design and engineering teams.”

The ’57 One of One’ is not only a tribute to the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic but also a testament to Bugatti’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. As a symbol of authentic homage, this bespoke Chiron Super Sport reflects the intersection of history and innovation, honouring the legacy of Jean Bugatti’s original masterpiece.

The Lamborghini Revuelto ‘Opera Unica’ Is A One-Off Work Of Art

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Automobili Lamborghini unveils a unique work of art, the Revuelto ‘Opera Unica,’ presented during Art Basel Miami Beach 2023. This one-of-a-kind creation is a highly customised version of the Revuelto, Lamborghini’s first V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV (High-Performance Electrified Vehicle), and is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and artistic expression.

The Revuelto, launched earlier this year, represents a new paradigm in performance, sportiness, and driving pleasure with its innovative design, maximum-efficiency aerodynamics, and a new carbon frame concept. Boasting 1,001hp, the Revuelto excels in agility and effectiveness both on the road and track.

The ‘Opera Unica’ takes the celebration further with a hand-painted exterior that seamlessly transitions from Viola Pasifae to Nero Helene. The brushstroke details incorporate warm and cool colours, requiring 76 hours of development and testing and a total of 435 hours for execution. A subtle 60th-anniversary logo adorns the car’s bonnet, adding a touch of commemoration to the artistic creation.

The interior of the ‘Opera Unica’ is equally distinctive, featuring an asymmetric design with a play of colours. The two-tone leather interior in Nero Ade and Viola Acutus is complemented by embroidered seat backrests, door inserts, and headliners adorned with the 60th-anniversary logo. Even the start and stop cover reflects the shaded brushstroke colors, creating a cohesive and artistic space within the vehicle.

The Revuelto ‘Opera Unica’ is a captivating blend of automotive engineering and artistic expression, embodying Lamborghini’s legacy of pushing boundaries and setting new standards in both performance and design.