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Mazda Partners with Panasonic to Build First Dedicated EV in Japan

Mazda is taking significant strides in its electrification journey by establishing a specialised battery manufacturing facility in Japan, underscoring its commitment to sustainable mobility. Located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the plant will produce battery modules for Mazda’s upcoming models, including its first vehicle built on a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform.

Partnering with Panasonic Energy, Mazda will utilise advanced cylindrical battery modules to power its next-generation EVs. The factory is expected to achieve an annual production capacity of 10GWh, a milestone reflecting the automaker’s ambition to scale up EV production.

A Bold Step Forward

Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, highlighted the brand’s progress toward its in-house EV platform, which is set to debut in 2027. This platform is promised to deliver vehicles with “advanced design, superior convenience, and extended driving ranges,” signalling a departure from Mazda’s earlier strategy of adapting combustion-engine platforms for electric use.

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Perodua Achieves Record-Breaking Sales and Production Milestones in 2024

Perodua has set a new benchmark in its 30-year history, achieving its highest-ever sales and production records in 2024. The company sold an impressive 358,102 vehicles, surpassing its previous record of 330,325 vehicles in 2023—an 8.4% increase.

The automaker also achieved its highest production volume, manufacturing 368,100 vehicles, a 7.2% jump from the 343,400 units produced in 2023. This accomplishment reflects Perodua’s dynamic coordination and ability to surpass its installed capacity of 320,000 units, solidifying its position as a benchmark in the automotive industry.

Remarkable Growth Amidst Industry Challenges

Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, credited the company’s success to its synchronized efforts and commitment to quality. “This achievement shows our true potential and sets a benchmark for the industry in the years to come,” he said, thanking staff for their dedication.

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Korean Researchers Develop Safer, Longer-Lasting Lithium Metal Battery

The world of electric vehicle (EV) batteries is buzzing with innovation, and the latest breakthrough comes from the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in Korea. Researchers have developed a revolutionary lithium metal battery featuring a “triple-layer solid polymer electrolyte” that not only boasts extended durability but also self-extinguishes in the event of a fire.

Addressing Lithium Battery Safety Challenges

Traditional solid polymer electrolyte batteries face a significant challenge: the formation of dendrites. These small, tree-like structures develop during charging and discharging, potentially damaging internal battery components and increasing the risk of fires and explosions. This issue has long hindered the full potential of lithium metal batteries.

The DGIST team, led by Dr. Kim Jae-Hyun, tackled this problem with an innovative triple-layer electrolyte structure. Their design features soft outer layers for better electrode contact and a strong middle layer to reinforce structural integrity. Additionally, the electrolyte includes fire-suppressing agents like decabromodiphenyl ethane, high concentrations of lithium salt, and zeolite for added strength.

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Porsche Malaysia Unveils Locally Assembled Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe – From RM728k

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official representative of Porsche in Malaysia, has announced the introduction of the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe, a highly anticipated addition to Porsche’s lineup in the country. As the second Porsche model to be locally assembled and the first to be assembled for regional export, this sporty SUV aims to set a new standard in luxury and performance.

Milestone Achievements and Growing Demand

Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance, highlighted Porsche’s growing success in Malaysia since establishing local assembly operations in 2022. Over 1,000 units of the locally assembled Cayenne were delivered to customers in just one year. In 2024, Porsche expanded its regional presence by launching the first regionally assembled Cayenne for Thailand, solidifying its role as a key assembly partner in Southeast Asia.

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Proton Concludes 2024 with Record Sales and Strong Market Presence

Proton has wrapped up 2024 on a high note, achieving total sales of 152,352 units (domestic and export) and securing its position as the second most popular automotive brand in Malaysia for the sixth consecutive year. The year ended with December’s sales reaching 14,601 units, marking a 19.7% month-on-month increase and delivering the second-highest monthly sales for the year. Exports also surged, with 1,131 units shipped to overseas markets, capping off a record-breaking year.

Including 622 units of the smart #1 and #3 sold by its subsidiary PRO-NET, Proton’s total sales for 2024 reached 152,974 units. This success was achieved in a highly competitive market and during a pivotal year when Proton launched its first electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS 7.

Malaysia’s total industry volume (TIV) hit a new high of 813,521 units, with Proton capturing an 18.7% market share.

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Loke: RTD to Equip Officers with Bodycams to Boost Transparency and Integrity

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced that the Road Transport Department (RTD) will begin equipping its enforcement officers with body cameras in 2025. According to Bernama, this initiative aims to enhance transparency, safeguard officers during their duties, and address public concerns about enforcement practices.

The decision was revealed during the Ministry’s 2025 New Year briefing, where Loke explained that the introduction of bodycams aligns with RTD director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli’s commitment to upholding the department’s image, safety, and integrity.

Loke underscored the dual benefits of the technology: “The use of body cameras not only protects the image and integrity of RTD but also safeguards the officers themselves. Sometimes our officers face criticism, humiliation, and various accusations. With the body camera, RTD officers are protected, as any evidence during their enforcement actions can be captured.”

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Manual Toyota GR Supra Gains Popularity in 2024 Amid Changing Lineup

Toyota’s decision to introduce a manual transmission option for the GR Supra in mid-2023 has paid off, with the three-pedal variant gaining traction among enthusiasts. In 2024, 65% of all Supras sold in the U.S. featured a manual gearbox, up significantly from the 43% take rate in 2023. While the numbers remain relatively small—2,615 Supras were sold in the U.S. in 2024, with 1,700 being manuals—the shift signals a growing appetite for more engaging driving experiences.

The increased manual adoption coincides with changes to the Supra lineup. Toyota phased out the automatic-only, four-cylinder base model partway through 2024, potentially influencing the manual take rate. With the entry-level Supra no longer available, buyers seeking a purist driving experience gravitated toward the manual-equipped, six-cylinder models.

GR Supra Manual Success Mirrors Broader Trends

The GR Supra wasn’t Toyota’s only sports car to see strong manual sales. The GR86, a staple among driving purists, saw 53% of its 11,426 units sold with a manual transmission, equating to 6,056 vehicles. Even the manual Toyota Tacoma pickup made its mark, with 3,856 units accounting for 2% of the model’s total sales of 192,813.

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GWM’s Haval Brand Unveils Image of the Haval H7 SUV for 2025

Great Wall Motor’s (GWM) Haval brand is gearing up for a significant update to its lineup with the introduction of the new Haval H7 SUV. Zhao Yongpo, general manager of Haval, recently revealed the official image of the updated H7, which is poised to replace or complement the current Haval Xiaolong Max in the Chinese market. Notably, this H7 is distinct from the overseas-market H7, known as the second-generation Haval Big Dog in China.

Dimensions and Design

The new Haval H7 is positioned as a mid-sized SUV, boasting dimensions of 4780 mm in length, 1895 mm in width, and 1725 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2810 mm. These measurements are slightly larger than the Haval Xiaolong Max, which measures 4758 mm in length with a 2800 mm wheelbase. The H7 will feature a five-seat configuration, catering to families and urban drivers who value space and comfort.

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Porsche Adjusts EV Strategy Amid Declining Taycan Sales and Rising ICE Demand

When Porsche debuted the Taycan, it redefined electric vehicles (EVs), setting records and reshaping perceptions of what EVs could achieve. However, public sentiment surrounding EVs has cooled, and changing market dynamics have led Porsche to reconsider its ambitious plans for a predominantly electric fleet.

EV Plans on Hold Amid Falling Taycan Sales

In July 2024, Porsche openly acknowledged challenges in its EV strategy. Initially targeting an 80% EV lineup by 2030, the automaker scaled back those goals following disappointing Taycan sales. In the first nine months of 2024, Taycan sales plummeted by 50% year-over-year, with only 14,000 units sold by September.

Meanwhile, Porsche’s internal combustion engine (ICE) models like the 718 Cayman and Boxster are enjoying a resurgence. These mid-engine sports cars, set to transition to all-electric models after 2025, have seen a 10% increase in global sales in 2024, even as they were discontinued in several European markets due to cybersecurity regulations.

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Volvo’s Innovative Patent: Using Window Heaters to Improve EV Efficiency

Volvo may have uncovered a unique approach to enhancing electric vehicle (EV) efficiency—by using heaters to reduce aerodynamic drag. While traditional EVs are designed to conserve energy, heating systems typically come with a significant energy cost. Volvo’s new patent, however, suggests a novel application: heating the car’s outer surfaces, particularly the windows, to improve on-road efficiency.

The idea, discovered in a patent filing by Carmoses, involves warming the air around the vehicle by heating its outer skin. Warmer air is less dense, reducing the resistance—or drag—on the car as it moves. This seemingly small change can have a noticeable impact on energy consumption and, consequently, range.

The patent explains, “Heating a portion of the outer surface of the vehicle has the effect that a boundary layer of air adjacent to the heated surface is also warmed. Consequently, the density of the air in the boundary layer is reduced. Since drag is a function of the density of the air in this layer, heating the outer surface reduces drag and increases vehicle efficiency.”

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English

Mazda Partners with Panasonic to Build First Dedicated EV in Japan

Perodua Achieves Record-Breaking Sales and Production Milestones in 2024

Korean Researchers Develop Safer, Longer-Lasting Lithium Metal Battery

Porsche Malaysia Unveils Locally Assembled Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe – From RM728k

Proton Concludes 2024 with Record Sales and Strong Market Presence

Loke: RTD to Equip Officers with Bodycams to Boost Transparency and Integrity

Manual Toyota GR Supra Gains Popularity in 2024 Amid Changing Lineup

GWM’s Haval Brand Unveils Image of the Haval H7 SUV for 2025

Porsche Adjusts EV Strategy Amid Declining Taycan Sales and Rising ICE Demand

Volvo’s Innovative Patent: Using Window Heaters to Improve EV Efficiency

Koenigsegg Unleashes Sadair’s Spear: A Road-Legal Track Titan with Deep Personal Legacy

WTC Automotif Kicks Off Local Production of GAC EMKOO in Malaysia

The XC60 is Now the Best-Selling Volvo Car of All Time

BMW Group Malaysia Unveils Official Pricing for New BMW X3 20 xDrive M Sport and BMW 320i Sport

SISMA Auto Unveils New DENZA Showroom and Service Centre in Glenmarie

Chery Showcases Hybrid Battery Durability in Southeast Asia with Groundbreaking Seawater Test

All-New Hyundai Santa FE Previewed: Bold, Boxy and Commanding

Hyundai Motor Malaysia Officially Starts Operations: New Tucson and STARIA Previewed

Lamborghini Sees Synthetic Fuels as Lifeline for Combustion Engines Amid Electrification Shift

Lexus Marks the Finale of IS500 with Limited-Run “Climax Edition”

Archive

Registrations Now Open for Malaysia’s Largest Padel Tournament

Jetour eVT5 Makes Quiet Debut Alongside VT9 and T2

Toyota to Launch Vios Hybrid in Thailand by August 2025

PRO-NET Expands Proton e.MAS Dealer Network to Meet Growing EV Demand

Bentley Unveils Fourth-Generation Continental GT Speed in Malaysia – 782PS, 1,000Nm of Torque

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